It's been a long week. You feel burned out and would like nothing more than to shut the world out for a few hours. Maybe even allow yourself to get a little bored (remember that feeling? I don't.)

If funds are too tight to cover a full day at the spa, it's up to you to recreate an indulgent day at home.

Step 1: Prep your oasis

It sucks to put in a few hours of elbow grease the day before some dedicated R & R, but it'll be even more difficult to relax with dirty dishes in the sink and a scummy ring in your bathtub. Tidy your space to persnickety cleanliness so you won't be tempted to quickly throw in a load of laundry on your day off.

We prefer Method All Purpose Surface Cleaner in Lavender for an aroma-therapeutic, eco-friendly clean

Step 2: Banish the masses

Find a non-confrontational way to ask your family or roommate to bug off for a day. Send your boyfriend or husband on a fact-finding mission to scout out his perfect plasma TV (that should clear up a whole weekend, never mind just a day). Silence your telephone ringer and declare your laptop out of bounds until further notice.

Step 3: Indulge your senses

Pull out all the mood-making musts - candles, chocolate truffles, fresh fruit, and your favorite music (you know, the one your boyfriend thinks is too new age-y and never wants to hear). Ditto for sweet champagne or Bailey's on ice.

We adore Nestle Noir Intense dark chocolate

Step 4: Indulge your body

Draw yourself a proper bath. This one time, relax your water conservation standards a little and fill the tub up properly. Add ridiculous amounts of your favorite bubbly scent.

We love Aquolina Bagno Bath Foam in Vaniglia

Wrap yourself in a dryer-warmed terry cloth bathrobe, preferably one you'll stay in for the remainder of the day.

Step 5: Indulge your mind

With everyone out of the house, you can read your trashy romance novel or watch your TiVo'd soaps without catching flack. Now is not the time to create frown lines while concentrating on a Dostoevsky tome.

We recommend anything from Sophie Kinsella for a light distraction.

Step 6: Finale

You want to finish your day on a high note, and that certainly doesn't include chopping vegetables or washing dishes. Dress up and head out for dinner with your man to your favorite little Italian place (we all have one of those), followed by a long walk - to make up for the ginormous piece of tiramisu you allowed yourself for dessert, of course.

Sometimes the best ways to relax are also the simplest. What's your secret to an inexpensive day of indulgence?

by Claire Rahn