The Art Of Relaxing

{How To Relax: No Prescription Necessary}

Who doesn't want to be her? Seriously.

I can't believe I'm even doing a post on this, but I realized that it's something a lot of people need help with. Which, honestly, is kind of sad. But, the good news is, it's so easy to cure and so fun once you've mastered it. How do I explain it? There is nothing I do or buy that makes me feel more luxurious than this. It is the ultimate indulgence. It's like an all-expenses-paid trip to Bergdorf's-meets pimped-out spa day-meets cocktails at sunset. I call it, being a Lady of Leisure. Some people throw that in the category of, "lazy," or, "I have more important things to do with my day," but I strongly disagree. I live by the saying, "rest is a weapon." We so easily disregard rest as being inactive and a waste of time, but it's a very active practice. Before I give you my secret Indulgence-Helpers, you have to do this first:

-Make it a priority. Get the kids to bed early, don't watch that extra episode of Bachelor Pad saved on your DVR, turn your phone on silent, and don't start facebook stalking.
-Acknowledge the fact that being indulgent doesn't mean that your priorities are wrong. And taking time for yourself doesn't mean that you're selfish.


1) Turn On Music
Nothing helps set the tone of the atmosphere you're trying to create quite like music. My go-to Pandora station for L of L time:

Antonio Carlos Jobim

Let me say, I could do a whole blog post on each of my Indulgence-Helpers. Antonio Carlos Jobim is my most recent addition to the IH list. It's flamenco music from the 50s, think Bossa Nova. It will blow your mind. I found him while listening to my second favorite Pandora station, French Cafe Radio. It's just that, music you hear in French cafes. And who doesn't want to feel like they're in France?

2) Light Candles

Here's the trick, light them in your bedroom and in your bathroom. That way, when you finish your bubble bath, you come into your room and it smells unbelievable. Shut your bedroom door too, because it keeps all the delicious smell-goods contained. I also like to dim my bedroom lights and have soft music playing, so when I come back into my room, it's already in peace mode. 

Matouk Candles

Matouk Candles, $45 each; finelinens.com

Hands-down my favorite candle. It's one of the few where all three fragrances are out-of-this-world, but my pick is Green Lavender. Mine is almost burned out and I always have this inner struggle of, "To light?" or "Not to light?" Always choose "To light," even if you're running low. My mom is the type of person who had crusty, globby jars of body butter, lotion, face masks, etc, because she only wanted to use them on special occasions. Good motives, bad train of thought. Use it like you use toilet paper or hairspray: like it's going out of style. It's about enjoying the moment, not the moment it runs out.

3) Bubble Bath

Hot bubble bath. Can't beat it. Other than Christmas music, I can't think of anything that can put you in a better mood, regardless of how terrible your day was. Another thing I've come to realize is this: if kids love it, it's usually a good indicator that it will put you in a carefree mood. I encourage you not to wash your hair or do anything productive during your bath because when you finish, you'll have to blow-dry your hair. And that's the opposite of relaxing. 

Lollia Bubble Bath

Lollia Bubble Bath

I have to admit that this one gets my vote for form over fragrance. I've had better smelling bubble baths before but this comes in a freaking cute glass bottle with a freaking cute cork. Things like this, actually, this entire post, make me so happy I'm a girl. Thank you, Jesus.

4) Sparkly Drink

It's the little things that make you feel special. Any type of sparkling drink falls into "little things." For alcohol, I go for sparkling rosé, for non-alcoholic, I go for the below. A second favorite is plain Perrier or Pellegrino with every citrus fruit you have in your fridge, sliced up. Slice in circles, not wedges, way more fun: lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit. 

Coconut Sparkling LaCroix

The idea of coconut-flavored sparkling water sounds like drinking Banana Boat tanning oil spray. Barfo. Just trust me. It will change your life. It was the one thing that weaned me off of Diet Coke. I love cutting up pineapple and mango and putting it in there too. This is essential: you have to put it in a wineglass. It will make it 10x more delicious. You can get it at Whole Foods and other select grocery stores. 

5) Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt

Duh. Can you even have a relax list without chocolate? No. And if you want to seriously upgrade your relax zone, make it dark chocolate with sea salt. Ridonculous. 

Chocolove

I actually don't have a specific brand of dark chocolate with sea salt that I prefer but Chocolove is great. I also like Lindt's and World Market's versions. Totally delish.

6) Body Care

There is nothing like shaved legs on a great pair of freshly laundered sheets. And there's really nothing like moisturized, shaved legs on a great pair of freshly laundered sheets. I've been using body oil instead of lotion lately. If you use the right formula it's actually less greasy than lotion (sounds so counter-intuitive) because oil absorbs into the skin and creams/lotions sit on top of the skin.

Kai

Kai Body Glow, $27; paylessbeauty.com

This stuff is one of my absolute favorites. It's lighter than oil but more moisturizing than lotion. Plus, the fragrance is better than anything else on the market. When I worked at Coastal Living, I saw tons of beauty products every day. Literally, boxes and boxes full. And this was always one of my go-tos (plus, the girls who work there are super sweet). I love everything in their line. And just saw that they came out with a shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant. I think I would actually be obsessed with my armpits. 

Go relax!

Fairy Dust: Every Girls Fantasy

We've all gone through the phase at one point in life or another (I, in fact, have remained in the phase). You know what I'm talking about, the fairy obsession phase. Growing up, my mom told me that the mushrooms that sprouted from the ground after it rained were fairy umbrellas so the fairies could stay dry at night. Even today, I refuse to kick over a random yard mushroom because I know there is a fairy somewhere watching who needs their umbrella. I think it's time to bring a little sophisti-fairy into my beauty routine.

And no, not a pixie cut. Hell no. Pixie dust. For my eyes. Duh. Found this picture of Diana Agron and she perfectly captures what I'm talking about. A hint of glint. Paired with a simple, rich black liquid eyeliner and a natural cheek and lip. Tinkerbell would be jealous. Sorry, Tink.

all photos courtesy of glamour.com

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Glitter Guide:

The steps for applying glitter shadow are fairly simple (FYI, this technique is also great with darker shadows, especially a smokey eye, that tend to fleck on your cheeks).

1. Dampen a flat eyeshadow brush. Dip in glitter. Tap off excess. And press onto lid. Make sure to have a tissue under your lower lashes to catch stray glitter (or dark shadow) so you don't end up with bedazzled cheeks. 

2. Dampen a small angle eyeliner brush. Dip in glitter. Tap off excess. Dot along the inner first half of your lower lash line, while still using the tissue to catch excess.

2. Apply liquid liner. Two thick coats of mascara. A little mascara on lower lashes. Done and done.

My pixie dust pick:

Make Up For Ever Eye Glitter, $14; sephora.com

This comes in a rainbow of shades. I also love the Metallic Tan and Black. 

Black would be so hot if you layered over liquid liner for a kick or in your crease

for a sparkly smokey eye.

Ranch. Dressing.

The fam has finally made their way to Colorado to come and visit! And we're headed to... a dude ranch! And don't we all love an opportunity to be a poser and play dress up? Especially after my Texas days, I crave the opportunity to go all out with denim, turquoise, and some killer boots. However, I would still wear this in my normal life. A little roleplaying never hurt anyone, right? So, this is my wish list of ranch dressing (not the Hidden Valley variety, but I like that too. The homemade ranch packets are where it's at).

Chambray Shirt, jcrew.com

Relaxed. Easy. Denim.

Squash Blossom Turquoise Necklace, ebay.com

A western staple that would transition great to everyday life 

for a unique statement necklace. Santa Fe on steroids.

AG Angel Jeans; shopbop.com

Favorite boot cut jeans. They're ultra flattering.

Leather Belt, ralphlauren.com

This belt is insane. I love it. And nobody does

chic western better than RL.

Stacked Heel Pumps, ralphlauren.com

These heels. Are you kidding? Love them!

Leather cross-body bag; ralphlauren.com

Tassel bag. Must have.

Lucchese Boots; lucchese.com

I have to be honest, I don't think I'd actually wear these but don't 

they just make you happy? Prozac for feet.

Honorable mentions:

Hammered embellished cuff.

Another RL belt

Tassel Belt; calypsostbarth.com

Great for belting a dress. Love the idea of this  

with a corset-inspired floral sundress. Cute!

Stud Muffin

All images courtesy of Zara

Le bag is freaking fab. J'freaking out.

First, I must give credit where credit is due. And that, goes to my fellow freelancing friend and stylish devil, Steele. Not only does she have impeccable taste and a knack for finding hidden jewels online, she, like me, is a freelancer. And one thing to know about freelancers is that we all have a significant amount of time on our hands, a legit wireless connection, and no fear of supervisors looking over our shoulder if we happen to be wandering the internet. Which happens very frequently. While the drawback has some financial backlash that sneaks up on you at the end of the month, the positives are quite attractive. For instance, the amazingly affordable and equally fabulous selection of glittery gold studded goodness at Zara. Let me just put it on the record and say, whether or not I'm considered so far beyond trend or not, I love gold studs and black. Period. If they're out of style, hate me for it, but I'm not taking them to Goodwill. Feast your eyes.

 

Studded mini box. Perfect with a tee or cocktail dress. 

 

Pair with a crisp button down. Would really pop if you paired it with a navy or black silk one.

 

Black. Pony hair. Loafer. Stud. Done and done.

Love the fleshy nude with this shape.

The larger studs down the middle are a fun little extra.

Basic black. An everyday staple with a kick.

 

Loafer round deux.

 

Another not-so-everyday everyday bag.