Our Dads

Kela’s Dad

Kela’s Dad, Calvin Dunn, taught her how to lay foundation for a building. Together, they built the night club that he owned and operated. He used to have a pair of snake skin shoes in every single color! Kela just beams when she tells stories about her dad.

Candice’s Dad

Donald Courcy is pictured here on Easter day, circa 1979, holding Candice’s painted Easter egg. He taught Candice how to fish, drive a car, and cook French Meat pie. He loves being a granddad. The kids call him Pepere (French for grandpa). Donald sang solos in the church choir and local choruses for years.

Caitlin’s Dad

 Wingate Downs is a well-known photographer in Athens. He was our Santa Claus at Urban Sanctuary last year and will play him again this year. Alan and Candice met Wingate originally at a Christmas party hosted at his studio, where he rode his motorcycle right into the living room -- way to make a first impression! (Notice the nunchucks in the picture?) Wingate is quite a character!

Alan's Dad

W.C. McArthur is pictured here in front of the old Urban Sanctuary building in 5 Points. Dr. McArthur worked as a researcher for the USDA and loves genealogy. During World War II, he was an instructor pilot for the Navy. Mr. McArthur is tall and handsome at 95.

Jen Berry’s Dad

Stephen Berry taught her what he knew: "how to catch a big bass with a purple worm, grill barbeque chicken second to none, to love nature, to be kind and generous, and just share what you’ve got with others whether it’s a friendly story or a kind word.” The blonde toddler pictured here is young Jen.

Layne’s Dad

Steven Lasseter - “He was sort of a renaissance man. Whether it was politics, history, music, sports, he just knew everything. He really shined when he was around kids. He was so funny and would do things other dads wouldn't; like playing ball in the house with us, and taking the blame if something broke or letting me put his hair in pigtails with ribbons and barrettes. To me, he was perfect and I miss him every single day.”

Sarah’s Dad

Christopher Gardner is pictured here hosting his very first BBW in Blue Ridge, Georgia. He made lamb, steak, and hamburgers. He is always trying new things and loves to travel.

Jennifer Bridges’ Dad

This picture of Paul Bridges was taken circa 1978 when he was a senior in high school. We love the ruffled shirt, bow tie, and sideburns. Striking!

Pumpkin: To Deep Cleanse and Heal Your Skin

We love pumpkin for faces  fall, winter, spring, and summer. The increased heat and humidity of summer make this deeply cleansing, healing facial remedy especially appropriate. Let us walk you through some skin benefits, our in-house Pumpkin Enzyme Facial, Naturopathica's Pumpkin Enzyme Peel to take home, and a great recipe for a facial in your kitchen. 

The benefits are plentiful. Pumpkin is good for all skin types. It’s gentle enough for sensitive, delicate skin yet aggressive enough for problem skin. Pumpkin enzymes produce a deep pore cleanse thorough enough to clear oily congested skin exacerbated by sticky weather. Pumpkins are packed with vitamin A, which is noted for increasing collagen production; collagen helps keep skin smooth. Zinc and Vitamin C are great reducers of scars and sun damage.

Our Pumpkin Enzyme Facial starts with a deep cleanse of the skin to rid it of surface debris and oils. Steam is applied to open up the pores, and the Pumpkin Enzyme Peel is used afterwards as an exfoliant. Post-exfoliation, extractions will remove any stubborn blackheads remaining, and a soothing mask will help close up pores, reduce inflammation, and hydrate. The mask is removed, a moisturizer applied, and the end result is radiant, silky smooth skin! Be sure to avoid sun exposure by wearing sunscreen and hats after getting a pumpkin enzyme peel – the fresh, new skin revealed by your pumpkin enzyme peel will be especially sensitive to the sun’s rays.

Our facials use a 15% strength peel formula by Naturopathica, and we carry a 3% version for at-home use. Naturopathica’s peel uses a pumpkin base in combination with additional, purified pumpkin enzymes and a trio of cinnamon bark, oregano, and rosemary to make skin super clean and de-congested.   

Esthetician Jennifer Bridges loves our Pumpkin Enzyme Facial. She shares her pumpkin enzyme peel recipe for at home:

            

                ¼ cup pureed pumpkin

                2 tablespoon organic whole milk

                1 teaspoon local honey

Directions: Combine all ingredients until they form a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer all over the face - taking care to avoid the eyes. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then remove with cold water. Follow with a gentle toner and moisturizer suited to your skin type.

We think pumpkin is a great summer go-to for congested skin. Try our facial, Naturopathica's at-home Pumpkin peel, or Jennifer's recipe and let us know how it works for you. Read more about our other facials and our facial add-ons at our website or call us at 706-613-3947.