Spa Tuesday -- Herbal Bath

For the sake of alliteration, I should be doing this on a Saturday or a Sunday... but life doesn't pan out the way I want it to. I have to work hard to make the time for myself and that's what this is about. See, I have made a resolution -- a difficult one for me at least -- that I will be a nicer person to myself. This includes taking time for me in any way I can. No more of this 'But I don't have the time.' 'I don't have the money.' 'I don't have the things I need..' blah. blah. blah.

My sudden burst of bad health -- a cold that almost turned to pneumonia, pulling my bag and possibly pinching a nerve (still waiting to find out), the constant migrains from almost going blind (Seriously, ladies and gents. If your glasses get scratched up, no matter how minimal it is, GET THE LENS REPLACED ASAP. I've been running with the same scratched lens for over a year and now my Rx doubled on that eye. No wonder I have headeaches!) Has got me more concerned about doing what's right for me.

No more friggin' excuses!

So I will show you how I go about accomplishing the easiest and most relaxing of rituals cheaply and luxuriously.

We shall start this journey by wondering into the kitchen.

I found the following herbs and flowers I will use for my bath using a left over sachet bag I got with a Winter present from my LHC buddies a year ago.

• chamomile tea (I used two because I'm making a sachet I'll use a few times)

• Half a scoop of loose rosebud tea*

• Half a scoop of lavender

I noticed my skin is superbly dry so I will be adding 1/2 cup of milk*

For atmosphere I am also using

• 1 Jar candle (a tea candle will do but this was lightly scented with a relaxing smell.)

• My phone.

I gather my herbs into my bag and hang the bag on the faucet of my tub. I tried using a large tea ball a few times but I knocked it open when I settled into the tub. I wasn't very fond of cleaning up the little flower bits once the water drained. I hang it from the faucet as I fill the tub so that way I dont' accidentally sit on the sachet later. Not a big deal but I want to use it once more. I usually let my bag drip dry on the faucet once the tub is empty or on my shower head.

I light my candle, pour my milk into the tub and then choose some music to relax with that I play on my phone.

Once its all prepped, I turn off the light and sink into a blissful bath and stew for about half an hour.-- or at least try to anyway. My cat, Patches, has a tendency to freak and keeps wanting to paw open the door... and if I leave the door open she comes up to me and meows with the most pathetic, horrified fashion you could imagine. Sometimes she sits on the tub, sticks her paw in and almost howls (yeah, its a weird sound!) "MOM, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! You will DROWN!"

To be fair, I *have* fallen asleep in the tub once or twice....three times.... four... -cough- maybe more?

** You can use anything you want for your herbs. I specifically chose this floral blend because I find it quite relaxing. The holidays have just wiped me out and I need to recharge my batteries. I have on occasion used cinnamon sticks and orange peels. I've tossed clove... I've used mint both fresh and dry instead. The point is that the herbs should be aromatic. Like, pepper wouldn't do a lick of good.

You don't have to use milk. You can replace it with heavy whipping cream or if you're vegan, you can use half a teaspoon of olive oil. If you use the latter, just be super careful getting out of the tub. I've slipped and gotten myself injured pretty bad due to a slippery tub.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go draw a bath and relax! I'll see you next Tuesday with another recipe.