My sister and I spent yesterday at a spa. It might seem like an indulgence, but every now and again I believe it is a necessity. A massage or a facial revives the spirit as it repairs the body. And sometimes everyone needs that kind of "ahhhhhh" experience.

But if there's no time for a day at the spa -- or if such luxuries are not in your budget - the Internet offers many great sites that show you how to create a spa right in your own home with recipes for fabulous lotions, creams, scrubs and tub treatments.

- Not only does this site link you to actual spas and salons around the world, it teaches you tons about home treatments and the ingredients and products you can use (many right off your shelves or out of your refrigerator) to replace the extremely expensive ones you might find at the spa. There are also some truly yummy recipes, a glossary of terms and a great article about how to host a spa party of your own.

- This page was created for Latina divas, but will work for the rest of us as well. Talk about pampering, this site covers everything from making simple scrubs and rich emollients to concerns and considerations for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Even if you only explore a few of the topics covered here you're sure to learn a lot.

- The About site has dozens of different sections on enjoying a spa experience, including suggestions on how to relax during your first visit so you can truly appreciate the pampering. But there also are plenty of suggestions for home treatments. Great stuff if it's for you. Even better for several friends to get together and treat each other.

- I didn't know Microsoft had a magazine. Well, it does and if you type "spa treatments" into the site's search tool you'll discover the computer folks know quite a bit about self-pampering as well. A list of articles will appear, including one that teaches you how to create your own private sanctuary and encourages you to insist on at least a few easy indulgences.

- Fabulous for you, even better with someone you love, this site covers everything from home spa treatments and physical caring for your body to the mental and emotional healing that often does as much toward turning back time and thwarting the aging process.

- I love this wonderful site from India. It's filled with all kinds of articles about the country, and features an entire section on the methods and techniques for a home beauty regimen and ways to embrace some of their more exotic rituals, including body decorating with henna.

- GoogoBits covers everything from tax planning to taxidermy, so you'll need to use the search tool if you want to pull up the articles and other goodies about home spas. Just key in "spa treatments" and you'll be directed to a page that has dozens, if not hundreds, of stories, hints and tips to point you in the right direction.

- I never would have guessed the Lands' End folks would be included in this particular column, but here they are. This is a fine article about the basic tools and techniques needed to recreate the mood and results of a professional spa experience. This one truly holds the key to becoming Miss Bliss - even if you're a Ms., a Mrs. or even a Mr.

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