Ok so when I was in college I totally had spa, cucumber eye pad, champagne, outside shower by the ocean-kinda taste.

When I was stressed with finals, I wanted to go to the spa.

When three jobs were sucking up all my energy, I wanted to go to the spa.

When I worked my ass off in the school gym, I wanted to go to the spa.

I, unfortunately was a broke college student trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life.

The struggle was real.

So needless to say, THE SPA WAS A LAUGHABLE, REAL LOL-ER I WISH/DREAM during that time.

Let’s just say there were about 5 million other things that needed my financial attention…so #spalife wasn’t really in the cards.

But of course I had to find a way to make my damn spa dream come true.

& SO I CREATED AN AT HOME SPA ONCE A MONTH.

My feet were always killing me ( bartending will do that! ) so I’d take a big bowl, pour hot water in it, & add lavender Epsom salt ( << especially in love with this brand— not sponsored, just realness ).

Enter epsom salt…according to this source “studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.”

In my case, college caused migraine headaches. Totally kidding.

But not really.

I’m OBSESSED with Epsom salt because A.) it’s inexpensive B.) it’s been well known for hundreds of years for it’s healing proprieties C.) it has health benefits to soothe the mind/body/soul & relaxes the nervous system ( << which I SOOOOO needed in college ), & D.) there’s a million other benefits…

Like: “curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, & drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of the salt. Some of the magical benefits of Epsom salt include: Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP ( adenosine triphosphate ), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly” ( source ).

If you’re in college & you have a bath tub…well then aren’t you the lucky bitch.

I didn’t have a bathtub so I had to make some compromises, hence the feet soaking at ‘Lauryn’s At-Home Spa.’

Remember magnesium?? If you read above you can see HOW IMPORTANT IT IS!! Magnesium is sooo insane. Epsom salt replenishes the body with it. So it’s kind of a win/win. Read more here.

P.S. other budget friendly ways to use Epsom salts: fertilize house plants, clean bathroom tiles, remove foot odor, exfoliate dead skin ( << the best mixed with coconut oil! ), use it to prevent slugs, & helps clear build-up out of washing machines.

Ok so, other ways I created an at-home spa on a beer budget? Use tea lights, twinkle lights from Target, or incense for ambience. I also used ( & use ) oils like coconut oil, grapeseed oil, &/or almond oil to rub all over my bod. I’d make DIY masks out of bananas, tea, & oatmeal & paint my own nails ( << Sally Hansen has awesome tools ). Also my at-home treatments usually included cucumbers on my eyes, because a spa without eye cucumbers isn’t a real spa.

Lastly, I always facial steamed.

This sounds dirty, but it isn’t…

Facial steaming is “great for those with blackheads and for a cheap, deep clean! Deep cleaning with steam is an ancient method used across the world. It’s not only cheap but highly effective. It’s very easy to do to. All you need is a large bowl or basin/container, which you need to fill with one litre (2 pints) of boiling water. You then site before the bowl and cover your head with the bowl whilst taking in the steam. You do this for no more than 8 minutes. You can add two drops of lavender or tea tree oil to enhance the experience. You do not need to literally sit on top of the bowl to benefit from this method of deep cleaning so avoid making yourself sleepy and just relax and inhale” ( source ).

How do you spa it up on a budget? Would love to know?

- Lauryn, xx.

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