5 ways to have a relaxing night in

I live with my boyfriend and whilst we always have the weekends together, during the week, he is often away with work or hosting client dinners, I am often busy with blogger events and such like. On the occasions when he is travelling and I am not out, I often find myself catching up on my emails whilst watching re-runs of Friends and KUWTK. However, some nights I force myself to turn off my laptop and TV and have a relaxing evening instead. If I’m not careful, I can spend my days going to meeting and events and my evenings catching up on blogging and sometimes I feel like I need a better work / life balance. I also find if I relax in the evening, I sleep better, so turn that computer off and give yourself some time to relax!

Rub-a-dub-dub

Is it possible to pass a Lush store without going in to buy a bath bomb? I think not! I always choose the pretty ones which smells like sweets or almond and honey. I store them in my underwear drawer (seriously, it’s the best place to keep them, it makes everything smell so nice!) until a special occasion like a holiday or a night where I want to treat myself. Then I run myself a deep bath and let the bath bomb work it’s magic! I love the way Lush bath bombs soften hard London water and they fill the bathroom with scent, they always feel like such a treat and they are super relaxing whilst still being really fun! By the way, have you been to the new Lush Oxford Street Store yet? It’s amazing!

Skin Treats!

Whilst soaking in the tub I often use a face masque, I generally pick ones which hydrate my skin as I have quite dry cheeks. I love Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque as it works a treat on my dry skin. Once out the tub I will cover my whole body in a generous amount of body oil, my current favourite is Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Oil. It is 100% natural and super hydrating. I would normally use a tiny amount so it soaks in fast, but when I am having a relaxing evening, I use way more and really give my skin a treat! Finally, I layer on a lot of hand cream, I am currently using Anatomicals Night Time hand cream, it smells like watermelon! I love the packaging and despite it’s low price, it’s really nice.

Scented Candle

I burn scented candles round the clock in my flat, I just love them! I always use my cheaper ones in the day time and the luxury ones in the evenings, I have some super-luxe ones I only burn once in a while and I save them for special occasions. This Jo Loves Candle Shot will definitely be saved for a special evenings as it smells so beautiful! The base scent is Charcoaled Lemon and the shot scent is Fig Tree, as the candle burns down and the two waxes mix, you will start to smell the two scents burn together. I selected the two scents myself and they were fused together in the Jo Loves Candle Shot Studio, just for me, by Jo Malone herself! I find scented candles really help me relax in the evening, especially if you pick a soothing scent like lavender. Don’t forget to turn the main light off and have softer lighting of a lamp with the candle instead.

Good Book

A relaxing evening should always include as little tech as possible, so keep the computer and TV turned off and instead read a good book! Sometimes I re-read my favourite novels and other times I like to read the coffee table books that I generally just flick through. Fashionable Selby is my current favourite, not only are the photos beautiful, but the interviews are so inspiring. Studies have shown that you sleep better if you turn your tech off at least two hours before bed and I always think you are much more likely to have a light-bulb inspiration moment when you are relaxed and reading books rather than stressed, tired and watching bad TV.

Early Night

Once you are nice and relaxed from your bath, pamper and book, do yourself a favour and get an early night. Make sure your curtains are fully shut and if you have blinds close them too. If you just have thin, decorative curtains, use an eye mask (mine is by Sleepy Cottage). It’s amazing how much more effective your sleep is when you block out the light. If you sleep with the window open, make sure all your doors are shut as when the open and close with the wind it can be really disruptive for your sleep. Personally I like to use a few drops of essential oils on my pillows too, it really helps me drift off to sleep fast, I’m addicted to Aromatherapy Associates Support Essence, read more about it here!

Good night!