Making friends with the snow is not easy for me: It's cold, and I miss being in the garden.

While trying to think of something special about this time of year that I could truly appreciate, I remembered sugaring season is starting.

And I greatly appreciate maple syrup!

Maple syrup is not only delicious, it's a fabulous natural moisturizer for hair and skin.

Use it straight as a facial mask or hair deep conditioner, or try mixing it with brown sugar and olive oil for a pampering body scrub that will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.

MakeYourCosmetics.com has a great recipe for a Maple Oat Facial Scrub. You can substitute a hydrosol or more syrup for the 1 Tbsp milk (milk softens and cleans skin) if you prefer.