Hi Maggpie,

I hear  you on the cutting back - it's the way of the world right now!  I'm a certified massage therapist and there are a ton of things you can do at home to create your own spa day - and a WHOLE lot cheaper than your average $200 day.  Spend that much on supplies and you can do spa day 20 times over for the same cost as one visit.

Here's a recipe for a detoxifying bath - the only contraindications would be allergy or high blood pressure due to all the salts in the water.

You can get a body brush at Walmart or similar store for just a few dollars.  What you will do is dry brush your skin b/fore your bath - helps rejuvenate the skin.

Add to bath:  1/4 C. Epsom salt, 1/4 C. Sea Salt & 1/4 C. Baking Soda - epsom for sore muscles, sea salt to detox and baking soda makes the skin very soft     ps...20 mins is the recommend time for the bath.  Make it no hotter than 104 degrees.

Candles - I shop all over and buy candles of all kinds that I think smell good - it's all a matter of taste.  Yankee Candles are great!

For Home Facials - go to www.pioneerthinking.com for all kinds of homemade facials and much more!

The idea behind a home spa day is to create a time of peace - if you have kids, you can do things like a doorknob hanger that says Mommy's special time so that they know not to disturb you.

I think Gold bond lotions are among the best out there - there are so many different kinds, so you have a big choice to choose from based on what you need or want the most.

You can make yourself a drink of mineral water with lemon slices to have next to you for the tub, and pre-make yourself a really nice salad b/fore hand to have afterwards.  It's all in setting your own scene.  I even do this type of day with my girs - they love spa day with mom    Add some flowers around you, or throw some rose petals in the water.  Add in some nice music of choice.  It's all in how you make it.

You can get a ton of spa treatments at www.massagewarehouse.com - anything from massage oils to seaweed powder for wraps and much more.

I find the best aromatherapy oils are from Dr. Young's essential oils at http://www.youngliving.us/  -  I've been using these for 8 years and love them.  They can be a little pricey, but they are organic.  Use sparingly - since they are organic, they are potent.  Check for contraindications b/fore you buy them.  Each oil has it's own properties

The library even has books on home spa ideas as well.

Enjoy, and of course....RELAX without breaking the bank!

SUZ965