Spavelously Single and Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Just because you are single and sans “the” Valentine partner, does not mean you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.  After all, you are not alone.  Valentine’s Day and mid-February might call for clear skies on the relationship front, however, did you know that the preceding months show rough conditions ahead. Research conducted by Yahoo! Personals shows that we are now in National Break-Up Season, the period between the start of winter and Valentine’s Day, when half of respondents said they are most likely to re-assess their relationships. Yes, and many may end.

Statistics indicate that the season started a few weeks earlier than in 2007, which may be a result of a new found independence felt by respondents. When asked if they have ever stayed in a relationship just to have a partner during the holidays or special occasion, 84 percent of respondents said “no.” In addition, “needing a date for an upcoming event or party” was the least popular reason that survey respondents would stay in a relationship they knew would not last.

Personally, I spent 47 wonderful years as happy and single.  So I understand how you may feel.  Nothing is better than indulging in spa treatments, chocolate baths, chocolate waxing, chocolate paraffin, champagne facials, and relaxing massages.  Go by yourself or spend the day with your girlfriends or guy friends.  Spa Parties are a great way to spend the day or the evening. Then again, why not show yourself how much you love and appreciate who you are.

If you cannot find a spa open on Valentine’s Evening in your area, host your own Spa Girls Party.  Remember there may be a mobile spa available in your area for massage.

Have a Chocolate Theme Party:  Dark Chocolate Preferred

Chocolate Food Ideas
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Light Food Bites
Red Jello Hearts

Possible Beverages
Chocolate Martinis
Hot Chocolate

Enjoy making and sharing some fun home spa treatments, while these do not compare to the job a professional can do, they are a fun way to relax and spend a day connecting to your friends.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Foot Exfoliant

Fresh fruits and nourishing oils are pure, potent sources of vitamins, antioxidants and moisture.  The ripe berries contain not only vitamin C but also salicylic acid, which helps to slough off rough, dead skin.

Strawberries contain a lot of water, so over blending will make this exfoliant too liquid. Ingredients: 8 strawberries, lightly mashed 3 tablespoons kosher salt 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 2 tablespoons olive oil Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until just combined. Use immediately. To use, massage into feet, rinse and dry off.

Chocolate Almond Body Scrub

This is an excellent recipe to gently and thoroughly exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells. Body scrubs feel wonderful and relieve the itch of flaking skin.

Ingredients: 2/3 cup ground almonds 1/3 cup oatmeal 1/2 teaspoon of herbs (lavender, chamomile, etc) (optional) Plain yogurt sufficient to make a paste  3 tablespoons cocoa powder Combine the dry ingredients in a blender or food processor until they are reduced to a coarse meal. Keep this "scrub base" in a glass jar with a screw top in a cool, dry space until ready to use. When you want to use the scrub base, scoop out 1/4 cup into a small bowl, and stir in enough plain yogurt to make a paste. Yogurt is a natural exfoliate known as alpha hydroxy acids, and they will slough off dead skin cells even without the scrub. Scoop up the paste with your hands or a washcloth, and rub over the body to exfoliate skin.  Rinse thoroughly.

Chocolate Honey Body Mask

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons pure clove honey
15 tablespoons cocoa powder

Mix just before use. Heat the honey gently in the microwave or in a pot of boiling water, so that it is smooth but not quite runny. Measure the honey into a shallow bowl and add the cocoa powder. Heat for another 10-15 seconds, and blend thoroughly.

To use, check the temperature to make sure it is warm and comfortable not hot.  Spread an even, thin layer over the body while it is warm but not hot. Allow to cool completely, drying for about 10 minutes.

Soak it off in the tub.

Foaming Hot Chocolate Milk Bath

The ingredients are packed with skin softeners like lactic acid, found in powdered milk. Soak in this rich milk bath to soothe and soften your skin.

Heat 3 tablespoons of dry bath mix with 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan and bring to a boil. Add the hot mixture to bathwater while the tub is filling.

Ingredients:  1 cup instant nonfat dry milk  1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder  1 cup baking soda  2 tablespoons cornstarch  2 tablespoons cream of tartar  2 tablespoons ground cinnamon Heat 3 tablespoons of dry bath mix with 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan and bring to a boil. Add the hot mixture to bathwater while the tub is filling. Any of the dry ingredients may be stored in a sealed jar in a cool dry area.  This is a good Take Home Party Favor.