Feel Good Friday: DIY Spa Day
It's Fri-YAY! Have any fun weekend plans ahead?I don't know about you, but whenever I put aside some time to take a bath, I often ask myself, "Why don't I do this more often?"I can't even imagine how amazing it would feel to have one of those super spacious, jetted baths... oh myyyyyyy. I will have a tub like that one day! Mark my words;)Anyway, today's "Feel Good Friday" post is all about how to create your own DIY spa day right at home with some bath essentials that'll turn an ordinary bath hour into a much more luxurious experience. Plus, many of these items you can find at TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Rite Aid/CVS, or Amazon.Here's are my go-to bath essentials:1. A nice body scrubI love using a body scrub when taking a bath. A bath allows you to take some extra time to lather up and use products you don't use everyday when showering. The one I've been using lately by Body Essentials is really cool. It's charcoal-based, and includes coconut cream and essential oils. Pay special attention to the parts of your body that may be dry this time of year like your elbows, knees, and heels.2. CandlesBeautifully-scented candles really set the mood for a relaxing hour bathing. I always light one or two amd switch off the lights. Voluspa candles ( found at Nordstrom or Anthropologie) are my absolute favorite. I'm always blown away by their scents... they take me somewhere exotic. Totally worth their $10-$16 price tag if you ask me.3. An essential oil diffuserYou guys, I had been wanting and wanting an oil diffuser foreverrrrrr. I finally did my research, bought BellaSentials Essential Oil Diffuser, and have loved every minute of using it. In addition, I purchased a set of 6 therapeutic oils to use with the diffuser and have found them all to be really great depending on my mood. My go-to has been the stress-relief blend which mixes bergamot, patchouli, blood orange, ylang ylang and grapefruit.The diffuser is really easy to use. You just fill with water, add up to 10 drops of your oil of choice, and turn on. Easy as that! In about five minutes, the scent fills the air and offers up a heavenly escape.4. A bookI don't always read in the bath, but when I do it, I find it really relaxing. I think I need one of those bath trays to read on, huh? Reading any good books? It's one thing I really want to start doing more of.
5. Bath salts, a bath soak, or a bath bomb.Personally, I love using bath salts when I bathe because it almost feels like a full-body massage as you lay on them. As the salts dissolve, the water takes on the scent you've chosen (unless you stick with good ol epsom salt) and soothes your entire body. I love Soaptopia's bath salts from Venice, CA. They are so rich in scent and make me feel like a goddess every time I bathe.When it comes to bath soaks, try one with milk and honey—two ingredients that leave the body extra soft and supple. And, if you're interested in using a bath bomb, you gotta go to Lush. These fizzy spheres smell amazingly and make any bath that much more special.6. Coconut oilMan, I just love this stuff. I literally use it for everything—even for cooking veggies. However, when it comes time for a bath, I often take a palmful of coconut oil and work it through my hair (as a quick hair mask). The steam from the water penetrates the oil and once I rinse the oil out of my hair, the scent and softness of the oil lingers on.7. A face maskTake your spa day to the next level with rejuvenating facial mask. This super green detoxifying one by Sukin is so smooth and relaxing. I lather on a thin layer to cover my whole face and neck and leave as is for around 15 minutes. Love it! Also, there are single use face masks around $1-2 each at your local drug store that are just as nice;)8. Music, baby!Last but not least, you gotta add in some music if you want the ultimate spa-escape. I tend to lean toward either a guided meditation or soft alternative tunes. If you prefer a quiet setting, you can ditch the beats, but I really find this one is a must for me.This portable, super-compact bluetooth speaker is what I use. I just place it on the counter, sync up my phone, and pump it up!So there you have it—all of my favorite things. Hope you're able to create your own divine DIY haven at home, whether it's once a week or once a month. You won't regret it.Bathe on,Ari
Other “Feel Good Friday” Posts:- Feel Good Friday: The Travel Bug– Feel Good Friday: How I Found Yoga– Feel Good Friday: How To Boost Your Mood– Feel Good Friday: What My 29-Year-Old Me Would Tell My 16-Year-Old Self