{so simple, yet so profound}

Ok... I'm sure there's a chance that I'm the last person on earth to find out about this, but I am mystified!

Background. I am what you would call a chapstick addict. I have it with me at all times. In an effort to simplify my life, I have strategically placed chapstick in my nightstand, in my purse, in my car, and in my desk at work, in order that I may never be farther than 20 yards from it. But what I have come to realize, is that if you use chapstick often enough, it actually starts to have the reverse of it's desired effect. I noticed that my lips have actually become dryer than they were before this whole chapstick addiction began.

And I can recognize my own vices, so I have recently begun an effort to wean myself off of it. But the whole reason I began using it in the first place is simple... I love having soft and properly moisturized lips. So in giving up chapstick, I was again faced with the dilemma of figuring how to keep the ol' lips feeling good.

Enter wonderful coworker. In talking with a friend of mine at work the other day, she shared with me that she too had recently given up chapstick for the same reasons as myself... BUT... she had another trick up her sleeve. She said she'd learned long ago that honey and sugar are nature's best kept secrets when it comes to soft and lovely skin.

Far be it from me to let this one go, so I tried it, and I am blown away. It made my day. There are several variations of this natural wonder, but this is what she shared with me. Mix equal parts sugar and honey in a small container... it should be pretty thick, not runny... then take a very small amount and rub it on your lips. Voila! Instant lip exfoliator/moisturizer. I did a little internet research too, and apparently, sugar is one of nature's best natural exfoliators, and honey is one of nature's best moisturizers. Be careful not to rub too hard. You aren't trying to remove entire layers of skin here. Rubbing gently will exfoliate the dead skin cells, and when you're done, either wash it off with water. or let's be honest... it's sugar and honey... just lick it off.

Other variations that I've learned of are sugar and olive oil... another great natural moisturizer, or putting a small amount of sugar on half a lemon and rubbing that on your lips. Although I'm told there's quite a bit of burn involved with that one. I'm also told that this sugar and honey concoction makes a great hands and feet exfoliator for an easy home mani/pedi too.

I love learning fun tricks like this... and if I learn of anymore, I shall surely keep you informed!