Summer long weekend plans –

Have a leisurely breakfast eaten on the couch in pajamas. Go outside. Drink wine with friends. Clean up that messy pile of papers on my desk. Sit in the sun wearing a good SPF + floppy sun hat. Exfoliate, moisturize, face mask + hair mask. Maybe go to a yoga class (for the first time in forever).

All worthy pursuits.

In our last blog post – the first in our "Focus on" series – we talked to our friend Genevieve about her creative + work life, her daily routines + what a perfect day off looks like. Lucky us, she's also a natural skincare junkie + certified holistic nutritionist, so she's shared two easy recipes that you can make at home this weekend. Use them to nourish your quiet "me-time" moments + feed your friends when you finally decide to leave the house (or just have them over – even better). Perks of hosting is that the trip from wine drunk to bed is very short.

Or just get invited to a cottage.

Spirulina + Honey Face Mask

*You can find spirulina + clay powder at health food stores, and raw honey at most grocery stores.

1/2 tsp. Spirulina
1/2 tsp. Raw honey
1 tsp. White kaolin clay
1-2 tsp. Water

Stir all ingredients together except for the water. Add water, 1 tsp. at a time, until you get a thick, creamy paste. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Let sit for about 15 minutes or until dry. Rinse face with warm water, follow with moisturizer.

When making the mask, make sure to not use a metal utensil or bowl, as the metal can interfere with the electrical charge of the clay and minimize its benefits. Use a wooden spoon in a clay or glass bowl. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When you want to use it again, add water to rehydrate.

Miso Mustard Vinaigrette
3 tbsp. Rice vinegar
3 tbsp. White miso
1 tbsp. Dijon or smoky mustard
1 tsp. Maple syrup
1/2 tsp. Sea salt
1/2 c. Extra virgin olive oil

In a small mason jar add the ingredients. Seal with a lid and give it a shake until all ingredients are well combined. Drizzle over your favourite salad. This dressing is also delicious with soba noodles or as a marinade for grilled fish or vegetables.