ALL THAT ZAZZ

By Mary N. DiZazzo

Bath Products

Ciao bella,

Water is very necessary for life, for delight, for daily use," (Vitruvius, Roman architect, 1st century B.C.).

Ahhh...the bath. The Romans and the Greeks certainly jumped on a great idea. It is a known fact that public baths existed in Roman life since the 2nd century B.C. (initially for men only!). But as women were taking their place in history it also was allowed for them to bath communally. Mixed bathing was allowed in the 1st century A.D. But later was condemned, along with so many other "feel good" privileges.

The Roman bathing ritual was an anticipated daily routine. All the maladies of the day and all the politics and philosophies of the world would be tempered at the bath. The Diocletian bath had a capacity of 6,000 bathers. Picture an enormous open garden in full bloom; surrounded by many small rooms and a block of bath chambers in the center of the garden—as in the Baths of Caracalla.

As you ceremoniously enter an important and essential part of Roman life, anointed with oils, feel the heated water magically capturing your body in a relaxing state of euphoria.

Now, we Americans, living our fast-paced lives, need to recapture tranquil moments. Out, with the quick shower of a ten-minute cleanse. Visit your fav bath department and indulge with some bubble-making luxuries.

My fav is Mr. Bubble, an old-time stand-by -- The most fab bubbles of anything I’ve ever used. Then there are your old-fashioned Epsom Salts to relieve tired aching muscles – great price!

On the wild ride of natural products is a wonderful department in Whole Foods. The gal there is very knowledgeable about your needs. There you will find a wonderful variety of mineral baths. They can relieve stress, calm your muscles, tend your cold and flu, or tuck you in for the count of sheep. Aromatherapy abounds here!

For an added treat, light some candles, throw some rose petals in that warm H2O, join a loved one and feel the magic. Che amore!

Of course, we only dipped a toe in the many bath rituals available with more to come.

Buona giornata, and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.mary4nails.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com