By Annette Campbell

The ultimate 'treat' for most Mums would be a day (or more!) of relaxation and bliss at a beauty spa. But many of us just don't have the time or the money for such an experience.

So why not pamper mum at home?

"You can re-create the 'day spa' experience in the comfort of her own home or have Mum over to your place for an extra special surprise," says Beauty Therapist, Sonia McErlane — owner of Hills Retreat Day Spa, Oakville, NSW.

"We like to be prepared for our clients to allow them to fully enjoy the experience, and you can do the same for your mum.

"Just follow our simple steps here for a very special Mother's Day!"

Preparation

• Take the phone off the hook and try to keep background noise to a minimum.
• Brew Mum a relaxing herbal tea.
• Prepare a fruit platter, with a jug of water with a slice of lemon to give to her at the conclusion of the treatment.
• Choose some of your Mum's favourite music, turn the volume down quite low, and on 'repeat' to allow the treatment to flow without interruption.
• Draw a bath with rose petals, light some candles and have an oil burner going to create a relaxing atmosphere. Allow her to soak in there for approximately 15 minutes.
• Have a fresh towel, dressing gown and slippers ready for her to use when she steps out.
• Close the curtains, dim the lights or turn on a few lamps slightly away from the treatment area to avoid bright lights being shone in her eyes. Scented candles are also a nice touch.

Treatment ideas

Foot exfoliation and massage

Exfoliant recipe: Mix brown sugar, honey and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Directions: Prepare a hot towel by placing a wet hand towel in the microwave, and heating for around 20 seconds just before you need it. Remove from microwave with tongs and carefully test temperature before applying to the foot at the end of the treatment.

Sit Mum on a comfortable chair. In a flowing movement, massage the exfoliant all over the foot and then soak in a large bowl filled with warm water to remove it. Have a few hand towels ready to dry the foot.

Apply a moisturiser to the feet, peppermint is revitalising. The key to a relaxing massage will be slow movements and the pressure that she likes.

Apply the hot towel over the entire foot and hold for a few seconds before wiping over feet.

Hand treatment

Directions: Massage moisturiser (you can add vanilla essence) over the top of her hand for a minute or so, then lift palm up so fingers are pointing up and palm is facing you.

Using small circles with your thumbs massage the palm of the hand. Rotate fingers one by one clockwise then anticlockwise, remember to keep movements slow. Go back to the first movement and complete sequence again.

Remove lotion with hot towel.

Face mask

Directions: Ask mum to lie down, close her eyes and relax. Place a towel under her head and a pillow under her knees. Ensure she is warm, place a light blanket over the top of her and make sure feet are well covered. You can apply Mum's favourite mask or make her a specialised one by using kitchen ingredients.

Avocado is soothing and rich in vitamins A, D and E. Mash with a fork and smooth over skin with a spatula. Good for sensitive and mature skins.

Banana is nourishing and rich in vitamins and minerals. Mash with a fork and smooth over skin with a spatula. Good for dry and mature skins.