In part II of our series on how to manage the current economic conditions that are leading to our social woes, it’s time we share more on how to avoid sacrificing lifestyle, despite the penny-pinching times in which we find ourselves. This time- we’re doing an At Home Spa Edition!

Spa days rank among my favorite things in life. Honestly- what’s better than surrendering your Saturday to the hands of a stress-melting masseuse, fab facialist, wonderful waxer or blissful manicurist? Few things come to mind…So as we enter a time where our 401Ks may be at risk and our anxiety is reaching peak points, it’s time we put aside some of our luxuries and find ways to turn our own homes into spas.

1. Queen Helene Mint Julep Face Mask– I kid you not- when I was a sophomore in high school, I was spending an afternoon glazing over the sparkly shelves of Sephora when a sales associate told me not to bother spending my hard-earned dollars on a pricey face mask, but rather to head to my nearest Walgreens and purchase the Queen Helene face mask. Well, guess what? I’m still using it to this day. While you may feel a tad like the witch in The Wizard of Oz, this mask does wonders when it comes to shrinking your pores, tightening your skin and reinstilling moisture into your skin. *Sigh*..the very thought makes me want to use it right now. Oh- and by the way- it’ll set you back all of $4.

2. Nailing it down– As I’ve blogged about in the past, it’s completely economical and easy to paint your own nails. Albeit, not as relaxing or utterly efficient in the end, it’s satisfactory. Companies like Essie and OPI make colors so chic and cheap, you can afford five of their colors for the price of one manicure. What’s not to love about that? And if you’re really missing out on the whole mani/pedi experience- invest in a pumice stone and some Burt’s Bees intensive foot cream. Lather this decadent lotion on your feet at night, slip on some socks and drift off to sleep- in the morning your tootsies will be like new- honest! (Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme is another favorite of mine- it works like magic).

3. The Tennis Ball Trick– This one you may be familiar with. But desperate (and the need for inexpensive) times, call for desperate measures. Therefore, when you’re unable to hand over your Visa to a trained professional for their goddess-like hands that have the ability to remove tension in your back, arms, legs, etc. and practically make you forget where you are-
it’s time to call upon a backup. This is when you grab a tennis ball (if you’re like me, you have one- and a tennis racket that you rarely use and feel guilty every time you don’t- laying around the house). Take the tennis ball and position yourself on the floor or against a wall so you can roll atop the ball and have it hit all the spots in you back where tension has built up and knots have taken up practically permanent residence. It’ll feel good instantly and even better when you wake up the next morning.

It’s totally worthwhile to tackle all of these at-home spa treatments by yourself, but if you’re feeling at all blue for having to alter certain routines of yours, invite over your girlfriends and get together for a night of relaxation, rejuvenation and wittyness!