Monday, February 10, 2014

Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas -- Pamper Her with Bath and Body Products from RITUALS Ayurveda Collection (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

RITUALS


Originating in India 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda has been recognized as the world's oldest medical science. Based on the power of nature, this ancient practice is a holistic lifestyle aimed at balancing body, mind and soul. Rooted in the literal meaning “knowledge of life,” Ayurveda consists of trusted detoxifying and nurturing elements to release blocked energy, providing peace and stability. Based on the historic principles of Ayurveda, RITUALS introduces an innovative portfolio of everyday essentials so you can discover Ayurveda health and beauty at home. 


As a busy mom to two very energetic toddlers, I sometimes find myself wondering where the time has gone in a day.  Before I know it, it is dark outside, and time for the girls' bedtime routine of a bath and bedtime reader.  But, ever since we set the clocks back an our this past fall, the girls' schedule has been off.  Now they get up at bright eyed and bushy taled at exactly 6AM each morning (sometimes earlier, ugh!).  So, I have to either get up at 5AM just to get a warm shower in, start sipping a hot cup of coffee to wake me, and find a few minutes to unwind and relax before the day begins.  I find myself having to tip toe around the house as they are both light sleepers, and the wood floors always seem to creak when I walk on them in the early AM's.  If the girls hear me moving around, they wake, and my shower, cup of coffee and few moments of quiet have to wait until they take their afternoon nap.  I thought that as they got older, they would be sleeping in more, and giving me a few extra minutes in the AM to get what I needed done.  Ahh, the joys of parenting!!! :-)  But, you know...I wouldn't change it for the world!

When I do find a few moments to sneak away to shower, I have been reaching for a new product line I was recently sent to review called Rituals?  Have you hear of it?  

In the year 2000, founder Raymond Cloosterman started his adventure from a deeply rooted passion: “I passionately believe that we can transform our daily routines into more meaningful moments if we pay just a little bit more attention to the details. This philosophy led to a unique concept of combining home and body cosmetics, and this is how RITUALS... was born. With a luxurious collection of high quality products to enrich body and soul we offer anything from body and facial care to scented candles, clothing, perfumes, gemstone make-up, and tea."
  
Of this affordable bath, body and home fragrance line, I was sent Shanti Shower, a nourishing shower paste infused with sweet scents of Indian Rose and Organic Sweet Almond Oil and Shanti Chakra, a caring body oil spray, also with Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil scents. 



--Shanti Shower--
With the sweet scents of Indian Rose and nourishing Sweet Almond Oil, this rich ultra-soft shower paste gently cleanses and soothes the skin, relaxing body and mind. Price: $15 


 --Shanti Chakra-- 
A natural combination of Sweet Almond Oil and Indian Rose, this softening body oil nourishes and balances the skin. The delicate fragrance makes this oil a pure treat for body and mind. Price: $19 

I was excited to try out these two products, as I love products with almond oil, as it leaves the skin soft and silky with a sweet yet not overpowering scent.  

I love being sent bath and body products to review, as it gives me an excuse to pamper myself and spend a few extra minutes in the shower to really try out these new products. I always leave the bathroom feeling more relaxed -- both mind and body -- when I take these extra few minutes.  This is one reason why one of my New Year's resolutions was to make sure I was taking some much needed "me time" each day to regroup and unwind.  If you have little ones, especially babies and toddlers, then you know how draining they are, and how much energy and attention they require.  At times I wish I had the girls in my 20's, as I had more energy and could live off of less sleep. But, now in my 30's, it takes longer to recharge my batteries, and after a day of lugging 30+ lbs. around, my body feels it.  Ahh, the joys of aging...gracefully. :-)

So, how did I like these two products from Rituals?  First, let me start with the nourishing shower paste.  When I did manage to find time in the AM to take a quick hot shower, the scents of the Indian Rose and Organic Sweet Almond Oil really helped in waking me up. This scent combination really smells amazing, and the overall shower experience was great.  My skin never felt so clean, and the product really left my dull, dry winter skin soft and smooth, with the added scents of sweet almond oil and Indian Rose.  With my sensitive skin, I always hesitant about using products with fragrances as I always have a reaction. But, this soothing shower paste lathered up great and washed off, without leaving a greasy or filmy residue.  And, while it had a sweet subtle scent, my skin didn't break out or become irritated, which was a huge plus -- as I really love this product and can't wait to try the other products that make up the Rituals product line.

After my shower, I followed up spritzing on the Rituals Shanti Chankra caring body oil spray.  Again, this body spray included the sweets scents of Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil, which when spritzed on my body, left my skin silky smooth and feeling nourished, while also helping to bring a sense of calm over me with the relaxing Indian Rose scent.  Who knew that Indian Rose was so relaxing?  If I knew this, then I would have been using since I welcomed the girls -- especially during their colic and teething months. :-)

Even though Valentine's Day is still a few days away, I am celebrating early thanks to the samples scent from Rituals.  I am taking those much needed few extra "me time" minutes daily, and loving it.  Not only am I recharging my batteries for myself and my girls, but my skin is looking and smelling great thanks to the sweet scents of Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil.  The girls are even noticing, as Savannah keeps leaning in and taking in a few sniffs before telling me I smell great! :-)

I will definitely be keeping Rituals at the top of my wish lists for my upcoming anniversary, birthday and Mother's Day.  My husband, like Savannah, is taking note at how great my skin is looking, and the subtle sweet scents of almond oil and Indian Rose, as he keeps asking me what perfume I am wearing and how I am getting my skin so soft and smooth. :-)

Check out some of the other products available from the Ayurveda from Rituals, that would make for a great last minute Valentine's Day gift idea for your to hint to your sweetie for, or simply pick up for yourself, so that you, too, can take a few extra "me time" minutes each day to unwind and recharge your batteries, as you pamper your body and mind. :-)



Yogi Secret: This softening and cooling foot scrub uses Fresh Mint and Holy Basil to speed up the natural detoxifying process for purified, silky soft feet. When cleansing the body, always start with the feet, making your body feel grounded and the mind balanced. Price: $16 

Shikakai Secret: Infused with Indian Rose and Shikakai, this natural moisturising conditioner promotes healthy shiny hair and protects the colour. It is ideal for daily use, and makes blow drying easy. Price: $17  

Honey Touch: A softening, nourishing body cream to help your skin find its optimal balance and has a relaxing effect on body and mind created with rich Himalayan Honey to soothe. Price: $25 

Energy Bubbles: A rich, velvety foaming cream bath enriched with natural extracts of Indian Rose and Ginseng leaves your skin feeling nourished and silky-soft. Price: $19 

Himalaya Wisdom: A crystal salt body scrub that thoroughly cleanses the skin with an ultra-soft cooling effect. Followed by a warm bath to speed up the process, this emulsion of Fresh Mint and Holy Basil effectively stimulate the body’s energy flow, releasing toxins. Price $25 

Brilliant Bliss: A nourishing, ultra-shine shampoo with Indian Rose and Shikakai to moisturize the hair, while strengthening the roots and restoring beautiful shine. Price: $17 

Yogi Flow: A nourishing shower foam sensation, this unique formula uses Indian Rose and nourishing Sweet Almond Oil to restore the Skin’s moisture balance, while cleansing the body and calming the mine. Price $15

All products are available at Barney’s, Barneys.com and the RITUALS Store at 231 Lafayette Street, NYC 

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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