Restorative Girly Weekend: Homemade Sugar Scrub
There are times when it feels as if the world is asking more of you than you can possibly bare to give. As your body and spirit start to rebel, the warning signs mount: tension headaches go on for days, you burst into tears when the copy machine jams, you catch a cold three times in one month. Instead of hunkering down and plugging along, it’s time to refill the tank that is running on fumes alone. That’s when you ask yourself, if I could do anything this weekend, what would it be?
This is what I had to do this weekend. So on Saturday I slept in to the time that usually makes me feel guilty. I woke up relaxed and smiling (it certainly helped that Sebastian nudged me awake with a cappuccino and a bagel). I watched girly movies and read a big stack of magazines in my pajamas. I put on a, er, creative outfit and took a long walk in the autumn sunshine. I even made a baking pantry rip-off of a tremendously expensive sugar scrub (pictured above). I never turned my cell phone on; I just wasn’t ready for that.
By Sunday afternoon I was covering our dining room chairs with a gorgeous fleur-de-lis fabric and listening to my favorite Magnetic Fields album. When I went to yoga later that day I wasn’t ticking off a list of things to do in my head. For the first time in a long time, I actually focused on my breath. I left feeling light.
Tending to yourself isn’t decadent, it’s necessary. It’s important to take these home-bound weekend vacations from time to time. You’ll find, as I did this weekend, that it’s easier to be a good friend, a creative employee, and a loving partner when you are your best self. And if your best self wants some orange-infused dark chocolate and to turn out the lights at 10pm, there’s not a thing wrong with that in the world.
Homemade Sugar Scrub
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. grapeseed oil (olive oil would be great, too)
splash of vanilla extract
Stir to combine and slough away!
Baerbel: Couldn’t agree more and I really love yout girly movie list. My favourit is “Sabrina” with Harrison Ford.
Can you tell me how to do the scrub if I say please very nice? “Pleaaase”2 years ago
Alison R.: Wow, this is truly a plan for the world-weary. I love the sugar scrub–that Fresh one is horrifyingly expensive, so I’m so happy for the alternative. Thanks for nourishing MY soul Sarah with all your advice
2 years ago
Melissa Dorothy: Sarah, I spent my weekend in a VERY similar fashion and it’s good to know I’m not alone. Although we don’t know each other, I read your blog often and see you as a kindred spirit. All my best!2 years ago
helen: magnetic fields, pyjamas, girly flicks and magazines that don’t create chasms of self doubt……a sublime weekend. The orange chocolate was a nice touch. My personal favourite is naked ginger from Buderim in between bites of super dark chocolate. A scientific combination of mood lifting properties….well maybe not ‘exactly’ scientific….but it sure does taste divine.2 years ago
Sarah: Melissa Dorothy, I am so glad you had a similar weekend and am glad to know of another like-minded soul.
Helen, Chocolate and ginger — this I must try. Brilliant! Thank you!2 years ago
Rebecca: I always do homemade sugar scrub! Love it. Kosher flake salt with olive oil or apricot kernal oil works well too.
Want something even girlier than orange infused chocolate? Try Chocolove. It’s delicious dark chocolate that come wrapped in it’s very own love letter. My favorite is the ginger. Mmm…2 years ago
Sarah: Who knew chocolate and ginger was such a popular combo?2 years ago
Josie: I just made some sugar scrub to give as Christmas presents to my coworkers. Thanks for all the great ideas!2 years ago
Beatrice Aidin: I think I have stumbled across the blog meant for me - here I am in rainy England with a cold, cough and a snoring/farting dog and along comes a wonderful homemade sugar scrub receipe; am going to get sloughing right now. Thank you!2 years ago
Lauren: Made the scrub tonight-worked wonders! That, combined with the fact that I shaved for the first time in a week, has made me feel like a new woman!2 years ago