#HEYGRRRLFRENNNS I’ve got one thing on my mind: Thanksgiving!! For me, it’s less about the turkey and more about the downtime, and family of course! I CAN’T WAIT TO HIT THE ROAD! Lately, I’ve been feeling the need to step back, reset, and refocus on what really matters. You know, the basics: taking care of myself, keeping my priorities clear, and finding joy in the little things. Whether it’s catching up with everyone, soaking up the slower moments, or watching someone else cook a feast fit for a queen and her grrrlfrens Thanksgiving always feels like a little breather before the chaos of the holidays fully kicks in. WHAT a tease! But let’s be real, getting to that cozy “feel-good” moment can take a lot out of us even if you aren’t cooking! The planning, the prepping, and don’t even get me started on traffic! It’s not even turkey day and I spent over an hour sitting in stand still traffic. That’s why this year, I’m all about sprinkling in some DIY radical self-care to keep me grounded through the madness. Because what’s Thanksgiving without showing a little love to yourself along the way?

And that’s where DIY radical self-care swoops in to save the day! She’s simple, affordable, and the perfect way to recharge without adding to your holiday stress. Think of it like making a dish for yourself that no one else gets to touch, except instead of stuffing, it’s a pumpkin face mask, and instead of a casserole, it’s a cranberry body scrub. These little rituals aren’t just a break from the madness; they’re a way to ground yourself when everything else feels overwhelming. Whether you’re whipping up a quick mask before the first guest arrives or sneaking away to exfoliate while your Uncle tells another story about his glory days, these recipes make space for you to hit pause and focus on yourself. And the best part? They’re fun, they’re easy, and most likely someone already bought the ingredients for dinner! This year, keep things light, creative, and focused on what really matters: feeling good, showing up for yourself. Grab your mixing bowl and let’s get into these DIY recipes grrrl!

Gourdeous Skin Recipe

Now, if you have been reading every week, like I’m sure all of America and parts of Italy are, you would know that I am not the biggest fan of pumpkin. Ciao Bella! But even I can’t deny that pumpkin has properties that make it a skincare powerhouse. So technically, since I’m not eating it, this recipe is radical self-care approved! Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, pumpkin helps to exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate, making it the perfect base for a glow-boosting mask. Pair it with honey and yogurt for an easy self-care win. Pumpkin’s natural enzymes gently exfoliate without the harshness of traditional scrubs, while honey locks in moisture and helps calm redness. If you’re dealing with dull, dry skin (shoutout to seasonal weather changes), this mask is like a big drink of water for your face. If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, swap it out for mashed sweet potato or even avocado. And if you’re feeling fancy, add a pinch of cinnamon—it’s great for circulation and gives that warm, cozy vibe.

Pumpkin Pie Glow Mask

Ingredients:
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1 tsp honey
1 tsp plain yogurt (optional for extra hydration)

Instructions: Mix the pumpkin puree, honey, and yogurt into a smooth paste. Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. You’ll notice your skin feels soft, smooth, and ready for its close-up.

Sugar And Spice

Chapped lips are nobody’s favorite holiday accessory, but this easy scrub can fix that in minutes. Brown sugar buffs away dry, flaky skin, while coconut or olive oil adds instant hydration. Cinnamon adds a touch of festive flair and the little tingle to remind you it’s working! Feel the burn! The brown sugar is the perfect gentle exfoliant, breaking down rough patches without being harsh, while the oil nourishes, softens, and seals in moisture like a cozy blanket for your lips. Cinnamon isn’t just there for show, it boosts circulation, adds a bit of plumping magic, and leaves your lips feeling refreshed and oh-so-kissable even if it’s just for selfies. Plus, it smells like a holiday kitchen dream, with just the right hint of spice to make it festive.As a fun idea you can make a mini batch and gift it to your grrrlfrens! A cute jar, some ribbon, and a note could earn you major present points for when Christmas rolls around. It’s thoughtful, personal, and perfect for spreading a little DIY love during the holidays. Pair it with some homemade cookies for a full-on cozy vibes package—because who doesn’t love a gift that’s made with care?

Brown Sugar & Spice Lip Scrub

Ingredients:
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp olive oil or coconut oil
A pinch of cinnamon

Instructions: Mix the ingredients in a small bowl and apply to your lips with your fingertips, massaging gently in circular motions. Rinse with warm water, pat dry, and follow up with your favorite lip balm.

Berry Berry Good

Cranberries are soo slept on when it comes to the Thanksgiving day PR. I will admit that I am late to the game when it comes to cranberries. I am a huge fan of the juice All 152 flavors! but something about the tube shaped jelly coming out of the can and holding her shape better than spanx made me pause. Not only are cranberries the totally mysterious underdog on your plate, but they are also the unsung hero of DIY body care. They’re packed with antioxidants that brighten your skin and fight off free radicals and are the perfect way to get glowing skin while smelling like festive cheer. The sugar provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, the cranberries brighten your complexion, and the coconut oil leaves your skin feeling buttery soft. Plus, the bright red color? Insta-worthy! If you’re out of cranberries try pomegranate seeds for a similar effect. And if you want an extra touch of luxury, add a drop or two of vanilla extract—it’ll smell like dessert and self-care.

Cranberry Bliss Body Scrub

Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (blended into a pulp)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions: Blend the cranberries into a pulp and mix with the sugar and coconut oil. In the shower, apply the scrub to damp skin, massaging in circular motions. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Thanksgiving is a reminder of all the things we’re grateful for—but let’s not forget to put ourselves on that list. These DIY self-care recipes aren’t just about glowing skin or soft lips; they’re about carving out time to prioritize your well-being in a season that often demands so much of us. Showing up for yourself, even in small ways, is a powerful act of love and gratitude that ripples into everything else you do. When you feel good, you bring that energy into every interaction, every shared laugh, and every moment with the people you care about. And self-care doesn’t have to be a big, dramatic event—it’s in the little things. It’s the five minutes you take to exfoliate before the guests arrive or the calming ritual of blending your own body scrub while the pies bake. It’s about reclaiming those tiny pockets of time for yourself, no matter how hectic the day gets. So, this Thanksgiving, as you’re juggling plates, people, and maybe a little chaos, remember: you deserve a moment of peace, joy, and pampering. Let these recipes be your excuse to take that moment, guilt-free, because you’re worth it. Now go and be great, you lil grrrly pop! TTYL!