April
Monday, April 16, 2007 at 11:20PM To initiate the "Ten Things" column, I've decided to go with what's current, what's now, what's happening...at least, for me. My triathlon is only three weeks away, so my spare post-workout hours are all about self-created comfort. With that in mind, I bring you my ten things for April!
A Candle...
Everyone loves Diptyque's candles and I definitely have a collection. The Feuille de Lavande scent is the essence of lavender leaves in a candle. You may not know this, but lavender is great for curing headaches and insomnia, so lighting this candle definitely helps to set the tone of relaxation!
Diptyque Feuille de Lavande candle, $48 at eLuxury.com
A Hot Bath...
Nothing helps muscles relax like a hot bath, and to that end I always rely on Molton Brown. Heavenly Gingerlily and Energising Seamoss are my two favorite bubble baths, however I've recently discovered the Yuan Zhi Bath and Shower Gel which is specifically formulated for someone whose body needs some extra TLC. (Like mine!) Essential oils of vanilla, ylang ylang, and rose combine to promote relaxation, while the whole concoction aims to sooth stress and encourage peaceful sleep. Yum...sleep.
Molton Brown Yuan Zhi Bath & Shower Gel, $25 at eLuxury.com
Some Relief...
When all the hot baths in the world can't help ease the cramping, I rely on Salonpas - a delightful product that was recommended to me by my accupuncturist. Salonpas are topical analgesic "sticky patches" that have been around since 1934 in Japan, where apparently medicated patches have been used since the 18th Century! Ingredients include such ordinary things as camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate...okay, so they have a little "eau de Ben Gay" about them, but they work!
Salonpas package of 40 patches, $3.99 at Drugstore.com
Shea Butter...
Shea butter is something I always have, yet rarely use since it's such powerful stuff. It's also a little cumbersome, being thicky, sticky, and has a propensity to transfer to everything in sight. Yet, when your skin is totally depeleted due to hard-core athleticism, one must take steps to re-hydrate the largest organ. I love L'Occitane's shea butter. It's clean, lightly scented, and extremely rich. I've found that if I put it on, I have to let it settle into my skin for a little while or I'll saturate any item of clothing I put on over it. BUT, my skin stays soft and moisturized for days...
L'Occitane's Shea Butter 4.9 ounces, $39 at Sephora.com
A Big Chair...
Okay, so there is no way in the world that this chair would work in my apartment, but I still find it irresistible! I would love to sink into these generous proportions after a long workout. Feet up in a cushy chair, a good book or an old movie...Sigh!
Pottery Barn's Charleston Chair-and-a-Half, $1399.00 and Ottoman, $599
A Cup of Tea...
I'm not much for cups of tea...I'm more of a hot coffee or hot chocolate kind of gal, but I do make an exception when it comes to Peet's Coffee and Tea's Xiao's Blend. Peppermint, chamomile, and rosehips are blended to create this light, lovely tea - I actually keep a box in my desk at work because sometimes I just get a Xiao's craving... Perfect!
Xiao's Blend Tea box of 25 bags, $6.45 at Peet's Coffee & Tea
And the Perfect Tee...
When sitting curled up after a nice hot bath, one needs approrpiately-soothing apparel as well. enter Marika's French Cut Tee from the Balance Collection. 95% Ultraspun Cotton and 5% Spandex, these tees are super-soft, light, and fitted. They're comfortable without the "baggy" usually associated with loungewear.
Marika's French Cut Tee, $22 at Marika.com (or sometimes Sports Basement!)
Replenishment...
In San Francisco we are blessed with exceptional drinking water right out of the tap. My Dad likes to call it "Chateau Hetch Hetchy" and it's piped in directly from the Sierras. Yet sometimes, you want to indulge in a little something more, especially when you need to replenish fluids right quick. That's when I reach for Volvic. Volvic has only been available on the West Coast in the past few years, but New Yorkers have had it for ages, and I learned of it myself many years ago when living in France. It's simple, retro label houses pure, unadulterated, perfectly wonderful water that tastes like...water.
Foot Parade...
The thrill of victory, and the agony of da feet...yes, the tootsies have it rough when enduring triathlon training. The legs kick, cycle, and run, and with all of this comes a lot of abuse! Ole Henriksen's Muscle Comfort Lotion combines peppermint and lavender extracts to soothe and invigorate the legs, ankles, feet, and toes...feet and toes...
Ole Henriksen's Muscle Comfort Lotion, $28 at Sephora.com
Cashmere!
Cashmere is the ultimate indulgence and one of my most favorite things. Just imagine curling up in that big chair with a luscious cashmere throw! Now that sounds comfortable... Williams-Sonoma Home offers cashmere throws in eight colors and generous proportions: 50" x 70" to be exact. Just thinking about having one of these waiting for me at home gets me completely distracted. Cashmere...delicious!
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