How-To: Get that Spa Feeling at Home

I recently received information about HERSHEY'S SIMPLE PLEASURES Milk Chocolate with Creamy Caramel products and items for the DIY Caramel Facial from The Hershey Company, and it got me thinking about a home spa experience. Have I ever mentioned that we live in a 1930's non-renovated Cape Cod with only one bathroom? Don't get me wrong, our house is full of charm, and even better than that, it's filled with love. But I do confess to some jealousy of those nice big new-construction homes with a master bathroom suite. I can just picture myself there. . .ahhhh.

I love spas, spa treatments and pampering, but find it challenging to re-create that feel in my own tiny bathroom. (not to mention the two loud running boys that live here as well) This past year, I bought bright colorful rugs for the bathroom, and it made a huge difference in how I felt each time I walked in there. So don't discount the small ways to make any space feel more special.

My top tips are:

• take out the clutter and clear off the surfaces 
• during annual white sales, stock up on fluffy towels in colors that make you feel happy and/or relaxed
• use an unscented candle and your favorite essential oils to provoke a "spa feeling" - something calming and relaxing.

To take your home spa experience to the next level, The Good Life Gurus over at Hershey's Moderation Nation suggest the following tips:

• Sweeten your beauty routine by creating a spa atmosphere with caramel scented-beauty products, such as a DIY caramel facial (see below) or a caramel bubble bath.
• Whip up a homemade Caramel Hair Treatment (see below) and relax while it sinks in.
• Apply shiny caramel nail polish or a creamy caramel eye color.
• Try warming up your wardrobe by pairing emerald or mint jeans with a white top and caramel-toned accessories.

The Hershey Company is letting me share the recipes for a Caramel Hair Treatment and Facial with all of my my scraps readers, so you can enjoy your own blissful spa routine at home.

The Chocolate Spa DIY Caramel Facial ~ Recipe provided by The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
 
Ingredients:
   
2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Whole Milk
1 tsp. Honey
1 tsp. Plain Oatmeal

 Instructions:

1.      Mix all the ingredients together and apply to the face in circular motions to exfoliate the skin.
2.      Leave the mask on for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.
3.      Follow with a mild cleanser.
  
Why it works:

• Brown sugar exfoliates and hydrates the skin.
• Honey prevents skin dehydration and is also a natural antiseptic.
• Oatmeal removes dirt and oil from the pores.
• Milk’s amino acids moisturize and smooth the skin.

Caramel Hair Treatment ~ Recipe provided by HowDoesShe

Ingredients:

6 tbsp. Honey

6 tbsp. Olive Oil   
2 overripe Bananas
3 tbsp. Molasses
1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1-2 tbsp. Cornstarch
1 tsp. Wheat Germ Oil
 
Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture through a strainer and into a saucepan. Place the pan on medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture forms a thick batter (you may need to add water during this process to get the consistency you want).
3. Let the mixture cool and divide your hair into 3-4 sections, each secured with a clip. Apply the cooled mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and then spreading down to the ends.
4. Once your hair is completely coated by the caramel treatment, cover it with a plastic hair cap and let it sit for 1-2 hours (or overnight for extra dry hair).
5. Wash, condition, and style your hair as usual. You can freeze the extra mixture for future use. Your hair will love its soft, gorgeous makeover. 

 Why not plan a girls night in and whip these up for some relaxing and pampering fun! A pitcher of chocolate martinis and a great movie, and you've got the makings of a perfect girls night in.

And for even more ways to feel beautiful, check out the Best of Beauty Tuesdays Linkup



catch you soon - 

Disclosure - I did not receive any product for this post nor compensation for my time. I did receive information that I thought my readers may find useful and permission to share it.