Decor To Adore

...and other bits of bliss

Travel

Creating a spa-like feel in your own home

On Sunday, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a fundraising event benefiting the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation at the Aji Spa located on the ancient tribal lands of the Gila River Indian Community near Phoenix. I was so inspired to make some changes in my bathroom. This post is about Creating a spa-like feel in your own home.

Creating a spa like feel in your own home

The art and architecture of the spa represent the Pima (Akimel O’otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) tribes.

Creating a spa like feel in your own home

It was a beautiful location and the name “Aji” (pronounced Ahzgee ) is the Pima word for sanctuary. Indeed I felt very safe and relaxed upon entering this tranquil environment.

Creating a spa like feel in your own home

Upon arrival, I enjoyed 15 minutes of foot reflexology in one of the treatment rooms. This was a new experience for me and admittedly I could have laid there for much longer. I took in the neutral linen curtains and the white cotton linens that smelled heavenly. Dimmed lighting, soft music, and a few candles all contributed to the feeling of relaxation.

Creating a spa like feel in your own home

I spent the next few hours in their fitness room attending classes about aromatherapy, yoga, and creating your own spa treatments at home. I thought I would share a little of what I learned.

Creating a spa-like feel in your own home

The wonderful smell in the rooms was created by burning bundles of sage and boiling whole cloves in water. Both of these simple items you can purchase at any health food store. I did try burning a little sage in a small metal bowl at home. Mr. Decor loved it, and I found it a little strong. That may have been because I was so close to the source. 

Creating a spa like feel in your own home

The interesting thing that I learned about aromatherapy is that you will either like or dislike a scent based on what your body needs. This is probably why I liked the scents of Bergamot, Lavender and Ylang Ylang. All of these scents are calming and promote relaxation. As someone who has trouble “turning her mind off” I thought I would give lavender a try. So I went to a local health food store and purchased distilled water and lavender oil and very easily made a spray. Before bedtime, I spritzed a bit on my pillow and indeed had a good nights sleep. A simple trip to the library can provide a great number of books about essential oils and what they can be mixed with. Had I known it was so easy (as well as cost-effective) to mix up a batch of lavender water I would have done it long ago.

Creating a spa like feel in your own home

Make Your Own Spa Treatments

Because of all the time I spend in the sun, my skin tends to get a bit dry and itchy. I learned that by mixing up a 1/4 cup concoction of creme and honey and placing it into a bath will give you very soft skin. A small bottle of almond oil was purchased. I added a few drops of ylang-ylang to the oil. It was then slathered it on my damp skin after my bath. Mr. Decor even noticed how soft my skin was.
Creating a spa like feel in your own home
You can also use any carrier oil (olive, almond, and grape seed among others) to create a scrub by mixing it with small amounts of cornmeal and sea salt. I had all of these items in my pantry and gave it a go. It did an excellent job of exfoliation.
There was also a recipe for strawberries, honey and raw sugar that made up another scrub in the blender that smelled heavenly. All amounts are around 1/8 to 1/4 of a cup. You can adjust the ingredients to the texture that you like.

Creating a spa like feel in your own home
It was amazing how many items such as lemon juice and green tea could be used for the skin as well as cleaning a home. I try to limit the number of preservatives and artificial additives I ingest, as well as what I clean my house with. I think I may make up some rose water next as I have a piling of ironing that awaits. It might make this dreaded chore a bit more enjoyable.

Pin
Share
0 Shares

Comments

  1. Connie says

    What wonderful tips. Living on the lake…perpetual state of dry skin. I’ve got to try the honey thnig. Great info.~Connie

  2. Miss Sandy says

    I love all the tips and tricks of using natural ingredients. I am a fan of using as many natural products as possible. I will try your lavender trick on my pillow as I have a hard time turning off my mind at night to rest well. Thanks for sharing. The spa looks like a little slice of relaxation heaven. I am so glad you enjoyed it!

  3. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Hi everyone,I received a great comment from a new blogger aka The Lamp Tramp which for some reason did not publish. Anyhow, she asked if I could do a decorating post on British Colonial. I emailed her “Yes, absolutely and to give me a week.” It really does take me that long to do the research, etc. If anyone has a particular decorating style that they would like to see covered just send me a comment or email.Blessings to the bloggers. Laura

  4. The Berry Patch says

    Wow, what a relaxing trip. I need to go there. If I could just pull myself away from the computer.Brandee 🙂

  5. DebbieCalif says

    Hi Laura, what a dreamy place to visit. It would be wonderful to stay a week, away from the phone and work. Loved the pictures.Blessings, Debbieribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com

Social Media

Archives