DIY Natural Face Mask Recipe

DIY Natural Face Mask Recipe

There isn’t much that a face mask followed by a warm shower can´t solve; and this DIY natural face mask recipe is a good one.

We´re in that limbo period between Christmas and New Year. There has been food, parties, dancing, and more food, and now it’s our chance to recoup and recharge.

 

 

DIY Natural Face Mask Recipe 

This DIY natural recipe is a great skin and body booster. I’ve tried and tested many homemade concoctions but this is a firm favorite and it´s created from simple ingredients that can be found in your kitchen, or your friends kitchen, should you be staying away for the holidays.

Natural Face Mask Recipe

1 tablespoon of natural yogurt

1 tablespoon of honey

1 teaspoon of Turmeric powder

Recipe Note: Turmeric can be replaced with Cacao for similar effects

 

Simply add the ingredients to a small bowl, mix and apply evenly to the face or body.

Allow it to work on the skin for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

How it Works

This natural face mask puts the glow back into dull skin and each ingredient offers its own benefits.

The lactic acid contained in the yoghurt helps to remove surface cells and results in a smoother and brighter completion.

Honey is natures moisture magnet. It will rejuvenate your skin leaving it feeling soft and elastic.

Turmeric is effective a combating pigmentation and evening out the skin tone. This could also be replaced with Cacao which gives your skin a fabulous natural glow.

DIY Face Mask Recipe 

 

It really is that simple and a great substitute when you´re away from home or on the run (A.K.A. Not at the #shechateau)

 

I finished it off with my go to rejuvenating moisturizer by Perricone MD.

Presto. On the run perfect!

 

 

I hope you´ve enjoyed this self-care share. Give it a try and let me know how you get along.

Love Sonia x

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Happy Holiday Wishes

Happy Holiday Wishes

As Christmas arrives, I want to wish you, your friends and loved ones a very happy holiday season.

 

It´s such a fabulous time of year; the party cupboard treasures are out to be enjoyed and when it comes to festive fashion, your creativity is the only limit.

 

I also use this opportunity as a time for reflection. A chance to consider the successes and failures of the past year, admire the spiritual growth you have experienced and excitedly envisage what is to come.

 

I´m wishing you growth, love and happiness for the year ahead.

 

LOVE, LIVE, LAUGH.

Cheers!

Sonia x

DIY Winter Solstice Cleansing Ritual

DIY Winter Solstice Cleansing Ritual

Join Style Beyond Age this December 21 for our DIY Winter Solstice Cleansing Ritual. For a long time, I didn’t think much about 21 December. It was a cold, dark day in the run up to Christmas, but I now realize this dark cold day is the perfect opportunity for growth and cleansing.

 

Winter Solstice Traditions

The 21 December marks the Winter Solstice, an event that is celebrated by many different cultures in a variety of ways. From welcoming in the sunrise on a mountain top, to dancing, gift-giving and celebrating the triumph of light over dark.

When you break it down, everyone is essentially seeking to center themselves, rid themselves of old energy and make room for the good fortune that is said to arrive with the rising sun.

 

The DIY Cleanse

This year I´m going to be ushering in the Winter Solstice by partaking in a simple, yet effective DIY Solstice Cleansing Ritual. It´s something we can all do at home, so I´m inviting you to join me. Follow these six simple steps to get ready to welcome the good vibes that 2020 will bring.

 

 

Step 1: Light a Candle

Settle yourself in a dim room, turn off all electrical equipment to avoid distractions and light a candle. This symbolic act of bringing light to the darkness will help to focus your mind and illuminate your space.

 

 

 

Step 2: Breathe

Controlled, intentional breathing helps to alleviate stress and relax your body. Spending just five minutes on this simple exercise can release toxins, expel bad energy and invigorate your whole nervous system. I also like to gather a few of my favorite crystals and meditate on what I want to invite into my world.

Step 3: Cleanse your Space

Now you´re relaxed and ready to receive, we can begin cleansing our space. I do this by smudging; the act of burning sage or palo santo to clear and cultivate the energy of your home.

A bundle of sage is said to boost your inner clarity and wisdom, whilst banishing negative energy. A stick of palo santo is said to encourage grounding, cleansing and good fortune for the New Year. Whichever you choose, it´s all about welcoming in good energy and dispelling negative ones.

Step 4: Exfoliate

Now that your room is cleared and cleansed, it´s time to clean and cleanse ourselves. I start by dry brushing my whole body. This removes any dry, dead skin and encourages new cell growth, leaving you feel invigorated and energized.

Step 5: Wash Away

After exfoliating, take a warm shower to remove any remaining dead cells and symbolically wash away all that doesn’t serve you.

 

 

 

Step 6: Moisturize

To finish off the cleansing process, treat your body to some sustenance and moisturize yourself all over. I also like to add a drop of essential oils and massage them into the bottom of my feet, so the benefits are felt as its absorbed into the bloodstream.

And Relax!

We´re finished. These six simple steps are the perfect way to relax, cleanse and welcome the rising sun with all the positive energy that it brings.

I hope you enjoy this DIY Winter Solstice Cleansing Ritual. From me to you, I wish you the best possible for the New Year.

 

For more on wellness and rejuvenation visit my Instagram or check out these other wellness blogs.

Have you Seen?

How I (and my Closet) Transform with the Seasons

How I (and my Closet) Transform with the Seasons

 

From Spring to Summer, to Autumn and Winter. Much like our surroundings; I and my closet transform with the seasons. Join us for this wintry installment.

 

 

Winter Fashion Fun 

 

We´ve had our share of cold, dark days here in Montana. The rain, the snow and the deep freeze have all reached me on the mountain, but I don´t like the cold spoil my fun or keep me tucked away inside.

 

For me, it´s a chance to play, experiment, explore and have fun – both with my time and with my closet.

 

Here is a recent winter wonderland adventure that I hope will provide some seasonal inspiration.  

 

Take the Blanket with You

Cosy blankets aren´t just for snuggling up in front of the fire. I decided to transform this one into a warm winter skirt and it was perfectly suited for this rather cold and snowy walk.

 

Belt It

Wrapped and secured with a few pins, I´ve added a brushed silver and leather belt to build up the layers and inject interest.

 

Layer It

Teamed with a sumptuous faux fur shawl, chunky ankle boots and a classic black roll-neck, this new winter wardrobe creation comes to life.

Cosy Winter Style 

And that´s all it took to create this winter wonderland look, from nothing more than a cosy blanket I had lying around the house.

Have fun with your winter wardrobe, transform cosy blankets into comfy skirts and get yourself out there.

 

Transform your Closet with the Seasons 

For more tips and inspiration visit my Instagram or check out some of my other blogs for stylish females over fifty.

 

More on the Style Beyond Age Blog

My Closet Treasures and How I Style Them

My Closet Treasures and How I Style Them

From the day I found my mountain home in Montana, I knew I wanted to create a closet that was deserving of my treasures.

I did just that and tucked away inside are these three trunks, which are filled to the brim with treasure; literally.

 

What´s Inside? 

 It´s a collection I´ve amassed over the decades and as you can tell from Maddie´s face, we´re going to be here for a while.

Let´s explore.

Accessorising with Costume Jewelry 

I´m a lifelong fan of costume jewelry. The creativity, the color, the vibrancy and the variety all totally hypnotize me. It´s taken me years to collect what´s inside these trunks and I also have a few of my favorites out on display.

 

How to Style 

I´m wearing a beautiful autumnal color palette today and I´m hunting for the perfect accessories to lift my look.  Costume jewelry is most definitely for the over fifty. Experiment play around and don´t be scared to layer, as long as the tones are in keeping with you color story.

This time I´ve opted for a subtle earring, gilded belt to synch me in, doubled-up long chain necklaces and some chunky gold bangles. Do you like how it´s pulled everything together?

 

For more styling tips or to see more of my closet follow me on Instagram

Create 4 Unique Looks with this Single Silk Scarf

Create 4 Unique Looks with this Single Silk Scarf

When I find a piece as versatile and beautiful as this, I just have to share it with you. This Ala Von Auersperg Travel Wrap in Horn is truly divine and definitely earns its place in my closet.

The silk is decorated with a delicate deer pattern, inspired by the designer’s childhood adventures in Austria and Africa. It´s floaty, feminine, flattering and fabulously versatile. Here are just a few of my favourite ways to wear it.

 

 

Wrap it!

First it was a shawl, now it´s a dress. I´ve picked up the golden tones in the pattern with my accessories to create this elevated evening look.

Skirt it!

Wrapped and secured at the waist with a belt, I´ve stuck with earthy colour story and selected a shirt and jacket for a great daytime look.

Drape it!

Still the same scarf, but this time a different dress. Draped at the neck and synched at the waist, I´ve teamed it with a trench and leopard heels for a modern twist on a classic combination.

Scarf It!

Of course, it works great as a stylish neck scarf too and really lifts this casual coffee ensemble.

This isn´t a sponsored post, it´s just a truly great piece.

For even more styling ideas, visit my Instagram 

Love, Sonia 

 

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Thanksgiving Table Treasures & Inspiration

Thanksgiving Table Treasures & Inspiration

The Hunt Begins!

I thoroughly enjoy this time of year. I have what I refer to as a party cupboard. It’s a treasure trove of table settings, gilded glasses and serving platters that I’ve collected over the years and it’s the perfect season to select my favourites and bring them out to play.

There is not much that beats a winters evening spent around an elegantly laid table with family, friends and lots of laughter. The perfect table décor boosts the mood, warms the atmosphere and welcomes guests.

 

Preparations!

As I begin my Thanksgiving preparations, my thoughts turn to said party cupboard and I wonder what festive table decorations I will opt for this year. 

There is no set formula, but I want to create something interesting, welcoming and extraordinary. I utilise table runners for impact, decorative glasses to inject glamour, and autumnal produce to bring it all together.

Table Styling! 

If you´ve been following me on Instagram, the process is similar to how I style myself. I create layers, add texture and work with my key colour tones.

 

 

Festive Spirit! 

I particularly love the juxtaposition of the glistening glasses, polished platters, warm candles and natural shrubbery; it’s enough to put anyone in festive mood.

3 Ways to Style An Embellished Statement Coat

3 Ways to Style An Embellished Statement Coat

I hate to be the one to mention it, but the holidays are just around the corner. As we start to plan our fall menus and family activities, we also begin to plan the fun stuff: our holiday outfits! A statement piece that will take me well into the New Year is an overcoat that I found on the Chicos website. This faux-pearl embellished jacket adds just enough flair to any outfit. Whether you’re dressing it up or down, this overcoat will be my go-to this holiday season (and beyond!)

I put together some staple outfits for you to be inspired by. I hope you enjoy it.

The casual side of things. Take your dressy coat out for a daytime spin. Jeans or slacks booties or sneakers it’s all good. 

Don’t let the fancy look of this jacket fool you. There are several ways you can wear it on a daily. Stay tuned for the casual side of this great coat ….. 

Here I have my Chicos Faux-Pearl Embellished Jacket paired with a wrap dress that I found on Choosey, layered with my favorite white skinnies and pastel Valentino Rock Studs

Night out. What do you throw over your LBD? This fabulous pearl embellished coat works like a dream!

4 Ways To Soften Your Menswear Inspired Looks this Fall

4 Ways To Soften Your Menswear Inspired Looks this Fall

Cape it!

I love the simplicity of throwing a mens blazer over my shoulders. It automatically makes the shape softer and more feminine.  

 

Leopard it!

Adding a leopard element to any Fall look is an instant update! These open top booties create a strong long line, don’t you think?

 

Embellish it!

Adding a little pearl detail never hurt anyone! It adds a feminine and soft touch to this grey oversized overcoat. It is so City Chic paired with my all white ensemble. 

 

Cinch it!

I’ve always been a fan of belting a coat in an unexpected way. Here I am using my favorite leather Obi Belt to tie it all together! 

 

9 Principals For A Happy & Healthy Life | Power 9

9 Principals For A Happy & Healthy Life | Power 9

Can you believe the average life expectancy in the United States is 78 years old? Yet there are people all around the world who have the privilege to surpass 100 years of age. What are we doing differently than anyone else? I found this great article on Well and Good about this 9 habits of the Blue Zone, which are regions of the world where people live much longer than average. 

Where is the Blue Zone? 

  • Barbagia region of Sardinia – Mountainous highlands of inner Sardinia with the world’s highest concentration of male centenarians.
  • Ikaria, Greece – Aegean Island with one of the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the lowest rates of dementia.
  • Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica – The World’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality, second-highest concentration of male centenarians.
  • Seventh-Day Adventists – Highest concentration is around Loma Linda, California. They live 10 years longer than their North American counterparts.
  • Okinawa, Japan – Females over 70 are the longest-lived population in the world.

Culturally, these regions are VERY different from this American Life. Luckily, a team of medical researchers, anthropologists, demographers, and epidemiologists researched these cultures and created the Power 9, or 9 principals that you can start incorporating into your daily routine today. 

 

 

Power 9®

Reverse Engineering Longevity

 

1. Move Naturally

The world’s longest-lived people don’t pump iron, run marathons or join gyms. Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it. They grow gardens and don’t have mechanical conveniences for house and yard work.

 

 

2. Purpose

The Okinawans call it “Ikigai” and the Nicoyans call it “plan de vida;” for both it translates to “why I wake up in the morning.” Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy.

 

 

3. Down Shift

Even people in the Blue Zones experience stress. Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. What the world’s longest-lived people have that we don’t are routines to shed that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap and Sardinians do happy hour.

 

4. 80% Rule

“Hara hachi bu” – the Okinawan, 2500-year old Confucian mantra said before meals reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it. People in the blue zones eat their smallest meal in the late afternoon or early evening and then they don’t eat any more the rest of the day.

 

5. Plant Slant

Beans, including fava, black, soy and lentils, are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Meat—mostly pork—is eaten on average only five times per month. Serving sizes are 3-4 oz., about the size of a deck of cards.

 

6. Wine @ 5

People in all blue zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly. Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is to drink 1-2 glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food. And no, you can’t save up all week and have 14 drinks on Saturday.

 

7. Belong

All but five of the 263 centenarians we interviewed belonged to some faith-based community. Denomination doesn’t seem to matter. Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.

 

8. Loved Ones First

Successful centenarians in the blue zones put their families first. This means keeping aging parents and grandparents nearby or in the home (It lowers disease and mortality rates of children in the home too.). They commit to a life partner (which can add up to 3 years of life expectancy) and invest in their children with time and love (They’ll be more likely to care for you when the time comes).

 

9. Right Tribe

The world’s longest lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors, Okinawans created” moais”–groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors.

 

Go to BlueZone.com for more information.