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Whether she's a working Mom or stay-at-home Mom, the average Mom is chief operating officer of household affairs. In practice, this means that a mother's workday may never end if she has not mastered the essential art of creating an in-home haven away from the rough and tumble of her family. Creating a getaway or spa experience at home at a relatively low cost may be easier  than you think. It begins with having an attitude that says "I deserve to relax," and a little cooperation from the other members of your family. Here's how you do it. The first requirement is solitude. If you have time at home during the day with everyone gone, this is the perfect time to indulge in a home spa. Otherwise, you may need to wait until Dad or someone else is around to watch the kids. Single moms with kids old enough to be occupied by a Disney movie might be able to buy an hour or so by sticking something into the player. You should plan your spa to be as far away as possible from other members of your family. Also, make sure you will not have telephone interruptions. Ideally, either a husband or responsible person will take the kids out for some activity that will last at least an hour. If that's not possible, the kids can be entertained with a movie or some other activity in a distant part of the home. Since you will be spending time in the bathroom, you may want to get the space heater started in there while you're assembling everything you will need. In addition to the heater, you will need scented candles, soothing music, facial cleansers, body scrubs, toners, moisturizers, a refreshing drink, a good book, bath oil and salts, a warm bathrobe (pre-heated in a dryer), a pillow waterproofed with plastic trash bag then covered with a pillow case, a loofah and/or a sponge. Creating the Spa Environment Your bathroom should be heated so that it feels warm and comfortable to the naked body by the time you are ready to draw and prepare your bath with oils and/or salts. Now would be a good time to start the music you've picked out for listening pleasure and light the candles ringing the bathtub. If you have any houseplants you can bring in to keep you company, or fresh roses, gardenias, or flowers of any kind, they will do wonderfully for the serenity of the setting. Before climbing into your bathtub/spa, make sure your drink of choice is within reach. Shed your clothes and climb in, relaxing your head on the pillow with eyes closed, as the sensations from the scented candles, soothing music, and warm water envelope you. Take slow, deep breaths and try to empty your mind of everything except your immediate sensations. After a few minutes of utter relaxation, you may want to try tensing and releasing the muscles in your legs, arms, and shoulders. Start from your feet and work your way up to your head, trying to isolate each muscle. You should feel more relaxed once you complete this process. Don't forget to add more hot water if your bath starts to cool. Next, you may want to apply a scrub or cleanser to your face and cover with a warm, damp towel. The wet cloth becomes a hydrating steam facial. Enjoy the soothing warmth on your face and neck for a while before wiping off. After the warm bath, you will feel very refreshed if you take a cool shower, followed by a vigorous drying and the pre-heated robe. The less adventurous should move straight to applying a cleanser to the face and rinsing off with cool water. This is where you also finish off with your other facial products. Once you have finished with your face, find a comfortable chair and use a foot spa if you have one, or just soak your feet in warm to hot, soapy water. This is a good time to read your book if you want. After a few minutes, exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone or loofah to remove skin, and give yourself a manicure and pedicure. When you're done, your feet should feel smooth to the touch. Dry off your feet, apply moisturizer, and paint your nails the desired color. At this point, you should feel completely relaxed and sleep will come easily - but there are other options. A romantic massage would be a nice end to your spa getaway if you can talk your way into one. ________________________________________ By Helene Kurst
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