Check out these helpful hints by guest blogger Monica Wallace

If you are anything like me, the winter blues are a real thing. Right now, it seems like it has been forever since the sun was out. In true Michigan fashion, we had a spring-like weekend where the snow melted leading up to a dramatic snowfall the following day. 

It makes me want to curl up in bed until its beach season. 

Since that is not feasible, here are some strategies to beat the winter blues and take care of yourself:

1. Remember your Sunscreen. You still need to protect your skin in the winter, even though it is easy to forget! Find a good moistening daily sunscreen or be sure it’s included it in your daily moisturizer or bb cream. I love finding a coconut-scented one to remind me of sunny beach-like days.

2. Stay hydrated. While it dehydration may not hurt your skin, staying hydrated has a direct effect on whether your skin is dry or not and your overall health. So be sure to remember the moisturizer!

3. Call a friend. We are so disconnected these days. While we are constantly seeing Facebook and Instagram feeds and getting text messages it is less often we actually call up a friend or loved one. Spending some time catching up can feel great and reduce stress. Your friend will love hearing from you too! “ Social support can keep you healthier and happier, creating a buffer against stress. Friends can pick you up when you’re sad, provide insights when you’re confused, and help you have fun when you need to blow off steam.”

4. Get some exercise. Exercise can decrease stress hormones and increase endorphins. Out with the bad, in with the good. “The benefits of social support are well-documented and manifold. Because exercise and physical activity can often involve others, you can enjoy a double dose of stress-relief with the combined benefits of exercise and fun with friends.”

5. Pamper Yourself. Winter can take a toll on our mood and our skin. Tackle both by treating yourself to an at home spa day. Turn off your phone, put on your favorite music and light a candle. While it will feel great, try to avoid a super-hot bath or shower as this can break down the skin’s lipid barriers, which can dry your skin. Instead “ A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy.”

• 1/2 cup unrefined shea butter
• 1 cup Coconut Oil
• 2 Tbs. Beeswax Pastilles
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil ( Therapeutic grade)
• 3 Tbs Hershey's Cocoa Powder ( Yumm!)
• 1 drop Vitamin E Oil Trader Joe's 
• 1 oz. Stephenson Organic Unscented Lotion Base

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and pastilles to a boil in a sterile pot or double boiler
• Boil on high until completely melted ( for my stovetop that was about 15 minutes but it will vary)
• Pour into mixing bowl.
• Allow to cool 45 minutes - 1 hour ( I tossed mine in the freezer with saran wrap)
• Once solid, mix IN Cocoa powder, essential oil, vitamin E and lotion base.
• Continue until it is thoroughly mixed ( medium- high if you're using a kitchen aid mixer with whisk)

Check out these helpful hints by guest blogger Monica Wallace

If you are anything like me, the winter blues are a real thing. Right now, it seems like it has been forever since the sun was out. In true Michigan fashion, we had a spring-like weekend where the snow melted leading up to a dramatic snowfall the following day. 

It makes me want to curl up in bed until its beach season. 

Since that is not feasible, here are some strategies to beat the winter blues and take care of yourself:

1. Remember your Sunscreen. You still need to protect your skin in the winter, even though it is easy to forget! Find a good moistening daily sunscreen or be sure it’s included it in your daily moisturizer or bb cream. I love finding a coconut-scented one to remind me of sunny beach-like days.

2. Stay hydrated. While it dehydration may not hurt your skin, staying hydrated has a direct effect on whether your skin is dry or not and your overall health. So be sure to remember the moisturizer!

3. Call a friend. We are so disconnected these days. While we are constantly seeing Facebook and Instagram feeds and getting text messages it is less often we actually call up a friend or loved one. Spending some time catching up can feel great and reduce stress. Your friend will love hearing from you too! “ Social support can keep you healthier and happier, creating a buffer against stress. Friends can pick you up when you’re sad, provide insights when you’re confused, and help you have fun when you need to blow off steam.”

4. Get some exercise. Exercise can decrease stress hormones and increase endorphins. Out with the bad, in with the good. “The benefits of social support are well-documented and manifold. Because exercise and physical activity can often involve others, you can enjoy a double dose of stress-relief with the combined benefits of exercise and fun with friends.”

5. Pamper Yourself. Winter can take a toll on our mood and our skin. Tackle both by treating yourself to an at home spa day. Turn off your phone, put on your favorite music and light a candle. While it will feel great, try to avoid a super-hot bath or shower as this can break down the skin’s lipid barriers, which can dry your skin. Instead “ A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy.”

• 1/2 cup unrefined shea butter
• 1 cup Coconut Oil
• 2 Tbs. Beeswax Pastilles
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil ( Therapeutic grade)
• 3 Tbs Hershey's Cocoa Powder ( Yumm!)
• 1 drop Vitamin E Oil Trader Joe's 
• 1 oz. Stephenson Organic Unscented Lotion Base

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and pastilles to a boil in a sterile pot or double boiler
• Boil on high until completely melted ( for my stovetop that was about 15 minutes but it will vary)
• Pour into mixing bowl.
• Allow to cool 45 minutes - 1 hour ( I tossed mine in the freezer with saran wrap)
• Once solid, mix IN Cocoa powder, essential oil, vitamin E and lotion base.
• Continue until it is thoroughly mixed ( medium- high if you're using a kitchen aid mixer with whisk)