Ideal Bite

Even if you're goin' it solo on V-day, baths are pretty great. Just sayin' Also, this tip is a *great* water-saver (even without the great water-saving tips you all added) for people who get an overwhelming desire to take 20-minute showers on stressful days. When my former housemate started taking advantage of the bath option, we definitely saved on our water bills.

Ever since becoming a mom I don't get to take baths alone, so in my family we save lots of water by all 4 of us getting in the tub. It's a tight squeeze, but its fun (kind of like Twister!)

Another good tip that you didn't mention is, you can leave the water in the tub for a bit (depending if you have an alternate place to shower) to a) humidify your house (a good thing here in Calgary, Alberta b) re-use the water to fill up your toilet tank when you flush! It really takes all of the "indulgent" guilt away.

Consider the $ you save not going to a spa or getting help relaxing in other ways. Bath - a good long hot soak - are therapeutic in many ways. Add 1/4 c. cider vinegar to acidulate you skin. Make your own bath salts with epsom and sea salt mixed - can even add some borax - all nice especially if you have hard water. A few drops of lavender essential oil to enhance relaxation. To really make your skin spa silky, make a bath oil and add 1 teaspoon to the tub. Makes for a bit more cleaning after (Easy if you do it right away) but worth what it does for your skin. Basic bath oil: Mix bland vegetable oil (safflower, sunflower, soy, or canola) with any (or all)of the following: vitamin E, aloe vera, and a few drops of essential oil. If you have irritated skin, consider putting rolled oats in a muslin bag in the bath. Same as Aveeno, basically. I try to end each week with a bath for therapeutic purposes. And I second having candles and champagne (or wine) too! See some bath and after bath treats at: http://www.simmonsnaturals.com/specialtreats.html

I wanted to make a comment about the last link you have in todays daily tip- Paris Presents Eco Tools Loofah - bath sponge made from a natural sea vegetable - not petroleum like most loofahs ($2). I don't think a loofah is a sea vegetable. It's actually a type of gourd vine. I live in Oklahoma and have actually grown my own and used them and they are quite nice. Very easy to grow. Anyways, just wanted to let you guys know! Thanks!

If a loofah is a natural sea sponge, how is that more environmentally friendly? I know that petroleum is non-renewable and horrible for the environment, but isn't it also horrible to use a different natural resource? If everyone used natural loofahs from sea vegetables, we soon wouldn't have any sea vegetables left!

A loofah is a type of gourd, grown on land, not a sea vegetable. I think you meant its not a petroleum based product like most (artificial ) sponges are.

Lush products are really great and relaxing as well. lush.com ed

Make your own bath salts with epsom and sea salt mixed - can even add some borax - all nice especially if you have hard water. http://loanusall.free.bg/cross-coc3/venereye.html credit credit high high loan loan risk r http://loanbeepay.free.bg/advertisa3/rerendd.html auto loan rate http://beeall.cwahi.net/theientued.html business http://beered.cwahi.net/sur.html title

Loofahs are definitely not sea vegetables, where did you get that idea? It's a gourd. You can eat them when they're young or let them mature and use them as a sponge.