This past Saturday night all I wanted to do was stay in and have an at-home spa night. Spa as in facial, hair masks, mani and pedi as well as total body exfoliation.

Luckily, I had most of the ingredients for my perfect at home spa night with the exception of a body scrub. Since there was no way I was leaving the house in the midst of my at-home spa experience to go out and buy a scrub, I decided I would try to whip something up with whatever I had in my kitchen....which was not a lot since I was overdue for a grocery run.

What I did have was coffee grounds, baking soda and lemons.  I have used baking soda and lemons before as a face scrub/mask and teeth whitener and have also used coffee grounds with other ingredients as a body scrub, but I have never used all three together.

Not only did they work well to gently exfoliate my skin, but my skin also felt extremely clean, thanks to the cleansing power of baking soda. My skin was also glowing due to the brightening power of lemon and baking soda together.

The exfoliation benefits of all three natural ingredients made the dry skin melt away revealing softer skin. (Don't forget to apply body lotion right after for maximum hydration.)

This scrub is so incredibly easy to create, just combine coffee grounds, baking soda and lemon juice together and mix until it forms a paste then apply to skin and gently massage. 

After exfoliating, I left the scrub on my skin for about ten minutes to let the ingredients do the work on their own, then rinsed. 

Be warned that this scrub is really messy in the shower, but rinses away very easily and is completely worth the mess.

No time to DIY it? Try A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Body Scrub. It is a mix of uplifting grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime essential oils and Dead Sea Salt.

Candy canes may be great for stuffing stockings, adorning trees, or a sweet snack, but the minty holiday staple can also be incorporated into your beauty routine.

Peppermint oil contains minerals and nutrients including iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and C, and is soothing to the skin.

Indie Lee has created a holiday-themed bath bomb recipe, which makes for a great hostess gift or stocking stuffer. The secret ingredients to the all-natural recipe are baking soda and citric acid, which will make the bombs fizz up like a glass of champagne once you drop them in the bathtub.

Ingredients:

1 c. baking soda
½ c. citric acid
2 tbsp. jojoba oil
5 drops of peppermint essential oil
5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops of lemon essential oil
1 tbsp. witch hazel

Directions: Before you start the DIY, make sure you have a fun holiday mold or tin to shape your bombs in. You could also use cookie cutters and parchment paper. Combine baking soda and citric acid in a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle in jojoba oil, followed by essential oils. Mix well until you have a smooth mixture. Slowly drizzle witch hazel into the mixture, constantly stirring to stop the ingredients from fizzing.

Once all of the ingredients are moist enough to clump together, firmly press the mixture into your molds. Allow the bombs to dry for 3-4 hours before removing them from the molds.

Recipe will make 6-10 bath bombs, depending on size of mold. Add 1-2 bath bombs to a warm bath and enjoy. Use within three months. Store in an airtight container. 

Carolyn Doe, spa director at The Umstead Hotel and Spa (Cary, N.C.) has whipped up a DIY Coconut Coffee Foot Scrub recipe to soothe weary feet at home. The rich blend of antioxidant-filled coffee and moisture-locking coconut oil, combined with the refreshing scent of vanilla extract, is a perfect combination of natural ingredients to remove and repair rough skin. Coconut Coffee Foot Scrub Recipe

• 1 cup     Virgin Coconut Oil
• ½ cup    Favorite Ground Coffee
• 1-2 tsp  Vanilla Extract

  Method: Blend ingredients together. Prepare a tub of warm soapy water and soak feet for 10 minutes. While soaking, apply 1 teaspoon of the scrub to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate the dead skin away. Rinse feet in warm water and pat dry.  (Mixture can also be used as a body scrub in the shower, but take care as it can make for a slippery surface.) Store leftovers for later use in an air-tight container at room temperature. Not only is this scrub invigorating, your feet will feel incredibly soft and pampered. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Lapis, The Spa at Fontainebleau’s Director of Spa operations, Josie Feria, came up with a few DIY spa treatments to rescue and revive your skin, and hopefully calm your mind. Take some time to nourish your body and senses. RESCUE ME SCRUB Benefits: Exfoliation of dry surface skin and increased hydration Ingredients: ½ cup mineral salts 2 tbsp of any carrier oil such as avocado, jojoba, grapeseed or kukui 5 drops lemongrass oil Directions: In bowl using a metal spoon blend mineral salt with carrier oil – thoroughly mix until it becomes a paste. Gradually add in lemongrass oil, blending after each drop. If scrub is too thick add a few drops of water and remix. Moisten the body in a warm bath or shower and apply scrub to body by hand or using a moist loofah pad in circular motions. Using a loofah pad or other textured body sponge or brush will increase the effects of the exfoliation. Beware of being too energetic as you may scratch the skin. Skin will be rosy and feel energized. Thoroughly rinse skin and apply body lotion. RESCUE SOAK Benefits: Relaxation, detoxification and mineralization of body Ingredients: 4 oz mineral salts 1 cup baking soda Directions: Add mineral salts to bath as warm water is running. Caution should be taken with hot water as may cause lightheadedness. Add baking soda. Using a bristle brush, loofah or sisal mitt, dry brush the body in upward strokes – this will exfoliate the skin, make the treatment more effective and increase blood circulation at the skin’s surface, which is key to skin regeneration. Lower lights and burn a candle at the edge of the tub. Have a glass of cool mineral water and lemon slices nearby to refresh and rehydrate your body. Play soothing, calming music. Soak at least 15 minutes adding warm water as needed – the longer the soak the greater the benefits. Rinsing is optional – towel dry and apply body lotion. Optional - Add in drops of lemongrass oil to increase aromatic benefits, provide pain relief and soften skin. While enjoying your soak try on these complementary experiences: Hair mask – Massage in a hydrating oil or cream into hair and wrap in shower cap Face treatment – Apply a hydrating mask or clay mask to the face with a small amount of water Eye treatment – boil a chamomile tea bag, chill and moisten 2 cotton eye pads. Apply to eyes and place a sleep make over eyes to secure – this treatment will not only reduce puffiness and dark circles but will enhance relaxation benefits due to the exclusion of light and vision. RESCUE MY FEET Benefits: Soft, touchable feet Ingredients: 2 tsps mineral salts Directions: Soak feet in warm water with mineral salts. Massage scrub (see recipe above) to onto feet and wrap in warm wet towels, allowing towels to cool off. To warm towels – put under very hot faucet /squeeze out excess water and place in microwave unrolled for 1 minute on high (or more time if needed.) Using wet towels remove scrub. Use pumice stone or other callous reducer on any tough, thick skin – be careful not to overdo it and over sensitize your feet. Rinse off. Apply body lotion and place feet in plastic bags and cotton socks. Follow towel recipe to warm the socks but use a lower microwave setting and less time for maximum benefit. Leave socks on overnight. While enjoying your feet treatment try on these complementary experiences: Warm a hand towel and place around your neck to increase relaxation. Apply scrub to hands, thoroughly rinse and apply a body lotion and tuck into cotton gloves or mitts for the night. If you found these DIY spa treatment tips helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Whomever said that spa treatments are just to relax, never experienced the ones that go beyond relaxation and additionally treat an ailment. An old-time Thai remedy that is still used today, the Six Senses Thai Herbal Poultice, offered in Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, increases blood flow and circulation, relaxes tense muscles, and alleviates pain and inflammations when applied directly onto the skin. Making your own herbal poultice is easy and the treatment is a great way to fight off the common cold, the flu, and viruses. The skin, our body’s largest organ and one of the first lines of defense against disease, quickly absorbs the herbs’ medicinal benefits for instant relief of stress, aches and pains. All ingredients are found on the islands of the Maldives, as well as in many of our supermarkets and pantries! Six Senses Thai Herbal Poultice Recipe What You'll Need: Fresh or dried herbs including Kaffir Lime, Galangal, and Lemongrass. (Before making your poultice with other herbs, be sure to research their properties to ensure they aren’t irritants.) Yarn/Thread White Cloth Bowl for mixing Steps: · Put 1 cup of each herb in a bowl and mix it well. · Take a large handful of the herbal mixture and place it into the center of your cloth, making a firm bundle (no bigger than a tennis ball in size.) · Tie the top with yarn or thread to create a handle for your poultice, keeping it tight so it will not become loose when in use. · Using a steamer or a hot pot, boil water and drop in the poultices until steamed, about 30-45 minutes. · For application, first check the heat of poultice on the inner forearm. Once the temperature is to your liking, place with pressure on the body on areas that are tense and or painful up to 30 minutes. · Use your Thai Herbal Poultice up to 4-5 times each before making a new one. If you found this DIY beauty post helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

A Girl's Gotta Spa! even from the comfort of her own home. Many days are often spent in the kitchen during the holiday season whipping up treats to delight the palate. Why not take a few extra minutes to create a DIY spa treatment to refresh and brighten your skin? As Irving Berlin says, "May your days be merry and bright!" As cooler weather arrives and brings dry skin in need of a little boost, these easy do-it-yourself at-home spa treatments from Director of Spa Operations at The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa, Stacey Parks,will brighten up your winter days and make you feel fantastic for the holidays and to start your new year! For the Face: To enliven and brighten your skin, mix a quarter cup of plain yogurt and 2-3 tablespoons lemon or orange juice. Apply to the face and relax for about 15 minutes. Wash off with luke-warm water to a youthful glow! For the Feet: Detoxify your system and rejuvenate tired feet with this soothing soak. Add a quarter cup Epsom salt, a quarter cup sea salt, and a half cup baking soda to hot water and stir until dissolved. You can customize with your favorite essential oil for aromatherapy and softening, or add juniper berries or green tea to increase the detoxification properties. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Use a dry brush or loofah to further scrub away impurities, and then apply a soothing aloe gel or coconut oil. For the Body: To exfoliate and soothe dry skin, mix 3-4 tablespoons freshly shredded ginger to a quarter cup coconut or olive oil, and a half cup brown sugar. This simple but effective and delicious smelling scrub can be used in the shower and is stimulating and warming, and will leave your skin soft and silky. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ *Disclosure

I love a good DIY scrub to help detox and cleanse your skin.  Inspired by a treatment offered in Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives (a destination on my spa bucket list), this scrub leaves skin hydrated and smooth.   All ingredients are found on the islands of the Maldives and luckily for us, also most supermarkets. Maldivian Scrub (Based off of the treatment Laamu Bliss) Combine the following ingredients in equal parts into a paste:

• Nutmeg
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Rice powder
• Cinnamon
• Clove

Add hot water gradually into it forms into a paste-like texture. Apply whenever desired on the body and leave on skin for 15 minutes or until skin begins to warm. When time is up, wash paste off to reveal glowing skin. Fight the drying effects on winter’s chill with this scrub! Smells delicious and a nourishing treat for your skin. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Can't make it to the spa? Here's a DIY spa treatment from Nirmala Narine, host of Veria Living's Nirmala's Spice World, made from ingredients found in your kitchen...and that I dare you not to lick off! Ingredients: 4 tablespoons coconut milk 1 tablespoon plain yogurt 2 tablespoons honey Pulp of one ripe banana (the riper the better) Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg Directions:

1. In a small warm bowl, add all ingredients and mix.
2. Set aside while you fill your bathtub with warm water.
3. Massage the mixture onto your body in circular motion, until you’ve used it all up.
4. Soak in tub for 15 to 20 minutes

Your skin will feel smooth and moisturized...and it is possible that you may feel a bit hungrier post-treatment taking in those delicious scents! Check out the video for more in-depth instructions: Nirmala's Spice World can be seen in the U.S. on Cablevision/Optimum (Channel 164), DISH Network (Channel 218) and Verizon FiOS (Channel 162) subscribers (or check your local listings.) Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Wishing for a spa getaway? To feel royally pampered in preparation for the summer months, therapists at the legendary Turnberry Isle Miami and its Forbes-rated Four Star Spa & Fitness Center suggest these at-home treatments using natural ingredients for those times when you can't make it into the spa: Mommy-to-Be Body Scrub – Helps with skin hydration and exfoliation. Ingredients: - ½ cup of oatmeal - 1 cup of yogurt Directions: Mix the oatmeal and yogurt together in a bowl. Use your hands to massage the scrub onto your skin in a circular motion. Coffee & Coconut Oil Booster – Activates circulation, rids cellulite and helps remove dead skin cells. Ingredients:  - ½ cup of coffee powder - 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (olive oil can be used instead) Directions: Mix the coffee powder and oil in a bowl. Use hands to massage mixture in a circular motion. Sunburn Solution – Great for sensitive skin. Ingredients: - 2 bananas - 3 tablespoons of honey - ¼ cup of cold milk - blender Directions: Mix the bananas, honey and milk in a blender. Apply to the mixture to skin and wait 10 minutes until rinsing. Apple Toner - Exfoliates and calms normal / combination skin. Ingredients: - 1 skinless apple - ½ cup of cold water - blender Directions: Mix the apple and water in the blender until it becomes very thin. Using cotton, apply to face. Have you tried any of these natural DIY spa treatments yourself? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Last month, thanks to my beauty guru of a sister, I was introduced to the amazing exfoliating properties of coffee grounds, which I of course just had to pass along to you, our awesome readers.  And today, thanks to a serious case of boredom, I have found a way to make the Coffee Grounds Scrub even better, by combining it with my Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Verbena & Sage Deodorising Shower Foam.  I am absolutely in love with these shower foams, which unfortunately were discontinued, but I have been able to find them on Amazon (as I seem to be able to do with a lot of other hard to find beauty products).      By combining the coffee grounds with the shower foam, I not only created more of a paste version of the scrub that was a lot less messy, but I also created an exfoliating body cleanser, as well.  As I mentioned above, the Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Deodorising Shower Foams might be a bit tough to find as they have been discontinued, but I am sure the scrub would work just as well with most other shower foams.  Happy cleansing and exfoliating at the same time! Have you tried our DIY Coffee Scrub yet? If you know of a great shower foam, please let us know! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!