Today marks the first heat advisory of the season. It’s gonna be a long, hot summer folks. And like most Valley dwellers, I’m already planning a summer jaunt westward. From the balmy beaches to the grape-covered hills of wine country, California hides a bevy of acclaimed resort spa destinations, each with distinctive styles and offerings […]
Archives for 2007
Mother's Day at the Spa
What does every mom want for Mother’s Day? According to our completely unscientific survey, nine out of 10 moms want a day at the spa. Here are just a few to consider: The Centre for Well-Being at the Phoenician, Scottsdale Expecting moms need love too! The Mother-to-Be day of relaxation package begins with a 50-minute […]
Handicapped Accessible Spas
A few weeks back, we got an email from a user requesting a list of handicapped accessible spas. Apparently, one of the Valley’s most beloved spas had some serious limitations and she was very disappointed in her experience. But we won’t point fingers and instead, we put together a list of spas in greater Phoenix […]
Mani Madness
Nothing beckons in spring like soft hands and pretty fingers. Here’s the quick rap on an easy home spa manicure. Before you start, gather all your tools, a few clean hand towels and something nourishing to sip while you work. 1. Clean and Shape Remove old lacquer with non-acetone polish remover. Clip only the tips […]
Go For Glow
Lackluster skin, feet the texture of 40-grit sandpaper, and elbows so scratchy they could cut glass all mean one thing: time for a springtime scrub-down. And lucky for us, spas do come in a jar. Prepare to go bare with these energizing, spa-inspired body scrubs. You’ll find one to please every taste and for every […]
Battle of the Bump
It never fails. Just before any big shindig, a pimple the size of Texas erupts somewhere front and center on my face. My standard pre-party checklist: a hot Betsey Johnson number, a trendy piece of jewelry, shoes to kill and a super-size tube of blemish cream. But there is help. Armed with a game plan […]
Love Thyself
You love yourself. You think you’re grand. You go to the movies and you hold your hand. You wrap your arms around your waste. And when you get fresh, you smack your face. That, my friends, is a twisted nursery rhyme that I picked up in my formative years and can still able cite from […]
Tried-and-True Cucumber Soak
Okay, it’s not just a wives’ tale … cucumbers really do help relieve puffiness, sore eyes and eye fatigue. Cukes have a high water content, which helps soothe and cool eyes. The trace amounts of salt help draw excess water from the tissue surrounding the eyes, reducing puffiness. They also help to tone and firm […]
The Sassy Side of Sunscreen
Okay, even I admit an article on sun protection may sound as exciting as folding laundry. But I’m here to tell you sun protection is essential in our quest for healthy skin. And healthy skin is VERY sexy. So now that I have your attention, I’ll make this short and sweet. If you get anything […]
Toxic Avengers: Detoxifying Spa Treatments
Straight from the SpaGirl handbook, “toxic” refers to any person, thing or situation that muddies one’s spiritual or physical growth. Toxins can manifest their spiteful little selves in everything from the air we breathe, the food we eat, to the buildings we live and work in. It’s no wonder that the superhero of chemical spills, […]
Miracle Mineral Mud Mask
Mineral-rich mud draws impurities from the skin while feeding it with nutrients and leaving it refreshed and luminous. The powdered mud or clay used for this recipe can be found at your local health food store. Here’s what you need: 2 tablespoons powdered clay (bentonite or French green clay) Non-carbonated mineral water 2 tablespoons powdered […]