Lyndsay Fogarty
When was the last time you had a day at the spa? What about a spa day with your friends? Why not host one yourself from the comfort of your own home? Whether it’s a simple face mask or intricate essential oils, pampering yourself is important for all women. We’ve compiled a complete guide to a fun, relaxing night in with the girls.
Wine Not?
Nothing says relaxation quite like the perfect wine and cheese pairing before or during your spa night. Ask all of your guests to bring their favorite wine to the party and take turns trying each one with a bite from your cheese board. Since all wines are different, you will find that they will complement different parts of your cheese plate. Offer a variety of cheeses, meats, bitter chocolates, sweet or salty nuts, fruit and bread (both toasted and soft) and discuss your favorite pairings as you go.
These are some of our favorite cheese plate offerings:
Item | What it Brings to the Table | Tip! |
Brie | A soft, creamy texture that’s easily spreadable | Try it baked with simple garnishes or wrapped in puff pastry |
Gouda | A semi-hard texture and a mild flavor | Go for the aged variety to get a nice, sharp flavor |
Gorgonzola | Earthy flavors that pair well with dried fruit and nuts | If you prefer a sharper variety, choose bleu cheese instead |
Blueberry Goat Cheese | A unique flavor profile that combines sweet and savory | Add this to your board if you decide to skip a sweet jam or dried fruit |
Prosciutto | An extra salty element with a texture that complements the cheese | Consider including ham or salami, too, for a variety of meat choices |
Jam or Dried Fruit | Just a touch of sweetness to balance all of the salty flavors | Apricot or fig jam give just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of tartness |
A Variety of Nuts | A crispy texture that you don’t have to miss if you’re skipping the bread | Make store bought nuts more exciting by added some sugar and spice then toasting them |
DIY Beauty Treatments
Your girl gang will love these easy DIY treatments. Ask your friends to bring the supplies for each or have them prepared for your guests. Pinterest is the go-to place for all types of spa-related tips and tricks. Here are three of our favorite lavish ideas to try at home.
Hot Oil Tower Treatment
By 31 Shots (www.31Shots.com)
Hot towel treatments are one of the most popular therapies used in spas. The steam and heat produced from the towel is the perfect way to open pores while the steam hydrates the skin. Author Jess recommends essential oils such as peppermint or lavender, as well as coconut oil. Argan oil and flaxseed oil are also great to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
How-to: Wet a small towel and dribble a few drops of an essential oil of your choosing onto it. Pop you towel in the microwave for 1 ½ minutes and be on the lookout for steam. Ensure the towel is not too hot for your face then place a corner of the towel underneath your chin, wrapping the rest around your face allowing your nose to remain shown. From there you can lay back and relax.
Charcoal Peel Off Face Mask
By The Indian Spot (www.TheIndianSpot.com)
Activated Charcoal is one of the oldest used tricks in the book. It helps to pull out the dirt and makeup that clog your pores throughout the day, making it a great for face masks. The Indian Spot blog has a simple recipe that is one of the best to make with friends, and you only need three ingredients to do it.
How-to: You will need 2 tablespoons of activated pure charcoal powder, 1 ½ tablespoons of gelatin powder and water. Add the charcoal extract and gelatin powder into a bowl and mix. Microwave the dry combination for 30 seconds and stir. Water can also be added for a more paste-like consistency. Use your fingers to gently apply the mask to your face, leave on for 30 minutes and peel it off for fresh skin.
Pro tip: After your face mask, try an under-eye mask. These powerful strips are placed right under your eyes to reduce wrinkles and dark circles while also moisturizing. We love the LA PURE 24K Gold Eye Treatment Mask, which contains grape seed extract, collagen and 24k gold to restore and hydrate skin.
DIY Nail Soak
By Cute DIY Projects (www.CuteDIYProjects.com)
If you’re looking for something different at your girls spa night, opt for a nail soak, which is the perfect alternative to painting your nails. It provides stronger, healthier nails with simple ingredients. Cute DIY Projects Bloggers, Nicole and Bianca, explain just how easy it is to whip up a batch using things you already have in your pantry. All you need is a 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, a clove of chopped garlic and 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Each of these ingredients incorporates different characteristics that contribute to healthy nails. The vitamin C from the orange increases collagen production in your fingertips, producing stronger nails. The antibacterial features in the garlic promote nail growth, and, finally, the olive oil softens cuticles to keep your nails moisturized.
How-to: In a small bowl, mix the orange juice and garlic together. Dip your nails into the bowl for 15 minutes then wash your hands with regular soap and water. From here, discard the mixture and pour the olive oil into your bowl, soaking your nails for another 15 minutes.
Life gets really busy, really quick. Take some time to relax and pamper yourself for once. Pick a date that works with the girls and get to planning a flawless girl’s night.
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