| CREATE
YOUR OWN VIRTUAL SPA
Can't
afford the time or expense of a week - or even a day - at your favorite
spa? Don't fret. You can create a spa-like atmosphere right at
home with a few basics products, tips and tricks and your own ingenuity.
Create
the scene
What
do you love most about a spa? Most women would say it's the wonderful
sense of relaxation, tranquility and peace they treasure most. Set aside
an evening or afternoon when you'll be alone and create that setting right
at home. All you need is
Soft,
relaxing music. Pick up a few "new age" type music CD's
or tapes or have some soft classical music to play in the background.
Candles.
Now's the time to bring them out in multiples and place them around your
bedroom or bath. Incense makes a nice touch, too.
Towels.
Your biggest and fluffiest. In your favorite color.
Manicure
Kit. Gather together everything you need for a manicure - polish,
swabs, files, cuticle scissors.
A
robe or body wrap. Plus a pair of flipflops or slippers if
you prefer not to be barefoot.
Spa
Food. Have the fridge stocked with your favorite spa foods
- a crisp vegetable salad, tossed and ready to serve…fruit and cheese…chilled
fruit or vegetable juices….peach ice tea…mineral water with slices of
lemon or lime.
IMPORTANT:
Unplug the phone. Turn off the TV.
Have
an agenda
What would a half-day at your favorite spa include? It might look like
the one below, modified to suit your personal preferences.
Step
1: Start with 30 minutes or 45 minutes of easy stretches and
yoga with your favorite yoga tape. (Another time, you might go outdoors
for a nature walk if you live in a semi-rural area or a brisk run in the
park if you live in a big city.)
Step
2: Then go into the bathroom and wash your face thoroughly.
Next, head off to the kitchen and boil a pot of hot water - throw some
herbs in if you like - to "steam" your face and help open clogged
pores. For best results, drape a towel over your head to create a tent-like
effect, and lean over the hot water for 3-10 minutes (its ok to take breaks
if you need to!) to open up your pores. Follow with a gentle exfoliant
cleanser or AHA-based cleanser to get your skin incredibly smooth and
glowing.
Step
3: Follow your deep cleansing with an intensive mask treatment.
Smooth on a mask for your special skin type and lie down for 15 minutes.
Cool slices of cucumber on your lids will give your eyes a wonderful rest
while your mask works.
Step
4: Rinse off the mask and draw a warm, relaxing bath with bubbles
or aromatic oils. Let yourself soak for a good fifteen minutes or so.
Try it with the bathroom lights out and just a candle or two with soft
music in the background.
Step
5: Turn on the shower and give yourself a brisk one, washing
your hair with your favorite shampoo and conditioner while you're at it,
if you want. Take the time to exfoliate your whole body with a loofah
and a fragrant "special" soap or bath gel followed by a grainy exfoliant
to remove dead cells and soften rough areas.
Step
6: Towel off, and take several minutes to moisturize your whole
body with your favorite body lotion or cream. Take the time to work it
into those areas it's so easy to neglect like the soles of your feet and
your elbows.
Step
7: Lie down again for nice 20-minute deep relaxation session.
Rub a little eucalyptus oil or your favorite fragrance in your pulse points
to breathe in as you relax.
Step
8: Weather permitting; let your hair air dry if it's wet, to
give it a break from hot hair dryers. If you must dry it, use the cool
setting, and gently rub your scalp with your fingertips to relax and stimulate
it as you dry your hair.
Step
9: Bring out your manicure kit. Sit in a nice comfortable chair
with something you can put your feet up on to give yourself a simple manicure
and pedicure. Even just adding polish to your fingers and toes will give
you a sense of personal pampering and indulgence. While your fingers and
toes are drying, close your eyes and meditate as you sit in your chair.
Step
10: When your nails are set, prepare your spa meal eat it slowly,
with pleasure - it's the perfect end to your virtual spa day!
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