History of Bathing (Part I)

The Romans were famous for their baths. They included hot and cold rooms, and medium temperature lounging rooms with a variety of extra services such as food, wine exercise and/or personal training being offered. At different points in history, baths were segregated by gender, while at other times the bathing was mixed.

It was so interesting to read that people used to visit the thermal baths not only for medicinal purposes, but to "flee from gloom, to seek amusement and to think of nothing except how to live happily and enjoy their pleasures."

This then led me to find out more about where the word "Spa" comes from. Apparently there are 2 theories: One is that "spa" is an acronym for the Latin phrase "salus per aquae" or "health through water". The second theory is that the word "spa" comes from the Belgian town of "Spa" known since Roman times for its baths which is also synonymous in the English language with a "place to be restored and pampered".

So, it guess its safe to surmise that people were stressed out back before the 1600's and had their version of our modern day spa retreats.

To "take the waters" and restore your health, create a spa experience at home using what may have been used in Roman Baths.....Lavender Enjoy Either a lavender bubble bath or lavender bath oil.

Dove Soap isn't too clean

Amazing 60 second campaign ad turning Dove's "onslaught" ad around against the company -- the biggest buyer of palm oil in the world (which is the biggest cause of forest destruction in Indonesia).

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Is Today Someone's Birthday?

Today is someone's birthday, anniversary, baby shower, or bridal shower. Someone may be feeling depressed, or stressed out , and you want to get them a gift. I created Eclipsespa because the rejuvenating benefits of spa treatments inspire natural health. Eclipsespa has the first ever complete product line for your spa experience at home.

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The History of Our Ingredients

People on all continents have used hundreds to thousands of indigenous plants for treatment of ailments and healing wounds since prehistoric times.

Eclipsespa’s key organic ingredients date back centuries and have been used to protect the structural integrity of our skin. As the intensity of the suns’ rays interact with our exposed skin cells, many issues come to surface. We need to protect the integrity of our skin, enhance rejuvenation of our skin, and minimize cellular damage to the skin while outdoors.

Because of our intimate knowledge with plants, you will find key ingredients in almost all of our products. The combined synergistic effect of these ingredients addresses all of these dermal issues related to sun damage and aging-skin.

We believe in the restorative powers of plants to enhance your beauty and health.

Green Gifting: Mothers Day Gift Idea

Green Gifting: Mothers Day Gift Idea

Olive, Rosemary, and Onion Focaccia

This is a really easy recipe to make and perfect for company. I wanted to share it with everyone because my previous post had to do with Rosemary.



Ingredients
1-1/4-ounce package (2-1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves plus whole rosemary leaves
1/4 cup minced onion
1/2 pound Kalamata, Niçoise, or green Greek olives or a combination, pitted and cut into slivers (about 1 cup)
1-1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, or to taste

Instructions

In the large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook stir together the yeast, the sugar, and 1-3/4 cups lukewarm water and proof the yeast mixture for 5 minutes, or until it is foamy . Stir in 4-1/2 cups of the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the oil and knead the dough, scraping down the dough hook occasionally and adding as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary to form a soft, slightly sticky dough, for 3 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turn it to coat it with the oil, and let it rise, covered, in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it is double in bulk. Knead in the chopped rosemary, press the dough with lightly oiled hands into a well-oiled 15-1/2-by 10-1/2-inch jelly-roll pan, and let it rise, covered loosely, for 30 minutes. The dough may be made 8 hours in advance and kept covered and chilled.
Dimple the dough with your fingertips, making 1/4-inch-deep indentations, brush it with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and top it with the onion, the olives, the salt, and the whole rosemary leaves. Bake the focaccia in the bottom third of a preheated 400 degree F. oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until it is golden and cooked through. Transfer the focaccia to a rack, let it cool for 10 minutes, and serve it, cut into squares, warm or at room temperature.

Credits
From: Best of Gourmet - 1992 (Condé Nast)

Tranquil Places: 9 Easy Steps to a Spa Pedicure

Tranquil Places: 9 Easy Steps to a Spa Pedicure