All posts by Tonye

A delicious fall and winter recipe

Nothing says holidays like a delicious rosemary roasted chicken stew with root vegetables! It’s a perfect way to beat those cold fall and winter days when, you’re looking for warm and hearty meal. Not only will it warm you up, but as you know, I love to add healing ingredients to all of my recipes and this one is no different.

(This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a small percentage from the purchase of items on this page)

It’s the season

As you know, the fall and winter seasons not only mean cold ad blustery weather, but they also mark the start of the cold and flu season too! Plus, it’s also the time when many feel the winter blues or suffer from seasonal affective disorders. Including herbs and spices that help to boost your mood and immune are game changers for your health and wellness.

Easy cooking hacks

So because I’m smart-lazy, I love finding ways to cut down on meal prep time as well as clean up. During this time of year, that means either oven baked meals or my  new fave-using a Dutch oven to create healthy and hearty meals that are yummy but without all of the fuss. There is no reason to slave over a hot stove while everyone else enjoys the festivities. For me, cooking should not be drudgery nor does it need to be overly complicated. Using a Dutch oven is an awesome way to get the complexity of flavor, deliciousness and healing in every bite without a lot of clean up and prep time. You can simply add all of your ingredients in one or two simple steps, add some water or stock, and let the dutch oven do the rest.

My roasted chicken stew with root veggies

For my roasted chicken stew recipe, I include seasonal root veggies, a blend of rosemary and other herbs along with a selection of healing spices. With all the stress of buying gifts for family and, the reality of bills, easy is the key word. Not only that, healthy and healing are must haves in any dish I prepare, especially during the fall and winter months.

Benefits of cooking with a Dutch oven

I love the aesthetics as well as the functional aspects of a Dutch oven. Having grown up with a mom who used both cast iron and pressure cookers, I say a Dutch oven beats them all! As a matter of fact, according to an article by consumer reports  featuring a professor at the culinary Institute of America, it will give you better results than an instant pot any day. He also stated that this one tool, can easily replace your slow cooker, pasta pot, deep fryer and slow cooker! In other words, you can reduce the clutter and save money in your kitchen with this item alone.

Using an enameled cast  iron Dutch oven cuts down on clean up and is more durable than a conventional cast iron pot or Dutch oven. Plus, you can use it on the stove or in the oven which makes this a lot more versatile than a regular pot and it’s more energy

What you will need

1. Chicken leg quarters (1lb) or your favorite selection

2. Two sprigs of fresh rosemary

3. 1 quarter teaspoon of fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme

4. 1/4 teaspoon of Black Sea salt (optional)

5. 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder

6. 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika

7. 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder

8. 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

9. 1 large clove of garlic, roughly chopped

10. 1 teaspoon sea salt

11. 1 table spoon of olive oil

12. 1 cup chopped multicolored organic carrots

13. 1/2 cup of roughly chopped rutabaga

14. 1/2 cup roughly chopped parsnips

15. 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped

16. 2 cups of water (or organic vegetable or bone broth)

17. 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)

Here’s how to make it:

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and the other spices listed above. Next, in a Dutch oven or favorite cast iron skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped garlic and onion until they become translucent and add the rosemary last.

2. Making sure the garlic, onions and rosemary don’t burn, add in the seasoned chicken to brown on all sides. Using the Dutch oven, you’re able to get that roasted effect without the fuss. Once the chicken is brown and the skin caramelized with a nice crisp, remove it from the Dutch oven and set it aside.

3. Deglaze your dutch oven with the bone broth and then add in the chopped vegetables and allow to simmer at medium to low heat. Then, cube your chicken and add it to the pot and simmer for another 15 mins on low heat. Turn off the heat and it’s now ready to serve with either some crusty sourdough or corn bread.

This is just one of my favorite soups for the fall and winter seasons. I always want to add healing elements (i.e spices, bone broth, etc) to each of my recipes. Check out my African twist on chicken noodle soup right here!

Sweet Potato bread: A Delicious Fall Craving

It’s the season for spiced lattes and buttery baked goods! but as always, I love to add some healing and nutrition to my seasonal edible joy. My sweet potato bread with dates, is one such yummy creation!  This fall delight is packed with deliciousness, nutrients, and healing.

Sweet Potato love

My yummy treat is a healthy spin on a spicy pumpkin bread recipe favorite. For this dish,  I switched out the pumpkin for sweet potatoes and added a few dates with a little banana! I know, what a combination but, it’s so decadent and still a far more healthy alternative to traditional pumpkin or sweet potato bread. By using sweet potatoes, dates, and banana, I also cut out a lot of refined sugar. Plus,  this recipe is also vegan and full of fiber.

okay, you got me! I’ve never been obsessed with
pumpkin bread, rather, I have a sweet potato obsession from childhood. More recently though, I’ve incorporated sweet potatoes in a lot of recipes because of their nutritional benefits.

Health benefits of sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are jam-packed with fiber, complex carbs, antioxidants and vitamins. While  naturally sweet, their sugars are unrefined and won’t spike your blood sugar like synthetic and processed varieties! Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense root vegetables. Not only that, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and, anti-oxidants.

The other ingredients

As for the other ingredients in this recipe, dates, bananas, walnuts and flax meal, also pack a nutritional punch! Dates are a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals too. The same is true for flax meal, which is both heart healthy and an excellent source of fiber too. Walnuts contain healthy fats, anti-oxidants, omega-fatty acids, etc. They’re also anti-inflammatory and promote healthy gut bacteria.

Why this sweet potato bread recipe rocks

My family and I are picky eaters and when we all can agree on a yummy recipe that works for all, that’s a big deal! Adding ingredients that are naturally sweet helps you cut down on added sugars and sweeteners. Not only that, the combination of sweet potatoes, dates, and banana, add more depth of flavor and complexity.

Did I mention this recipe is perfect with a cozy cup of spiced herbal or black tea? Try it with a soothing cup of my immune boosting tea right here!

what you’ll need for this recipe

1.  1/2 cup of sweet potatoes (cubed)
2. 1/4 cup of dried unsweetened dates (well diced)
3. 1/2 medium banana
4. 1/4 teaspoon allspice
5. 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
6. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
7. 1/8 teaspoon of ginger powder
8. 1 cup flour
9. 1/2 cup of flaxseed meal (flour)
10. 1/2 cup of olive oil
11. 1 teaspoon baking soda
12. 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
13. 1/8 cup finely chopped walnuts (unsalted)
14. 1/4 cup water (room temperature)

About the ingredients 

1. Sweet potatoes are actually a root veggie and not actual potatoes. They are high in fiber, B vitamins, vitamins C, D, antioxidants as well as iron and magnesium.

2. Dates are high in fiber, antioxidants and promote brain health.

3. Bananas are rich in potassium, fibber and are great for gut health. They also contain a good amount of vitamins A, B6, C, and magnesium.

4. Flax seed is great for heart health, omega-3 fatty acids, is a source of fiber and anti inflammatories. They’re are also a good source of plant protein.

5. Allspice is anti inflammatory, antiviral, great for digestion, blood and blood sugar.

6. Nutmeg is great for soothing the stomach, bloating, gas, detoxification, boost the immune system and so much more.

6. Ginger boosts the immune system, anti inflammatory, great for gut health, lowers blood sugar, an antiviral and antibacterial.

7. Cinnamon is also loaded with antioxidants, is ant inflammatory, improves gut health, reduces blood sugar and blood pressure.

8. Walnuts are high in antioxidants, omega 3, promotes gut health, fight cancer, and helps lower blood sugar.

How to prepare this yummy dish

First add the flax meal to the water until it’s well mixed and then add the olive oil to the mixture. Next, combine the dry ingredients together and gradually incorporate until slightly lumpy. Also, keep in mind that you don’t want to over work your sweet potato bread!

Next, put your batter into a greased and lined loaf pan.  I usually use an 9 x 5 loaf pan but you can use whatever is available. Then, bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about an hour. You can use a tooth pick to check for doneness by sticking it into the center of your loaf. If the toothpick is sticky with the mixture when you remove the toothpick, leave it to bake for a little longer. This recipe is yummy for a cold fall of winter morning with a cup of tea or coffee!

Since this is perfect weather for breads and soups, check out my channel for some recipe ideas too!

More tea please!

For my household, tea is a 365 day a year affair! It’s also an opportunity to look for sustainable and eco-friendly tea bags, teas, accessories, etc. when it comes to tea and blending your own recipes, you’re only limited by your imagination!

Depending on what you’re going for, each variety can be blended according to taste and use. For instance, I have several categories of tea blends ranging from wellness to pleasure (leisure). These days, I’m also looking for sustainable and eco-friendly tea bags that are multifunctional and cute!

My hunt for sustainable and eco-friendly tea bags

In my hunt for good quality non-toxic reusable tea bags, I almost got lost in the maze that is Amazon! Checking reviews was a headache but I found the most honest ones to also be the most critical. After noting that Amazon has a problem with fake “favorable” reviews, I found that some of the best choices were actually on Etsy. Plus, it’s a great way to support small and local business.

Needless to say that after weeding through all of the “not so honest” reviews and questionable materials, Etsy came out on top. Not only can you talk to the actual vendors, you can get a response to your questions in a reasonable time frame.

Why blend your own tea?

For starters, I’ve become a hardcore tea drinker who loves her tea! Secondly, blending your own teas ensures that you get a top quality blend and know what’s actually in that tea bag. You’re also able to create wellness and detox blends that are specific to both your needs and taste.

As a home herbalist, I’m constantly learning the benefits and advantages of crafting my own tea blends. My money goes a whole lot further and I don’t have to worry about whether or not I’m buying varieties with questionable packaging and sourcing.

After all, what’s the point of going to the trouble of making a tea blend if you’re going to put it in a tea bag that’s made of bleached, synthetic fibers? Plus, they’re expensive/ overpriced, and are bad for you and the environment.

As a side note, check out my sustainable earth page for more diy ideas and eco friendly products, right here!

I once did an entire YouTube video on toxic food additives (see it here) and unhealthy fillers that plague our supermarket shelves. I even included a short clip of popular condiments, spreads, etc that were loaded with “mystery” ingredients!

Unforutunately, prepackaged and flavored teas also suffer from the same problem. I found many of these name brand teas had artificial flavorings, dyes, fillers and other unhealthy additives. Plus, some of these “additives “ are also banned in the EU for health concerns, but not here in the US! Say, what?

So what’s the big deal?

Have you ever done the math on how much you’re spending on prepackaged stuff? Including tea bags, etc? Well I have and I’m still kicking myself! When you add in the peace of mind that comes from knowing what’s in those tea bags? Yep, totally worth the extra bit of mindfulness and care! Reusable and sustainable tools, accessories, etc save you money and reduce our overall impact on the planet. Think about it; if everyone did her/ his part, we’d have a much cleaner planet!

Back to the tea

In general, the best quality teas are loose leaf tea. While some argue that you can’t taste the difference, I’m here to tell you that there’s a huge difference. Loose leaf teas give you the full flavor profile, a stronger brew and most if not all, the health benefits. The same can’t be said for prepackaged tea varieties  which typically contain  low quality remnants and fillers. So which one will you choose? Plus, check out one of my favorite tea recipe posts right here!

It’s the of summer but let’s not forget we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic! That means, no scrimping on selfcare in order to stay health and aligned. For me, a summertime wellness tea is an excellent way to help my body continue to naturally fight off pathogens.

My thoughts for this summer

As always, make sure you research your herbal ingredients as well as make sure they are pesticide-free! Over the last few years, I’ve crafted a variety of herbal tea blends for each season. As an intuitive lay herbalist, I bring together ingredients based on their properties and align them with my body’s needs.

I took this current state of the world as a sign to majorly reconnect with my herbal traditions. I’ve since labeled up my selfcare toolkit, resources, and training. Today’s recipe is a deliciously natural way to support the body in fighting off ailments. I believe the solution to most diseases and illnesses, can be sourced from nature to work with the body’s natural defenses.

*please note that this post contains some Amazon affiliate links and as an affiliate I do receive a small percentage from the sales any items using these links!

The reality 

Unfortunately, we live in a society that glorifies synthetic chemicals, big pharma, and the destruction of the natural world. The very people that are push drugs and the use of chemicals in our food systems are the same ones telling us not to look for natural alternatives. As for me and my family, we’ll still to our traditional remedies and limit our use of conventional forms. 

My experience has shown that my body (and my community agrees), responds better to our traditional herbal remedies. Again, I’m by no means a medical practitioner, and strongly suggest you see your physician for any issues.

About this tea

Having said that, my summer wellness tea blend is one of many I create for myself and my family to deal with allergies, boost immunity, etc. I often make a large kettle of it and then sweeten it with raw honey. I switch up the ingredients intuitively, depending on what I feel my body needs (i.e stress reduction, immune boost, etc). To be honest, I think everyone needs to have a wellness tea as part of their health and wellness routine. Herbs and spices have been used for centuries, to fight disease, ease chronic conditions, detox the body, and just overall wellness.

My story

I started to really lean into my herbal roots when I found that my seasonal allergies, cold, and flu symptoms dramatically decreased when I switched to herbal and natural remedies. Also, I see that as I get older, my body feels healthier and more aligned when I avoid using pharmaceuticals to ease discomfort and other ailments. Add in spices like ginger, turmeric, cardamom, etc and the relief goes to a whole new level!

For example, Instead of using synthetic sleep aids for insomnia, anxiety, or fatigue I’ve switched to traditional herbal alternatives. Plus, since I don’t like “popping pills” (and neither does my family), I was forced to create tasty teas and tinctures instead.

My tea craze

I have to confess, I have a tea obsession, and if it helps my body heal and fights off the bad stuff too? Then sign me up! I believe everything has its place. Wellness must always be holistic and look at the whole person. Unfortunately, this is not true for many western concepts of health and wellness. Since I believe my food should heal and nourish, my herbal tea recipes fall into that philosophy.

What’s in it

This latest recipe contains, dried rose hips, lemon balm, marshmallow root, calendula flower, butterfly pea flower, chamomile flower, cardamom pods, elderberries, and licorice root. On a side note, I get all of my ingredients from small specialty stores on Etsy that are pesticide-free and ethically sourced. But amazon you can also get organic ingredients on Amazon as well, just do your research.

My personal guide

Sometimes, I add more of one ingredient over the others because I feel my body might need more support in a certain area. If I’m dealing with a lot of stress, I might add more elderberries and rose hips to the mix. Other times, it just depends on what my intuition is telling me about my body’s needs at a particular time. This why a selfcare practice is so important. When you “selfcare” you are more connected and aware of your body. As a result, you’re better able to discern what your needs are and make adjustments.

Recipe guide (how much of each ingredient)

Since I like to keep things simple, I measure in terms of teaspoons or parts. Just make sure you stay consistent with your measurements. Also, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure it’s okay for you to consume these ingredients (i.e. you don’t have any allergies or reactions with medication, etc).

Ingredients for my wellness tea

1. Dandelion (root, leaf, and flower): is a liver tonic or blood purifier, optimizes digestion, stimulates bile, a great source of potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins (A, B, C. D).
2. Calendula (flower): nourishes and cleanses the lymphatic system and moves congestion out of the body. It’s also great for treating gastrointestinal issues and indigestion.
3. Rosehips: rich in anti-oxidants, protects again heart disease, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, boost immunity, and  lowers blood sugar.
4. Chamomile flower: anti-inflammatory, improves sleep,  digestive health, aides blood sugar control as well as anti-cancer properties.
5. Cardamom pods: good for boosting digestive health. The cooling effects of cardamom, despite being a spice, can help in relieving acidity
6. Elderberries: are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, anti-inflammatory, boost immunity, high in vitamin C, supports heart health, anti-cancer properties, as well as antidepressant properties.
7. Lemon balm:

   reduces stress and anxiety, eases indigestion, improves sleep, anti-viral, IBS symptoms, boost brain health, relieve nausea and pain reducer.

8. Marshmallow root: is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, treats acid reflux, heartburn, good for the respiratory tract, detoxes kidneys and is antibacterial.
9. Butterfly pea flower: fights fatigue, anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, boost heart health, improves brain health, and is great for the skin.
10. Licorice root: gets rid of  bloating, reduces digestive issues, acid reflux, a good source of vitamins (A,C, E)helps with liver health, antiviral, respiratory and other infections.

where I get some of ingredients (Amazon)

1. Elderberries : https://amzn.to/3iBo1tJ
2. Raw honey, organic:  https://amzn.to/3nrh95Q
3. Rosehips : https://amzn.to/2GLWLLx
4. Chamomile: https://amzn.to/3jCjjNp

You should be able to find the rest at your local health food store or Etsy. Let me know in the comments, if you’ve got some other great sources as well.

I usually get my ingredients from organic suppliers in the US. Amazon also has some trustworthy sources, you just have to do a little research. Here’s just a few of the sources I use on Amazon:

How to brew this wellness tea

For any herbal tea, you want make sure that you don’t brew it too hot or else you’ll destroy most of its benefits. I go by a simple rule: delicate flowers and leaves, low heat, while  roots and fibers med to medium high heat.

Also, the longer you allow it to steep, the more concentrated it will be. To get the maximum benefits I usually steep my teas for at 15 mins and sweeten with raw honey. Don’t forget, raw honey has a number of healing benefits too. This recipe is perfect  over ice as a delicious morning detox tea or hot. You can check out more of my favorite tea recipes right here!

Creating your happy place

There’s nothing that screams relaxation when it comes to summer, more than my own DIY Outdoor meditation space. Having another place to unwind just adds more options. Not only is it a reflection of my own tastes, creating this DIY space is a great opportunity to get some light exercise! In case you’re wondering, it’s easy to customize such a space to both your wallet and your taste. Your only limitation is your imagination.

Note: This post may contain some Amazon links and as an affiliate, I do receive a small percentage from any sales generated

What you need to get started

For my outdoor nature spot, I used a combination of recycled household items, goodwill finds, and some cheap outdoor pillows and throws from amazon and Walmart. For the outdoors, I like to use items that will hold up to the elements. Since I’m somewhat lazy, I also like to use materials that are low maintenance too!

These days, everyone is looking for ways to add style and pazazz without breaking the bank! So for my space, I found an adorable storage bench from my local goodwill store. I also found some boho outdoor cushion covers on amazon and stuffed them. When I pulled it all together, my DIY outdoor meditation space had just the right atmosphere for a relaxing retreat.

Items I found on Amazon

1. Bohemian outdoor cushion covers from amazon ($18.99 for a set of 4)
2. Light-weight summer throw
3. Outdoor mini fountain

Items I found at Walmart

1. Pillow stuffing (I got the firm stuffing from the craft section at Walmart: $20.00 total)
2. Assorted low maintenance plants and herbs (I got the herbs for my container garden section)
3. Assorted all-weather small planters
4. Citronella tea lights ($0.97)

You don’t have to be an interior designer in order to get that “Pinterest” look. All you need is a little creativity, intention, and some focal elements. I use a combination of seasonal plants and herbs to create a garden balcony that’s both serene and colorful. For all of this, I spent less than $200 dollars total and, that includes the faux grass, seating, cushions, etc.

What’s your style?

So how do you pull all of this together and how do you avoid feeling overwhelmed? I always say, start with what you like! For colors, I use earth tones and pull in some tropical elements because that reminds me of home. Also, I love an eclectic mix of boho, tropical, and a dash of North African influences to really set the atmosphere and vibe.

So, start with the elements of color that you’re drawn to, select some “anchor” pieces (i.e. furniture, etc) to frame your space. Next, add your touches of nature, water features, potted plants, cushions, etc, to create an awesome relaxation zone.

Here’s one outdoor garden mood board I created to help me set the mood and atmosphere of what I wanted my meditation space to feel like:

DIY meditation garden inspiration mood board

As you can see, I didn’t make my space an exact copy of my inspiration board. Instead, I pulled in some of the elements and incorporated them into my final design. I still haven’t found a small outdoor fountain that really fits my space but I’ll update this post when I do! Check out some of my other posts for more selfcare tips and hacks!

Final thoughts

I can’t say enough about how important it is to have a separate place to just relax and release the stress of the day and or week. Stress reduction is one of those aspects of selfcare, that gets overlooked. But the truth is, stress makes a huge impact on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Stress is one of the leading contributors to poor health and chronic illness. So, when you find creative ways to reduce stress, you’re doing delivering a huge punch in the face of bad health! Something as simple and cheap as a DIY meditation space can save you a lot of money in the long run by keeping you out of the hospital or paying for expensive medications! Let me know your ideas for creating your very own DIY meditation space and I’ll share them in another post!

All about selfcare mother’s day gifts that make sense!

Regardless of whether or not you’ve actually given birth to a child, every woman who stands in that role deserves a break. That’s why I think a selfcare Mother’s Day gift or treat needs to be something we “do” on the regular not just on one day in May.

Please note this post contains amazon affiliate links from which I may receive a percentage of sales generated from purchases associated with it.

About selfcare

Despite are the buzz and hype from media outlets and self-proclaimed selfcare gurus, Selfcare is more than the occasional pampering or extravagant fantasy vacation spa! Selfcare is actually a normal every day “thing” that we all need to practice for a healthy and aligned life. For the most part, selfcare starts with setting boundaries. This is especially true when it comes to nourishing your body and replenishing yourself mentally and emotionally.

Selfcare also makes required that you prioritize your own needs above other “things”, people and tasks. Contrary to what you or some others may think, selfcare is neither selfish nor narcissistic; selfcare is a necessary and live-saving practice that makes it possible to do and care for those people and things that matter to you!

Perfect gift ideas

There are so many great Selfcare gift options for Mother’s Day, that are perfect not just for “this” day in May, but year-round too. To make things easier and eliminate the overwhelm, I’ve made a list of Selfcare Mother’s Day gifts to win over any woman in need of a little TLC.

1. Give her the gift of a good night’s sleep or nap time. While it might seem pretty basic, sleep is at the top of the selfcare list for moms and everyone else. Craft a homemade gift card or decorative coupon for a full night’s sleep for the mom figures in your life. Add it to a lovely gift basket filled with indulgent goodies (bought and homemade) to complement the selfcare theme.

2. Give her the gift of one or more face masks both homemade and store-bought. You can try out one of my lovely DIY face mask recipes here! Just make sure that if you decide to buy rather than DIY, make sure it’s a face mask from a trusted clean beauty brand. Remember, if it goes on the skin, it’s gotta be free of toxins and chemicals. Also, be sure to watch out for ingredients and labeling. I like to check my store brands against the EWG’s. You can click right here to check out the EWG’s listing right here!

3. An instant pot is great for healthy and hassle-free cooking and is another great gift for moms. Especially, for anyone looking to save time and effort in the kitchen and still eats healthily. Never underestimate the power of time-saving gadgets like this. Using an instant pot to cook soups, stews and other delicious and healthy meals is golden. She can save meal prep time, while also taking some much-needed selfcare in a quiet space!

Other selfcare gift ideas

4. Aromatherapy candles and or diffuser kits are also lovely to add to that selfcare gift. we’ve all heard of the power of soothing scents to help relax the tension and ease stress. Soothing essential oils like lavender, mint, and eucalyptus are well known for both their aromatic as well as therapeutic properties which make for a great addition to that selfcare mother’s day gift!

5. Decorative journals are perfect for what I like to call a “brain dump”, where one can just pour out the stresses and issues of the, on paper. Journal writing helps us to reconnect and center ourselves as we reflect on the day and perform our own internal “self-check”. We spend so much time running around from task to task that we often lose sight of the important things as well as our health and wellness. Adopting a journaling routine forces us to make those necessary internal corrections as we engage with that internal process.

These are just a few thoughtful and multi-functional gifts that won’t cost you tons of money but will really show those motherly figures in your life, how much you care. This list is great for any time of the year; just switch it up with a seasonal basket and you’re good to go!

Before you go!

Grab a free digital download of my selfcare tips to ditch the overwhelm and get some awesome ideas and tips for a selfcare routine that’s budget-friendly and easy to sustain!

Time for that Pink clay mask once again!

In my opinion, an anti aging face mask is always in season, regardless of the time of year. If you follow me on Instagram @tonyetariahhealth you’ll know that I love skincare, especially clean beauty, and skincare DIY. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot (literally) of the department store and boutique brands but, few have stood the test of time. I’ve gotten frustrated with reformulated favorites that now irritate my skin or are just plain ineffective. Let’s not talk about the ridiculous amounts of money I and other women have spent on this stuff. This is one of the reasons why I love my DIY pink clay face mask! It will tighten, tone, smooth, and, soothe all in one.

in full discloser, as an amazon affiliate, this post does contain affiliate links and I do receive a small percentage of any purchases made using these links!

The deal with skincare

The reality is that no matter how great or miraculous the product, creams, serums, and face masks are, they’re not the cure-all for poor diet, no selfcare, and a lack of a decent skincare regime. My mom used to say, “what you eat shows up on your skin”, and she was right! The actual magic happens when you combine a skin-nourishing diet and a regular selfcare routine; which by the way, includes skincare. That means eating a lot of colorful vegetables, fruits, and limiting your consumption of processed foods and meats. The older I get, the more confirmation I get that, eating healthy foods, especially a plant-centered diet, makes a huge difference in the aging process. This is even truer for the skin because it’s our largest organ and is also the most exposed to the elements. That’s a win on every one of these skin-loving ingredients!

Why the pink face clay mask?

Believe it or not, I’m crazier about what it does than the actual color of this DIY face mask. The fact that it’s pink is just a little extra and if I try hard enough, I can make myself believe that I’m actually that girly girl, but I’m not! The pink comes from the combination of red and white clays that come together to give the pink clay its color. Some recipes for this face mask DIY have added rose essential oil or rose water for additional benefits and effect. I also love this mask to kick off the spring because the color just screams spring and my skin feels baby-soft afterward! I have to confess, I’m kinda addicted to these DIY face mask recipes because they work so well. Check out another favorite of mine right here and here too!

So what’s in this pink clay mask?

First, obviously the pink clay and then a few other skin-loving ingredients. I always try to make sure that I use ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and soothing to sensitive skin since that’s my type. Also, I add in ingredients that will boost skin elasticity, fight fine lines and wrinkles,  as well give tons of moisture! So for this favorite, I’m using pink clay as the base and aloe vera gel as the liquid for this face mask. Remember, if you’re going to use it on your skin, make sure your ingredients are all-natural, organic, and free from pesticides and other chemicals.

My ingredients

4 Tablespoons of Pink clay

1/4 cup Organic Aloe Vera gel

1 Tablespoon raw honey

5 drops of rosehip essential oil

2 drops lavender essential oil

What these ingredients do for your skin:

The pink clay helps to improve the skin’s elasticity, and cell renewal and gently exfoliates the skin to leave it feeling smooth and soft. The aloe vera gel is anti-inflammatory, moisturizes, reduces infection and acne as well as reduces the appearance of blemishes. For those who don’t know, raw honey is anti-inflammatory, heals the skin, balances bacteria on the skin (i.e. fights acne), naturally exfoliates the skin, and promotes skin renewal. Honey also fights free radical damage (anti-aging), is rich in ant-oxidants, and boosts hydration and moisture. Rosehip essential oil protects against sun damage, hydrates, and is packed with the same nourishing properties of both honey and aloe. Finally, a lavender essential oil also evens out the skin tone, reduces wrinkles, and soothing to the skin.

Preparation and storage of your clay face mask

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, it’s time to mix it up and enjoy it! First, mix all of your liquid and wet ingredients together in a glass mixing bowl or resealable wide-mouthed jar (you’ll use this to store any extra). Next, add your pink clay and make sure it’s well incorporated into the mixture and forms a smooth paste. To be on the safe side, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist to make sure you don’t have any sensitivities or reactions. Finally, gently apply the paste in smooth strokes over your entire face, avoiding your mouth and the eye area. Let it sit for 5-10 mins and rinse off with warm water and follow up with a serum and or moisturizer. For more face mask ideas, check out this post too!

The reality many of us face in the workplace

Let’s face it. We’ve all experienced the less than ideal workplace setup. This is what I call a toxic work environment. From disjointed and inconsistent leadership messaging, micro-managing, and unrealistic goal setting to outright incompetence, we’ve seen it all! There is nothing normal about it and quite honestly, it’s in every organization’s best interest, to eradicate these types of unhealthy leadership styles (or at least reduce it to the bare minimum).

Setting firm boundaries, between home and work life is another great strategy for navigating and servicing a toxic workplace. Finally, if meeting / discussing this issue with your supervisor doesn’t work, you’ll either have to adopt some or all of these strategies or separate yourself from your current employer.

Bottom line

At the end of the day, you can always find another job, but you can’t find another life, as a result of your health suffering because of an unhealthy workplace. For more on selfcare, read an earlier post right here

About the author

Tonye Barango-Tariah is a women’s empowered selfcare and health coach as well as the founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. For her, every woman can “look better, feel, better, without the pressure”! ™️ This means that she helps each woman achieve her goals in a way that is uniquely tailored to her needs. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Ultimately, her goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative selfcare journey!

All about that New Year resolution

Nothing says New Year like a gym run, right? But knowing how unlikely that is right now, why not make your selfcare that much more powerful? By incorporating your weight goals with selfcare, you can seriously up your game! Now, it becomes weight loss selfcare strategies rather than just one or the other! There was a time that I thought selfcare was the same as getting fit, losing unhealthy weight, etc. The truth is, it’s a lot more than that!

What weight loss isn’t

Remember, weightloss and selfcare are two different things. The same can be said for fitness vs selfcare. Let me put it another way. Selfcare is or should be the foundation on which all of “these” things rest. In other words, when you selfcare the right way, losing weight, getting fit, eating right, etc seamlessly fits into your daily routine because they are resting on the right foundation. In short, weight loss is more a by-product of a healthy lifestyle where you are intentional about the foods you put into your body, get active, etc. To get it right you need weight loss selfcare strategies to help you sustain “this” new way of living!

More on selfcare

Like I mentioned earlier, selfcare is the foundation on which you build a healthy lifestyle. So, once you have a clear and consistent selfcare routine in place, everything else follows without seeming like a chore or overwhelming. For example, when you set aside time for yourself, you are literally creating the space for you to tend to your own needs. Then, you decide what you want to include in your selfcare plan that will achieve your goals. In basic terms, selfcare is actively engaging with your own health and wellness. That includes mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Selfcare is advocating and giving attention to what you need as a human being, regardless of what others think about it! You can read more about selfcare and empowerment in an earlier post I wrote. You can also read one of my favorites, 14 ways to love yourself!

Where to start

Before you rush out there to buy a subscription to some online fitness program, join a gym (be careful out there), think about who you are doing “this” for. In other words, make sure this is something for you and no one else. Next, be ready to commit to it even when you don’t feel motivated! I’d also recommend getting some help or guidance from a health coach (i.e. support, etc) to get strategies and a program that fits your needs and goals. I always have a complimentary clarity session with all of my potential clients. Even if you choose to do it alone, you need to have a plan that’s easy to stick to.

A few helpful strategies

1. A great place to start is by creating your own selfcare journal. In it, you can pour out all of your frustrations, concerns, goals, etc down on paper without judgment. Also, with your mind clear of all the stuff in your head, you can make better decisions about your health and wellness needs.
2. Create a food journal (you can get a copy of my selfcare food journal right here).
3. Prayer and or meditation are great ways to get in touch with yourself spiritually. They also help alleviate stress as well as anxiety. Start with as few as 5 minutes in a quiet area each day, and gradually increase the time as it becomes part of your routine.
4. Remove yourself from toxic relations, connections, etc. Let’s face it. Life is too short to allow your mental and emotional health to take a beating from negative and toxic people. Let this new year be the year that you cut all of these toxic cords!
5. Next, you must include some “sort” of vigorous physical as one of selfcare strategies-aka, exercise. I’ve found the most sustainable exercise regimes are those that naturally align with your interests. Since I love martial arts and hiking, these are my go-to forms for exercise.

Bottom line

The hardest part of this journey is actually getting started and this is where having the right support will make the difference. Whether you sign up with a health coach, online support group, etc, you’ll need one of these to help you get started and stay on track! While I don’t typically offer discounts for my services as a health coach, these unprecedented times mean paying it forward. In that spirit of community, I’m some of my premium empowered selfcare and coaching programs right here!

About the author

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Coach, and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. Meaning, she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each her situation. By doing this, she’s better able to help women transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

My love affair with skincare

Y’all already know that I’m a bonafide skincare freak so of course, I have to be on the lookout for awesome ingredients to use in my creations. I don’t apologize for loving skincare because that’s part of my self-care routine. As I get older, I’m learning to be even more mindful of what my body needs especially when it comes to the largest organ of my body! So yeah, it’s important especially when I want to make sure I’m not using toxic creams and brands on my face! This flaxseed and cornstarch mask hits some major skincare concerns for me. This flaxseed and cornstarch face mask is anti-aging, balances, and soothes all in one go.

*Please note that as an amazon affiliate I make a small percentage as a result of any sales generated from the links in this post!

A word on those department stores and luxury skincare brands

Over the years I’ve spent a lot of money on expensive luxury and department store brands. Like a lot of women, I ended up being mostly, underwhelmed. Short of major plastic surgery, most don’t have any more dramatic results than cheaper store brands or homemade skincare. Granted, some of these luxury brands have good results, but you can also DIY a lot of great all-natural treatments and moisturizers in your own kitchen. My flaxseed and cornstarch face mask is just one example. If you’ve read any of my other skincare posts (and on other lifestyle blogs too), you’ll find easy and effective recipes that work too!

The nitty-gritty of my secret weapon DIY face mask

My mom used to say “ your makeup is only as good as the skin it sits on” and that’s the truth y’all! It doesn’t matter how many breakthroughs we make in makeup r &,d. The truth is, healthy skin is a major factor in a flawless look. That being said, who doesn’t want beautiful healthy skin? That doesn’t need any makeup at all?

Even as the years go by, I strive to support and enhance the health and beautiful my skin. I do this through both diet and my skincare routines. This DIY flaxseed and cornstarch face mask include some of my secret ( no longer secret now, lol) ingredients. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have any allergies or sensitivities before applying any of these recipes.

Nutritional benefits

Flaxseed

They are high in omega-3, fatty acids, a great source of lignans ( a type of photochemical)which may help in fighting breast cancer risks, high in Dietary Fiber, lower bad cholesterol, a good source of high-quality plant protein, may reduce blood pressure, and packed with antioxidants. Not only that, but it may also help you meet those weight-loss goals as well!

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera has been used for centuries in cooking as well as in herbal remedies. If you don’t know aloe vera gel comes from the leaves of the aloe plant. It’s been used as a herbal remedy for constipation, IBS, and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. These are just a few of the many health benefits of aloe vera gel!

Cornstarch

While cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent, there’s no real benefit to ingesting it. This is actually one of those things you want to limit, substitute with something else or just toss out of your pantry!

Skincare (topical) benefits

Flaxseed

The omega-3 fatty acids (aka, alpha-linolenic acid) in flaxseeds help to smooth, hydrate, and moisturize the skin. While the lignans help reconstruct broken vessels and skin cells. Omega-3 fatty acids also contain antioxidants that protect and shield the skin from damaging free radicals and UV rays, score! Did I mention the fact that they’re also anti-inflammatory? Score!!

Aloe vera gel

Aloe has been used for skin conditions like burns, dandruff, etc for centuries. Nowadays it’s popular in both skincare and beauty treatments because of its numerous skin benefits. It’s great for treating dandruff, acne, eczema, and sunburn. It also helps to even out the complexion and moisturizes without being oily. Because it’s rich in vitamin E, it helps restore moisture to the skin.

Cornstarch

When applied topically, it soothes skin irritation, like rashes, sunburn, and itching. It also has a gentle exfoliating effect and helps remove excess oil from the skin. Cornstarch soothes redness.

Rosehip essential oil: the secret superpower ingredient!

Widely used since ancient times for its valuable healing benefits, rosehip oil is rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids. Also, this essential oil contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

Here are the main benefits of my secret ingredient:

1. It hydrates
2. Moisturizes
3. It’s a natural exfoliant and brightener
4. Boosts the formation of collagen
5. Anti-inflammatory
6. Protects against sun damage
7. Reduces hyperpigmentation

What you will need:

1. 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal ( organic)
2. 1 tablespoon cornstarch (organic)
3. 2 drop rosehip essential oil (secret ingredient)
4. 1 drop lavender essential oil
5. Use enough organic aloe vera gel (you can use filtered water if you have aloe allergies) to make a paste with medium thickness/ consistency; approximately 3 tablespoons.
6. 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder (organic)
7. 1 tablespoon of chamomile water made from steeping dried flowers in hot water for 10mins.

Making your skintastic face mask

Use a small glass bowl (use it only for DIY skincare stuff!) and pour your dry ingredients into it first. Next, add the aloe vera gel, essential oils plus, the tablespoon of chamomile water. Then, gently mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and apply to clean skin. If any remains, simply store in an airtight glass container, place in the fridge, and store no longer than 24-48 hours.

Before you go!

Did you check out my other DIY face mask recipes? My avocado moisture-rich face mask is just one of my favorite recipes guaranteed to lush up your skin! Also, read this article on why women have such a hard time with self-care to help you stop the self-sabotage in 2021!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic health strategist, Coach, and the founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. Tonye helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. Meaning, she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each her situation. By doing this, she’s better able to help women transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!