Sunday, November 23, 2008

Holiday Survival Tip

We are at that time of year when the holidays are in full swing but I'm not going to talk not about preparing for the holidays but rather how to survive the holidays. The holidays are a stressful time of year for everyone with all the activities and gift preparation. It's easy to get caught up with all the hubbub and forget to take care of yourself at this time of year. That's why instead of focusing on all that could or should be done in preparation for the holidays, I'm offering a Holiday Survival Tip.

Mr Puffy's Holiday Survival tip:

My holiday survival tip is to escape to the bathroom for a luxurious bath. It's amazing how time to yourself having a long soak in the tub can improve one's patience and lagging spirits. The beauty of this holiday survival tip is that one can have a bath whether you have company in your home or you are a visitor in someone else's home.

I like to play relaxing music during my bath and a couple of CDs I like to listen to are Time to Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman or Isn't it Romantic by Michael Feinstein. Adding bubbles is not strictly necessary, but bubbles are nice and I strongly recommend them. My favorite bubble bath is Clarin's Relax Bath and Shower Concentrate and ~ may I say ~ it does indeed create a relaxing bath experience. Back when I used to work long stressful days as a lawyer I discovered the restorative properties of this product and have been a devote ever since. Fluffy bathrobe with happy clouds, purely optional.



Knitting impacts virtually every aspect of my life, and bath time is no exception. It goes without saying that a handknit washcloth adds a luxurious element to your bath ritual. I like to make washcloths from the super duper extra fluffy worsted weight cotton chenille that I find at Dancing Leaf Farm. This yarn knits into a washcloth oh, in about 20 minutes, at a guess.


Simple Washcloth Pattern: 1 skein Oh-So-Fat Chenille; US 11 Needles. Cast on 14 stitches and knit every row until you have a square. You can make several washcloths from a skein and that, along with a nice bar of soap, makes a quick and easy small gift.



Back when we lived in the Midwest Mr Puffy would often enjoy a bath and sometimes he didn't wait for you to get out! The first time he hopped into the tub I was so astonished that he was in the tub before I could get out - that was a surprise I'll tell you! I learned that he particularly enjoyed a bath when it was cold and snowy outside, I think, because it seemed to warm him right through on a cold night. Unfortunately, because we now have a sunken tub and it is too hard for him to get in and out of, he no longer takes baths. I did manage to find this old picture, though, that was taken about 10 years ago during bath time while we still lived in South Bend, Indiana.


Even though Mr Puffy no longer takes baths he still enjoys a relaxing spa experience with his own special shower set by Happy Tails (Spa On the Go). He says a shower isn't the same as taking a bath, it's still very nice.

We are heading up North to spend the holiday with Steve's family and will be staying in the quaint town of Healdsburg, California.

That's all for now. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone ~ and take time to enjoy a bubble bath over the holiday!

21 comments:

Knitterary said...

What a small world. I was just in Healdsburg in August. Such a charming town. We had a lot of fun exploring the shops around that main square park, and an excellent lunch at one of the cafes.

Anonymous said...

I am so ungirly. I've never liked taking a bath. I much prefer a hot or cold (depends on the weather) shower.

Have a wonderful thanksgiving!!

Anonymous said...

I'm a bath girl too! Especially when I've been out in the cold. It warms me right through.
I'm looking forward to seeing your decorated Christmas cake.

Renee said...

I'm a bath girl too! I totally enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub with all the extras: music, scented candle, body scrubs, lotions and potions and a big fluffy robe to cozy into after.
I've never knit a wash cloth, I'm definitely going to now, thanks!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

SissySees said...

Mugsy and Sissy both were/are prone to just plopping into the tub/shower with you. I'll have to check out the spa products!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tracy said...

Mr. Puffy looks good in a shower cap--whoa doggie! ;o) This was a fun post, Claudia...and good for us to remind ourselves now and then to treat ourselves good as we try to treat others good during the holidays! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend :o) ((HUGS))

t does wool said...

what great survival tips...and I agree about the long soak...it not only cleanses the outside,but also your soul.
Enjoy your holiday trip!
and Mr. Puffy in that cap-so sweet ;-)!!

Denise said...

I love taking baths but don't do it very often these days! I love that yarn for a washcloth. And Mr Puffy looks so sweet in his bath hat!
Enjoy your Thanksgiving. We'll be at our neighbors this year so I'm happy that I don't have to do ALL of the cooking this year :-)

Bridget said...

I'm with you, there's not much better than a nice bubble bath!

I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Pat K said...

Thank you, Mr. Puffy, for such wonderful ideas! Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

jillian said...

Mr Puffy is so cute in his shower attire! How funny that he used to like to jump in.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

The fluffy bathrobe with smiley clouds is certainly NOT optional!

And, no, my mother never warned me knits could be this *bad*. ;)

knittingdragonflies said...

OOOO you make me long for a bathtub. We gave ours up for more room in the bathroom. I don't miss it very often, but when I do. oooooo, those cold dreary days.

Happy Thanksgiving
Vicki

amanda said...

I swear, your blog is the only one I read that is both helpful and hysterical at the same time!

My dogs do not jump in the tub, but they tolerate it!

Anonymous said...

Another great blog. I happen to live in that neck of the woods and just yesterday was discussing with my neighbor when we should visit Dancing Leaf Farm! Now I think it will be sooner rather than later. And Mr. Puffy looks adorable in his shower cap! What a Guy!

Anonymous said...

I love my baths. I try to sneak one in at least once a week. It doesn't always happen though.

Mr. Puffy is so cute in his shower cap!

Bubblesknits said...

I love that pic of Mr. Puffy in the shower cap. ::big grin:: I wonder if they have kitty products.

raining sheep said...

What a cute post...I am all in favor of a great bubble bath to relax and funny enough I like the Clarins as well...it is one of the few products that does not break my skin out in itchy splotches :) Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and then survive that to deal with Christmas. Hugs.

Windyridge said...

Ya know that's a great idea to take a bath. I may do just that! Enjoy your holiday. I like the idea of the thick washcloths. The "Oh So Fat" yarn looks so soft and luscious.
Enjoy your holiday!

sweetp said...

Oh gosh, I would so love to have a nice luxurious bath without small children trying to climb in too. Bliss!

Firefly Nights said...

Wish we had a big soaking tub. Eventually I'll remodel one of the bathrooms just to get one.

LOVE the photo of Mr. Puffy. It was great!