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With life’s fast pace and so much on our minds, it’s easy to overlook our body’s largest organ — our skin. Skin not only protects our internal systems but also regulates body temperature and prevents dehydration. Most importantly, it filters harmful microorganisms and environmental pollutants. Yet so many of us fail to give our skin the care it deserves, or worse, we use the most basic products that take more than they give. Establishing a simple, natural skincare routine is one of the best ways to maintain its health and appearance. Clinical research from 2023 and 2024 has emphasized the benefits of daily skin care, proving that a solid routine using natural ingredients isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling good and protecting your body’s most important shield. Step 1: Cleanse with a Cleanser or Soap The first step in an effective skincare routine is cleansing, as this removes dirt, oil, and any pollutants accumulated on your skin throughout the day. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, cleansing is essential for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier against environmental stressors, which accelerate the aging process and contribute to various skin conditions. Common soaps strip your skin of its inherent oils, leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. If you prefer bar soaps, reach for a mild pH option like ROWAN’s Goat Milk Soap; goat milk closely matches our own skin’s pH, helping nutrients absorb easily through our pores. Gel-based cleansers, like our Face + Body Daily Cleanser, are great all-purpose formulas that gently remove impurities. If you deal with inflammation issues or rashes, a cream-based option like our Sage + Shea Soothing Cleanser can calm irritated skin while cleaning the surface. Cleansing twice a day — in the morning and before bed — is crucial to keeping your pores open, which can prevent acne, irritation, and dullness. Step 2: Apply Face Serums Face serums, concentrated formulas packed with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and peptides that target specific skin concerns, should be applied on clean skin. A study published in Dermatologic Therapy in 2024 emphasized the significant benefits of using face serums in addressing issues such as sun damage, fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven texture. ROWAN Vitamin C Serum brightens your skin’s appearance by reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while the hyaluronic acid in our Pro-Repair Serum promotes hydration, ensuring plump, resilient skin. Serums penetrate deeper layers of the skin than moisturizers, delivering nutrients where they are needed most. When choosing a serum, it’s important to select one that suits your skin type and specific concerns — whether it’s texture, hydration, or even reversing sun damage. Step 3: Eye Treatments The skin around your eyes is more delicate than the rest of your face, making it particularly vulnerable to time and environmental damage. As we age, it becomes thinner and loses elasticity, contributing to the formation of dark circles and crow’s feet. Consistent use of treatments containing ingredients like retinol, peptides, and caffeine can reduce the appearance of puffiness, fine lines, and darkening. Our Eye Corrector is formulated to be lighter weight and gentler, specifically for the sensitive skin around your eyes, while keeping it bright and smooth. Step 4: Moisturize After applying your serums and eye treatments, it’s time to lock in hydration. Using a good moisturizer restores your skin’s water and oil balance, reinforcing the skin barrier. Maintaining a healthy moisture level helps prevent skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and premature aging. A well-moisturized face not only looks smoother, but it also functions better as your skin’s first line of defense. Opt for a moisturizer that suits your skin type: for excessively oily skin, gel-based products can hydrate without feeling heavy, while thicker creams are ideal for dry or mature skin types. In either case, ensure your moisturizer contains ingredients that enhance the skin’s barrier function, such as ceramides or fatty acids. Step 5: Sunscreen with 50SPF Lastly, no morning skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. In fact, sun exposure is the leading cause of premature signs of aging, like wrinkles, dark spots, and a breakdown of collagen. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can also increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 50SPF offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays, preventing sun damage that accelerates aging. You should apply sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days or indoors near windows, to safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Not only does sunscreen protect your skin’s health, but it helps maintain an even complexion and elasticity. Why Taking Care of Your Skin Matters Caring for your skin is about more than just beauty — it’s a form of self-care and protection. Your skin serves as your body’s first defense against the outside world. By following a simple routine of cleansing, serums, and moisturizing with natural ingredients, you can nurture your skin and protect your health. ROWAN only uses non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients, creating effective skincare that doesn't compromise your health or your values.

Temperatures are on the rise, and now is the time to upgrade your scent wardrobe with fragrances that capture the essence of summer. Whether you’re drawn to crisp greens, breezy white florals, or sun-soaked tropical notes, the right scent can elevate your mood. We’ve curated 10 robust, long-lasting summer fragrances that smell incredible and embody the spirit of sunshine, sea, and spontaneous adventures. xo David BEACH FLORAL | Quattro Pizzi by Casamorati - The sweet yet spicy rum, davana and pink pepper notes are quickly replaced with the sensual partnership of white florals and coconut. FRUIT | No 4 Neon by Thomas Kosmala - Notes of pomelo, yuzu and mandarin orange evolve into mango that stays with you throughout the day for a refreshing scent. GOURMAND | Italica by Casamorati - Crafted to capture the timeless allure of Italy, offering a blend of creamy sandalwood and gourmand vanilla, almond and delectable toffee. AQUATIC | Salted Muse by Orebella - A vibrant, alcohol-free fragrance of sea salt and pink pepper plus an olive tree accord and lavender twist at the heart, finished with a dynamic association of woods and crisp amber. SWEET FLORAL | Erba Pura by Xerjoff - Although it opens with citrus top notes like Sicilian orange and Calabrian bergamot, the heart is a juicy fusion of sweet fruits and amber warmth. TROPICAL | Coco Vanille by Mancera - Opening with a beguiling blend of sparkling coconut and sweet peach, the dry down transitions to soft floral notes like rich ylang-ylang and creamy Tahitian tiare flower mixed with warm vanilla. CLEAN FLORAL | Florence by Tocca - Top notes of crisp green apple, juicy white pear, citrus bergamot and green grapefruit leaf introduce the scent, while luxurious gardenia, tuberose, and iris provide a lasting scent profile. GREEN | Born in Roma Green Extravaganza by Valentino - A green fragrance that leads with an extravagant lapsang souchong tea accord, drying down to bright, crisp jasmine absolute and vanilla extract. FRESH | Naxos by Xerjoff - A tantalizing blend of bergamot and lemon infused with lavender gives way to subtle earthy flavors of tobacco, tonka bean, and a touch of vanilla, creating a modern barbershop scent. WOODY | Santal 33 by Le Labo - The sweet, smoky scent of cardamom mixes with the warm, earthy notes of amber, iris and violet before seductive cedar, sandalwood, papyrus, and leather notes emerge in the dry down.

Shrimp Spaghetti in Pomodoro Sauce by Chef Renan Campelo (IG @renancampelo ) Ingredients 1lb Rummo Italian No2 Spaghetti 24oz Terlato Kitchen Pomodoro Sauce 2lbs fresh shrimp La Boite Rosemary, Sage, Black Pepper 1 medium onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic, sliced 3.5oz black olives Instructions Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions Season the shrimp with olive oil, black pepper, herbs, salt and garlic; sauté on both sides over high heat and set aside In the same pan, sauté the diced onion and sliced garlic; add herbs, jar of pomodoro sauce, and 2 ladles of the pasta cooking water then let simmer for 2 minutes over medium heat Add cooked shrimp and salt to taste Toss the spaghetti with shrimp in the sauce and serve hot. Watch Chef Renan Campelo cook this recipe

Peach Basil Caprese Salad by Abby Lanesky (IG @lunchwithlily ) Ingredients Fresh mozzarella cheese 1 fresh peach Fresh basil Kensington Black Garlic Balsamic Vinegar Nate's Nectar Buzzin Hot Honey Instructions Cut fresh mozzarella into thick slices Wash and cut fresh peach into thin slices; add to mozzarella Tear fresh basil leaves and add to top of peaches Drizzle each serving with garlic balsamic vinegar Drizzle each serving with hot honey and serve. Watch Abby Lanesky make this recipe

Honey Rosemary Focaccia by Elisa Reeves (IG @vermont_comfort_food ) Ingredients 2 3/4 cup bread flour 1 tablespoon yeast 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons Nate's Nectar Lemon Creamed Honey 1/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt 1 tablespoon Hongar Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil La Boite Rosemary Instructions Mix bread flour, yeast, salt, yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of lemon creamed honey in a bowl with enough warm water to create a shaggy dough Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and shiny Place dough back into an oiled bowl, cover and let sit for about an hour, until dough doubles in size; p reheat oven to 425 Place dough on an oiled baking sheet; press dimples into the top with fingers then drizzle olive oil and rosemary; let rest about 20 minutes Bake about 25 minutes until golden brown then serve with the other tablespoon of lemon creamed honey. Watch Elisa Reeves make this recipe

Avocado Toast 2.0 by Abby Lanesky (IG @lunchwithlily ) Ingredients Sourdough bread Whipped cream cheese Avocado Sundried tomatoes Everything Bagel seasoning Nate's Nectar Buzzin Hot Honey Instructions Cut fresh sourdough bread into thick slices and toast Spread whipped cream cheese to toast Spread avocado on the cream cheese Place sundried tomatoes on the avocado Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning and drizzle hot honey on top.

Lemon Caper Orzo is a Mediterranean staple. While this recipe may sound like orzo you’ve tried before, the fresh ingredients, small batch olive oil, and the option to serve with smoked honey make this version a delicious must-try. Ingredients 1 cup Rummo No.27 orzo 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 lemons 2 tbsp capers 1 tsp Hongar Farms Extra Virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp ground fresh pepper 1 tsp Nate’s Nectar Smoked Honey (optional) Instructions Prep the ingredients by finely chopping your parsley leaves and discard the stems, slicing 2 lemons and grinding black pepper corns Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan (adding salt at this stage will bring the water to a boil faster) Add the orzo and, if not previously added to the water, the salt Boil for 10-12 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently Drain excess water, leaving no more than 1/3 cup Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, capers, olive oil and pepper to the orzo. Let stand for 2mins until sauce thickens, then serve with a light drizzling of smoked honey

As the winter weather thaws, we're looking forward to refreshing our space. This season, we're inspired by the hearty herb garden and the ease of spring dining. Whether we're sprucing up our walls with a fresh coat or adding a seasonal color to our entertaining arsenal, choose colors that feel plucked right from the garden. xo David

2024 is in full-swing and maybe you're already feeling the pressure: you're back to work after the holidays and that means juggling all the competing priorities on your list. The first step to living with intention and contentment is to clean the slate -- clear the clutter and learn to live with less. Here are the strategies I'm using right now to reset for the new year. The Miss-It Test Start by removing items you're unsure about from an area, but don't throw them away: put them in a box or otherwise out of sight for 14 days. Set a reminder on your phone to check in after 2 weeks. Did you need or miss any of the items? If not, discard or donate. Assess Value Sometimes emotional attachments keep us holding on to things. It's not easy, but remember -- it's just an object, and the real emotion lives in the memory of making or receiving it. Slow living is about cherishing those memories without carrying the weight of the object. Be objective and assess items' true value: is it functional and in good condition? does it add joy or beauty? does it have value somewhere else? Eliminate Dupes Duplicate items can easily be contagious, but you don't need multiples of anything. Keep the best quality version and donate the rest. Quality Over Quantity It's an age-old adage for a reason. Invest in high-quality things that will withstand the test of time and not lose their luster. This applies to items in your home, as well as worries, friends, etc. Start Slow Finally, don't try to boil the ocean. Start with one closet or one room, and systematically work your way to more simplified spaces. Remember, replacing the hustle of work or family life with a frenzied purge isn't "slow living" -- it's a recipe for stress. xo David

I hope you're as excited about 2024 as I am. No doubt there's a lot going on for each of us, a lot competing for our attention. Our solution to making this year one of focus and purpose: slow living. Slow living is a philosophy emphasizing the importance of simplifying your home and life so you can be more present. It's a way to make conscious decisions on how to spend your time, live with intention, and value quality over quantity. Our new weekly blog, The Essentials, is a quick and easily digestible way for us to share suggestions for the minimalist, slow living lifestyle The Commonwealth represents. Covering a variety of living, wellness, and home design topics, each post will be a 2-minute read -- short, direct, and valuable. I'm looking forward to spending a short time with you each week, sharing insights from a variety of sources on slowing down and living a holistic life with intention. xo David