Sunday Mornings in Our Enola House: When Self-Care Became Non-Negotiable
Hey friends! Stacie here. Let me be honest with you: For years, I gave everything to everyone else. Making products for others, running to craft shows, helping with the grandson, managing the business. My “self-care” was a quick shower if I was lucky.
Sound familiar?
Then one Sunday morning, about a year ago, Maddi looked at me and said, “Mom, when’s the last time you actually took care of yourself?”
I couldn’t answer.
That’s when we decided: Sunday mornings would be sacred. Not hours—just 30-60 minutes. Just me (or Maddi, or both of us), our products, and permission to actually relax.
Here’s what that looks like in our real life. No fancy spa prices, no appointments, no guilt. Just simple rituals that make us feel human again.
Setting the Stage (5 Minutes, I Promise!)
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect bathroom. Here’s what I actually do:
- Clear the counter - Toothbrushes and hair ties go in the drawer for now
- Dim the lights - I just turn off the overhead and use the vanity lights
- Add warmth - A candle or two (I love our scents, but any will do!)
- Sound - Soft music, nature sounds, or honestly? Sometimes just silence feels amazing.
- Grab what you need - Fluffy towel, cozy robe (mine’s ancient but comfortable!)
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s permission. Permission to take this time for yourself without guilt.
The Rituals That Changed Everything
Start with Steam or Soak (Your Choice!)
Shower Steamer Sundays
Some mornings, I don’t have time for a bath. That’s okay! Our Breathe Shower Steamers have become my secret weapon.
Here’s what I do: Place one on the shower floor (not directly under the water—just close enough to get splashed). As the steam rises, eucalyptus and peppermint fill the air. Suddenly, my everyday shower feels like a spa.
Why I love it: It clears my head (literally—great for sinuses!) and wakes me up gently. On Central PA winter mornings when I’m congested and tired, this 10-minute ritual makes a difference.
Pro tip: Don’t use these in the bath! The concentrated oils can irritate your skin. Trust me—I learned that the hard way in our early testing days!
Cocoa Milk Bath (My Personal Indulgence)
When I do have 30 minutes? Our Cocoa Milk Bath is my go-to.
The smell alone—rich chocolate—makes me feel like I’m treating myself to something special. But here’s the real magic: The milk-based formula creates this creamy, silky soak that leaves my skin SO soft.
Why I love it: After a long week of making soap, packing orders, and running to craft shows, this bath makes me feel pampered. The cocoa scent is comforting (not overpowering), and my skin drinks up the moisture.
When I use it: Sunday mornings when I need to slow down. Pennsylvania winters when my skin is screaming for hydration. Anytime I need to feel human again.
Gentle Exfoliation (The Secret to Soft Skin)
Here’s what I do: Right after the shower or bath, while my skin is still damp, I use our Sugar Scrub or Sugar Scrub Cubes.
Why exfoliate? Especially in winter, dead skin cells build up like crazy (thanks, indoor heating!). Scrubbing them away gently reveals the soft, fresh skin underneath.
What I love about our scrubs: They’re not harsh. The sugar dissolves as you massage, so you get exfoliation WITHOUT irritation. Plus, they’re formulated to hydrate while they scrub—your skin doesn’t feel stripped or tight afterward.
My routine: I focus on elbows, knees, and feet (the rough spots that need extra love). Takes maybe 3 minutes. Rinse, pat dry, and you’re ready for moisture.
Nourishing Moisture (The Best Part!)
Okay, this is where I get a little indulgent. Our Signature Scent Whipped Body Butter is my Sunday morning treat.
The scent: Chocolate and honeysuckle. It’s sweet but not overpowering—like a hug for your nose.
The texture: Fluffy, whipped, clouds of moisture. It melts into your skin instantly. No greasy film, no waiting around in a towel for it to absorb. Just soft, hydrated skin that lasts all day.
Why this matters: Central PA winters are BRUTAL on skin. Dry air outside, forced heat inside—your skin doesn’t stand a chance. This body butter locks in moisture and actually protects your skin’s barrier. I don’t need to reapply lotion three times a day anymore.
Hands and Feet TLC (Don’t Skip This!)
Real talk: My hands take a beating. Soapmaking, packing orders, washing dishes, winter cold—they get rough, cracked, and dry.
My secret weapon: Our Cocoa Lotion Bar.
Here’s what happens: You rub the solid bar between your hands, and body heat melts the cocoa butter. It’s like magic—this rich, nourishing moisture spreads easily and sinks deep into rough patches, dry cuticles, cracked knuckles.
My Sunday ritual: I spend 2-3 minutes massaging the lotion bar into my hands and feet. Not rushing, just intentional care. By the time I’m done, my hands feel soft again. My feet (especially heels!) are smooth instead of sandpaper.
Bonus: Keep a lotion bar by your sink. Quick swipe after washing hands = no more winter cracks.
Lip Care (Two Steps, Soft Lips)
Pennsylvania winters + cold wind = cracked, bleeding lips. I’ve been there.
Step 1: Lip Scrub - Gently buff away dry, flaky skin. This preps your lips to actually absorb moisture (instead of just sitting on top of dead skin).
Step 2: Lip Balm - Lock in hydration and protect against cold winds.
Takes 60 seconds. Keeps your lips soft all week. Trust me—once you start this routine, you’ll never skip it again.
Make It Your Own: Little Extras That Matter
Here are a few things I’ve added to my Self-Care Sunday ritual (pick what works for you!):
1. Hydrate with something you love I make a cup of herbal tea and bring it into the bathroom. Sipping something warm while I soak? Heaven.
2. Just breathe Sometimes I meditate. Sometimes I just sit in silence and breathe. Both count.
3. Mini facial Use one of our gentle natural soaps on your face. The soft lather, the clean feeling—it’s simple but effective.
4. Slow down When I’m applying lotion bar to my hands and feet, I take my time. Massage each finger, each toe. It’s meditative.
The point isn’t to do everything. Pick one or two things that feel good to YOU.
Why This Matters (From Someone Who Resisted Self-Care for Years)
For a long time, I thought self-care was selfish. I had a business to run, a family to care for, products to make. I didn’t have time to pamper myself.
But here’s what I learned: When I don’t take care of myself, I have nothing left to give.
I’m grumpy. I’m tired. I resent the work I usually love. My skin suffers (hello, cracked hands!). My patience wears thin.
30-60 minutes on Sunday morning changed that. I come out of my bathroom feeling like myself again. Soft skin, clear head, ready to face the week.
You deserve this too. Not as a luxury—as a necessity.
Our products were created with this in mind: Natural ingredients that actually work. No harsh chemicals. Just honest, effective care for your skin and your soul.
Try It This Sunday
Start small. Pick one or two products. Give yourself 30 minutes. See how it feels.
I promise: You’ll come out feeling more like yourself.
Find our products:
- Shop online: Carlisle Creative Vibes
- Visit in person: Carlisle Creative Vibes (152 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA) - Come smell everything and find your favorites!
Stay connected:
- Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
- Join our mailing list for seasonal skincare tips and self-care reminders
Questions about creating your own Self-Care Sunday ritual? Message us on Facebook or use our Contact page. We’d love to help you find the perfect products for YOUR routine.
— Stacie (Momma Bears Creations, Enola PA)
P.S. - Maddi and I now protect our Sunday mornings fiercely. The business can wait. The orders can wait. Taking care of ourselves? That can’t wait.
See also
- Teacher Appreciation Gifts They'll Actually Love (From a Mom Who's Been There)
- The Perfect Gift for Someone Who Has Everything
- Beyond Candles: Unique Self-Care Gifts That Actually Get Used
- Why Stacie Creates: It's About Joy, Not Just Business
- Why We Call It 'Forever Care': The Four Ways I Explain Tattoo Luv at Craft Shows