DIVA: 5 home spa treatments that really work

Would you love a relaxing spa getaway but can't afford the cost? Here's the solution: I propose we pamper ourselves at home for pennies. Making time for self-care is truly important because when you look good, you feel good (and vice versa). So schedule some "me time" because you're about to be frugal and look fabulous.

In the following recipes I give options for which oil to use due to cost. My oil of choice is coconut but use what you have on hand. Some of the recipes call for essential oils which can be expensive. While they do have healing and soothing qualities, they can be omitted. The recipes will be unscented but still effective.

HAIR TREATMENT - Whether your hair is fine, curly, damaged or dry, you'll benefit from a hair treatment that uses egg for protein, oil for moisture and vinegar for shine. Now you can blend these together yourself or you can just use mayonnaise. Don't make that squishy face. What do you think mayo is? Simply wet hair with warm water to relax the cuticle and gently squeeze out water and blot with a towel. Comb a ¼ cup of mayo through hair and scalp. Put a shower cap on or cover your hair with plastic wrap for 15 to 20 minutes to let your body heat activate the handy homemade hair masque. Rinse well and follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

OATMEAL FACIAL SCRUB - In a small food processor blend ¼ cup oatmeal into a fine powder. Add ¼ cup baking soda and combine. For each application mix 1 tablespoon oatmeal mixture and one teaspoon warmed coconut oil or olive oil. Gently apply to face using upward massaging motions avoiding eye area. Resist the urge to over-scrub. Rinse with warm water.

SUGAR SCRUB – For smooth and soft hands, feet and elbows blend together 1 cup of white or brown sugar, ¼ cup of warmed coconut oil (or olive or vegetable oil), 10-15 drops of essential oil (peppermint or lavender work well) – optional. Massage into rough areas and rinse with warm water.

COFFEE BODY POLISH - For glowing skin - Mix ½ cup of coffee grounds with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, olive or coconut oil. While standing in the shower massage this concoction all over your body. Leave on for 5 minutes before showering off. Don't use on face, broken or irritated skin.

SOOTHING OATMEAL MILK BATH - Use a food processor to blend 1 cup oats into a powder, add 1 cup powdered milk, 1 cup Epsom salt, ½ cup baking soda, 20 drops lavender essential oil (optional). Pulse to combine. To use add 1 ½ cups to your bath as the tub fills. Makes enough for two baths.

To look and feel like you've taken a weekend spa vacation, you don't have to empty your wallet, just your cupboards. Yes, I did personally test each recipe and only got mayo in my eye once. It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it.

Contributed by Patti Diamond from Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom.