When starting out on a Spending Fast, so many of us assume that we must focus solely on paying off debt. While there is some truth to that, it doesn’t mean we should forget ourselves altogether. No spending shouldn't equal no fun.
“But I don’t have money to go out anymore,” you protest.
Who said anything about going out? These pampering session tips I am going to share with you now don’t even require you to open the door. You can use stuff you see lying around the house for these simple hacks.
3 Inexpensive Ways to Pamper Yourself While on a Spending Fast …
Sugar waxing
Ugh! Unwanted hair. Who doesn't want to get rid of that frizz that can be mistaken for a mustache in the dark? But trips to the nearest salon add up quick!
This is where sugar waxing can help. Through this tutorial, you can get rid of your hair in the comfort of your own home.
Things you need:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon extract
- 1/4 cup water
- spatula
- baby wipes
Procedure:
Mix sugar, lemon extract, and water in a pan. Turn on the heat to high. Keep on stirring the sugar mixture until bubbles and foam start to appear.
When the mixture gets really foamy, set the heat to medium. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes golden brown. Then turn off the heat.
Keep on stirring until the mixture gets cool enough to be applied on your skin.
Using a spatula, spread a sufficient amount on portions of your skin. Then put the baby wipes on top of the mixture and press it gently against your skin until you’re sure the hair has attached to the wax.
Take a deep breath. Pull the wipes off your skin. Repeat this process until all unwanted hair is gone.
I sometimes use the hard wax version when I want to save more money. To make the hard wax version, just reduce both the lemon extract and the water by half.
When this mixture gets cool enough, it will be elastic. Then you may reuse it until it no longer sticks to your skin. Usually, you can use one golf-ball-size portion for an entire leg.
Note: You should not put lotion on the part where you’re planning to wax off hair.
Sugar scrub
You may not notice it, but dead skin cells make you look older and feel duller. But since you cannot step into a spa anytime soon for a whole body scrub, why not make your own exfoliant?
Things you need:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raw oatmeal
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 small bowl
Procedure:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, then apply the scrub on any dry skin. Rub it all over any dry areas in circles. Make sure to do it slowly so as not to scratch your skin. This is another way to provide quality, relaxing time for yourself.
Wash with warm water afterward.
DIY sauna and foot spa
Every once in a while, it’s nice to wallow in a sauna and soak your feet.
But then again, our current Spending Fast won’t probably allow us to do that. So why not, again, turn household items into instant spa paraphernalia?
Things you need for the foot spa:
- 1/2 cup mouthwash (without dye)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 basin big enough for your feet
Procedure:
Combine all ingredients in the basin and set aside.
Things you need for the sauna:
- Hot shower
- 1 washcloth
- choice essential oil
Procedure:
Turn on the shower to the hottest temperature for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, spray the washcloth with the essential oil of your choice.
Once enough steam has gathered in the shower, step inside, bringing the basin with you. Soak your feet in it for about 15-20 minutes while you place the washcloth on your face.
Enjoy the steam, aroma, and relaxing effect of all these sensations combined. Once done, take a towel to remove dead skin cells off your feet.
For an added relaxing effect, turn off the lights and use scented candles.
Taking care of ourselves doesn't always mean spending lots of money at fancy salons and spas.
Sometimes, all we need is to reexamine our pantries for stuff we can use a for DIY pampering session for ourselves without overspending.
Sarah Morgan is a sister, a daughter, a wife, but, most especially, a mother. Being a mother makes her realize life is a great adventure. She also blogs about parenting on her site, Well Being Kid.
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