Well, we all know that exercise is indeed very important to our overall health and well-being. But you don't need to belong to a gym to get a good workout, that's for sure. Something as simple as a vigorous walk every day will definitely help. We'll provide more information on exercise as we go.

But what about that spa treatment we mentioned? They can be expensive. But, here are some ways to "treat" yourself without going to the spa.

Many items you can find right in your own kitchen are excellent for things besides just eating. You can make your own home-madescrubs, exfoliants and facials. You may also want to invest up-front, in some "essential oils" that you can use as you create your very own spa treatments.

Here's a sample of what can be done to take you from the kitchen to the bath...without spending a fortune.


Sea Salt Body Scrub

Sea salts are typically rich in minerals and seem to have rejuvenating and healing properties.

Take 1/2 cup of finely ground sea salt and mix it with 2 Tbs. of extra virgin olive oil, in a small bowl. Dampen your skin and rub the salt and oil blend from head to toe. Rinse off in the shower. Your skin will be moisturized as well as exfoliated.

Strawberries are abundant with mild fruit acid that acts as an exfoliant. This mask will soften your skin and even out your skin tone.

Strawberry Facial Mask

3 medium-size, very ripe strawberries

Remove the stems from the berries and cut the berries into small chunks.

Mash berries into a juicy pulp using a mortar and pestle.

Dip fingers into strawberry pulp and massage onto dry, freshly cleansed face and throat.

Leave mask on for about 20 minutes. Rinse off with war water and pat dry. Follow up with a moisturizer.

Both of the spa treatment recipes above are used by permission from the Vegetarian Times.