The holidays are here! Which means life can be a bit (a lot) chaotic. When I’m feeling like there are a million balls in the air and my mind is all over the place, sticking to my habits and rituals that bring me peace and clarity is my top priority. It’s not selfish, it’s self-care. And it’s important for us to prioritize these things so that we can be more present in our lives and better enjoy and appreciate the magic of this season – because it is magical! When I need some grounding, my go-to’s are meditating, journaling, moving my body through exercise or just a long walk with my dog, taking my vitamins, and a good, loooong bath. I don’t know what it is about soaking in hot water, but it really calms both my body and mind.
There are few things I love more than a luxurious long soak. And while I think a large free-standing bathtub is the epitome of luxury (even better if it’s outdoors), you can make any bath feel luxurious and relaxing with a few thoughtful touches. Here is what I use to create a serene vibe and luxurious experience during bath time.
Dim lighting and candles instantly elevate any atmosphere, and this mint-scented Cire Trudon candle is my favorite. I’m also a huge fan of the Fornasetti scents and containers – and you can reuse them afterward to hold cotton pads, q-tips, contacts, etc. I think it’s safe to say I’ve been addicted to baths for the last 2ish years (coinciding with the onset of the pandemic… not a coincidence) so I’ve tried almost every bath salt out there and below are my favorites. My non-negotiable is clean ingredients but also an amazing smell, so you can be assured that the ones I’ve shared below contain only clean ingredients you can feel comfortable soaking in. Something I’ve recently added to my bath routine that has made a big difference in the whole experience is a towel robe. I had been on the hunt for the perfect robe for a long time, and I finally found it in this one from LAKE Pajamas. It’s the perfect thickness, very absorbent and ultra-soft, and the details – blue striped cuffs and sewn-in belt – make it really special and a joy to put on. Another new addition is bath oil. In the past, I’ve been exclusively all about the bath salts, but in the last two weeks I’ve added bath oil in addition to my bath salts – and what a difference it makes in my skin! Just a few small drops leave my skin feeling silky smooth and ultra-hydrated.
One last note – I think it’s really important to purchase things thoughtfully and which bring you joy when using them. Because when you have beautiful products that you love, it transforms any mundane, daily task into an elevated experience that you look forward to and brings you happiness – which creates a more beautiful life overall since our daily tasks and routines make up the majority of our life. Pulling on my soft, beautifully designed robe, the smell of my favorite bath salts as I pour them into the hot water, lighting a gorgeous candle I can later reuse as storage, and pouring in my bath oil that comes in a glass jar with a dried flower inside – the routine of having a bath is an elevated, elegant ritual that I really look forward to, and everything about it makes me happy and calm. And of course, you don’t have to spend money to make everyday routines beautiful. Little touches like playing some music, tidying up, and adjusting the lighting can add up and do wonders to transform a mundane routine into a beautiful ritual.
