Cozy Cabin Guide
So I'm not exactly the queen of self-care, like most days, showers are totally optional, and I'm really killing it if I take the time to put lotion on. So here are a few of the things I'm loving right now that don't take a ton of time, but make you feel like a million bucks. Best of both worlds right? Plus they make the CUTEST little stocking stuffers (*hint* *hint* JOHNNY GET MORE OF THESE).
First though, a few tips:
Keep it simple: sometimes a shower is an accomplishment, and the only plausible way you're going to practice self-love that day. THAT IS OK. We're all with you. Take that shower, and call yourself the self-care queen.
Make it accessible. Whatever product or practice you do choose to incorporate into your self care routine, make it accessible. Put your lotion on your bedside, your lip balm in your car or purse, keep trail mix in your glove compartment so you don't get hangry--these are all self-care practices and ALL easier if made accessible.
Don't compare self-care: just because ____ always makes time for a bubble bath, and you can't even find your lotion half the time doesn't mean you're doing it wrong, in fact, you're only doing it wrong IF you're comparing and being hard on yourself as a result. Self-care above all is about self-love, so be easy on yourself, and put that lotion somewhere you'll remember next time.
Photo credit: Ellie Cox Photo
Kate Somerville Facewash: This stuff is incredible. It is a gentle exfoliant, and it smells straight up like Christmas, need I say more? PRICE: $15.83.
Get Happy Body Wash by Plant Apothecary: Ok, so not only does this stuff smell and feel delicious, the company does GOOD. Every product they sell is made by adults with physical and mental disabilities. This product is equally as awesome as the cause it supports. PRICE: $20.00.Matcha Antioxidant Face Mask: I am not really a face mask person, partially because of my aversion to the mess of taking the mask off, but if I WERE into them, then I'd go with this one. For one, it's by the same company that employs adults with mental and physical disabilities, and two, it smells wonderful, goes on SO smooth, and really did leave my skin feeling softer. PRICE: $24.00.
Produced with: Ellie Cox PhotoVaseline Rosy Lip Therapy: OK GUYS, this is officially the most USEFUL item on this list. This stuff is perfect for those winter chapped lips, and it is slightly tinted, so it has basically become my everyday lip, for well, every day. The link is to a pack of two, because they're crazy cheap and you will want to have two--one on your nightstand, and one in your purse. Or maybe ten. Seriously you guys, I love this stupid little canister so much. PRICE for 2: $7.28.Good smelling, quality shampoo is such an easy gift to yourself, and such a simple way to incorporate some self-care into your day. Here are two of my favorites depending on your hair type.ALL TYPES:Redken All Soft Shampoo & Conditioner: This stuff smells like heaven and feels like you're in a salon. It rinses out easily, and lathers up nicely--two of my must haves when it comes to shampoo. It also comes in giant containers that will last you, like forever. PRICE: $46.00.DRY:Kristin Ess Shampoo & Conditioner: I became a pretty big fan of Kristin Ess on instagram a few years back, she is a celebrity hair stylist but also keeps up an awesome blog with how-to's with hair that I look to as my hair styling bible. Just pretend you're in the salon while you lather those locks up. PRICE: $44.00.
Produced with: Ellie Cox Photo
Ok, I'm going to go out on a wild limb here and say that self-care isn't (or shouldn't be) limited to JUST beauty/bath products. I think that is a bit lie that doesn't serve anyone, because it makes us feel like there is only a certain way or a certain time to fit in self-care. Here are a few items that boost my morale during the winter and make me feel cozier than ever.
A warm, beanie with a LARGE pom: This beanie is fleece lined (praise be for all of us with sensitivity to itchiness), and comes in so many fun bright colors. I was nervous to order it because the price point was low, but it is super warm, and has held up even with my kid taking it to pretend he's the "sun". PRICE: $12.99.Nothing sweeter than pulling out the thermos on a family outing and passing around a cup full of piping hot chocolate. My kids seriously respond like I'm magic and I deserve 10 awards, which I do, but like, so do you, so get one, and make that magic happen. Here are two I like:Hearth and Hand Thermos: Ok, this one is clearly adorable (see video above), BUT it does scratch. Which is annoying, but not enough to make me regret getting it. It is huge, so it fits a lot of liquid which is nice for my little hot chocolate guzzlers. PRICE: $24.99.Stanley Classic Thermos: I have slight regret over not getting this, and might be purchasing it too (I mean, you can't have too many thermoses right? wrong. Whatever.) This has some serious retro vibes that I am pretttttty crazy about, and incredible reviews, you can also choose your size which is awesome since it all depends on your crew. PRICE: $25.00.