Spring Renewal Tea

It’s officially spring (finally!) and it’s time to feel renewed.

Each morning is a chance to set the stage for the rest of the day, so I like to make sure I do at least one good thing for myself. Stretching, meditating and drinking tea make up my ideal routine. If you can’t do all three, try this tea recipe. You can sip it while you get ready and take it on the go.

Okay, I call this a tea–even though the base has no tea leaves! You can certainly add this mixture along with your favorite teas or drink alone for a simple, all-natural morning detox.

This recipe is so simple, affordable and guaranteed to rejuvenate you and put a ‘spring’ in your step.

What you will need:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger (fresh ginger root or organic minced ginger from the market)
• Half lemon (clean lemon skin with 1 part vinegar + water mixture)
• 1 teaspoon organic honey (optional)
• 1 mint leaf (optional)

Steps:

Heat the water (on stove or microwave).

Stir in ginger and mix well.

Squeeze half a lemon (or more, according to your preference).  I like to keep the lemon peel in the tea. If you choose to use only the juice, try re-using the lemon peel to freshen your garbage can, add to a home-made cleaning spray or add to the compost for your garden!

Try some organic honey if you want to add a bit of sweetness.

The key to this tea is to drink it every morning–before you eat breakfast and even before drinking coffee or a smoothie. Sip slowly, while you medicate, watch news or catch up on emails.

Enjoy the natural flavors and let the ginger and lemon detox your system. Ginger and lemon both have energizing qualities and help boost your immune system all year long.

Tip: You can chill this tea and enjoy on warmer days. Add some mint (or mint ice cubes) for a cooling effect.

Now, take a deep breath. Exhale. Acknowledge the beautiful sunlight and get ready for an amazing day 🙂

Beauty Quickie: Turn your morning coffee/tea time into a multitasking spa time!

If your morning ritual consists of reaching for a cup of coffee or tea to wake you up, why not use this time and the same basic ingredients to help your face feel fresh and rejuvenated?

You probably have all the necessary ingredients to de-puff and hydrate tired eyes and smooth rough lips.

What you’ll need:

• Honey or Agave Nectar
• Any sugar with a medium course texture
• Two tea bags (preferably caffeinated tea)
• Two silver spoons

Told you–your kitchen has everything you need for a mini-spa treatment!

Let’s do this…

{Puffy Eye Treatment with Spoon}

This is probably the simplest home remedy for puffy eyes. Just place two clean silver spoons in the fridge over night or in the freezer for five minutes in the morning.

While you are upright, gently massage the area around the eye and sinuses to help drain any fluid. Be gentle. The area around the eye is very delicate.

Next, dedicate 5-10 minutes to lay down and relax. Be careful not to fall back asleep!

Place one spoon on each eye, concave side facing the eye. Once the spoons turn warm, take them off and gently massage sinus area again.

This will help reduce swelling, promote circulation and minimize dark under eye circles.

{Puffy and Dry Eye Treatment with Tea}

If I’m not drinking hot water with lemon in the morning, I usually go for some green or black tea with honey.

After you’ve steeped the tea (three – five minutes should suffice), remove the bags, place them on a paper towel inside a bowl and let them cool down. You can apply the bags while they are warm (not hot) or you may place them in the fridge for a cooling effect.

Just make sure the bags are not too damp. You may want to place a tissue under below the bags to catch any dripping.

It’s the same concept as using the cold spoons, where you will lay down for 5-15 minutes and apply one bag per eye. Relax, meditate and let the antioxidants and tannins do their work.

Optional: To begin with a gentle facial massage or to follow up with two slices of  cool cucumber.

This will help reduce puffiness and promote moisture retention around the delicate eye area.

{Lip Sugar Scrub}

Grab that clean spoon again and get ready to whip up the most ridiculously simple and cheap homemade lip sugar scrub!

Take roughly half a tablespoon of course sugar (I prefer dark brown sugar) and drizzle enough honey or agave nectar to evenly coat the sugar.

Use a clean finger to mix the two ingredients in the spoon until a thick, soft paste is formed. Place a thin coat of the mixture onto clean, dry lips and move finger in a circular motion to lightly buff off dead skin.

You may want to repeat this step a few times depending on how dry your lips are or depending on how yummy your scrub turns out!

Simply rinse your lips with lukewarm water or wipe off the remaining mixture using a wet cloth, et voilà!

You can save any extra scrub if you place it in a clean, air-tight container and place in the fridge for up to one day.

{Diva Tip: save any empty lip balm jars to reuse for homemade scrubs and balms}

The grains of sugar will help remove unwanted dry skin from the lips and the honey or agave will help soothe and condition lips. Feel free to pucker or pout and enjoy how easily your lipstick or balms will glide on your baby soft lips!

Now you can turn this quick, inexpensive morning facial routine into your new ritual and enjoy your new glow!

{Liz}