Sunkissed Workshop :: Herbal Facial Steam

I was honored to have been chosen to lead an Herbal Facial Steam workshop at a lovely event in Stockton at Huddle Cowork - hosted by Goodstock Productions! The morning started out with yoga, led by a wonderful teacher, then fresh fruit parfaits and organic juices, a few vendors of natural and healing goods (including my Sunkissed Dream products) and then the workshop! I had a blast sharing and showing all the lovely ladies how easy and rewarding it is to create their own herbal/floral blend for a steam and perform it at home! 

A news team from Good Day Sacramento was there and interviewed me! Here's the video, where I share how to easily perform a facial steam in the comfort of your home ::
Herbal Facial Steam

Until next time, keep dreaming. xoxo

Sunkissed Beauty :: Aloe Vera aka Goddess Juice

ALOE VERA // aloe barbadensis miller
in latin :: true shining bitter substance

photo via firstmatephoto

I'm always trying new mixtures, herbs and concoctions on my face & body. There's so many wonderful earthly creations for your face and skin, I feel like I could use something different everyday for the rest of my life!
 Lately, my skin has not been very nice to me, so I had to switch up what I have been doing for the last couple months. I read an interview of Megan Cannon on livingprettynaturally.com, where she said she has been using aloe vera on her face, neck & chest as a moisturizer every morning for the past 10 years. I never really thought to use aloe as a moisturizer each day...brilliant! Here's why:

+ aloe is 99% water so it gives your skin a TON of moisture

+ it contains a plethora of vitamins (A, C & E), antioxidants, minerals and enzymes

+ helps fight inflammation

+ contains properties that increase collagen content, soften skin, binds moisture to the skin, and tightens pores --- anti-aging goldmine.

I started using it each morning after my cleanser and toner, and it feels great. Moisturizing but not greasy at all, which is especially great in summer time. I encourage you try it out if you're looking for something different and all together BETTER for your beautiful skin. Let your epidermis drink this goddess juice.

Be careful which brand you get, as with anything, some are way better quality than others. The brand I have (click here to get some), doesn't leave my face feeling sticky and is from organically grown aloe vera plants. I usually pour a small amount in a little jar to use for about a week then keep the rest in the fridge, so it stays good longer.

my big mama in the backyard

I also found this delicious cocktail recipe on hellonatural.co that calls for aloe, cucumber & mint leaves :: so good! The possibilities are endless with this "shining bitter substance". 

Until next time. xoxo

ps: much of the "scientific info" I have here came from this article.

Sunkissed Ingredients :: Herbal Infused Salt Scrubs

My latest sunkissed product(s)! I have 3 different salt scrubs, all infused with beautiful sunkissed herbs and flowers for extra nourishing, healing and soothing benefits for your skin AND your senses. These hand crafted body scrubs all have different scents, ingredients and benefits :: and are all natural & organic.
 I hope you can try one or all of them!

BUENOS DIAS :: with mint, rosemary and eucalyptus, grapeseed oil and essential oils. 

+ smells minty fresh
+ great for morning time to wake up & energize
+ grapeseed oil protects while sea salt exfoliates
+ mint & rosemary cleanse and detoxify
+ all organic ingredients

BUENAS NOCHES :: with lavender, roses and chamomile flowers, olive oil & essential oils 

+ smells floral with hints of lavender & geranium

+ great for evening time or when you want to unwind and calm your skin

+ helps alleviate troubled or inflamed skin

+ olive oil nourishes & protects 

+ sea salt exfoliates & polishes

+ herbs and essential oils give nutrients, soothe & smell heavenly

+ organic ingredients

RICA SUAVE :: with calendula, comfrey leaf & safflower, olive oil and essential oils

+ smells strongly of lavender & slightly citrus

+ healing properties of all 3 herbs work well on irritated skin or rashes (be gentle with the scrub if you do have irritated skin)

+ high quality, cold pressed olive oil nourishes and protects

+ himalayan salt is full of minerals and nutrients that will soak into your skin 

+ all organic and natural ingredients

Don't ever discount the importance of taking time for yourself, to relax, unwind, treat yourself to beautiful and healthy products and indulge your skin in sunkissed goodness. The beauty and calmness will flow into your everyday life and give you more energy and positivity for work, tasks, family and other priorities and responsibilities.

Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed DIY :: Energizing Salt Scrub

I've been working on some new products for my skin care line this past week - herbal salt scrubs! I'll have them available in my shop within the next week hopefully! 

 There's endless options for scrubs :: salt, sugar, brown sugar, honey, herbs, clay, essential oils, fruit, veggies....& many more. The kind I'm focusing on are for your body and use sea salt or himalayan pink salt & organic oils as a base.

So since I'm on this salt scrub kick, I wanted to share a simple and delightful recipe with you. This particular one is great for morning time in the shower to get you energized and ready for the day! It's really not necessary to use soap or body wash every time you shower, as it can dry out your skin. Just using this scrub (or another similar scrub) cleanses and exfoliates in a natural and gentle way.

HERE'S THE RECIPE ::

This will make about 2 applications for your whole body, so you can double or triple it if you want to make a larger batch.

INGREDIENTS

+ 3 tbsp mediterranean sea salt (fine ground) 

+ 1 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil (this helps soften & nourish your skin, while the salt is removing dead skin)

+ 1/4 lemon, squeezed

DIRECTIONS

+ In a small bowl, mix up the salt & oil first, then squeeze in the lemon juice and stir again. If you find that it's still too dry, add more lemon juice or oil. 

+ Keep in mind, you don't want the scrub to be too moist, because then the oil & salt will separate AND you'll get your shower floor really slippery.

+ Once you have that nice consistency, you can transfer your mixture into a small glass jar, or if you're going to use it right away - just take the bowl to the shower!

// TO USE /

+ Scoop scrub onto damp hands to moisten mixture a little more.

+ Gently massage into damp skin. Don't rub too hard or you'll damage your skin's protective layer (and your skin will get really red). 

+ Spend extra time on your elbows, feet and knees. Don't forget about your hands! This works great on callouses and dry fingers and hands.

+ You should start to see water beading up on your skin - that's the olive oil working!

+ It's not necessary to moisturize after using this - so this scrub accomplishes a few steps of your morning (or evening) ritual!

There you have it. I hope you enjoy this scrub and try experimenting with your own combinations! Using only all natural & sunkissed ingredients on your skin feels so wonderful and your body will thank you for it, now...and in the long run.

Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed Baby + Mama :: Natural Skin Care for This Sacred Time in Your Life

Being pregnant is A LOT of work, I've never done it, so I don't "really know" what it's like. But, creating a life, harbouring a child inside of you and growing to however big you grow does not look easy (or enjoyable sometimes). But the reward is totally worth, I've heard!
So, to honor and treat mama's & new baby's well - I created a line of products for this precious and hard working time in their lives. 

:: Here's the line up ::

 + MOMMY BALMY // ORGANIC BELLY + BODY BALM

This is a deeply emollient and softening balm. I've infused organic calendula flowers & burdock root in high quality oil for weeks before adding it to this luscious and sweet earth smelling creation. Rich, luxurious oils of avocado, jojoba, coconut & unrefined shea butter combined with powerful skin-healing properties of calendula & burdock root will nourish your baby-harbouring body. 
+ aids in keeping your skin supple & elastic
+ helps to avoid stretch marks and scarring
+ omission of essential oils (or other fragrance) raises the safety factor for use during pregnancy

get it here >>

+ BABY BOOTY DUST // ALL NATURAL BABY POWDER

My calming, lavender smelling, talc-free baby powder is full of wonderful herbs & soothing ingredients. I finely grind the high quality herbs, so they feel soft and smooth against your little one's skin. This all natural baby powder 
+ is full of antimicrobial, antiseptic & soothing ingredients
+ will help prevent diaper rash by absorbing moisture
+ will aid in healing diaper rash and minor infections
+ does not contain chemicals or other ingredients that are harmful if used or inhaled
 After a few sprinkles of this booty dust, they'll be back to all smiles and ready to take on their day (or nap). 
++ You can also use this as a bath soak for baby - or a foot soak for athlete's foot or other skin irritations like eczema.

get it here >>

+ BABY LAV // ORGANIC LAVENDER BABY CREAM WITH CALENDULA 

Ok....I'm obsessed with this lotion! I use it all the time on myself, and am working on a "Lady Lav" version (for us ladies). With the calming smell of lavender and the sweet, soothing smell and properties of calendula - your little one will love how this feels on their brand new skin! I've infused organic calendula flowers in high grade organic olive oil for weeks before adding it to this sweet concoction. 
+ Aids in healing skin irritations & rashes
+ Helps soothe and calm skin and senses
+ Leaves a fresh, clean & intoxicating smell
+ All natural & organic ingredients are completely safe for your precious mini-you
You'll be tempted to slather this all over yourself...go for it, I know I do!

get it here >>

I'm excited to give this as gifts to a few expecting gals I know! My little sis, who's pregnant, has been enjoying the belly balm and said she loves using it right out of the shower, before bed time and it smells like earth. I can't wait to use all of this when my husband and I decide to create a new human together! I hope any mama who tries this can feel the love that I put into it. 

Click here to visit the baby + mama section of my shop to get a few more details and purchase some for yourself or a friend, sister, aunt, cousin - someone special!

Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed Casa :: Future Abode

Happy Tuesday dreamers! Been super busy with my all natural skin care line the last couple weeks, as I'm preparing to sell my products in a local store! I've been creating some new products, building up inventory, labeling, pricing, photographing etc. etc....Luckily I really enjoy both sides of my business - the creative and the "business" side of it. It's slowly but surely growing and I'm very hopeful that soon enough more people will find and love my products and the message I am sharing. 

Anyways...I thought I'd take a break from that to share some of my favorite Pins on my "la casa" Pinterest board. I love our home right now, it's a hundred year old beauty with a gorgeous yard - but one day when we own our own place, I will be more than ready to customize it to our perfect cabinesque+bungalow+spanish-style+colorful+bohemian abode. Enjoy the following photos and be sure to find all the links on my "la casa" board and follow along with me for more!

ps: Sunkissed Dream has it's own Instagram now! 
I'd love for you to follow along with my journey.

Keep dreaming. xoxo

Sunkissed DIY: All Natural Facial Cleanser with Olive Oil + Rice Flour

Good morning! Things have been very busy for me lately as I'm trying to get all my new products completed, labeled, photographed and up on my Etsy shop! I also just found out I was accepted into an artisan fair next month (my very first one)! So that should keep me very busy these next few weeks!

If you're wondering what's new in my shop...well I'll tell ya =)

• All Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
• All Natural Herbal Toner + Astringent + Primer (I've been using this SO much lately & absolutely love it)
• All Natural Anti-Aging Facial Serum
• Mucho Mango Hand Poured Soy Candle (smells divine)

I'd love for you to head on over & take a look!

--------------------------------------------------
The main reason for today's post is to tell you about one of the best and easiest facial cleansers you can make yourself! It is all natural, great for pretty much any skin type and has ingredients that are easy to come by or you may already have in your casita!
This cleanser is something you can mix up every morning or evening or make a larger batch to use up within a couple days or a week. 

This cleanser is great for removing dirt, oils and grime from your face and promoting a bright and healthy complexion. Here's the ingredients & why you'll love them: 

RICE FLOUR is a wonderful cleansing grain because it's gentle enough to not disturb the protective coating of your skin while still removing dead skin cells, polishing, soothing and nourishing your face. OLIVE OIL is a great emollient oil for most skin types and is full of nutrients that your skin loves & needs- using oil is one of the best ways to cleanse your delicate skin. LIME JUICE is what will give your skin that extra wake up call- with it's antioxidant and astringent properties it helps kill bacteria on your skin, as well as brightening & toning your face. CHAMOMILE is a wonderful calming and anti-inflammatory herb that has been used for medicinal & skin healing purposes for centuries. Adding this ingredient will help liven up tired & dull skin, diminish puffy eyes and aid in healing acne scars.

:: WHAT YOU'LL NEED ::
(this makes about 2 applications)

• 1 TBSP Brown Rice Flour like Bob's Red Mill
• 1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil (preferably cold pressed +  organic)
• 1 tsp Fresh lime juice (optional)
• 1-2 tsp Chamomile flowers- freshly ground or powdered (optional)

:: DIRECTIONS ::

• In a small, ok very small, bowl mix together rice flour and chamomile flower powder (if using) 
• Drop in olive oil and stir
• Squeeze fresh lime juice (if using) and mix well again
• It's ready to be used!
• Sometimes I'll make enough to last me a couple days and just leave it in the fridge. It does harden when it gets that cold, so I'll take it out about 20 minutes before I'm going to use it so it has time to liquify again.

:: TO USE ::

• Dampen face with warm water or cloth to open pores
• Spread cleansing mixture onto fingers and gently massage in upward motions into face and neck
• Do this for about a minute to loosen dirt and grime from pores
• Rinse face with wet cloth or cool water
• Follow up with a toner (to remove excess oil) and moisturizer
• Enjoy the glow!

Isn't it so wonderful & rewarding when you know that everything you're using on your skin comes from the earth? 

Until next time. xoxo