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 […]
Mind, Body and Palate
Long gone are the days when spa cuisine meant a paltry heap of bean sprouts served with a side of fresh cut grass. Just as the spa experience has become more accessible, so too has healthy, nourishing cuisine high in flavor. And what better place to indulge your taste buds than in the sanctity of […]
Sunny Side Hand Conditioner
This citrus-spiked hand oil replenishes moisture in parched, overly dry hands. Keep it next to the kitchen sink and rub onto knuckles frequently! Here’s what you need: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (organic preferably) 5 to 7 drops orange essential oil Here’s what you do: Shake the oils together thoroughly in small glass jar […]
Mind Over Meltdown Soap
Whipping up a few bars of your own soap is about as easy as making “homemade” chocolate-chip cookies (fresh from the cold section of your local grocery store). And the best part? You can’t eat soap (well, you can but we wouldn’t recommend it). Break out these homemade soaps when you want something pretty in […]
Markey's Funny Bone Rub
Possibly the unsung heroes of our bodies, elbows take on a heap of wear and tear. They prop up our heads when our necks give out, absorb the shock of a rogue tennis swing and even catch us when our stiletto heel breaks and sends us sprawling on the sidewalk. Inspired by Garden of Wisdom […]
Stinky Feet Be-Gone Spray
A cooling and deodorizing spritz for your feet and body. Great for stinky boy feet! Here’s what you need: 1/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup vodka 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 3 to 5 drops tea tree oil 3 to 5 drops lemon essential oil Here’s what you do: Combine all ingredients and pour into […]