Spa Saturday

One Saturday every month I make it a Spa Saturday! This is a day for myself. Pampering, good food and did I mention pampering?

You can do this at home and it will cut the cost tremendously.

Upon waking, have a great start to your day with breakfast ( you should eat breakfast every day, it really is the most important meal of the day!). I usually have a creamy Shakeology shake. This morning it was an almond joy (chocolate shakeology, 8 oz. almond milk, 1 tsp. almond butter, 1 tsp coconut oil and ice) I enjoy it in a tall glass with my glass straw!Next up is skin brushing. Get a natural bristle brush and start at your feet (don't forget the bottom of your feet), use upward strokes and go over your whole body (women should avoid the breast area). Pay special attention to the inside of your arms, behind the knees and your armpits. This stimulates your lymph system and helps your body to detox.

After skin brushing, it's time to work out. I am doing the Insanity workouts and they are HARD! It's a super sweatfest and then it's off to the shower or tub.

If you are a shower person, be sure to lather up with your favorite body wash. Using a loofah or bath scrubby will really get your blood flowing. If you are a bath junky, use a great smelling bubble bath or oils, light some candles and grab a good book and enjoy your soak in the tub. Baking soda in your bath will leave you skin silky smooth. If you are sore from working out, use epsom salts to soak away the pain!

While in the shower or tub, use a great conditioner for your hair! Leave it on and let the warmth and steam of the shower or bath work its magic.

After you get out of the shower or tub, smooth on a great lotion all over! Your skin will love it! I like to put on some comfy clothes - a great pair of sweats and t-shirt are perfect for the rest of the day!

I start at my toes and work my way up! A great pedicure after being in the shower or tub is just wonderful. I love to keep my toenails painted, but I can't stand chipped nail polish. Trim your nails, push back the cuticles and polish those toes! Since it's Halloween, a nice orange would be perfect. Be sure to let each coat dry completely before you apply the next one. It makes a big difference.

Move on to the your hands next. Use a very emollient lotion or scrub to get those hands soft and beautiful! I file my nails and push back the cuticles. I don't polish my nails, but I do like to buff them and they stay shiny!
Next is the face! I like to use a mask and scrubs on my face. DermaE has some great products. Vanilla Bean Cleansing Mousse smells so good and is so creamy and has an age defying formula. I also like the Microdermabrasion Scrub and the Cleansing Enzyme Mask. Gentle exfoliation is essential for a smooth complexion.

Then I like to put on my makeup. I've always been a Bare Essentials fan! I love the mineral makeup!!! I've recently discovered nvey eco makeup! I really like these products! The bronzer and eye shadows are really good and I especially like the lip gloss! I love that all the products are organic and natural. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and what you put on it matters!

Water, water and more water is so important for healthy skin and hydration. Be sure to sip on water all day! You should be drinking 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water every day! (minimum of 64 oz and max of 100 oz)

Once you have done your face and hair, you are ready to enjoy a nice leisurely day! Go to lunch/dinner with someone special. Be sure to eat healthy and make your Spa Saturday good for your whole body!

Kate's Raspberry Salad (from The Gorgeously Green Diet by Sophie Uliano)

one of my favorite cookbooks, be sure to pick up a copy today from your favorite bookstore!

Serves2

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 cup walnut or extra-virgin olive oil

Rind of 1 orange, grated

1 cup fresh orange juice

3 tsp raspberry vinegar

1 tsp honey

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup coarsely chopped and toasted walnuts

4 cups lettuce leaves

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced

4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts

Press half the raspberries through a fine-mesh sieve into a screw top jar, pressing on the solids to extract the juice. Add the oil, oarnge peel, orange jice, vinegar, honey, and slat and papper to taste and shake well.

Combine the remaining raspberries with the lettuce, onion and avocado in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing and top with the goat cheese, if using and the walnuts.