7 DIY Spa-at-Home Treatments that won't break the bank

In today's economy, it's a little luxury that we may have to learn to do without: those quiet moments that we used to steal away for ourselves whether for a nap, a workout, or a luxurious treatment at the spa. I've never really had the means to go all out at the spa, but I'm always on the lookout for DIY home versions of many of the more expensive treatments that you hear about celebrities getting. After zipping through Redbook and Glamour's websites, here are my picks:

From Redbook.com…

Take 10 minutes - Buy small river-rock stones at a florist (I found mine at a dollar store) and a silky synthetic paintbrush at a craft stores. Apply a serum to your face and use the brush to work it into your skin, making circular, upward motions. Then take a cool stone and place it under your eye at the inner corner; slowly push toward the outer corner. Repeat on the upper eye area and, with another stone, on the other eye.

Take 15 minutes – Create an energizing scrub to use in your shower. Crush a sprig of rosemary and sage into 4 ounces of Epsom salts and 1 oz of unscented body oil. Shower off, then apply a rosemary-enhanced body lotion.

Take 30 minutes - Run the water in your bathtub at about 82 degrees (think comfortable heated-pool temperature) to stimulate microcirculation. Then add 1 cup of Dead Sea salts and soak for 15 minutes. Rest afterwards for 15 minutes.

Take 30 minutes – Whip up your own body mask by mixing jojoba cream and shea butter with grapefruit and jasmine essential oils. Apply after a shower, then “cocoon” your body in plastic wrap and snuggle under a blanket for 20 minutes.

From Glamour.com…

Instead of a $500 oxygen facial…Use a cleanser with 2% salicylic acid; leave on for 30 seconds before rinsing so the ingredient can do its job. Then apply a pore mask (such as Biore). Remove it like a pro by pressing and rolling a warm, damp washcloth from your chin up.

Instead of a $700 peel…Empty a bag of green tea and a bag of chamomile into a bowl. Mix in two tablespoons of flaxseed, a teaspoon of white vinegar, and two tablespoons of honey. Massage into skin for two minutes and rinse. Then apply a moisturizer with Vitamin C.

Instead of spending $3,000 for body microdermabrasion…In the shower, rub an exfoliator all over and rinse. Once out of the shower, knead cellulite cream into thighs (new kinds have caffeine for tightening). Wrap thighs in plastic wrap for 10 minutes to intensify the effect.

Enjoy...ooohhhmmm

IsABelt - a solution for the blue jean blues?

Are jeans made these days built for any woman's body? Even my stick-figure-body-type friends don't always have a lot of luck in the dressing room (makes me feel a little better), so what is the deal with jeans anyway? For me, it's trying to find a pair that fit my bum and thighs without gapping too much in the back. Otherwise if I get something that fits my waist my thighs look like rolling pins trapped in sausage casing!

I was recently in need of a new belt and wanted to check out what online stores carried. This is how I first discovered the IsABelt, a new product specifically designed to help eliminate the creeping, crawling, sagging, butt crackag-ing, and other wardrobe malfunctions associated with low-rise jeans. To use it, you just loop the 1/2" plastic belt (which adjusts in a similar way to your bra straps) through you jean belt loops and cinch. The IsABelt is available in clear as well as many colors; in children's, misses,' and plus sizes; and for both men and women. Although it retails at many stores (both brick-and-mortar and online), you can order an IsABelt directly from the company for $16.95+$5.95 shipping.

I think I may have convinced myself I should (and need) to try this one out. If I end up doing so, I'll be sure to give you all a detailed report! Have any of you tried IsABelt before?

Boob Tube by Miss Oops

First, let me preface this post by saying that I am not secretly an employee of Miss Oops. This is only my second blog post, so I'm also certainly not getting their products free. At this point, I don't even think spambots are reading this blog yet. I just happen to like this company's 2 products.

As mentioned in my previous post, I am shaped like Marilyn Monroe if you erased her chest. I'm 5'9" with narrow shoulders, a small waist, a round booty, thighs resembling the trunk of a pecan tree, and long legs, longer than my husband's who is nearly 6 feet tall (my inseam is 33," his is 32"). So you can imagine that if I get something long enough in the sleeves and waist that the booby area will be...shall we say...roomy, which allows for quite the view when I sit down to a staff meeting. Enter the Boob Tube - the maker's description:

Is your plunging V-neck revealing a little too much at the office? No problem – reach for Miss Oops Boob Tube! Made of stretchable lace, this modern day bandeau gives you just the right amount of coverage without the added bulk of another layer. Sold Individually. S/M and M/L. Comes in black, white, or beige. Price: $25.00

My 2 cents: This could be our generation's dickie. You know, the fake turtleneck sweaters? See below for an image from "Christmas Vacation," in which Cousin Eddie (guy on the left) is wearing a black dickie under a skin tight sweater (yep, be still my beating heart). I remember wearing these nightmares as a toddler (hence the necessary decor of My Little Pony or dancing mice at the time) and hating them for being itchy, hot, and lame. The Boob Tube is a much sleeker (and less humilitating) version of the dickie, and I'd like to try it out.

JAKs by Miss Oops

I do not think my body was intended to belong to a 1980s kid - imagine Marilyn Monroe without the boobs. An hourglass without the tatas who would later attempt to wear low-rise jeans with a 2-inch zipper that cut her large ass in half like some demented mandoline. If I do manage to find some non-granny low risers that cover my caboose, they most certainly will expose a great amount of crackage when I sit down, lean forward, or cough.

Enter JAKs, a product designed by the Miss Oops company to serve as a "shirt extender" to hide those crack moments. Website description:

Jaks is an absolute must for women who are not willing to give up their low-rise jeans and partake in “mom jeans.” Jaks is worn over jeans and under tops—much like a shirt extender. It appears to be a lace camisole layered underneath your shirt- but actually, Jaks is the latest fashion weapon used to cover up butt-crack and muffin tops. Bend over and sit down ladies – Jaks has you covered! Sold Individually. Available in black, white, or beige. S/M and M/L.

OK, I haven't actually tried these. I'm not in a position to where I can pay $38 (plus shipping) for 1/3 of a shirt, but it's an excellent idea to a real problem. Just say no to crack!