All You Need for a Cozy Night-In
Oliver and I are sort of like the Tortoise and the Hare. He dutifully puts one foot in front of the other, in a “slow and steady wins the race” kind of way. I sprint – full speed ahead like a bat out of hell – kicking up dust tornadoes, not stopping until I absolutely crash and burn…. I’ll retreat to catch my breath, then start sprinting again. It’s like Groundhogs Day.
The holidays are no different. I mean, party after party, lots of sequins (obvi), drinking champagne and staying out till late are fun during the holidays, right? Right! Well – it’s fun until it’s not fun. The body can really only take so much before it just has to restore itself and recharge – am I right?
When this happens, I want nothing more than a restorative night at home, away from everyone and everything. I call this “Silent-Night-In.” I know. The creativity is mind-boggling. Anyhoo – Silent-Night-In is a cozy “me night” filled with pampering, recharging and nourishing mind and body with practices that just make you feel renewed!
Think dim lights, your fave chill holiday playlist, candles, scrubs, oils, masks….ahhhh…… It’s SO incredible you must try! OH – IDEA: Make a nice little “Spa Night Gift” for your bestie! Choose 3-5 (odd numbers work best) of the amazing products below, wrap them in a pretty holiday bag with gold and silver tissue paper. Super thoughtful idea that she’ll love 😉
Shelli’s Silent-Night-In
Set the Mood & Lay Out Your Goodies!
Setting the mood is key! I dim the bathroom lights, put on my favorite chill holiday playlist, then spritz the area and my Spa Robe with a little Lavender Rosemary room scent. So calming! Next, I light a few votive candles and place them along the vanity for a glowy calming ambiance. So romantic lol.
The last thing you want to do on your Silent Night, is run around looking for all your goodies. Buzzkill! Lay everything out so it’s right there, ready for your little hands to grab. I prefer a hot shower to a bath, but do whatever sounds best to you!
Room Spritz, Lavender Rosemary
Votive candle, Birchwood Pine
Votive candle, Classic Holiday
Barefoot Dreams Spa Robe & Pajamas
Hands down, my absolute favorite brand for robes, socks and loungewear. Why? The fabric is so inexplicably thick, gushy, soft and cozy – it is unlike anything I’ve ever come across before. It was on Oprah’s Favorite Things a number of years ago – so of course I had to order. I’ve been hooked ever since. If you have a bestie who loves spa and pampering – she would love you for this! Trust me.
Spa robe, Barefoot Dreams
Pajama Bottoms, Barefoot Dreams
Pajama Top, Barefoot Dreams
In-Shower or Bath Goodies
Body scrub, Sugar Lavender by Lalicious
In the shower, a good Body scrub just feels like you’re scrubbing away a weeks worth of dirt, grime and dead skin cells. It’s so renewing and invigorating – plus, a good scrub leaves the body feeling so soft and hydrated. Love! Lately I’ve been loving Sugar Lavender by Lalicious. First, lavender is a calming scent. Second, this scrub exfoliates like crazy then just melts into the skin with hydration. Must try!
Hair Masque, Evolis Promote
This time of year hair – my hair tends to get dry and crackly if I don’t really make sure to use a hair masque. Probably a combo of the weather plus all the extra flat ironing and blow drying for all of those parties! To keep my hair super healthy & hydrated – I use the Promote Hair Masque, but only once a week (it’s intense)!
It’s branded as an at-home spa treatment, and I have to agree. I leave it on for 10-minutes while body-scrubbing and shaving. But you can also leave it on overnight if you want to be super-extra!
Exfoliator, Lifeline Duo
Don’t use body scrub on your face, despite how good it smells. The face is different. I am a fan of the Lifeline Skincare line of products, and absolutely love their Duo Exfoliator. It just….gets the job done. What can I say? Cleanse the skin, then rub a little product in circular motions around your face, neck and chest. There’s nothing more satisfying than feeling all the dead-skin cells and make-up slough off your face.
After Shower Pampering
After drenching my hair in moisture with a luxuriating hair masque, and body scrubbing myself into oblivion, I’m ready to seal in all the goodness with a few after-shower luxuries. I mean, why stop, right?
Body Oil, Drift & Dream CBD Body Oil
Ooohhhhh baby…. you are going to love me for this ;-). This little gem is a 2-for-1. It is a hydrating body oil that seals in the yummy moisture from the shower and body scrub. BUT it also contains botanicals and CBD (yeah, THAT CBD) that helps promote pre-sleep relaxation. Don’t worry – it’s THC free so you won’t be digging through the fudge container later on. Must try!
Daily Peel, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha-Beta Peel
This is a daily face peel that I’ve been using for the past couple of months and really love it! It is a 30-day, 2-step daily face peel. Don’t worry – it’s super easy to use. Each evening, tear open a packet containing 2 small sheets soaked in alpha and beta hydroxy acids. You just wipe each sheet over your face, one at a time.
Sheet #1 exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, Sheet #2 douses skin with hydrating, anti-aging ingredients. It is meant to blur fine lines and wrinkles, lessen appearance of pores and uneven skin texture. This is what I do right before applying a mask……
Face Mask, Shiseido Power Brightening Mask
After my little Peel, I love applying a good mask! Sometimes I use the SkinMedica B5 if my skin needs hydrating. For a brightening look – especially after a late night out – this Power Brightening Mask by Shideido is the ticket. It’s soothing, so I’ll put it on my face then lay in my favorite chaise and watch House of Cards. There are 6 mask in the packet, so it actually lasts for a while. Leaves skin looking brighter and softer!
Don’t forget the Feet & Teeth!
Foot Peel Exfoliator, Baby Foot
One cannot have flakey peel-y feet in a gorgeous pair of sparkly, strappy heels, right?! Have I got a good one for you! Baby Foot, Peel Exfoliator. This is a single, one-time use packet of 2-booties. You place the booties on your feet for 1-hour. Remove and wash. FYI – the peeling doesn’t start right away. It usually takes 5-7 days, but when it peels….. it peels. Like in sheets! It naturally peels away dead skin, callouses and softens cracked heels. Must try!
Lip Balm Hydra Essential, Clarins
Just soothing, ultra-hydrating, emollient goodness. The formula is thick, rich but not sticky, very light scent and no taste! Literally melts into your lips and feels so soothing. A really nice stocking stuffer 😉
Tooth whitening, Crest White Strips
I mean, while you’re sitting with your feet in booties and a mask on your face, ya may as well whiten the teeth, yes? I always have a box of Crest White Strips in my medicine cabinet. They’re really great for keeping teeth nice and white, plus they’re easy to use. Just peel and place on upper and lower teeth for 30-minutes. Peel off and ta-dahhh!!! If you are in need of more aggressive whitening – you’ll want to use them for the full 30-days. It’s a great product and I think you’ll really see some nice results.
This is also the night that I love having a nice big fresh salad for dinner, drink plenty of water to rehydrate – then get to bed early so that I’ve gotten a solid 8-hours of sleep. Wake up the next morning looking & feeling like a new woman!
Happy Holidays!
