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Fitness Author, Karon Karter
Create Your Own Day Spa
Last winter, my best friend became engaged. In the throws of all the hoopla and hugs, I blurted, "let's have a bridal party." Having said it, I then thought, "hmmm" how should we thirty-somethings celebrate? After all, we're too mature for the traditional hats glued with big bows and traipsing the bride-to-be from bar to bar. Pampering came to mind with lots of pampering. We need massage tables in every room, girl-bonding talks and facials. Within weeks, my home was transformed into a day spa: fitness, beauty specialists, healthy food cooking classes, and essential oil lectures - both fun and inspirational! With some planning and monetary donations (for less than a trip to an actual day spa) you too can relax, reconnect and rejoice with friends. To get started, here are a few of my favorite ideas.
Pampering Party:
A day spa party should include a variety of beauty treatments and pampering. The idea is to plan activities that you and your friends can do together. For instance, you can apply mud facials to each other or paint one another's nails. Of course, you may want to hire a professional masseuse or reflexologist - it' up to you! Don't be shy to ask a friend to volunteer her time, if she has a certain expertise.Facial Recipes:
Lavender is the most versatile of the essential oils, and is known for its calming and relaxing qualities. It's also the easiest one with which to experiment since it doesn't irritate the skin when applied. To get the party started, create lavender compresses. Fill your sink with warm water, add four to five drops of Lavender, and then apply the compress to the forehead. Or drape soaked wash clothes over the face to relieve irritated dry skin and reduce puffy eyes.Moisture Nurturing Mask:
Wheat germ is full of vitamins, mainly vitamin E - which is a powerful antioxidant. Flaxseed and sunflower oils are loaded with the good fats - Omega 3 and 6. Supplies: Cheese cloth, raw wheat germ, sunflower seeds (without the shell), and flaxseed meal. For each mask, mix 2 tablespoons of each ingredient, blend in blender, and then add warm water to thicken. Put the cheese cloth over the face and apply mask.Home-made Massage Oil:
Essential oils can irritate the skin when applied since they are highly concentrated. So, they work best with a carrier oil, such as Jojoba. Jojoba oil leaves the skin silky smooth. Supplies: 2-ounce Jojoba oil and 15-20 drops of Ylang Ylang or Sandalwood - shake well! Sandalwood is known traditionally for relieving anxiety and insomnia; ylang ylang has a sedative effect on the mind and body.
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