Creating Your Home Spa Sanctuary

In a mother's world of chaotic toddlers and endless to-do lists, we all need a place to hideaway. Of course visiting a day spa is the perfect way to unwind, but for most of us that is an indulgence we simply can't afford (financially or timewise) very often. On the other hand, you're sure to visit your own bathroom at least once a day. So we've put together a 6-step plan (with no plumbers or archtiects required) for transforming your bath into a personal spa sanctuary. The best part? Every single item on the list costs less then one treatment at most high-end spas.

	The very first step towards enjoying spa ambience at home is to invest in luxury towels for your bathroom. Look for towels made from plush Egyptian Cotton like these hotel towels ($30-80) from bedbathandbeyond.com.
	It will be easy to imagine that you're bathing under a rushing waterfall on Maui when you've got one of these luxurious rainfall showerheads in your shower. Not only are these fixtures easy to install, but you'll be amazed at the difference it makes. This inexpensive showerhead from Overstock.com has gotten rave reviews from customers ($20).
	Dump your old mesh sponge or wash cloth and treat yourself to the ultimate in bath luxuries -- a natural Sea Sponge. Natural Sea Sponges absorb and release water easily; thus they harbor little or no bacteria and will last much longer then artificial sponges (and they just look so darn cute). This one from bathbybettijo.com ($15) is the highest-quality Sea Wool variety. Or if you prefer something with a little more scrubbing power this Sisal Smoothing Mitten ($10) will work double-duty exfoliating away dry, dull skin while you're lathering up.
	One of the most important steps to transforming your bathroom into a personal spa sanctuary is to clear away the clutter of bottles and beauty products. Tuck your beauty products into baskets like this one from holdeverything.com ($38) or plastic tubs and store them away in drawers, cupboards or closets so the countertops and edges of the tub are free and clear. Leave out only simple and beautiful organic objects that will add to the spa mood.
	Old fashioned apothecary jars filled with bath salts or bars of soaps have a definite spa-like quality. They also provide a great way to bring the outside in, by storing the seashells or pebbles that you've brought home from a trip to the beach or lake. We love the very simple sillohuette of these jars from Restoration Hardware ($49-89) or you might prefer these slightly more decorative jars from Pottery Barn ($19-44).
	Finally, nothing will make you feel more pampered then bathing by candlelight with aromatherapy-inspired bath products. Set a spa mood with this Green Tea Bamboo candle, from Aromafloria's Sensory Fusion collection, and then indulge with the luxuriously moisturizing lather of the Green Tea Bamboo Foaming Body Wash ($20-28).

-- Bettijo B. Hirschi

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