BAKING UP BEAUTY

Trips to the spa tend to be put on the back burner when job security is at a level red. We don't blame you for removing spa treatments from the monthly to-do list, but we'd like to help you put them back on.

No, this isn't a giveaway announcement. Rather, we'd like you to slip on that terry cloth robe, dust off your Enya CD and get out your mixing bowls. Prepare for a spa treatment that comes right out of your kitchen.

"You can definitely achieve results at home," says Jennifer Frederick, spa director at Ritual Salon and Spa in Las Vegas. "You're not going to get the relaxation and pampering part, but you can achieve the look you want."

Take a look at the three spa treatment recipes Frederick whipped up for us. Each involves ingredients you probably have in your pantry or fridge already and takes minutes to prepare.

Exfoliating Coffee Body Scrub

2 cups of coarsely ground coffee

1 cup raw sugar or sea salt

2-3 tablespoons massage oil Mix ingredients together. (For dry skin, use sugar. For oily skin, use salt.) Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto skin with strong, even pressure. Shower off, pat skin dry and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion or body butter. The coffee grounds slough off dead skin and the caffeine tones skin.

Estimated price at average spa: $80-$95

Hydrating Honey Oatmeal Facial

1 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk

1 cup oatmeal

2 tablespoons honey

Finely grind or process the oatmeal in a blender or food processor. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir together honey and yogurt and then add grounded oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until reaching a smooth paste consistency. Smooth over your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. The honey protects skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and the yogurt hydrates skin.

Estimated price at average spa: $95-$110

Avocado Dry Skin Mask

One egg yolk

One avocado

Beat the yolk of an egg until light and frothy. Add the mashed pulp of half an avocado, blending it well. Cleanse your face thoroughly before spreading the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly. Relax for 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water and a mild skin lotion. The egg yolk is a smoothing agent and the avocado improves age spots and scars. Estimated price at average spa: $95-$110