After a rough day or job well done, I like to reward myself with peace of mind. With all the emotions a woman experiences (pleasurable or painful), life can be very draining spiritually and physically. In society today, we all deal with different levels of stress. We all deserve an outlet (not a shopping outlet) for these feelings to transcend into peace, within a serene environment. With the recessionary shopping season, retail therapy doesn’t always help. Drawing yourself a nice warm bath is the best way to do so.

In order to achieve an ideal amount of relaxation, have the right bath products to make your bath the ultimate experience.

1. Bath Pillow/Headrest: make sure your head rests on a cushion as you lay down in your tub (the more comfortable you are, the more time you will spend in your bath)
2. Bath Bubbles: scented or non-scented bubbles are an important ingredient for your bath (choose active ingredients that will not irritate your skin)
3. Bath Salts: salts are often used to improve cleaning in your tub (bath salts mimic the properties of hot springs or natural mineral baths)
4. Loofah/Sponge: using a bath loofah or sponge to scrub off dead skin cells will make your skin more smooth (do not hesitate to simply use a washcloth/face towel which is not as abrasive)
5. Candles: lit candles create a romantic or relaxing setting
6. Essential oils: using oils such as lavender or aloe vera provide aromatherapy which is purposeful and calming
7. Good book: taking some time to read a book helps to stimulate your brain and keep your mind off external factors
8. Glass of wine: a glass of good wine or water will satisfy your taste buds during your bath time
9. Fluffy towel: drying off with a soft cloth keeps you comfy and cozy
10. Body lotion: applying a creamy lotion with moisturizing properties helps keep your skin hydrated and refreshed

Now that I have my chosen bath products to create my tranquil setting, I just need time to seclude myself from this hectic world. Putting yourself in solitude with a bathtub experience is definitely a splash of heaven!

Now, if I only had my fairytale bathtub, I could live happily ever after.

Image Source: calfinder.com, 1.bp.blogspot.com

The Perfect Bath Experience

We all can admire Coco Chanel: the tweed suits, quilted bags, oversize glasses, and even the movie (not the Lifetime movie…the one that was actually in the theater)! Let’s not forget about Chanel’s cosmetics. Chanel has been known to develop a cosmetics line that accentuates your features with neutral tones. Chanel’s cosmetic lines have always been a quality mineral base of color for our skin. Besides the sleek packaging, this brand has always been a quality product and favorite of makeup professionals. They don’t create an edgy look; rather, these cosmetics create a classic impression. Take a look at Chanel’s new Spring Collection for 2010:

This new 19 pc. collection was created for the Spring 2010 cosmetics line. This immaculate collection should be available now at Nordstrom’s or Sak’s Fifth Ave. With neutrals, pinks, warm browns, and beige, these colors are ever so subtle, and they flatter most skin colors. Eye makeup ranges from brown tones in a quad color palette, to iridescent and soft touch eyeshadows (the difference results in shimmery and matte effects). With plums and mauve colors for lips and cheeks. This beautiful neutral ensemble completes the new spring look: bushy eyebrows and lighter hair tones. Face, cheeks eyes, lips, and nails: the new year brings us a newer fresher face. Now get some rest!

Image Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

chanel

I just had a refreshing revelation when I was running out of my body wash in the shower. After squeezing the wash like a stubborn ketchup bottle and with complete frustration, I questioned my choice of cleanser: body soap vs. body wash. I ended up reaching to the neglected shelf in my shower and made use of the decorative soap bar, which wasn’t quite effective as the luxurious wash I had. Having the option to use both, I preferred the latter (the lather).

Body wash is packaged in a container, unlike soap tablets which can stick and slip in the shower. The pump or squeeze action allows you to get as much wash as needed, and you don’t have to worry about a sticky buildup on your skin. It is resealable and more hygienic than soap bars (they create a filmy residue that has to be washed off thoroughly, wasting the soap). Also, the moisturizing properties in a wash seem most effective in liquid form and creates a good soapy lather. This makes it easy to apply on the body, or with a loofah or body sponge. Overall, using a body wash seems to be most practical and effective. You can always buy liquid refills, and you can even make a personal bodywash recipe of your own.

How to make your own body wash:

1. Get an unscented shampoo or liquid soap base
2. Gather essential oils (i.e. lavendar, vanilla, rosemary, peppermint, jasmine, etc.) to add scent and color (make sure ingrediants are not irritable to your skin)
3. Use natural moisturizing agents such as shea butter, olive oil, or aloe vera (add enough to create a desired texture)
4. Drop 20-30 drops of essential oils (depending on size of soap base) and mix
5. Pour into a ornamental bottle, and add character to your shower space (make enough for your friends)

Image Source: static.howstuffworks.com

Body Wash