"The Day Grew small, Surrounded Tight"

The Day grew small, surrounded tight
By early, stooping Night --
The Afternoon in Evening deep
Its Yellow shortness dropt --
The Winds went out their martial ways
The Leaves obtained excuse --
November hung his Granite Hat
Upon a nail of Plush -

-Emily Dickinson

 November has arrived. She's cold, dark and a little taxing.  I embrace the length of her stay. I nest, I rest. I take this time to reflect on all with which I am blessed.    

This fall take a little time and be kind to yourself. The following is a recipe for a facial mask that I love to do once a week. White kaolin clay is a gentle clay and great for sensitive dry skin. It doesn’t really absorb as much as it softens the skin. It will leave you felling refreshed, relaxed and ready to embrace the long winter ahead.  Enjoy! 

2 Tbsp  Kaolin White Clay

1 tsp Honey

1/8 tsp of Sweet Almond Oil

1 drop Lemon Essential Oil

1 drop Cypress Essential Oil

1 tsp Water 

2 slices of Cucumber

1. Place clay, honey, almond oil and essential oils in a small bowl.  Add a few drops of water at a time mixing together to achieve a spreadable paste.  Adjust water amount according to how thick you want your mask, you may have to add more. If you add too much water and the mixture becomes too thin, just add a little more clay. 

2. Make sure to wash your face first. then using your fingers, gently spread the mixture over entire face, making sure to avoid eye area and eyebrows!  Find your favourite place to lay down, place cold cucumber slices over eyes and allow the mask to work its magic while you relax for fifteen minutes. 

3. Using warm water only,  rinse the mask off your face.  Pat dry and apply your favourite moisturizer. I have very dry skin so my face loves a little apricot oil.

I love taking ten minutes once a week to do this either on a night dedicated to me spent in or just before going out on the town! 

Enjoy! 

NOTE: If you have sensative skin you may want to avoid adding any essential oil at all.