Have a Spa Day at Home {Day 20}

This is the twentieth day of my 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge. To read all the posts in order, start with Day One or visit the Overview Page.

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Can you believe we have already made it two-thirds of the way through this one-month challenge? We’ve tackled a lot over the past 20 days, and whether you have been fully participating or not, you could probably use a break, a day to simply rest and recharge.

Well guess what? Today, we spa.

 Your assignment today is to spend a few hours pampering yourself.    Take a relaxing bath or shower, give yourself a home pedicure or manicure or facial (or all of the above) or simply just sit and relax with a good book or your favorite playlist. Do something just for you.

Here are a few ideas for how to get started:

Spa Bath

Supplies:  oatmeal bath sachets, bubble bath, honey salt scrub, moisturizer, candles, (optional)

Light candles. Fill bath with warmest water you can tolerate; put in bubble bath and oatmeal sachet while tub is filling. Tie up hair and apply mask for facial (see instructions below), if desired. Soak in tub for at least 15-20 minutes. Apply salt scrub all over then rinse using bath water. Dry off then apply moisturizer all over body while skin is still damp.

Spa Facial

Supplies: facial cleanser or soap, makeup remover, exfoliating facial scrub (optional), large pot of boiling water, towel, honey yogurt oatmeal mask (or other mask of your choice), facial moisturizer.

Wash your face & neck with gentle facial cleanser; remove makeup with makeup remover if necessary. Gently exfoliate your skin using facial scrub in a circular motion around your face and neck; rinse well. Turn heat off boiling water & hold your head above steam for five minutes, using towel over your head to trap the steam. Gently pat dry face then apply mask & let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse mask well, gently pat dry skin and apply moisturizer, again in a circular motion all over face & neck.

Spa Manicure/Pedicure

Supplies: nail polish remover, cotton balls, emery board, nail clipper, cuticle trimmer (optional), nail brush or old toothbrush, homemade bubble bath, pumice stone, honey salt scrub, honey yogurt oatmeal mask, heavy duty hand/foot cream, nail polish, clear top coat polish.

Remove old polish from nails; trim nails with clipper then shape smooth with emery board. Trim cuticles, if necessary. Soak hands/feet in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes (or take a bath). Exfoliate hands & feet, applying scrub in a circular motion; use pumice stone to soften any rough or hard areas on feet. Pat dry, then apply mask & let dry for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well, then massage in heavy moisturizer. Wipe nails clean with polish remover, then carefully paint nails, letting polish dry for 5-10 minutes between coats. Finish with clear topcoat.

The most important thing is that it be relaxing! Don’t sweat it if you don’t have all the right supplies–just do the best you can with what you have, and take some time to simply take care of you.

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What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself at home?

{Go to Day 21}