{Velvet & Linen}

As we’re on that fast moving train towards the holidays, I thought I’d offer one of my personal remedies for stress removal (even if temporary).  It’s not going to be news to anyone, but more a reminder that we all need me-time now and then.  Especially when there’s a ‘to do’ list a mile long and only 24 hours in a day, 8 of which are designated sleep hours, if we know what’s good for us.

So to encourage you all, and me, to luxuriate in a bath from time to time, I’m sharing bathrooms that I dream about…

{Inspired Design}

I used to take a bath every evening.  Sometime between the birth of our second child and moving into a house with a bathtub in the guest bathroom exclusively, not the master (who plans these tract houses?), the heavenly practice was nipped in the bud, rarely to be picked up again.  I have time for that delightful hour today, but somehow haven’t resumed the practice in earnest.  This time of year I’m reminded that it used to be the calming influence in a busy schedule.

{House Beautiful}

Not a very good picture…when we renovated our guest bath we installed a tub about 6″ taller than the standard.  It makes a good soak a little better.  There’s a shower curtain for now, until Olivia (granddaughter + any other possible grand babies) grow, its easier to bathe them.

Isn’t this a glorious bathroom (below), light filled, lots of room.  I think I could definitely relax in this room.

{unknown source}

Beautifully detailed stone-surround bath with mirror.  This is the definition of luxury, right?

{The Enchanted Home}

I’m beginning to notice a recurring bathtub style in my file.  I love the freestanding tubs…

{Home Bunch}

{Ferguson & Shamamian via Design Chic}

{for the love of a house}

{Mary Watkins via T&G Interiors}

And for the showstopper favorite, in my humble opinion, a bath designed by the talented Gil Shafer…the wood and beamed ceiling offers warmth to the room and yet there’s plenty of natural light.  A bath in this room has the potential to lower one’s blood pressure!

{Gil Shafer via Design Chic}

To maximize a bath’s full effectiveness we must have some wonderful smelling bath products…here are a few of my favorites…

I love the smell of pomegranate and the Crabtree & Evelyn line feel heavenly on your skin

~or~

If you’ve never tried any of the Jo Malone products let me just say, they are so incredible, stop by the Jo Malone counter or visit their store, they are always helpful and generous with their time and test sprays.  I like the more natural scent of most of their products and while I’ve never bought the bath oil, the pump hand soap and the Lavender Amber cologne is a favorite.  The pump soap in the guest bath always draws comments.

~or~

Let’s face it, some of us L  O  V  E this season so why not bathe in the scent of the season with this Homemade Pumpkin Pie bubble bath by Philosophy?

So tell me, do you already indulge in this simple stress reducer?  I do have a few good friends that wouldn’t think of skipping their evenings in the bath, some with a good book!  Don’t you just love this time of year?

I’m linking to Stone Gable: Tutorials & Tidbits & Southern Savvy Style: Wow us Wednesday