Back to School; Time to Recharge

Word Count: 325 Copyright Nine Twenty Press URL:
htpp://www.togetherparenting.com Contact:
info@togetherparenting.com

The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored
markers, and notebooks fill my daughter’s back pack. I’ve
cleaned off the refrigerator in preparation for the new
onslaught of pictures and class notices. School’s started. She
is excited to be back amongst her friends. I find myself in the
everyday routine of waking up in the dark, fixing breakfast and
packing lunches. Even though my daughter is old enough to drive
herself to school this year, I still rush out the door behind
her dressed in sweat pants and no makeup. After a quick work out
and a shower, my work day finally begins. It’s good to be back
in the routine. 

But, back-to-school is also time to recharge the parenting
batteries. The kids are gone until at least 3:00. The house is
quiet. I actually get some work done for the first time in 3
months. I’ve signed up for an art class at the local university.
I have time for lunch with my girlfriends. 

This month, why not celebrate back-to-school by taking a few
minutes for yourself? Put on your favorite CD and take a long
leisurely, uninterrupted bath. Why not go for coffee with the
girls or host a brunch for your neighborhood friends? Try
something decadent, just for mom. 

Foaming Chocolate Milk Bath Sachets Enjoy a relaxing, aromatic
moment to yourself.

Ingredients: 1 cup baking soda 1 cup instant nonfat dry milk 1
cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons cinnamon 2
tablespoons cream of tartar 2 tablespoons cornstarch Vintage
handkerchiefs or Pretty 10-inch square scraps of fabric Ribbon

Directions: 1. Mix all of the ingredients together.

2. Place about 3 tablespoons on the center of a pretty cloth
handkerchief. 

3. Tie the bundle with a piece of ribbon.

4. Hang the sachet over the bathtub faucet and let warm water
run through it. 5. Store the extra milk bath in an attractive
airtight jar. It will keep up to 6 months. 

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article: About the Authors: Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell
Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book
Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website
that's jam packed with family ideas, visit
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