Aveda Institue! Day of pampering for a fraction of cost!

This past Saturday I went to the Aveda Institute in Columbus, Ohio. I expected a school like Vidal Sassoon Academy but man was it so much more! You are welcomed with their Comfort tea and it does relax you! All products used are Aveda except for the nail polish which is OPI.

The services take a bit longer because students perform the services but mine did not the girl was great!
I wanted the color on their website and they obliged!

I first got my long hair (mid-back) colored ($55) and cut ($22); I simply got a trim, but anytime they use scissors, it is considered a cut. While they are waiting for the color to set I received an arm & hand massage! Upon being time to rinse you are taken to a room where you do not sit down, you lie down!
On a big padded table, with your knees held up by a triangle support pillow. After rinsing you are given a mini facial! Toner, cleansing and a massage!!! No other way to have your hair rinsed! Awesome!

When my hair was finished being styled I then went to get my pedicure ($25). Great massage, paraffin dip (I got peach), and they use a paddle no razors to get calluses etc off! My toes and feet look great & feel so soft!!!

Total= $105 with tax! No tip is accepted.

Total for Aveda Salon- Color for long hair- $80+ (all over only, no highlites), cut $32+, Spa Pedicure- $59- Total= $171 without tax and tipping is expected for each service.

I then went to the other location to get a facial and my eyelashes tinted so I do not have to wear mascara for 6 weeks!

The elemental nature facial ($45) was good, did 2 masks, had a massage on the face also, while she waited for the mask to finish I received a foot & leg massage along with shoulder & upper back! great! Did a few extractions but you could tell she was a student when she asked if I had been able to get a pore to open and she was talking about my beauty mark! NOT GOOD!

That lasted about an hour-1.5 hours, and then I moved on to my eyelash tint ($13). Another student did this & she also did a great job! She didn't make my eyes sting which is awesome! Always make sure you take out your contacts prior to having this service performed!

Total cost at the school for these pampering services- $63 with tax and no tip allowed. 

Aveda salon: $70 and up+, $28+ and up! Tipping expected!

So, for the day of pampering that started at 8:45am & ended about 3:45pm my day cost - $168 + parking lot costs!

At an Aveda salon in Ohio (bigger cities is probably more!) - $269 without adding taxes or tips!!!

Over $100 saved and due to the fact that they may condition your hair more you may actually save even more!!! I will definitely try to make the trip up there again!

Econo Spa facial #3 Pumpkin Mask

So for a pumpkin mask, it's also pretty simple.

Pumpkin & the enzymes in pumpkin are great for your skin, especially facial skin.

In a blender mix some pumpkin, canned or fresh, about 1/4 cup & 1/2 apple along with some lemon juice (this is optional). Blend until smooth, refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm, and then using a brush, facial fan, or any other brush, these can be purchased at any craft store, just be certain the bristles are soft, apply to face, neck, & chest area. Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse off.

Not only is the smell delightful, your skin will say thank you with a glow! Just think, Spas are offering Pumpkin facials this month for a discount, $100! This is 1 Econospa doozie!

Econo Spa facial #2 Blueberry Mask

 Blueberries are very high in antioxidants & the yogurt contains lactic acid & amino acids that help your complexion and your skin look & feel not only fresher but more healthy!


Blueberry & yogurt mask

2 TBS of yogurt
1/2 cup blueberries (I use frozen)
a small amount of honey (for antibacterial purposes)

Blend it all in a blender and put it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Then when it is thick you can either apply it directly to your face, neck, & chest, or put it into a container to transport to your "econospa" location!

You can either save the rest for another mask or eat it!

Blueberries and yogurt are simply wonderful for your complexion!

Email me with any questions!

Spa Recipes for your own Econospa! #1

This is how I do a budget facial and spa day that doesn't cost $65+ alone for the facial! 

Find a gym with a sauna and steam room, mine has both!

Start with a light workout (or skip it your choice)
After your workout take a quick shower to get off the grime.
Get in the sauna for 10-15 minutes
Take another quick shower to cool yourself down.

For the steam room I always take some essential oil, whatever scent you like and add it to the room, typically everyone like Eucalyptus, or some sort of berry. 
Go into the steam room for 10-15 minutes.
Next simply dry off your face and apply any facial mask that you brought from home or made at home (recipe below). Let it set for 10-15 minutes then rinse off again in the shower and you will look as fresh as you would after a great facial.

Now, I use one mask for my face and I actually use a seaweed mask for my body, for your body simply rub some scrub prior or simply rub your body because the sauna and steam room will help you exfoliate naturally; (keep bikini bottom on or top both if you like)!

My gym's wet area is pretty slow during the time that I go but if anyone comes in and makes a weird face I simply inform them what I am doing and if they seem curious I offer them some mask. You'd be surprised how thankful they are afterward!!!!!