First things first: Set the scene because ambiance is everything. If you can find a serene corner of your house that automatically makes you exhale, start there. Invite some nature into that space if possible. Get cozy, light candles, and dive into one or all of the following ways to spa at home. 🙂

1. Bubble bath

It’s no secret that my happy place is beneath the bubbles. I recently learned the difference between my nightly bath ritual and a focused tub time which does not include a phone, food, or tons of activity.

To set the scene for a truly relaxing tub time, I’ll draw a bath half past golden hour, light candles, pour a glass of wine, drop in a few drops of essential oils, a bath bomb and press shuffle on a playlist. Depending on my mood, I can vibe to songs that remind me of nature, songs that make me cry, or songs that I can’t help but belt. This, my friends, is therapy with an affordable price tag. Pick your poison!

2. All things DIY

Hair mask *aka deep conditioner* is always a good idea when in quarantine. I’m committed to loving these locks through quarantine.. roots and all. Might as well make them shiny and soft with this super easy and effective potion!

• Ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • Directions: Mix together and comb into your hair from scalp to ends. Wait 20-30 minutes then rinse!

Body scrubs so nice I have to share twice! First up is the ‘soft as as a baby’s bottom’ breakfast blend.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 2 table spoons sugar or sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or sea salt
  • 4-5 tablespoons liquid (milk or water)
• Directions: Grind the oats in a coffee grinder or mash it in a plastic bag to break it down. Mix in a bowl with the sugar or sea salt. Next, stir in enough liquid to make a thick paste. Apply to damp skin using a circular motion and pay extra attention to any rough spots. Store any leftovers in the fridge.

Next I give you the ‘espresso yoself!’ This magic potion exfoliates and sheds off any dead skin and can even help cellulite. *Love for coffee grows even stronger*

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup ground coffee
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Directions: Mix all ingredients together until a damp mixture develops (add more olive oil if needed). Hop in the shower and massage in circular motions paying extra attention to the bum area. Let sit for 5 – 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Pat dry and moisturize.

For those of who don’t want to get your hands dirty, check out these little luxurious goodies loaded with all the good ingredients and none of the home made hassle.

3. Aromatherapy

Circling back to those essential oils I mentioned early. During LimitLes Bali 2019, we did an apothecary workshop with KulKul Farm that literally blew my senses wide open to all things plant medicine. Wishing I had a garden full of fresh flowers and herbs (okay, I do to some extent) to make my own tinctures and hydrosols, but until then let’s keep it simple!

Lavender and ylang ylang are my go-to essential oils for spa day. Dilute the oil with a few drops of water and oil on your hands, rub together, place your hands over your face and take 5 deep breaths. Then add to your bath and/or diffuse for a full aromatherapy experience. Also, ylang ylang has moisturizing properties so add it to coconut oil or your favorite lotion to lather on post bath.

4. Mani/Pedi

I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t pass up the chance for a nail salon mani/pedi. Who doesn’t like a foot massage and professional paint job? In quarantine, I have kept a 2 month old gel manicure alive WAY too long which makes me want to invest in polish with maybe a few less chemicals. I’m #currentlyobessesd with Olive & June! The Poppy tool makes a salon grade manicure achievable with 7-free, cruelty free and vegan nail polish.

Also check out this mani 101 bootcamp for the step-by-step direction to the perfect at-home mani!

To treat those feet, I highly recommend soak, cuticle cream, cut, file, and polish – in that order! If you’re short on time or just don’t enjoy an at-home pedi, skip the polish and just give your feet some love. Which leads me to number 5…

5. Self Massage

Cover the two big F’s here- feet and facial. I know.. not what you were thinking.

Facial. Use your first two fingers and gently begin tapping your face to stimulate your cells. Starting at your third eye (middle of forehead) trace the number 3 around your face moving across your forehead, under your eyes towards your ears and around your chin. Now it’s time to roll, y’all! Copy the same motions with a facial roller. Put it in the fridge first for extra depuffing.

Feet. Ariel literally gave her voice for these babies and honestly, when was the last time you gave yours some love? In bed post-shower or pre-pedicure, sit up tall, bend at your knee and cradle your foot close to your body. Use your thumbs and move in circular motions on the bottom of your feet. You really can’t mess this up. Your feet have so many nerve endings so I promise no matter how inexperienced you are, this will feel good!

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