It’s Just a Bath ’til you Match it Right.

The long, slow soak in the bath has long been established as a panacea for stress related, inspiration lacking and time out deficit woes.

It is the place for relaxation, for glamming up, for
celebration and for romance. It serves many a
purpose on emotional, psychological and physical levels; but until you match it right, it’s just a bath.

The “Bubbles” Bath

The Bubbles Bath covers a range of situations, and although there is some variety pertaining to specific occasions, the base element of the Bubbles Bath is the same. A hot water and bubble bath mix. Sweet or fruity scented bath bubbles work best.

The “Girls Night Out” bath requires excess bath bubbles and exfoliating scrub, and, depending on the purpose of the Night Out may be teamed with a Yellow Tail Bubbles; fresh, fruity, medium sweetness and delightfully crisp. A particularly special Night Out requires something a little more special, along the lines of a Chandon NV Brut Rose, a smoother finish with a touch of Pinot Noir adds the pink tinge that sets you in perfect stead for a night out with the girls.

The Chandon NV Brut Rose is also a perfect match for the extra special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. The hint of pink adds the romantic element and a strawberry or peach bath milk finishes it off.

A suitable alternative is the Yarra Burn Sparkling Cuvee, crystal clear and with crisper flavours. It’s not pink, but it goes a long way to livening up the bath.

The bath will need to accommodate two, however, size is never an issue for the Romantic Bath, and does much for intimacy.

Of course, the bath is also used for Celebration and does well with moderate bath bubbles, perhaps papaya scented, and a glass or four of the Chandon Vintage Brut 2005 with fresh flavours and crisp finish to complete your day.

The Stress Relief Bath

Whilst a hot bubble bath aids stress relief, it is of greater benefit when accompanied by a low scented bath foam, the addition of aromatherapy oils such as lavender and rose geranium for mental relaxation, or a few drops of rosemary to relax the muscles.

The addition of a glass of chardonnay, with its dry finish enhances the benefits. A Fishcage Chardonnay Viognier 2007 offers just enough body to aid you in relieving the stress in yours.

The Working/Inspiration Bath

Sometimes, you just get stuck whilst your working, whether its writers block, and idea that wont move forward or your mind is just muddled. Moving away from your work is the best bet, and a warm to hot bath with moderate bath bubbles is a fabulous distraction.

Take a note paper and pen, or a laminated piece of paper and whiteboard marker, a wine glass and bottle of Geoff Hardy Handcrafted Merlot 2004. The name in itself oozes inspiration, its deep crimson hues stimulating and the rich, multilayered flavours get the creative juices flowing.

The “Just Me Time” Bath

And sometimes you just want some time out. A very warm to hot bath with moderate to excess, fruity bath bubbles and a Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc 2005 is the perfect way to achieve this. This crisp, fresh, cheerful flavours offer a pick-me-up whilst providing a sense of fun and unadulterated enjoyment.

You’ll emerge a vibrant, relaxed woman!

Whether you are using your bath for romance, celebration, inspiration or a much needed break, matching the right bubbles with bubbles and bath aromas with the relevant crisp or smooth flavours will enhance the experience and ensure your bath gives you just what it is you need.

Enjoy!

© Mad Cow is a writer, wife, mother and sharer of baths with three smelly boys. She is also the founder of reality parenting website realmums.com.au, providing support, information and empowerment with the aid of the Real Mums Wine Club. She has spent considerable time avoiding smelly boys and researching this article.

All the wines in this article are available from the Real Mums Wine Club, which is free to join, offers up to 70% discount on wines and they are delivered FREE to your door. Make sure you put your bathrobe on before you answer it.