Happy Healthy Families

I will be the first to admit I would love to spend (money) and time at the finest salons, make-up counters and spas. Without a doubt I would love. love. love massages, facials and beauty treatments that celebrities treat themselves to daily. But even though splurging on pampering myself  is pretty much out of the question these days, I am happy to report that I have found some simple and inexpensive beauty treatments that you can make at home and blissfully pamper your soul and skin!

Away Lines, Away! 
Create a full-body exfoliant by pulverizing a handful of almonds, one orange peel and a cup of grapeseed oil in a blender. This antioxidant-rich cocktail blocks wrinkle-causing, collagen-degrading free radicals while fine granules slough flakes, leaving skin soft and supple. (from Self )

Soften Skin With a Wake Me Up Scrub
A skin-softening body scrub made from coffee grounds and aromatic plant essences is a traditional treatment that's used in Thai and Balinese spas. It is a wonderful way to start your day: makes you feel invigorated while softens your skin wonderfully!

1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup pure turbinado sugar
15 drops peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)
1/2 cup used coffee grounds from a freshly brewed pot

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and thoroughly blend. Transfer the scrub to a wide mouthed jar, and store in a cool place until ready to use. The scrub will keep for one to two weeks, longer if refrigerated.
( from Whole Living )

Avocado Mask for Dry Skin
½ avocado
¼ cup honey
Mash the avocado in a bowl, then stir in honey. Apply to skin and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.

Old-Fashioned Bubble Bath
A truly pampering bubble bath that is perfect if your skin is a bit on the dry side.

½ cup mild liquid hand or body soap,
1 tablespoon sugar or honey,
1 egg white.

Combine and mix ingredients in a clean bowl.  Pour the entire mixture under the running water as you draw your bath. Honey is a natural humectant, which will attract and retain moisture in your skin. The egg white helps create stronger, longer-lasting bubbles, for a nice, fluffy bath. For extra-dry skin, consider adding a tablespoon of light oil, such as almond or light sesame. ( from Real Simple )


Pamper Your Hair With Eggs
Eggs' high protein content helps improve hair's resilience and luster.

1 egg,
2 tablespoons coconut oil (rich in moisturizing fats), and
2 tablespoons sesame oil.

Whisk together and apply the mixture to dry hair. Wrap a hot, moist towel around your head. Relax for five to 10 minutes. Without wetting hair first, work in a handful of shampoo, and then rinse and condition your hair. (from Body and Soul )