Living Pretty!

Let's be honest. Living in Africa isn't the easiest on a body. Actually it is sort of an esthetician's hell. To combat the damaging effects of a harsh environment, I've started developing some little tricks to make life easier and prettier! :)

Oatmeal Avocado Mask... This is great and very soothing if my face is at all irritated or dry. Directions: Bring a cup or two of water to boil in a pan. Add a handful of oatmeal. Cook the oatmeal for a few minutes, while crushing up the avocado with a fork. Pull the oatmeal off the burner and mix in the smooshed avocado. Wait until the mixture has cooled to luke warm. It should be fairly thick in consistency. Spread the mixture across face and allow to sit for 15- 20 minutes.

Lemon Green Tea Mask... I use this face mask to treat a break out (ew!). Directions: Mince a few lemon peels and put in a small pot. Tear open a sachet of green tea into the pot. Add two cups of water and a and boil for 5 minutes. Add a handful of oatmeal, and cook a few minutes. Remove from heat, and wait until the mixture has cooled to room temperature. It should be fairly thick in consistency. Spread the mixture across face and allow to sit for 15- 20 minutes.

Tropical Pedicure... I do this every Wednesday night. Directions: Boil a few cups of water with the peels from 1 or 2 oranges. Mix orange water with some cool water in a roomy bucket. Should be hot but not scalding. Allow feet to soak for 15 - 30 minutes. Using a small piece of bamboo, push back cuticles and clean under nails. Scrub feet thoroughly with a tough brush or sponge. Slather feet in sunblock (Banana Boat... smells great and is nice and thick)!

Cane Sugar Hand and Body Scrub... Once weekly for super soft skin! Directions: Go to the market. Buy shea or cocoa butter and sugar cane sugar (the crystals are much larger than commercially produced white sugar). Mix in a small bowl: 2 parts cane sugar, 1 part shea/ cocoa butter, 1 part cooking oil (soy, veg, olive.. whatever you have in the kitchen). After washing with soap and water, use on hands or all over body. Rinse thoroughly, but do not use soap again. Pat dry.

Ginger Lemon Facial Toner... A perfect morning face wake up call. Boil water in a pot. Slice lemon peel and fresh ginger into thin strips and place in a small bowl with a sachet of green tea. Pour in some boiling water. Allow to steep for a few minutes. Using clean terry cloth swipe mixture gently across skin. Good morning, face!