Bills, work, and noisy neighbors can really take a toll on your peace of mind. So what can you do to relax and recooperate without spending alot of money? You can create a private retreat in the comfort of your own home, using these at home spa treatments.
The Luxurious, Upscale Spa
On your next off day, clean your house the day before. Get yourself a babysitter and sleep in late. Upon arising, blend up a spirulina and wheat grass smoothie, or chill a bottle of champagne. Slip into your workout clothes and pop in your favorite yoga tape and let it relax and unwind you. Once your yoga is done, and you’re feeling revived and energized, remove your clothing and with a spa brush, brush your skin all over (circular motion). This helps to improve your skin tone and circulation. It also prepares your pores for this purifying body wrap.
Egyptian Herbal Spa Wrap
- 4 cups boiling filtered water.
- 1/2 cup each dried lavender, clary sage, and tangerine peel.
- A few drops each lavender, clary sage, and tangerine essential oils.
- Natural cotton sheeting cut into 4-inch wide strips, or cotton bandaging (hand towels will work too).
- In a mixing bowl, pour the boiling water over the dried lavender, clary sage, and tangerine peel. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Pour the mixture through a sieve into another bowl, removing the plant material and retaining the infused liquid. Stir the essential oils into the liquid to strengthen the scent. Add the strips of sheeting to the bowl, cover, and let steep 15 minutes.
- When the water is cool enough to handle, wring out the strips of sheeting one at a time. Wrap your legs and then your body and arms just like a mummy. The sheeting should be snug (but should not cut off circulation!) with each wrap slightly overlapping. Cover yourself with a big fluffy towel and relax in a warm room for 10- 15 minutes. Unwrap. Pat dry.
This mask is full of antioxidants and should leave your face bright and glowing. Because of its high citric acid content, it may cause irritation, so be sure to perform a patch test first.
- 2 teaspoons plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon orange juice
- 2-inch wide china brush
- In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt and orange juice. Using a china brush or your fingertips, spread an even layer of the mixture over your face, avoiding the eye area.
- Relax for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse off. Pat dry and moisturize as usual. Toss any leftovers.
The Soak
- Candles
- Fresh rose petals
- Scented oil
- Milk
- Line the tub with your favorite scented candles, adding fresh rose petals, your favorite scented oils, and creamy milk into your bath water.
- While soaking, enjoy your green shake or a glass of champagne. When you’re finished, you will enjoy an immaculate vibrant glow. Be sure to follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
Also, with these treatments, you want to be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the day. This helps to release the build up of toxins in your body. Also, keep plenty of fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables to snack on. Eating nutritiously helps to maintain your after-spa glow.
Bon voyage!References:
Knapp, Jennifer. 101 recipes, spells and secrets: beauty magic. San Francisco: Chronicle Books 2004
Rees, Sian. Natural home Spa: Recreate the luxuious beauty treaments of a professional spa in your own home. Australia: Random House 1999
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