Create The Finest Home Spa Ever

~ Favorite selection of essential oils. Make sure to understand essential oils before using them on your skin.

~ Soft, fluffy towels. Try an eco-green bamboo bath set, the bamboo fiber is sustainably grown with minimal pesticides.

~ Healing and detoxifying teas. Green tea has proven anti-oxidant qualities and herbal blends offer calming effects.

~ Set the mood with soothing music and plenty of candles for ambiance.

Let's face it! When it comes to our skin, aging, the elements, and how we care for ourselves all play a part in whether we have a youthful glow or a leathered-look. Here are some basic tips to care for your skin, from the inside out:

Drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb; divide your weight in half and that is how many ounces of water you should drink to maintain a healthy body.

Take a good daily multi-vitamin. Make sure that the formula suits your body.

Be faithful with your daily routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Use a mask 1-2 times per week.

1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons of honey

Finely grind or process the oatmeal in a blender or food processor. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir together honey and yogurt, and then add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste consistency has been reached. Smooth over your face and neck, leave on for fifteen minutes, and rinse off with warm water. This can be used daily.

Honey is a natural emollient and humectant, attracting moisture to the surface of the skin.

Recipe found at www.spaindex.com.

Ingredients
1/4 cup liquid Castile Soap
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions
Mix together all the ingredients and heat in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until it is hot but not boiling. Cool the mixture completely and strain to remove the lemon zest. Store in a bottle. Shampoo as you normally would. Rinse well with cool water.

Recipe found at www.longlocks.com

2 cups finely ground sea salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 T light oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 eggs
5-6 drops essential oil of your choice

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Combine all the listed ingredients and form into a dough. Using a teaspoon or so of dough at a time, roll it gently in the palm of your hand until it forms a ball. Form all dough into one teaspoon balls, and gently place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Consider sprinkling the bath balls with herbs, flower petals, cloves, citrus zest and similar aromatic ingredients. Bake your bath cookies for ten minutes, until they are lightly browned. Do not over bake. Allow the bath cookies to cool completely. To use, Drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Yield: 24 cookies, enough for 12 baths.
Found at SpaIndex.com
Picture credit: aqtforever

Use olive oil, mayonnaise, or vinegar to condition your hair. Yummy recipes.

Witch Hazel is a wonderful skin toner. Cool in refrigerator, apply to clean cotton ball, and sweep over face for a refreshed feeling.

Use lemons to lighten age spots, plus the juice is great to give your hair real shine.

We already know a day at the spa is costly, and going by yourself is not as much fun-not to mention that finding a babysitter is another job in itself. So why not do it all at home? Read the full article by Shelly Ballestero. The Do-It-Yourself Home Spa Party

IDEAS:
Set a theme.
Make it a couple's party.
Provide recipe cards for everyone to take home.

I've created the invitations to send out to all your friends. They will love ya forever :)

See this Home Spa Invitation at the Zazzle Store!

Taking care of your feet is essential to your overall health. Feet can use a little help (and pampering) any time of year - this easy scrub helps revive and soften your feet.

INGREDIENTS
8 strawberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoons kosher salt

Mix ingredients into a paste, massage well into feet, then rinse and dry.

So, what are you waiting for? Kick off your shoes, relax, and enjoy!
Recipe found on www.care2.com