1. Perhaps the most important part of the home spa experience is being sure you have uninterrupted quiet time. When creating the perfect spa experience, soothing music is an easy and thoughtful beginning. After that it is time for the perfect bath or shower followed by a few easy spa recipes using products from behind your cupboard doors.
2. You'll be surprised at how lighting can create a stress-relieving mood. Lighting the room with candles will fill the area with a soothing scent and offer a very relaxing atmosphere.
3. Installing a luxury bathroom is one way to pamper your family. And you don't need a big budget to bring the spa into your bathroom. A Jacuzzi tub or a steam shower are wonderful additions to any bathroom; however, you can give your bathroom a spa feel even with a more subtle redesign. Elegant designer taps, heated towel rails, new lighting and soft towels are all inexpensive ways to make your bathroom an oasis in the home.
4. Anyone who has never seen a steam shower may be unaware of the large differences in steam shower quality. Some steam showers are sturdy and have well-built electronics while others are flimsy with poor electronics. Before purchasing a steam shower, shake the unit. This easy step will help determine if the unit is flimsy or solid and well constructed. Tip: The door of the steam shower should be made with high strength tempered safety glass. A well-sealed steam shower reduces steam and water leakages dramatically.
5. If you are planning to purchase a new tub, begin by deciding where the tub will be positioned. Tip: Easiest to install are five-foot models that slide into your existing tub alcove. On the other hand, corner tubs maximize floor space.
6. Make sure your water heater is large enough to fill about two-thirds of your tub with warm water. Whirlpool tubs vary in size, holding 25 to 150 gallons of water.
7. When purchasing a tub, pay attention to the details: Look for protected jets and sensors that cut the motor if the water is low, so the motor won't burn out. Built-in grab bars and slip-resistant floors add safety. Units with internal water heaters maintain a consistent temperature.
8. Determine if you want a self-cleaning tub system. Since whirlpool tubs recirculate water, their systems need frequent cleaning. Some air-jet systems automatically purge bacteria-causing residue after each use.
9. Water temperature is one of the important things to be aware of when preparing a home bath spa. Each degree of water will have different effects on your body. You should never take a bath that is more than 40-43 C. For a hot 10- to 25-minute bath, you should use the temperature of 38-40 C. For a herbal bath, the temperature of 38 C is best. These baths should be from about 15 to 30 minutes.
10. Bubble Nut Bath Recipe: In a bowl, combine one-half cup honey, one-quarter cup gentle liquid soap, 1 tbsp. almond or vanilla extract and 1 tbsp. glycerine. Shake and add to bath. Or combine 1 tbsp. shampoo with one-eighth cup safflower oil and pour under running water. Tip: While you are at it, why not sprinkle a handful of rose petals onto the water?
11. Create your own Fruit Smoothie Hair Mask: In a blender, combine one-quarter banana, half-cup avocado, one-quarter cup cantaloupe, 2 tsp. wheat germ and 1 tbsp. yogurt. Leave in hair for 10 minutes. Rinse.
12. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Face Mask Recipe: Combine 1 tbsp. regular yogurt and 1 tsp. soft honey. Apply to face 7 minutes. Pat and rinse face with hot cloth.
13. Pinky Toe Milk Bath: In a pot, heat 5 cups of water and 2 cups of milk. Remove from heat; add 3-5 drops peppermint essential oil. Soak feet for 15 minutes at the hottest temperature that feels comfortable. Rinse, dry and apply lotion.
14. Super Soft Sugar Baby Lotion: Combine 2 parts cooking oil with 1 tbsp. salt and 1 tbsp. sugar. Spread on hands and leave for 5 minutes, rinse in lukewarm water.
15. Before a home spa manicure or pedicure, file nails and soak them in a bowl of warm water and 1-2 tbsp. of lemon juice or olive oil to soften hands and cuticles. Let soak approximately 5-10 minutes. Tip: The final touch, purchase rhinestones from a beauty salon and apply to toe nails after the pedicure.
Solutions is compiled from various sources: divapor.com, ehow.com, ezinearticles.com, essortment.com, stretcher.com, beauty.about.com, lifetoolsforwomen.com, stress.about.com. Thank-you to all who contributed! Similar information may be found elsewhere.
Solutions sleuth Reena Nerbas is a home economist and speaks professionally on the topic of household challenges; she is also the author of two national bestsellers, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions and Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets. She can be heard on radio and television programs across Canada.
Visit me online at: www.householdsolutions.org
