After a long week of working, taking care of the family, and stressing over life, there is nothing like taking a few moments to pamper yourself. This isn’t a guide just for women. Men need pampering too! Most men wont take the time to pamper themselves, so it may be best if it’s done as a couple. But you’ll be surprised at how rejuvenated you’ll feel, and how your spirits will lift, after treating yourself to a little “me” time.
The first thing you’ll need to do is set up a relaxing atmosphere. This can be done by lighting candles, dimming the lights, and playing soft music. Even if you aren’t doing this as a couple, and are alone, you will benefit by setting the right mood for yourself. Also, be sure you are in a room away from everyone else. You don’t want the kids running through in the middle of relaxation time.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to receive the benefits of a spa treatment. Many of the products can be made from scratch, and will be surprisingly inexpensive and simple to make. Be sure to make all your treatments before you being your pampering session. Have everything ready and waiting, so you can take full advantage of your time to yourself.
So what ingredients will you need? Most likely you’ll have what you need right in your kitchen cupboards.
Oatmeal – Banana Face Scrub
This deliciously scented face scrub will not only feel great, but can be used as either a scrub or a mask. This recipe is for one person, so if you are pampering as a couple, double it. If using as a scrub, wash off after application. Leaving it on for a longer period of time will turn it into a hardened mask.
2 tsp mashed banana (very ripe bananas work best)
2 tsp oatmeal (cooking oats)
1 tsp milk
1 tsp honey (olive oil can be substituted, but will result in a runnier product)
For maximum results, before applying any face scrub or mask, steam face over a sink full of very hot water. This will allow the pores to open up, which will improve the overall appearance and texture of your skin.
Olive Oil Hair Treatment
If you have never applied olive oil directly to your scalp, you are in for a treat. After you use this treatment, you wont be able to stop touching your hair. It will be so smooth and silky and look so shiny, you wont believe the difference.
3 teaspoons of olive oil
5 teaspoons of honey
Combine ingredients in a bowl and warm it briefly in the microwave. If your hair is long, or if you are making this for two people, then double the recipe.
Apply the treatment, massage in to scalp, and then wrap your hair in Cling Wrap. Let it sit between fifteen and thirty minutes and then thoroughly rinse. Shampoo with your regular hair care product afterward.
Scented Foot & Hand Soak
Anytime you make a homemade spa product at home, you can add a few drops of essential oil to give it a nice scent and a little softness. With this soak, add whatever essential oil you prefer. Lavender or peppermint are my favorite for this particular soak. (You can purchase essential oils at any health food, or aromatherapy stores)
Very warm water
1 cup Epsom Salt
2 – 3 drops of essential oil
Fill a bucket or container halfway with very warm water. Add remaining ingredients. Once you place your feet in the container, the water will rise. You can take the recipe and cut it in half for your hands. Soak them at the same time, if you desire, for about fifteen minutes.
Soaking your feet and hands, relaxes skin and will make it easier to scrub off any dead skin cells. The sugar scrub recipe, to follow, will feel great and give new life to tired, dry skin.
Sugar Scrub
1 cup white sugar
½ cup olive or vegetable oil
1 Vitamin E tablet (puncture and drain oil into mixture)
This scrub feels amazing. If you find it to be too dense, add a little more oil. However, you don’t want it to be too watery because the sugar is what will scrub away the dead skin cells. After you’ve finished, apply your favorite moisturizer or lotion and cover your feet with socks or spa slippers.
All in all, you probably have spent about an hour on yourself. But the way you feel afterwards is so rewarding. And if you have done it as a couple, you may be in the mood for a little something else too. Remember that there is nothing wrong in taking a few moments for yourself. You’ll be a happier, more relaxed person, and you’ll be reenergized for what the upcoming week will hold in store for you.
SOURCE:
Personal experience
