How to Have a Spa Experience in the Kitchen

March 27, 2008 at 3:41 am | In Travel Tips, tips | 3 Comments
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There’s nothing like hitting up a spa when you’ve just done some phenomenal feat at work, closed that deal, took care of nephews for a weekend, etc. The feeling of rewarding yourself for a job well done should be part of everyone’s lifestyle — you could hit up Bora Bora, Stevenswood or even Red Mountain.

But sometimes, (most times, really) tearing yourself away from reality is impossible, be it a job you can’t leave, a family member you have to take care of, or quite simply savings that you can’t touch.

Have no fear though, here are a couple of kitchen spa treatments that I’m sure most of us can indulge in, even at home, budget or not.

Milk and Honey Facial Scrub

This is a very simple facial scrub that will moisturize your face. (Though if you’re making this, or any of the other treatments, make sure to inform the family, they might eat the leftovers, thinking that you’re cooking up some kind of flan.)

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons of non-fat powdered milk
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Dump the powdered milk into a clean bowl and pour in the honey, mix it well to form a nice thick paste.

Wet your face with some warm water and scoop up some of the paste, scrub for 15-30 seconds, then rinse off with warm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Doesn’t that feel nice?

Apple Cucumber Facial Mask

This is an easy to make face mask using ingredients you can find in the fridge.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves
  • 1 drop lime essential oil

Combine the cucumber, egg white, lemon/lime juice and apple mint in a blender. Blend it using the lowest (or medium) setting until it becomes smooth. Add the essential oil and mix well. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse your face well, then apply a layer of the mixture to your face and the neck area. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. The citrus juices act like astringent, and is good for oily skin. Isn’t that refreshing?

Cinnamon Hand Soak

This concoction will leave your hands silky smooth after use, and because of the cinnamon, it’ll smell yummy as well!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • A pinch of cinnamon

Mix all the ingredients in a microwaveable bowl that has enough room to fit both hands. Throw the mix in the microwave for 20 seconds, or until it feels warm enough but not piping hot!

Soak your hands in the mix for 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse your hands with lukewarm water, then pat it dry. Apply your favorite moisturizer to top off the soak.

Sugar Foot Spa

This will make your feet feel silky smooth that you’d swear you were wearing socks, even if you weren’t!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of your favorite moisturizing lotion
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 7 cups of water

In a large saucepan, heat the milk and water to a heat you can stand. While heating, mix the sugar and lotion until all the sugar is coated in lotion. When the milk/water’s on a heat you could tolerate, put it in a bowl big enough to fit both feet, then soak for about 10 minutes. After soaking, use your fingers to scoop some of the sugar/lotion mix and scrub the top, bottom and between-the-toes part of your feet. Stop when you feel like you’ve exfoliated enough, then wipe your feet off the excess sugar.

For added softness, (and maintenance) rub your feet with some moisturizing lotion and put those little piggies in socks ‘til you feel like showing ‘em off.

Gift Ideas by Occupation

March 18, 2008 at 1:50 am | In tips | No Comments
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(No, that’s no typo in the title, it’s supposed to be occupation, not occassion.)

My last entry was about gifts for the special men in our lives. Though most of the suggestions were generic, I had a thought — what of the men of profession? Would a pilot appreciate the gift of flight? Would a chef appreciate a dinner somewhere? Surprisingly, you could either go the direction of the man’s profession, or you could completely go the opposite way.

Here are a couple of suggestions for some of your father’s, brother’s or lover’s profession.

Photographer – My daddy’s a photography hobbyist, so he knows his cameras. Picture frames? We have those. Lenses? Too expensive. He collects the serious hardware, so you know what I got him? A toy camera! I got him one of those neat Holgas. The prices are pretty reasonable, plus, he’s gonna appreciate the old school ways of low-fi. (He loved it.)

Doctor – Obviously they are on call 25/8. The small little breaks they get are pretty important to them. Why not send him off? Far, far away into the Caribbean? Package deals are pretty good in that you could schedule exactly when you’ll be somewhere, and how long you’ll be staying. So he could be off to a vacation spot, and hopefully not for a seminar.

Chef – These guys are amazing — make the mistake of taking them to a restaurant where their tastebuds would rate everything bland? They’ll cook you up! So instead, a homecooked meal that YOU yourself prepare is something they can appreciate far more. And, hot girl, plus toque and apron? Yummy.

The Artiste – This guy could be a painter, sculptor, or musician. And if you think about it, art is keeping tradition alive, while creating something new out of it. A touch of the old-world charm’s bound to appeal to them. For artists, scour your local used-bookstore for some big old art book. They’re a bargain in those places. For the musician — pick out his favorite album (ever) and get him a copy on vinyl. He’ll love it.

Programmer / IT Guy – Yeah, gotta love these types! It’s a bit obvious but, most of these guys love their tech! And their sci-fi! Whether “Wars” or “Trek,” or whichever “Star”-based space opera they subscribe to, they’re bound to have collections of either DVDs, books, toys or other paraphernalia. Best suggestion is, instead of getting them any of those, spend some time for a DVD-marathon. Because most prolly if you get ‘em any of the media related to the fiction, they might already have it, and you’ll end up with a “i-have-this-already-but-thanks-anyway” look. If you get ‘em a gadget instead, it’s pretty easy to nitpick the tech specs of whatever you chose to give. And, it’s a big plus if you’re into it too, so spouting some obscure reference to that extra wearing an unusual alien costume in the outtake that didn’t make it to the final cut’s bound to make his head explode.

Those are actually a few professions from people I really do know, and they said they would really appreciate the suggestions. If you have any other professions that might require a specialized gift, hit me up, and we’ll think of something. :)

The Essential Gifts for the Men in Your Life

March 9, 2008 at 5:47 pm | In tips | 4 Comments
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As a girl, there are exactly five important men in your life: your dad, your little brother, your big brother, your best guy bud and your guy. (You may have any combination of the five, and all of them hold a very special place in your special-person-meter.)

All your life, they’ve been there — your first ballet recital, (l’il bro was there to tease, but you knew there was support) your first date, (either as the approver or chaperone) your first break-up, your first drink, the prom, and your first day at work — name it, either one or all of them have been there to lend a hand, or wave their imaginary pompoms to cheer you on. Now that you’re earning on your own, isn’t it about time to do something nice for ‘em?

The thing about men is … no matter how mature/older they are, deep down, they’ll always be little boys. No matter how elaborate, or how simple a gift you give, you will please ‘em.

For Li’l Bro:

An easy bet would be a toy. Get him a videogame! Or — if you’re not too sure what sort of game he’s into, get him one of those neat little Halo 3 Action Figures. (Every boy loves their Halo, I do admit a little understanding on that one :p )

For Big bro:

Get him a mean pair of sneaks! A cool pair of kicks that would go with anything is bound to be “the gift you will still see him wear a couple of years from now.”

You could also get him a blazer! The trend’s still going strong, and besides, it’ll teach him the importance of layering. A nice, neutral black one with some style and detail will spice up his shirt + jeans combo. (Remember, as far as size is concerned, as long as the sleeve cuts off just as it hits his collar bone means you are gold. Ninja-style measuring-his-arm-length would be in order.)

For Your Guy Bud:

Yes, platonic relationships DO exist, as far as the philosopher’s concerned. In every girl’s life, there will come a time when something will happen that she cannot tell her best gal pals — that’s what the boy bud’s for! Hanging out with one is one of the most fun and educational things you could do — think, different gender perspective.

If you’re bound to hang out with him — treat him to a day at the salon! (Or better yet, hunt down for a boy-salon that wouldn’t intimidate him.) Get him to trade his cheap hairgel for some higher quality hair wax.

If you know his perfume, it’s also a nice treat to give him that — or — get him one that you think will suit him. (And help him attract the ladies!)

For Your Guy:

He knows what you’re thinking! Give him a treat by making him surprise breakfast! (Some of the best things in life are still free, ya know.) Get him a nice, brightly-colored shirt that’ll boost his confidence. (And help him trudge through job interviews.)

To appeal to his inner child, (and surprise him too) get him one of those RC helicopters. There’s just something about men … and complicated systems they just have to master.

For Your Dad:

He will be the one man in your life that every other men will have to compare to, so his gift has to be the best one. Though, being a daughter, I’ve found that, however simple, or extravagant a gift is, Dad’s bound to enjoy it. It could be as simple as a nice shirt he could wear on casual Fridays, or as elaborate as you saving up for a trip for him (and mom! Of course!) to a spa.

However you look at it, life seems impossible without these men around. So here’s to being taken care of, and showing appreciation in return.

(note: This post was written to appease to all the guys giving me crap about the last post, and to show that I DO love the men in my life — this isn’t a cop-out! :p )

How to Play Mind Games with Your Boyfriend

March 6, 2008 at 3:12 am | In tips | 15 Comments
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lets play some mind gamesI’ve already written how to become the woman of his dreams. Now it’s time to have some fun. Pushing buttons is my favorite thing in a relationship — it’s incredibly personal, and it’s like an inside joke between the two of you!

WARNING: This is only recommended for the fun/frivolous dynamic couple types — if either one of you is easily rattled by change, then this isn’t for you.

Now, my idea for a relationship is 90% fun, 10% serious business. Your lives are entwined for a sometimes-brief or, sometimes-surprisingly-long amount of time. So it’s really your call if you’re still up for little tests to bring out some spice in a relationship, or finally just settling. Your problems are his, and his problems are yours. The fun part is annoying your boy-toy without becoming part of his problems. These would either drive him wild, or make him start remembering why he likes you in the first place. The purpose of these naughty schemes is finding out a little truth, and just plain punishment. We’re all wired to avoid pain and pursue pleasure, what if both stem from one person? This makes you hard to read, and not easily taken for granted. Now for some sexy saboteur-work!

Make demands when you know he’s busiest. After a hard day at work, he has a basketball game with his friends — ask him to come over with something after that, like, a cupcake, or the latest issue of your favorite magazine. If he, blessed with some amount of extra energy, does come by, give him a “goodnight and go.” If, say, he has a week for a vacation, occupy it by asking him to go some place, say, like La Samanna.

This little exercise tells you one of two things: is he flexible enough to surrender to a torrid terrorist, or is he just “too tired” to even see you? Don’t make this a determinant on whether or not you get to keep the guy, (if it’s a relationship, then you’re both entitled to co-ownership status, right?) it’s just a test. J (PS. Don’t do this if his busy-ness stems from family matters.)

Become a mistress for detail. Remember what he says about certain things, then quote him on it when he’s about to do the opposite. Like, for example, he says, “you’re the first thing on my mind when I wake up.” — give him a 3 am-wake up call and ask him what’s on his mind. If he says something like, “it’s 3 am!,” banter with, “I thought I’m the first thing on your mind when you wake up?”

Given, you may have caught him off-guard, but, does that mean that when caught off-guard, what he says and what he does are two different things?!

Hot and cold. Become hot or cold water based on … anything. I have this bad feeling when things get too good sometimes. Create a little drama. (Just a little, mind you.) Be amused at a small gesture he does for you (something you genuinely appreciate, I hope!) and reward him by being crazy for him that day. (This’ll surprise him.) Next day, just be cold.

For some reason, (and hopefully everyone can relate) when you act cold, it is magically assumed that you’re angry over something. If he gets guilty — why? Is there something to be guilty about? And what, girls aren’t allowed to be moody?!

Be open to bribes though, they’re fun to receive.

This was written as retaliation for some boy-crimes. (You know what they are!) Plus, I’ve been swept off my feet more than a couple of times already! These are for finding out some little facts about your boy-toy. Don’t let these be a measure on whether or not a relationship is worth keeping. (Make it a footnote!)

 

OC Tips for Travel Safety

March 4, 2008 at 2:14 am | In Travel Tips, tips, travel | 2 Comments
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Okay, so, say, there’s a period in which the government initiative for cleanliness kicks in and says no to sickness … “whoopee,” right? Well, that’s good for wherever you are, but what about when you travel?

I’m a bit OC when it comes to germs/bacteria and the like. (think: Adrian Monk) I find that, if I follow my compulsion to always wash hands, it’ll inevitably save my life. Here are a couple of things I do to keep my health safe for when I’m traveling.

 

Travel with clean stuff. Don’t mix and match the dirties with the clean clothes you have on your bag. Separate your toiletries from whichever compartment you keep your shoes. Make sure your bag’s at least clean before you start stuffing your clothes in it. (Bugs might’ve housed themselves in the bag while not in use. My worst fear is unleashing a horde of roaches on a plane by accident.)

Bring bottled water. (If, and when you can.) On a plane, or wherever your destination is. I find that, water differs from place to place, and that there’s really no portable way to make sure that tap water is clean wherever you are. Always bring bottled water. If this isn’t possible, boil the water (or add purification tablets) before you drink / refrigerate it.wash your hands

Bring your own set of face towels. Hotel towels are okay for drying the body, but for your face, you’re never too sure how they wash those things, plus, there’s a huge possibility that someone else has already used it.

Keep a hand sanitizer handy. Or alcohol. Always rinse your hands with ‘em before touching anything you have to put in your mouth.

Follow these few OC tips and you’ll be fine, wherever you are in the world.

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