Happy 2021 and thank you for joining Tumbleweed Tidings today! What would you think if I told you that I’m going to take you to a spa-like place that will make you say “Ahhh?” Exciting, right? What if I told you it would be in your very own home? Maybe not quite as exciting, but stay with me here…

For the record, I do not regularly go to spas. In fact, the few times I have been to a spa have been the result of generous gifts from my husband. Each of these visits have been memorable and special, and have left me feeling both calm and rejuvenated at the same time. For the past few years, I have been having my hair done at a local salon that is connected to a full service spa. Even though I’m there for the salon, just walking through the front door of this building always transports me to a spa experience because it smells so divine!

For those of us who are not regular spa visitors but love the experience, I have a few simple suggestions that you can do to turn your bathroom into a spa-like environment at home. These tips would also be lovely additions to a guest bathroom to make your guests feel so great, they may never want to leave!

• STEP ONE – Give your bathroom the spa smells. One of the most redeeming qualities of walking into a spa are the wonderful aromas that greet you the moment you enter. In your “home spa” you can achieve the same results by taking a few simple steps. Essential oils are readily available and can be used to scent everything from towels to bath salts. If you missed my homemade rosemary lavender bath salt recipe, you can get it here: bath salts. Lastly, hanging a bundle of fresh eucalyptus, available in most floral departments, tied together with kitchen twine over your showerhead will give a long lasting aroma for you and your guests alike. Every time the shower turns on, it reactivates the fantastic smell of this soothing herb.

• To make a eucalyptus bundle to hang in your shower, purchase fresh eucalyptus at a local florist or grocery floral department. I purchased mine at a local florist for on $7.50 for a large bundle. Lay stems out and arrange in a fan-type pattern. Secure with kitchen twine or jute, and tie a knot. Hang the eucalyptus stem over the shower head, such that the water hits the leaves while it is running. It leaves a wonderful smell in the bathroom and will last for a few weeks.

• STEP TWO – Use a relaxing candle, room spray or diffuser. These are a few more items in the aroma category, that can help create the spa ambience. Softly scented candles in soothing fragrances of lavender, eucalyptus, or mint are a nice addition to create the atmosphere of a spa. When lit before your bath or the arrival of guests, they will fill the room with a lovely fragrance and a warm glow. If you don’t want to worry about an open flame, another way to add the spa scents to your bath is by using a diffuser. The cold steam diffusers are easy to find, and by simply adding a few drops of essential oils, will fill the area with beautiful smells and the bonus of extra humidity. Also readily available are the no-fuss reed diffusers that come in a myriad of fragrances and styles. I especially like them for seldom used bathrooms to keep them smelling fresh as a daisy. For the true spa treatment, choose soothing, refreshing fragrances such as mint, eucalyptus, lavender or rosemary. Spa day is not the time for sugar cookie scented candles:)

• STEP THREE – Add spa-like products to your bathroom. My husband is a Safeguard soap guy. Nothing fancy, it keeps him smelling great, and doesn’t leave a soapy residue on his skin. But let’s be honest; Safeguard isn’t very spa-like:) So on occasion, it is nice to treat yourself to some higher-end products that have added ingredients to leave you feeling soft and fragrant. The good news is, these products don’t have to be expensive. Some of the nicest products I’ve purchased have come from TJ Maxx and Home Goods. They carry brands from England and France, as well as domestic items, that are really special and come in lovely packaging. For an even cheaper option, some of the nicest body products I save for spa days are those that come from our room in nice hotels. Placed in a basket or tray, they are easy to pull out to spoil you or your guests at a moments notice. In a guest bath, I keep the toiletries in a sewing machine drawer, where they fit perfectly.

• STEP FOUR – Add some greenery to your bathroom. It is well documented that plants are good for the air we breathe by constantly cleansing it. They reduce allergens by keeping the air more dust and mold free than rooms without plants. It has also been proven that having houseplants can improve your mood and overall mental health. If those aren’t compelling enough reasons, healthy houseplants are also pretty and add life to a space. To create a spa environment in your bathroom, you don’t need the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. One or two strategically placed plants will do the trick.

• STEP FIVE – Add spa-like linens to your bathroom. Other things that are always present in a spa are a comfy robe and slippers, along with thick fluffy towels. While purchasing thick new towels may sound expensive, it need not be. I have found the most wonderful bathroom towels, both at Costco and in the Threshold brand at Target, whose reasonable prices belie how thick and nice they are. White towels have a classic spa look, but there are soothing shades of blues, grays, and tans that are equally luxurious. Life is too short to have thin, discolored linens, so do yourself and your guests a favor and invest in some new towels!

If ever a time called for self-pampering, this might be it. Taking time to relax with all of the smells and feels of a spa at home is a great way to have the benefits of the experience, without the cost. In fact, to do ALL of the things listed above, it would cost you less than one treatment at the spa. If that isn’t motivation enough, I can also guarantee that giving yourself a spa experience at home will have you saying “Ahhh” in no time at all.

Good tidings,

Diane