5 Essentials Every Bath Taker Needs
By: Casey Harding-Brown
Ahhh, there really is nothing like starting or ending your day (or both) in a warm, relaxing and rejuvenating bath. Growing up, I didn’t take showers, strictly baths. Now that is definitely extreme and looking back on it, kinda odd (Bath freaks put your hands in the air!), BUT I think even at a young age I was on to something. When I am submerged in water I find a certain tranquility like nowhere else. Whether I am stressed, hungover, or just having a perfectly normal day, a bath ALWAYS makes me feel better. After 27 years of taking baths, I’d consider myself somewhat of an expert. So I decided to share my top bath time essentials in the hopes to take your future bath experiences to the next level.
Bath tray
Is there anything better than being able to eat, drink and read or watch your favorite show while in the bath?! I think not. Thanks to this bath tray from Bed Bath and Beyond you won’t have to awkwardly cram your wine glass in the corner of your bath while your plate of snacks is doing a dangerous balancing act on the side of the tub, all while holding your Ipad above your head in the hopes your arm workout from earlier this week will allow you to get through this chapter without frying your Ipad (or self) by dropping it in the water. This was gifted by a friend for my birthday and I remind her at least once a month that it’s the best present anyone has ever given to me.
Bath salts
Baths are amazing for muscle tension and recovery which is another reason they’re are top of my list, especially post work out. Certain salts are known to have healing powers so what better combo than bath salts? I got this bag from my Fab Fit Fun box and I love it. After an intense Yoga or HITT workout, I pour a cup into my steaming water and let the effects wash over me.
Coconut oil
Is there anything coconut oil can’t do? Well...yes actually there’s a lot it can’t do but what it CAN do is turn your bath experience to a silky smooth situation. I am from California but live in Colorado (before any of you Colorado people start yelling about California transplants, I’ve been here a decade so cut me some slack!) where it is drier than your mouth after smoking a (legal) joint and eating pretzels. Sometimes I feel like I am actually dying from dryness from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water helps but my skin and hair always seem to need that extra oomph. A tablespoon of Trader Joe’s coconut oil in the bath does the trick every time! It’s nice because you don’t actually have to take the time to apply it, it just naturally melts in the water and spreads over your body.
Candles
Nothing sets the bath mood more than a candle and a glass of wine. When it comes to buying candles, Boy Smells and Candles By Jay are my go to’s. Both companies use non-toxic ingredients that won’t harm you or the environment. I love how all the scents are strong without that overpowering Bath and Body Works circa 2005 smell. My favorite from Candles by Jay is her “Goddess” candle while “Red Head” takes the cake (or should I say candle?) for Boy Smells.
Essential oils
I was gifted a set of essential oils from Trader Joe’s for Christmas a few years ago and it converted me into an essential oil lover! It came with three scents: Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Lavender. I love adding the lemon or eucalyptus to my baths in the morning to brighten my mood while invigorating and awakening my senses and I use the lavender to unwind my mind at night time. There are lots of essential oil brands out there and now that my Trader Joe’s ones are running low I might explore some new options because sadly, this was just a holiday promo item. You can still get the three pack on Amazon here. A good friend and fellow blogger (ExposeTay.com) recommended Doterra who has an expansive list of essential oils that I’m excited to choose from!
