Have you ever seen a formal Japanese tea ceremony? The slow, thoughtful process of preparing the tea creates a lovely serene setting that includes a single flower on the table. You’re even invited to smell the heavenly aroma of the tea before sipping. Ahhh, the ritual is very special, and just thinking about it is so calming.
Now, fast forward to our hustle bustle life. We’re more likely dash into a noisy, crowded Starbucks, grab a paper cup of sugary coffee or tea and down it within five minutes, while chatting away on our cellphones. Where is the thought or enjoyment in that?
So, what if we started to take more time to have a cup of tea, or even better, put more time and thought in to the way we get dressed. There’s an art to getting all dolled up that we’ve somehow forgotten about, and without it, looking fabulous isn’t half as pleasurable. So the next time you have a night out, why not give yourself an extra hour or so to relax, primp and experience the ritual of dressing. Here’s how:
1. Put on a candle and some music. Who doesn’t look and feel great by candlelight? And a little music will set the mood for your evening. Are you off to an afternoon wedding or night out with the girls? Either way, you can get the party started even before you leave the house!
2. Have your outfit picked out ahead of time. Take the stress out of getting ready by being confident that you have an outfit that fits, is ironed and set to go with all the accessories you need.
3. Linger in the tub with lots of bubbles and a pumice stone. Nothing like a relaxing soak in the bath and look forward to your outing! Use the extra time to smooth out those rough patches on feet and elbows.
4. Powder, puff and fluff. Afterwards, moisturize all over and then powder with a soft lavender scented sachet to feel extra feminine.
5. Put your makeup on while sitting down with a lighted mirror. Make sure you have one of those lighted magnified mirrors to sit down and enjoy applying your make up. Study your face. Do your eyebrows need a little touch up? Is there a stray hair on your lip? Look after those little grooming issues and then apply your makeup knowing that you are going to look your most beautiful! Take your time, as if you were slow dancing, applying your moisturizer, makeup and curling those lashes.
