Archives April 2018

Why I love it

This is my number 1 DIY all natural face mask because it helps fight lines, wrinkles and dark spots. It’s loaded with potent ingredients to help naturally fight against the effects of environmental pollution, aging, acne, and acne related scarring.

I can’t say enough about DIY anti-aging face masks and other skincare creations!

Why you need to add a face mask to your skincare routine

The environment does enough harm to our skin without using skincare products that are loaded with toxins and other mystery ingredients. While it’s all good to use skincare products that are all-natural, diet also matters! When I was in my teens and 20’s my mom always went on about making sure I eat healthy so that my skin will be healthy!

She was so spot on! This is especially important for women as we are constantly dealing with hormonal cycles. I really began to tune into this when I start led having some serious health and reproductive issues. Even to this day, I regret that I didn’t start early enough. I truly believe that I could have done more good for my reproductive health and fitness if I had played closer attention to the research that was coming out at the time. Live and learn right?

My skincare story

My DIY anti-aging face mask creations are based on my own experience and that of family and friends. I really encourage you to try your hand at making your own DIY anti-aging face mask and skincare so you know what works for you and with ingredients, you can trust.

The following DIY anti-aging mask uses fresh avocado as a base because of its unique properties. I’ve also used greek yogurt as a base in some of my other DIY skincare.

What you’ll need

This is the list of ingredients you will need for this DIY anti-aging face mask. It will also make enough for approximately three applications.

1. Half of one ripe medium organic avocado
2. One tablespoon of organic turmeric powder
3. One teaspoon of Ceylon powder (this is the best variety to use)
4. Half of one teaspoon of jojoba oil (use the cold-pressed organic variety)
5. One and a half tablespoons of organic raw honey
6. One glass mixing bowl (don’t use plastic)

How to make my DIY anti-aging face mask

Combine all of these ingredients using a hand mixer, processor or mash with a wish or clean wooden spoon. I prefer to use a stainless steel metal whisk to whip everything together and to make sure they are quickly incorporated into my DIY anti-aging face mask.

A quick note

Since this is handmade and has perishable ingredients, this recipe should be kept in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. I keep mine for about a week but no longer than a week and a half.  Remember that there are no preservatives in this mixture so you need to refrigerate your DIY mask. However, I’ve noticed that when I add a few drops of tea tree essential oil, my DIY face masks last longer since the tea tree oil is anti-microbial.

I have so many other recipes waiting to join this one but this is one of my favorite DIY anti-aging face masks. Whenever I make a new creation I always try to make sure I use my must-have ingredients included in most of my recipes.

About the author 

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist 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 approach is “the cookie cutter method only works for cookies”! For her, that means she helps each woman in a unique way; helping them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quick. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.

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There are so many benefits to crafting your very own all-natural DIY face mask not only because you know exactly what’s in it, but because it’s packed with anti-oxidant rich ingredients without added chemicals or fillers.

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I’ve received plenty of questions about my go-to skincare regime and remedies but this one is becoming my favorite! This particular DIY face mask is my #1 DIY recipe because it helps fight lines, wrinkles, dark spots, acne and acne scarring. It’s loaded with potent ingredients to help naturally combat all my skincare concerns.

One thing you need to note though is that, regardless of how awesome your skincare routine, DIY face masks, elixirs or potions, what you eat (i.e. diet) plays a huge role when it comes to the health of your skin. My mamma always said “what you eat shows up on your face” and it’s so true!

Akey way to clean up your skin is to detox both your body and your diet of all the processed, prepackaged and other unhealthy foods you’ve been consuming by switching to a plant-based diet. Whether it’s vegan (which I prefer for this purpose), vegetarian or paleo; clean eating is the basis for a healthy youthful looking skin. My next secret weapon is my recipe stash of all-natural fresh DIY face masks.

Since I love avocado so much what better base ingredient to use in my DIY face masks than avocados?! I know there is a lot of talk about avocados in the media, but the benefits are real and lasting. Today’s recipe uses avocado as a base combined with raw honey, jojoba oil, and turmeric.

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Here’s the list of ingredients I use in this powerful DIY face mask along with their beneficial properties:

Avocados: the natural oils found in it can penetrate deep into the skin, helping to soften and hydrate dry and flaky patches. It is also an excellent source of more than twenty vitamins and minerals. The long list of nutrients includes vitamin B, C, E and K,  riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, etc.

Also, because of their high healthy fat content avocados leave your skin looking softer and younger as they literally smooth and plumps up the skin.

Turmeric:  not only reduces inflammation, it also helps to reduce acne and any resulting scars. The curcumin in turmeric is excellent for helping to diminish dark spots and lightens the skin over time.

Matcha is his high-quality green tea containing chlorophyll which a powerful detoxifier. So what is it? Matcha is simply pulverized green tea, made from the entire leaf. Because It contains catechins (a type of polyphenol) matcha powder is a powerful antioxidant. The catechins(https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea#1) help trap and inactivate free radicals in the skin, countering many of the signs of aging. I use the powder form in my DIY face mask recipes because it is much more concentrated than the liquid form we drink.

Raw honey is naturally antibacterial, so it’s great for acne treatment and gives the skin a dewy effect. While honey is great for the skin in general, raw honey is the best because it is pure, unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed. This is probably one of the most important characteristics associated with raw honey as it preserves all the natural vitamins, enzymes, phytonutrients and other nutritional elements.

Jojoba: oil has a high amount of ceramides, which cover the skin cells and are responsible for their hydration. It quickly absorbs into the skin and does not leave behind any oily residue. Adding this to your DIY face mask gives it the extra punch it needs.

Jojoba helps in creating a powerful barrier against moisture loss, allergens, and dust pollution. Itl also moisturizes dry patchy skin and restores balance.

Not only that, jojoba is an excellent remedy for anyone suffering from skin disorders like eczema and rosacea. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the redness caused by dry skin and other conditions like rosacea.

As always, start from the inside out grab my FREE Pantry Detox Gude GUIDE HERE. Detox your skin from within and remember that your skin is the largest organ of the body!

Also, for the totally clueless ones who need a starting point, help yourself to my free Introductory Produce, Shopping Guide HERE!!

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Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her approach is “the cookie cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quick. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.

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Aqn anti-inflammatory beverage must-have for the season!

It’s getting to be that time of year again and that calls for one anti-inflammatory beverage we all should have in our kitchen recipe book! I love foods that are packed with beneficial nutrients and this cup of cocoa does not disappoint.

A healthy twist on an old favorite

Made with unsweetened organic cocoa powder, this spicy version of a home favorite tastes yummy and is good for you too. I’m a turmeric fiend and I could not resist putting my own spin on a childhood favorite. The end result is spicy homemade turmeric cocoa that both tasty and loaded with health benefits.

About that Cocoa

Cocao is an ancient beverage and cocoa powder itself is loaded with flavonoids that improve blood flow, helps to balance cholesterol levels, rich in antioxidants, speeds healing, and aid in reducing your blood pressure, etc.

So, it only made sense to combine the superpowers of cocoa with the anti-inflammatory healing powers of turmeric and honey to make this a truly inspired power beverage!

Creating my homemade anti-inflammatory turmeric rich cocoa uses only a few ingredients and is low in calories but rich in texture as well as nutrients. Most of these benefits help heal the body and combat inflammation. Also, let’s  not forget to add that extra bit of decadence by topping it off with a dollop of froth using your home gadget right here!

Some of the benefits

Turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger all possess a myriad of health benefits. The beauty of this recipe is that these ingredients complement themselves in such a way as to create a complex blend of spicy goodness.

Ingredients

1. 1  1/2 tablespoon organic cocoa powder

2. 1/4 teaspoon organic turmeric powder.

3. 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder

4. 1/2 teaspoon of organic raw honey (sweeten to your own taste).

5. 1 cup of coconut-almond milk (vegan option; you can use dairy if that is your preference). I like to use this or a vegan cream for those times when I want to have a decadent frothy hot beverage!

6. 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground cinnamon.

Preparation

Bring almond coconut milk to a boil, adding all ingredients starting with the cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric followed by the cocoa powder. Make sure all of the ingredients are fully incorporated and then allow the mixture to briefly simmer.

You can also add in approximately 1/4 cup of water to thin out your mixture if the consistency is a little thick. Next, pour your beverage into your favorite mug and enjoy!

A little advice about refined sugars

Also, it’s  always a good idea to minimize your intake of processed sugar . This is one reason why I use raw honey, blackstrap molasses or ripened fruit to sweeten most of my dishes where possible (green stevia is another option).

For those days when I’m  craving a frothy decadent cup of yumminess, I use my trusty hand frother. You can get yours right here!

About the author

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free.

Her approach to healthy living

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, she believes “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out.
She’s not about helping you lose weight quickly. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.