Have you caught the blowout bug? Blow dry bars are popping up across the country, and we couldn’t be more enamored with the process of having our manes professionally shampooed, blown dry and curled or straightened to shiny perfection. The downside is that an addiction to blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons can lead to frazzled locks and split ends. But there’s nothing like a good hair day, right?

Give your hair a day off with this protein and vitamin-rich avocado hair mask. All it takes is just three tried-and-true nourishing ingredients plus a dose of quiet time for hair (and mind!) recovery.

Here’s what you need:

• Half of one ripe avocado
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Here’s what you do:

Mash up the avocado and stir in the egg yolk and oil. Use a clean, medium-sized paintbrush to work the mask in from scalp through to the ends. Wrap hair in a towel or plastic shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse and follow with a clarifying shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. For extra shine, use a bottle of cool, natural spring water for your final rinse (such as Evian). Let hair dry naturally.

• Find a blow dry bar near you
• More about blow dry bars
• More DIY hair treatments
• WebMD tips for protecting hair from heat damage

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Grab your shades and join us for a summer that invites you to rediscover your inner ahhh! The annual Summer Spaaah Series events are back to soothe mind and body while raising funds for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a Phoenix-based organization that empowers women to transform their lives through engagement and education.

Your ticket to summer relaxation includes a VIP reception featuring delightful sips from Smirnoff Sorbet Light vodka, a spectacular selection of premium Bolla wines, cool refreshment from HINT Water, sumptuous bites from resort chefs and top caterers, mini spa services, wellness talks, beauty demos, a collectible Drybar tote bag spilling with products to soothe mind and body, and a Spaaah Certificate for a luxury spa treatment and full-on spa day. Shew, yes, all that plus more surprises in the works! Buy Tickets!

2013 Dates and Locations

• May 17: Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort, Phoenix
• May 31: Centre for Well-Being at The Phoenician, Scottsdale
• June 14: Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
• June 28: Dolce Salon & Spa Arrowhead, Peoria
• July 12: Agave, The Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort, Scottsdale
• July 26: Joya Spa at Montelucia Resort, Paradise Valley
• August 9: The Spa at Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale
• September 6: Dolce Salon & Spa on Lincoln, Scottsdale

Click to view slideshow.
Dates indicate the VIP reception where guests receive their gift bags and spa certificates. Certificates must be used within 30 days after that date.

Kick-off Celebration

We’re kicking off the season with a special open house at Fresh Start Women’s Foundation on Friday, May 3 so you can see exactly where your support goes. Everyone who joins us will get a chance to win tickets to the first event at Royal Palms on May 17! Click HERE to RSVP!

Details and Tickets

For details and tickets, visit summerspaseries.com.

And Finally…

The Summer Spaaah Series is all about tapping into your inner joy while doing good for our local community. We’d love for you to join us and share a summer of relaxation and rediscovery!

• Buy Tickets!
• Read the FAQs
• View the Photo Gallery

The post Summer Spaaah Series 2013 Tickets Now on Sale! appeared first on AZ Spa Girls.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the acclaimed AAA Five Diamond Phoenician resort, and they’re kicking it off with summer specials that will give you good reason to celebrate. Experience the 250 pristine acres of the Phoenician and the tranquil space of the Centre for Well-Being spa with these special summer offers.

Special Spa Discount

Through September, purchase two spa treatments at the Centre for Well-Being and receive 25% off both! Registered spa guests receive complimentary use of fitness studio, classes, meditation atrium and resort pools.

Details: The 25% off excludes salon services. Offer may not be combined with other promotions. Treatments must take place on the same day. Excludes holidays. Available Monday through Thursday. A 20% gratuity based on the regular full price of the treatments will be included. Offer expires September 30, 2013.

Book: To reserve your spa appointment, call the spa at 480.423.2452 or 800.843.2392. More spa specials.

Special Room Rates

From May 30 through September 30, reserve one night at a special starting rate of $199 and get every other night for $25! As a guest of the resort, you’ll enjoy elegant accommodations, tantalizing cuisine choices such as Il Terrazzo, J&G Steakhouse and Relish Burger Bistro as well as access to a championship golf course, 11 tennis courts and nine swimming pools.

Details: The first night is pre-paid and non-refundable. The second night will be adjusted to $25 upon arrival. The $25 rate is available every other night, regardless of length of stay. Offer is not valid with suite reservations. Valid on stays May 30 – September 30, 2013

Book: For details and booking, visit thephoenician.com or call 800.888.8234 and mention rate code: OUR25TH. More special offers.

Watch for additional specials and events commemorating The Phoenician’s silver anniversary launching throughout the remainder of the year!

The Phoenician is located at 6000 East Camelback Road in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, visit thephoenician.com or call 480.941.8200.

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At just 19-years-old, Lauren Hamilton churned her passion for natural, animal-free and organic products into a successful beauty business. What started as a terrible teen acne (we’re sure you remember those days as fondly as we do!) has flourished into Simply Sweet Body Scrubs, an all-natural, healthy and affordable line of scrubs.

Lauren tested many variations and combinations of natural ingredients to create a gentle and deliciously fragrant line of products to make skin look flawless, without sacrificing product integrity. Naturally, we had to pick her creative brain for a delicious DIY sugar scrub for you to try at home.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (purified) water
• 1/4 cup organic olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Here’s what do:

Blend all ingredients together until you get the desired consistency and scrub on your body while in the shower.

Lauren’s tip:

This scrub works wonders on dry flaky feet! Increase the batch size and store it in a jar. It will last for up to a year.

Get more info about Simply Sweet Body Scrub at simplysweetbodyscrub.com.

The post Simply Sweet Vanilla and Brown Sugar Scrub appeared first on AZ Spa Girls.

In my home, I go by many names — Princess of the Pooper Scooper, Lordess of the Laundry, Diva of the Dishwasher. But the name I answer to most often is Queen Bee (at least in my mind anyway). When all heck breaks loose and you need to be reminded of who you really are, whip up a few of these tub teas and soak away all those other responsibilities you’ve somehow inherited in your reign. Wrap a trio of tub teas with a pretty bow and they’re perfect for shower gifts, Mother’s Day brunch favors and thank you notes.

Here’s what you need:

• 1/2 cup powered whole milk
• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus or rose petals
• 3 to 5 drops rose essential oil
• heat-sealable tea bags

Here’s what you do:

Mix the milk and essential oil together until evenly distributed. Gently mix in the dried petals. Put a few spoonfuls of the mixture in a large, sealable teabag and seal bags with an iron. Makes about 4 tub teas.

The post Queen Bee Tub Teas appeared first on AZ Spa Girls.

Are you ready for a fabulous summer of Spaaah? To celebrate the arrival of the  2013 Summer Spaaah Series, we have partnered with Bolla Wines and Smirnoff Sorbet Light Vodkas to create the perfect summer spa getaway at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ for one lucky contest winner (and a guest!).

The winner will be our guest at the Summer Spaaah Series event on August 9th at the four-diamond Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale’s premiere gaming and entertainment destination. The resort features one of the largest casinos in Arizona, the award-winning Orange Sky Restaurant with panoramic views across the Valley, Vegas-style entertainment, a 36-hole championship golf course, two stunning pools and of course, The Spa at Talking Stick where guests can take in the 14th floor views in a relaxing yet energizing atmosphere.

Giveaway Details

One Summer Spaaah Getaway winner will receive:

• Two Tickets to our Summer Spaaah Event on August 9
• One-night Stay at Talking Stick Resort on August 9
• Two 60-Minute Select Spa Treatments*
• Two Gift Bags with Products for Mind and Body
• $75 Credit toward a Resort Dinner for Two

*Spa treatments must be used by Sept. 10, 2013.

How to Enter

To enter, complete the form below. Valid entries must be received before midnight on August 1, 2013. One entry allowed per email address. See contest rules below.

For more about the Summer Spaaah Series events, visit summerspaseries.com.

Please note: By completing the form above, you will be automatically subscribed to the Spa Girl Insider email list. Your privacy is important to us and Arizona Spa Girls will not sell, rent or give your email address to anyone. At any point, you can select the link at the bottom of every email to unsubscribe.

Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER.

HOW TO ENTER: Online Internet method of entry only. One entry per person. Complete and submit the online entry form before August 1, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time).

DRAWING OF GRAND PRIZE: Winners will be selected using a random number generator on or about August 2, 2013. Winner will be notified by email. The winner will be given 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within that time period, another winner will be chosen at random. No substitution for prize. Prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Taxes are the winner’s responsibility.

PRIZE AND APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE: The prize is a one night stay and spa services at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona as outlined above. Prize must be used on August 9, 2013. Prize cannot be combined with any other offer. A total of one (1) prize will be awarded, provided enough entries are received. Airfare and transportation are not included.

LEGAL: Sponsor and its agents are not responsible for any liability associated with the acceptance or use of or inability to use a prize. Sponsor and its agents are not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, or illegible entries or Internet technical, hardware, software, telephone, or transmission failures of any kind, which may limit a person’s ability to enter the sweepstakes. Sponsor and its agents are not responsible for any injury or damage to entrants’ or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from entering or downloading any materials in the sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or suspend advertising the sweepstakes on the Internet should a computer virus, unauthorized intervention, or other cause corrupt the integrity or proper conduct of the promotion. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entrant found to be disrupting the operation of the sweepstakes or its website. No transfer or assignment of entries is permitted.

GENERAL RULES: Officers, directors and employees of Arizona Spa Girls are not eligible to participate. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Arizona Spa Girls retains the right to alter the above rules at any time without notice.

The post Enter to Win a Summer Spaaah Getaway appeared first on AZ Spa Girls.

Fear not! We dug up Mother’s Day spa deals across the Valley and at every price point to shower mom with love and relaxation. And don’t forget a little something for you too!

Massage Envy Spas and Clinics, Greater Phoenix: With more than 30 locations across the Valley, Massage Envy Spas offer mom the gift of convenience and relaxation plus a little something extra for you. Give the gift that gives back with the following limited-time offers:

• Purchase a $50 gift card and receive a free enhanced therapy (choose from AromaTherapy, Sugar Foot Scrub or Deep Muscle Therapy)
• Purchase a $75 gift card and receive a free half-hour upgrade to your massage session
• Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a free 1-hour massage session

Free services are only valid at clinic of purchase. Offers expire June 12, 2013. In a time crunch? Purchase Massage Envy gift cards online and have them emailed directly to your recipient at massageenvy.com.

Arizona Biltmore Spa, Phoenix: Encourage mom to take time for herself with one of four popular treatments at 20% off during May:

• Ultimate Manicure – 50 minutes, $52
• Ultimate Pedicure – 50 minutes, $64
• Restorative Anti-Aging Facial – 80 minutes, $164
• The Dreamcatcher Aromatherapy Massage – 80 minutes, $168

To top it off, a complimentary glass of champagne will be offered on Mother’s Day. Special rates available during May only. For Spa reservations, call 602.381.7632.

Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort, Phoenix: Celebrate mom the entire month of May! Get your choice of any 50-minute Citrus Treatment (massage, facial or body buff), a Simply Citrus Manicure or Pedicure, and Hydrating non-alcoholic Coconut-Citrus Spritzer for only $159. Plus packages booked Saturday May 11 or Sunday May 12 will receive an extra-special Mother’s Day gift! Call 602.977.6400 to book the Mother Nurture package.

The Centre for Well-Being at The Phoenician, Scottsdale: Treat Mom to a relaxing escape with a $100 spa credit with any stay from May 11 – May 13. Rates from $259 per night. Reserve your Mother’s Day special online at starwoodhotels.com or by calling 866.716.8136. Ask for rate plan MOMSPA.

The Spa at Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale: Now through Mother’s Day, receive a Get Fresh gift bag ($32 value) with every gift card purchase of $250 or more. For more information, call 480.850.4065.

Tocaloma Spa & Salon at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Phoenix: Treat mom to a relaxing weekend getaway featuring suite resort accommodations, spa treatment and breakfast in bed. Available for a stay on May 11-12, only $189 a night based on double occupancy. Reservations must be booked at least 5 days in advance. Call 800.947.9784 or visit tapatiocliffshilton.com and request plan code “P2″ to book.

Well & Being at Willow Stream at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Every leading lady deserves a luxurious day of relaxation. Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa has designed two spa packages with Mom in mind with a 24-hour curbside pick-up for gift certificates, all wrapped and ready to wow.

• Essentially Yours Spa Day Package: Signature 90-minute Well & Being Massage followed by a complimentary healthy spa cuisine lunch. After a rejuvenating lunch, Mom completes her day of bliss with a 45-minute Anti-aging Radical Facial. $325, plus 18 percent gratuity.*
• Spring Fling Pampering: 60-minute Signature Journey Massage, 45-minute Rejuvenating Facial and a healthy spa cuisine lunch. $275, plus 18 percent gratuity.*

*Packages may be purchased for Mother’s Day or for future use. For more information, to reserve a spa treatment or to arrange curbside gift certificate pick-up, please call Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa at 480.585.2732.

And finally, don’t forget our Summer Spaaah Series events as a way to sweep her off her feet with a luxury event and spa day!

Photo courtesy of Massage Envy Spas Phoenix.

The post Mother’s Day Spa Deals: Celebrate Mom Spa Style appeared first on AZ Spa Girls.

It’s springtime in the desert and the Spa at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale is in full bloom with treatments that celebrate the season.

Specially priced treatments include:

• Luxury of Lavender Massage Sojourn: An aromatic escape for the senses, this massage results in complete relaxation. The treatment finishes with a warm and restoring hand and foot sugar scrub. 60 minutes, $119 (regularly $150)
• Complexion Essential: Custom tailored to your skin type, this facial focuses repair, prevention and anti-aging. The treatment also includes a peel that will reveal and brighten your complexion. 60 minutes, $139 (regularly $165)
• Brilliant Body Polish: Designed to gently smooth away dead skin, this body treatment renews and brightens the body’s complexion just in time for the warm Arizona weather. Available in three fabulous flavors! 60 minute, $119 (regularly $150)
• Spring Time 20: 10 fingers + 10 toes = a fab, flirty manicure/pedicure package that brightens, softens and relaxes. All to be followed by the perfect polish! Manicure, $42 Pedicure, $57

Click for more Spa at Talking Stick spa specials. 

Offers valid April 1 – May 30, 2013. Valid Sunday – Thursday only. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Must be 18 or older to participate. A 20% gratuity is added to all services and treatments.

The Spa at the Talking Stick is located on the 14th floor of Talking Stick Resort at 9800 E. Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale, AZ. To book your appointment call 480.850.4065 or visit talkingstickresort.com.

The post Spa in Bloom Specials at Talking Stick Resort appeared first on AZ Spa Girls.

Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort, Phoenix: Orange Blossom Scrub – The exotic, uplifting aroma of neroli essential oil will sweep you off your tired feet while naturally balancing and moistening your skin. The sweet orange blossom scrub will sweep away dead skin cells while a final application of a rich body lotion and neroli water mist will seal in the goodness. (50 minutes, starting at $140)

The Centre for Well-Being at The Phoenician, Scottsdale: Luma Firm Body Glow – Prepare to brightened from head to toe with this five-layer skin smoothing process. Your body will be exfoliated, massaged, smoothed and hydrated with luxurious body-firming moisturizer. (110 minutes, starting at $250)

The Spa at the Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale: Mission Fig Body Scrub - A luxurious body polish combining a blend of dried fig in sugar and honey sloughs away lackluster skin. A custom moisturizing massage with lush Shea butter leaves the body bright and silky for days to come. While you lie wrapped in a fig mask, your neck and shoulders are gently rubbed to release tension and help clear your mind, resulting in total relaxation. (60 minutes, $140)

The Salon & Day Spa at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort: Organic Oasis Body Treatment – An earth-friendly body treatment featuring an organic exfoliating scrub designed to combat cellulite and detoxify. This lavish treatment incorporates dry brushing to increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Certified organic massage oils lock in moisture and improve skin tone. Customize your treatment to your individual senses with a selection of natural aromas. (50 minutes, $120)

Agave, the Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort, Scottsdale: Fresh Start Renewal – Revitalize and improve skin tone with this salt scrub therapy. Combined with seven jets of the Vichy shower, this exclusive treatment exfoliates and renews the skin with a desert botanical scrub. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. Purchase any 50-minute or 80-minute massage, facial or body treatment and get a complimentary 25-minute Organic Airbrush Spray Tan service. (50 minutes, from $149)

Red Door Spa at The Wigwam, Litchfield Park: Magnolia Body Treatment – A fragrant restorative treatment for the skin and senses, this ideal all-over skin renewal uses a fresh new organic skincare formula from the exclusive Villa Floriani line. With a spicy-sweet touch-of-citrus scent, this intoxicating service lifts dryness with a gentle Magnolia exfoliating scrub followed by a hydrating massage with rich Magnolia body cream. (50 minutes, $105)

Joya Spa at Montelucia Resort, Paradise Valley: Joyambrosia Signature Body Polish – You’ll feel like a new person after this heavenly signature Joya treatment, which starts with a luxurious exfoliating organic Joyambrosia sugar scrub. A liquid sapphire body wash cleanses skin with a diamond light moisturizing nectar with argan oil gives skin a final kiss of hydration. (50 minutes, starting at $159)

Add in a pedicure and bikini wax and you’ll be pool-side ready in no time. Happy scrubbing!

The post Body Scrub Love: 7 Glowing Spa Treatments appeared first on AZ Spa Girls.

1. Tune in. Create a calming music playlist on your phone or online music station with loungy, relaxing tunes. Plug in your earplugs and tune out the stress.

2. Moisturize. Keep a fragrant hand lotion in your office desk drawer. Apply whenever your hands feel dry or you feel cranky.

3. Wear pink. Slip into something pink on a day when you’re feeling blue (this works for guys too)! In color therapy circles, pink is believed to heal sadness and restore youthfulness. Pink also conveys compassion and an open heart so beware, it may also result in your friends over-sharing. More on color therapy

4. Pet you pet. Curl up with your dog or cat (or borrow a friend’s). A recent study by the University a Buffalo showed that pets can actually lower blood pressure better than some drugs! Read the study

5. Go for a walk. Leave your phone and electrical gadgets at home or at your desk and go for a brisk, 10-minute walk. The exercise stimulates circulation and good vibes, and the time away from helps you clear your noggin.

6. Take a power nap. Naps really do help restore your energy. If your boss asks what you’re doing curled up under your desk, tell him/her that your increasing your productivity. How to power nap

7. Make time for girl time. Sorry guys, you’re out in the cold on this one! There’s something magical about quality time with your girlfriends. Whether it’s a cocktail after work or a day doing nothing by the pool or side-by-side pedicures, a good girlfriend powwow does wonders for the soul. (P.S., Man-dates for you guys can work wonders too.)

8. Take a whiff. Sniff an aromatherapy oil for a quick pick-me-up. You can get small bottles of essential oils at your local health food store. Lavender calms while citrus scents like lemon and tangerine invigorate.

9. Take a dip. End the day with bubble bath or dip in a hot tub. The warm water helps calm your central nervous system and symbolically drains away the stress of the day.

10. Chew. Pop a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth. It satiates the urge to snack on unhealthy snacks and works out aggression. Just don’t smack it too loudly, as it creates stress for others who might be in earshot!

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