A Lady's Night In

I have been, like most people I know, feeling a little under the weather lately as the wet spring turns slowly to hot, dusty summer. So on a rare night alone at home I feel inclined to indulge is some lady time. Yep, a face mask and a Netflix binge on BBC mini series based on classic novels.

I was inspired by some incredible dried lavender bunches gifted to me from a friend's garden!

So pretty and fragrant. 

First, make a sachet with the dried lavender buds

I also add coriander pods simply because I love their sweet, spicy aroma

You can use a paper tea bag or a reusable spice bag to steep your herbs

(you can find both lavender and coriander pods at your local spice shop or upscale market)

Tie the tea bag off and submerge it in very hot water.

Let your herb sachet steep for a few minutes and then saturate a small, clean towel in the water.

I use like to use pretty, vintage linen napkins. 

I love the absorbency of linen for bathroom and kitchen towels and vintage napkins are often of amazing quality and softness, plus many of them have such pretty edging detail.

  

Once the towel is saturated, wring some of the excess water from it, just so it doesn't drip all over you, and lay the hot towel over your face while you lie down and relax.

This will open your pores and relax the tension in your facial muscles.

Keep the bowl of hot water nearby so you can re-wet your towel several times.

Now its time for a face mask!

Feel free to use any mask you love. I completely adore the ones from Evanhealey.

But if you're up for a little homemade adventure, here is one of my favorite mask recipes:

Make this up before you go into your hot towel heaven so you can quickly apply it after opening your pores and before ruining your moment of zen with a bunch of measuring and stirring.

Rose Oil and Honey Mask:

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons almond oil

5 drops rose essential oil

Mix honey, almond oil and rose oil.

Apply to face and neck with fingers.

Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Pat dry.

I plan to spend the rest of this lovely evening snuggling with my cats and catching up with Middlemarch. I hope your night is just as relaxing!