Taking The Time

The baby was finally in bed, the house was somewhat clean if I avoided the kitchen and the office. I knew I needed the rest before my son woke up in three hours to eat, but relaxing was far easier said than done, especially considering the emotional tumult I seemed to be dealing with.

I wanted a few moments alone, to do something for myself. For that I felt guilty, despite the fact that everyone kept assuring me it was only natural. Besides that, how was I supposed to squeeze something else into an already full day.

I found my answer in a fifteen - twenty minute facial, a once a week routine that can be done at home and on a budget. It might not be a full spa experience but the routine feels wonderful and is something special every mother of a child any age can enjoy.


Put on some comfy clothes and tie your hair back and away from your face.

Light some candles, turn on relaxing music, or similar things that are relaxing to you.

1: Wash your face and neck, removing all cosmetics: I use Cetaphil. It is easy on my sensitive skin and costs about $10 for a large bottle.

2: Exfoliate: A great store bought option is is L'Oreal Go 360 Clean, which runs about $6. Another great option is to make your own exfoliating scrub from ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. I will list recipes at the end of this entry. Rinse with warm water.

3: Steam Bath: Breath deeply over a pot or sink full of hot water for three to five minutes. Breath deeply and relax. This step opens your pores and allows them to be flushed.

4: Mask: Using a homemade mask is easy and affordable. If you have oily skin use a simple egg white mask, if it needs moisture create a egg white and yogurt mask. Again, you'll find the recipes for both at the end of this entry. Leave your mask on until it is dry, about ten minutes. During this time be sure to sit or lay down. Allow yourself to relax. Rinse your mask off with tepid water and pat dry

5: Moisturize: As the final step gently massage a moisturizer into your skin. Use whatever you normally do that works for your skin type. I use Botanics Night Moisture Cream. It works great for my dry skin and is about $12.99 at Target.

You're done. Your skin feels great and you had a little you time before bed. My hope is that this once a week routine will give mothers at any stage a little time to feel as special as they are. The following are the recipes I referred to earlier. I chose three very simple ones that work well with my sensitive skin. If natural skin care is something you would like to look into further then check out Natural Home Remedies for Life.

• Oatmeal Facial Scrub: Combine and mix well the following ingredients: 2TBLS finely ground oatmeal, 2TBLS granulated sugar, 2TBLS brown sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1TSP nutmeg. Apply to face with your finger tips with gentle circular motions.

• Egg White Face Mask: Take 1 egg and separate the yolk from the white (I freeze the yolks for cooking). Beat the egg white till it is frothy and then apply to your face with your finger tips with gentle circular motions and let dry before rinsing.

• Egg White and Yogurt Face Mask: Take 2 eggs and separate the yolks from the whites (I freeze the yolks for cooking), and place the whites in a bowl. Add 2TBLS of plain, unflavored, yogurt. Mix well and then apply to your face with gentle circular motions. Leave on for five to ten minutes before rinsing.

Take your time, enjoy yourself, and remember it is okay to need just a few moments of quiet time.

MissyK