15 January 2011

spur-of-the-moment spa party, for one.



this morning i came home from the gym in a loungey mood. dan was doing laundry and reading. benji was taking a long lovely nap. it was pretty perfect. a few nights ago (at three in the morning) i finished another book layout. i've been liberated ever since completing by deadline. i had plans to paint my nails, decide what to wear at ALT, and maybe clear out my inbox. but mainly just chillax.

then a simple idea popped in my head. i told dan i was having a spontaneous spa party; i grabbed my stack of to-read catalogues and left the scene. climbing out of my workout clothes and into the tub seemed like a dreamy saturday afternoon activity. why let the golden globe stars have all the fun? carving out some me-time is essential, so i want to share with you some simple steps for a do-it-yourself spa day. feel like a million bucks without spending a penny.

the set up + supplies

even though you're utilizing everyday ingredients, this can be more than just a bath. the set up is key to making your spa experience more like an event. which makes you feel that much more spoiled. the more all-out you go, the better.

set up a small table next to your tub (a serving tray upon the commode can work too)! fill the tub with hot water while you gather your supplies. keep the door closed so it can get steamy.

first, cut a lemon in half (you can use oranges, limes, or cucumber slices, whatever you have on hand). put a tall drinking glass in the freezer. ask your waiter to fill it with cold water (and bendy straw) and bring it to you in five minutes or so. silver platter not required.

add bubble bath, bath salts, epsom salt, or baking soda to your soak. i especially like drizzling baby oil in the water. it's so simple, it hurts. your skin softens while you soak, you'll be amazed when you come out buttery smooth.

gather some light reads. and i mean literally. it's no fun holding up a heavy book in the tub.

line up your favorite scrubs, lotions, deep conditioner, etc. along with a hand towel, a headband and an emery board for your nails. 

hang your fluffiest towel on a hook (mine are usually reserved for guests). stack folded comfy clothes and thick cotton socks (unless you're headed out on the town, of course) on the counter.

a glowing candle makes anything a bit more extravagant.

soak, read, lather, repeat. meditate. relax for as long as you'd like (or until you turn into a raisin).

follow up with your favorite thick body butter or self tanner.

rub vaseline on your feet and slip your socks on.

afterwards, paint your nails with a good flick (the social network was my pick of course / tonight gwyneth is on SNL - yay). enjoy your custom-made spa day. do you have any bathing beauty tips of your own? i'd love to hear them in the comment box. 

turquoise bathroom image source unknown / nope, not mine. completely cute though.

28 comments:

Olivia said...

I think I will. Thanks for the great idea.

Brandy said...

Great idea. I love it! Here's a spa night i just recently had with my kids. It was easy, and so much fun. http://brandyink.typepad.com/brandyink/2011/01/pedicure-night.html

Anonymous said...

I have a big test on Monday morning,
So this would be perfect for an after-test
Reward! Thanks for the idea :)

Johanna said...

This sounds like pure luxury. I'm going to be following your orders asap. Thanks Marta! xox

Hannah said...

This sounds lovely. Now to just find a way to get 30 minutes to myself...

Jacki said...

What a gorgeous idea. And I'd do just about anything for that bathroom in the picture!

Unknown said...

ok i finally saw the fine print but i was totally going to ask if that was your actual bathroom bc it is AWESOME!!

KJ said...

I like to add painting my toenails to my own diy spa-at-home days when there's time. usually, though, my best laid spa days end up being spa nights at about 9pm. Abbreviated. Candles and mellow music are a must. as is the vaseline on my feet.

from mel said...

wow. that is some serious relaxation. inspires me just by reading it. i'd have to add a perfect movie soundtrack and/or favorite pandora station. oh, and also trying not to fall asleep once you are in the tub. (nothing is worse than a soggy magazine, am I right? :)
love your blog. congrats on reaching your deadline!

Erin {pughs' news} said...

DIY spa day now on the schedule for next weekend! Love it.

Travelin'Oma said...

Just naming something makes it more special. "Spa Day" sounds so much lovelier than, "I'll be in the tub." You deserve to pamper yourself!

Unknown said...

Just moved into a new place last weekend with a HUGE garden tub, so I completely plan on doing this- and soon. :)

Cassie said...

Sounds like the most fantastic and luxurious way of spending a Saturday whilst in your own home! Perfection in fact.

After a 3am deadline finish I am absolutely sure you deserved every second of pampering.
xx

Catherine said...

Love this! I find the more hot water recharges a bath needs, the more restorative it is.

Vanessa Rae said...

Hip Hip Horray for a deadline completed and a little Momma R & R! I'm not much of a bath taker, unless i'm in a fancy hotel but there are day when relaxing in a hot tub sounds sublime! Are you watching the red carpet tonight?!

Heather Scott Partington said...

I agree that giving it a name makes it even more divine. What great tips, and a great reminder to take time out to enjoy peace amidst family life and work. Totally inspirational. :)

sandi said...

Book layout??? I must have missed something? Can you expand on that?

Abby said...

I just put Sam down for a nap...I may try this whole spa thing out! Thanks for the great idea. Glad you are taking some "me" time.

Becca at One Girl said...

I love spa time! More candles the merrier. Sometimes if I do not want to page through magazines I set up hulu on the laptop and watch the latest Greys!

Anneliese said...

i think i am more relaxed just reading about your spa day! thanks for the reminder. there is a shelf full of pamper products that never get used....

Jaimie said...

ahh this sounds dreamy.

Sarah said...

i have that same bathtub image saved on one of my pinterest boards.

Sarah said...

your bath :) http://pinterest.com/pin/1918421/

...love your bangs, btw. i had mine cut about three weeks ago and felt they looked way too fresh; finally they are looking more a part of me.

quartz worktops said...

That is such a nice and lovely sharing. Spa always attracts me, and that is just a perfect idea to have a perfect spa. Thanks for posting.

Megan @ Chicago Girl said...

Love it. My favorite bubble bath is by EO-Lavender. It is my one splurge at Whole Foods!

Jen Holtkamp said...

this sounds so lovely! thanks for the great idea!!!

kira lee said...

i always like to add in some mood music.

rubi said...

My friend Linda linked to this page and I'm so glad she did! I have been working so much lately and this sounds so much better than finding time to go to a spa.

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