Although crazy, exciting and bursting with joy, Christmas can be a really stressful time. And by really I mean really really. Last-minute scrambles in charity shops for gifts to present to loved ones the very next morn, burning parsnips and Brussels sprouts and ovens exploding in billows of steam. And that's only a little bit of an exaggeration. One of the most comforting feelings in the world is being able to sink into a hot bath brimming with bubbles and wash away the grime, sweat and stress of the day. If you're ready to kick-start 2K16 on a high just keep reading. Enjoy!
music
There is food to feed your body, books to grow your mind and music to nourish your soul. Cheesy, I know, but it's very, very true. If I could have a soundtrack in the background of my everyday life I would - music is one of the things that can cheer me up on any rainy day. Put together a playlist on your phone of all of your favourite toons and let it play as you sink lower into the cauldron of bubbles that is your bath. One song I've been chilling with during the holidays is 'Magnets' by Disclosure ft. Lorde. It's kind of unsettling but it has really classy vibes and I absolutely love it.
skincare
Take this as the perfect opportunity to pamper your skin with all the sweet loving it needs (ie it's time to whip out those face masks, spells and potions and lather them on without fear!). I personally love to use coconut oil as a makeup remover and moisturizer for both my face and body because not only does it smell like heaven, it's 100% natural and has so many benefits for your complexion! Some other bits n bobs I've been experimenting with recently are the Shiseido (please don't ask me to pronounce that) Hydro-Nourishing Softener moisturizer and Eye-Soother eye cream as well as a rich clay face mask from Argiletz (yeah, I can't say that without stumbling either), all of which work wonders at cleaning and strengthening your skin.
diy mani-pedi
What could be more fun than messing around with miniature bottles filled with all the colours of the rainbow? Start by gently warming a small bowl of olive/coconut oil and dipping your fingertips in it for 5 - 10 minutes. This will soften your cuticles and any tough skin around the nail bed, making it easier for you to push it back. Next, take a damp, heated cloth and begin softly massaging your hands with it before going on to push back any dead skin and clean underneath the nails. Clip, cut and file, and you're ready to apply the first coat of polish (I prefer to spread a clear base coat on first, but that step isn't vital). Finish off by topping your freshly-painted nails with a glistening top coat and you're ready to rumble!
bath bombs/ salts
Throw 'em in your bath and watch the magic happen.
