Orange Steamboat

My life is terribly exciting. Last weekend I went to a casino and almost got beat up by a drunk woman who thought I was someone else; true story. But sometimes I need a break. And so yesterday I decided to spend the night laying on my living room floor while listening to Enya and wearing a home-made face mask. It was another stressful week in the corporate world and this was the perfect way to unwind. I found the recipe in Reader’s Digest Magic and Medicine of Plants (which you can buy on Amazon for the steep price of one penny, plus $3.99 shipping and handling). This lovely little book was also the source of the french boquet soap I made several months ago.

If you find yourself in dire need of a spa night on a Friday, or any other night, try this! You probably have all the ingredients hanging out in your cupboard. This is easier than going to a real spa, and you have the comfort of knowing you are smearing your face with wholesome and safe ingredients rather than mysterious chemical cocktails. Oatmeal presents a myriad of skin benefits: soothing, exfoliating and cleansing. Almond meal ups the exfoliation factor, while rosemary tones and gives a nice little tingle.

Friday Face Mask

1/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1 1/2 tablespoon oatmeal
1 tablespoon almond meal (I grind almonds in the food processor, but you can also buy pre-made almond meal)

In a small bowl, place the rosemary in a paper coffee filter. Pour the boiling water over the rosemary, steep for 15 minutes, and strain. In a separate bowl crumble the oatmeal, mix in the almond meal. Add just enough of the rosemary infusion to make a thick paste. To apply, first wash your face. For best results, skin should be warm when you apply the mask. My routine is to soak the rosemary while I’m showering, then put on the mask right after getting out of shower. Spread the paste on your face and leave on for 15-30 minutes until it is completely dry. Wash off with soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water.