Ah the pumpkin, are you fed up with the sight of them already? I know, they’re everywhere, carved out (very badly in the case of mine above!), made into soups, they’re in pies, they’r pureed, they are even in cup cakes for goodness sake. Is there no escape from the pumpkin?
Well if we can’t escape the damn things, let’s at least do something a bit different with them.Let’s get top to toe pumpkined!
First the science stuff; These veggies are just packed with goodness and not just when you eat them. They are hugely beneficial for the skin because they’re full of phytonutrients (these help the skin maintain it’s youth and help repair sun damage) and abundant antioxidants from the beta-carotene they contain. They are also rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Alpha-carotene, zinc, and lutein. Pumpkin soothes, moisturises and heals the skin.
Okay now for the fun stuff!
PUMPKIN FACE MASK
2 Tbs cooked pumpkin
1 Tbs honey
For both of these recipes you want to remove the skin from the pumpkin with a sharp knife and also discard the seeds (the birds will thank you for this or toast them for yourself. Chop the flesh into managable lumps and put them in a pan of water toboil just like potatoes. When cooked through drain thoroughly and pmash with a fork. Leave to cool – seriously important that bit!
Now mix in the honey and really still well.
Apply this all over your face avoiding the eye area and lie back and relax. You will of course look a complete prat but your skin will thank you! Stay in prat-like state for 20 minutes then rinse off with cool water and pat face dry.
Your skin should feel fresher and more elastic.
SCRUB UP LOVELY
½ cup pumpkin, cooked and pureed
½ cup brown sugar
Give your whole body (and especially those hard working tired old feet) a treat with a Pumpkin Body Scrub. It couldn’t be easier and feels great.
Prepare the pumpkin as above (in fact just make the whole batch and divide up for the recipes. Add the brown sugar and stir thoroughly.
Now stand in the shower and apply this all over, be careful as it will be slippery to stand on. Rub into the skin with circular movements always towards the heart.
Leave for 10 minutes while you contemplete the universe, value of pumpkins, next pumpkin recipe, colour of pumpkins and other such wonders.
Then rinse off with warm water.
So there you go, pumpkins from head to toe.
Happy Halloween!
Karon x
Okay, NOW I’ve seen it all! Seriously?! Pumpkin face mask?!?! Doesn’t it smell!!! I can’t even imagine it – so I’ll have to take your word for it – don’t think I’ll be trying it anytime soon as my pumpkins are still uncarved! Ran out of time and didn’t get them done for Halloween…now I’ll save them for Thanksgiving. The post I wrote about your new book is up today – hope you like it! xo, Nan