Defying gravity.

              Hit it Adele Dazeem!

                    ice water.

           Two words that simply coexist perfectly on a balmy summer's afternoon,  or  after a vinyasa yoga class. Not so much on a chilly winter's morning. I am currently listening to Audrey Hepburn singing "Moon River," my oh so favorite movie, and so refreshing as background noise in the morning.
    

      Mornings are for yawning, meditation, towel time, and espresso shots. Not cold water. Especially ice water...right?

    
     About a year ago I started to notice                the oh so dreadful "sag"
 on the corners of my eyes and around my lips. Yes, I am fully aware how ridiculous that sounds coming from a 23 year old, but its true. Anything from eating something too salty, one or two extra glasses of wine I now immediately get puffy and saggy...could be a lack of sleep (netlix is 100% at fault) or just stupid gravity starting! I ran into this stunning 82 year old woman at the gym (yes she told me, no I did not ask) who had incredibly polished skin and no hint of the sag. I had to ask. "What is your secret to your amazing skin?" Her response? "Always rinse your face with ice water." 
             Cue the ice water.

Let's not mince words here; it sucks. In a million years I would never be excited to crawl out of bed and splash my face with with ice filled water...buuuut... it works. I am not saying to try this Joan Crawford aka Mommie Dearest style (boiling hot water to open your pores, and alcohol filled ice water to close,) But a small bowl of ice water and a gentle rinse will suffice. First, gently cleanse your face with warm water and your favorite mild cleanser. Then, champs, splash your face at least 10-15 times with ice filled water. I like to add chamomille or green tea filled ice cubes, and a drop of rose water. It is kind of granny chic and I love it. P.s. I did not waste the water, I watered the plants outside with it.


    The results? Instant alertness,(I mean, hello from the other siiiide!) Immediately it feels tighter and firmer (especially the day after I indulged on Don Pisto's tacos and chips, so worth it) and an odd smoothness. This is a great pick me up on those mornings that you ignore your alarm clock 17 times, overdosed on snacks the night before, or you are feeling the sag coming on. Best of luck trying (n)ice water.


Chamomile tea ice cubes
Brew chamomile tea for 10 minutes (I use David's tea loose leaf and do about 6 spoons) You can also use white tea, green tea, rose tea. All have different properties in skincare.
Freeze. Remember the first ones you pour will be the strongest, use those for your ice bath, the weaker ones are great for iced tea.

Rose water benefits
-reduces puffiness
-hydrates, nourishes and softens dry skin
-adds a natural glow to skin
-slows down the aging process
-natural scent reduces stress
-smells like your favorite granny