6 Ways to Improve Your Skin

Just recently someone gave me the best compliment a girl can get.... "Your skin is so beautiful! How old are you?" I lit up and loved having someone notice what I've been doing to take care of my skin so I thought I'd share what I've been consciously doing to help my skin over the last year or two..

1. Schedule Regular Facials

About 2 years ago I started to go twice a month to my esthetician, Karen. Being in my mid thirties I knew that it was time to up the ante on taking care of my skin again like I did before having babies. To make sure I stayed on track I have my facial appointments scheduled out for the entire year. I have been seeing Karen for over 5 years and love that she knows my skin well and evaluates what I need at each visit. Every single facial at Firefly Wellness is customized. I've had such great results with Karen that I've referred several friends to her over the years and it makes me happy to see other moms getting a little pampering and investing in their skin. After all, we only get one face!

2. Be religious about skin exfoliation

I have 2 different scrubs that I love and when I don't stay on my weekly regiment I can tell. Gentle exfoliation of dead skin once a week leaves my skin feeling great and looking even better. It is like my mini facial at home! Be careful not to over do it with scrubs as it can have the opposite effect. About 2 years ago I bought a Clarisonic and love it when I remember to use it. Lucky for me, Karen at Firefly Wellness, will use the Clarisonic as part of my facial from time to time.

3. Sleep on a bamboo pillowcase 

Some time ago I read an article asking if pillowcases could be causing breakouts. It made so much sense! I ended up finding a couple of different bamboo pillowcases out there that I love and know it has contributed to my skin clearing up. The one I'm using right now is by Ecocise Bamboo Clothes and is reasonably priced.

4. Drink Green Juice

I've been drinking green juice regularly for about 2 months and feel like it is helping keep breakouts at bay and contributing to my overall skin appearance in addition to all the other things green juice is known for.

5. Stay hydrated

This one is the hardest for me to do because I hate stopping what I'm doing to go to the bathroom so often! But, every time I get on a "drink more water" kick, my skin looks and feels better. Being dehydrated makes our skin look more dry and wrinkled, so be sure to stay hydrated!

6. Seek balance or reduce stress

As moms we are often over committed and leave little time to take care of ourselves. I made a mental note of how much my skin has improved since taking back "me time" to recharge or just do what I want to do. "Me time" includes my twice a month facials. Karen gives an amazing neck, hands and shoulder massage with the full hour facial so I end up feeling both refreshed and relaxed. When our minds are reset, people can tell just by looking at our face. The way our skin looks and feels can be an indicator of your stress level. For some solutions to this common problem check out this article or incorporate some of the

One of the best things about having regular facials (aside from the fact that I get to be totally pampered and relax!) is that I know Karen is going to ask me if I've been keeping up on my skin care regiment. She's sort of like a personal trainer for my skin because this keeps me diligent about exfoliation and moisturizing.

I'd love to know what you do to nourish your skin and keep it looking youthful? I'll bet there are plenty of good tips I haven't heard of, so let's swap ideas in the comment section below!

#Gratitude365 Day 49

#Gratitude365 February 5 2014

I had a facial today! Last year I made a resolution to go twice a month for a facial and vowed to keep it up this year. So many reasons to do this:

1. Keeps your skin looking its best!
2. Built in relax time - I love the neck, shoulder and arm massage that is part of my 1 hour facial
3. Value "me" time - which is important for new moms especially
4. Get your learn on - my esthetician at Firefly Wellness is always teaching me things to take better care of my skin.
5. Your skin is your largest organ - treat it well and it will treat you well
6. Put your best face forward - literally - important when you are a small business owner, right?
7. Simply having my scheduled facial coming up around the corner keeps me mindful of my skin care regiment and more committed to it.

Did you make any self-care resolutioons this year? I did and I'm having difficulty sticking to them. My gratitude to my old self for sticking to this one so my future self can keep feeling refreshed and well cared for.


BONUS: When I saw Karen she gave me a few certificates to gift to some local San Diego mamas and that makes me happy to give someone else the gift of "me-time!"

#Gratitude365 Day 35

#Gratitude365 January 22 2014

Two weeks ago I met up with a group of local mompreneurs and today we met again for informal networking. I was having computer problems and posted to the group that I wouldn't be able to make it. Then after doing so I remembered how happy I was to connect with some of these women two weeks ago. I asked my husband to take the sick patient (my laptop) and cure it and borrowed his laptop to take with me so I could get the few things online done that I needed to and still meet with these women. Keeping with my commitment, finding a way, that is what I'm grateful for today.... AND a husband who knows his shit when it comes to computer problems. Thanks babe!

Plus, I got a facial today. With the dry weather we've been having here in San Diego I needed some extra moisturizing attention and my friend Karen at Firefly Wellness helped my skin feel nice again.

My daughter has student council meetings before school on Wednesday and my husband not only manages to get her there on time, but returned with coffee for me. He knows I'm trying to cut out the sugar and get away from the cappuccinos so he came back with coffee and flavored cream added. Gotta love the support system when you're making changes in your diet. Lots of gratitude for the universe lining things up that I caught this fish!

#Gratitude365 Day 26

#Gratitude365 January 13 2014

Today I got a facial. I so love those days that I can catch up with my friend Karen, both personally and professionally. I've been on this regiment of taking better care of me and I'm continuing my twice a month facial regiment - so a little shout out to Karen at Firefly Wellness! Thank you for helping make my skin look better!

After picking up the kids from school today, everyone agreed they wanted to go to the park. I love when they all agree to go so we can have some extra outdoors time. I met the father of one of Kyle's classmates who was sharing their experience with Children's Hospital. One never know when these tidbits of information are going to be vital. And knock on wood, because I don't want to have to use this information as I rather like the fact that we don't ever see the inside of hospitals, aside from going to give birth. AND I recognize how super lucky we are to not have long hospital stay experiences or medical issues that cause for all kinds of testing that can be hard for an adult to sustain, let alone a kid. Giving gratitude for good health!

Owen is a hugger. I will be honest that sometimes I get touched out and with his 10th hug in 2 minutes I want to put up a barrier at times. Well, today he destroyed that barrier when he asked "Mama, does it make you happy when I kiss you?" and then follow up with "Mama, does it make you happy when I hug you?" Yes, my sweet Owen, it does make me happy. I will be remembering those questions with your future hugs and kisses!