>>bathing beauties

There’s nothing nicer on a cold winter’s night (especially if you’ve been on a stakeout with China Bayles) than a long, luxurious bubble bath. Hi! I'm Ruby Wilcox. Usually, you'll find me at my shop, The Crystal Cave, which is right next door to Thyme & Seasons, in Pecan Springs.

But don't look for me there today. It's National Bubble Bath Day, and I'm celebrating. I'd invite you to join me, but my bathtub is too small for everybody. And besides, maybe we don't want to get quite that personal.

If you'd like to have your own personal bubble bath, you can find my favorite recipe in the January 8 entry in China's Book of Days. But maybe you'd prefer a different kind of herbal bath. Try one of these ideas:

• Bath tea. For an invigorating bath, brew a strong rosemary tea (4 sprigs fresh rosemary steeped for 15 minutes in a quart of boiling water). Add to your bath water. Eucalpytus leaves, bay leaves, and mint are also waker-uppers.
• Bath salts. For a skin-softening bath, mix 1 1/2 cup sea salt, 1 cup Epsom salts, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 1/2 cup finely ground herbs (lavender, rose petals, and chamomile are nice). Add a few drops of fragrance oil to strengthen the scent. Mix in your blender and store in a lidded jar. Add 2 tablespoons to a warm bath.
• Cinnamon Oatmeal Milk Bath. Mix 1 cup finely ground oatmeal (not instant), 1 cup milk powder, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cloves, and 1 teaspoon ginger. Whirl in your blender until very well mixed. Store tightly covered. Add 2 tablespoons to a warm bath. (And remember, cinnamon is said to be an aphrodisiac!)

Happy Bubble Bath Day!