During these harsh times with work, school and always running around, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves.

We forget to set aside a day just to relax and pamper ourselves. But with this recession who’s financially able to spend between $150 and $200 for a day in the spa?

I have never gone to a spa, or had a facial or a pedicure. I have only had two manicures in my life and those didn’t come cheap.But I found out ways where pampering yourself can be achieved without hurting your budget.

With a little time and effort, you can have a spa day at home. Not only are you going to be saving money, but you’ll also feel fresh, re-energized and relaxed.

First, set a day aside just for yourself. Pick any day of the week you know will come without any interruptions. Just like any spa, pick out items that you know would help you to reach spa nirvana at your home.

Besides the obvious manicure, pedicures and facial mini set, which you can find at any store for a low price, get creative with candles, background music, a robe, slippers, towels, lotions and body sprays.

When at home, find a private room, such as the bathroom. You can transform it into your own private sanctuary. When you begin your spa day, light some aromatic candles all around your bathtub. If you worry about dripping wax and maybe setting your bathroom on fire, buy some candle impressions.

These are candles called Flameless Candles Votive and it can be purchased online for $7.50 and will last you five days. Instead of lighting the wick, you’ll need two C batteries and it operates and looks like a real candle.

Put some music on to fill the atmosphere and make your worries fly out the window, at least for a day. Enya is a good singer to relax to, since her voice is very smooth and not over powering. You can also play music with sounds of a rainforest or the ocean. Again this can be music you like to unwind to. If you unwind to Slipknot, by all means put it on.

Not into candles? Light some incense. I recommend burning some lavender. It helps reduce stress, headaches, stiffness, cold-like symptoms and improves circulation. You can buy one packet of three for $1.49 on LuckyVitamin.com.

One good trick about doing a spa day at home is you’ll use things you already have at home. For example, fill your tub with equal amounts of water and fat free milk. Don’t use whole milk because your skin will tend to get oily. You can also use powdered milk.

Add oats to make the water thicker and use them to scrub your entire body. It will leave your skin smooth like a baby. Also add about two teaspoons of honey for fragrance.

Honey is a natural component that is used to treat cuts or ulcers. It can also be an energy booster since it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that the body needs.

After coming out of your milk bath, dry yourself off with your towels right from your closet. Make sure it’s not a newly washed towel because they tend to be hard and it can scratch your skin. Then slip on your robe and slippers.

If you want to go all out, buy new ones from Bath and Body Works. You can buy a robe for $20, but the slippers come a little pricey, ranging from $18 to $79.50. An alternative to the slippers would be their Lounge Socks Infused with Peppermint Oil and Shea Butter for $7.50.

After that wash your face with Ambi Fade Cream for Oily Skin. You can buy it at Walgreens for $5.29. It helps to not let your skin color fade, contains sunscreen and helps achieve healthier looking skin. Apply a facial mask and place freshly cut cucumber slices on your eyes.

With your facial mask on, give yourself a manicure and pedicure. Buy a Sally Hansen complete manicure and pedicure set for $13.99. This set contains all the tools you need and also has five nail polishes for both your hands and feet.

After you’re done, finish by applying your favorite lotions and body sprays. Use the ones you have or go to Victoria’s Secret and buy seven for $35. You can mix and match lotions, body sprays and body gels.

If you choose to buy everything I have mentioned you would be spending less than $100, and many of the things you may already have in your home.