Article by BR Elaine
In normal times your home should be the perfect place for a relaxing treat - it's your personal space in the world. But these are not normal times. Our homes are now our work places, our spouse's work place and for some of us, our homes are about to become school. We're safely in our bubbles, and united in our collective mission - and I'm feeling pretty ok with that.
If only there weren't so many people in my personal space!
I mean, HOW is a girl to relax with her husband blinking so loudly and her kids wanting to discuss the molecular structure of different Minecraft stone?!
There is only one thing to do in such circumstances. Escape to the spa. Well bathroom.
Top tips to creating the SPA experience at home.
- Find a place in your house that you can reserve for an hour or two. Ideally the bathroom or your bedroom.
- Let the other occupants of your bubble know that you are officially signing out for a few hours. (Pair this with your 'Don't Mess With Me' eyebrows.).
- Leave your phone, tablet and laptop far, far away.
- Set the scene - a scented candle, your favourite relaxing music, nice fluffy towels, fresh flowers from the garden. Why not prepare a nice smoothie and a healthy snack too?
- A lot of women love the idea of a R&R session, but struggle with the relaxing part! Don't feel you can't busy your mind to relax - read a book while you get your beauty on.
- If you're pressed for time, multi task! Use a hair mask while you use your face mask and give yourself a pedicure while they both do their thing.
SPA treatments you can easily do at home.
- Slather on your favourite face mask - relaxation is key, so if you're going to peel, be sure to follow with a moisurising treatment.
- An intensive hair treatment is a great way to treat your hair while you relax.
- Give yourself a mani-pedi. Check out these easy DIY foot treatments.
- Have a body brushing session - do this towards the end of your pamper time, as it's really energising!
- If baths are your thing, draw a relaxing bath with a few of your favourite essential oils. Grab a magazine and enjoy the soak.
SPA treatments using no more than 3 ingredients
- Make your own Rose Water Toner by pouring 2 parts boiling water over 1 part tightly packed rose petals. Once cool squeeze out the liquid from the petals, strain the rose infused water and refridgerate.
- Make an effective body scrub using one cup of brown sugar, one cup of oatmeal and one cup of olive oil.
- Cut a lemon in half and rub over elbows and knees, to soften and lighten the skin.
- Olive oil can be used by itself as both a hair and skin treatment.
- Make your own coffee scrub by using 3 parts fresh brewed grounds and 1 part of salt mixed together. Use within 20 minutes of brewing before oxidation occurs.
- Mash an avocado in to a paste and use as a hair mask for moisturised, shiny hair.
Do you regularly pamper yourself a home, or is it an even rarer treat than going to an actual spa? What tips and tricks do you have to share?
Oh wow after reading all these amazing ideas I really want to go and lock myself in the bathroom and never come out... well until the kids start to bang down the door I guess... sigh