Relax, already!
Marcia and some of her more Zen friends explain the benefits of taking some time to take it easy
In the past, I've admitted my drug store predilection for tacky bath products. I simply can't pass up a display of loofahs or Mr. Bubbles. But I recently treated myself to an upgrade to Santa Maria Novella pomegranate bath salts, all the while developing a proclivity for Claus Porto, those brick-sized soap bars from Portugal. Given that I have been known to shampoo my hair with a bar of Irish Spring, all of this spa-like luxury is new to me. Also gone are the Glade scented diffusers and old Budweiser beach towels. Armed with Slatkin candles and Sferra bath sheets, I now feel like I'm bathing in luxury! Here's how local tastemakers relax.
MARY PRILLAMAN HOLLAND
“Relaxing is all about candles for me! I really enjoy the Molton Brown collection, which is moderately priced and packaged very well. The Thai Vert candle with the matching shower gel is wonderful—and, not to mention, a beautiful shade of green. And, after a workout, the warming eucalyptus bath therapy can't be beat.” —Prillaman Holland is the owner of Holland & Company. HollandandCompany.com
HEATHER J. PAPER
“My ritual for relaxation—in addition to a glass of wine, which is a ‘must' for relaxation anytime—is picking up a needle and thread. Whether it's sewing a tablecloth that reflects my latest color craze or hand-embroidering a new pillow, I take great comfort in carrying on traditions my grandmother taught me.” —Paper is a noted design author; she is also the interim managing editor of AH&L
BILL HUDGINS
“I love to relax in a Japanese soaking tub with the sound and sight of a waterfall in the distance. The aroma of lavender in the spring and summer, and cedar and eucalyptus in colder months, makes for a rejuvenating bathing experience.” —Hudgins is the owner of Lush Life in Buckhead. LushLifeHomeGarden.com
ALISON GOLDWATER
“With two small girls, I feel like relaxation is almost a lost memory, but that is exactly why I renovated my master bath and turned it into a sanctuary. Every component is natural and gives me an Eastern feeling of serenity. I would have opted for a design that reminded me of my family home in Scottsdale, Arizona, but I'll save that for the next home and go for a desert-theme-in-Atlanta look. For now, I just need peace. I love candles and aromatherapy in those 30 minutes when I am not being Mom and can be tranquil. If only I had a padlock.” —Goldwater is a local public relations specialist
| INSIDE STORY When I first thought about relaxing rituals, my mind raced. Relax? Me? When was I ever relaxed?? The more I thought about it, I do, in fact, have a ritual, and I need to get back to it immediately! You see, my computer has taken over my life. When I am not answering e-mail or checking my Web site, I'm blogging, kibitzing with my zillion friends on Facebook or twittering about a trip to Alabama. But the fear that I will be electrocuted by my laptop if I bring it into the tub with me is the only thing that gives me a few minutes of repose. With the hot water running, I grab a book and attack another three chapters of Balzac. With one of those comfy (but admittedly heinous) inflatable pillows, I stay water borne until my body looks like a prune. And when I realize that I no longer have the desire to twitter about it, that's relaxation, indeed! |
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