The 15 Minute Spa Experience

I love going to spa's as often as possible, but sometimes it is either too expensive or there is not enough time. Taking just 15 minutes where there are no interruptions is enough to refresh and revitalize the mind and body. Here are some suggested steps.

1. Light a aromatherapy candle 5 minutes before your shower or bath to let the fragrance of the candle fill the room

2. Turn on the shower or fill the tub with tolerably hot water. Let the steam envelope the room.

3. Play your favorite spa music CD or turn the radio to a soft and soothing channel.

4. Step into the shower or tub and let the water de-stress your mind and body.

5. A nice organic soap or sugar scrub might be all you need to cleanse away any chaotic thoughts and stress that invade our lives daily.

6. When you are done, give yourself a quick massage while applying a fragrant organic body moisturizer. The aromatic benefits of the lotion will linger into the day or evening, a nice reminder of that special 15 minute spa experience.

Remember, all you need is 15 minutes....................................

Would love to hear any other ideas on mini-spa experiences.

Anne

A Tranquil Place is in your back yard

Right now the weather is terrific, sure to get warmer though. I love our backyard and the privacy we have from the outside world. The backyard is a great place to relax and reconnect with nature. I love to garden and have many pots filled with flowers, herbs and vegetables. I sure hope my tomatoes grow this year. Last year was miserable. So was the year before.........:( My sister grows great tomatoes......she'll give me some of hers............I hope...................:)

If you have a backyard or patio area, make a point of creating a peaceful sanctuary for yourself. You can do this by planting lots of colorful and/or fragrant flowers (Gardenia's, Jasmine, etc.) in the ground or in clay pots. Bird baths are really a nice touch as well as fountains. I love the sound of water, it is very peaceful. If you can, add a bench, chair, or a swing. How about a hammock for that Saturday afternoon nap? Candles and low-voltage lighting can create a peaceful ambiance as well as a romantic one.

Consider your backyard to be an extension of your living area.

I would love to hear what others have done to create their own Tranquil Place in their backyards. This is a good way to share ideas with others looking to create their own Tranquil Place.

Cheers,
Anne

Tranquil Places by Eclipse-spa.com

At the end of a long day or week, you might be dreaming of a spa retreat to take you far, far away. Maybe this can’t happen due to work obligations or a lack of time or money. Don’t despair! With a few extra frills you can slip into your own self-created spa experience at home.Using some of the same items you’ll pay double for at a spa, your bath can become an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Fluffy towels, plush bathrobes, soaps that stimulate the senses, and candles to create the setting that will transform mundane rituals into a pampered way to end your day.Set the mood with music. If you don’t already have music in the bathroom, bring in a CD or MP3 player. Then, light aromatherapy candles to create the ambience. Dim, or turn out the lights leaving only a soothing glow—the candle’s light and fragrance will provide soothing therapy to relieve your stress.Next, fill your bath with bath salts, tea baths, or bath oils that are designed to relax your muscles and soften your skin. Use just the right fragrances—ones designed to relieve stress and soothe your soul. Have some loofah sponges on hand to naturally exfoliate your skin—use them to give yourself a gentle massage.Lastly, get a glass of wine or a cup of warm tea, and step into the tub and relax. One secret to creating a transcendent spa experience at home is simply taking the time to enjoy it. Give this gift to yourself, you deserve it.