To me there is nothing in this world more beautiful than art, except for the world itself. I wanted to share with you a couple of my favorite artists and each one is unique in their own way with very different painting styles. I could never imagine a life without art. 

Nothing is as quick and delicious as having a nice lunch made ahead of time. One of my favorites is to make up salads in Mason canning jars, store in the refrigerator and grab when ready to leave for work. All you do is pack the most solid things into the jar first and then end it with the lettuce or most light weight. I do not use salad dressings on my salad so no use for me to put that into the jar first (you can if you like and it would go on the bottom of the jar) that way when you pour the salad into a plate or bowl the dressing comes out last.  I also do not recommend putting broccoli and cauliflower into the jars unless it will be eaten within a 2 day time frame. The smell is overwhelming from the cabbage family of items. I have made these lots of times and they  have kept for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.  Be sure to air dry all veggies after washing and allow to dry completely before packing into the jars.

Sugar

Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid boosts new cell production and breaks down the protein that keeps the dead cells hanging onto your skin. Pure can sugar crystals work best, like this one. Mix the sugar crystals with your favorite massage oil (olive, jojoba, grapeseed, almond, etc.) to make a paste. Scrub on your face in a circular motion, rinse, wash as usual.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is full of trace minerals that rejuvenate your skin, stimulate cell growth, and help your skin retail moisture. A sea salt scrub is great for dry skin. Mix with lavender essential oil and/or your favorite massage oil (olive, jojoba, grapeseed, almond, etc.) to make a paste. Scrub on your face in a circular motion, rinse, wash as usual.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a very gentle exfoliant, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and is very moisturizing. Mix finely ground oatmeal with honey and/or kefir (you can also use yogurt or buttermilk). Scrub on your face in a circular motion, let sit for 15-30 minutes, rinse, wash as usual.

Kefir

Kefir is like yogurt, but with a lot more beneficial bacteria (about 40 times more). Find out more about kefir here (and how to make it). You can use yogurt and still see benefits, but you will see better results using kefir. Kefir is a natural source of lactic acid that hydrates and soothes your skin. Apply to your face and let sit for 15-30 minutes, rinse, wash as usual. Your skin will be so soft and smoothe for several days.

Honey

Raw honey is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. It kills skin infections, including acne. Honey reduces inflammation and hydrates. Honey can be mixed with any of the other exfoliants mentioned here to boost the antioxidant and anti-bacterial benefits.