Handmade & Heartmade - DIY Masks for Mother's Day

Every year in May we’re reminded to show our love and appreciation for our mothers. As both a mother and a daughter, I value Mother’s Day as a chance for thoughtful acknowledgment. Ideally, we show our mothers kindness and affection every day of the year. But in reality, it’s easy to let these simple observances slip through the cracks and fall to the wayside as we get caught up in daily life. Mother’s Day acts as a reminder, a prompt, to shower Mom with the love and accolades she deserves.

There’s no mold for mothers. They come in all forms. Sometimes they gave birth to us. Sometimes they adopted us. Sometimes they’re a grandmother, aunt, or sister. Sometimes they’re a neighbor or teacher. Whomever she is, use this occasion to celebrate and spoil her.

Speaking with my friends, I find that mothers prefer to spend their special day in different ways. Commonly, it’s thought that on Mother’s Day we should let someone else take over the more tiring aspects of being a mom. But motherhood never sleeps. Try as they might to be on their best behavior, kids likely still need mothering on these special days. Even if I’m worn out, the little acts of tenderness–a note, picture, home video, breakfast in bed, or snuggles–nourish me and make the responsibility so worthwhile. As a mom, Mother’s Day reminds me how much I love my children and how to cherish even the tiniest moments in life.

Here are a few simple face mask recipes and at-home spa experiences you can give your mom, spouse, or anyone that deserves a little TLC. Get creative! Use these as starting points to make your own magic. No matter how simple or extravagant, they can make any day special, so need to wait for the holiday to roll around. Spread the love. The more we give, the more we receive.

The Breakfast-in-Bedder:

Wake her up with a bouquet of flowers for her bedside.

• 1 teaspoon cooked oatmeal
• ¼ teaspoon orange juice
• ⅛ teaspoon jelly or jam
• ¼ teaspoon maple syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon coffee or tea

The Chef:

Cook dinner together and enjoy it at a candlelit table.

• ¼ teaspoon cream
• ¼ teaspoon pureed avocado
• ¼ teaspoon whipped egg white

The Social Butterfly:

Perfect for a “mom’s night in.” Recipe yields one mask, so multiply by the number of moms. Wrap their feet in warm, spa-water-soaked hand towels, or apply the face mask to feet, too! Wrap in plastic bags (see below). Pass out warm washcloths to remove the mask when finished.

• ¼ teaspoon wine or spa water (see recipe below)
• ¼ teaspoon cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon honey
• ⅛ teaspoon soy milk, cream, or extra spa water

The Empty Nester:

A little ambiance goes a long way. Think candlelight, soft music, and massage.

• ½ teaspoon champagne
• 1 pureed organic strawberry
• ¼ teaspoon whipped cream
• ⅛ teaspoon pureed caviar (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon honey

Tips and tricks:

• To make the masks, put all ingredients in a bowl and mix.
• Freeze any leftovers in an ice cube tray (¼ full per cavity). Once frozen, break out and store in a glass container in the freezer. Thaw when ready to use.
• For bath-loving moms: Draw a bath and add 1 cup Epsom salts and ½ cup powdered milk. Have her soak with the mask on.
• For moms who prefer to shower: Make an exfoliating and moisturizing scrub by mixing ⅛ cup pure sea salt with ¼ cup powdered milk and enough oil to make a paste. You can use olive, safflower, avocado, sesame, almond, or jojoba–whatever you have on-hand.
• Don’t forget the feet! If Mom just wants some quiet time in a dark room with her mask on, give her feet a treat, too. Apply face mask to feet and put a plastic produce bag on each foot. Cut the top of the bag ¼ inch vertically and tie in a knot to keep in place. Wash foot mask off with warm washcloths.
• You can also scrub her feet after mask with the same body scrub recipe above.
• Spa water makes a delicious and nutritious addition to any pampering session. To make,  place three slices of both cucumber and lemon in a pitcher of water. Let stand overnight. The next day, remove lemon and cucumber and serve chilled.

With health and wellness,

Deborah