Kitchen Spa

Tita Len-len's Wais Tips

By Len-len Pataytay

                Sun and sand spells summer. But with the ensuing crisis, maybe a 'staycation,' as the TV ad goes, is more practical than packing up to Boracay or Bohol.

                Now, your trusty Tita Len-len does not only love a clean household. I do spend time making sure I stay beautiful sans the crisis. Remember what the classic Disney movie Mulan says: The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful of all.

                So, instead of jet-setting or island hopping, which can be quite expensive, why not stay at home and create your own spa?

                If you think spa treatment can cost much, think again. Our kitchen is the best source of spa materials that can revive the goddess in every woman.

                Let's start with the hair, the crowning glory. Rebond costs more than a thousand but pure coconut milk treatment can do that same trick. No wonder commercial shampoos claim to contain this ingredient that promotes hair texture, volume and color.

Photo source: www.drgranny.com

                Squeeze coconut milk straight from freshly shredded coconut. Do not add water. You may also boil the milk and let it cool before applying on hair. Let this hair mask stay for an hour or if you can tolerate the odor, for half the day. Rinse with mild shampoo and allow the oil to remain on your hair until the next day. Perform this weekly and your hair comes to life again!

                The face-women all over the world are obsessed with their faces. Why not? It is our capital. It is the mirror of our personality and emotion. The entire beauty industry is worth billions of dollars because of this relatively small body part. But, forget the dollars and turn to your kitchen, again.

                Usually, we throw overripe bananas away unknowing that they're the best ingredient for a super moist banana cake and the best face mask for the summer. Bananas when mashed and put on the face absorbs the excess heat especially when you have just come in after soaking under the sun. It actually is the best after sun mask you can give your red hot, or burned skin. It also helps remove excess oil.

Photo source: http://morenewsfromvg.blogspot.com

                But never, ever forget that the best beauty regimen in your kitchen is water. Drink water to cool your body off. Drink water, not softdrinks or sugary juices, to quench your thirst and maintain the proper skin moisture to make it glow. But, avoid drinking ice cold water because it actually makes you even thirstier and makes you drink more than what your kidneys can handle.

                After eating a fatty, oily, meaty meal, instead of grabbing something icy cold, gulp down warm water because it aids digestion. Now, this one is for a firmer bikini worthy tummy.

                See? The most common kitchen ingredients can actually be fed directly to your skin especially a number of fruits like banana and avocado. So, what do you have to go to a Boracay spa for when the delicious, relaxing one can be experienced right in your own home?