At Home Spa

In light of the ever-worsening economy and the fact that every spare cent is going to home renovations (I'll post pics soon!) .......I have given up on my massages and manicures. (Not that I got them that often before)

So I thought I would post some great at home spa treatments for those of us looking to save money and pamper ourselves.

(All treatments should be accompanied by a glass of wine or martini and Sex and The City.)

*** All of these treatments were found at http://www.spaindex.com/HomeSpa/HomeSpa.htm

COFFEE BODY SCRUB
2 cups of coarsely ground coffee 1/2 cup raw sugar or sea salt 2-3 T massage oil
Mix all ingredients together. Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto your skin with strong, even pressure. Shower off, pat skin dry, and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion.

AVOCADO DRY SKIN MASQUE

Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add the mashed pulp of a half avocado, blending it well (you may use a blender at this point). Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque). Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly; relax on a slant board or bed for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion. The result should be a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing.

AVOCADO OILY SKIN MASQUE

Put the white of an egg, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and the mashed pulp of a half avocado into a blender. In seconds, you should have a lovely green mixture. Wash your face and neck thoroughly, then apply masque evenly on those areas. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin tonic.

CHOCOLATE FACIAL MASK

This decadent mask is actually an excellent moisturizer -- it leaves your skin baby soft. Recommended for normal skin.1/3 cup cocoa powder3 tbsp. heavy cream 2 tsp. cottage cheese ¼ cup honey 3 tsp. oatmeal Mix all ingredients together (a bullet blender is ideal) and smooth onto face. Relax for ten 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

SAVORY CRANBERRY FACIAL WASH (MY FAVORITE!)
Did you know the acidity in cranberries works as a mild astringent and toner? Did you know that the Greeks originally considered Savory to be an aphrodisiac? Cranberry and Savory posses antiseptic properties similar to those found in oregano and thyme, and help cleanse the skin of excess oils.1 tablespoon dried savory leaves, crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cranberries
Steep the dried savory in boiling water in a small bowl, for fifteen minutes. Strain the liquid and set it aside. Puree the cranberries in a blender, and strain the fruit from the liquid. Discard the fruit, and save the juice. Combine the savory water and the cranberry juice, soak into cotton pads, or a fine textured washcloth, and press against your face for fifteen minutes, avoiding the eye area. Remove pads or cloth and rinse with warm water.

HAIR REMOVER - BODY SUGARING (I haven't tried this one yet..)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup honey cornstarchclean cloth cotton stripswooden stick or spreader.Dust the area to be waxed, with cornstarch. Combine the first three ingredients in a clean glass bowl, and microwave for two minutes. Stop and stir your sugar mixture every 20-30 seconds. Let it cool to a comfortable warmth, and, using a wooden stick, spread a very thin layer onto your clean skin. Immediately cover the mixture with a strip of cotton fabric. Briskly stroke the strip several times in the direction of the hair growth, and then, pull the skin taut, and quickly rip away the cotton strip, against the direction of hair growth. As you proceed, you may need to reheat your sugar mixture in the microwave to keep it warm. Do not boil it or overheat as you could easily burn your skin.