cou[rage] for the r[love]ution

Winter is in full swing, and if you live anywhere with a climate similar to Montreal, you may find that your skin is dry and crackly. Uncomfortable, indeed! 

Here’s a neat way to treat your skin to a lil tender lovin’ care on a budget.

Homemade Herbal Facemask

• 1.5 tsp natural white clay powder (super cheap & available at most heath stores)
• 2 oz water (filtered is best, but stay away from bottled water!)
• 1 tsp jasmine blossoms*
• 1 tsp honey**
• 1 dropper bottle to store extra liquid (optional)

Heat water on stove, bringing to a rolling boil. Turn off heat and add jasmine blossoms and honey, stirring. Let cool.

Scoop the clay powder into a bowl. Add water mixture until you reach the desired texture (usually about 1 tsp), which should be a thick paste. If you add too much water, you can balance it out by adding more clay. 

Apply onto face as desired and let dry. Wash off with a mild soap and enjoy fresh and clean skin! Don’t forget to moisturize daily, especially after washing your face.

*I like using jasmine blossoms, but pretty much anything can be used - green tea, lavender blossoms, rose petals, etc. Its up to you!

**Honey is optional, but great for your skin. If you are vegan, you can skip this step or add an alternative moisturizer to the mix such as sweet almond oil. I used wildflower honey from a local organic producer at the Atwater Market ($3.50 for a 250g bottle).  

Thanks to my friend Jess at Stark Skincare for inspiring this idea!

It was my turn. Shivering slightly as I opened the door, I stepped out onto the freezing porch. Snow and ice crunched under my feet with every step I took towards the burning candle. The candle burned brightly in the starless night, a beacon in the dark. I stood in front of the flame and unfolded the paper that was in my hand for the last time. Taking a breath, I put the paper in the flame and watched closely as the words written on the page began to ignite and burn. Slowly, curling, the paper smouldered and grew smaller as the flame consuming it grew larger and brighter. I could smell acrid smoke filling the air around me, and I took a deep breath of fumes and cold air. Exhaling, I imagined the smoke leaving my lungs like the words on the paper leaving my pen. I was rid of them. Letting go. They no longer belonged to me but were now a part of the wind, the sky. 

I dropped the paper on the plate underneath the candle and stood in silence as the rest of it burned to ash. Once the last bit was consumed by the flame, I turned around and walked back inside, letting the words fall from me like ash in the wind. I was rid of it. I was letting go.

- got tattooed by rob labreche at dahlia tattoos 

- signed up for a graphic novel writing course series at drawn & quarterly 

- bought some more incense making supplies at charme et sortilège (check out the photos, the store is gorgeous)

- ate at aux vivres (best vegan joint in montreal) 

- had beers and a good laugh with friends

- came home to find a book (caliban & the witch) waiting for me

excellent day, indeed!