Pamper yourself

Relax and rejuvenate by creating a spa in the comfort of your own home.

Story by Debbie Olsen  •  Photography by Dustin Delfs

"If you are too busy for a massage, you are too busy!" The handwritten sign pasted on the window of a neighbourhood salon seems to ring all too true with many of us. Sometimes taking time out for a little self-pampering can feel like an impossible task.

On ultra-busy days, it can be tempting to get that extra boost of energy from a jolt of caffeine or a candy bar, but we all know that it's much better to invest time in ourselves and make healthy choices to keep our energy levels up.  

A day at the spa is perhaps the ultimate way to rejuvenate and revitalize your body and soul. "A visit to the spa is not only an opportunity to relax and catch your breath, it is a chance to find your energy. The therapeutic benefits have been recognized for centuries as an important part of building a healthy lifestyle," says Pam Ouellet, assistant spa director of the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs. "There's nothing like a visit to the spa to relieve tension and energize you." But for those of us who struggle to fit a 30-minute massage into our schedule, a day of self-pampering seems almost out of reach. The expense of treatments can also be a deterrent.

The good news is that it can be more convenient and less expensive than you may have guessed to enjoy an afternoon or evening of spa pampering. Creating your own spa treatments at home from wholesome Alberta-made products is simple, fun, and good for you. The same foods that are beneficial in your diet can be good for your skin.

For days when you just don't have time to make your own spa products, but still want to achieve an at-home spa experience, consider purchasing the products you need. Look for locally made products with high quality ingredients. The Rocky Mountain Soap Company offers an extensive line-up of skin care and therapeutic products starting at under $5 each. 

"At the end of a busy day, it's great to take a few minutes to relax," says Stephanie Rankin of Lacombe. Rankin is a busy mother of two girls aged five and nine who treats herself to a weekly home pedicure and manicure and enjoys homemade facials and hair treatments on her own or with her two daughters.

"The nice thing about a home spa treatment is that you can choose how long it will take, making it much easier to fit into a busy schedule. Over the years I've realized that taking care of myself is important to the well-being of our entire family," she says.

Recipes for Relaxation

Try these recipes for a revitalizing at-home spa experience:

Bombs (Bath Salts)

Soften and rejuvenate your skin.

4 cups (1 L)       sea salt, finely grated
1 cup (250 mL) baking soda
1 cup (250 mL) corn starch
4 tbsp (50 mL)  canola oil
2 tsp (10 mL)     vitamin E oil
4                           egg whites
10-12 drops       essential oil
6-10 drops         food colouring (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and push into candy or soap mould or use a melon baller to create bath beads. Air dry in moulds at room temperature for approximately two days. Once bombs are dry, add to already filled tub and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute soak.

Note: Make only enough for one treatment. Discard any leftovers.

Recipe courtesy of Alberta Egg Producers.

Spiced Lemon Foot Soak

This soak is great for tired feet.

1 cup (250 mL)    lemon juice
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL)   cinnamon
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL)   cloves
2 tbsp (30 mL)     canola oil
1/4 cup (50 mL)   milk

Mix ingredients together in a blender. Once combined, place in a tub and soak your feet. Rinse feet with water and a mild soap and dry on a warm towel.

Recipe courtesy of Alberta Canola Producers Commission.

Note: It's always a good idea to test any skincare product on a small amount of skin before applying it to a large surface area, especially if you have sensitive skin or food allergies.

Visit www.growingalberta.com for more spa recipes you can make at home.

Just Like the Real Thing

From the moment you set foot inside a spa, it feels as if you are entering a soothing sanctuary that engages all your senses. Your at-home spa should be no different. Here are a few tips for creating the right ambiance at home.

• Eliminate distractions: Take the phone off the hook, turn off your cell phone, the radio, the dishwasher and any other noisy devices.
• Turn on some tunes: It's important to find the right music to create a soothing atmosphere. Experiment with nature sounds, classical music or soft rock to create the right effect. Light a candle: Light an aromatherapy candle and the fragrance and soft light will create a soothing effect in even the most cluttered bathroom.
• Get refreshed: Keeping yourself well-hydrated is an important part of any spa experience. Lemon water, juice or herbal teas are popular choices at commercial spas.
• Throw in the towel: Make your towels warm and fluffy by popping them in the dryer for a few minutes before use. 
• Moisturize: Water from an aromatic bath or other treatment may actually dry your skin, so it's a good idea to moisturize after a spa treatment. Create a custom body lotion for your at-home spa days by adding pure essential oils to unscented body lotion.