| p>The same stress in our daily lives that makes us | | | | T-zone, and leave it on for 3-5 minutes. |
| yearn for a spa experience often keeps us from | | | | · To moisturize: I mash 2 parts avocado with |
| taking the time out from a busy schedule to book a | | | | 1 part honey, apply and leave on for about 15 |
| day of relaxation. Even with time, a day at the spa | | | | minutes before rinsing with cool water. Hint: If the |
| can be a big hit to wallet. While I often can't find the | | | | doorbell rings ignore it - a bright green face scares |
| time (or budget) to be pampered in a luxurious spa, I | | | | small children and men! |
| do my best to treat myself with a home spa | | | | · To reduce oil: Whip up a whole egg with a |
| experience. When I take a few hours out of my | | | | spoonful of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. |
| schedule to treat myself right, I am rejuvenated and | | | | The egg white pulls out the oil, the vitamin A in the |
| energized to take on the daily grind! | | | | yolk helps heal blemishes, and the lemon is an |
| I start with an extra-special bath experience by | | | | astringent. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with |
| turning off the lights and using candles and incense to | | | | cool water. |
| set the mood. While filling the tub with great smelling | | | | · To firm: Whisk together a spoonful each of |
| products, like chamomile and lavender for relaxation | | | | honey and glycerin with an egg white and a few |
| or rosemary and mint for rejuvenation, I set up the | | | | pinches of flour to create a paste. Rinse with cool |
| CD player with some groovy tunes and turn off the | | | | water after 10-15 minutes. |
| phone. High quality soaps and scrubs, along with a | | | | After any of these treatments, gently pat your face |
| terry cloth face mitt, round out my routine. I always | | | | dry with a towel and moisturize well. |
| keep plenty of fresh-smelling, fluffy towels for the | | | | To get my body smooth and add a glow to my skin, |
| finish. | | | | nothing beats a great salt scrub. Simply combine 1 |
| Now it's time out for my face. I like to start with a | | | | cup of course sea salt or kosher salt with 1/2 cup of |
| scrub to remove dead skin and prevent blackheads. | | | | almond or olive oil and a spoonful of Vitamin E oil. Add |
| In a small bowl, mix equal parts olive oil and granular | | | | a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Scrub all |
| brown sugar, and add a few drops of essential oil. I | | | | over, giving special attention to any rough patches, |
| often use lavender and orange oil, but in a pinch, I've | | | | especially elbows and knees! To avoid irritation, be |
| used a few drops each of orange and vanilla extract | | | | sure to either shave before scrubbing or wait a day |
| - it's not surprising that I was dreaming of | | | | to shave. |
| Dreamsicles while I scrubbed! Gently scrub your face | | | | To finish off I give myself a manicure and pedicure. |
| and neck in small circles for a few minutes, avoiding | | | | Summer feet are for showing off so be sure to take |
| the eye area. | | | | the time to remove all the rough spots! |
| My skin tends to be as mercurial as my moods, so I | | | | A home spa day isn't as fabulous as getting the |
| whip up a mask based on how it feels that day. | | | | deluxe treatment at a "real" spa, but it's a great way |
| · To remove blackheads: I mix a little warm | | | | to rejuvenate and feel better about yourself without |
| water with baking soda, work it gently into the | | | | putting a big strain on your wallet! |