I AM NOT going to tell you to pamper yourself…

because when I hear that phrase I instantly feel like it’s being said in an attempt to manipulate me into buying something over indulgent, that I totally do not need. Another phrase that drives me batty when coming from complete strangers? “You deserve it.” How can you possibly know if I “deserve” a mani-pedi? for all you know I spend my days  door bell ditching the elderly and telling little kids that Santa isn’t real!

Luckily, I am a straight shooter, so I am not going to make any assumptions about your merit.
I am also not going to tell you to buy anything…I am going to suggest that you actually do the pampering yourself, cause it’s fun and…cause it’s free. I propose you rest your (possibly) tired bones and recharge your batteries with a:

When I first thought of this idea I wanted to get a bunch of recipes and create a total experience for you…I knew I didn’t want to do that when I kept putting it off and putting it off.

This spa night is based on the idea that you might be overstressed, overworked or otherwise just need some rejuvenating …if that’s the case I doubt you have the time or the energy to concoct a bathroom full of supplies (we will save that for a spa day for you and the ladies)

I made this SO EASY that you can (as I did) without much prep at all, do it at midnight, for some of us it will be the only (or the best) time to get a moment to yourself free of your daily stresses.

Here’s is what I did that honestly made me feel amazing! (and I don’t use that word lightly!)

I added lavender and coconut oil to mine but if you don’t have those you can always use:

bended up rolled oats
Milk
olive or almond oil
or any other moisturizing and calming bath treatment you know of.

I am usually a no fuss no muss kinda girl but I found taking a tiny bit of time to

really did make it more relaxing.

Candles: I thought some tea lights would be perfect but since I didn’t have any on hand I downloaded a candle app on my iphone (i’m sure droids have them too)

The one on the right cost 99 cents and worked.

the one on the left was free and didn’t. (go figure)

Music: No relaxing music on my playlist so I hit pandora up for some…

Once I was in the bath I really focused on my breathing, relaxed and exfoliated.

When I felt fully content with my bath I cuddled up in a warm bathrobe (I had it waiting for me in the dryer)

On the couch i had already set up a little “station” for myself including:

A tall glass of water
a cozy blanket
a book (I’m reading Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls)
( If you’re not a reader-although I am assuming you are if you have made it this far in a very wordy blog post-have a romantic comedy or an uplifting movie waiting for you. No laptops or channel surfing tonight!)
a snack (fruit perhaps?)
and your favorite lotion or body oil.

Now massage your face and body as with the lotion and let your completly relaxed body enjoy a nice chapter or two before you fall asleep.