But instead of spending the big bucks at a fancy salon, 28-year-old Stawasz just creates her own.

"It's just a relaxing thing. It's really soothing and comforting and it helps you forget about all of your troubles," Stawasz said.

And with the right fragrances and products anyone can create their own spa.

Robert Ruiz / The Times

Aromatherapy, or the use of scents to create a mood, is one of the most popular ways to wind down in the tub, said Heather Conly, owner of Bath Junkie, a "deli style" bath products store that sells custom-blended bath and body products in more than 150 fragrances. It's located in Pierremont Common on Line Avenue and online at www.bathjunkie.com.

"You want a place that's relaxing. If you can go in your bathroom, close the door and maybe sip some wine then you're doing great," Conly said.

All it takes is a little creativity. For the right touch, Stawasz uses her own method.

"I usually use the Bubbling Bath Crystals from Bath Junkie and candles," she said. Then she kick backs and reads a magazine while she gets rejuvenated. Also, check out Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa line, which includes a number of self-pampering products.

Or, if you really want to get imaginative and save money at the same time, look no farther than your refrigerator. "It really is easy to use ingredients that you have on hand at home," said Julianna Lipe, owner of a natural skin care line Essencia available at The Village Washstand in the Pierremont Common and online at www.essenciaonline.com.

Turn on some soft music, get comfy and pamper yourself with these hot picks: Pick the right fragrance

"It's a lot about the fragrance," Conly said. "In most cases when people think of aromatherapy they think of real herbal fragrances and scents such as lavender, chamomile and peppermint." Stawasz said her favorite scents are oatmeal milk and honey and mango.

Bathe in scented crystals

Float away with bath crystals, a rocklike mineral substance that dissolves into your bath water and loosens your body muscles to help you relax. Hot picks Bubbling Bath Crystals at Bath Junkie. Price: $19.50

Scrub away your cares

Slough off that tired, dead skin with a smooth exfoliating scrub. Hot picks: Essencia's Rosemary Mint Body Polish, Bath Junkie's Exfoliating Salt Scrub or Bath & Body Works' I'm in the Mood For Scrub Sudsing Skin Scrub. Price range: $6-$25

Light the way to relaxation

If you really want to de-stress, just follow the song lyrics of R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass: Turn off the lights and light a candle. For an added touch, Stawasz enwraps her candles with scented wax beads, "that way as the candle burns, the wax beads melt as well, forming one candle. Try Bath and Body Works RealEssence Candles, Bath Junkie's Scented Candles in Wild Juniper Herb. Price range: $5.75-$17

Facial scrubs

Don't leave your face out. Make your skin feel brand new with a facial scrub or mask. Hot picks: Essencia's Rhassoul Facial Masque. Price range: $12-$16