Even though it irks the heck out of me when people post lame "T.G.I.F." status updates on Facebook, I'll admit that sometimes that's precisely my sentiment. But, while many of those FB friends are undoubtedly heading out to [insert favorite bar -- as long as it's not Hooters -- here], to ring in the weekend, my dream destination is my bathroom. Because he knows this about me, my oh-so-kind husband and I have a deal that one Friday evening a month he takes the kids out for dinner so I can have my own personal "Calgon take me away" moment. Except that when it comes to indulging in a bath ritual, I tend to use products that are a tad more luxurious.
To really help yourself unwind, it's key to set the mood (and pour yourself a glass of wine). For me, that involves olfactory pleasure and, to that end, the first thing I do is light an Apothia Juiced Candle, $46. This candle comes from Los Angeles' impossibly trendy Ron Robinson Apothia, and its heavenly aroma of red currant and geranium truly help take my stress level down a notch -- or 12. I received my first one as a hostess gift several years ago and have been hooked ever since.
Once I'm grooving on the candle, I prep the bath. For me, it's all about the perfect bubble bath followed by an awesome body scrub. Tokyo Milk Rose with Bees, $36 is peerless when it comes to both awesome bubbles and a fabulous scent. Its citrus and rosewood combine with other subtle notes to create a pleasurable -- yet not overpowering -- fragrance that blends exceptionally well with the candle. Plus, it has Japanese green tea extract and olive and avocado oils that drench your skin in moisture. Again, I was first turned on to Tokyo Milk when an old high school pal came to visit and brought it as a gift -- I clearly have some very hip friends.
Scrub-wise, I'm all over Kai Body Polish, $36, its salt and sugar combo really do, well, polish my skin and work great to slough off that attractive alligator leg syndrome I've usually got going on.
Once I'm sufficiently prune-y (and my wine glass needs refilling), I emerge and begin the final step in Project Relaxation: the moisturizing. I first fell in love with Diptyque candles and creams when I went to Paris with my sister to see the French Open tennis matches. I won't reveal how many eons ago that was, so let's just say that I've been using Diptyque Lait Frais, $58, for a long time. It's expensive, I know, but since I only indulge in its orange blossom water and sweet almond oil goodness once a month, I figure it's OK.
Actually, I just had a brainstorm. Next weekend, we're heading to our friends' beach house for a last hurrah before school starts, and I think that I'll bring our hostess a bottle of my very favorite "Lait Frais." Who knows, maybe someday she'll write about how much she loves it!