DIY Pampering For Less

Being a woman, a wife, sister, friend, co-worker and of course, a mom - we wear many hats throughout the day. By the time the day is over you’ve taken care of everyone and everything – but what about yourself?  Did you take the time to do something just for you? 

I’ll go out on a limb here and say no.  I know on most days, the answer for me is no, I didn’t. While it’s wonderful to get out and have someone do the pampering for you, it’s not always an option.  It is more likely (and realistic) that you can squeeze in ten extra minutes. So if you’ve got the time, I’ve found some great things you can do for yourself with some products you most likely already have in or around your home. 

The benefit?  All natural pampering which is quick to do and won’t break the bank.

Pampering for your face

Oatmeal & Egg Mask - This mask is wonderful if you have sensitive or combination skin.  Since oatmeal is naturally soothing while the egg yolk you’ll use contains protein enzymes, water and fat.  This will leave your skin- soft and calmed.   

To make the mask, mix 1/3 of a cup of uncooked oatmeal and one egg yolk.  First, blend the oatmeal dry into a fine powder in a blender or food processor.  Then, crack the egg only saving the yolk and add the yolk into the ground oatmeal.  Blend together to make a paste in a bowl.  Tie back your hair and apply paste to clean skin.  Let sit for 10 minutes (or longer if you have the extra 5 minutes) and then rinse off with warm water.  If you do this twice a month, your skin will thank you!

Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) - For any kind of skin - even oily – you have to try this.  I’ve actually been doing this myself for a few months now and my skin has never looked or felt better.  Ever.  It’s called the Oil Cleansing Method and it’s fabulous.  This is the web site dedicated to the method, but I found this blog to be much more helpful with the details.  (It’s also helpful for other things, too!)

All you need are two ingredients - extra virgin olive oil and castor oil.  It sounds crazy, but I promise you, it really works!

Easy At-Home Facial - Start with a freshly washed face with your cleanser of choice.  Get your hair out of the way and collect the following:  a clean medium sized towel, a large bowl and essential oils.

Start by pouring very hot into your large bowl.   This would be the time to add a few drops of any essential oils if you choose to do so for some added relaxation.  Take the medium sized towel you already grabbed and cover your head as you lean over the steaming water and cover it also.  Stay in the steam for as long as you want – but 5-10 minutes is optimal.  Just use caution and don’t get too close or use water that is too hot.   Then, while your face is still damp, apply a facial mask – a pre-made one you have is great as long as it’s right for your skin type or you can mix up one of the suggestions from here.  You can sit in the bathroom, soak in the tub, or lay down somewhere relaxing while your mask does it’s work.  After the time allocated for your mask is over, apply a toner if you’d like or skip to applying moisturizer to seal in hydration.   

Body Treatments

Minimize Cellulite - I knew I loved coffee, but now that I know this, I love it a little bit more:

“No matter how expensive the treatment, nothing will get rid of cellulite for good. However, you can temporarily reduce the appearance of your lumps and bumps with freshly brewed coffee grounds (seriously!). Mix a handful of grounds with a firming body cream or face mask until it's paste-like. Then rub it over your butt and thighs in an upward circular motion. For extra tightening action, cover those areas with plastic wrap and put on sweatpants. Hang out for a few hours, then rinse it off.”

—Cornelia Zicu, chief creative officer for Red Door Spas

Go here for a few more spa tips where this one was found.

Exfoliation - I found this link at Tip Nut for some Sugar Scrub recipes.  Personally, I just add some sugar or some sea salt to the olive oil I use on my face for the OCM and it does just fine.

Lips & Hair

DIY Lip Balm - Here's an easy make your own lip balm from Whole Living's web site. You’ll need a small container or tin for these, so I’d get something like these from Joann Fabrics web site or store. Then you’ll have extra to make for friends, neighbors or anyone else you feel could use something special!

Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment - I found this natural, deep conditioning treatment here.  For this conditioner, you’ll need:  1/2 avocado, a cup of real mayonnaise, a shower cap or saran wrap and a towel. 

Directions:

1. Mash up 1/2 an avocado with one small jar of real mayonnaise. It should turn a minty green color.
2. Work it into your hair. Focus on the tips if that's where you have the most damage.
3. Put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in plastic wrap.
4. Wrap your head over the cap or plastic with a warm damp towel - you can just toss a damp towel in the dryer for a few minutes to heat it up.
5. Let sit for 20 minutes.
6. Grab a cup of tea, wine or beverage of choice and relax.
7. Rinse.

So, whether you have the extra few minutes today, tomorrow or even the next day – do one of these simple things for yourself.  These treatments are too easy not to do!