Thursday

Basil Facial & A Little Romance

Basil is not only known for its culinary pizzazz but also for its anti-aging properties. It's high in vitamins and has anti-inflammatory (great for arthritis) and antibacterial properties. It can help prevent damage and break-down of the skin while boosting cell growth. It's a rejuvenating, nourishing choice to use on the face and while it may seem a superfluous act to make a face tonic, I do love them and really notice a difference with my skin. And they're great for date-nights.

Basil Facial
20-30 fresh Basil leaves

Crush basil leaves releasing their oils (mortar and pestle work perfect). I like to crush it to a pulp, to that perfect consistency where the oil has caused a shine, and it looks like dark green goodness. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes or so. For an added boost you could add in 1tsp organic yogurt.

Basil Toner
1 cup boiling water
3 tbsp of fresh or 3 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp witch hazel

Boil water, remove from heat,  add basil and cover. Steep until completely cool, strain liquid into clean bottle, then add in the witch hazel. Apply with a cotton cloth or ball. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
The results are so worth the five minutes it takes to make and it's seriously a blessing to my day when I have some in the fridge; it's really refreshing!

With my husband and I in a season where our dates consist of something I conjure up right at home, spa nights are my fool-proof go to.  He loves all this stuff..massages, facials, foot soaks...

And the reason why it's easily feasible to implement a simple date-night-like vibe without over-planning...or getting awkward (because some stuff is just corny) - is the atmosphere. The mood is set, it's the usual glow. Oil is burning (maybe ylang ylang, lavender, and geranium or cedarwood - which he really likes and promotes relaxation and groundedness) candles are lit or  little, bitty lamps are around. There's body oil. Maybe good finger food is at hand. And with this background, we could swing any way toward an actually therapeutic night of relaxation, fun, or the silent sacred.

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