A Mini-Spa Experience at Home
Dateline: 09/27/97
I try to go to a health spa/fitness resort twice a year. I try to go to my favorite day spa once a month. And I try to create my own mini-spa experience at home once a week.
The following is strictly my routine. It may not appeal or work for you. But if you get even one new idea, then investing your time to read this article is worthwhile.
1. Set aside one and a half to two hours when I feel fairly confident that I won't be
interrupted
2. Prepare the bathroom:
Light a Stress Relief Candle from the Bath & Body Works (I like the aroma)
Start filling the bathtub with tolerably hot water
Put about a tablespoon each of the following into the tub under the running water:Crabtree & Evelyn's Citrus Body Shampoo
Crabtree & Evelyn's Aloe Shower & Bath Gel
Bath & Body Work's Stress Relief Mineral Bath Salts
(I don't remember how I came up with this combination, but I like it better than any of the more expensive spa products I've tried)Make sure the following is easily accessible from the tub:
A washcloth
A razor with a new blade (I prefer shaving to waxing)
A nylon net scrubbing puff
Oil of Olay Moisturizing Body WashAttach an inflatable terry cloth pillow to the wall behind the tub
3. Take care of maintenance - pluck, bleach, remove fingernail polish, etc.
4. Apply a facial mask (I haven't found one I'm really happy with yet)
5. Get into the tub
6. Lay back and rest head on pillow
7. Practice relaxation techniques for 10-15 minutes
Take a few deep, cleansing breaths
Clear the mind of all outside thoughts and concerns
Mindfully tell the muscles to relax. Start with the face, move on to the neck, shoulders, and finish with the toes.
8. Remove the facial mask with the washcloth.
9. Put Oil of Olay Body Wash on the net puff and scrub all over. Use the foam from this to
shave legs and underarms.
10. Rinse off, get out of the tub,and dry off.
11. I don't usually need to use moisturizing body lotion afterwards but sometimes, if I've
had too much sun or a winter is particularly dry, then I'll use High Desert lotion. The
only source I have for this is Enchantment Resort. For my face, I like Neutrogena Healthy Skin®
anti-wrinkle cream.
12. I then put something comfortable on, lie down on my bed, and listen to hypnotic
relaxation cassette tapes.
13. Shape and polish nails.
This routine leaves my skin feeling soft and the rest of me feeling very refreshed. Even if you don't follow my routine, I think it's important to establish one of your own. Everyone needs and deserves to pamper themselves now and then.
By the way, if you use a facial mask that you absolutely love or you know another source for High Desert lotion, let me know.
