because when I hear that phrase I instantly feel like it’s being said in an attempt to manipulate me into buying something over indulgent, that I totally do not need. Another phrase that drives me batty when coming from complete strangers? “You deserve it.” How can you possibly know if I “deserve” a mani-pedi? for all you know I spend my days door bell ditching the elderly and telling little kids that Santa isn’t real!
Luckily, I am a straight shooter, so I am not going to make any assumptions about your merit.
I am also not going to tell you to buy anything…I am going to suggest that you actually do the pampering yourself, cause it’s fun and…cause it’s free. I propose you rest your (possibly) tired bones and recharge your batteries with a:
When I first thought of this idea I wanted to get a bunch of recipes and create a total experience for you…I knew I didn’t want to do that when I kept putting it off and putting it off.
This spa night is based on the idea that you might be overstressed, overworked or otherwise just need some rejuvenating …if that’s the case I doubt you have the time or the energy to concoct a bathroom full of supplies (we will save that for a spa day for you and the ladies)
I made this SO EASY that you can (as I did) without much prep at all, do it at midnight, for some of us it will be the only (or the best) time to get a moment to yourself free of your daily stresses.
Here’s is what I did that honestly made me feel amazing! (and I don’t use that word lightly!)
I added lavender and coconut oil to mine but if you don’t have those you can always use:
bended up rolled oats
Milk
olive or almond oil
or any other moisturizing and calming bath treatment you know of.
I am usually a no fuss no muss kinda girl but I found taking a tiny bit of time to
really did make it more relaxing.
Candles: I thought some tea lights would be perfect but since I didn’t have any on hand I downloaded a candle app on my iphone (i’m sure droids have them too)
The one on the right cost 99 cents and worked.
the one on the left was free and didn’t. (go figure)
Music: No relaxing music on my playlist so I hit pandora up for some…
Once I was in the bath I really focused on my breathing, relaxed and exfoliated.
When I felt fully content with my bath I cuddled up in a warm bathrobe (I had it waiting for me in the dryer)
On the couch i had already set up a little “station” for myself including:
A tall glass of water
a cozy blanket
a book (I’m reading Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls)
( If you’re not a reader-although I am assuming you are if you have made it this far in a very wordy blog post-have a romantic comedy or an uplifting movie waiting for you. No laptops or channel surfing tonight!)
a snack (fruit perhaps?)
and your favorite lotion or body oil.
Now massage your face and body as with the lotion and let your completly relaxed body enjoy a nice chapter or two before you fall asleep.
Oh girl, I don’t know how you stay up that late! 6 am comes wayyy too early for me
Aaah you’re the BEST! Thank you for this, I will save this idea for when I truly need it.
This sounds aaaammaaazing! & simple…because you know, I just love those spa ideas that take a day & a half to prep for! HAHA!!
I agree, it’s a pretty perfect way to end a day after I put my kids to bed. I probably don’t do it with enough regularity. Thanks for the reminder!
Wow. I am going to plan a date for my self. I have all that on hand. Its such an easy concept yet i never thought of it myself. Probably because most of us feel we don’t deserve the indulgence. Which is so silly. If we the mommies and hard working women of the world are happy and content then we can do a better job. I am going through menopause and sometimes do not sleep well. I will do this next time I am having a hard time sleeping. Thanks!
This sounds like such a lovely evening, I think that I might have to take the time out this weekend to do something like this! xxx
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This just sounds lovely. I like that you thought to have a POST bath activity planned, you’re right NOT channel surfing or the web, an uplifting book or movie.
Elizabethtown and hot tea here I come! (I love that movie, watched for the first time in YEARS about a month ago and I think it needs to be a monthly occurence in 2013- I watched it almost daily in college and magically, I was the happiest I’ve ever been in college!)
This was a much needed idea for myself right now. Thank you so much! What pandora station did you search for? Just a general relaxation one? Thanks lady!!!!
Thank you thank you dear Cara for your amazing tips! I love to relax with candles, but this app is cool
Enya… I will listen to her songs=)
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How on EARTH do you read a book in the tub without ruining it? I’m nervous to try it with any of my books, though the idea of it sounds so perfect.
Books in the bath are the best! You’ve got to prop your elbows up on your hips…or something like that.
Sadly, my bathroom is a horrid hole, so I cannot relax there at all and try to get in and out as fast as I can. Thank god we will be moving (again) this year, and then I will come back to this. Till substitute it with a shower and a movie. Love Actually, anyone?
Darling,
I love your posts!!! This one is awesome. We must never forget to take time for ourselves and pampering!! Enya’s music solves anything.
xxo Jenna @ Demure in Diamonds {dot} com
Hilarious. I love all things financial and look for books at the library whenever I’m there. Picked one up that said, “Build the Wealth You Deserve” and promptly put it down. Couldn’t figure why at first but then realized I too HATE the word “deserve” when it comes to things like that. Decided as I drove home that we may want a lot of things, but none of us deserves much….except love. I think everyone deserves to be loved.
Love your blog. And I confess it sort of feels like Christmas whenever I see a new post. No pressure or anything.
You’ve inspired me! Doing the bath tonight for sure! Now… I know I speak for every one of your devoted followers when I say “PLEASE do another makeup/hair video tutorial soon!!!” Pretty please
It’s been a while and I’m sure you’re crazy busy, but just know we’re excited for the next one 
Take care!
Katie
Sounds wonderful. I use to take warm baths in the winter all the time. I am sad to say that our new home doesn’t have a bath. The elderly couple who lived here before cut it out to make only a shower. It was the one thing that made me hesitate on buying this home. Really, it is a well maintained, nice house. But I sure do miss a bath now and again.
I’ve been known to indulge in some home remedies as well! You HAVE to go buy some tea lights though. iPhone apps just don’t do the real thing justice!
Make a video of this!!!(:
Okay, so I am totally blaming you for the reason I failed my finals. I am constantly faced with this tough decision to either study chemistry, or read your blog back to 2009. The blog usually wins….actually, it always wins. I am constantly logging on crossing my fingers and the page loads that you updated. I just adore you! You crack me up! Thanks so much for all your posts. You are so talented and adorable!
love this idea! with all of the homework i have right now i neeeed it