In an ideal world, we should all be able to take a spa day, but realistically that usually costs a lot more money than most of us can afford. ( I'd love to head down the road to the Hershey spa once a month for a chocolate facial but I'd need to win the lottery first). Here are some ideas to combat stress by taking a mini spa vacation at home. These ideas are not only good for the planet, and relaxing for you, but also good for your budget.
For a calming start to your at-home-spa session, dim the lights, light a fragrant candle, and let your mind wander while you soak in the tub.
You already know that it's good practice to exfoliate your face with a gentle scrub at least once a week, but don't overlook your body. Then scrub off all that pesky dry skin using a good salt scrub (mine's NYR Organic Frankincense & Mandarin body polish).
For a homemade salt scrub mix: 1 cup sea salt, 6Tbsp vegetable oil with 8 drops of each the following blend of essential oils:lavender , vetiver & ylang ylang.
A quick rinse off and then use a good body lotion, like NYR Organic Calendula & Oat body lotion.
For a homemade salt scrub mix: 1 cup sea salt, 6Tbsp vegetable oil with 8 drops of each the following blend of essential oils:lavender , vetiver & ylang ylang.
A quick rinse off and then use a good body lotion, like NYR Organic Calendula & Oat body lotion.
Make sure to have some good meditation music playing in your home to get the true spa experience and take you away from all the stress & worries surrounding you at home.
Next up, slip into a comfy robe, and slippers…….. then onto the facial. First, wash your face with your favorite cleanser. Then, treat yourself to a face mask. If you’re channeling you’re inner (and more thrifty) Martha Stewart you can totally make your own with ingredients you have in your pantry. Here is one of my favorites:
Avo Beta Cream Masque
This combination of ingredients will improve your skin's texture, dimminish age spots & rebuild collagen when used regularly. It also helps to tighten your pores. Mix the following:
1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 carrot that has been cooked & mashed , 1 avocado (peeled, pitted & mashed), 2 Tbsp honey & 1 beaten egg.
Spread the mixture over your face & neck. Relax for 15 minutes. rinse with cold water. The thicker the consistency, the more intense it will feel on your skin.
Bonus: An avocado pit makes a natural massage tool. Rub & roll it against your skin to soothe tired muscles.
This combination of ingredients will improve your skin's texture, dimminish age spots & rebuild collagen when used regularly. It also helps to tighten your pores. Mix the following:
1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 carrot that has been cooked & mashed , 1 avocado (peeled, pitted & mashed), 2 Tbsp honey & 1 beaten egg.
Spread the mixture over your face & neck. Relax for 15 minutes. rinse with cold water. The thicker the consistency, the more intense it will feel on your skin.
Bonus: An avocado pit makes a natural massage tool. Rub & roll it against your skin to soothe tired muscles.
OR, if you want to use something that’s already made for you, I can’t recommend NYR Organic products enough. Here are a few good choices depending on your skin type:
Fighting Signs of Aging? Check out the Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Mask
For Normal Skin try the Rose Formula Antioxidant Facial Mask. If you have Dry Skin the Nourishing Orange Flower Facial Mask is the perfect fit for you. I have combination skin so I like the Palmarosa Purifying Facial Mask and Honey Orange Facial scrub. These are also great choices for those of you with oily skin. Super Sensitive? Try the White Tea Enriching Facial Mask.
After applying your mask, slap some cucumber slices on your eyes and lay back for about 10-15 minutes. Remove the mask, and apply a toner. Then, be sure to moisturize.
About now, you should probably be feeling a bit peckish, so treat yourself to a nice spa lunch. Here is one of my favorite spa themed lunches which I tend to prep ahead of time, so I can truly relax during my spa experience. This recipe is courtesy of food & wine magazine: Red Lentil Salad with Feta & Beets
After lunch I curl up with a good book until the family comes home and I have to return to the muggle world. I hope you enjoy your home spa days as much as I do. Make sure to treat yourself at least once a month.
Interested in trying out the luxurious products from NYR Organic Yourself? You can buy them here:
