I love being in love and I am lucky in that I have a great relationship with my husband… so Valentine’s Day usually consists of some time spent with one another. But, I also whole-heartily agree that Valentine’s Day should be every day – not just once a year. Flowers, sweet whispers and stolen kisses should be done more than just one day a year and I’m fortunate that my husband does that for me. But, let’s face it, not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. While I love the notion of being in love, I really wanted to focus on Falling in Love With Yourself this time around. As a busy wife and mother, my days are bunched up into a whirlwind of trips to the store, to the schools, date nights with the dishes and pots and pans and sometimes I forget to take the time out and pamper myself. So today we celebrate ourselves! Today we are the Unicorns… objects of desire and mythical creatures to be honored – today, tonight… we take the time to fall in love with ourselves.
I think the number one thing to do when trying to Love oneself is to take the time for a great pampering. Now in some cases pampering could be a long warm bubble bath and if that’s the case, nothing says “You are a Unicorn” than a beautiful, glittery, sparkly Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar from LUSH. One of my ultimate wind down and feel good bath essentials, the Unicorn Horn fills your tub with luxurious essential oils, colorful candy stars and sparkle with a soft Lavender scent to calm your being. After a soak in this greatness, you’ll definitely feel inspired to take on the World. Sparkle not your thing? Well, don’t you worry because LUSH has you covered with their Floating Flower Bath Bomb. Relax and take in the scent of jasmine and cypress oil and watch as the gorgeous colors dissolve into your water creating a colorful escape.
If baths are not your thing, then how about a beautiful manicure to help give your hands some pampering and relief. Here’s a quick recipe of what I use to give myself a personal manicure in the comforts of my own home.
- Fill a bowl, big enough to fit all your fingers in at one time (I suggest two bowls) with warm water. If you use two bowls, you’ll have one for each hand, but either way – one will work.
- Add two to three drops of your favorite essential or moisturizing oil. I like to use Coconut Oil or jojoba oil.
- place your fingers into the bowl and soak them for about 3-5 minutes. This will not only moisturize your fingers but it will also soften your cuticles so you can use a cuticle push to gently push your cuticles back.
- After 5 minutes of soaking, remove your fingers and lightly dry your hands.
- Go ahead and softly / gently push your cuticles back so they are out of the way.
- Apply your favorite hand cream or polish and then hand cream.
Sometimes the oils can leave your nail bed too slippery to apply polish, so if you are planning to add polish to your nails, wash your hands to remove the oils. You can add your favorite hand cream after applying the polish of your choice. A favorite nail combo for me to add a little sparkle would be a soft nude cream polish and a textured polish that looks like diamonds.
Of course, what Unicorn doesn’t want to be showered with gifts, flowers or even a glass of bubbly. All of these things can easily be accomplished all on your own. Pick flowers from your garden, or head out to your local florist or farmer’s market and grab a bunch of the most colorful flora you can get your hands on and put them in a vase and on display. Don’t forget to stop by your favorite store and pick up a bottle of the best champagne and pour yourself a glass, sit on the porch, by a window or near a fire place and just take five minutes to yourself. If hanging around is not your thing? Well, grab your purse and do some shopping… this is about pampering yourself and loving yourself – so do what makes you feel wonderful.
At the end of the day, each and every woman, whether married, single, with children – whatever the case may be, deserves to pamper themselves. That extra five minutes you take in the tub soaking in a bath filled with LUSH goodies is that time for you to unwind and relax, tape a deep breath and celebrate who you are as a woman. No matter what the occasion be… Valentine’s Day, Birthday, Mother’s Day or just because – you are a Unicorn and deserve to fall in love with yourself. Now you know that Unicorns DO EXIST!
Wishing you a fabulous Valentine’s Day whether you are celebrating with the one you love or just taking time out for you.
Avec Amour – With Love!
One last thing loves… if you are looking for some feel good music while you are relaxing – check out my playlist here. Keep in mind that this is music that gets me inspired and motivated so it is not necessarily going to calm everyone down – but it may get you in a good mood.
Be sure to stop on by the links below and see what other ideas the lovely ladies of The Beauty Council have got for you for Valentine’s Day.
Disclosure: Some of the products mentioned were sent to me from LUSH for this collaboration. All opinions are my own and honest.
