Paris

One of my biggest beauty mantras is using food-grade products since we aren’t only what we eat, but also what our skin absorbs. Commercial make up and beauty products these days tend to be filled with chemicals and toxins {I especially pay attention to parabens, which I’ve found in everything from shampoo and body wash to mouthwash}, so to avoid damaging my otherwise healthy habits, I strive to make my own edible beauty products whenever possible. I made this walnut and brown sugar exfoliating scrub for my face recently and have loved the results. The walnuts and brown sugar help remove dead skin, while the honey adds antibacterial properties and the coconut oil moisturizes my skin. My favorite part though is the fact that it tastes like a sweet walnut tart, so I have to stop myself from eating the entire thing.

Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Walnuts, ground
1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil
1 Teaspoon Raw Honey

How to Make it:
1. Crush the walnuts.
2. Mix in the brown sugar, coconut oil, and honey to the ground walnuts.
3. Place it in a container and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
4. Enjoy!

x Paris

There’s something so special about a weekend brunch. I’ve always felt it was a form of self-care because it tastes delicious, is indulgent, and feels like a necessary luxury. But what I love even more is making time for a weekend brunch on a weekday. Whether it is for my birthday or a holiday {like Valentine’s Day}, making time for pancakes on a lazy weekday morning is absolutely worth waking up early for {or playing hooky}. This year, for my favorite holiday in February, I am making heart-shaped apple pancakes with a whiskey butter & whiskey syrup. I decided to spice up our pancakes recently by adding in fresh green apples {one apple with a 1/4 cup butter and 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cooked on the stove}, which gave it just the right amount of sweetness. I also made whiskey butter {1/2 teaspoon whiskey to 1/8 cup butter, whipped together with a spoon until blended} and a whiskey syrup {1.5 teaspoons whiskey to 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons sugar, warmed together over the stove, and stirred} to make the slightly girly breakfast feel just a tad more masculine. I’m making it again this morning for Valentine’s Day, and once again serving them as hearts {just use a cookie cutter to shape the pancakes}, which is a simple addition that makes them feel just a little prettier. I hope it inspires you for your next brunch, be it on a weekend or a weekday!