Seasonal Pick Me Ups

Who’s been feeling run down lately? I would wager we all have.

I decided that today, instead of feeling the stress and caving in to it with more coffee and ibuprofen, I would try to actually do a little self nurturing and see how that goes. It is amazing how we overlook ourselves and put others first, especially this time of year. Not to say that doing for others is a bad thing, it is kind of what the season is about. But if you are not up to par, you had better take a look at yourself before delivering that next batch of cookies.

Here is my list of good-for-me items that I am going to indulge in today ~

Exercise – Like most Moms I know, I’ve been skipping the treadmill lately. Who has the time, right? Well, today I have vowed to get in a little energy pumping run, even if it is only for 20 minutes or so. I know I will thank me later.

Green tea – I also plan to replace my 2nd and 3rd cups of coffee for the day with anti-oxidant packed green tea. Will let you know how this goes.

Skin Buff – Exfoliating takes an extra minute or two in the shower at most and leaves skin not only feeling super soft and smooth, but looking like you have had a really great night’s sleep.  SANTE Facial Exfoliating Cream Lotus & White Tea sloughs gently and adds a boost of moisture to skin.  Perfect for winter time exfoliating - soft smooth skin without the dryness.  SANTE America is offfering Organic Beauty Source readers a 10% discount site-wide with discount code OBS10. Offer good on one use per customer and excludes SANTE kits.

Again, my fave body exfoliant is plain old milk and sugar, but if you add a few drops of Sweet Almond or Olive oil this time of year, it will add a little moisture for dry skin.  I also read somewhere the other day (Ladies Home Journal, I think?) that Catherine Zeta-Jones uses a mixture of honey and sea salt to keep her gorgeous bod soft and supple.  Honey is a very healing and moisturizing ingredient.  I may just have to give this one a go.

Get Glowing – It is so amazing how a little tan can boost spirits and make you feel like you look thinner, more radiant and youthful. I usually use a natural self tanner throughout winter months for just a hint of glow on my face, arms, tummy. It is a real upper. Lately I have been too busy to worry about these little things, but today I am going to take the time. And really, it is just as simple and quick as putting on your daily face and body moisturizer.

SANTE makes this step a no-brainer with Soleil Self Tanning Moisture Cream and Self Tanning Lotion. These are my tanners of choice this year, are all natural and result in an amazingly natural-looking glow. No orange-y-ness and no streaks. You can read about them on my Holiday Wish List, and find a code there too for a great deal on all SANTE products.

These little pick me ups may add an extra 30 minutes to my schedule today. But, it will be worth it!

If you are in a pinch for gifts for the girls, check out my Holiday Wish List for some great, good-for-you beaty ideas.  You should still have time to order.

Image:  -Alina- at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.