Creating Your Own Spa Day
All of your spa day essentials, provided by small, local businesses.
It’s January, which means it’s officially time for a spa day.
In my world, it’s never too soon to have a self-care session, and spa days are the perfect fit!
Now, everyone knows that the ultimate spa day includes a number of factors: bubbles, candles, flowers and music - and the more locally those things are sourced, the better. I’ve taken the time to not only share my entire spa day routine and tips and tricks, but I’ve reached out to some of my favorite local Campbell wellness and lifestyle businesses for their best product recommendations. All of their links are provided below for you to safely shop from home, while supporting small, local businesses (i.e., pampering yourself, too).
Grab your cucumber slices and a good book, and let’s get to our spa day!
Setting the Mood
Being that this is a spa day, you may find that you have the time to go all out - I love to clean up my place and pick up flowers from the farmer’s market or grocery store prior to starting my spa day. Why? Well, the goal of a great spa day is to leave your spa experience feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Nothing can put a damper on that feeling like remembering you need to cook, clean, take out the trash or run to the store. On that note, I recommend throwing a meal into the crock pot (you’ll thank me later).
Once you clean and get those groceries done, you’ll want to cleanse and prep your space. You might be scratching your head and thinking, “didn’t she just tell us this?” but I actually meant another kind of cleansing!
There’s something to be said about prepping the energy of your space - this might sound too woo-woo, but have you ever noticed that spas have beautiful candles burning, clean air and dimmed lights? They’re also constantly utilizing essential oils and sage to cleanse the space between appointments.
I love to burn a sage bundle to cleanse my home and spa space. I’ll also put some plants out, not only because they look good and make me happy, but they actively work to purify the air. As a forgetful plant mom, I like to keep pothos in my home. There are times where I’ll remember to water them twice a week, and times where I’ll manage to water them once a month - and somehow, my pothos still make it. Side note: I always keep my pothos out of my pet's reach since they are my favorite, but not pet-safe.
Once you’ve saged your space and added some plants in, grab a couple of your favorite candles, and dim the lights. I love taking the time to light candles throughout the house, while turning my fake fireplace on - this allows the entire home to feel relaxed.
Last but not least, don’t forget your favorite playlist! I love Spotify’s “Warm Fuzzy Feeling.” I’ll spare you on the reasons why, since the name of the playlist says it all.
Now, the goal with a spa day is to destress and detach. You and I discussed getting chores done before starting your spa day - and while preparation is key, it’s even more important to commit to actually taking time for yourself. I can’t tell you how helpful it has been for me to set the phone down during my spa day, and grab a book instead. If you’re able to, put your phone in the other room and grab your current favorite read! I’m constantly reading one fiction, and one nonfiction book at a time. Currently, I’m reading about sustainable medicine, while also reading The Hiding Place.
It’s all about balance, really.
As a brief side note, I’d love to hear what books you’ve been reading! Let me know.
Taking Care of Yourself
Phew! That was a lot of prep - don’t worry, that’s all I’ll have you do. The key to a great spa day really rests in preparation, but now it’s time to actually soak it alllll in.
In the Shower or Bath
Take your time washing your hair, then apply your Unite 7 Seconds Hair Mask, tying your hair up to let it soak, nourish and moisturize your hair. If you’re planning on a shower, try adding in a eucalyptus shower steamer! Or, If you’d like to take a bath instead, add in a soothing bath soak.
When it comes to the bath, I love adding some flower petals into the tub as well. Why not get as girly as possible, am I right?
After washing and using an exfoliant like the Osea Salts of the Earth scrub, I will apply a neutrally scented baby oil. As you can tell, I am no skincare expert by any means. However, this has been a game-changing trick that I found and have been loving for my sensitive skin!
When I think of a spa day, a good facial is what immediately comes to mind. Ritual Day Spa actually recommends using their Single Use Facial Kit for your spa day, which even includes a facial brush for an extra luxurious treatment! You can slightly customize your kit by selecting from one of their many masks as well! The Ritual team was nice enough to offer to help select the best option for your skin - just reach out to them via Instagram.
After the Shower or Bath
First things first: be careful stepping out of the tub or shower! Now that you’re thoroughly moisturized, we want to make sure your spa doesn’t turn into a slip ‘n slide.
Cuddle up in your favorite robe, and apply a moisturizer to your skin. Run 7 Seconds Detangler through your hair, and add U-oil to your ends. Using a Wet Brush, gently brush those products through your hair to distribute the product evenly.
Now, the cherry on top to your perfect spa day? A mani/pedi session, of course! Without grabbing your phone yet, binge some of your favorite Netflix shows while giving yourself a little manicure and pedicure.
Obviously, I’ll assume you can take the rest from here. Whether it’s finishing up with (another?) glass of wine, and that crock pot meal from earlier, taking a nap, reading another few chapters or all of the above, I’d love to wish you a very happy spa day.
