The Art of the Bath

Fact: For as long as I can remember, I have loved taking bubble baths.

It's so soothing, relaxing - lying back in warm, sweet-smelling water, reading a good book, listening to music while my feet turn pruny. For getting clean, nothing beats a shower. But for relaxing before bed, or on a rainy afternoon, or whenever you're feeling stressed or tired or blah? Bubble bath all the way.

There are a few key ingredients, and a clean bathtub is the first one - obviously. Atmosphere is next. Lighting a few scented candles and turning off the harsh overhead florescent bathroom lights goes a long way to set the perfect calming mood. After that, well, throw in a glass of wine or a mug of hot chocolate; a good book or magazine; some music; whatever you like, really.

I just emerged from one such bath, and it was indeed lovely. Candles, a glass of wine, and a few capfuls of "P.S. I love you" scented bubble bath from Bath & Body Works. Ahh.

The only thing that would have made it better? Well, a big, bubble-jet tub for one. And company, for another.

But still. Lovely.