How to Pamper Yourself at Home on a Budget

While looking for ways to save money, I have developed a weekend routine that will leave you feeling pampered and cared for. You can do all of the steps in a couple of hours or you can pick and choose what you have time for.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sugar, olive oil, lemons
• Beauty products - conditioner, lotion, face cleanser, face mask
• Towels, relaxing music, candles, cozy socks, reading material of your choice
• Tea or water (with lemon or cucumber slices)

1. 
   Use common ingredients

   1. Make a sugar scrub – put equal parts of sugar and olive oil (I usually start with a half of a cup of each). You can put in a couple of drops of essential oil for a scent that you love. Take a warm shower and message the sugar scrub into areas of your body that are usually dry; knees, elbows, hands, etc. (be careful if you do your feet, as the mixture is slippery, stand on a washcloth to prevent a spill) When you step out of the shower blot yourself dry and apply a thick coat of lotion. Total time 15 minutes

2. 2. Deep condition your hair – this can be done while you are making and applying your sugar scrub – You can apply 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to damp hair. Work into hair and then cover with a shower cap or towel for up to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then shampoo as usual.

3. 3. Pamper your feet – fill a large bowl with warm water and add 1 sliced lemon. Soak your feet for about 10-15 minutes. You can use the sugar scrub listed above or a pumice stone from a drug store to remove dry skin. Apply a thick coat of lotion or petroleum jelly and put on warm socks for an afternoon or overnight.

4. 

   4. Relax – Take a great book or favorite magazine to a cozy chair with a cup of tea or glass of water and relax. You can also give yourself a manicure and pedicure now that all of your dry skin is sloughed off. Just remember to wipe your nails with nail polish remover before you paint them to remove any oily residue. Play soothing music and don't answer the phone.

Tips & Warnings

• This works best if you are able to spend some time uninterrupted.
• Play soothing music
• Works well for a girls afternoon before going out!

[floydbogart]

on 12/9/2008 A tight budget doesn't mean we can't enjoy life!

Thanks!