Ok so the stock market has you antsy. The gas prices haven’t come down quite far enough. The weather isn’t cooperating and maybe the credit cards aren’t either. No matter where you live, the economic downturn has affected you in some way.
Not to worry! Things will get better but it’s going to take some time.
It doesn’t mean you have to give up your spa treatments. You might not be able to hit the facialist or nail salon as often as you would like, but you can do a lot of treatments at home. Who better to talk about it than beauty expert, Sharon Harvey Rosenberg aka The Frugal Duchess!!
Photo courtesy of Digerati Life blog
The Frugal Duchess is having an online book tour hosted by Budget Savvy Magazine and also having a real life book signing party in NY.
You can find out more about how to live the great life– while saving a few bucks and with a little bit of effort.
Here’s Sharon’s post:
I call myself the Frugal Duchess……
I live in Miami Beach, where we have amazing day spas and resorts. And because of the slow economy some of my favorite spas now offer great deals and discounts. Prices range from $99 – $150 for services that would otherwise cost $200- $300. But I’ve found a way to save even more money with a Do-it-Yourself home spa menu.
Creating the right atmosphere is the first step. A serene, blissed-out environment is one of the perks of high-end day spas. So I launched my home establishment with fresh flowers from the supermarket (they lasted for over a week), a scented candle ( I had plenty around the house) and a wineglass filled with filtered water and a bit of lime.
A few weeks ago, I started this Frugal Duchess DIY Spa because I really wanted a pedicure, but didn’t want to spend $35-$50, including tip and tax. My answer: Hey girl, do it yourself.
DIY Home Pedicure: flower petals optional!
To stock the home spa, I went to the drug store and purchased supplies: a pumice stone, cuticle trimmer, a few all-natural foot creams and other tools. Altogether, my supplies cost about $24 and that stash will last for at least six treatments or $4 a pedicure. What’s more important is that I have saved on transportation costs as well.
The supplies and tools are stored in a square Tupperware container that I seized from the kitchen. When emptied of pedicure supplies, this little plastic container doubles as my foot bath. Filled with warm water and a few drops of essential lavender oil, this DIY footbath provides comfort and therapy for my dry skin. After soaking and drying each foot, I apply a foot balm made from coconut oil and Vitamin E. Cuticles are softened with a lemon and beeswax cuticle cream from Burt’s Bees.
Next I get down to business: Nails are clipped; cuticles are trimmed and the skin is buffed in an effort to smooth out the rough edges of my heels and soles. The repetitive motion becomes a meditation on calluses and surfaces.
The finishing touch is complete with the selection and application of red nail enamel. This DIY process of clipping, trimming, buffing and glossing has added layers of polish and protective coats to my nails and self esteem. I can really do it myself – with elegance– and I’ve provided a $40 service for about $4 a session.
The next post: A DIY French Manicure.
Last post: A Home Facial with vegetables and fruits— a spa in your very own kitchen!
For more information on the Frugal Duchess of South Beach, check out her Frugal Duchess Website You can buy the book, The Frugal Duchess of South Beach at Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.
Borders.com
Target.com (and what better place to buy the tools!)
Thanks to Sharon Harvey Rosenberg for her post– and her book! It’s a great (and smart) read!
Stevie Wilson
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DIY spa tips…good post