A special guest post

Those of you that are loyal Style Dossier  fans know how much we love our homemade beauty products. It's amazing how products found right in your kitchen can make you feel luxurious, just like a spa would. We've partnered with Michelle Pino, who just happens to be a manager at Skana Spa in upstate NY, to give out some of her amazing DIY beauty treatments. Go on ahead and pamper yourselves, we sure are!!

Pamper Yourself With "Me" Time At Home
Moms always have the perfect answers to everyone’s dilemmas, and the strength to take care of every member of the family. No one ever said being a Mom was easy, and there will never be sufficient minutes in the day, but when there is already too much on your plate, and you have lost the teleportation machine that allows you to be in two places at once when will you possibly find the opportunity to take care of yourself? The answer is – the time has to be made to do it; even if it is simply stealing a second or two while everyone else is sleeping.

With summer right around the corner everyone wants to be beach ready. Winter can do a number on your skin and visits to a spa are not always in the budget. Howeverwith a little creativity and a few simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry already, the luxury of a spa can be had at home for when those prized moments arise. As women and mothers we work hard and deserve to take a little time to pamper ourselves. Before the personal gas tank runs on empty, take a moment or two to recharge those batteries with one of the easiest DIY body scrub recipes you can find. It only takes a minute to make which is perfect because sometimes that's all you have.

What you'll need

Approximately 1/4 cup table salt or sea salt depending on your preference

Olive oil, however, grape seed oil can be used as a substitute if preferred

A small plastic container for mixing

Essential oil of whatever scent you choose - optional

Instructions

Pour the salt into the plastic container

Pour the oil in just until it passes the top of the salt. Addthe essential oil if you choose

Mix it thoroughly

Spread over your body

Rub in gently with your fingers. Make sure not to rub it in too much, salt is an excellent exfoliate, and can be abrasive to those who have more sensitive skin types

Rinse off thoroughly

Reveal your new skin

Grape seed oil can be substituted for the olive oil. The advantages of using it instead are that grape seed oil includes nutrients that are great for your skin such as Vitamins E, C, and Beta-Carotene. Grape seed oil promotes healthy cell structure and prevents and heals stretch marks. While olive oil might do an adequate job here in moisturizing your skin, the bonuses of grape seed oil make it an effective replacement.

This recipe does not have a shelf-life, so only make enough of the mixture for an individual use. Skin will seem like it's been given new vitality and the recipe does not get any more simple to make. You will be surprised with how vibrant and smooth this mixture will leave your skin looking and feeling. Remember to put yourself on the list of things that need to be taken care of and before you know it, you will be back up and running full speed ahead.

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Michelle Pino, is a Spa Manager at Skana, a spa in upstate New York at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.  She enjoys DIY projects, healthy recipes, exercise, and all things related to skin care. If you have any comments or questions feel free to contact Michelle via email at michellepino@turningstone.com