So, you want to pamper yourself with a little spa-time, but you don’t really have the money and/or the time to go to a spa. This does not mean you’re completely out of luck.
Make your own, private mini-spa in your own home!
This is easier to do than most people seem to think. Creating the soothing, relaxing, pampering atmosphere found in a spa can be duplicated at home with little cost or effort.
If it isn’t already, and you are able, choose a nice soothing color for your bathroom, like soft pastel ‘cool’ colors - blues, greens, even lilacs. If that isn’t an option, consider getting some inexpensive sheets or shower curtains - the Salvation Army and thrift stores can be great for this - and hang them in the bathroom when you want your ‘spa time’.
Some aromatherapy candles that match your color scheme and have soothing or relaxation properties can do amazing things for the general atmosphere of you private spa. Lavender, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, bergamot, sandalwood, rosewood, cedarwood, and ylang-ylang are all essences to watch for here; they are known for their relaxing aspects. Of course, most sources are ‘blends’ or aromas, rather than individual ones, so just look for soothing or relaxing blends.
Bath oils also add greatly to the overall effect. Sunflower and Sweet Almond oils are both wonderful for the base when creating a bath oil. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil(s) - those listed above, or any that you particularly like - and store in an attractive glass container, made of cobalt or amber glass if you can find it (avoid clear, uncolored glass unless it is your only choice) as this will help extend its shelf-life. Add about 2 or 3 teaspoons of the bath oil to your bath when you draw it.
Epsom salts are a wonderful addition to any home-spa equipment. You can combine a few drops of essential oil directly with the salts and mix thoroughly for a soothing salt-bath soak for sore muscles; or, combine the Epsom salts, kosher or sea salt, and grapeseed oil to create a body scrub that exfoliates and seals in moisture.
Have a small selection of scented soaps and body scrubs and face masks on hand you can choose from when you treat yourself. Many spas and similar places have samples you can take home with you, or sell inexpensive sample sizes. Also be sure to have ready a few thick, soft all-cotton washcloths and towels; these can be kept nice and soft by only using them for your ‘spa days’.
Move a tape or CD player into your bathroom, and find some nice relaxing music; nature sounds or soft classical work well - my own choice is usually Enya. To me, this can really make the difference between ‘just a bath’ and a true relaxation experience.
When you are ready to treat yourself, draw an extra-hot bath, and add any salts or oils you are going to use. Allow it to stand for at least ten minutes, to allow it to heat up the porcelain of your tub and diffuse the salts or oils through the water.
While you let the water sit, go make yourself a nice warm mug of a relaxing tea - chamomile works wonderfully for this, or you can mix chamomile and mint, or any other soothing tea of your choice - and take it with you to sip while you’re in your bath.
You may want to have some lotions ready for a little extra pampering after the bath itself.
Check to make sure the bathwater isn’t still too hot; once it is a pleasant temperature, light your candles, turn out or down the other lights, and enjoy yourself!
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