ashleyonmusing: The Art of Bathing

The Art of Bathing I learned in Japan. At the grocery store, I'd stand in the bodywash/shampoo/conditioner aisle for a good long bit, opening every single container to smell them. They were so different than any other that I'd, well, smelled. It was as if they took raspberries and oranges and squeezed the fruit juice directly into the bottle. And it lathered so well. Ah. what I wouldn't do for a bath in my tub there, with my pink, striped shower curtain.

The Art of Bathing in Japan is a big part of culture there, from what I experienced.
On weekends, with family and friends, people often visit an onsen, which is best described as a nature's hot tub. Because it springs from the ground, there are minerals that are reported to be relaxing and healing. Usually hotels are attached to the onsen so people relax in their room, eat traditional fare and go back and forth to the onsen waters.

This experience is one I miss most about Japanese life and one that I have brought back with me. Recently, I've been really into finding natural body oils and washes. The key is natural. So many body products contain aluminum, parabens and other gross stuff that our skin has to soak up. So, I've been on the hunt for some absolutely natural goods. I found a recipe for sugar scrub on this rad blog and made it. And loved it. It's true, just olive oil, brown sugar, white sugar and vanilla extract (optional, for scent).

what's so cool about it. the olive oil is incredibly moisturizing. You don't even have to put on lotion after (even in Colorado!) yet you aren't greasy at all. package them up and they're great gifts!
what i'll try next time: sunflower seed oil may be just as pure, without quite so strong a smell. And, I'll experiment with essential oils too.

p.s. with the pink striped shower curtain in mind, I thought a facebook album may have a picture of my cute, tiny little apartment in Sendai, Japan. I found a few!