Sacred Pampering Ritual: Panty Raid

Every year at least twice a year I pull this on myself, especially at the new year. Why is this a pampering ritual?? Well let's see.. feeling comfortable and sexy even if your the only one who knows you have them on is so confidence boosting.  Even if no one else is going to see them and your partner is used to seeing you in those huge undies that would make your Grandmother proud, change is good.  And this goes for you too gentlemen, dirty, stained, yellowed or holy undies isn't sexy on anyone.

With the new year starting this is a good way to clean out those drawers, if you have to fight to get into it, or hope you don't flash anyone and be embarrassed it might be time to get rid of them. & No sir you can't donate them to the goodwill, throw them away!!!  Make it an event, throw on some fun music, get some wine/juice/drink of choice and lets get started. I always first look for ones that have seen better days: elastic is stretched, holes or bleached out, those usually go first. Then i look at what's left, do I wear them or have I worn them at all in the last year?? Did those "sexy" ones feel comfortable, were they fun, did I feel sexy wearing them?? Or did my partner not even notice them??  If the answer is no then those go too.  Continue on, trying on ones that you can't remember if they fit right, does that bra ride up, does it fit comfortably, am I constantly adjusting throughout the day?? Then it too must go.  Here's the thing though many of us tend not to think of this when we get dressed, with out families to think of and our jobs, and many obligations many women especially a few I know allow things to get pretty desperate before they purchase new ones.  One woman I know refuses to wear anything but comfortable 'granny ' panties because she's a wife and mother now she doesn't have to wear those things anymore. All I can say to here is do you, but um if you got into an accident would you be embarrassed by those underwear?? Then I think you need to replace them. Girdles have their place, but torn, discolored or threadbare drawers are attractive on no one and actually only help to make you feel like your not worthy.


I make my partner do the same as well, undershirts and tanks with holes, become cleaning cloths, socks that haven't found a match in months go in the trash, any of his underwear that has lost the war with age goes in the trash as well. Then once the drawers are clean, **and we have dressed, it's amazing what a little show can do for you as a couple, hey the laughs alone are worth it** we go shopping for some new ones, they don't all have to be expensive, you can get them from Target/Walmart & Victoria Secrets if that's what works for you. I usually shop around. I do however splurge on bras, I'm a big breasted woman and I'm not skimping on fit and comfort just to save a few pennies.  I usually hit up the Lane Bryant sale or hips & curves ( incidentally I learned about this company through an erotica book I was reading..how about that??)

Now that you have cleaned out the drawer, let replenish  finding comfy & sexy is easy in today's market, just make sure they fit right. If your tall go for ones that highlight that with a higher cut on the leg, have a extra pounds?? Make sure to get undies with good stretch in the waist and that are comfortable. Glamour magazine has an article about buying undies for your body type, google it and look at your type for underwear that fits & flatters, while being comfortable and sexy.  Here are a few of my favorite companies to shop from:

Women:
Undies: TJ Maxx/Marshalls, NY& Co, Hips & Curves, Fredricks of Hollywood
Bras: Lane Bryant, Hips & Curves
Negligees: Fredricks of Hollywood, Hips & Curves
Stockings: I personally love stocking because you can dress up a plain outfit with a good pair of fun/funky/sexy and suggestive stockings. My favorite brands are Donna Karen DKNY, Hanes, and a few from Hips and Curves.

Men:
Undies: Hanes/Fruit of the Loom, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss (whether it be boxers or briefs or boxer briefs, make sure they fit right and have a variety of colors along with basic black & white) Funny or funky ones can be purchased throughout the year at different department stores.

Undershirts: Hanes no tag, (because I steal these all the time), Fruit of the Loom, & of course any your partner prefers

Socks: department store brands like from target

Jeez men have a better shopping experience than women when it comes to undies. When your doing this raid make sure to look at your sleepwear too, make sure they are comfortable, fit well and if you had to run out the house quickly you wouldn't be embarrassed by their appearance. So no holes, stains, or seriously misshaped clothing if you need a map to find your body you should probably look into more comfortable and good nightclothes.   See the pattern?? Comfort & good fit are essential otherwise why have them??  Clean out any that are being worn, haven't been worn in a while and donate them if they aren't too far gone.

Once we have tried everything on and gone shopping I generally do a wash of all the underwear, new stuff together and then our regular stuff separate (just cause you never know what's on those new things, germophobia for the win). Now you start off the new year with fresh clean underwear and brand new stuff as well. Only purchase what you need, I have personally enough for two weeks before I have to wash, I also have three or four extras that are comfortable undies that don't really ever see the light of day, they are plain black cotton and I keep those around for that time of the month.  I also try to make the bras match-able to several different panties, which cuts down on how many you have to purchase.

Cleaning out the drawers, starting with fresh stuff, just feels amazing. and that confident bounce in your step from knowing your wearing something fun/funky/sexy not just plain practical yeah that's awesome too.

Have fun pulling your raid!!
Happy Pampering Day

Sacred Pampering Ritual: Personal Trainer

Yeah Yeah I know I know I haven't done one of these in forever, you want to know why?? Because I haven't done one of these for myself in FOREVER. can't share with you what i don't do, I mean I guess I could but then i wouldn't be authentic would I??  Anyway...

Guess what?? I signed up with a personal trainer *actually it's an old boyfriend (not that kind just a friend) who owns his own gym so he's doing me a favor*.  He's promised to kick my ass into shape no matter what, I have seen his clients I know he can do it. I'm going to be her (down below) as soon as he gets his hands on me, *crying in my water*,

How is this a part of Pampering yourself?? Well, taking care of your physical health matters just as much as the mental health stuff.  Most of the things I have shared before help to relax you and bring into a state of peace. For me * I used to be a gymnast and a track and field runner * for a long time exercising; the flex and stretching of muscle helped to calm me to bring my mind into focus, to help clarify a lot of things and helped me to learn a few things about myself. That space was an awesome space to be in, it allowed me a greater sense of peace than anything else I have tried since.  I need to get into better shape, not for anyone else but for me. and that is part of pampering myself.
Walking, running, yoga, belly dancing, these things help to connect us to our bodies, to clear our minds, sync up our systems and allow a rush of hormones that help to give us a natural high, not to mention the other benefits including higher sex drive *as a Scorpio I really don't need anymore hype but I'll take it*;lowered blood pressure and lower cholesterol, and increase in hormones which can help to regulate your emotional health as well as lower instances of depressive moods. A better body image helps to  life your mood as well. Look I'm not saying we should all try to be stick thin, but knowing you can run a mile or hell, just walk up the stairs without passing the hell out is the goal for some. For me It's the desire to once again tumble without the fear that I'm going to suffocate when my breasts follow the flow of gravity; I want to once again be in control of my body and have fun in it, not avoid the mirror because the image i have of myself and what's reflected no longer match up.

So that's you challenge my loves, confront your body image ideas, what is it that you consider sexy and healthy, what is the best weight for your body type if that seems too wrong, what would you consider you best health goal weight and shoot for that.  I will leave you with this video, share in the comments your thoughts ideas, and what have yous. And I will catch up with you later.

Walk in Light and Love always

Sacred Pampering Ritual: Summer Series 1

Yeah baby, it's that time again. With summer coming in like a roaring lion (yeah Lions are associated with the Sun, I mean the Goddess Sekhmet almost burned the world to a crisp, her breathe created the desert).  One of the things we all love is the chance to get out, to be in the sun and have some serious fun,. the longer days mean more time to play, hang out and just relax with out friends.  One those good days we can sometimes forget to protect ourselves, or the sunscreen we have doesn't quiet cut the mustard and we end up with sunburns. (yes even blacks get sunburned) 

Sunburn can be caused by even intermittent exposure, going in and out of the home for short periods without renewing you sunscreen leaves the skin exposed. With this heat the temptation is to strip down to as little as possible while going out, which of course leaves more skin exposed, most people don't remember to do every part of their body and can end up with sunburn in the most interesting places.  I have lupus (I have talked about this a ton of times) and I am extremely sensitive to the sun, I try to limit exposure as much as possible and even have purchased clothing with sunscreen in it. Yeah you read that right. I'm going to share some of my tips and tricks to avoid harming your skin while still having fun in the sun. 

What is a sunburn??

1. First degree sunburn is marked by extremely red skin with some swelling. On those of us with darker complexions it can be felt by the tingling and the feeling of burning, since it would be harder to notice the redness at first.
2. Second degree sunburn has all the symptoms of 1with the addition of blisters on the epidermis (top layer of the skin). SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
3. Third degree sunburn is so severe that blister scars go deep into the dermis, and will remain even after the blisters "heal".  SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

How to prevent sunburn:

1. duh...sunscreen is your best friend, for most you have to renew every 1/2 to 1 hour after first application, if you are doing sports and sweating this may need to be increased. And if you are swimming each time you leave the water and remain on land it must be renewed. there are several kinds out there I will let you choose your favorite brand, but the higher the number the better the coverage. MAKE SURE TO DO ALL OF YOUR SKIN!! A good trick is to lift your hands, if your shirt rides up then put some on the skin exposed,  I like to do a whole bunch of bending and twisting just to make sure that if my clothing moves then even that skin is protected. Don't forget your feet!!!
2. Head coverings and sleeves... Whhhhaaattt? In this heat?? Yes my darlings, even in this heat, when not in the water, it's best to wear a hat to help shade your face and neck as well as a light cotton (something breathable) shirt or dress to help limit the amount of skin exposed. As I said before there are companies out there that are now making clothing with sunblock built in, simply google and you can find one near you, they are a little expensive since the technology is new, but they are well worth it. 
3. For women: make-up. yes make-up helps to give an added layer between your skin and the sun, most foundations now come with sunscreen built in, so if you do a moisturizer with sunscreen then a tinter moisturizer or light foundation you should be pretty set. FOR EVERYONE including kids: DON'T FORGET LIP BALM WITH SUNSCREEN, almost all companies make there newer lip balms with sunscreen (Burt's bees makes an awesome one), apply often especially after eating.
4. Even though we need the sun to create vitamin D, it's best to limit the amount of time you are exposed to direct heat of the sun, during 11-3 is when the sun is at it's most powerful, it would be best to do any gardening or outdoor activities before or after these hours.
5. Remember that water acts as a powerful magnifier and reflector, so it may not seem like it, but the water can actually help increase your chances of getting burned. Sort of how the sun reflecting off snow increases brightness, the sun reflecting off the water actually helps to magnify it;s strength. which increases your chances of being burned. Limit the amount of time you are handing out by the pool. make sure to reapply sunscreen often when near large bodies of water. (info gathered here, as well as from information from school)

How to Treat: Aloe and Cucumbers are now your best friends:

• Apply a cooling compress made with tea tree oil or witch hazel and vinegar with aloe vera.
• Make your own aloe vera juice. Break a leaf from the plant, squeeze the leaf until the juice runs out into your container or spray bottle. use a sterile cloth and apply to the burns; change frequently. (it feels better if you store in the fridge).
• To treat the burning, itching and pain, use distilled cider vinegar. Use a cloth in undiluted vinegar and apply to the parts most affected. this will help prevent swelling and the formation of blisters.
• All above remedies must avoid the eye areas especially, use chilled cucumber slices to help relieve the pain, you can also use it on the rest of the skin as it fights inflammation and will help reduce the pain.
• To prevent peeling, use lavender water on skin that is sunburned and spray often to keep skin hydrated.
• Apply diluted St. john's wort oil to the affected skin, or 3 drops of lavender oil in sweet almond oil (or carrier oil of choice, just not olive) and massage into affected area.
• Homeopathic remedies: CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST: belladonna, cantharis and causticum have proven to be effective in helping with the symptoms of sunburn, should be taken in pill form.  

Recipes:

Make your own sunscreen:

3 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp avocado oil

1 tbsp jojoba oil

1 tbsp walnut or almond oil

1 tbsp shea butter

2 tbsp cocoa butter

1 tsp beeswax

1 tsp soya-lecithin liquid

2 tbsp aloe vera gell

2 tbsp rose or lavender water

1/2 tsp borax powder

20 drops carrot seed essential oil

fragrance oil (avoid citrus oils as they can increase chances of sunburn, so no bergamont, ornage, lemon or lime)

1. Melt the first four unrefined oils, butters and beeswax in a double boiler (or i used a pot of boiling water and a glass bowl that sat on top comfortably). Add lecithin, stir well, remove from heat.
2. In another sauce pan, heat the aloe vera, the rose water and stir in the borax until dissolved, Remove from heat.
3. Allow to cool until they are warm to the touch and close to the same temp, set the second container into some ice and slowly drizzle in the oils, while beating with a whisk. A cream should quickly form.
4. Add essential oil and fragrance (fragrance is optional) and blend well.
5. Store in the fridge in a clean airtight jar.

Information gathered from:

My mom and grandmere's home remedies, as well as: The complete guide to natural healing cards group 10 card 8, group 7 card 4, and  group 8 card 28.

Make sure to seek a doctor's attention for blisters, and sunburn that seems severe. Protect yourself and your loved ones, and of course stay hydrated. Check back each week as I share more information on Pampering yourself this summer.

Happy Summer

21 Days of Yule Day 11: Sacred Pampering Ritual

Welcome to the Yule Edition of the Sacred Pampering rituals. (Yes I know I have missed a few Sundays, but why not catch up now during the crazy, hectic busy season). 

Last year I posted a wonderful Bliss Spell. I enjoy using that during times of high stress and think you can use it as is, or change it to suit your needs, you could add in the name of a Deity of your choice if you think it will help it work better. 
Whenever I have a pretty bad day i use the following:

Soothing Eye Compresses:

Supplies:
Muslin, scissors, dried chamomile flowers, ribbon.

Directions:

• cut muslin into 6 in squares per compress
• place two teaspoons dried chamomile flowers in the centre of each square
• tie the muslin bundles with ribbon

How to use:

• Cover compress with hot water 
• refrigerate until cold,
•  Squeeze excess moisture from bags,
• then place on closed eyes for 20 minutes

Here is a way I have learnt to make this Season a little less of a humdinger on myself, granted I don't have children to deal with but this season is still particularly stressful as a student, a daughter, a partner, and an empath.  This is how I deal, I write it all down, then it won't be floating around in my head and I know I have some direction for what needs to be done, here a few tips and tricks from my book:

• Try today to make a list of all the things that need to be done to pertain to the Yule Season, and look at the list, make a priority list of things that MUST be done in the next 38-72 hours, that can only be accomplished by You. Think hard and long about this because those items should be done first. Make this list no more than 6 items so that you can really knock it out without stressing out.  Once you clear those off the list you can keep going until the list is done.
• Along with that list of priority items make a list of menial tasks that aren't too complicated and don't require your constant supervision and pass those on to your children (if your blessed with them); your spouse/partner-in-crime or whom ever is hosting the season with you.  
• Don't attempt to do everything at once, I always get the menu done around this time so I can shop over the next few weeks for the items that way it doesn't hit the wallet as hard (especially in these lean times). I have also gotten into the habit of asking family members who are coming to do a dish so that it doesn't all fall on Me, my Mom, and My sisters to do all the cooking.
• Once your menu is set and you know what's needed see if there are items you can season now and freeze, make now and freeze or even just store them together in one spot so you don't go searching all over for it.  A traditional Jamaican rum cake soaks the fruit for weeks before so I have to start that around my birthday if you want a REALLY good cake. SO planning ahead is KEY.
• if your hosting several people why not make it a buffet instead of a sit down, so there isn't any real stress about where to place everyone, or you can do what we do which is in waves, the children eat a little earlier than the adults and end up in the family room watching tv by time the adults sit down, which means we have almost no need to watch what we say cause there are no kids int he dining room and the parents get to relax without children whinging that they are hungry.
• Take frequent breaks and hydrate often, if the holidays are starting to grate on your nerves, take a break and do something non-holiday oriented, read a magazine, watch a favourite film, throw on some good music that you love, hide in the bathroom for a few minutes, just take a break so your mentally healthy otherwise you'll snap and freak out on the wrong person, like the partner's boss or his boss's wife (ask me how I know)
• PAMPER YOURSELF DAILY, whether it's the Bliss Spell, the Mid Winter Directional Meditation, a five minute juice break, or using on of the cold compresses mentioned above make sure to take time for you so this season is a great one and not just another stressful time.

Wishing you a wonderful Yuletide Season filled with lots of love, and Blessings and less stress

Sacred Pampering: Creating the Perfect Sleep Area

Ikea inspired bedroom

Your Bedroom, a sanctuary, a source of good memories, it's where when you were a child you took your friends to sit and gab, maybe you shared with siblings and had the 'side-war', it's where you were sent for punishment, it's where you studied for school, and as an adult(if your lucky) it's where you have some good times.  This is the room you spend a lot of time in, it should be a place that calms you, and helps you relax.

For many of us (especially those sharing apartments) your bedroom, may play many roles, including acting as a 'family room' a game room, where guests come to visit, a office, as well as a room you eat in and watch t.v in.

The way you sleep can be adversely affected by your bedroom atmosphere. Simple things like smell, light and noise can disturb your ability to get a good nights sleep. Not to mention, having piles of clothing, books, or paperwork lying around can distract you and keep your mind working when you should be shutting down. 

Here are some good steps to aide in making your bedroom perfect for sleeping:

Bed is For Sleeping (& Having smoking hot sex)
If your bedroom is a multi purpose room it may be hard for you to switch from work to sleep. To help facilitate the switching of modes, only get into bed when you are tired, reserve it for sleep and sex, and limit the other non-sleep or sex activities.
If you feel the need to watch t.v, surf the net, and read from a comfortable chair, rather than in the bed.

image from ehow.com

Using a Dream Catcher:
Dream Catchers are a Native American tradition, which defers from tribe to tribe. The most common belief is that dreams are sacred and filled with meanings pertaining to the life of the dreamer.  The tribes would have the dream catcher designed, and hung above their heads while they sleep.  The opening of the dream catcher allows dreams to enter and slide down the feathers, and the bad dreams would be caught in the web, which would keep it from damaging the necessary good dreams and messages.

If you are interested in making you own dream catcher here is a good article. I however got mine from a librarian who is Native American, and had her both make it for me, and show me how to repair it when necessary.

A good dream catcher will contain, feathers, crystals, beads attached throughout the hoop.

From using aromatherapy, to your choice of mattress, there are several different ways in which you can make your bedroom a restful place: I have used these tips to help combat my insomnia and they have helped mightily.

Keep it dark, get black-out shades or curtains if you can. Yes, they are a little expensive but totally worth it, because they really help to set the mood for a good nights sleep,  Can't afford them?? get some seriously heavy blinds or curtains. Still too high on the budget?? Several layers of curtains can help. Simple have one curtain on the rod, and another set on a higher rod over the frame of the window. You know like you see in those magazines, but instead of pretty useless valances you get actual useful curtains.

Reclaim your Bed Kick your children (if you have any) to the curb or at least to their own beds. Co-sleeping is great; even beneficial for children.... when they are younger, but when they are old enough return them to their own rooms so that you and your partner can unwind together. And PUT A LOCK ON THE DOOR, children should really only sleep with you, if they have a really bad nightmare, or during a thunderstorm. As cute as they are, they tend to dominate the bed when in it, and they certainly put the kibosh to any snuggling and sexy plans.

2) Attempt to separate your bed from the rest of the room or at least the other aspects of the room, (this is really for those who use their bedroom for more than one thing like an office space) No papers on the bed.


Right mattress, right bed  If you can please get a good mattress, no springs digging into your back will help you sleep better, you can also help to preserve your bed by turning it every six months; so the mattress 'wears down' at the same time, instead of only one side wearing out. If the support in the mattress, pillows or the bed frame is gone, they can't help you sleep.  Take the time to save if you have to replace them. It won't hurt as much if you have it set aside.

Fresh Air  Try to air the room out, even in the winter, just crack the window a little to help with the circulation of air. Just don't do this on a really cold day.

Temperature try to keep the temp at a moderate level. If it's too hot or too cold it will make it too uncomfortable to sleep. You can actually drop the temp a little lower at night so long as you have enough blankets to cover you.

Dream Pillow You can create dream pillows filled with aromatic herbs like lavender, and place small crystals to aide in instilling good dreams or even psychic dreams.

Happy Dreaming

Sunday Good Music Shout-out

Ok normally today would be Sacred Pampering Ritual Day, and there is nothing better than good music to get you in whatever mood you want to be in. Now I'm down for knowing one's worth and insisting that others acknowledge it with the behaviours you let them get away with. So when I heard this song I knew this would be a good song to strenghten you on your quest to pampering and taking care of yourself.

Others can only treat you as badly or as great as you allow them. Know yourself and what you think should be alllowed in your space & the use your valuable time on, So here is the video the song is by Lyfe Jennings " Statistics"





Hope you get the message and enjoy it as much as I did.

Bright Blessings

Sacred Pampering Ritual:

Hello my loves

Welcome to another week of sacred pampering. A lot of what we will be discussing is taken from the the book "Sacred Pampering Principles" by Debrena Jackson Gandy and "Body Sacred" by Dianne Sylvan.

One of the major issues we face in taking time for ourselves is feeling like we are somehow taking away from the people we are taking care of.  We have the image of being the Superwoman in our lives (& unfortunately we sometimes have to be).
Its hard to step away from this guilt & understand that we have to take care of ourselves first to be able to take care of the others in our lives.
So this week ask yourself the following questions:
1) If you were in the "perfect" relationship you dream of what would you do in your life that you aren't doing now? Would you cook more, eat out more, dance more? What would you do?

2)What brings you Joy? What brought you joy as a little child? (try to list ten things each)

3) what are the myths that keep you from achieving these joys? From taking care of yourself if you were in the "perfect relationship with the perfect partner"?
list them all no one else is going to see the list so write it all out!!!

Have a Blessed Weekend my loves

Sacred Pampering Ritual:

Hi my loves,

 hopefully you have found a good schedule that works for youl and that you have begun to incorporate the Sacred Pampering Rituals into your life.

Today  is going to be a little different, how do you ask?  Today I want you to unplug; shut down the computer, turn off the phone, and just walk outside.

In our state its drizzling but there is nothing like walking and feeling as if the Goddess is washing you clean as you walk.  Pause put your feet on the ground, feel the earth beneath you feel the sky above you, reconnect, even if but a few moments before you return back to home, work and family.

Take these few moments and relax. Let yourself go and let the earth renew you today. For today be simple, the bills, emails, voicemails, and everything will still be there, but you need a moment to come back to center & ground yourself. Listen to the still quiet voice within and just BE!!

That's it my loves: Simply relax and let the Goddess flow over you today.

Go unplug everything (not the fridge) but all the things you don't need right this moment and take a few moments to reconnect to plug back into you.

As always my loves,

Blessed Be and fly safe

Sacred Pampering Ritual:

So my loves its our third week of Pampering, have you begun to take time for yourself at all? Have you done something that for you this week?

Today I think we should indulge. Indulge in something fun,  or something good.

Today. although I am on a new life plan ( I'm not calling it a diet, I don't do things that start with "die") Don't.Gimme. Me. That. Look. I decided to indulge in something good. For dinner i made Chicken Parmesan, with fresh made Tomato Sauce, served over whole wheat pasta. And for dessert (oh yes i indulged) in a small slice of devil's food chocolate cake.

Ahhhh,  yes that chocolate cake was delicious. Even though I really enjoyed the slice, I enjoyed it even more because I knew I had earned it.

Plus to tell the truth, since I made the cake so I know what went into it.
I'll put up the recipe on this Wed's Kitchin Witchin recipe post.

But just indulge in something good for yourself. Take the time to do something that would normally make you feel guilty. But it being a good pampering day we are not just indulging in the simple act of eating a piece of cake; it has been shown that those little moments actually help to stretch out the sense of happiness and satisfaction. Instead of indulging only once in a huge purchase or event, its best to do small things for yourself.

As always
Happy Pampering my loves

Sacred Pampering Ritual : Setting up the routine

Welcome to Sunday my loves.

For me today is the day to plan for the week coming up, ironing all the clothes needed, repairing things needed and planning my meals for the week so that the groceries last.  On this day i also like to take time for myself and reconnect to me. I know as an adult its very hard to reconnect when you are so plugged in, and have so many titles to your name you sometimes forget that your name isn't  "little witch's mommy" or "big witch's wife" or " crone's daughter".

Last week I told you to pick a day (possibly today) to take for yourself, even if its a few minutes. the people most resistant to this change (other than yourself) will be family and friends so make sure you really stress it DO NOT DISTURB unless they are dieing, bleeding or being held at gunpoint (yes its that serious).

To set-up for the physical part of the SPR have your favorite candles, incense, scented shower gels or oils and Epsom Salts.  Scented lotions, body powders, body scrubs and exfoliants are also good to have; you can also have: loofahs, heel biffers, body puff, and a cd (ipod) player.

To set-up for the spiritual part: get a journal, pen, paper, your favorite books that you have been dieing to read, a timer, and a quiet spot even it means sitting in a car in the garage.

You can also check out the book Sacred Pampering Principles by Debrena Jackson Gandy which has the amazing recipes needed to make everyday into a Sacred Day.


Here is a recipe:

You can also make the left over roses into rose water to use at a later date:

First strain the steam liquid and sace the petals and water separately. Pour water into a saucepan and simmer for about 30 mins or until there is 1 cup liquid left. Once reduced pour water over the saved petals and steep for 20 mins. Strain the liquid again. Discard the petals and pour liquid into a glass bottle and allow to cool. (recipe curtesy of Secrets of the Spas by Catherine Bardey)

P.S. ok ok i can't help but brag that the rose comes from my mom's garden :)

Enjoy this day!!
Take time to pamper yourselves my loves, it will keep you sane.

Sunday's Sacred Pampering Day

Today take the time to cherish yourself a little more than usual. Whether its five minutes more in the tub, allowing your feet to soak in the hottest water you can stand and then moisturizing your feet, whatever you choose do something good for yourself today.

In this modern fast paced world its hard to remember to take care of yourself first otherwise you will have nothing left in which to take care of your family, I am a big advocate of the one day vacation, from all your responsibilities, let someone else pick up the toys and clothes from around the house,have your partner cook dinner, tell your children that today is your special day and mean it. It can be hard when you first start off for even you to remember that the only thing you HAVE to do today is what you REALLY WANT to do.

Sit back, put on some good music and rejuvenate yourself, and most of all DON'T feel guilty. You NEED this to be a better wife, husband, partner, lover, friend, daughter  (just keep adding all you titles here)
So go ahead take the extra five minutes for some alone time. Remember that your children and partners are watching you, how you take care of yourself and place yourself first will teach them that they are worthy of being taken care of and wholly loved. So set a good example:

And if they ask what brought this on.
tell em a Goddess told you (Not me of course but Aphrodite)