Remember when you could spend the whole afternoon at the spa without thinking twice? In an effort to recreate those memories for me, my incredibly thoughtful husband bought me a spa package an upscale Beverly Hills spa for Mother’s Day a few years ago. He took the kids all day while I got to unwind. But it didn’t really go down that way. I spent the whole day wondering how they were doing, what they were doing, etc… Although I enjoyed my time there it just wasn’t the same. The kids were fine (save some peed pants and their cupcake lunch), but after that day I knew my spa days were over for awhile. Aside from the price tag, my responsibilities and concerns as a mom weren’t something I could turn off. And the reality is that there is just too much to do for me put that kind of time towards beauty on a regular basis. I know when my kids are older and more equipped to take care of themselves that I will be able to have that ”me time” again, but until that day comes I have settled for at-home spa treatments. Sure they are without the cucumber water and massage chairs, but they are also sans snooty clientele and mandatory tips. More importantly, they are quick and really do work! Here are a few to try.
-
Exfoliating Body Scrub
To treat and prevent dry skin, combine 1/2 cup oatmeal, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of milk powder, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts, several drops of lavender oil and 3 tablespoons of honey. Mix it into a paste. If it is too thick, add whole milk until it has the consistency of sour cream. Scrub your face and body with the mixture in the shower 2 times a week to keep skin soft and smooth.
-
Herbal Steam Facial
To clean your pores, place 1/3 cup dried lavender blossoms and 1/3 cup dried calendula blossoms in a teapot. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs. Steep for about 10 minutes. Set up a large porcelain or ceramic bowl where you can sit with your head hanging over it. Alternatively you can use a sink basin with a chair pulled up to it. When water is finished steeping, pour it into the bowl or basin. Add 4 to 5 drops geranium essential oil to the water. Hang your head over the water and cover your head and shoulders with a towel to create a steam tent. Steam face and neck for 3-5 minutes. Splash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel. Follow up with a short facial massage. Moisten finger tips with a light moisturizer or essential oil and massage using inward circles. Feel free to experiment withe herbs and oils that compliment your skin type.
-
Deep Cleansing Fruit Mask
Chop 1 carrot, 1/2 peach, and 1/2 cucumber into small pieces. Place in food processor along with 6 ounces of plain yogurt and mix into a paste. Don’t worry if it’s a little runny. Apply and let sit on the skin for 10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
-
Natural Manicure
To strengthen nails and soften hands try this treatment. 1.) Use small nail scissors to trim any ragged nail edges. Do not cut cuticles though. 2.) Soak hands in warm whole milk for several minutes to remove dead skin cells and soften cuticles. 3.) Using an angle-tipped nail stick, gently push the cuticles back toward the base of the nail. 4.) Using a nail file, shape nails into squares with rounded corners, which makes them more resistant to cracks and tears. To avoid misshapen or split nails, file in one direction only — no sawing back and forth. 5.) Using a smooth-surfaced buffing block buff the entire surface of nails to a shine using a side-to-side motion. 6.) Rub hands with warm almond oil, avocado oil, or light olive oil or apply an oil-rich hand and nail cream. Pay particular attention to the nail and cuticle areas.
-
Foot Mask
To soften and warm up cold feet try this invigorating orange spice foot mask. 1.) Combine 1/2 cup whole oats (ground to a powder in the food processor), 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 4 tablespoons warm water, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger and 4 drops sweet orange essential oil and stir until blended into a thick paste. 2.) Prepare two warm, wet washcloths or hand towels, either by wetting them and placing them in the microwave for one to two minutes or by soaking them in hot (not boiling) water. Wring out excess water and set aside. 3.) Sitting with your feet in the tub or a large basin, use your hands to spread a thick layer of the mask over each foot, covering them completely up to the ankles. After wiping hands clean, wrap each foot in one of the washcloths to seal in the moisture from the mask. Sit back and relax for 10 to 15 minutes. 4.) To remove the mask, carefully lift off the washcloths and rinse your feet thoroughly using warm water. Pat dry with a towel.
