Do-It-Yourself Spa for You and Your Favorite Girls
Looking for a fun way to get to spend time with your girls? Why not create a “Spa Day” right in your own home to pamper yourselves. Perfect for a snowy day. Start by getting in your snuffliest pair of pjs. Let’s face it: it’s cold out; you’re not going anywhere so why get dressed? My two girls love it when we do this. And you know what? Although my son would never admit this–he liked to be pampered too! It’s a fun way to bond and do something other than sit in front of a tv or iPad.
Start by creating the mode. Create the mood of a real spa by lighting scented candles and playing soft spa-like music like tunes by Enya. We like to make a fire in the winter to make it feel cozy inside. Place flower petals around the room if you have some.
Create Your Own Spa Water.
Pull out your prettiest water pitcher and add cut up fruit like lemons, strawberries and oranges. I like to add perrier too. Add some mint if you have it. There are lots of flavors and recipes at spawaterrecipes.com
Time for Facials
Lay out a comforter or large blanket and rolled towels for under their heads. Whip up a few homemade facials. Webmd has a recipe for a chocolate one. Daily Candy has masks that use everything from strawberries and honey to eggs and vinegar. You’re sure to find one that doesn’t require leaving the house! Slice up some cucumbers for the girls to put over their eyes. Set up individual bowls of masks and small paintbrushes to apply them and let the girls choose which mask they want. You could even let them make their own lip gloss using kook-aid. What girl wouldn’t love that: kool-aid lipgloss.
The Nail Station
Next it’s time for manicures and pedicures. You and our kids can take turns. Mom can go first so when it comes time for the girls to pamper you, they’ll know just what to do. Start by shaping the nails with a nail file. Soak to soften the cuticles: place their hands in a bowl of warm water for a few mintes. You can add a bit gentle face cleanser to the water. Next, massage their hands using one of your favorite lotions–clearly the best part of having a manicure! Wipe the nail clean of moisturizer and then it’s time to polish.
Have fun with the polish! Pull out all those bottles and try painting each nail a different color. Or paint little designs on their nails: polkadots are easy or if you’re skilled, a little flower. I love Klutz nail polish for kids. It’s water-based, peels off and it won’t damage anything. It even comes with a book of illustrations that they can follow and use for ideas. My kids like it when I draw little smiley faces on the bottoms of their toes–makes for a fun game of “This Little Piggy.”
End with Tea and Sweets
Make yourself a pot of tea and pull out some cookies or sweets. Use a real teapot and pretty cups. Take this opportunity to pull out something extra special like your grandmother’s china. Treats definitely sweeten the spa experience. Try Emily’s recipe for Yogurt & Granola Parfaits or Tammy’s Old-Fashioned Ginger cookies or a sweet piece of Shortbread go perfectly with tea.
Now that they’re all dolled up, let them place dress up. When I was a kid, I loved trying on my mom’s heels and jewelry. If you have a little energy, dance around in your pjs. If you’re left feeling listless, snuggle in bed and read a book together like Little House on the Prairie or Little Women. And then, take a nap!
