A great way to start off the year is with an ‘at-home facial.’ One of the best parts of this facial is that you most likely have all the items right there in you kitchen pantry.

List of items needed:

• Lavender spice (I like McCormick)
• Baking Soda
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Honey
• Water
• 1 large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Teaspoon
• Tablespoon
• Cotton balls
• Washcloth and towel

Step 1:

Your facial should take approximately 30-40 minutes. Start by boiling a pot of water with 3 or 4 tablespoons of lavender spice for 10 minutes on med/high. Stir occasionally. Let water cool a little. Sit in a comfortable spot and take your towel and place over your head over the pot for about 5-10 minutes, breath in the lavender, this will help you relax while your pores are opening and your skin is releasing toxins.

Step 2:

Now you are ready for the Baking Soda exfoliation. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the palm of your hand. Add a teaspoon of water and mix in your hand with your fingers until it becomes a paste. Exfoliate your face as if you were washing your face with your favorite cleanser. Give a little extra strength to the chin, nose and forehead areas. Rinse your face with tepid water (a couple of times) until the residue of the baking soda has disappeared.

Step 3:

Honey and Olive Oil Mask. Mix together one tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon full of olive oil, stir lightly for 10 seconds. Apply mask to your face with your fingertips. Add a little to dry lips. Leave on for approx. 3-5 minutes. Feel the moisture coming back to your skin. Wash off with tepid water.

Step 4:

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner. Wet a cotton ball and add a 1/2 cap of ACV to to the wet cotton ball. Apply evenly over entire face.

Step 5:

Seal the deal with a few drops of olive oil on your face to lock in moisture.

There you have it!

Other tips from the pantry:

– A good body exfoliator to help with cellulite is your morning coffee grounds and honey mixed together. Get those tough spots on the hips and legs.

– To help fight an oily completion, lemon juice diluted with water will help cut excess oil.

Don’t forget to add some nice relaxing music and light a scented candle. Enjoy yourself, you deserve it!