(My framed postcard of Renoir’s Bather on a Rock.)
I’ve always loved my morning ritual of getting ready for the day, but I’ve never put much stock in preparing for bed at night. In the past, I washed my face right before bed, usually at 10:30 or 11:00, if not later. By then, my makeup had been on my face for over ten hours, and I would hurriedly remove it and fall into bed exhausted. Since I’ve become interested in more natural skincare and I’m trying to be gentle with my skin, as opposed to just covering it up each day, I’m beginning to understand the importance of an evening ritual.
I’m trying to be more deliberate in the time I take for myself each evening, as I change into pajamas, wash my face, and prepare to wind down. It’s actually really hard, since I’m the type that likes to finish everything on my list before I relax at the end of the day. But, on the nights when I take a little time to enjoy my face products or a new scented oil, I notice that I sleep better and I wake up feeling more refreshed.
This video inspired me to take more time for myself in the evenings, and this story on a new art exhibit featuring women bathing reminded me how much I love my own toilette. I’m also trying samples of May Lindstrom’s products right now, and they are dedicated to the ritual of self care. It’s fun rediscovering the art of relaxation after so many years, and I think it’s making a difference in how I feel, too.
Do you have an evening routine that you love?
(Our cottage through Airbnb.)
Our anniversary is today, but Ryan and I celebrated over the weekend with a little trip to a secluded cottage near Bee Cave. Ryan travels often for work and gets to visit some amazing places, but I admit to being a homebody and I much prefer a day or weekend trip to an extended one. We traveled pretty frequently (and far) before we had children, but these days, we usually take day trips with the boys.
For our anniversary, Ryan found a lovely place on Airbnb and it was perfect for a weekend getaway. Bee Cave is in the hill country, about forty-five minutes from our house, so it’s just far enough away to feel like a mini-trip, without being too far from the boys, who were with their grandparents. The cottage is adjacent to a larger house on seven acres, and the entire property is surrounded by a large canopy of trees. It rained the entire weekend, and it was incredibly peaceful and relaxing.
We ventured into the village of Bee Cave each day for shopping and meals, but we spent a lot of time lounging around and just enjoying the quiet of being together. Ryan got to visit his favorite local brewery on his own for a few hours while I relaxed on the couch and watched “Orange is the New Black.” In the middle of the day! That’s something I never get to do at home, so it felt like a luxury.
This was our first experience with Airbnb and the owner of the cottage set the bar incredibly high. I would definitely stay in this house again and we’re hoping to plan another mini-trip in a month or so.
(A few bottles on my bathroom vanity.)
Our summer has been really busy so far, and this week brought more of the same. I made a bit of headway on my store’s housekeeping stuff, and I’m trying to get everything finished to open very soon. I skipped out on Wednesday’s post due to a headache and crazy weather Tuesday night, and summer seems like the right time to take a break now and then. This weekend, Ryan and I are celebrating our anniversary while the boys are with their grandparents, and it should be a nice little break for everyone. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
A fascinating glimpse inside mermaid culture.
Discussing racial violence with young children.
A Milwaukee artist plays a little joke on airplane passengers.
Author Kate Atkinson on her newest book. (I’m looking forward to reading both books mentioned.)
The First Grandmother in London.
Prince George wears his father’s baby outfit. (Such a sweet reminder of Princess Diana.)
8,000 antique fashion prints are available to view at the Rijksmuseum’s website.
Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Father’s Day!
