The Educator Holiday Gift Guide 2017 series is written by Lauren Moore based on interviews with Lotus Blooms educators. It covers OUR holiday season, which runs through Valentine’s Day!
One of the most underrated things in our lives, particularly during the holidays, is self-care.
We talk a lot about self-care in our business, but my coworker Alyssa just lives and breathes it. Alyssa manages the merchandising in our store. This means that every time a customer gushes about the warmth and comfort they feel at Lotus Blooms, and we respond with a cheerful, “Thank you!”, we take all of Alyssa’s credit. I’m almost sorry…
To redeem myself, we’re going to have our self-care and comfort expert give us some suggestions on how to realign after the holidays and start your year off right!
Temptress Corset ($139).
Feel sexy and confident wherever you go! We love underbust styles because they can be paired with anything. My favorite look is with a button-up to give a confident and androgynous vibe. Alyssa pairs it with flowy blouses and dresses for a fierce statement piece. Of course, there’s always the option to dare to be bare underneath. The Temptress is a particularly soft, curvaceous piece, perfect for those looking to care for their hourglass this year. Alyssa shares, “I’ve never put it on someone and have them not love the way they feel and look.” She’s right! Even though many people come in not loving their bodies or proportions, a great fitting corset can make a world of difference, giving the boost you need. Alyssa’s favorite color is the brown brocade because “It’s like autumn in a corset!” You might also love the red satin or the teal satin.
Botanical Embroidered Babydoll ($84.95).
Another staff favorite is to pair corsetry and self-love with sensational lingerie. Alyssa raves about one of our newer items, the Botanical Embroidered Babydoll–it’s hard not to! The fabric is black and sheer for a sultry sexy but brings vibrance with colorful flower embroidery. Alyssa reminds us that bright colors and flowers tend to make people smile, creating that feeling of happiness and warmth. This babydoll purposefully looks different than your typical lingerie. Being purposeful is key to great self-care. Don’t pick a piece because someone else says it’s sexy–pick a piece that makes YOU feel sexy and the clothing will reflect that positive energy.
Massage Oil ($19.95-$22).
Once you have the sexiest of ensembles, what else can you do to feel fantastic in your skin? Massage it with a delicious oil, of course! All of our massage oils come with fragrance so you can pick the aromatherapy you need for ultimate care. Smooth over tired muscles, dull skin, and tense bodies or sprinkle into a warm bath. (During our conversation, Alyssa and I got lost in the fantasy of a warm bath with some decadent oils.) Pair with a good book and/or a good vibe, and you’ve really got the ultimate night in! We have three oil options in store: Seagrape has strong herbal aromas and is Alyssa’s recommendation; Sliquid has unusual but amazing scents; and our newest, Sensuva, is pheromone-infused in case your self-care requires another person… that’s a thing. We won’t judge.
Come As You Are ($16.99).
You know how we were suggesting a good book (hang tight, good vibe to follow!) to go with that bath? Come As You Are will forever be the Lotus Blooms suggestion. (In fact, you can read my review of it!) Come As You Are discusses how we talk about sex in our culture and includes wonderfully practical ways to make it better; or, as Alyssa puts it, “If your best friend ACTUALLY knew all about sex and your body.” The book has a lot of science, but is written in a way where you become best friends with the author while navigating issues. Overall, the major message of the book is, “You are normal!” There’s nothing more soothing for the sexual soul than learning and feeling that. A must-have.
Je Joue Mimi Soft ($95).
Alyssa will cheerfully tell you how she has become the “Mimi Soft Fairy” among her friends and family. (“Actually, I’m the Come As You Are Fairy, too.”) We love the Mimi Soft because it’s a beautiful and subtle vibe, delivering impeccable rumbles. All of our waterproof vibes are great for tub love, but the Mimi Soft stands apart as it can easily be used as a massage stone after your bath is finished. It’s perfect for self-exploration and endearment.
For a bonus item, Alyssa wants you to care for your skin! Uberlube ($18.95) is not only a fantastic lubricant, but works wonders as a fragrance-free massage oil or chafing protectant.
Why is Alyssa so passionate about self care? When she’s not organizing a sensational window display, Alyssa is a full-spectrum doula, advocating for pregnant and postpartum parents to have the best and healthiest experience around birth. With all this care work, Alyssa understands the truth of the saying that you need to fill your own cup before you can fill others’. When she was talking to me about her picks, Alyssa flowed seamlessly between sex and the self, quoting our marketing guru, Diva, “Sex is something you do with yourself and sometimes share with another person.”
So explore, care, nurture, treat, and care for yourself. It’s the best way to bring confidence and passion into the new year!
Check out Lauren’s, Hancie’s, Diva’s, Teal’s, and Mindi’s gift guides for more gift ideas and product recommendations!
