Tipping Towards the Sun
Kristina Ivy
More sun, more skin, more life, more love, less clothing- these are just a few ideas that come to mind when thinking about embracing Summer. The warmth calls us out of our winter shells and we can finally dig our toes into the sandy shoreline, just like we'd dreamed. We take a deep breath of sun-drenched air for a moment of peace. Though it's always important to explore, summer allows us to stretch our boundaries. We are no longer contained by the colder weather's strain. Re-connecting with loved ones and embarking on outdoor adventures become the bright, comforting memories we look to during the darker seasons. The rituals of self care we practice expand in the summer as fresh fruit and vegetables are abundantly accessible, and the backyard becomes our gym. We are blessed to nourish ourselves inside and out.
Below, we share a list of directions to incorporate RICA in prepararation for a summer day filled with self-love, adventure and connection:
-Upon awakening, drink a giant glass of water. Drinking water immediately after waking up is a habit that detoxifies, realigns and strengthens the systems of the entire body.
image via Pinterest
-Next, enjoy a cup of warm, energizing ginger tea with lemon. Individually, ginger and lemon support healthy immune systems and increase the metabolism. Ginger's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in combination with lemon's antibacterial and detoxifying properties, build a strong defense against illness. Together, they sooth stomach issues and clean out the urinary tract. Ginger shoots right to the brain for a jolt of clarity. Lemon's high Vitamin C content boosts collagen production and aids in glowing skin. What a way to start the day!
-Now, before a morning work out, apply BUTTER ALL OVER to hair for deep conditioning. Exercise. Sweat.
-While cooling off and to maintain hydration, drink a watermelon, lime and cucumber juice. In addition to being a great refresher, this combination is also a liver cleanser.
Oil Up + Sisal Dry Brush shown here
Shower time.
-Before showering, use a DRY BRUSH on arms, legs, stomach and feet, motioning away from the heart to promote circulation.
-Shampoo/condition as normal to thoroughly wash out the BUTTER ALL OVER.
-For the face: massage a dime-sized amount of FACE MERINGUE CREAM CLEANSER on and remove with a hot-steamed wash cloth. Continue steaming until face feels clean, refreshed, dewy and renewed.
-Extra exfoliation? Yes! CLEMENTINE SUGAR POLISH is the answer. Along with citrus's anti-inflammatory properties, sugar and citrus naturally create skin-polishing alpha hydroxy acids. Grape-seed and apricot kernel oils leave a kiss of moisture behind.
-Directly after showering, use OIL UP while skin is still damp. A little bit goes a long way and this vitamin-rich, skin-preserving remedy leaves you feeling soft and rejuvenated. Touch up hot spots with BUTTER ALL OVER and if need be, rub a tiny amount in your hands and use to smooth fly aways. For extra wild hair, use a bit more as a styling pomade.
Roll-On Oil Perfumes
-As a finishing touch, dab on your favorite ROLL-ON PERFUME OIL and carry it with you to reapply.. whenever! Be sure to have a (Lip)STICK OF BUTTER with you. It is the best lip moisturizer in addition to being an excellent primer before applying lipstick.
Most importantly, remember to drink lots of water and protect your skin from the sun's powerful rays via your favorite SPF... and perhaps your favorite wide-brimmed hat. Voila! One fine beginning to a summer's day.
With one foot in the summer, and one foot in autumn, September is a month of squeezing out the last drops of sunshine from each shortening day, while also keeping an eye ahead for what we seek next. It marks that last adventures of, while simultaneously indicating the beginning. There’s a yearning that befalls us as leaves start to fall during hazy warm days. Yearning for and chasing the last light of sunset and finding peace in the dusk just after.
HIGHLIGHTS: Lavender, Ashwagandha, Toasted Coconut Oatmeal w/ Apple, Acne Mask, Playlist