Create a Spa Experience at Home

The trick to creating a spa experience in your own home is emulating the ambiance and relaxing atmosphere of a spa.

By Liz Lagerstedt

You need to be able to fully relax and enjoy your at-home treatment, so you want to find a time when your home will be quiet and have minimal disruptions. Once you have established a time for your treatment you have many at home spa options to choose from.

Always a great idea is the at-home pedicure. All you need is a small foot tub filled with warm water - you could add some sea salts to the water, a pumice stone to scrub away calluses, a file to shape your nails and some polish! Play some relaxing music while you are soaking, and light some candles to really indulge.

A relaxing bath is another wonderful idea. Fill your tub with warm water, add some soothing bath oils, and step in. To bathe in luxury, add milk and rose petals like the ancient Egyptians did for incredible skin softening. Add an eye mask while your soak to block out distracting light. Some relaxing music and candles surrounding the tub will also add to your experience.

A facial! It is important to take care of your skin, so treat yourself to an at-home facial. Cleanse, tone, and exfoliate. Then apply a masque that is right for your skin. While the masque is setting, put some cool teabags on your eyes and lie down. Enjoy some relaxing music and take the time to daydream. When it's time to wash off the masque, your eyes will be brighter and less puffy! Remove the masque with a warmed towel and apply a moisturizer. Finish off with a sunscreen, and enjoy your smooth complexion!

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a spa treatment. It is not hard to take an hour or so out of your day to pamper yourself, and all you need is some common household items. When you take time for yourself, you help minimize stress in your life; you feel better and healthier. These are easy ideas, yet just as enjoyable as a high-priced spa treatment. You never even have to change from your pajamas!

02/07/08  By Liz Lagerstedt