Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa

Relaxation. Pampering. Revitalization. You can bring the spa to you at a time and price point that will help you relax even more.

All women deserve to be treated to a day of pampering at the spa any time they wish.

You can now fit in a spa-style treatment on your busy schedule from the comfort of your own private sanctuary: your bathroom.

You'll need these tips most when you feel that all-too-familiar feeling of stress, irritability and "unpretty-ness" rush over you. You may look down at your month-old toe nail polish and unruly cuticles and realize that you haven't had much "you time" lately. That's the day you need to set aside at least 20 minutes for yourself. Begin by setting up the perfect spa scene. Gather all the items you want to accompany you in your relaxing journey, and place them in and around your tub.

Have at least one massage oil candle on or around your tub.

There are a few unique things about these massage oil candles. They are made from 100 percent soy and natural oils, and go from candle to massage oil or lotion. They have pure cotton wicks so they become warm enough to melt but won’t burn your skin. The melted candle pours directly onto skin - in or out of the bath - to deeply moisturize. The candles should be lit for at least three minutes before using, in order to melt sufficiently.

Bath salts are another must-have for a serene spa day in your bathroom.

For the women who think a good book or trendy magazine is an essential part to any relaxing day, get an adjustable bathtub book rack that adjusts to fit almost any size tub and is placed in front of you while you unwind. It should also have a place for wine glasses, tumblers, candles or other items you might need nearby to help you relax.

A spa day wouldn't be complete without the classic clay mask to deep clean those pores. As a helpful tip, steam from your bath can help the effectiveness of the mask. There are a few products out on the market to help you get the feeling of a real spa facial. You'll come out feeling and looking like a baby!

So, chill some wine, set a plush robe and slippers next to the tub and light the candles. Run the water, add the bath salts and don’t forget your favorite reading material or relaxing CD! Once the tub is full, step in, lie back and enjoy your very own spa!
Here are 6 simple steps to transforming your ordinary bathroom into an extraordinary bath experience:

1. Clean the clutter.
   • Countertops:
     Removing the clutter from your countertops can instantly improve the feel and look of your bathroom. Replace the daily necessities of life with a few scented candles, framed artwork, and green plants.
     
     
   • Dirty Laundry:
     Replace those unsightly bins with covered wicker baskets, or hide them in a cupboard designed specifically for your laundry basket.
     
     
   • Cabinets And Drawers:
     Just because something is out-of-sight doesn’t mean it should be thrown in a cabinet and drawer to be rummaged through at a later date. Pull everything out of your cabinets and drawers and place them into three piles: keep, trash, donate. If it’s broken or expired, toss it in the trash. If it’s useable, but you haven’t touched it in over a year, donate it. If it’s something you use on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, keep it. Once you’re done sorting through your stuff, place your kept items back into the cabinets and drawers by theme: body, hair, face.
   
   
2. Paint The Walls.
   A fresh coat of paint does wonders to old, tired rooms. Not only does a fresh coat of paint make the room feel new, but the right color can be calming; even relaxing. Think about the colors that make you feel relaxed. Are they earth tones, blues, or greens? What feeling do these colors evoke? Do they invite you to rest or ask you to get moving?
   
   
3. Design A “Do Not Disturb” Sign.
   While you’d think a closed door is enough to let your family know that you want a little privacy and quiet time, that’s seldom the case. The minute you enter the bathroom someone in your house needs your undivided attention—even if it’s not life threatening. That’s why it’s important to put up a “do not disturb” sign.
   
   Designing your own personalized “do not disturb” reminds you of the commitment you’ve made to yourself to relax and distress. The sign also tells everyone in your house that you need thirty minutes to yourself and unless the house is on fire or someone is seriously hurt, you do not want to be disturbed.
   
   
4. Put In Surround Sound.
   While it may not be feasible to actually insert surround sound throughout your bathroom walls, you can set up a station away from the water for housing a water-proof CD player. The moment you enter your spa, the first thing you should do is turn on your CD player. Allow the soft, soothing sounds to fill the air, tricking your brain into believing that you’ve just stepped into another place and time.
   
   This isn’t a time to pump up the volume or to play dance music. This is the time to lower the volume and listen to music that’s designed to help you relax and distress. Instrumentals, classical arrangements, and sounds of nature are all good choices.
   
   
5. Add Candles.
   Have you ever sat in front of a roaring fire and felt your cares just melt away? The flames of a fire have that effect on many people. You may not be able to fit a fireplace in your bathroom, but you can fit a few lighted candles.
   
   Instead of trying to relax with harsh, fluorescent bathroom lights, turn them off. Light several candles and place them strategically throughout your bathroom, then allow the luminous glow of the flickering candles help you relax.
   
   
6. Set Up Three Mini-Spa Stations.
   No matter how small your bathroom is, you can set up three mini-stations by putting up one closed cabinet with three shelves. The first shelf should host your bath supplies since this will most likely be your most accessed stuff. The second shelf should house your nail supplies since you’ll be accessing this stuff once a week. And your third shelf should house your massage supplies since you’ll only be accessing this when your spouse wants to join in the fun.
   
   
   a. Nail Salon
   Most people prefer to do their nails once a week, but if you find painting your nails or giving yourself a pedicure relaxing, you might want to tackle your hands and feet every time you feel stressed and/or defeated.
   
   Your “nail salon” should include the following supplies:
   • foot massager with massaging rollers
   • foot soak tub with whirlpool jets
   • pumice stone
   • nail clippers
   • nail polish
   • nail polish remover
   • exfoliating scrub specifically designed for feet
   • moisturizer
   
   b. Massage Station
   A daily massage would be heaven, but most people are lucky if they can talk their spouses into weekly massages so don’t stress if your massages aren’t performed on a daily or weekly basis. A monthly massage is just as good. A deep, thirty minute massage works to loosen tight muscles while helping to relax the tissues underneath those muscles.
   
   Your “massage station” should include the following supplies:
   • clean, white sheet
   • warm, scented massage oil
   • thick, rich lotion
   • water heated basalt stones
   • handheld, electric massager
   • scalp massager
   • palm massager
   • hot towel cabi
   
   c. Bath Station.
   Once you experience your first relaxing bath, you may never turn back. A bath is a wonderful way to pamper yourself. It reduces stress in your muscles, and releases everyday tension.
   
   Your “bath station” should include the following supplies:
   • moisturizing bath oils (to replenish your skin’s moisture)
   • aromatherapy sea salts (to alleviate joint and muscle pain)
   • scrubbing bath soaps (to remove dead skin)
   • a whirlpool insert (if you don’t have one built into your tub)
   • a water-proof neck pillow

Finally, no bath experience is complete without something warm to sip. So before you head into that bathroom, brew a cup of your favorite herbal tea.