Pampering for the penny pincher

We all like a bit of pampering. And let's face it, we all deserve it! If an afternoon at the spa isn't in your budget, and heck even if it is you can save a bundle with these penny pinching tips.

I love this article for pretty feet no matter how much time you have on hand. Take a peek

After an at home pedicure, complete the nails with a do it yourself manicure. You know the basics, but to get the complete spa experience give these ideas a try:

• Soak your hands warm soapy water first
• Push back (don't cut) your cuticles
• Exfoliate, and rinse your hands
• Place a moist towel in the microwave then wrap around hands (and/or feet). This is my favorite part of the spa pedicures and manicure. Now, sit back and relax. Be careful with this step, heat up the towel slowly to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
• Moisturize, then wipe nails before applying polish to remove oils.
• Use a base coat first.
  
• Paint your nail starting on the side. You should be able to paint your nail in three strokes. (one on each side, and the middle)
• Finish with a top coat

Finally, treat your hands, feet, and entire body with an easy homemade exfoliater. There are lots of recipes out there for sugar scrubs. Here are my two favorites:

Lemony Sugar Scrub

1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup olive oil
Lemon juice (about a teaspoon or so)

Combine all ingredients, place in a container of your choice and enjoy.

Brown Sugar Scrub

1 Cup brown sugar
1/2 Cup almond or olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients, place in a container of your choice and enjoy.

*These scrubs are great exfoliaters, but adding items like vitamin E, small amounts of honey, essential oils, etc. can help with extra moisturizing. I don't mess with them.
*You can leave out the vanilla and lemon in either recipe as they are mainly for scent.
*Whether you wash with soap and water first or second is up to you.
*Let the sugar do the work. You don't need to scrub too hard.