There are many advantages to being a woman: Men offer to lift heavy things for us, we can get our tires checked and gas pumped by batting our eyelashes (I totally did this as a teenager!), and some of us get to carry our babies for nine precious months. But along with the positives is one thing that most women refer to as a negative. Our periods. I used to not like that week each month, but I've come to appreciate it because it's what allowed me to get pregnant with three amazing children.
Without my cycle, I'd have never known the joy of feeling tiny little kicks inside me. I also would have never known just how strong I am to give birth naturally, which is one of my top accomplishments in life. A few years ago, I stopped thinking of my period as a time to hide or a pause in my life. Most months, I feel pretty crummy for a few days, so I take time to pamper myself. See? Another positive! This reminds me every four weeks to stop, slow down, and take care of myself.
Without my cycle, I'd have never known the joy of feeling tiny little kicks inside me. I also would have never known just how strong I am to give birth naturally, which is one of my top accomplishments in life. A few years ago, I stopped thinking of my period as a time to hide or a pause in my life. Most months, I feel pretty crummy for a few days, so I take time to pamper myself. See? Another positive! This reminds me every four weeks to stop, slow down, and take care of myself.
We are in the lazy days of summer right now, but school is starting in just over 6 weeks! I homeschool my oldest, so that doesn't mean an empty house for me. Cranky mom + teenager + algebra = disaster. It's even more important for me to stop, slow down, and pamper myself. It's amazing how a facial and some pampering can improve my mood an boost my confidence.
That's why I made myself my very own basket of pampering items. These items are all off limits to everyone, including me when I'm not on my period. In my basket, I put the following items:
- U by Kotex CleanWear® by U
- Bic razors
- EOS lip balm in honeysuckle honeydew (YUM!)
- Shea butter lotion
- Chocolate face mask (recipe below)
I found the U by Kotex CleanWear® by U, razors, and lip balm at Walgreens. The lotion I had made previously, and I grabbed the green tea for my face mask recipe at Walgreens too. Walgreens has a great deal going on right now. Buy $15 of participating U by Kotex CleanWear® by U, EOS, or BIC products and get 3,000 Balance Reward Points for your next purchase.
Have you ladies tried the new U by Kotex CleanWear® by U line? It has new technology to help women feel more confident during their periods. It's quickly becoming my favorite brand because it works so well.
Chocolate Face Mask Recipe
It's so cliche, but I crave chocolate when I'm on my period. When I was thinking of the perfect face mask recipe, chocolate was the first thing that I thought of. Besides smelling amazing, cocoa powder is very hydrating for your skin. You can substitute green clay or another type of clay for the kaolin. (Find the best type of clay for your face here.)
What You Need
- 1/4 cup kaolin clay
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon green tea (I used 3 tea bags cut open)
- 4 ounce jar
Directions
- Mix the clay, cocoa powder, and green tea in a bowl.
- Stir well and spoon into a jar with a lid.
- To use, place a tablespoon in the palm of your hand or in a bowl.
- Add just enough water to make a paste. Spread evenly on your face and let dry for 15 minutes before rinsing.
How do your survive your cycle? I'd love to hear what you put in your cycle survival kit!
