A few spa-style treatments to pamper yourself during the holidays!

Here are a few of the spa-style recipes I use to pamper myself.  The next 5 weeks or so are going to be crazy ~ so don't forget to take some time for you!! Mix one or two of these up & disappear into the bath for  while.  Don't forget a glass of wine, or a mug of cocoa plus a fabulous book to escape into!

Oatmeal Scrub:

Blend 1/2 c instant oatmeal
1/2 c olive oil
2 tsp honey
a few drops of your favorite essential oil - I love using lavender oil!
Blend until it makes a soft paste.  Use in shower once a week for gentle exfoliation, plus it is very soothing for dry, itchy winter skin!

Coffee Citrus Scrub (from the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes):

2 Tbsp fresh ground coffee
1 Tbs fresh squeezed orange juice
1 Tbs olive oil
zest from one orange peel
Combine ingredients in a bowl.  In the shower, smooth scrub over your body using a circular motion.  Rinse off, pat dry, moisturize.  The caffeine is reputed to reduce the appearance of cellulite, athe orange juice detoxifies, and the olive oil moisturizes!

Scented Bath Salts:

2 c. Epsom salts
1 c sea salt
1/4 tsp glycerin
essential oils - I like peppermint, vanilla, or lavender for these salts (or divide salts into several bowls and make batches of different fragrances)
Combine salts in a mixing bowl.  Stir in glycerin & 6 - 10 drops of essential oil.  Mix well.  Spoon bath salts into a pretty jar or other container with tight fitting lid.   These make a great gift, too - package in a plastic bags or containers, with a pretty handmade tag.

Milk & Honey Pedi Soak

Mix 1/2 c sugar & 1/2 cup olive oil.  Fill a soaking bowl with warm milk, and a few teaspoons of honey.  Soak your feet for 5 minutes, then scrub feet with the sugar scrub, focus on heels and any rough patches.  Rinse & pat dry, then use your favorite lotion to moisturize.  Wear your favorite socks after this soak/scrub to allow lotion to soak in!