A Relaxing Sunday ♥

I was recently contacted by Ocean Finance, who invited me to take part in their 'Relax with Ocean' series. Ocean’s ethos is all about making people’s lives easier, and to reflect this, they very kindly sent some bloggers £50 each to spend on anything that helps them to take time out and relax. I decided to use the money to have a relaxing home pamper day with some new luxury skincare products.  I spend almost every day helping others to relax, and whilst my working environment does help me to relax as well, I like to re-create the tranquil environment at home. For me, nothing (apart from holistic therapies and spa treatments!) says relaxation like a soak in a warm bath, and so I knew that I had to base my pamper day around this! I decided to buy some skincare products from Neal's Yard Remedies. Their products are luxurious, natural and Leaping Bunny Certified. Not all of their products are vegan, but I found some lovely ones that are. I purchased the Age-Defying Skincare Kit (it is better to start using anti-ageing skincare as early on as possible for best results, and once you reach 25 your skin is actually classed as mature!) and the Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Mask (which was in the sale then I bought it!). I also bought the Create Your Own Hair & Body Wash so I could add my own essential oils to it. 

 

  I had my pamper day on a grey, windy Sunday. To start the day, Jack and I took a long walk through Penrose Woods, one of our favourite walks. As the weather wasn't great, there weren't many people about and so it was lovely and peaceful in the woods. When we reached the end of the woods, which opens out onto the cliffs overlooking Loe Bar, the wind suddenly hit us as the shelter that the trees gave ended. The sea was quite stormy, and seagulls battled against the strong gusts of wind. This is my favourite weather to walk in though, and we enjoyed an invigorating walk back across the cliffs. 

 

 When we got home, I ran my bath and lit loads of candles to create a cosy atmosphere. I cleansed my face with the Rejuvenating Frankincense Refining Cleanser, which was a dream to use; thick, creamy or balmy cleansers are my absolute favourite. I then applied the mask and hopped in the bath. I added a few drops of some of my favourite relaxing essential oils to my bath: may chang and chamomile. To the Hair & Body Wash, I added ylang ylang, lemongrass and mandarin - more of my favourites! I buy all my essential oils from Quinessence Aromatherapy. They are Leaping Bunny Certified and retail to the public as well as trade, so if you are looking to purchase any essential oils, I would definitely recommend getting them from Quinessence as opposed to one or two certain multi level marketing companies that claim to offer the best 'therapeutic grade' oils!

I had a little bit of the money left over so I decided to buy the first Poldark novel for my Kindle, as I have been meaning to read it for ages. I popped my Kindle in a plastic wallet and indulged in a few chapters as I relaxed in my bath. I also enjoyed a few of my favourite Booja Booja chocolates as well! 

  After my bath, I finished my facial by using the Rejuvenating Frankincense Toner before massaging in the Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil and the Frankincense Hydrating Cream. My skin felt amazing afterwards, so I'm thinking of doing a full review on these products. I had some lunch and then curled up with Jack under a blanket and enjoyed a cup of calming chamomile tea. We stayed here for the afternoon, watching films and reading while the wind howled outside - heavenly!  

 Home pamper days are such a great way to relax, and it made me realise that I haven't had a proper one in ages! I will definitely be spending more days like this when I can. So many people feel guilty for having time to themselves to do nothing but relax, but they really shouldn't! Regular relaxation is so important as it helps to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy.  What is your favourite way to relax?