It’s winter in Missouri. I somehow doubt that many of you are cheering inside right now. Even though we’ve been pretty lucky in comparison to Mother Nature’s usual roller coaster of emotions, it still has meant a not-so-scenic drive to work, cold/harsh winds while running in and out of the office, and bombarding our snuggies first thing when walking in the door. I basically hibernate in the winter, falling asleep every night with my Caribbean Calypso tea and reruns of Supernatural, dreaming of palm trees, glowing tan skin, and the sand between my toes. Ah, what a wonderful life…one in which only our bosses’ bosses get to experience on a regular basis. Yes, a trip to the spa could do, however, if you are like me, it could also do a couple hundred dollars worth of damage to your bank account. So why not save yourself a headache, your precious lunch break, and the money that you have been allotting to finally fix that sink in the guest bathroom, in bringing the tropics to the comfort of your own bathroom? These DIY spa recipes are easy, all-natural, and made with many staple ingredients that you probably already have in your cabinet. (Not to mention they taste delicious as well.) So sit back, slip on your favorite robe, and whisk yourself away to your dream destination. Welcome to the islands, mon!
¼ cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp. of your favorite local honey
1 medium banana
In medium sized bowl, mash together ingredients with a fork. Smooth mixture over entire face, and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water
*Bananas contain many nutrients that are not only good for the nourishment of your internal structure, but are also good for your skin. Bananas are known to moisturize, soothe, and battle small wrinkles.
Coconut-Brown Sugar Body Scrub
1 cup packed coarse brown sugar
½ cup organic unrefined coconut oil
½ tsp. vanilla extract
If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature, warm briefly to aid the melting process.
In medium bowl, mix all ingredients, making sure to blend well after each addition. Apply scrub to pre-moistened skin in gentle circular motions. Rinse with warm water. For best results, use scrub on a weekly basis.
*Coconut oil has many antioxidant properties, and is wonderful for preventing dry skin, wrinkles, sagging, and various skin problems.
2 tbsp. pineapple juice
2 tbsp. plain yogurt
½ tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. olive oil
In a medium bowl, whip the pineapple juice and plain yogurt together until well-combined. Add the apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Whip mixture until creamy. Immerse fingers in mixture for 5 minutes, and gently massage fingers to work mixture in. Leave on skin for 5 additional minutes. Rinse with warm water, and dry with soft cotton cloth.
*Pineapple juice reduces pain and soreness in nails; as well as removes dead skin cells.
