Hi There!
My week has been ridiculously busy at work - same amount of work, but one less day to do it in! Which has inspired my blog this week. In this busy life we sometimes forget to look after our own wellbeing, sometimes, just sometimes in this world of phones, tablets, internet and video games its just nice to sit back, relax and do nothing in particular. A time when we can rest our brains and just switch off for a while.
My favourite way to relax is not all about lavish spa treatments or holidays, it's simply time alone to appreciate small pleasures and just drift away. I like to have a nice hot bath with plenty of bubbles, some gorgeous scented candles and amazing tunes.
It's sometimes hard in this house to capture those moments. I have two dogs who hate being shut out of any room, bathroom included, so if they are not crying outside the door, they have barged their way in, eaten some bubbles, farted and left, leaving me with a less than relaxing aroma! I'm sure many of you will have faced similar interruptions when trying to find some sanctuary in the day, whether thats pets, kids or partners, so I know you will get it when I say these moments are worth more than gold.
My ingredients for the perfect chill out are:
Bubble Bath - my favourite choice at the minute is Avon Spring Garden, it smells fresh and the bubbles last ages, even when I use a body wash.
Candle - The candle I have at the minute is one of the Air Wick Ribbon Scent's I believe it is the White Vanilla Bean, but I'm not entirely sure on that. It's fab because it's also in a square jar, which fits neatly in the corner of the bath.
Play list - This by no means even scratches the surface of how many tunes are on my play list, but here, as promised are 10 of my favourite chill out tunes. I've put links to the songs underneath the titles, have a listen, see what you think.
Norah Jones - Come away with me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbjZPFBD6JU
Norah Jones has such a mellow voice, it completely relaxes me the instant she opens her mouth and this song is so lovely.
Amos Lee - Violin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5raMzavYgE
I've not long come across this artist, his voice is gravelly yet soulful and he is fast becoming a favourite of mine.
Ray LaMontagne - Trouble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3pltmw6cmI
This guy has such a raw, soulful voice he has done a version of Crazy by Gnarls Barclay that I love too - worth a listen if you get chance.
Ben Howard - Cloud Nine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtIkRffZ-tI
I believe this song was written for his sister, I'm a sucker for a story, especially if it involves family.
Daughter - Medicine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb3F4p5UNNA
I've found this artist recently - she has such a beautifully haunting voice and I love her.
The Promise - Tracy Chapman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnjegFZGBDk
This song has great meaning to me, such beautiful words and Tracy Chapman is just a legend in my eyes
Waves - Mr. Probz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a5WyAjL1MM
Although I love the radio edit, the version I use for chill out time is much less commercial, its all about the instruments and that voice - perfect chill out song.
Cristina Perri - Jar of Hearts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v_4O44sfjM
I think Cristina Perri is one of my girl crushes, she has a haunting voice, and I love the lyrics in this song - "you're gonna catch a cold from the ice inside your soul" - pure genius!
Lifehouse - Everything
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogsi6nA3g2o
Not much more to say about this song other than perfection. Words, music, voice - Everything!
Fleetwood Mac / Stevie Nicks / Dixie Chicks - Landslide (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-NJ8MTMFY8
My obsession with Boyce Avenue (up until now) is a closely guarded secret but they are truly amazing and this song resonates with me a lot - incidentally they have done a version of Everything by Lifehouse which is also very, very good
I hope you enjoyed hearing how I relax and more than that I hope you find time to do the same. I would love to hear your tips on how you relax in the comments below.
See you next time
Lottie x
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