Hello lovely Pinchers!
Valentine’s Day has come and gone and you’ve been spreading your love to all of those closest to you, but have you taken the time to give some lovin’ to the person who matters the most- YOU! As Oprah said, “I always give myself Sundays as a spiritual base of renewal— a day when I do absolutely nothing. I sit in my jammies or take a walk, and I allow myself to BE— capital B-E— with myself.”
If you’re seeking some help to renew and recharge, take this short quiz to determine what kind of Y-O-U day is in store!
First things first, after you brush your teeth, pop on a face mask to start refreshing from the outer layer! Do you have oily/combo skin? Try this Banana, honey, oatmeal face mask!
- 1/2 ripe banana —> Rich in potassium and hydrating. It also fades skin discolorations and blemishes (WIN!)
- 1 tablespoon liquid honey —> Naturally antibacterial, it works to not only clean but also to lock the moisture IN with its natural humectants
- 1-2 teaspoons of oats —> Natural absorbent that soaks skin’s excess oil as well as providing a natural exfoliation
Mash the banana with a fork, and then stir in the honey and oats until you get a thick paste. Slather on to clean skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes
Is your skin on the drier side? (Thank you winter..) Try this Avocado and honey face mask!
- 1/2 ripe avocado —> Packed with antioxidants and vitamins that provide deep hydration
- 2 teaspoons of honey —> Naturally antibacterial, it works to not only clean but also to lock the moisture IN with its natural humectants
Mash the avocado and then stir in the honey until it’s an even, thick paste. Slather on to clean skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Now that your outer self is taken care of, it’s time to go deeper into your soul’s renewal.
Do you want to spend the day cozied up on the couch with a good read? Here are some suggestions:
A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara
This thick book will have you entertained for likely the next 4 Sundays. A moving story of friendship amidst the chaos of everyday life, A Little Life has something to resonate with all of us. Read if you want a good laugh followed quickly by a good cry.
The House of Spirits, Isabel Allende
Originally banned by the Chilean government in the 80’s, Allende’s debut fiction novel blends the moving story of a family across generations and their history during governmental unrest. Allende manages to use a magical realism element to allow you to transport to a different time and place. Read if you want to float away and get lost in a different world.
Life As Activism: June Jordan’s Writings from the Progressive, June Jordan
An inspiring read, these collections of June Jordan, a journalist and activist, captures the startlingly beauty of our everyday lives coupled with calls for action to correct the injustices that existed and still exist to this day. Read if you want a jolt for your soul.
If reading isn’t really your thing today, and your soul is craving fresh air, try this:
Go for a walk without your phone and instead try to take in all of your surroundings. You might notice a heightened awareness, noticing things that you may have overlooked before. This is known as a walking meditation, and it’s a great way to practice more mindfulness to bring to other aspects of your everyday life.
Whatever you choose to do with your day, just LISTEN to yourself.
Let us know what you get up to for your Y-O-U Day!
Meghan Takahashi, Writer/ Brand Connector