Frugal Pampering

This came to my inbox from The Dollar Stretcher. Thought you mommies might enjoy.

Living on a Dime, by Tawra Kellam, editor@livingonadime.com Copyright 2007

Before your bath, make a batch of Hot Oil Treatment and take it to the bathroom with you. Lock yourself in the bathroom, put on some soothing music and light a candle. Put the Hot Oil on your hair and wrap.

For a milk bath, mix 3 cups dry milk and 5-6 drops essential or fragrance oil. Mix ingredients and add a half cup to your bath water. If you don't have dry milk, try adding 2-3 tablespoons baby oil for a relaxing bath!

Eyes looking a little rough around the edges? Try cucumber slices or tea bags on the eyes to help reduce puffiness. Try it for half an hour while soaking in the tub.

To save money on manicures, don't get them so often. Instead, use a nail buffer to shine nails between manicures. An easy way to remove cuticles is to rub them with oil. Then gently push back the cuticles.

For aching feet, make yourself an Herbal Foot Bath or rub a peppermint lotion or salve on your feet. Wrap a warm towel around your feet and enjoy. Go to the local beauty school to have manicures, pedicures, and facials. You can feel pampered without spending a fortune. Five bucks is a great deal for a facial!

HOT OIL TREATMENT

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Heat ingredients just until warm. Spread on wet hair,especially the ends. (Place only on the ends, if you have oily hair.) Wrap a warm, wet towel around hair for 30 minutes to one hour. Shampoo and rinse. Alternatively, put this on before a shower and then put on a shower cap. Let the hot water from the shower run on your head to warm the oil. You may also use a blow dryer instead of the shower. Be careful not to make it too hot.

HERBAL FOOT BATH

Use any of the following dried herbs (or a few drops of scented oil may be used instead)

lavender, rosemary, sage

Mix herbs and place in a small cheesecloth. Fill a bucketfull with warm water for your feet and add herbs. Soak away all the pains of the day! Make several at a time and keep on hand after a long day.