A Full Year of Bliss for the Price of a Massage

The Ultimate Home Spa Day- A Retreat You’ll Love to Repeat

Whether you’re a spa junkie who can’t afford your habit, or you’re just too stressed out to remember to breathe, we’ve got the solution for you.

Looking for the ultimate home spa day? Here’s what you’ll need to create your own zen oasis at home. Cue the music, light the candles and slather on those healthy, affordable and natural DIY products that will bring that serenity home. You deserve it. And sometimes, life needs a kick start. Try Something New Today

There’s an instant wave of zen that washes over you when you walk into a well appointed spa. Every sense is engaged – the aroma of candles and restorative oils, the subtle lighting, hushed tones, meditative music and rippling fountains all blend together to create a wonderfully welcoming calm. And the cumulative impact of the ambiance is as good as any treatment you’re in for.

Here’s the trick! The good vibe is all in the details. Let’s face it- The best massage on earth is going to lose its luster in the bright lights of a medical office. And there’s no zen crusher quite like a cold leather table, or side noise and laughing clients “behind the wall.”  

Zen and the art of spa-aahing.

Here’s how you can get that quiet, beautiful space whenever you want.

Get Your Zen On

Time teaches us what matters. We learn to peel away the layers and get to the sweet spot.  Yep, the awesome muscle soothing, mind melting pricey massage is a sublime treat……but so is all the rest. Ahhh…serenity. The warm towels, the scented candles and the dancing shadows they throw against the dimly lit hallways. The hush of the relaxation room, aromas of eucalyptus and lemon.  Ommmm. It’s all those special touches that make a spa….well, a spa.

Great tips to bring home the bliss.

Take a full afternoon of zen or plan a weekly hour or two that are yours and yours alone – in an affordable, accessible, and soul-soothing way. All this is yours without breaking the bank or blowing your flow. With just a little planning and a couple small investments you can create a relaxing and restorative retreat right in your own house that’s yours to enjoy again and again.

Stress getting you down, or even worse, amped up?

Clear your calendar and make a date with yourself to leave the outside world where it belongs – outside.  And if it’s just a an hour or two you need to put the big, bad world back in its place – no problem. Once you’re set up, you can pull out your favorite treatment any time, day or night and refresh, renew and reflect. And you may just want to add some of these tips to your every day routine.

Schedule Your day….It’s All About You Sister!

It’s All About You

Why not add a monthly spa date to your calendar right now, and how about carving out an hour or two weekly to keep your calm.

Here’s everything you’ll need for your DIY Spa Fix. You bring the stress, we’ll bring the rest.

You can create your own spa so you can zen out whenever you’d like, all without dipping big time into the savings. Reach inside and find the zen in you. Slather, lather and enjoy.

Step 1- Take Inventory/ Declutter

Hit up your unused “gift” and sample section

This is a great time to raid that unused gift and product section that we all have. You know what I mean – unopened hotel and spa samples you “may” have scoffed, fancy scented candles, gift sets of scented soaps, bath oils or body lotions that you’ve been holding on to “for when you have time.”  Maybe you’re thinking it will make a good “regift.” Nope – pull that sh#t out. Open it, smell it, read the labels and see if it works. And if it doesn’t, say sayonara. ‘Cuz today is that day, and frankly, re-gifting is tacky as all hell. If any of it’s too highly perfumed, (or in my case, vanilla), too oily, or too anything else for your jam, put it in a box for Goodwill, Women in Distress, or your favorite drop off.  

And this step is important- put it in the car now and don’t rethink it. Declutter.  Boom!)

Only the best for your oasis

Check out all towels, face cloths and bath rugs.

This part is non-negotiable. Only the best for your oasis.

• Snowy White
• Thick and Plush
• New or barely used
• NO threadbare or stains
• Remember that “donate” box?

If your towels don’t make muster, get yourself to Home Goods, Target or your favorite Department store. While you’re there, visit their home section for any spa touches that “talk” to you. Scented candles, colored stones to add pizazz to the bowl of your sink (they feel so good to sift through!), essential oils, pillows or accents that say “ommmm” to you. And two words “Frette Robe.”  Just saying.  Remember, we are setting this up once, so we are talking reusable stuff. And you don’t need to do it all at once.

MOJO TIPS

• Your fluffy whites are going to live discreetly rolled up (not folded) in a private section to be used only for your spa time. Think Pavlov’s dog – fluffy white towel – aahhhhh.
• If the timing makes sense, throw them in the dryer right before using them. Because…. warm towels.

Step 2 – Pre-Game Prep

Prepping Your Space –  Create a Spa Space that Sparkles

Create a space that sparkles

• Clear all of the surface clutter from your vanity and bath area. Use this time to toss any items that are outdated or have not been used in a couple months. “Clear space, clear mind, clear spirit.”
• Make that tub or shower area sparkly clean.
• Make sure your towels are rolled up spa style and on display.  Remember – this is your stash.
• Your most-comfy robe, towels and sheets are freshly washed the night before.

MOJO TIP

Make your laundry smell fresh with essential oils.

• • Add a few drops of essential oil to a your unscented laundry detergent and be sure to shake. Some that we like – Lemon, Eucalyptus, Orange, or Lavender.
  • Add a few drops of essential oil to a towel or face cloth and add to your dryer.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

• Change your sheets on spa day and make your bed, adding any special pillows or throws for a fresh touch.
• Place your fresh flowers in that vase you rarely use.
• Make sure your candles (lots of them!) are strategically placed in all the areas you will be hanging in.
• Download Calm.com (free trial) or Spotify Spa Playlist.
• Shop for your spa lunch and any ingredients you may not have at home for your DIY treatments.

Prepping your Spa Snacks and Lunch – ‘Cuz the chef and maid are off tomorrow.

Cut up fresh fruit for an early morning eye opener.

Make a gorgeous pitcher of infused water. We like to add lime quarters, orange and lemon slices, mint leaves and thin slices of ginger. Shine up your wine glasses and keep aside a some fruit and mint for garnish. Prep your spa lunch so you are “mise en place” tomorrow and it’s all done but the assembly.

Some suggestions to make you “feel fancy.”

• Tea Sandwiches- Egg Salad and Tuna, Prosciutto and Asparagus
• Dark chocolate covered strawberries
• Pineapple and prosciutto wraps

Prepping Yo-Self.  Your body is your temple, right?

MOJO TIP – No heavy drinking (or binge eating) the night before. We are  removing those nasty distractions of fullness, hangover, and guilt.

Step 3 – Create Your Personalized Spa Menu – Make it a Full Day or A la carte.

This is what ours looks like.   

• Hydrate – Infused water
• Light snack – Fresh fruit and yogurt sprinkled with granola

• Eucalyptus,  Peppermint, Herbal or Lemon Face Steam
• A good facial steam can open up pores, push toxins to the surface and prepare the face for moisturizing or a mask.
• Wash Face with warm water.
• Bring 3-4 cups of water to a boil. Transfer water to a mixing bowl and relocate to comfy place.
• Add your choice of oils or herbs
  • Add ONE of the following based on skin type and condition.
    • For oily skin- add slices of lemon to the water.
    • If your skin is dry or mature  – add ½ cup of chamomile leaves (or 3-4 tea bags) or lavender leaves.
    • For combination skin, try 3-4 drops of grapefruit oil.
    • To aid nasal congestion, allergies, or acne – add 3-4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

• Lean over the water keeping your face 12 inches from the steaming water. Tent a towel over our head to keep the steam in. (If it feels too hot, move back a few inches immediately. We are going for relaxation- not discomfort.)
  • For dry skin, sit over the steam for 5-6 minutes.  
  • For oilier skin, sit over the steam for 10-12 minutes.
• Gently wash face with lukewarm water and a fresh towel.
• Clean away dirt with cotton balls and toner (or water and apple cider vinegar- equal parts.)
• Moisturize and let the skin rest before moving on to face mask.

NOTE: Cuz I’ve gotta say this. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with caution. Not for pregnant women and children, and never to be ingested. DUH! And if you use a diffuser, be careful. Some oils are VERY toxic to your pets.

DIY Facial Masks – Make it Indian or go All American

Get your glow on with a tumeric face mask

During a recent visit to my favorite spa, a group of women in from India had taken over most of the spa for an event. They commented on the money that we American women waste on cosmetic products and treatments and were happy to share a few of their natural beauty secrets.

• • DIY Indian Face Mask – A follow up search on the internet revealed many variations on this mask, with turmeric being the key ingredient to most of them. Turmeric, an ingredient that many of us have in the kitchen, is a great ingredient for any skin type, rich in antioxidants that aid in deep cleaning of the pores and add a healthy glow.

Natural and straight from your kitchen

MOJO TIP Some worry about stained skin from the turmeric. Be sure to use organic wild turmeric (non-edible) or turmeric essential oil. You should test a patch of skin if you are fair skinned.

• • The recipe also includes yogurt, which is cooling and can help fight acne, honey, which is anti-inflammatory and has skin bleaching properties that add a glow to the skin.
  • Make a paste of the following ingredients:
    • ½ – 1 TSP of turmeric powder(be sure to use wild organic or a few drops of turmeric essential oil to avoid staining)
    • 1 TSP of honey
    • 1 TBSP of yogurt
    • A squeeze of fresh lemon
    • Add more yogurt if it is too thick.
  • Apply the mask gently and evenly to the skin. Allow to sit for 20- 30 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water and a mild cleanser. Splash face with cold water and pat dry. Moisturize. Stay out of the sun today!

Not feeling the Turmeric Mask? Keep it All American with this Oatmeal Honey Orange Facial Mask

All American Oatmeal Honey Face Mask

An oatmeal facial is a great everyday pick-me-up that will leave you glowing naturally.  It’s simple and made from ingredients you are sure to have on hand. Oatmeal is a great exfoliant, especially for sensitive skin. Honey is antibacterial, full of antioxidants and said to  be great for acne prevention, while the citric acid from the orange also aids in skin exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and promoting new growth. Yogurt is soothing and has anti-inflammatory properties.  This mask will leave your feeling moisturized and looking bright.

• Combine these ingredients
  • ½ cup hot water (watch the temperature- not too hot!)
  • ½ cup oatmeal
  • Let is set for a couple minutes then add the remaining ingredients
    • 3 Tablespoons plain yogurt
    • 3 Tablespoons honey
    • 1 Tablespoon of Orange Juice
    • One egg white
  • Apply thin layer and let sit for 10- 15 minutes.
  • Rinse with warm water.

Hydrate – More Infused Water- Keep it coming.

Hair Mask and Foot Soak – Head to Toe Multi-tasking

Hair masks are a great and quick way to nourish and moisturize your hair. Soften, hydrate and add shine with salon results with these natural recipes from ingredients  you’ll find in your own kitchen or pantry. Slather it on to damp hair, wrap your head in a shower cap or towel, pour a cup of tea (or wine) and enjoy a foot soak.

My fave is coconut oil, but coconut oil is not for every hair type. It’s great for fine to medium hair but is your hair is brittle, you may want to avoid it as it may cause build up that blocks moisture from getting into the shaft.

Coconut Oil and Honey – Nature’s Ingredients

Coconut Oil and Honey Hair Mask

• Mix equal parts coconut oil and honey (depending on hair length- start with 1 Tablespoon of each.
• Warm it in a put.
• Apply beginning at the roots.
• Cover with a shower cap or towel
• Relax for 20 minutes
• Rinse with warm water

Olive Oil and Honey Hair Mask

• Mix ½ cup raw honey and ¼ cup olive oil
• Warm mixture on stove or microwave for a couple seconds
• Apply with your fingers to to damp hair from scalp through ends.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and relax for 20-30 minutes.
• Shampoo

Foot Soak – Nothing renews and revitalizes like a foot soak.

Renew and revitalize.

We spend lots of time on our feet and they deserve a rest. My guilty pleasure is a foot soak and a cup of tea or glass of wine. I’m hooked on Jamaican Castor Oil head to toe. Most of my hair products contain it, and now I’ve found this foot soak made from it. It is designed to remove toxins, restore moisture and energy to your deserving feet and is also naturally antimicrobial and anti-fungal. Your softened and soothed feet will thank you!

Castor Oil Foot Soak

• Fill your foot bath or a large bowl with warm water
• Drop in 10 drops castor oil and 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts
• Mix well
• Soak for 20- 30 minutes

Wipe feet dry.  You may may want to use a pumice stone and slough off the dead skin. Apply a thick layer of lotion

Slippery When Wet. Time to Hit the Shower!

Slippery when wet

• Steam up the shower and step on in. (Note to Self: Add Massage Shower Head to your holiday list now)
• Body Scrub (Make your own from ½ pineapple pureed, ½ cup coconut oil and 1/1/2 cups of sugar)
• Rinse hair
• Dry hair- don’t worry about styling – manana baby.
• Pour a cup of tea, glass of wine, or your craft cocktail or mocktail of choice.

Step 4- Reflect, relax and repeat.

Tuck into those fluffy whites sheets, fluff up the pillow, enjoy some light reading or tune into a Calm.com sleep story and say good night.

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