Raising kids is rewarding and amazing and oh so life defining, but lets get real here for a second. Raising kids is hard. It’s a wonderful hard, I would be the first to admit, but it does take a toll on your body, mind and spirit. Every once in a while, Mommy needs to recharge her batteries. But, as all of us know, babies and kids are expensive, so an extravagant day at a day spa or a weekend away at a spa hotel, may not be in the budget for most of us. So here are some inexpensive ways to get a nice little break without breaking the bank account.
GET A MASSAGE AT A MASSAGE SCHOOL
Massage schools offer really inexpensive massages that are performed by the students and are supervised by a licensed massage therapist. The massage will most likely be very good as the student is trying to impress their teacher, but even if it isn’t the best massage you have ever had, it is still an inexpensive way to get a little relaxation. Most school charge anywhere from $25 to $40 for an hour massage. Here are some links to massage schools and their rates. Body therapy Institute, North Carolina and the Massage Therapy Center in Boston
While these places may not be in your neighborhood, check out their websites and to get an idea of what Student Massage Clinics have to offer and do a Google search for massage therapists in your area.
TAKE A RELAXING BATH AT HOME
While this is easer said than done, as it often rare that I can ever get in the bath while my kids are awake, you may be able to strike up a deal with the hubby to watch the kids or wait until your kids are asleep to take advantage of your home bath remedy. Trust me a nice soak in a warm bath, sometimes makes life look just a little rosier.
Spa Index offers recipes for EVERYTHING to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Some of my favorites for the bath are these:
CHAMOMILE MILK BATH – A SKIN-SOFTENING TREAT FOR DRY, WINTER SKIN
4 cups powdered milk
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup dried chamomile or 5 chamomile tea bagsSteep chamomile in water for 20 minutes Strain liquid. Mix liquid with powdered milk and add to running bath water.
This sounds like a great way to soften dry winter skin. Some other suggestions are to add fresh fruits and flowers to your bath as well as light candles with soft, calming aromas and sip on warm tea or indulge in a glass of wine. Playing soft relaxing music also helps and is a good way to block out other noises. Remember, that the few hours you spend each week pampering yourself makes you a better mommy, wife and friend.
My other favorite from this site is:
TEA TREE AND EUCALYPTUS BATH
Add five drops each of essential oil of peppermint, lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus to bath water that’s a little warmer than your normal soaks. Add eight drops of thyme if your chest is congested. Soak for as long as you are comfortable. Afterward, drink plenty of hot water with lemon and honey.
If you are feeling as poorly as I am these days, this essential oil bath sounds so good, since I can’t breathe out of one nostril at the moment.
If you don’t happen to have essential oils laying around (and really who does) there here are some really easy home baths.
OATMEAL and MILK BATH
This recipe is easy, just blend whole oats on high speed in a blender with cornstarch, if you have powered milk, add it, if not simply add milk to the bath. Put a few tablespoons of the mixture into the bath with hot water and pour in milk, soak for an hour, for softer skin.
HOT CHAMOMILE TEA
Have a nice warm cup of hot tea, with milk and honey or lemon and honey to finish off your relaxing home spa. BUT, did you know that you can throw chamomile tea bags, honey and lemon in the bath as well. It will relax you and soften your skin. If you are already warm from your bath, try having cold water with tangerine and cucumbers in it for a refreshing drink to finish off your “me time”.
