Need some cheap antacids? Head to Target for this deal:
Buy Up & Up Extra Strength Tropical Fruit Chewable Antacid Tablets 96-ct, regular price $2.54. Use a $2.00 Target mobile coupon. Total: $0.54!
The spa experience is something every lady should be able to enjoy—regardless of cost. Even if you can’t afford a pricey professional spa, you can have an awesome at home spa day!
Spa treatments not only refresh your body, but also calm and quiet your mind. I love to take a whole day to myself and fill it with pampering and relaxation. Here are my tips for the ideal spa experience:
1. Make Time
Don’t schedule your at home spa day if you have other commitments. It is possible to do one or two quick treatments, but that doesn’t have the same effect. I find that a weekend works best for me and I block out about 4 hours.
2. Make a Plan
Decide in advance what treatments you want. Focus on what your desired outcome is. Do you want to look better? Feel better? Both? Not all spa treatments are created equally. Pick only the ones you enjoy. If you never paint your nails, skip the manicure.
3. Gather Supplies
You don’t want to run out to the store in the middle, so be organized. Make sure you have all of your beauty products, candle, music, book/magazines, a robe and slippers, fresh towels, etc.
Spa Treatments I’ve tried and enjoyed:
* Facial (Wash face with a mild cleanser. Exfoliate with a gentle scrub or baking soda. Apply a mask, commercial or homemade. Place cucumber slices over the eyes. Lay back and relax! Rinse away the mask and apply moisturizer. Ahhhh….)
* Body Exfoliation (Salt or sugar scrubs would perfectly. I’ve heard used coffee grounds make a great scrub, but I have yet to try it. After exfoliating, I love to apply lotion, neck to toes.)
* Bubble Bath (Is there anything more relaxing than this? I doubt it!)
* Manicure (I’ve always done my own nails.)
* Pedicure (I love to soak my feet in scented water with essential oils and flower petals.)
* Deep conditioning hair mask (Pantene makes a great one.)
* Apply Makeup (This link has a full list of all the products I use.)
* Sauna (Easy to do at home. Shut the bathroom door and crank the hot water in the shower. The whole room will get nice and steamy.)
Spa treatments I’ve never tried, but would like to:
* Paraffin dip (Hands and feet are dipped for moisture.)
* Stone therapy (Warm stones are placed over the body.)
The only spa treatment I discourage would be waxing. This is a painful procedure and will not be relaxing at all! If you like to wax, that’s perfectly fine, but it’s not my idea of fun.
I’ve always done my at home spa days alone, but they certainly can be shared. Invite a best friend, sister, or older daughter to share it with you. Trade foot rubs. Have a meaningful conversation. Pray together. This can be a fantastic bonding experience.
What’s your favorite spa treatment?
This week’s edition of Super Savings Saturday features deals from only two stores—Shaw’s and Walgreens. My shopping trips were condensed, but the cheapies and freebies abound!
Shaw’s: 2 packages of cherry tomatoes, on sale for $0.88 each (3 Day Sale). Total: $1.76!
Hellman’s Mayo, on sale for $1.99. I used a $1.00 Manufacturer’s coupon. Total: $0.99!
Lipton tea, regular price $1.39. I used a $0.75 Manufacturer’s coupon (doubled to retail price). Total: Free!
2 Suddenly Salads, on sale $1.00 each. I used 2 $0.50 Manufacturer’s coupons (doubled.) Total: Free!
2 Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, on sale $1.00 each. I used 2 $0.50 Manufacturer’s coupons (doubled.) Total: Free!
Walgreen’s: 2 Glad trash bags, on sale for $7.49. I used 2 $1.00 store coupons and 2 $0.75 Manufacturer’s coupons.
Clearance candy filler (not pictured because it was eaten), $0.24.
Total: $11.72. I paid with a $10 Register Reward, so my out of pocket cost was only $1.72!
The best deal of the week was the trash bags. I love being able to stock up necessities for less than a $1.00! As for all the free prepared food, that will donated. The tea will be served iced for an upcoming heat wave New England is supposed to be getting and the tomatoes and mayo will be part of a very tasty cold pasta salad.
Did you get anything for free?
Cutting back on meat is good for both the waistline and the wallet. While I prefer meat meals to vegetarian, these are options I also enjoy. If you’re looking for a meatless meal that’s actually filling and tasty, try any of these dishes:
* Black Bean Burgers
* Lentil Soup
* Vegetarian Curry
* Stuffed Peppers
* Falafel
* Salad with tons of mix-ins (nuts, cranberries, raw veggies, chickpeas)
* Pumpkin (can be turned into a ravioli, strudel, or soup)
* Spanakopita (Greek spinach pie)
* Omelets
* Spanish rice
* Veggie Pitas (great with avocado and alfalfa sprouts)
* Broccoli/Cheddar Soup (even better in a bread bowl)
* Savory Bread Pudding (easy on the cheese, but add extra mushrooms)
* Mediterranean Roasted Veggies
* Pesto (on pasta or veggies, this stuff is amazing!)
* Chili (just beans, no meat, still awesome)
* Baked Potato Platter (set out potatoes and toppings and let everyone create their own)
* Tofu (great in soup or sautés)
* Burritos
* Grilled Cheese & Soup
Notice a trend of ethnic foods in this list? Most cultures use much less meat than we do in America. Most of us won’t go meatless daily, but even once a week can have a significant impact.
Do you like meatless meals?