Spa Splurge

There’s nothing like a spa service to soothe your aching body and de-stress from the workaday world. Here are this month’s top picks:

Spa Du Soleil Home Spa
Therapists will show up at your doorstep with Tibetan cymbals, Mediterranean decors, portable music players, potpourri, massage beds with fresh linens, and soothing hot tea. All you have to do is lie down and relax and they’ll treat you like a princess. You can choose from their Mediterranean-inspired services that start at P500. For more info, visit. www.soleil.ph.

Ace Water Spa
Discover the magic of water therapy with water-based spa treatments. Their modern services bring an interesting twist to the Jacuzzi lifestyle. Who would have known that bubble baths and hot dips can treat various ailments? For more info, visit www.acewaterspa.ph/

DIY Spa

For spa lovers who are on a budget, Spa Du Soleil’s Robbie Francisco shares his home spa treatments with ingredients that you can pluck from your own garden or kitchen.

Eye Rehab
After a long day at work, place thinly sliced frozen cucumbers on your eyes to ease the stress and puffiness.

Dessert Facial
Mix mashed bananas, a bit of oatmeal, and 1/4 cup fresh milk. Apply and rub the mixture on your face before stepping into the shower, as this can be messy.

Towel Therapy
For warm summer nights, spread a chilled scented towel on your face. Use just a spritz of your favorite fruity body spray for the cold towel. For chilly evenings, use hot towels with drops of fresh lemon.

Zit Zapper
If you have acne or pimples, slice calamansi in two and gently apply it over the affected areas of your face. Be careful not to get calamansi juice into your eyes. Cool it off with ice cubes or cold compress. The acidity of the calamansi will zap the zits, so expect to feel a tingly sensation.

Foot Dip
Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with three tablespoons of salt in a basin of warm water. You may add flower petals for a more sensory experience. After dipping your feet for 10-15 minutes, dry it off with a towel and spray on some peppermint before bed for a fresh and cool feeling.

Cereal Scrub
Mix small equal portions of oatmeal, milk, honey and coconut oil in a bowl. Scrub the mixture all over your body in the shower. You may also use a loofah. Rinse thoroughly before stepping out of the bath.

Alternative Birthdays

Is it time to blow out another candle? If you’ve had too many drinking and clubbing parties already and you’re looking for an inventive way of celebrating your birthday, check out these fresh and fun party ideas:

Clown Around
A carnival party isn’t just for kids. Teens and adults alike can take a stroll down kiddie lane and spend a day at the local carnival. High-end carnivals offer discounted birthday packages for the celebrant and his/her guests. You can invite 30 of your closest friends and start off with an hour or two of merry eating at the carnival’s function area. Order in burgers, candies, cakes, and everything sweet and fun. Then you’ll spend the rest of the day going on the rides, playing games, winning prizes, and horsing around like kids. You and your friends will have a smile on your face for days.

Birthday-friendly carnivals:
www.enchantedkingdom.com.ph, www.starparks.com.ph

Share Your Cake
Many less-fortunate children in the Philippines have never even celebrated a birthday party in their entire lives, let alone have a decent meal. Instead of splurging on yourself and your friends for your birthday, why not share your blessings with needy children? You can organize a birthday party at a charity ward or bring street children to a fast food joint—the possibilities are endless. Watch them play around and have genuine smiles on their faces as they eat the cake and play games like every child should. You’ll have the most meaningful birthday you’ve ever had.

For help in organizing a charity birthday party, contact The Birthday Club at www.friendster.com/54451136 or join their yahoo e-group, the_birthday_club

Bowled Out
Channel your inner bowling superstar and sign up for a night of fun with friends. Bring your own socks and try to get as many strikes as you can. Most bowling arenas have food areas where you can order a pizza or other tasty snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the night. Make an arrangement with the management to see if you can get a group discount or other special offers.

Thumbs-up Bowling Arenas: Paeng’s Bowling and Billiard Center, 4/F Robinsons Galleria; SM Bowling Centers at www.smbowling.com

Sparty On!
Have you been working as hard as a horse and all you want is to rest and relax on your birthday? Don’t waste your day snoozing in your bedroom. Learn about the newest rave in the world of spas—home spas. High-class spas will bring everything to your doorstep—aromatic oils, fresh linens, portable soothing sounds, Mediterranean-inspired décor, and even the spa beds! All you have to do is sit and wait in the comfort of your own home and the therapists will bring the whole shebang for a price that won’t break your budget. For special events such as birthdays, home spas offer irresistible party packages. You and your hardworking friends will get the must-needed R&R while celebrating your special day.

Home Spas: Spaholics Home Spa (02) 633-5880 / (0917) 5313531; Zencia Home Spa (02) 435-8584 / (0922) 8-ZENCIA / (0922) 731-5071 / www.zencia247.com; Spa Du Soleil (02) 381-9242 / (0922) 430-4999 / (0921) 257-6999 / (0915) 212-7999; www.soleil.ph;