Throughout the centuries tea has been a custom of calm, gathering, relaxation and tradition.

Chinese tea ceremonies at weddings as an offering to parents and thanking them for raising them.

In Indian, chai tea can be found on every street corner.

In Morocca, mint tea is practically their national drink.

Classic British afternoon tea time. (I always picture cucumber sandwiches and the Queen)

And in Russia "Zavarka" is tea time with a piece of cake. They called it "naked" if not eaten with cake.

No matter where in the world, or what tradition, tea time is a time for oneself. A time to sit and enjoy this small pleasure or warmth when it's cool or cooling when it's hot. This is this weeks Self Care Sunday.

Take the time to go a tea store and browse, smell, ask questions about what teas are for different things. Possibly see if a friend sells tea through a direct sales business. (I love supporting local business and friends). Or even take some time in the tea aisle at the grocery store. I like to stand there and read all the interesting flavour mixtures companies have come up with.

Set aside some time this week and plan it in your calendar. Yes, we are planning 30 minutes of relaxing tea time people. Maybe plan everyday at a certain time you take this 10-20, or 30 minutes to sit down with your tea.

A few tips for your tea time:

Turn off t.v''s or media if you can. Or be in another room if you are using it to distract your kids!
Find your favorite mug. Everything is better in your favorite mug.
Slow down and pay attention to all the sensations of drinking the tea. Notice the temperature as your mug touches your lips.
Is the tea bitter, sweet, sour? I love mint tea and I like the tingle left on my tounge long after the sip is gone.
Feel the warmth of the tea in the throat and belly.
Pay attention to the aroma.
Sit quietly for a little while. Set a time if you are concerned about getting back to your busy day.

How do you like your tea? sweet with sugar or honey? Smooth with cream or milk?

My favorite is mint tea, black without sugar or milk.

Love,

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

I wish for everyone to realize the important of self care. Being a little self centered is a good thing. I know personally I am a better mother, wife, friend when I feel at ease and relaxed. Stressed out Jen, with no time for herself is a bit mean actually. I know this about myself, so I try as much as I can to do things for myself. Every week I wish to write an idea of how you can care for yourself. Grand gestures of spa days and all that are nice, but unrealistic on a daily/weekly basis for most of us. 5, 10, 30, 60 minutes is something we can all make time to do.

This week for Self Care Sunday we are talking baths. When I was younger I used to hate them. And I am not talking about when I was 10. I mean like 20. BUUUUUUT I was 20, care free with minimal responsibilities. Not that I didn’t have stress, but I think many of us 25+, mothers, career holders and so on know the difference in stress levels.

Now I love baths.I like the candles, wine, music, book and it all. Soaking until I’m a prune. Sometimes it’s a hard thing to get to as kids can still walk in or be heard fighting downstairs, but I want you to try something. Ask your partner to help. I’m guilty of assuming my husband knows I need to relax and don’t want to be disturbed and get irritated when I am.

So ask for the things you need my friends. Practice saying it with me now “I need some time to myself, could you help me out and keep the kids from coming into the bathroom or knocking on the door?” See, it’s not that hard is it? This way your intention is clear and you can relax as much as possible.

A few extra tips for helping you get the most self-care of your bath:

Light some candles: Go ahead and buy yourself that candle that smells like glorious sweet vanilla or pumpkin spice or whatever you jam is. Heck even buy some simple tea lights.
Music: I have a portable speaker I use, or sometimes I just have my phone on youtube to mediation music next to the tub.
Wine, beer, water: Have something nearby to drink, (especially if you are like me and like you’re baths so hot you skin turns a bit pink.)
Reading material: Grab your favourite trashy magazine or book you’ve been reading.
Epsom Salts – These are a beautiful way to relax sore muscles in the hot water. Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) is a known muscle relaxer. I have this wonderful one from Rocky Mountain Soap Company. Their Sport Bath Salt is delicious with the Lemongrass and Rosemary.
DON’T ANSWER YOUR PHONE. Commit to the 30, 60, 90 minutes or whatever that you will not look at your phone. You don’t need to wind yourself up looking at things on social media or emails that potentially disrupt your zen.

Plan a day this week, or next Sunday to have a bath. Put it in your phone schedule or write it on the calendar. BATH NIGHT. Knowing that when someone asks you to do something you have plans to take care of yourself. Also setting yourself up to chat with your partner about helping you out and having that time alone.

Be well and take care.

Love,