When it comes to relaxing after a particularly stressful few weeks or recovering from some intense workouts at the gym, there’s nothing quite like hitting up a spa for a pampering treatment. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to stop by the likes of the Four Seasons, that luxe pampering will likely set you back a few hundred bucks. On the flip side, that sketchy parlor on the corner (where the therapists have questionable qualifications) doesn’t exactly fit the bill either.

To that end, the folks at Spa Week have been holding a bi-annual event that’s nothing short of fantastic. Twice a year, for $50 each time, anyone can head to one (or more!) spas from a long list to indulge in a pampering treatment. This Spring Spa Week is taking place April 16th-22nd and treatments include everything from body wraps and facials, to waxing services and mani/pedis. To boot, Spa Week has enlisted spas across the U.S. to participate so, no matter where you live, you can indulge in a luxurious treatment offered at the steeply discounted price of $50.

I’m nothing short of a spa addict so I can’t wait to head to VMV Hypoallergenics Skin-Specialist Boutique in NYC for a 50-minute Coconut Hydrating Body Wrap and to Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa for a pedicure — the perfect treatments to help transition my body from Winter to Spring.

Click here to find treatments/spas near you!

Image: Spa Week NYC

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Not only was South Carolina a mere two-hour plane ride from Manhattan, but before heading to Kiawah Island I also got to see Charleston — which is adorable! And they have great shopping including Blue Mercury, Cos Beauty Bar, and even Gucci — and the resort itself is breathtakingly gorgeous, even now in February (their low season), and it’s HUGE! Literally, you need a car to get to some of the golf courses and restaurants which are spread across the resort, but everywhere you look there is meticulously kept green.

I went to Kiawah with my golf-loving dad, who was on cloud 9 to be there. The resort is hosting the prestigious PGA Championship this summer, so for a golf lover it was paradise. While I don’t care all that much for golf, the courses at the resort were stunning (I can’t imagine the upkeep), and while it wasn’t warm enough to take advantage of the fact that the resort was beach-side or of their multiple outdoor pools, I did take a dip in their indoor pool. So even if you’re not into golf there are plenty of ways to relax.

The great thing about going to a resort during their low season is that it’s super calm and you don’t have to plan too much ahead. Getting a spa appointment or a treadmill to run on in their fitness room was super easy and they have a huge multi-room lobby where I spent most of my time relaxing and reading by the fireplace. Low season also makes the resort a lot more affordable and they have a number of special packages.

Lastly, I can’t go without highlighting their fantastic spa, because for any gal or guy looking for an escape, this one is hard to beat. The treatment rooms are super spacious and while I was there I had the sauna, steam room, and hot tub all to myself! I’ve been to many hotel spas and this is definitively one of the most impressive. I got their signature massage and even though my therapist was a teeny tiny skinny woman, she had a crazy amount of strength was able to really work out some of my deep knots.

Learn more about the spa and the resort here and please share comments if you’ve been or plan on going!

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My Favorite Soothing Recipe:

Use a warm cloth to open up your pores, then smear on some organic honey. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water, and then apply a cold water cloth to your face to close pores. To add a little extra nutrients and exfoliate, mix a little ground oatmeal into the honey for the mask. Repeat as necessary: three days in a row for extra cleansing.

The Store – Bought Equivalent:

Korres Thyme Honey Mask for $27.00. Spend the extra bucks to ensure sanitation of the materials and ultimate elasticity for your skin.

Best Exfoliating Facial Recipe:

Mix three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of kosher salt to make a grainy paste. Rub into any dry or dead skin, especially good for knees and elbows. Be careful on the cheeks, chin, and forehead, and don’t get anywhere near your eyes! The skin around your eyes doesn’t usually need exfoliation anyway, and believe me you don’t want to end up with kosher salt in your eyes.

Store-bought equivalent: Zia Natural Skin Care Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask for around $17. Definitely better if you are looking for an all-around, natural exfoliate that won’t be too harsh or grating for your face. Uses natural pumpkin puree and carrot juice to create a textured mask without the harsh application. Worth the money!

What do you think? Are spa facials worth the expense? Do homemade facials match up to the hype? Can you get the same result with store bought products?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/40929849@N08/3763643058

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To improve skin’s texture, diminish age spots, and rebuild skin collagen: Carrot, Avocado & Cream Nourishing Mask 

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 carrot, cooked and mashed
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and mashed
• 3 tablespoons honey

**Combine ingredients in a bowl and spread over face and neck. Relax for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.

To restore the skin’s surface from dead cells and dirt, and heal acne-prone skin: Pineapple & Olive Oil Mask

• 4 large pineapple chunks OR 1/2 cup canned drained pineapple
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

**Place ingredients in blender and blend until almost smooth. Apply mixture to face with fingers and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

For treating wrinkles, puffiness and dry skin: Weekly Rose Oil & Honey Beauty Mask for Maturing Skin

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of almond oil
• 5 drops rose essential oil

**Mix honey, almond oil and rose oil. Apply to face and neck with fingers. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Bring out your natural beauty with nature’s finest ingredients!

Image Source: picasaweb.google.com/…/iEmBj9OOes-AyPT4S1pSpA

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Spa-in-a-Basket: $39.95

Masada Foot Spa Gift Basket: $25.20

Pretty in Pink Spa Basket: $59.99

Shop through all gift baskets at Smarter.com.

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If you follow celebrity fashion or keep in touch with the latest music videos, you might be wondering why the nails that the ladies are sporting look extra spunky these days.  It is thanks to a revolutionary new nail treatment called Minx made from flexible film strips applied to the nails using a heat lamp.  The high gloss, long wearing coating takes about 15-20 minutes for application and needs absolutely no drying time, therefore avoiding accidental smudging or denting.  They are supposed to last for 1-2 weeks without chipping.  To remove them at home you just warm up the film with a hair dryer and peel it off.

So, if you are tired of your run of the mill, timid polishes and canÂ’t stand fake nails either, check out MinxÂ’s stunning array of selection.  The solids are anything but boring (think gold metallic like Beyonce in “Single Ladies” or chrome silver) .

The patterns range from intricate, delicate bridal laces to bold and brash animal prints.  You could even custom design a favorite photo into a nail coating.  How is that for a choice?  If you are worried about any harsh chemicals in the formula, you can relax.  Since it requires only heat for application and removal, it contains no harmful substances and is totally eco-friendly.

This hot new trend sported by the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Pink, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, Victoria Bekham among others, can now be found at Spa Nordstorm Escape. Or, to find a Minx nail salon in your part of the country, try the spa finder at Minxnails.com.  At Nordstorm , getting a minx treatment would cost you $50 including manicure and just $30 without manicure.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more manicure supplies.

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So recently I got this Blueberry Fusion Facial Polish as a gift from a friend who actually frequents the store The Body Deli in Palm Desert, California. All their products are super fresh and made of fruits, veggies and other natural ingredients.

So anyhow back to my gift or what I now affectionately refer to as “the purple stuff” because although it is made with BLUE-berries the concoction is well purple. First impression, stuff smells great! How great? So great, it smelled like a lovely fruit puree of some sort, blueberry sherbet? According to the marketing its suppose to be all “natural” and such so I tasted just a touch. Doesn’t taste great but smells great.

I liked the packaging and after use it left my face feeling smooth and soft. Not unlike a lengthy facial treatment at a day spa.

One thing that was both a blessing and a burden was that it needs to be refrigerated. Which meant I loved how it felt cool on my cheeks when I would apply it, but the drawback is I sometimes would forget to use it because it was in the fridge. Plus, I dunno I like to keep my fridge cosmetic free. The last thing I need is my crazy Grandpa spreading my blueberry face wash over a piece of toast! (He would soooo do it!)

But when I visited their website seems it’s the nature of the “freshness” of the ingredients and necessary to maintain the product.

Here’s their official concept:

The concept is simple – to offer a healthy menu of “fresh food for the skin.” All products are handmade in small batches, designed to maximize their freshness and potency. Each unique formulation addresses the basic nutritional needs of the body, face and hair by utilizing raw, fresh,
natural and organic ingredients, including organic yogurt, tofu, fresh fruit and vegetables, and all-natural plant oils.

Final thoughts: If you are hankering for a fresh, and re-freshing reprieve from the Summer heat and feeling sticky icky all the time check out their site and products. Two thumbs up!

Site: The Body Deli

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You deserve a relaxing fragrant bubble bath to soothe all your aches and pains! L’Occitane is a great brand of luxury body care, skincare, fragrance and bath products for ladies and gentlemen.

Purchase the L’Occitane Honey Harvest Bubble Bath and bathe in the lap of luxury.

Originally sold for: $32.50

Currently sold for: $26.50

(you save 18%)

To purchase L’Occitane Honey Harvest Bubble Bath, click here or any of the links above.

To shop for more discount luxury Bubble Baths, click here.

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