home spa treatment

Since I have dark hair, lemon juice doesn't do a thing to add natural highlights to my hair. I've even experimented with cranberry juice, but I never really noticed much of a difference. Many years ago a friend turned me on to using henna. It doesn't contain a bunch of synthetic chemicals, instead it is a plant based dye. The green leaves are dried and then crushed into a powder. You just add water to the powder to make a paste that you apply to your hair.

Despite what hairdressers say, henna is good for your hair. Not only is it a natural colorant (much better than chemical dyes), but it strengthens and conditions your hair, and as an added bonus, it gets rid of dandruff.

When I want to add a color to my hair, I use the pure henna powder you order online - it works much better than the Rainbow Henna you see at heath food stores. It's the same henna women use to decorate a bride's hands and feet before an Indian wedding.

Putting henna in your hair can be a bit messy, but the color is absolutely gorgeous. It creates shiny reddish highlights that look completely natural. Want to know how to do it, then read more

Are your feet just plain sick of pulling on and off those heavy winter boots? Are your dogs tired of being stuffed into dark shoes? Are your feet calloused from hibernating in heavy socks? Well now is the time to do some spring cleaning of your feet. Try this salt scrub to rejuvenate your tired feet while smoothing out the callouses.

Mix together:

• 1 Tablespoon of coarse, clean sand
• 1/4 cup light canola oil
• 1/4 cup liquid hand soap
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 1/4 cup Epsom salt

If you have any essential oils on hand you can add about 5 to 10 drops. Peppermint oil can bring renewed vitality to exhausted feet.

Apply salt scrub to wet feet and gently massage all parts of your feet, paying particular attention to your heels. Rinse off the salt and pat dry. Moisturize.

Enjoy!!!!

Generally the starlets begin their red carpet beauty regimen about a week before the Oscars. Treatments like "extractions", an esthetician squeezing out black heads, can leave the skin looking a little bruised, red and irritated. While extractions are ultimately good for the skin, the short term effects can resemble unwanted blemishes.

I know we're a little behind schedule but here is a home treatment for deep cleaning your pores. It works like those pore cleaning strips you find at the drugstore, but all you need is:

1 Tablespoon Knox unflavored gelatin
1-1/2 Tablespoons of milk

• Mix the above ingredients and microwave them for 10 seconds. You want the mixture to be slightly warm.
• Apply the warm mixture onto your nose and chin using a clean cosmetic brush or small spatula. You know to avoid the delicate eye area, but I got to say it just in case.
• Rinse brush immediately.
• Allow mixture on nose and chin to dry for 10-15 minutes. Kick back on the sofa and relax while it dries into a stiff film.
• Peel off the film and marvel at all the gunk that was clogging your pores.

You might want to cool your skin with a cool compress after peeling off the masque. Have fun.

I have written about the joys of sugar scrubs before, but here is a recipe to make your own.

Mix in a plastic bowl:
½ cup of raw turbinado sugar (or brown sugar)
¼ cup of honey
Add 3-4 drops of essential oil if you have some around.

Use scrub all over your body once you are in the shower. If you have bath gloves or a loofah use those for scrubbing. Focus a little extra on areas that tend to get dry like elbows and heels.

Wash the scrub away with water and then enjoy your sweet smelling, soft skin.

It is winter and red skin seems overly abundant - the harsh cold and over drying heat can really thrash the tender flesh of your face.

Try this simple mango aloe toner to soothe your chapped or windburned cheeks.

You are going to need:

1 cup aloe vera gel, chilled

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mango

1 lime, juiced

Puree the aloe vera gel, chopped mango, and the juice of one lime. Chill mixture, and apply to face at night with clean cotton pads. The toner will feel slightly sticky from the exfoliating sugars in the mango. Leave on overnight or while you watch your favorite shows, and rinse with cool water (hot water can dry out and irritate your skin. Toner will keep for approximately 2 weeks if refrigerated.

I am always looking for spa treatments I can do in my home with ingredients found readily in my fridge. After a day of harsh weather on the mountain skiing or sitting in an over heated office, it is a great idea to treat yourself to a moisturizing masque. Feed your skin and relax your mind at the same time.

Here is a great moisturizing masque made with just avocados and eggs, courtesy of the California Avocado Commission.

• Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy.
• Add the mashed pulp of half an avocado, mix well in a blender.
• Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque, for that matter).
• Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly, and just lie down and relax about 20 minutes.
• Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion.

You should see a marked improvement in skin texture, and might experience a deep craving for some guacamole.

I told you about an interesting use of lemon juice for the Master Cleaner, but if you are looking for an at home revitalization, how about making your own lemon facial spritzer.

All you need is:
1 lemon
1/2 tsp cold water

Mix the lemon juice and the water in a bowl. Pat on to your face after cleansing (or a refreshing facial) with a makeup remover pad. The lemon’s acidity acts like a toner to tighten the skin and close the pores. It smells great too!

Fit's Tip: Do this after a nice long bath or nap to wake you up and feel rejuvenated. After I work out I like to wash my face and then use the lemon mixture in a spray bottle to really feel refreshed.