Mid-Week Spa Tips Part 1

Bonsoir mes amies!

We are expecting 12 more inches of snow in Philly this evening, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a snow day tomorrow! I know I could definitely use a day to sleep in and get ahead on some work! Even though it's only a few weeks into the semester, I can already feel the work piling up!

As college students, we juggle going to class, tons of reading and work for those classes, sports, club meetings, planning for future internships, summer programs, grad schools...dare I mention a thesis or even thinking of our future careers? I think we all have those moments when we've subsisted on a few hours of sleep, numerous cups of coffee, and less than appetizing dining hall cuisine and somewhere in between all of this chaos we stop to think how nice it would be to be off on some tropical island, eating fresh fruits and lounging by the ocean...or at least I know I do!

Although we all have countless things on our to-do lists, I believe it is crucial to our sanity to take a few minutes a week to enjoy some spa-like pampering in the comfort of our own room. I know that many of you will say you don't have time, but I am providing you with a few tips to help you incorporate some zen into your lives that won't leave you crunched for time!

1. Grab a slice of cucumber from the dining hall salad bar to put in your water bottle. It aids with digestion and many spas use it or lemon (for detoxification purposes) in their water to serve to guests. It also helps you drink more water if you get bored with the plain taste of it, and it's one little thing to help soothe you throughout the day.

2. Give your self a mid-week, 5 minute manicure. I know you are thinking that you don't have time to paint your nails and wait hours for it to dry. Well friends, I'm going to give you one of the best possible tips to remedy this! Remove that chipped polish that you've had on for the last 2 months and paint your nails with two coats of polish. If you have time, put a clear top coat on top because that will help the color last longer. Then take Pam cooking spray, yes the stuff in the yellow can with the red lid, and spray this over your nails. Wait for 3 to 5 minutes and you are good to go!! Your hands might be a little oily from the spray so after you've checked that the polish is indeed dry, you can rinse off the excess oil. The Pam spray dries nail polish faster than any other quick dry product that I have ever tried. It is also cheaper and gives you more product so it will last you a really long time! Once you try this, you'll want to bring a can of it to your local nail salon to spray on before you drive home! (Just wait until you get out to your car first)

*sorry the picture is so small!

3. Need a quick pick me up while studying? Try aromatherapy oils! Peppermint is fantastic for stimulating your senses and energizing you. You can also use any other kind of mint or citrus scents which are also invigorating. Be sure that the oil is contained in a carrier oil such as almond, apricot, or another oil (it will say so on the label) because essential oils used on their own cannot be placed directly on the skin.

Rub the oil on the skin below your nose so you can inhale the scent while studying. You can also place it on your temples, the inside of your wrists, or the back of your neck.

If you need some scents to relax you, try vanilla, lavender, or ylang ylang. Remember that essential oils can be mixed into your favorite lotions or body washes, so don't be afraid to experiment a little bit!

Essential oils can often be found at health food stores like Vitamin Cottage or Whole Foods, in addition to many online vendors. Aveda makes some great essential oils that can be purchased online, in their stores or in Aveda concept spas and salons. The Vanilla Absolute scent and Tangerine smell like a delicious creamsicle when combined!!

I hope you take a few minutes to try these tips this week! Stay tuned for future Mid-Week Spa Tips series posts! Have a wonderful evening everyone!