Ahh… is anything better than a warm, relaxing soak in the tub after a long day? What makes that hot bath complete are suds, scents and salts to help sooth the stress from my body and improve my skin. You need not spend a fortune to enjoy a “spa night” at home. Here are some ways you can spoil yourself with delightful do-it-yourself products:
Pumpkin Papaya Mask
To make this mask, all you need is:
- 2/3 Cup of fresh, mashed papaya
- 15 oz. of pure pumpkin (canned or fresh)
- 1 beaten egg
Begin by cutting the papaya in half and then scoop out all of the seeds. Spoon out the papaya fruit and then mash it until it is lump free. Break open the egg and beat it until it is frothy, and then combine the egg with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the mixture and whip it together.
NOTE: If you prefer, you can throw these ingredients into a food processor or a blender.
Bath Salts
To make aromatic DIY bath salts, you need:
- 4 Cups of Epson salts (or sea salt)
- 6-8 drops of essential oil (your choice)
- OPTIONAL: Food coloring
If using food coloring, start off with combining the Epsom salts with food coloring in a large bowl. Add the essential oil(s) of your choice and mix well so that the food coloring is an even tone.
NOTE: It’s best to place the salt into small jars and allow the mixture to stand for 4-6 weeks before use. For an instant salt bath, add the 4 cups to running bath water and add the drops of essential oil to the water.
Bursting Bath Bombs
I make a separate set of these for myself and for my kids! You need:
- 1/4 Cup of baking soda
- 1 Tbsp. of ascorbic acid
- 1 Tbsp. Borax powder
- 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp. sweet almond oil
- 1 tsp. vitamin E oil
- 1/4 tsp. essential oil
Add dry ingredients in a bowl and stir until everything is completely blended. Once blended, slowly add the almond oil and stir until mixture is moist. Add vitamin E oil and your choice of essential oil, continuing to stir until everything is well mixed.
Take the mix and form into one-inch balls. Place the balls on waxed paper, and reshape them again in a couple of hours (they are crumbly, so don’t be too disappointed if they fall apart at first). Allow the balls to air dry for up to ten days and store them in an air-tight container.
TIP: A quick bubble bath can be made by adding glycerin to running bath water and 4-6 drops of your favorite essential oil or oils. Try mixing and matching the oils to discover your favorite scent!
See? You don’t need to spend a ton of money at a spa to take pleasure in some spa treatments. All that’s left is finding someone to give you a good massage!
photo by Jean Scheijen
