Cultivate a Luxe Life {Bedroom Edition}

Little luxuries that make you feel like you're living large
​on a small budget.

OK let's be frank here for a second: spa days and dinners out are amazing. But when you're on a budget and you want to feel like a million bucks (without spending a fortune), you have to get a little more creative. Over time and many discussions with family and friends, I've noticed that certain free (or relatively inexpensive) treats can make your day - or your night - feel like you're living a life in the lap of luxury. ​Because our days begin and end in the bedroom, I've dedicated this first edition to the boudoir.

Iron your sheets

I'll be honest, I do not buy clothes that require ironing. I never got the handle of maneuvering a hot iron without adding more creases, but whenever I want to feel like I'm spending the night in a fancy hotel, I whip out the contraption and set it to my bedsheets, Martha Stewart style. The best part is, it will make even the cheapest, most threadbare sheets feel like a crisp hotel set.

Fill your bed with pillows

Go around your home and gather all your pillows onto your bed. Sink into them and take a few deep breaths. Scatter them all around you to use as props for your arms and legs, or to create a cocoon for yourself. Bring a book to bed and finally create the perfect angle for reading. Prop your legs on 2 or 3 pillows after a long day. No extra pillows? You can use an extra cover or blanket instead. My mother-in-law rolls up old covers and turns them into body pillows. Smart lady, that one.

Anoint your body in warm oil

This, this, this is the ultimate luxury. And it's actually an ancient practice that is said to heal your body. After your shower, lay a towel on the bed and massage the warmed oil into your limbs. If you don't have any sesame or coconut oil, you can substitute with your favourite cream - you know, the one that came with your perfume in that box set that you've been saving for a special occasion? This is it. Lay back and relax while your body absorbs the oil or cream. My music recommendation: Ludovico Einaudi's "In a Time Lapse" or for something upbeat, 'Roundtable Revival' by Lindsey Sterling (the music video is pretty stellar too). 

Wake up without an alarm clock

This one may take some practice and training before you can achieve it. Mornings start on a gentler, more positive note when you don't have 3 alarms going off in quick succession, or an annoying pop song come on that you won't be able to get out of your head the entire day. I haven't used an alarm to get up on time for almost a year, and it has profoundly changed the mood and energy of mornings. It also gives the impression that you chose to wake up at that time, and that is a powerful, luxurious feeling in itself. 

Go to bed early

What's more luxurious than making the decision to turn everything off and turn in for the night? Anyone with children and/or who work long, tiresome jobs will tell you that sleep is such a luxury - Arianna Huffington wrote an entire book about it! Getting to bed earlier will also help you wake up without an alarm clock.
I know it's not easy, and I'll admit that this little luxury still eludes me most nights as I stay awake to finish one more chapter, watch one more episode, or to finish up one last project. But from time to time, when I get to bed early and actually get in more than 5 hours of sleep, I feel refreshed and ready to take on anything when I wake up.

Amazon link

Diffuse your favourite relaxing oils

You've probably heard of the benefits of essential oils, and there are many popular brands out on the market. I use local organic oils along with an oil diffuser (called an ultrasonic nebulizer), and I refer to the recipes of the wise Valerie Ann Worwood for specific blends. The added benefit of a diffuser is that it sprays a fine mist that also adds some moisture and oil into the air that is said to purify the air, according to the experts.
If you don't have any of these on hand, you can dab some lavender oil on your temples and wrists. Simple, effective and relaxing. 

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Snuggle with your favourite companion

Whether it's your significant other, your kids, or a pet, taking time to be present and focus on quality time with those you love adds so much positivity to your day. Sure you may have to change the sheets or make the bed (again) or share the pillow fort, but the warm fuzzies, the boost of endorphins, and the smiles (or tail wags) you'll get are all worth it.

@plancultivatecreate

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Do you have any little luxuries or routines that make mornings and evenings in the bedroom feel more luxurious?

Wishing you mornings and evenings enveloped in luxury, 
Katherine