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Top 10 Things You Need For Your Home Spa

By Anitra Brown, About.com

When I went to Canyon Ranch in Lenox, I brought home a copy of "The Canyon Ranch Guide To Living Younger Longer." It offers all the same tools and information that they give the people who come and stay at great expense. That's why it's my number one pick for Top Ten Home Spa Products You'll also find my favorite body scrub (under $5) and shampoo (and why it's worth, ouch, $50) as well as candles, body cream, bath salts, sunblock, and more.

1. The Canyon Ranch Guide To Living Younger Longer

This book is the next best thing to a visit to Canyon Ranch. It gives you a firm foundation everything you need to live a long, vital life, including healthy relationships, exercise, nutritional intelligence, bodywork and massage and stress management, all delivered in a thoughtful informative way. I highly recommend it.
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2. Red Flower Petal Top Candles

Red Flower Candles are the perfect way to set the home spa mood. These non-toxic candles are made with fine essential oils and won't leave you with a headaches. They're beautifully packaged, with dried petals on top that you can sprinkle in the bath BEFORE you light them. And they come in a range of scents, including French Lavender, Indian Jasmine, Thai Honeysuckle and Morroccan Rose. They also make great gifts.
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3. ZMovie

Sleep programs are hot, but you can do your own at home. Start with ZMovie. Instead of watching overstimulating shows before you go to bed, slip in this relaxation DVD. It captures the mesmerizing rhythyms of the Pacific Ocean, combined with soothing music. Together they help slow you down and get you ready for sleep.
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4. Babor A, C, E Body Cream

This body cream is enriched with vitamins A, C and E as well as algae extracts. It's great for your skin, and if you exfoliate first, a little goes a long way. It's fabulous!
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5. Sensual Massage for Couples

You probably don't have a licensed massage therapist in your home spa -- time to turn to that significant other. This book is aimed at couples, and includes many bath hints and "exercise enhancers". (And no, they don't mean sit-ups.)
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6. The Spirit of Yoga

This soothing CD by Ben Leinbach is my all-time favorite in the spa music category. If I'm stressed, it immediately calms my mind. It's quiet enough to work by, relaxing enough to take a bath by, romantic enough to make love by.
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7. Ti-Silc Sheer Sunblock SPF 45

The most important things you can do to keep your skin young is to protect it. This is the best sunscreen for my face I've ever found. It's lightweight and sheer, but offers lots of sunblocking power with an SPF 45, light-weight sheer tint.
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8. Philip B. White Truffle Moisturizing Shampoo

This is going to be a sticker shock moment: a $50 shampoo. Ouch! Who cares about the Italian white truffle oil and 19 plant extracts. Well, this is the only shampoo that makes me look like I have the good haircut I pay for. Everything else strips my hair of its natural oils. The good news is you don't need to use a lot. (And don't expect it to lather up.) I've had my bottle for six months and still have a ways to go.
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9. Yoga Kit With DVD

Yoga is a great form of exercise for mind, body and spirit, no matter what age you are or what kind of shape you're in. This kit will get you started with a mat, a strap to help you stretch and a 20-minute instruction DVD.

10. Naturopathica Arnica Bath & Body Oil

This is a great body oil to use if you have sore muscles or a muscle spasm. It is anti-inflammatory and can literally reduce your soreness and pain. It great to use during a massage, after a bath, or before bed.
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