When I was a little girl, I loved to play spa day. I would prepare all of my bath ingredients, carefully selecting them for my purpose. Did I want soft skin, glowing skin or did I want to exfoliate? This was serious business to me. I even pretended that I was hosting a T.V. show instructing other people on how to take proper care of their skin. When I grew up, I made a business of it, and in this article I will share with you some of what I know about creating your own spa environment at home.
*-*-*-*-*
Nothing can be more relaxing than having your own home spa. Just knowing that you have somewhere of your own to unwind after a long day is relaxing in itself. Due to our hectic and stressful lives, everyone needs, and is entitled to a little down time, and a home spa is a perfect way to do it!
Make a Date
We all have various demands on us from work, school and home. This leaves very little time for self-care. After the day is done, there is no time left for you. It becomes important to set a date for your spa day or it probably will not happen. This can be a weekly or monthly event, it is up to you. Keep in mind that you want it to be convenient or else it will become a burden-just another thing to do, instead of something enjoyable.
Creating the Spa Environment
This can get expensive very quickly if you allow it, but there are ways to keep the cost down. The first thing you do not need is everything at once. You can buy things over time - wait for sales. I always like to start with a nice set of towels that I am only going to use on spa day.
What makes a spa such a “special” place is the environment or ambiance that is created. This is done with lighting, color, sound and smell. You do not need to redo your bathroom for this, but just add a few touches.
- Candles provide a relaxing and gentle light. You can set up candles around the bath to produce an intimate and relaxing environment. There are many candle types out there.
- Houseplants always add a nice feel and touch. They also love the moisture and heat in the bathroom, so they usually thrive there. Plants really bring out that spa feel and add a nice touch of colour.
- Scents can be very calming, but when over done can be a nuisance. You can select scented candles to create your personal spa day sent, or use essential oils in your bath to accomplish this. If you are sensitive to scents, or are not sure if you are, go with one sent from one source at first.
- Nature sounds are relaxing to most people; personally I prefer silence after a day spent homeschooling five children. There are various CD's available on the market that includes water sounds to various sounds of nature like the sound of the rain forest.
Gathering Supplies
This too can get very expensive, especially if you buy natural and organic produces (which you should). Again, you can gather your supplies over time and wait for sales. You can also learn to make your own and that way you can personalize them.
- The main supplies you will need are:
- Body oil
- An exfoliator (to remove dead skin)
- Herbal bath bags
- Bath salts
- A deep conditioner
These are the basics, and I have included recipes for all of them to help you get started.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have set you day and time for your spa day, created an environment, and gather your supplies, you are ready. If you are interested in trying your hand at making your own beauty supplies (a very enjoyable and rewarding activity), see below for some recipes.
Recipes
All of these recipes are very easy and inexpensive. Once you have made your own you will be left wondering why they cost so much in the store.
Bath Salts
- 1 8 ounces jar
- 3 ounces of sea salt
- 1 ounce powdered seaweed
- 1 ounce powdered herbs (rose, lavender, calendula, chamomile, Jasmin)
- 2-3 ounces of grapeseed, apricot seed or almond oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda (softens the water)
Method:
Place all of the ingredients in the jar with the exception of the oil. Shake it or stir it to make sure every thing is mixed well. Add in enough oil to cover all of the ingredients and keep away from water. Add two ounces of the salts to your bath water.
Sugar Glow (exfoliate)
- 1/4 ounce jar
- 2 -3 ounces of sugar
- 1-2 ounces of grapeseed, apricot seed or almond oil
Method:
Place all ingredients into the jar and cover. Keep away from water. To exfoliate your skin, use a small hand full at a time to exfoliate dead skin from your body.
Herbal Bath Bags
- 20 muslin bags
- 1 ounce lavender flowers
- 1 ounce red rose buds
- 1 ounce calendula
- 1 ounce chamomile
- 2 ounces of organic oatmeal.
Method:
Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Then place the mixture into the muslin bags and tie. To use, place one bag in you bath as the water runs. It will create a herbal tea that will help soften and clean your skin. You can use the bath bag as a wash cloth and also use it as a hair rinse. I also use this bath bag for newborns and babies for a gentle way to wash their delicate skin.
Easy Body Oil
|
.
|
- 1/8 ounce bottle (preferably with a spout for pouring)
- 8 ounces of grapeseed oil
- 5-10 drops of lavender, jasmine, rose, or geranium essential oil (to soften and rejuvenate skin) sandalwood (to detoxify) Never use citrus oils.
Method:
Pour the oil into the bottle. Then, one drop at a time add your chosen essential oil. Use only one essential oil to begin with. The sent will get stronger over time so only add what smells good to you. Use it on your face, neck and body after a bath.
Nourishing Hair Oil
- 1/2 ounce bottle (preferably with a spout for pouring)
- 1-2 ounces of olive oil
- 1-2 ounces of black seed oil
Method:
You can use one ounce for each oil, but if you are pregnant, only use the olive oil. To help hair grow, rub the oil into the scalp. To help repair hair, add to the tips of the hair. You can use this hair oil over night. You can also put it into your hair a few hours before. Use shampoo to rinse out.
Enjoy!
|
