If there's one thing I learned from 2017, it's that self-care is a top priority. I used to think that taking time for a home spa day needed a long dedicated block of time, this is simply not true! All you need is 15-20 minutes of (semi) uninterrupted time and the right tools. Here are a few of my favorite home spa and relaxation tips to help make 2018 the year of self-care:
Urban Oreganics Facial Mask
Made from 100% organic ingredients, Urban Oreganics facial masks are my go-to spa treatment if I need a quick "me" time. Her masks come in a dry form to avoid preservatives, mold and bacteria. This also allows you to add another element into your face mask experience! You can simply mix your mask with water, or you can use your favorite toner or brew your favorite tea (peppermint is my favorite!) and use that as the base for your mask. I leave mine on for 15 minutes, making the process beginning to end no longer than 20 minutes.
A Good Book + Bath
Over the past couple years I've found the power of a good book to be a great escape. Couple this with a bath & your favorite candle and you're in self-care heaven. We've recently launched our Spoil Me Set which is perfect for self-care! It's complete with Black Vanilla Urban Oreganics bath salts (100% natural - made with pink Himalayan salt, black lava salt, vanilla rooibos tea and vanilla essential oils), a complimenting Black Amber candle and a gusseted Barnacle Designs cosmetic bag. Stumped on a good book to read? Here are a few of my favorites as of late: The Little Paris Bookshop, Outlander, Just One Damned Thing After Another (watch out, this is a series of 8 and you'll get sucked in!) and Me Before You + Me After you (if you haven't read the sequel, you must!).
Give Yourself a Home Pedicure
Going to the salon is fabulous, but sometimes there's not enough time in the day. Giving yourself a home mani/pedi is a lot easier than you think! A few years back I bought a "home spa foot soak." It works wonders, but is not totally necessary. As long as you have a tub large enough to soak your feet, you're good to go. Just simply warm water to your desired temp, add it to whatever vessel you're using, add essential oils and/or bath salts and start soaking! Pamper yourself and help a great cause by using Portland based Claws Out Nail Polish . The color above, Uterus, gives 20% of all profits go to Planned Parenthood.
Ultimately, no one will make time for you, but you. You have to be your own advocate and carve out little moments for yourself throughout the day. Whether it's taking a 15 minute walk, waking up a 30 minutes early to enjoy your favorite book (with your favorite candle burning, of course) or indulging in one of the self-care ideas above, be good to yourself this year! You'll thank yourself for it. Here's to a year full of self-care and relaxation!