{Homemade Facial Exfoliating Scrub}

The face puts up with a lot.

It's on the front lines of being exposed to pollu-

tion and the elements all day, everyday. We

force it to put on a fake smile sometimes and

twist from genuine happiness on others.

Still, we expect it to be there for us, looking

hydrated, healthy, elastic, and clear when we

lean in close to the mirror for an inspection.

We want it to glow and feel sexy when we do

ourselves up for a special day.

I, for one, do not take care of my face nearly

well enough. Sometimes it just feels dry, flat

and less than gorgeous. I'm seeing more

wrinkles than before -- ugh -- and I'm getting

spots that are, in part, because of genetics but

they're also from over exposure to the sun.

Never fear. An at home mini-facial scrub is here

to save the day and give your face the love and

attention it deserves. This recipe is from Gorgeously Green (page 31). It's eco-friendly

which means it's good for your face, your entire system and the planet. No parabens,

no phthalates -- just goodness for your face.

Join me, won't you?

Gentle Facial Exfoliating Scrub
This is a very inexpensive scrub made from basic kitchen ingredients.
Application: Use three times a week
Shelf life: 6 months

Ingredients:
¼ cup ground oatmeal
1 tbsp. dry lavender flowers, stripped off stalks (optional)*
1 tbsp. powdered milk (whole or nonfat is fine)
½ tsp. cornmeal
filtered water

* The lavender is optional, but don't skip out on it! It gives this mixture the most

wonderful smell, and it made me feel like I was doing something special for myself.





I used regular oatmeal and ground it up in my coffee grinder. It worked beautifully.

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Transfer to a container with a lid.

How to Use: Combine 1 tbsp. of your scrub with enough filtered water to form a thick

paste. Gently massage in circular motions over your face and neck. Rinse with warm

water and pat your skin dry.

My skin felt amazing after I used this magic potion. I felt, in a small way, I was

making up for years for forgoing SPF, using tanning beds, smoking, and generally

mistreating it. I made an extra batch for a friend that I plan to deliver this week,

a green gift that'll keep on giving. Delightful.