Strawberry Spa Day

I went shopping at BJ's yesterday and scored a huge, 4 lb. box of sweet, delicious strawberries for $5.  This was pretty exciting for me because strawberries and bargains are two of my favorite things.  So, the kids and I have pretty much eaten the entire box of strawberries in less than 24 hours, and we're left with a bunch of strawberry tops.  Normally I just throw these into the compost bin (and soon I'll be putting them into my new worm composter -- stay tuned!), but today I thought I'd have myself a Strawberry Spa Day.  Strawberries contain natural fruit acids which help brighten the skin and gently exfoliate.  Here are a few easy recipes you can do yourself with everyday ingredients you probably have in your kitchen, just in case you came home with your own Strawberry bargain yesterday, too.  Please keep in mind that this may be too harsh for those with very sensitive skin, and of course, it's not suitable for those with a strawberry allergy.

Simple Strawberry Exfoliator:
Cut the top off of a strawberry.  Eat the bottom.  Holding the leafy part of the strawberry top, rub the cut side of berry over your face, hands, feet, elbows, knees, etc.   Then rinse with warm water and pat dry.


Fresh Strawberry Hand/Body Sugar Scrub:
Save the cut-off tops from  a bowl of strawberries (about 15-20).  Remove leaves and mash remaining strawberry pulp in a small bowl (or puree if you're feeling really motivated).  Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive or sunflower oil and 1-2 teaspoon sugar, depending on how much scrub you like.  Mix well to form a paste.  Massage onto wet skin.

Custom Strawberry Facial:
Save the cut-off tops from about 5 or 6 strawberries. Remove leaves and mash remaining strawberry pulp in a small bowl.  Add 1 tablespoon cream (dry skin), or milk (normal/oily skin), and 1 tablespoon rice flour (can sub cornstarch if you don't have rice flour), and add 1 teaspoon of honey.  Mix well. Apply to face and relax for 5-10 minutes, and remember to breathe deeply because it smells delicious.  Then rinse with warm water.