Bath Shower Today: Search results for favorite beauty treatments

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Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Stop the Stress: 15 Real People Share Their Go-To Relaxation Methods

Read article : Stop the Stress: 15 Real People Share Their Go-To Relaxation Methods

At the end of a long, stressful day, what do you most look forward to? Everyone has a different way of unwinding—for some people it's plopping down on the couch to watch their favorite show on Netflix, for others, it's going to the gym or taking a long hot shower. There's pretty much no limit to how you can relax and de-stress.

We asked people to tell us their favorite ways to relax, so if you don't have a go-to self-care method, one of these ideas is sure to inspire you.

App-Guided Meditation:

"There are so many options on relaxing that I go to—yoga with my favorite instructors at Equinox (followed by a sauna session), booking an appointment at Drybar, sipping coffee at Kahve in Hell's Kitchen...but my absolutely favorite is meditation! My coworker turned me on to it with the app Insight Timer, and it is absolutely the best thing. After only a few weeks, I feel lighter, more productive, and dare I say happier! It REALLY works—I recommend guided mediation if you're a newbie, but any kind of meditation is good I think."

— Antonia in Manhattan, NY

Crocheting and Knitting:

"I've always crocheted, and learned to knit several years ago. It's how I unwind and release stress and tension built up during the day. It's a sort of meditation for me....I block out the world and concentrate on counting stitches and the movement of my hands. A lot of people are still alive because I crochet and knit."

— Christine in Orange, CA

Watching Weird YouTube Videos:

"Lately I've been totally obsessed with watching people cut open squishy toys on Youtube—that and the people who make slime. It's so relaxing! Or people who make miniature sized foods."

—Abby in Camden, ME

Cooking a Grandparent-Approved Dinner:

"A few years ago I found myself in a food dessert in Omaha—there were no real grocery stores anywhere near, so putting together dinner became incredibly stressful. I have since moved back to my home city of Minneapolis, where there are many great grocery stores very close, and as a result the act of making dinner has become weirdly soothing to me after work. I've especially been exploring recipes from Eastern Europe—where my grandparents came from—so making dinner has become a little adventure, in that I am sort of traveling through time, to my grandparents dinner tables, and space, to Russia or Belarus or Ukraine. It's a great way to take my mind off the day of work and get ready to settle in for the evening."

— Max in Minneapolis, MN

Music, Coloring Books and Phone Calls:

I've had Fibromyalgia since I was 16, so my process of unwinding/relaxing is crucial—but it also varies each day. What I do: Listen to my favorite musicians that either calm me or just make me happy (i.e. The Lumineers, Sam Cooke, Mumford & Sons, Jack Johnson, etc.). Adult coloring books have recently become one of my favorite ways to unwind after a busy day—I just lay on my bed and get to coloring and after an hour or so I actually feel more relaxed and less stressed after a hectic work day.

I'll also go for a walk—after 7 or 8pm, when it gets a bit more quiet and less busy outside my building. I just put my headphones in and take a casual walk around the block—or a few blocks—and sometimes that's all I need to unwind. Or, I'll take a long shower with music playing on my speakers—sometimes the best way to relax is a nice hot shower and (badly) singing along to my favorite songs. On really bad days I like to give my boyfriend and/or my parents a call. Hearing their voices and positive words after an especially trying day works wonders for me and distracts me from whatever was stressing me out earlier in the day."

— Lisa in Manhattan, NY

A Playlist and a Hoverboard:

"After an especially long day I like to grab my hoverboard (which I have actually never taken outside) and roam around my home with a specialized playlist I entitled, 'Entrance Music.' It's a fun way to unwind, and whenever I have company over it turns into something pretty entertaining and fun."

—CJin Los Angeles, CA

Walking in the Park:

"Long walks usually work for me, especially near water or in a park. Prospect Park is great for this."

—Aura in Brooklyn, NY

Going for a Swim:

"Almost every evening, I head to my health club and unwind by swimming laps and doing aqua-calisthenics in the swimming pool, followed by a relaxing hot soak in the jacuzzi. Swimming is great exercise and also a bit of a social gathering as I tend to see the same 'gym friends' each day, and we catch up on our lives in the hot tub as the jets are massaging our tense muscles. Afterwards, I may go into the steam room or sauna and indulge in a bit of beauty treatments—facials, applying hair conditioner, exfoliation and lots of moisturizer. I leave rejuvenated and glowing!

— Samuella in Manhattan, NY

Taking a Hot Bath:

"Taking a nice long hot bath in a dark room with candles is by far the best way I personal relax. A bath is so important for my mental health that when apartment searching it is pretty much my only requirement. Besides the benefits of muscle relaxation and scented candles, I believe a bath is extra helpful since it requires me to unplug from all electronics and actually take some 'me' time."

— Brittany in Miami, FL

Enjoying the View:

"I actually call it Sonia time. I turn off the tv and look out the window (I have a great view) and take in deep breaths and exhale while sitting there and staring out. Sometimes there maybe wine. Sometimes soft spa music. It makes me feel like I'm away somewhere else. I just sit and look. I'm on the 32nd floor and have a lake view on one side and a city view on the other. If I'm looking out at the city I'm enjoying that I'm not busy compared to those people on their way somewhere—for the water side it's just pure calm."

— Sonia in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Going Window Shopping:

"I find time to relax by window shopping at local antiques and thrift stores. It is retail therapy without the costs. The shops are a few blocks from my home office so I take about an hour shop and stroll to get away from my computer to recharge. Not mention I get to burn a few calories and catch up with my neighbors."

— Michiel in Walterboro, SC

Going for a Drive:

"Personally, I like to take a long drive, with no objective other than to see new things and listen to music. Otherwise, a glass of wine and my best friend are basically the antidote to any stressful day."

— Brianna in Lancaster, PA

Practicing Tai Chi:

"I am a big fan of Tai Chi, but I also do water aerobics, massage, acupuncture, knitting, reading, hanging out with friends, and watching TV to de-stress. I started learning Tai Chi about 12 years ago and have gotten progressively addicted over the years. I now know the choreography of 2 different forms and I absolutely love it. It is a way to both relax and focus. I even guest teach when the regular backup cannot be there. I have met great people, it has helped my balance, improved my bone density and helped calm my mind. I just love it."

— Paige in Cambridge, MA

Studying Ballet:

"I'm an amateur ballet dancer. I danced in my youth and took it up again despite having limited time due to having a career and family. Every week I have a private dance lesson with a teacher who is devoted to my goal to improve my technique. I get a wonderful workout, I engage in creative expression, and I leave every class feeling physically and mentally recharged."

— Ebonee in Washington, D.C.

Playing Video Games:

"Putting in so many hours as an entrepreneur, you can bet relaxation is hard to come by. However, one of the things I do to try and calm myself is play video games. Whether it's a game on my PS4 or a game on my iPhone, I try to take a couple breaks throughout the day to turn my brain off and play video games. It helps me escape temporarily from the pressures of the day."

—Chris in Houston, TX

Now it's your turn: What's your favorite way to unwind?

Saturday, February 17, 2018

How to Take the Best Bath Possible

Read article : How to Take the Best Bath Possible

Taking a bath is not about getting clean—that’s what showers are for. Baths are about calming your troubled mind and soothing your aches and pains, both physical and emotional. As a highly sensitive person, I find baths to be necessary, and I’ve gotten very good at them.

This isn’t to say that baths can’t be cleansing in their own way, especially the steamier ones, but removing dirt is not your goal in the tub. (Plus, if you do remove a lot of dirt while in the tub, you’ll just end up sitting in a body of dirty water. If your goal is to sit in a body of dirty water, I suggest a lake.)

Anyway. Taking a good bath isn’t as easy as filling the tub and hopping in. Plans must be made. Moods must be set. Playlists must be curated. Learn from me, my children. Follow my bath-time plan and reap the most restorative benefits.

Step 1: Clean Your Bathroom

It’s hard to relax in disordered, dirty surroundings, so take a few minutes to straighten up, wipe everything down, and maybe shake out your bath mat and give the floor a quick sweep, as there is nothing worse than emerging from the tub, all blissed out, only to have your joy stolen by the feeling of grit and hair sticking to your feet.

I’m not saying you scrub every tile and little line of grout, but give the tub a quick spray of all-purpose cleaner, wipe up any grody spots, and rinse it well. If your bathroom is in need of a deep clean anyway, go ahead and do that, then reward yourself with a very nice bath. (Honestly, my love of baths and bathing is what motivates me to keep my bathroom pretty clean.)

Step #2: Decide What Kind of Bath You Want to Have

The baths I take can be divided into four categories: physically pain-relieving, beautifying, pre-date, and I’m-going-to-murder-the-world-if-don’t-chill-out. Each one requires slightly different strategies and supplies.

The Pain-Relieving Bath

This is the bath to take if you have aches and pains from working out or—in my case—picking up your dog weird, because I’m old now, and never work out my core. This bath requires Epsom salts, an adult beverage, a cold glass of water, maybe a cold compress, and the hottest water you can stand. I’m a big fan of Dr. Teal’s Epsom salts because they’re cheap (so you don’t feel like you have to ration them) and come in a wide range of excellent smells. I like the Ginger & Clay, but there’s even one for manly men, because sometimes masculinity is just too fragile.

If your pain is anywhere but your head, put on some Netflix or a good playlist (more on that in a moment), making sure it’s something that will keep you in the tub for a while, so that you may reap the maximum amount of restorative benefits. If your pain is in your head, dim the lights, and put a cold, damp rag on your forehead or over your eyes.

The Beautifying Bath

This bath is slightly less relaxing than the others, but still soothing in its own way. The treatments you use will vary, depending on your skin type, but I recommend choosing one for your body and one for your face. A face mask is an obvious choice, and I cannot recommend the TONYMOLY sheet masks enough. Not only do they have one for every single type of skin concern you can conceive of, but they’re easy to put on, cheap, and require no scrubbing afterwards. In fact, the serum they leave behind isn’t meant to be removed at all; just gently massage it into your skin.

For body treatments, epsom salts are once again a good option, but I’m a fan of a moisturizing bath bomb or melt, usually from Lush. If you wish to exfoliate, however, get yourself some viscose. I have a Baiden Mitten, but apparently Korean Italy Towels work just as well and are much much cheaper. To use either one of these scrubby miracles, just soak yourself in hot water for twenty minutes and then rub your whole body with your viscose of choice. Dead, dull, skin will roll off of you like magic, revealing a super smooth, new you underneath.

You’ll want to use your mitten or towel at the end of tub-time, and rinse off in the shower after. No one wants to walk around with rolls of dead skin on them.

The Date-Night Bath

The date-night bath is similar to the beautifying bath, only a little less aggressive, and a little more mood-enhancing. You could do a face mask, but I don’t like to do any intense or new facial treatments before a date, just in case my skin reacts poorly. Sensual, fragrant bubbles are must for the date-night bath, either by way of this bubble bar or (once again) a wonderfully scented Teal’s product. A playlist is also needed, preferably something a little sexy but still relaxing. Cigarettes After Sex is my current go-to for cultivating date-night bath vibes. Feel free to use it yourself.

Cigarettes After Sex: Complete Discography, a playlist by Cigarettes After Sex on Spotify

Explore more of Cigarettes After Sex in the playlist below, featuring EP’s, singles and the full…

It also doesn’t hurt to have a cocktail, because most good dates begin with cocktails.

The I’m-Going-to-Murder-the-World-If-I-Don’t-Chill-Out Bath

Also known as the “fuck-it-all bath,” this is the bath you take when you have ceased to be able to even, and must submerge yourself in hot water to replicate the soothing feeling of being in your mother’s womb, when things were simpler, less aggressive, and no one wanted anything from you. This bath is about indulging in whatever you need in that moment, and there’s no wrong way to take do it. For me, it usually involves a cocktail (shocking), and some sort of fragrant bath product, but it has also included ice cream and macaroni and cheese (with potato chips crumbled on top).

The one thing this bath does not include is beauty products or, like, shaving. This is your time to sulk, not make yourself more pleasing to look at by patriarchal standards.

You can of course create your own bath, taking elements from each of mine as needed to craft your best bathing experience. I sometimes combine the pain-reliever with the fuck-it-all; there are no rules.

Step #3: Gather Your Supplies

I am never more enraged than when I sink into the warm, caress of the my tubs embrace, only to realize that I left my drink or book in the other room. A little bit of prep work prevents such a disaster, and you will thank yourself for having such brilliant foresight. Before you even begin to fill the tub, gather the following:

A couple of hand towels: Place them within easy reach of the tub, so you can dry your hands as needed to prevent your books, magazines, or phone (tweet in the tub at your own risk) from getting damp.
Entertainment: Set your laptop on a chair near the tub so that you may watch your favorite show, grab some reading material, or cue up a podcast or playlist.
Beverages: Though a very concerned citizen warned me against it, I enjoy an alcoholic beverage in the bath; I even have a little cup holder for such imbibing. You should also take a big glass or bottle of water in there too, because dehydration is no fun.
Any beauty treatments: Gather your bath bombs, face masks, or anything else you plan to apply to your person. This applies to exfoliation devices as well.

Step #4: Shower, or at Least Wash Your Feet

If you haven’t showered recently, you probably will want to do it before your bath, lest you wish to stew in the filth you’ve accumulated that day. At the very least, make sure your feet are clean, otherwise all that grit and grime will float off of them and contaminate your otherwise perfect bath. Save yourself some rage and wash your damn feet.

Step #5: Unwindulax

Get in the tub, enjoy the blissful time in your tub, emerge renewed. Wrap yourself in a very absorbent towel, then put on pajamas. (Unless you just had a pre-date bath. Then you should put on your sexiest little number, or just stay nekkid, depending on how you conduct your dates.)

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Inexpensive DIY Bath Gels

Read article : Inexpensive DIY Bath Gels

Looking for Homemade Shower Gel Recipe

I do not like using soap when I shower and prefer to use bath and shower gel. I am constantly buying commercial bath gel and it gets very expensive. I am trying to save all the money that I can. Are there any recipes for bath gel that I could try?
Feff

Use Less Shower Gel

I have a foamer from Pampered Chef. It reduces the amount of bath gel that I use in half!
Alicia

Try Baby Shampoo Instead of Shower Gel

This isn't a homemade solution, but it may be just as cost-efficient. Generic baby shampoo makes a great, gentle bath/shower gel. You can often find store brands in a large bottle for well under $2 (making it 50 percent or less of the price of typical bath gels). Now, they even come in a shampoo plus conditioner formula, which gives your skin extra nourishing! Hard to beat. Enjoy!
LH

Young Women Under Shower photo from Shutterstock

Shaklee Product Works for Cleansing

I have used Basic H, which is a product by Shaklee. This is a liquid with perfect pH balance.

I had a very bad complexion in my younger days. I started using Basic H when I was about 22 years old. That was over 40 years ago! I keep a bottle (with a pump in it) on the shower shelf. One pump on my wet wash cloth is sufficient for my entire body. You feel so nice and clean with no soap scum to make you feel like your skin is drawing up! My complexion improved within three weeks and continued to improve throughout my life. People ask me all the time what the secret is to my nice complexion, as I don't have wrinkles either!

You can purchase this by the quart or gallon. I buy a gallon once a year and pour it into smaller containers for use. I also keep one pump bottle (an old Avon glass pump bottle that looks like a stalk of celery) at my kitchen sink. When I have loaded the dishwasher, I pump one squirt on my wet dishcloth and wipe up the stove, counter, and stainless steel sink. This is a smaller squirt than I use in the shower. It does such a good job that the sink rinses down and no droplets of water are left on it. They just slide down the drain. It appears like I have dried the sink with a towel!
Carol

Cheapest Shampoo is Great

For an inexpensive "bath gel", use the cheapest brand of shampoo on the shelf. Suave is usually the cheapest brand. You can add some cheap conditioner for added moisture or buy the 2-in-1 shampoo if it comes in a cheap brand. In some areas, dollar stores sell bath gels and shampoos too. You can also use shampoo as hand soap. Also, buying in bulk helps a lot. Shampoo is easy to find in bulk quantities, but be sure to compare prices carefully.
Sherry

Recipes for Homemade Shower Gel

Liquid shampoo and shower gel base provide the basis for the recipes that follow:

Base:

3/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup shampoo concentrate
1/2 teaspoon table salt (or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 teaspoon)

Makes 8 ounces

Green Apple and Aloe Vera Shower Gel

This sudsy formula is ideal for total body cleansing and can also be used as a shampoo.

To your base add:

2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
15 drops apple fragrance oil
1 drop green food coloring (optional)

Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir until well mixed. Add the aloe vera gel, salt, apple oil, and coloring and stir until thick and well blended. Pour into a squeeze bottle and cap.

Georgia Peach Shower Gel

This is a skin-nourishing formula enriched with Vitamin E and essential apricot oil.

To your base add:

1 tablespoon apricot kernel oil
15 drops peach fragrance oil
5 drops Vitamin E oil (can use 2 capsules)
1 drop orange food coloring (optional)

Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate, stirring until well blended. Add the apricot kernel oil, salt, peach oil, Vitamin E oil (be sure to open capsules if used), and coloring then stir until well blended and thick.

English Lavender and Cream Shower Gel

This is a nourishing formula that cleanses gently, giving the skin the benefits of milk, an old-fashioned treatment for the complexion.

To your base add:

2 tablespoons powdered milk
10 drops lavender oil
1 drop violet food coloring (optional)

Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Stir in the powdered milk. Add the shampoo concentrate stirring until well blended and thick. Add the salt, lavender oil, and food coloring and stir until well mixed. I hope this will be of use to you. From what I have read on the subject, I am sure you can substitute any fragrance oil to suit your personal likes.
Willow

Check sale prices for Essential Oils on Amazon.

Homemade Shower Gel from Soap

I make our own version of the bath soaps that are available for a fraction of the cost. I have experimented with many different soap types and found the best success with quality soaps that have no deodorant claims. Our favorite is made with Dove Nutrium, but I've had good luck with Caress, Dove (regular), Camay, and Oil of Olay. If you use something with a deodorant property to it, it will likely "gel up" and not be the consistency you want for using with a shower "pouf".

You will need two bars of soap, coarsely chopped. Bring three cups of water to a boil (I use the teakettle), and combine the soap bits and the water. Stir until you see no more lumps and let the concoction cool. It will thicken as it cools, and you'll have a good portion of liquid soap similar to what you can buy in the store. I store it in sandwich baggies, which are tied off at the top. We refill our shower soap dispenser easily by snipping off the corner of the baggie and squirt the soap into the dispenser. While we may pay $7 for eight bars of soap, the end product lasts us well over a year, and we were spending much more than that buying the ready-made stuff.
Sue

Information on Homemade Shower Gel

I could write reams of information on this topic. The main thing that I want to point out is a potential concern about using commercial products to make a traditional soap gel. Some recipes go somewhat like this: grate one bar of soap and dissolve in 3 cups of boiling water.

The main problem that you may have with many this type of recipe is the fact that most soap bars out there are a combination of soap and synthetic detergents. These can react differently when dissolved, and their pH level can be quite low, which would allow bacteria to possibly grow when water is introduced into the mix.

Homemade soap has quite a high pH level and does not encourage bacterial growth. If you take the time to learn how to make soap and know which oils work the best for your skin, I'm sure that your own homemade bar soap will greatly surpass any shower gel/shampoo combination that you can buy on the market.

There are many soap making sites available, and most soap making supplier sites have great recipes, tips, and suggestions. There are also scads of emailing lists where you can "meet" other people who make soap. It is always fun to see what others are doing. A site that I would suggest is Majestic Mountain Sage (MMSage).

If you decide to try your hand at soap making, invest in a good digital scale such as a postal scale that measures down to 1/10th of an ounce. You should be able to find one at a business supply place like Staples for under $30. It will be the best investment that you can make. Great soap can be made using grocery store materials, so don't feel that you have to jump in and buy large amounts of specialty oils at the start. Once you make your own soap, there will be no going back. You may even like your own bar soap better than those bath gels you buy. I know that I can make a very special homemade bar of soap that is very conditioning for under $1 for a 3-ounce bar. Happy soap researching!
Shelley

Reviewed August 2017

Take the Next Step:

Stop forgoing your favorite beauty treatments just because you're on a tight budget. Check out the TDS Guide to Beauty on a Budget and learn the tricks to pampering yourself for pennies.
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Saturday, December 2, 2017

Stretch Mark Prevention During Pregnancy and Clear Skin Essentials by KNC Beauty Crush

Read article : Stretch Mark Prevention During Pregnancy and Clear Skin Essentials by KNC Beauty Crush

Kristen Noel Crawley, jewelry designer and co-owner of Chicago's RSVP Gallery, a.k.a. KNC, became fixated on beauty products in high school, when she suffered from bad acne. "Stress from pre-college courses, ACT prep, and a shitty boyfriend destroyed my skin," says KNC, who tried hundreds of treatments in her quest for clear skin before honing in on the perfect mix. "I'm so excited to share with everyone all of my secrets."Welcome to KNC's Beauty Crush.

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Guys, I'm pregnant with my second child! The moment you find out that you're having a baby, everything changes. For me that included my skin care routine. I could no longer use my beloved 'extreme clean' techniques and products and my chemical peels that I get every other month went out the window. So what would I do now that my options were so limited? I decided to go au naturel. I didn't want to put anything on my skin that would harm my baby. The products below gave me the peace of mind that I was searching for and kept my skin clear even through my difficult first trimester.

Clear Skin Essentials

My skin was really bad when I first got pregnant. I had those teenage-style breakouts. I'm talking cheeks, chin, forehead, nose, everything. And I couldn't use any of my regular cleansers because they all had glycolic and salicylic acid in them (a no-no in pregnancy). I tried a lot of different organic and all-natural cleansers but I found that the NUDE Perfect Cleanse Clarifying Oil worked well for me. Not only is it vegan, but it's loaded with omegas 3, 5, 6, 9 and it doesn't include any of the bad stuff (parabens, sulfates, phthalates, PEGs, DEA, etc). I'm following this with the Dr. Sebagh Vitamin C powder cream, Serum Repair, and finishing up with the Kate Somerville Dilo Oil. The Vitamin C cream gives me a nice glow and brightens my complexion. The Dilo Oil is really nice as well. It's 100 percent natural and works in unison with the skin's lipid layer. I'm exfoliating as well, but I have to use a gentler approach. I'm using the M-61 SuperSoothe E Microdermabrasion Scrub two to three times a week. It took about two weeks for my skin to fully adjust to the new routine, but I would say that it looks just as good if not better than before.

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Kristen Noel Crawley

Because I've been breaking out a lot more, I've really had to step up my mask game. I'm using a face mask every night, which might seem excessive, but I enjoy it. It's relaxing and helps my skin. I'm actually really glad that I did research on all-natural products and brands because I've discovered one of my new favorites, May Lindstrom. She's a small, indie brand out of Los Angeles. I've been using her Problem Solver mask three times a week and it's helped tremendously. It's a powder that you mix with water and apply with a brush. I use it on my neck and décolletage as well. I also am obsessed with the Honey Mud from her line. It's so luxurious. If my skin weren't so prone to breakouts at the moment, I would use it as an everyday cleanser, but for now I'm using it as a mask. Speaking of breakouts, because my skin is so crazy right now, I had to invest in a spot treatment, the Blue Clay from Herbivore Botanicals works wonders and dries my bumps up in just a few hours. Sometimes I even put it on in the morning if I'm working at home that day.

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Kristen Noel Crawley

Spa Treatments

I've been doing a lot of treatments. I asked my peel lady what I could do and she made a custom fruit peel for me. It includes all natural ingredients derived from fruit enzymes. It burned like hell but man did it work. My skin was glowing after. I get all of my peels from Tricia Dikes in Beverly Hills. I also tried the pregnancy facial at Kate Somerville. The spa there is so chic, I felt like I was in another world. They had an amazing blueberry mask that was included in the facial that really hydrated my skin. My face looked incredible after. I'll definitely be visiting this spa for the rest of my pregnancy and maybe even after when I'm breastfeeding. When I travel I like to always try the spa at the hotel that I'm staying at. We went to Chicago a few weeks ago and stayed at the Langham. They happened to have a really nice spa and they offered a pregnancy massage and facial. I've been so tired and worn down this time around, so the massage was needed, especially after traveling. The Chaun Spa at the Langham is definitely one of the most luxurious I've been to, highly recommended to anyone, pregnant or not.

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My Bathtime Ritual

Bath time has been a staple now that I'm in my second trimester. It's part of my nighttime routine. I run a bath every night and soak for about 15-25 minutes. So naturally, I'm now obsessed with bath bombs, oils, and soaks. I love Laura Mercier's Honey Bath in Fresh Fig because it leaves skin silky and smells so nice. I like oils as well; the REN Moroccan rose oil is really nice and of course I love the smell of roses. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll use the Diptyque precious oils. I've been shopping at LUSH a lot too. One product in particular that I love from Lush is their Ceridwen's Caldron. It's a little bag filled with cocoa butter, oats, walnut oil, and lavender. You just throw it into a full bath and when it's done melting you can use the bag to scrub your skin with the remaining oats. Milk baths are also a new favorite of mine. I like the Cleopatra's Milk Bath from Organic Pharmacy. It has cute little mini rose buds in each jar and smells amazing. Herbivore Botanicals makes this amazing coconut rose body polish that I use probably two times a week. I haven't been using body scrubs that much because I don't want to scratch my ever-expanding skin, but this scrub is gentle enough that it won't damage my skin.

Kristen Noel Crawley

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My Stretch Mark Prevention Plan

I think one of the biggest things that I worry about with my changing body is stretch marks. I didn't get any with my first pregnancy and I am so serious about not getting any with this one. Every morning I apply an oil. Usually coconut oil but if you're a morning shower person, I highly recommend the Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. You apply it while your skin is still damp and then rinse it off with cold water. It has a cooling effect, which has been super helpful in these hot summer months and the smell is so divine. At nighttime after my bath, I use the African Botanics Marula Stretch Mark Botanical Body Oil. After the oil absorbs, I rub down my body with raw shea butter. I apply this every night religiously. It's a bit greasy at first so I usually have to wait a few minutes before I put on clothes or get into the bed. It's also extremely important to drink a lot of water. I drink at least a gallon a day. It helps to keep your energy up and your skin elasticity. It also helps with the breakouts because you're constantly flushing out anything in your body. Another one of my secrets is a homemade body mask. I call it the BBB mask: boobs, belly, and butt! I mix two ripe avocados with a half-cup of honey and apply generously to the BBB area. I wait about 15 minutes then rinse it off in the shower. I do this once a week and it really hydrates my skin. So far I haven't gotten any stretch marks and I plan on doing this routine up until and after I give birth.

Kristen Noel Crawley

KNC

For more fromKNC, check outKNC Beauty Crush: 17 Game-Changing Summer Products.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Bathroom Decorating Ideas - How To Decorate

Read article : Bathroom Decorating Ideas - How To Decorate

bath fixture

The bathroom is often overlooked when it comes to decorating, yet giving it a fresh new look can be easy, fun and relatively inexpensive. You don’t have to undertake a complete renovation — even simple changes like new light fixtures or an updated shower curtain can take your space from drab to divine. Here are five great bathroom decorating ideas to consider:

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Savon Tray Table •TT052
Britton Mirror •WM856

1. Paint

Nothing changes the look of a room like a fresh coat of paint. Keep things soothing with soft neutrals and pale pastels or go bold with rich, dark hues — there are no rules! Because of their smaller size, bathrooms are also a great place to experiment with decorative paint techniques like stripes or an all-over stencil. Powder rooms, especially, can become mini showstoppers with an unexpected punch of color or graphic wallpaper. Whatever you do, take the time to try out different swatches in the room at different times of day. It will make finding the right color easier and help you avoid costly mistakes.

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Valencia 3-Light Vanity Sconce •LV234

2. Lighting

Good lighting in a bathroom is critical. Not only does it help you perform detailed tasks like applying make-up or shaving, it also adds shimmer, sparkle, even a touch of glamour. If possible, layer your bathroom’s lighting for maximum efficiency. Provide broad illumination with a ceiling fixture in whatever form you prefer, be it sleek and flush-mounted or a dramatic crystal chandelier. Build on that look with complementary vanity lights or sconces to provide a more directed glow. Then finish things off with task and ambient lighting such as lighted mirrors and small lamps that amp up the room’s function and mood. And don’t worry about all the pieces matching exactly — similarities in finish, shape, or style will be enough to keep the look cohesive.

Beaded Bath Collection

3. Fixtures

Old fixtures can make an otherwise fine bathroom appear tired and dated. Swap out worn, rusty or just plain unfashionable pieces with shiny new towel bars, soap dishes, and robe hooks to make your bathroom glisten again. Replace the builder-grade mirror with a gorgeous framed one that reflects your personal style. Update the knobs and pulls on the cabinets — even the smallest touches can make a big difference in your room’s design.

Monogrammed Classic Shower Curtain •FH217
Harlequin Bath Rug •RD148

4. Soft Goods

Perhaps the simplest way to freshen up your bathroom is with new soft goods. Changing out your towels, rugs, shower curtain, and window treatments will quickly turn a utilitarian space into a restful retreat. Get creative with colors and patterns or achieve spa-like serenity with classic white — the options are endless. And don’t forget the details! Custom elements like monogramming on towels and accessories or a vanity stool upholstered in your favorite fabric will make the room uniquely yours.

Miranda Corner Cabinet •MC019

5. Furniture & Accessories

Functionality in a bathroom is paramount, and space is often at a premium. That means furniture and accessories may have to pull double-duty, offering up much-needed storage with a splash of style. Bring in an elegant etagere to hold towels and decorative accents. Keep visual clutter to a minimum by corralling small items like perfumes and beauty products on an eye-catching tray. Incorporate a bit of vintage charm with apothecary jars to store cotton balls and bath soaps, and add textural interest by stashing magazines or extra toilet paper in natural woven baskets. Layer in items like wall art, a potted plant or some candles to complete the look, then all that’s left to do is soak in the beauty of your new sanctuary.

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Sunday, July 30, 2017

How To Road-Trip Along The California Coast

Read article : How To Road-Trip Along The California Coast

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Photo Credit: Hyatt Corporation

Leave the whirlwind of warm-weather parties, barbecues and family vacations behind with a little luxe “me time.” Savor the last of the summer rays with a solo road trip to some of our favorite coastal California hideaways. Let sumptuous spas, delicious fine dining and restful resorts guide your way on a high-end adventure guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed.

DAY ONE: San Diego
No adventure through California is complete without a stop in San Diego. Instead of hitting the more frequented destinations such as downtown, Del Mar or La Jolla, head 40 minutes north of San Diego International Airport to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad in the North County region. It is a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort with an Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole golf course with clubhouse, a blissful spa and delicious food.

Morning
Upon arrival, make your way to the spa to unwind from the drive in. Loosen your limbs with four-hands massage, during which two therapists synchronize to give you the ultimate stress-releaser.

Afterward, linger in the light-filled solarium. Perch yourself on a lounge chair near the inviting fireplace or the trickling fountain and curl up with a magazine.

Afternoon
After this relaxation ritual, have lunch and lounge in one of the well-appointed cabanas, which are outfitted with a daybed, two chaise lounges, a bowl of fresh fruit, a stocked mini-fridge of nonalcoholic drinks and more. When you need to cool off, take a dip in the Adult Pool, which overlooks the Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific.

Another form of relaxation can be found with a good drink. When in San Diego, don’t miss a beer tasting, as the area is known for its breweries. Pop into Mother Earth Brew Co., which sits 16 miles from the hotel and emulates the North County vibe that you’ll see throughout the area.

Evening
With your first spa day out of the way, head to Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Vivace, Park Hyatt Aviara’s fine-dining Italian restaurant. Indulge in rich comfort food made with fresh ingredients, including handcrafted burrata, housemade pastas and the braised short rib Bolognese with rigatoni and Parmesan. Be sure to get accompanying pours from the excellent wine list.

Retire for the evening to the property’s spacious, coastal-inspired accommodations and take in the sunset from your private balcony or terrace.

Terranea Resort, Photo Credit: Terranea Resort

DAY TWO:Los Angeles’ South Bay
After a refreshing night’s sleep, try breakfast at Park Hyatt Aviara’s California Bistro before heading north to Los Angeles.

A nice pit stop between San Diego and L.A. is the coastal enclave of the South Bay. It takes about two and a half hours to get there, but once you pull into Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, you should hand the keys over to the valet with no intention of moving for at least 24 hours. The focus here is on the natural seaside environment that is best enjoyed on your private balcony overlooking the gardens and the ocean.

Afternoon
Pass the day away by sampling a few of the eight restaurants on offer at the coastal California resort. For lunch, opt for fresh New American fare with a California flair at Catalina Kitchen. Accompany your meal with an exquisite glass of vino and ocean breezes.

Spend the rest of your day lounging however you choose — play a round on the nine-hole golf course, check out the spa or take a dip in either of the four swimming pools. Time drips away, putting you in the right frame of mind to mentally check out for a few precious hours before getting back to the hustle and bustle of a road trip.

Evening
Though onsite dinner spots such as Nelson’s and Mar’sel are always good options, we wouldn’t judge you if you decided to make the call for in-room dining before enjoying a refreshing night’s sleep in your stylish Mediterranean-inspired room.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC

DAY THREE: L.A. andSan Francisco
Morning
Take a detour through always-happening West Hollywood for an indulgent brunch. If the call of the day is stargazing, go to Catch, one of the hottest tables in Los Angeles. The New York import is a favorite of the celebrity set, and the menu is packed with globally influenced seafood preparations that transport you around the world in one sitting.

If that isn’t quite your scene, head over to Norah for more decadent fare. The open, bright space bubbles like a freshly poured glass of champagne. Chef Mike Williams packs unforgettable flavors into brunch specialties such as buttermilk biscuits and a crispy fried chicken sandwich.

Afternoon
After feasting and some frolicking, get back on track and depart Los Angeles to make the five-hour drive — and longest leg of this this adventure up the coast — to San Francisco.

Evening
In the evening, check into a classic California beauty, lavish Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, perched high atop Nob Hill on Stockton Avenue. You’ll be immersed in the elegance of a bygone era almost immediately, as the opulent marble lobby dates back to 1909.

For a superb experience, book a deluxe king room on the Club Level and receive access to one of the Ritz-Carlton brand’s top perks — its exclusive lounge. Inside, a concierge is available for all booking needs and there is continuous food and beverage service for noshing when the mood strikes. Enjoy samples from cuisine of the neighborhoods — The Mission, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and North Beach — that have made San Francisco famous.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s Vintner Wine Series, where you’ll sip pours of the best of Northern California vintages on Fridays and Saturdays in addition to a caviar presentation with all of the accoutrements.

Spa L’Occitane, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC

DAY FOUR: San Francisco
Morning
The fourth and final day of this road trip is one dedicated to the good life. At The Ritz-Carlton, check out the Spa L’Occitane by the Bay for the hour-long Immortelle Secret of Youth facial that removes signs of aging and makes the skin more smooth and youthful. L’Occitane treatments blend Provencal-inspired rituals with its signature products enriched with ingredients from the South of France.

Afternoon
After some down time at the intimate spa, liven up your afternoon with a stop at the crown jewel of the San Francisco hotel’s social spaces: The JCB Tasting Lounge from winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset. A jewel box of a space nestled in the lobby, this is the spot to taste rare and exclusive wines from the Boisset collection.

After lunch, work off the calories with a three-block walk to Union Square, a retail mecca with more than 200 shops, departments stores, more restaurants and an event calendar stuffed with all sorts of fun (The Graduate screens at the park on September 9).

Evening
For those who like to plan ahead, aim for dinner at Mina Test Kitchen, one of the most coveted spots in town, to venture out from the confines of the incredibly comfortable hotel. A space for Michael Mina’s team to test new culinary concepts, the cuisines are revolving and currently feature the “Mi Almita” theme, which pays homage to the spirituality and tradition of Mexican cooking.

Expect ceviches, moles, tacos and empanadas featuring traditional, authentic ingredients. The menu is fixed but there are choices within the courses and two different levels of wine pairings.

At the end of the night, come back to a placid view of the city and relax under the rain shower in the full marble bath before climbing into a bed decked out in Frette linens and a 46-inch TV.

Parallel 37, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC

DAY FIVE: San Francisco
Before returning to a non-vacation mindset, brunch at Four-Star Parallel 37, The Ritz Carlton’s signature restaurant, is unmissable. Specialties include an offering of Chinese dim sum, avocado toast with Easter egg radishes and sprouted quinoa and Dungeness crab eggs Benedict. Fill up before heading back home with a refreshed view of coastal California.