Bathtub
Ready for another “holiday?” January 8 is National Bubble Bath Day! According to the “National Day” folks, this occasion has been celebrated since at least 1999, but they’re not sure where it originated. Maybe it’s Mr. Bubble’s birthday. We know the iconic character on America’s top selling bath product brand will celebrate his 60th this year, but the exact day Mr. Harold Schafer and the Gold Seal Company brought that foamy fellow to life is a mystery.
A perfect way to celebrate is with a good long soak. Take your time because the bubbles on the surface of the water actually insulate it, keeping it warmer for a extended period of time. Hot baths help reduce tension and relieve stress. The heat is also good for easing muscle pain. Adding Epsom salts amplifies this effect and is ideal to soothe the ache from New Year’s resolution gym workouts or tired feet from working long shifts and holiday events. Steam from hot baths is excellent for relieving congestion and soothing coughs. A bath also acts as a perfect sleep aid, especially if you add a touch of lavender oil. You don’t have to spend a mint on bath products either, here are a couple DIY projects you can try at home.
Bubbles
Mood Boosting Lemon Bubble Bath
What you’ll need:
Large mixing bowl
4 c. water
½ c castile soap
3 Tbsp. coconut oil
7-10 drops lemon oil
Spoon
Funnel
2 large jars or bottles
Directions:
Pour water into a large mixing bowl. Add castile soap and coconut oil. Add 7-10 drops of lemon oil, depending on how strong you want scent. Mix. Use funnel to pour mixture into jars or bottles. (Makes enough for 2 large jars.)
Bath bombs
DIY Bath Bombs
What you’ll need:
1 c. baking soda
½ c. citric acid
½ c. epsom salt
½ c. cornstarch
coloring pigment (optional)
2½ Tbsp. almond oil or melted coconut oil
¾ Tbsp. water
12-15 drops essential oil
Bath bomb molds
Directions:
In a medium bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add color pigment if desired. Whisk to combine. In a separate small bowl, mix wet ingredients. Add wet ingredients to dry ones very slowly. (If you add too fast you will activate citric acid’s fizzing effect.) Mix until combined, and ingredients look like wet sand. Fill each half of mold, packing mixture in slightly until it's overflowing. Press halves together firmly. Let filled mold sit for one minute. Lightly tap mold and gently pull apart to remove bath bomb. Let bath bombs dry for 24 hours before using.
