For my 40th birthday a group of my dearest friends gifted me a beautiful piece of ceramic art which I promptly put in my bathroom. It seemed completely logical to me, so I was unaware that it caused a bit of upset.
Eventually one of them broached the subject, expressing their disappointment that I hadn’t displayed it “in a more favourable location” and that it made them feel sad.
All was forgiven when I explained that I considered the bathroom to be one of the most important rooms in my home. It is my happy place. A haven, place to unwind and self-care hub for hair and face masks, body brushing and scrubs when I need some pampering or a pick-me-up.
Hanging out in my bathroom brings me so much joy and I wanted the art piece there where I could appreciate it every day, and I still do.
The same reverence cannot be said for baths, though that’s changing so stick with me here.
I can probably count on two hands the number of baths I’ve had in 10 years since becoming a homeowner with a bath. It’s a hangover from growing up in a house on rainwater supply, which required rationing and usually meant sitting in three inches of water. Possibly why I’ve never been a big fan of baths!
Recently, on a rare night home alone, I decided a bath was in order. It was chilly and my body achy after an afternoon pulling weeds; plus we’ve had so much rain recently that the guilt of running a deep bath washed away.
Setting the scene, I poured half a bottle of bubble bath under the running tap, and myself a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling rosé before submerging myself under a divine-smelling duvet of bubbles. Drink in hand and Hayley Holt’s book Second Chances in the other, I also had Marlon Williams playing in the background. That hour was pure bliss and I realised what I had been missing out on. Having a bubble bath was playful, luxurious and I felt so pampered.
Having a hot bath can also mimic the effects of low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise like walking, cycling and jogging! According to research from Conventry University, it could even help boost your heart health. Another excellent reason to have more baths.
If you don’t have access to a bath, a footbath is an excellent alternative. Light a candle, pour some Epsom salts into hot water with a few drops of lavender essential oil (a great combo for tired feet) and sit in comfort.
Make sure to have towels handy to step onto and dry your tootsies afterwards to avoid wet marks on the carpet or slipping over.
You don’t need much to create a haven in the comfort of your own home and it’s a great alternative to visiting a spa. With a little creativity and some readily available ingredients, you can also indulge in nourishing and cost-effective DIY home spa treatments and create beautiful mindful moments.
Pampering diy spa recipes to try
Face masks
Nourishing Avocado Mask
Mash half a ripe avocado and mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey.
Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Avocado is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which help nourish and moisturise the skin.
Soothing Oatmeal Mask
Mix 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of natural yoghurt and a teaspoon of honey.
Apply the mixture to your face, gently massaging it in circular motions.
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
Bath Soak
Epsom Salts and Lavender Bath Soak
Use 1-2 cups of Epsom salts for a standard-size bathtub filled with warm water. Pour the salt into running water to help it dissolve faster into the bath.
Add 6-8 drops of lavender essential oil. Both are relaxing tonics for muscles and mind.
DIY Foot Baths
Epsom Salts Foot Soak
Fill a basin with warm water and add half a cup of Epsom salts.
Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes to relax muscles and relieve tension.
Epsom salts contains magnesium sulfate, which aids in relaxation and reduces inflammation.
Revitalising Peppermint Foot Soak
Fill a basin with warm water and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
Add a handful of Epsom salts and stir until dissolved.
Peppermint oil provides a refreshing sensation, while Epsom salts soothes tired feet.
Moisturising Coconut Milk Soak
Pour a can of coconut milk into warm water in a basin. Soak your feet for
15-20 minutes to nourish and soften the skin.
Coconut milk is rich in vitamins and healthy fats, which promote hydration.
DIY Body Scrub
Invigorating Coffee Scrub
Mix half a cup of ground coffee with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
Gently massage the scrub onto your body in circular motions before rinsing.
The caffeine in coffee stimulates blood flow, while coconut oil provides hydration.
No time for DIY…
Linden Leaves Amber Fig Bubble Bath, $25, produces a long-lasting bubble bath infused with soothing chamomile and 100 per cent natural fragrance of Amber Fig.
lindenleaves.com
Mineral-rich Lancocrème New Zealand Thermal Spring Water Hydro Boost Sugar Body Scrub, $17, contains hyaluronic acid, magnesium, aloe vera and sugar! It’s gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling smooth and hydrated.
lanocreme.co.nz
Epsom Salts contain natural magnesium sulfate which relax muscles. You can pick up a pack from the supermarket or Chemist Warehouse for a little as $2.79. We’re fans of everblue Epsom Salts, which are also climate positive.
everbluenaturals.com
Light a Hivern scented candle, sit back, and relax accompanied by Hivern’s Spotify playlist especially created to match each candle’s divine fragrance.
hivern.co.nz
Benefits of body brushing
Also known as dry brushing, use a dry brush to gently brush the skin in upward strokes. This simple yet effective technique offers a range of benefits for overall wellbeing including exfoliation, increased circulation, lymphatic system support, relaxation and invigoration, and enhancing the absorption of skincare products.
Incorporate body brushing into your routine, ideally before showering or bathing, and remember to use a brush with natural bristles and be gentle on your skin to avoid irritation.
