This post is sponsored by Ivory, however, all of the opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who support Kozy & Co.
As moms, it seems like time to ourselves can be more of a rarity than a common occurrence. Between taking caring of our families, managing our homes, and work, we often times find ourselves at the very bottom of the list. I definitely speak from experience when I say that during a normal day, I have a hard time even leaving a room alone, without little feet following right behind me. So, taking a hot shower or bath in the daytime just isn’t feasible for me, and it probably wouldn’t be very enjoyable with all of the interruptions that would surely take place… which is why I have made it a point to take a little time every night just for me.
Once all of my kids are tucked in for the night, and the cleaning/house chores are done, I like to relax and unwind with a simple at-home spa night. This doesn’t necessarily involve anything to fancy or elaborate, but I like to light a candle, play some calming music, take a steamy shower or a warm bath using some of my favorite products, and enjoy some reading. This quiet time alone allows me to chill out and catch my breath after a long and hectic day and has honestly become a must for me mentally.
Lately I have been using a combination of Ivory products during my shower/bath, including their Original 3-bar and Original Body Wash, which I love. They may have changed their packaging (totally swooning over the vintage inspired bottles), but Ivory is known and trusted for being 99.44% pure for 138 years. They use only simple, pure ingredients and the same gentle cleansers that they have for generations, which is perfect for sensitive skin, and still leaves you feeling seriously clean. As an added bonus, they’re free of dyes and heavy perfumes, which is really important to me as a mom. My favorite Ivory product is the, Free & Gentle Body Wash with Pear & Sandalwood, which includes the #1 Dermatologist Recommended moisturizing ingredient. It leaves my skin smelling amazing, and feeling nourished and moisturized, which is essential during these cold and dry winter months.
One of the best parts of these “spa nights,” is the peaceful time I get to enjoy with a good book, whether it’s while I’m soaking in the tub, or after a long hot shower. For a while there, I let the craziness and busy days take their toll and stopped making the time to read, even though it was something I really missed. Slowing things down and curling up with a good book has always been therapeutic for me, I suppose because it allows me to escape from my “normal” world for a short time each night. I’ve read some pretty great books over the last few years, so I thought it was about time I compiled and shared a list of some of my favorites. Perhaps it will encourage you to take a little time for yourself each day.
*Click on any book cover below for more information.
What is one of your favorite ways to unwind after a busy day?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Ivory. The opinions and text are all mine.
Spa nights are the best! My favorite books right now are…anything Nicholas Sparks, Grace not Perfection and Present over Perfect!
I LOVE a good hot shower. It’s so relaxing. Room is such a great book — I finished it in the fall. It’s such a haunting but beautiful story.
A bubble bath and a good book would be nice. I use gym time as my me time and when I really have time, I add sauna time cause there is no way family can bother me in there.
What relaxing pictures…no I want to take a bath and read a book. Thanks for the book suggestions.