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HelloBeautiful is giving away a $50 DSW Gift Card.

For a chance to win click here.

So HelloBeautiful is at it again with a giveaway.  This week they're giving away a $100 Sephora Gift card.  Click here to find out what you've got to do.

Good luck!

Hello Everyone! I know I know, I've been away for awhile. The new year started off with a bang and I've been running ever since.

But I'm back now just in time to talk to you about taking some time out for yourself. In all the ripping and running I've been doing I've learned that I have to have some "me" time EVERY DAY. The place that's become my second sanctuary (the first is my bedroom) is my bath time.

I love that time of the day when I can draw a nice warm bath and as the commercial used to say, let the moment take me away. So I wanted to take this time to talk about how to make your bath time your own private spa.

Of course I know most of you have some sort of ritual, so if I miss something please feel free to share in comments. We all could use extra tips.

Turn on the music

I find music is a great way to get ready for the bath. Some of my favorites: Incognito, Sade, Earth Wind and Fire (gotta have the elements), Marvin Gaye and Miles Davis (Love Songs).

Lighting

If you've got a dimmer in your bathroom great, if not they aren't hard to install. You can get one at your local Home Depot or Lowes. Of course you can also use some candles (just be very careful) to set the mood. Scented candles are great and there are several on the market that are perfect for bath time like: Diptyque, Bed Bath and Beyond has a pretty extensive selection of more moderately priced candles too.

Bath Oils, Beads....etc.

Of course no bath experience is worth talking about with bubbles, oils and beads or the fragrance.  My favorite CAROL'S DAUGHTER they've got everything from the smell of the ocean to almond cookie scented products.  Of course if you're on a tight budget, like alot of us are right now, there are some really good bath products at your local drugstore.  Some you might like to check out: Neutrogena Rainbath Butter Creme is just luscious, Burt's Bees Buttermilk Bath Soak or Skin Milk.  You can find all of these at Drugstore.com.

Don't forget a nice fluffy towel, slippers and robe for after your bath.  And check back to my previous blog on winterizing your skin for some great moisturizers after the bath.

So once you've got everything you need to set your atmosphere, make a cup of tea or whatever your drink of choice is and settle down in the water and release the cares of the day.

If anyone is interested there's a contest going on and you can win a Saint Parfume candle and diffuser set.  The perfect pair to help make your bath time special.  Click here to enter.

Until next time....see you in the compact!