Winter is the season for inward reflection and rest.

I don’t know about you, but I see the stress on my face through the holidays.  At the top of the list for creating blemishes, puffiness and an overall reduction in enthusiasm for attempting to spread holiday cheer begins with my diet, it isn’t as good as it should be …    I love my family but …    I usually spend more money than I planned to …  Lack of  sunshine… to name only a few.

In this season of giving, don’t forget to give to yourself.   Now before you buy one for him and one for you, let me be clear, I am not talking about stuff that costs money, I am referring to those little things that renew you.

1. Try to take a few more minutes massaging an oil or lotion on your skin after your shower.
2. Turn off the radio and say some affirmations or a prayer to ready your day.
3. Squirt a fresh lemon in your tea or open an orange and smell the citrus scent stimulate your spirit.
4. Try to take a brisk walk especially when you see the sun shine, even if it is just for 10 minutes because exercise adds up!  If the weather is bad stretch a few minutes, get away from everything and everyone.
5. When preparing dinner, don’t forget to think pleasant thoughts and believe that what you are making will heal and love you and your family.
6. Make a list of the things you want to remember to do, clear your mind, because it is now on paper.  It will really help you letting go and getting ready for sleep.
7. Check your thermostat.  Cooler temperatures lower body temperature to help you hibernate into a good nights rest.
8. Spend a few extra minutes cleansing your face by putting a warm cloth over your face and tilting your head back.  Feel the warmth lift debris, tone and moisturize.
9. After the nightly health regime, lower lights and watch a little tv or read.
10. Make sure if you have a television in your room, cover it with a throw or sheet.
11. When you are ready to drift off to sleep, think of good things.  See yourself accomplishing goals, being with loved ones, or even dream a walk in the clouds finding the most perfect, safe, peaceful place for you to rest.  If stressful thoughts creep up, push them aside with a loving nudge because tomorrow will allow you to handle any issue.

Winter time is the season to retreat and go within.  Warm soups, hot teas, peppermint to settle your tummy, planning, good friends, loving family, laughing and counting your blessings need to be your focus.  Together we will make it through and into a new decade!

With your cleanser rubbed in, lay a warm wash clothe over your face and relax a minute or two. Allow the warmth to lift the cosmetics or debris from the pores, opening the pores and then genltly rinse and wipe.

In my morning shower, I felt the warmth and comfort of the water and steam. It made me think of how easy and inexpensively we can give to ourselves. I remember when my children were little; it was always a race to complete everything that needed to be done. Now my kids have grown and my husband and I are empty nesters, I take more time for myself, but it also made me think of how you can meet two needs every evening.

When I have clients in my make-up chair, I always have them cleanse their face with my products. I hand them some cleanser and talk to them about washing each night, then I hand them a very warm wash cloth they lay over their face and I always hear “ahhhh“, they melt.

It is one of lives simple pleasures and such an easy thing for you to do. Not only are you caring for your skin health, but you are nurturing the part of you that needs to be comforted. So every day, put that wash clothe to really good use and feel the warmth and relaxation it inspires, enabling you to do one little loving thing for you.