Have a relaxing spa day without leaving your home

Sometimes, you need a day of self care, but the thought of leaving your house is daunting or paying exorbitant prices for a spa day isn’t feasible. Creating your own sanctuary at home is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to design an experience that's uniquely yours.

The key to this process is to take your time and care about the little things— seriously, take your time on every step: from set up, to washing, and even drying off. Remind yourself that you are your own personal masseuse/esthetician in this situation, so ask yourself, how would you want a professional to treat you? Move super slowly, savor every moment, and if you catch yourself moving too quickly, take a deep breath and slooowwwww it downnnnnnn. A few extra minutes can transform an ordinary day into a rejuvenating ritual. It takes more effort, but trust me, the juice will be worth the squeeze!

Here's my step-by-step process to create a spa day that leaves me feeling refreshed and pampered.

Step 1: The Perfect Bath (or Shower)

For a Bath

Indulge in a deep, soothing soak by setting up your tub with all the essentials (yes these are all essential IMO):

• Epsom Salts and/or Magnesium Flakes: Add these to help relax your muscles. Doesn’t need to be fancy, I like to buy them in bulk.

• Bath Oil: Use oil to soften your skin and enhance your bath’s luxurious feel. Find a scent that speaks to you, my favorite has been eucalyptus recently.

• Bubbles: Whether you like a frothy spectacle or a more subtle touch, adjust the amount of bubbles to suit your vibe.

• Candles: If you know me, you know I love candles. Add at least one, but really as many as you can fit in the room and around the tub. Can be as small as tea lights or as big as pillar candles or anything in between.

• Submersible Light: This has been the cutest addition to my bathing experience recently. Who doesn’t want to take a purple bath??

• Body Scrub: Use a gentle body scrub during your soak to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin.

• Hot Tea & Cold Water: Keep a cup of your favorite hot tea nearby to sip while you relax, and have a glass of cold water on hand to stay cool if it gets too steamy. If it’s your thing, you could have a glass of wine too!

For a Shower

If you don’t have a tub, you can still enjoy a luxurious experience in the shower:

• Shower Steamers: Enhance your shower with aromatic steamers that release essential oils, turning your routine into a mini aromatherapy session.

• Exfoliating net: Choose a soft, high-quality scrubber for a gentle yet effective wash, taking your time to exfoliate every inch of your skin.

• Candles: If you have a good spot for them in or near your shower, add a few candles to increase the vibes.

• Scalp & Hair: There's nothing quite like that blissful hair wash at the salon, where the soothing scalp massage leaves you feeling utterly pampered. You can recreate that experience at home by taking your time with your shampoo & conditioner routine. Enjoy the massage and let each moment relax you.

Step 2: After the Bath or Shower – The Facial Ritual

Once you’ve enjoyed your bath or shower, it’s time to give your face the pampering it deserves.

The Double Cleanse

• First Wash (Oil-Based): Begin with an oil-based cleanser using a washcloth to remove makeup and impurities.

• Second Wash (Intense Cleanse): Follow up with a more thorough, water-based cleanser to ensure all residue is removed, leaving your skin fresh and ready to absorb the next steps in your routine.

Facial Treatments

• Face Mask: Apply a face mask that caters to your skin’s needs—whether it’s hydration, brightening, or deep cleansing— and allow it to work its magic. I love this one from Lush.

• Skincare Routine: Continue with your usual skincare regimen. This could include vitamin C serums for brightening, retinol for anti-aging, or a mix of moisturizer and facial oil to lock in hydration and nourish your skin. The most important and non negotiable step being moisture, which is key after the deep cleansing.

Step 3: Finishing Touches for Full-Body Bliss

Hydration and Comfort

• Lotion Up: After cleansing and facial care, don’t forget to extend your pampering to your entire body. Apply a rich body lotion to keep your skin soft and supple.

• Cozy Pajamas: Slip into your coziest pajamas to maintain that relaxed, comforted feeling throughout the day or night.

Gentle Movement and Stretching

• Light Stretch Session: Finish your spa day with a gentle stretch routine. If you have a foam roller, use it to massage and release tension in your muscles.

Final Thoughts

A spa day at home is all about creating an environment that caters to your personal comfort and wellbeing. Whether you’re soaking in a fragrant bath or refreshing under a shower, taking the time to care for your skin and body is a powerful way to relieve stress and nurture yourself. By following these simple steps, you can craft a truly lovely experience— in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy your self-care day and remember that the best spa is the one that makes you feel most at peace.

How to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) Festivals in Your 30s

The 3-day festival: a marathon of music, vibes, and questionable choices. In your 20s, you could wing it with no real plan and still make it through relatively unscathed. But in your 30s? You need a strategy, because waking up on Day 3 feeling like you were hit by a truck isn’t the vibe. Here’s how to keep yourself alive, functional, and maybe even thriving through a weekend of live music and beautiful chaos.

Easing Aches and Pains

Your body is not as forgiving as it used to be, so take care of it!

• Stretching is non-negotiable. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to happen. I highly recommend the Bend app for guided stretches you can do in your hotel room, campsite, or wherever you crash.

• Theragun it up. If you can swing it, a Theragun is a game-changer for sore muscles. A simple foot roller also does wonders after standing all day.

• Blister Band-Aids are a festival MVP. You don’t know pain until you’ve dealt with blisters in the middle of a dance floor. These are my go-to brand, life saver.

• Earplugs at every set. Ever been at a set so loud that you feel like your ears are bleeding? Yeah, me too. Wear the damn ear plugs, else risk tinnitus down the line. I use these at every single concert.

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is everything. No, you won’t get 8 uninterrupted hours, but you can set yourself up for success.

• Earplugs and an eye mask are essential. Block out noise, light, and all the regrets of staying out too late.

• Nap when you can. A quick snooze in the middle of the day can be the difference between thriving and barely surviving. Open up your tent for a breezy daytime slumber, or grab a picnic blanket and set out to find a cute nap spot on the festival grounds.

• Have a comfy bed set up. Have a decently comfy mattress, elevated off the ground if you can swing it, a good pillow and cozy blankets that are the correct level of warmth for the environment, and don’t forget layers to sleep in for chilly nights (fuzzy socks, beanie, mittens).

Fuel Your Energy

Forget running on just vibes—you need real sustenance.

• Eat actual food. Yes, that late-night pizza is incredible and worthy, but balance it with meals & snacks with nutrients. Some of my faves to bring with me are protein bars, meat sticks, and fruit pouches. You will get more tired from constant dancing if you don’t have proper sustenence.

• Hydrate like your life depends on it (because it does). Water is key, but electrolytes are the secret sauce. Stock up on electrolyte tablets or powder packets—they’re lightweight and a lifesaver. If you bring a cooler (which you definitely should), throw some coconut waters in there too. It’s the most amazing drink first thing in the morning or at the height of the day’s heat.

Avoid the Worst Feelings

Festivals have a way of amplifying discomfort. Here’s how to minimize it:

• Comfortable shoes are everything. Invest in inserts if needed (DrScholl’s to the rescue!), and change into fresh socks at least once a day. Your feet will thank you.

• Dust masks are your friend. Especially for outdoor festivals—your lungs will appreciate it more than you realize.

• Vitamins to the rescue. Pack your immune boosters and don’t forget to actually take them. My go to is magnesium glycinate for muscle relaxation and sleep aid. But find what works for you personally.

• Sun protection constantly. There’s nothing worse than being outdoors in the blazing sun with a sunburn. Wear your sunscreen and reapply regularly. Bring hats and loose scarves to cover shoulders.

The Takeaway

Festivals in your 30s are still incredible—you just need to approach them with a little more care and intention. Prep, listen to your body, and make comfort a priority. With the right tools and mindset, you’ll not only survive but thrive through the whole weekend. And hey, you might even wake up on Day 4 feeling...good? Ok probably not, but we can dream…