Thursday Thirteen - 13 Tips for a Romantic Bath

1. Rose Petals
2. One of the most common symbols for romance, the rose is not only a beautiful addition to your bath water and/or bath area it is delightfully fragrant as well.
3. Bubble Bath
   Bubble bath comes in so many varieties it can be hard to choose the right one. If you know your partner has a special favorite, use that one. If not, try something a little creative like bubble bath in a champagne bottle.
4. Mood Music
   Initiate a romantic environment with a little calm and relaxing mood music. Many stores offer nature or mood themed music. Pick out a CD that will help you create the exact mood you desire.
5. Candlelight
   Restore that healthy glow with a liberal sprinkling of candlelight. Tea lights are easy to use, make little mess and are easy to throw away once cooled. Don't place candles where you may splash water on them.
6. Bath Loofah or Accessories
   Why not give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little skin pampering? Go shopping together and pick out a few fun bath products in a scent you both love
7.  Skin Care  Take care of each others' skin and try new exfoliants or other skin improving products.

7.     Hair Care Give each other a complete hair washing, including combing out their hair during the conditioning process

8.     Champagne
Celebrate your time together with a romantic toast. Use this couple time to renew promises or vows with each other. Or, just revel in actually having couple time.

9. Try a fun, sensual bath game.
10. Warm, Fluffy Towels
    Put your towels in the dryer for a few minutes for a warm and toasty after-bath treat.
    Take turns drying each other off for a more intimate experience.
11. Mood Inviting Bath Soak
    Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products.
12. Privacy
    A romantic moment is easily ruined with unwanted disruptions. Arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room.  
13. Shower Power When you don't have time to take a nice bubble bath with your partner, opt for a nice, hot, candlelit shower with incense and music. This is wonderful for mornings because it refreshes the mind for the day.

Massage  Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.

#WednesdayWritingPrompt - Negative and Positive

Sit comfortably with your notebook and pen.

Positive: List three experiences you have had that were interesting, satisfying, illuminating or uplifting. Choose one of the experiences and write about it for seven minutes, concentrating on your feelings and thoughts.

Negative: List three experiences you have had that upset, angered or disturbed you in some way. Choose one of the experiences and write about it for seven minutes, concentrating on your feelings and thoughts.

Here’s an example from Jim Johnston

I was dizzy by the time I found the room where they did blood tests. Outside, it was a waiting area full of people. I couldn’t sit down, paced up and down. Frightened of a little jab, I sneered at myself. “You’re not a child of ten. You’re supposed to be a man of 32.”

“Something wrong?” The nurse was a slight little thing with kind eyes.

I couldn’t help myself: “it’s the blood, I can’t bear the sight of it.”

 “No problem, “she smiled. “We’ll make sure you don’t see any. You’d be surprised how many we get inhere like that, my little love.”

Little love! I’m over six feet. She barely reached my elbow. We both laughed and suddenly I was half crying, saying. She sat me down with a paper cup of tea. I’ve never felt such a fool in my life!

#TastyTuesday - Gypsy's Simmer Pot

Today's post isn't real isn't just "Tasty" but it smells really good.

"Tis the season of the common cold, the creeping crud, the flu and other seasonal ailments. 

I have a special gypsy friend who is wise and has many wonderful tips to share. 

She recommends the use of a Simmer Pot during the cold, dry winter months.

Gypsy Lady

A Simmer Pot is any large pot of water placed on the stove to simmer for many hours. The steam will add much needed humidity to your home and help with breathing issues. Adding fragrance to the simmer pot will add comfort to your home as well as fight winter blues.

Here are many Simmer Pot recipes I like to use -
*add orange slices, whole cloves, and a few sticks of cinnamon
*lemon slices, slices of fresh ginger
*lemon slices, sage leaves
*dried lavender, sage leaves
*lemongrass, dried lavender, sage leaves
*a handful of pine needles, couple of cinnamon sticks
*a sprig of fresh rosemary, a few drops of peppermint

If a family member is suffering from a bug, Gypsy Lady recommends making a pot of soup early in the day and let it simmer. Use all fresh vegetables herbs and good stock. For sore throats add a bit of lemon and maybe a shot of whiskey. Check it often as you may have to add water. Such a pot will fill the home with wondrous, welcoming aroma that will also fill a body with nourishment. If you make a pot of soup that simmers all day... make sure you share it!

Mindful Moment - Take a Break

Our attention is often scattered amidst myriad responsibilities like work, family and friends. But mindful moments can offer reprieve, helping to combat stress and bring a greater sense of calm into our day, one minute at a time.

Take a moment to simply be mindful of your surroundings. Sit back take a deep breath, exhale slowing. Gaze out a window... what do you see? Look around you...search for the little things. Watch a bird fly, a squirrel scamper. Notice a child's drawing hanging in a special spot. Admire the lush leaves on a houseplant.

Sweet Sunday

I MUST find this bakery!