What is Winter Solstice? 

The longest night of the year is honored by many traditions as a sacred and rich time. In the past, it's been a night to gather 'round the fire, or set out candles to call back the Sun. On the calendar, it falls between December 20th and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Reason for Seasons:

The Earth is tilted on its axis like a top, which astronomers figured out is at 23 degrees.

The seasons are flip-flopped, with Winter Solstice coming in December for the Northern hemisphere and in June for the Southern hemisphere. That's why Australians are wearing sweaters in summer and swimsuits in winter, and our seasons are reversed. To avoid confusion, sometimes they're called June and December solstice.

Endings and Darkness:

In Latin, solstice means sun set still and Winter Solstice is the great stillness before the Sun's strength builds, and days grow longer. It can be a time to rest and reflect. It's the fruitful dark out of which new life can eventually emerge. In ancient times and for some today, the darkness itself is the spiritual cradle into which the Sun is reborn. Father Time with his sickle appears briefly, and bids us farewell, before the newborn babe appears at New Years. Everything lies dormant in the silent night, a sacred time of rest before the awakening, and the slow build toward longer days.

The light of the Sun begins a new solar cycle at Winter Solstice:

The rays shine into the dark, and nurture the newborn life there to be cultivated. And this is mirrored in nature, as the seeds are buried in the darkness of the Earth, to emerge once again with the life-giving rays of the Sun.

Creating Warmth:

The many seasonal gatherings help to carry us through the dark time of the year. There's a melancholy that can be overwhelming without the promise of a new beginning.

Birthing Dreams:

The longest night is a fruitful time for setting intentions, to be birthed with the newborn Sun. What you conceive now can grow with the Sun, and gain momentum in Spring. You might start a tradition of setting Winter Solstice intentions, and in one year, see how many have come into being. Put them in a special tin or box that has meaning for you. The dark before the dawn, just like new Moons, can be a powerful moment of magic, drawing in what you'd like to see happen in the new year.

Look your best this holiday season.

Just as you give to others, give to yourself-the gift of beauty and inner health. 

In this season of giving, we are offering Facial Specials to ease the Holiday stress (your skin will thank you!):

�       Gift certificates for a $50 Facial (45 min.)

�       Refer 3 friends and get 50% off your treatment

�       10% off any skin care product with a Facial

                                                                       www.FacialsByKarina.com                      

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                      A few holiday skin tips:

For DRY SKIN, a quick, at home remedy that can be done in the kitchen!  All you need is milk!

           Wash your face with cooled boiled water mixed with milk, half and half!Moisturizes your skin!    Other option:  wash your face with milk, and after 15 minutes rinse with water.  In 2 weeks your skin will feel extremely smooth!

For a SKIN FIRMING TREATMENT,all you need are ingredients from your kitchen!:  Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with warm milk until it is of mask consistency, apply on the face, and keep on until it begins to dry.  Wash off before it is completely dry.  And voila!  You have instantly firmer skin!  It works!

WRINKLES AROUND THE EYES?  Again, all you need is what's in your kitchen!  Easy!  Cut up white bread, remove the crust, and keep in the refrigerator in a paper bag.  Every day, soak two pieces in warm water, and apply on your eyes for 20 minutes.  Wrinkles will fade-like the seasons! 

FEEL GUILTY EATING CHOCOLATE?  Why don't we use that chocolate to make your skin look (and smell) great?  Chocolate melted to an applicable temperature can be usedas a mask for dry and aging skin.

The recipe is simple and delicious!  Mix 1 egg yolk with 1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil or Jojoba Oil, 1 tablespoon melted chocolate, and 1 tablespoon cream until smooth.  Apply to your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with water.  Yum!