Friday, January 9, 2009

What you do when you don't know what to do

I have been babysitting this week for my parents while they are having a splendid time in New Zealand. Our week has included playing Sorry Sliders, watching Robots, and doing fun girly things too. Tonight we did Spa night and used the following recipes for a spa experience at home:

Hydrating Milk Bath
1 cup dry milk
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup dried lavender sprigs (we pulled some off our lavender bush in our yard:))

How to make it: Combine dry milk and corn starch in a bowl; pour mixture into 96-101 degree running water. Once tub is full, scatter lavender sprigs in water.
Why it's good for you: Milk contains lactic acid, a natural exfoliant that softens skin by dissolving rough patches. It's also loaded with moisturizing proteins and vitamins. "Cornstarch soothes skin and gives bathwater a silky feel," says Melanie Valliere, spa director at White Barn Inn and Spa in kennebunkport, Maine.
Best time to soak: When your skin is dull and flaky, or right before bed to encourage a pleasant night's sleep.
This recipe is found in this month's Health magazine

Another one I want to try is a Skin-Smoothing Citrus Bath:
1 navel orange
1 cup whole cloves, divided
1 cup pulp-free orange juice
1/2 cup soy milk
2 teaspoons lavender essential oil

How to make it: Cut orange into even slices; insert 1/2 cup cloves into slices. Fill tub with 90-95 degree water; add oranges, remaining 1/2 cup cloves, orange juice, soy milk, and lavender oil.
Why it's good for you: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, citrus0fruit acids are natural exfoliants, says Suzanne Holbrook, spa director at the Ritz-Carlton Spa in Orlando Florida. "They soften skin and prevent free radical damage, too." Circle a washcloth over your body while soaking to slough off dead cells loosened by the fuit acids. Cloves enhance the sensory experience.
So if anyone tries it, let me know how it is!!!

While we soaked we used an amazing Oatmeal mask! I LOVE FACIALS and this was a great substitute for at home. Here's the recipe:
Mix 1/2 cup oatmeal with 1/4 cup hot water, and 1/4 cup honey in a food processor. let cool, and apply. Wait 10 minutes and rinse.

So there's some spa fun...enjoy:)
Oh and for those of you who have never seen my family, here they are:

7 comments:

Anne said...

How fun! I love spa treatments.

Kristin said...

That sounds like so much fun. I bet your sisters loved it. They are lucky to have you : )

Mary Jane said...

How many siblings do you have? Did you put oatmeal masks on your little brothers?!! :)

Rasmussen Family said...

I have 7 siblings and no oatmeal on the boys:)

Nal said...

I love reading your blog! Here is the link to mine. I haven't updated it very recently. capottage.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

i want in!

Jenna D. said...

Cash!!! this is so fun, where did you find these? i hope you don't mind if i copy your idea and do it here at my house! how did it turn out?

ps... email me back!! :)
love you