WholeLiving; Take time to pamper yourself Body+Soul!

Hi friends! I am following the trend of my fellow "Mad About Martha" writers letting you know about the marvelous marthastewart.com new Whole Living online. Whole Living hits the shelves on April 21st; Your Connection to Body+Soul replenishing. You should really take a look at it to get information on relaxation, makeup tips, diet, nutrition, healthy activities, health and fitness. Not only does the website have fabulous craft ideas which Randi and Abbey talked about in their postings earlier last week, but they also have an entire section dedicated to taking care of yourself! What a concept!

I too, have a very active 8 year old; so between my job as an accountant and my little guy's soccer games, after school activities, football practices, cub scouts, homework, and book club there is not much time left to pamper myself. I love to get manicures and pedicures. Even if I only have 30 minutes to do it myself, it feels wonderful to spend time on me, uninterrupted. What I realized after reading 9 Ways to Feel Recharged and Revitalized, these are simple things which do not really take much time do in my morning or evening routine. I really like when I can learn new ways to renew and revitalize myself. Whole Living really does a great job of not only motivating me to want to take more time, but to actually make the time for the simple pleasure!The truth is, we all know these things, we just get so caught up in our busy schedules, we do not take the time to enjoy simple pleasures.

It was hard to choose which renewing and revitalization ideas I liked best, but these are a few of my favorites! With Mother's Day coming up on May 11th, maybe you too, can either get a few of the bath products for the special Grandmother, Mother, Aunt, Sister or a new mother in your life. There are recipes for the energizing scrub, or package it with a new bathrobe and comfy slippers. Make a "Floral Cut Out Card" from Randi's post or some of the "Green Crafts" from Abbey's post. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pamper yourself!

Best!
Wendy

Enjoy a warm bath.

After a long day, a warm bath sets the stage for a peaceful, restorative night's sleep by signaling your body that it's time to rest. Enhance your experience by stocking your shelves with indulgent bath products. After soaking , wrap yourself in a comfortable robe and cozy slippers for a truly soothing evening ritual.

Click here to see Martha's Favorite Bath Treats

Wake up with an energizing scrub.

Nothing rouses you in the morning quite like the smell of coffee, so go ahead -- slather some on. A skin-softening body scrub made from coffee grounds and aromatic plant essences is a traditional treatment that's used in Thai and Balinese spas, and it's a luxurious way to start the day.

This recipe couples a rich, smoky coffee aroma with the sweet scent of peppermint -- known in aromatherapy for its mentally stimulating, energizing properties. Thanks to raw sugar crystals and olive oil, which exfoliate and moisturize, your body gets a pick-me-up, too. It makes enough for two to three applications.

Click here for the Do It Yourself Recipe

Take a Contrast Shower.

Hot-cold hydrotherapy, practiced by the Finns for the past 2,000 years, is believed to strengthen immunity, increase circulation, and have a stimulating effect on the body. Although the ancient ritual did not involve a shower - or modern plumbing for that matter - you probably don't have immediate access to a sauna and a snowbank, so this will do. After showering, turn the knob to as cold as you can stand it for 30 seconds, switch it back to warm, and end on cold. Get your nape, back, and chest. Repeat two or three times.

Stretch

Taking a moment to stretch each hour or so throughout the day goes a long way toward preventing stiffness, increasing blood circulation, and giving you a shot of energy. Try this right now; Stand up and, taking a deep breath, raise your arms and reach for the sky; hold. Then release the stretch, exhaling and dropping your arms. Beggining with the crown of your head, roll down, vertebrae by vertebrae, until you're forward. Let your arms dangle. Shake and nod your head gently to loosen your neck. Without locking your knees, feel the stretch in the back of your thighs. Enjoy this stretch for a few moments.

Try these 4 Soothing Stretches

Stop Multi Tasking

Do one thing at a time and you'll get more done - with energy to spare!