It’s hot out.  We’re basically melting.  So what’s more relaxing than spending some time in the good ol’ AC, and pampering yourself?

Today I’m bringing you a few ways to treat yoself (Parks & Rec anyone?) to fun indoor activities, sure to leave you feeling hot, hot, hot!  And no, I’m not talking about the heat outdoors.

1) Use lemon halves as exfoliant for elbows and knees.

When I was little, my mom used to make me sit at the kitchen counter while she made dinner, with my elbows stuck in two lemon wedges. She promised it would help lighten the darkness around my elbows and also soften the skin. Of course she was right (if you haven’t learned this already, mother’s are always right).

2) De-puff under-eye bags with tea bags.

Brew tea using two bags. Place tea bags in the fridge and let them cool for 10 minutes.  Place under your eyes, the coldness will help reduce swelling, and bonus, enjoy a glass of refreshing iced tea as your eyes enjoy a refresher!

3) Make your own facemask.

There are a lot of recipes for make-your-own facemasks, but I LOVE oatmeal.  Not only is it a great breakfast, but it’s also a great exfoliant for your face!  Try making this at-home facemask - maybe even after enjoying some oatmeal with berries for breakfast.

Use one tablespoon oatmeal (steel cut is ideal) with three tablespoons of plain yogurt, then one tablespoon of honey.  Mix. Apply to face, and leave for 5-7 minutes.  Then rinse with a washcloth and warm water. Voila - smooth, baby-soft skin!  Add moisturizer afterwards.

4) Warm up your body lotion while you take a soothing shower.

Grab your bottle of body lotion and place on your radiator or in front of space heater for 5-10 minutes (if you can bear to turn that baby on in the summer heat).  Hop in a steamy shower. When you come out of the shower, grab your warmed up lotion for a spa-like moisturizing experience! Your pores will also be open from the heat in the shower and lock in that moisture!

Disclaimer: Don’t leave lotion in front of heat for too long, nobody likes the smell of melted plastic while they’re trying to relax. Or ever.

5) Rejuvenate hair from the summer sun with a soothing coconut oil treatment

Buy a bottle of coconut oil. Warm over a stove-top and place into a bowl.  Separate hair into thick pieces.  Apply coconut oil (make sure it isn’t too hot) to hair in sections.  Once all hair has been covered in oil, put hair into a bun. Relax and watch T.V. or listen to soothing music. If you’re going to do coconut oil treatment overnight, put a towel over your pillow, or use a pillowcase that you don’t mind staining. Wake up and wash out with regular shampoo!

Stay cool, feel fabulous and treat yourself, my friends!