the florapothecarie journal

My first how-to video! (Yes, there will be more.) To celebrate my chocolate face mask being in this month's Goddess Provisions box, I thought I'd share with you a video on how to use a face mask. I also talk about what else you can mix in a dry mask (besides water), as well as the different face masks I offer (charcoal, chocolate, and rose) and the benefits of each. Basically, this video is everything you ever wanted to know about face masks. Enjoy!

My clay face masks may say "just add water," but you can use so many more ingredients with them. I like to switch it up depending on the season and what my skin needs. My favorites are: aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, green tea, honey, lemon juice, milk, oil, rosewater, and yogurt.

This month in florapothecarie land, my chocolate masks are appearing in the October Goddess Provisions box!!! And on October 21 & 22, I'll be in NYC for the W.E.L.L. Summit.

As if we need any more reasons to love chocolate! We know it's delicious, but did you know it's also great for your skin? Rich in antioxidants, cocoa powder has many beauty benefits.

Happy Autumnal Equinox!  I love the Fall. It's probably my favorite time to be in New England. I love apple picking, Fall festivals, leaves changing colors, snuggling fireside and roasting marshmallows.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Fall, a time for inward reflection and balance. As I began to think over the past year, I realized I’ve made some major changes in my life (for the better) and shed a whole lot of negativity — negative people, negative thoughts. But it’s still something I have to keep working on. The Autumnal Equinox is the perfect time to seek balance. Here is a simple ritual to help you banish negativity and draw in positive energy.

I made over 2,000 chocolate masks for the Goddess Provisions October box. Here's a peek behind the scenes at how I did it, and who helped!

I can’t say enough in praise of Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-buh) Oil. It’s a bit more expensive than many other base or carrier oils, but well worth it for its moisturizing, anti-aging, hypoallergenic properties.

Oh, the ongoing struggle of pore-cleaning! Truly, a few minutes of care a day is all you really need to keep your face clear, clean, and happy. Here are 8 simple tips + tricks: 1. Wash your face twice a day. Our skin is constantly attracting dirt, excreting waste, and shedding dead skin cells, so it’s important to keep up with it by cleansing twice a day, especially if you wear makeup. I use my Rose & Willow Facial Cleanser. This mild cleanser contains no harsh surfactants, so it doesn’t strip away my skin’s natural oils. Instead jojoba oil, Castile soap, and rosewater work together to gently remove dirt without drying out your face, and white willow bark, tea tree, and lavender help prevent and heal acne. You can make a simplified version of our cleanser with this DIY natural face wash recipe. 2. Always remove makeup.  If you don’t wash your makeup off in the evening, it will clog your pores and result in acne. Not pretty. Looking for a natural makeup remover? Try our Makeup Remover! This silky, four-ingredient balm gently breaks down and “melts” makeup, making it easy to wipe away, leaving your skin soft and smooth thanks to organic coconut and jojoba oils. You can also use just plain coconut oil. Massage a little bit into your skin in circular motions to remove makeup, then use a warm, wet washcloth to gently wipe off excess coconut oil. The oil (and makeup) should come off easily without needing to tug on your skin. Splash your face with warm water. Our Makeup Remover and Coconut oil are both safe + effective for removing eye makeup. 3. Use a toner after your face wash. In addition to balancing your skin's pH level and tightening pores, toners remove excess oil as well as any dirt left behind by your cleanser (no cleanser is perfect!). Try my super-gentle, hydrating Rose & Tea Facial Toner. 4. Exfoliate once a week. Between shedding dry skin cells and perspiring, our skin excretes over a pound of waste per day (YUCK), so we’ve got to help it out by exfoliating at least once a week. Exfoliating — either with a scrub or dry brushing — removes dead skin buildup, improves blood flow, and firms skin. Avoid using body scrubs with large grains of salt, sugar, or other types of abrasive on your face as they can be too harsh on your skin. Instead, try one of our super gentle Cleansing Grains, available in Lavender & Chamomile or Rose & Hibiscus. They're made with oat and rice flours, plus finely ground herbs. Just add water! If you're looking to DIY this step, plain oats make a great gentle exfoliate - grind them up with a mortar and pestle, add water, and you've got a simplified version of our Cleansing Grains. 5. Deep clean with a mask weekly. After cleansing and exfoliating, I use a mask at least once a week, and I switch up the mask based on my skin's needs. If it's too oily or I'm seeing a lot of blackheads, I use my Charcoal Mask to really get in there to clean + detoxify my pores. Charcoal is a bit too harsh for very dry or sensitive skin, so the Matcha Mask is a great alternative and still rich in antioxidants. If my skin is in need of hydration, I use the Chocolate Mask. If it needs a little exfoliating and brightening, I go with my Rose Clay Mask or Tropical Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser. 6. Try a natural acid facial peel. The natural alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid in lemon, papaya, pineapple, pumpkin, and strawberries make all of these ingredients fantastic non-abrasive exfoliants. Use the fresh juices or pulp to make 1-ingredient face masks. Read more about this (+ get recipes!) in my eBook, DIY Natural Beauty on a Budget. Or try the Tropical Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser. 7. Stop touching your face! This is a biggie for me, too. Think about all the things you touch in a day, picking up dirt and oils with your fingers. Now, think about rubbing all of those things on your face. That's pretty much what you're doing every time you touch your face —you're increasing the amount of bacteria on your face, which leads to breakouts. Stop touching and especially stop picking! 8. Clean pillowcases weekly. If you're getting enough sleep, you spend between 7-9 hours a night with your face on a pillowcase, sweating and shedding dead skin. (I know, gross, right?) You gotta wash those things frequently! Toss 'em in with your regular laundry, or have backups so you can switch them out every week. Looking for more natural beauty DIYs? Check out my eBook, DIY Natural Beauty on a Budget. It has over 40 recipes for natural masks, scrubs, and hair care using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, plus a detailed guide on how to use and blend essential oils. Happy making!

I'm obsessed with all things green tea, including matcha ice cream. It's not easy to find in most grocery stores (though Asian markets usually have some), so I decided to try making it at home. It took a fair amount of research and attempts before I got it right, but I think I've nailed it. I use the ice cream maker attachment for my KitchenAid, but you can use any ice cream maker for this recipe. Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream — makes about 10 servings. Ingredients: 2 cups cups full-fat coconut milk, divided from water ¾ cup almond milk 1 cup raw sugar 2 tbs matcha powder ¼ tsp salt If you're wondering, "What the heck is matcha powder?" — it's just powdered green tea. Ever had green tea at a Japanese restaurant and noticed the powdery tea at the bottom of the cup? That's what this is. Based on the recipe research I did, it seems like the strength varies. The first recipe I tried called for half the amount of dairy and twice the matcha powder I used here and it was very, very bitter. I bought mine via Amazon, but your local Asian grocery store should also carry some. Directions: Combine the sugar, matcha powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk together, to break up some of the matcha powder clumps. In a medium-sized pot, stir the sugar mixture into coconut and almond milks, whisking often, over medium heat. Keep whisking the mixture until it begins to foam, then remove it from heat. Pour into a medium bowl and let sit for 20 minutes. Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours, until completely cooled. Remove from refrigerator and whisk to incorporate the layer of "skin" that has formed on the top of the mixture. Pour into ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes (according to your ice cream maker's instructions), or until the consistency of soft serve ice cream. Place in freezer for at least 2 hours to harden. Enjoy!

Shop florapothecarie in person at Madewell in the Westfarms Mall next Sunday, August 14 from 12-3pm. Plus, nom on vegan treats and take 20% off your in-store Madewell purchase of $125+ Let us know you're coming: RSVP here!

Stuck inland? I hear ya. I wish I could get to the beach more often than I do. I dream of being back on the Riviera Maya or dipping my toes in the Pacific Ocean at Zuma Beach. Sigh. We can dream. In the meantime, here are a few ways to bring the beach to you: 1. Mermaid hair all year. You know how your hair always looks wild + amazing after a dip in the ocean? That's thanks to sea salt. BUT, real saltwater also dries out your hair. The solution? My Rose & Sea Salt Hair Spray, made with hydrating rosewater and coconut oil blended with Dead Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan Salt. Get it here. 2. Burn a beachy-scented candle. I'm a big fan of Soy Much Brighter's Ruth Bader Ginsburg candle, which smells like coconut, teakwood and women's empowerment. 💪 3. Sunbathe in your backyard, on your deck, or roof. Lather on some sunscreen, grab your favorite beach towel or blanket, and throw it down wherever you've got a great patch of sun. If you live in a city and you don't have a backyard or deck, can you get onto your building's roof? Just be safe — don't break any rules or bones! (photo via Brit + Co) 4. Sip on a summery cocktail. If you were on an island right now, what drink would be by your side? Mix it up at home and bring it to your sunbathing spot. Here are a few drink recipes from Brit + Co to get you started.  (photo: @jshbooks) 5. Read something fun. Nothing says "beach day" like a fun, summery read. I read a lot of more serious novels and business books throughout the year, so when I'm at the beach (or pretending to be there), I give my brain a break with something light and entertaining. Right now, I'm reading my friend Jessica Serra Huizenga's Crazy Beautiful series. They're the perfect beach books! 6. Soak in a sea salt bath. Now that your body's heated up from sunbathing, cool down with a cold or lukewarm bath. Toss 2 Tbs of your favorite bathing salts into your tub, fill it with just enough hot water to dissolve the salts, then fill it up the rest of the way with cold or lukewarm water. It'll be (almost) just like that feeling of diving into the ocean after soaking up the sun. 7. Relax. The first rule of beach day is to relax. The second rule of beach day is to relax. Whatever you do on your beach-at-home day, make sure to de-stress and enjoy!

It's about community. It's about equality. It's about kindness. Compassion. Compassionfest unites like-minded people who value kindness, equity and compassion to gather for delicious natural vegan food and cruelty-free product providers, inspiring speakers, performers and musical acts for a fun community event that everyone can enjoy.  It will be an opportunity to meet + shop with local artists, crafters, entrepreneurs, eco-friendly vendors. I will have a booth filled with a full range of my products.This is an all-welcoming, outdoor, kid-friendly event. Open to the public. Free admission. More information here. I'm doing a pop-up event with Madewell in the Westfarms Mall on Sunday, August 14th!!!! I'm so excited!! Stay tuned — more details to come. In the meantime, save the date! Wellness. Empowerment. Learning. Luxury.The W.E.L.L. Summit is a weekend long destination for those passionate about living a 360 wellness lifestyle. Leaders in the wellness industry will speak in large panel discussion groups, as well as exclusive small break-out sessions. All the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. All the tips you’ll need for buying beauty products, overhauling your pantry, or selecting a workout program that fits into your daily life. There will be delicious healthy lunches, yoga sessions, and more! I will be attending the event, and have a table vending my products during the  L.I.V.E. W.E.L.L. Kick-off Party Friday evening. Buy tickets here.

Happy (almost) Independence Day, beauties! I hope you're celebrating with fireworks, yummy food, and people you love. I've been pretty crafty lately, so I wanted to share this super-easy tutorial with you: create a custom shirt with bleach pen! This old slouchy sweatshirt was perfect — it's super soft & comfy and lightweight, so I wear it year-round, but I wanted to breathe some new life into it. Here's what you'll need: a clean shirt, tank, or sweatshirt — mostly cotton or polyester work best bleach pen plastic grocery bag cardboard or wooden board (to fit under the shirt) paper + pencil Step 1: Draw your design first. If you're pretty confident with your drawing or bleach penning skills, you can skip this part, but I like to draw my designs with pencil + paper first. Step 2: Wrap cardboard or wooden board in plastic bag and place in between shirt's layers. This does a few things: it'll ensure your design doesn't bleed into the back of the shirt and it helps smooth out the shirt while you're using the bleach pen. Step 3: Start bleach penning! Shake up the bleach pen REALLY WELL and copy the design onto your shirt. The bleach should come out pretty easily, so don't press too hard or the design will spread and bleed. Step Four: Let it sit. Give it 1-2 hours to let the bleach soak in. Step Five: Wash + Dry. I suggest hand-washing this because you don't want to ruin any of your other clothes with the bleach. It will most likely be safe with other clothes, but I didn't want to risk it, so I washed it by hand. Once you've washed off the bleach, you can let it air dry or throw it in the dryer (it won't harm your other clothes now). Step Six: Wear it!! My design bled a bit (especially around the too-intricate arrows), but I think it came out pretty awesome as my first attempt! I wear it all the time. Here's to being wild + free! Have a wonderful holiday! xo ~Sami

Make your own gentle natural cleanser without harsh surfactants. Perfect for those with sensitive or problem skin, dry or oily.

From inducing sleep to healing acne, minor cuts and burns, lavender is a must-have in the cabinets of every natural beauty or kitchen witch.

Travel season is upon us! In all the rush, we sometimes forget to take care of our largest organ: our skin. Read on for tips on keeping it happy and healthy while you're on the go.

Say hello to my all-new Rejuvenating Facial Serum! This miracle facial elixir is great for all skin types and formulated with nourishing, skin-loving plant oils. Here's what's inside: + jojoba oil — regulates & tames oil production + rose hip seed oil — fades age spots + vitamin e oil — repairs damaged skin cells + carrot seed oil — smoothes fine lines & wrinkles + geranium essential oil — balances hormones + lavender essential oil — heals acne + clary sage essential oil — reduces inflammation + tea tree oil — fights & heals acne Get it here.

Join me this weekend at the 2nd Annual Made in Connecticut Expo!  Over 300 Connecticut artisans will gather in the Farmington Polo Grounds this Saturday and Sunday, May 14 & 15 from 11am - 6pm. I will be there with plenty of 100% natural + vegan bath + body goodies in tow, and I'd love to see your beautiful face!There will also be food trucks, bounce houses, live painting + woodworking demos, and more! Details here.  

1. Clean up your neighborhood. When I was younger, my Dad would make trash pickup pokey sticks and take my siblings and I to pick up garbage around our neighborhood on Earth Day. Imagine if we all did this on a monthly basis? 2. Use less water. Turn off the faucet while you're brushing your teeth. Use a low-flow toilet. Take a quicker shower, or shower together with your lover. 3. Use alternative transportation. Bike, walk, take public transportation, or even carpool to work, school, or wherever else you're headed. 4. Recycle. Your bottles, your clothes, your electronics, your cardboard boxes — everything you can possibly recycle. I also like to buy recycled/upcycled clothes from local thrift and vintage shops or online ones like ThredUp. 5. Compost. Sure, you can pick up one of those fancy composting machines, but all you really need is a jar or bucket with a lid and some dirt in your backyard. New to composting? Here's a great guide on how to do it and what you can/can't compost.