Wellness Archives - Page 15 of 18 - Style [+] Life [+] Fashion by [@kwest1908]

Lifestyle Tips / May 4, 2016

Hilton Chicago: The Perfect Summer Getaway

The Perfect Summer Getaway: Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood

Top Ten Tourist Attractions for Families

The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just steps away from some of the most iconic must see Chicago attractions. Families can park their car

and walk in any direction to enjoy one or many unique attractions found on Chicago’s famed gold coast. Attractions that are great for families include:

– American Girl Place

– Chicago’s Pizza Tours

– Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop / Hershey Chocolate World Store

– Millennium Park

– Oak Street Beach

– Historic Water Tower

– Chicago Observation Deck

– Tilt

– Water Tower Place

– Broadway Playhouse

All of this activity calls for a home away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place for a summer family stay. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top pick. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center. It’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests.

Today’s connected travelers will appreciate free lobby Wi-Fi plus business travelers can also take advantage of connectivity stations and printing capabilities. The property is group and business friendly with 10,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space for events to include destination weddings, business and exhibit events. Host a fundraiser for 300 guests in the Lakeshore Ballroom or choose amongst 14 stylish meeting rooms with A/V capabilities: including the Gold Coast Board Room featuring classic lakeside views, and a 52-inch flat-screen monitor.

The resort also provides guests two onsite dining options. The Local – Chicago, a restaurant that infuses local Chicago fare with traditional courses, is a delicious dining experience. Sushi lovers will want to dine at Mirai Sushi featuring a three-star menu of traditional Japanese options layered with a modern day twist – serving the freshest sashimi, specialty rolls and small plates. Families can take advantage of the children’s menu offering kid favorites and adult approved entrees. Of course, the Magnificent Mile and nearby neighborhoods are dotted with unique eateries from fine dining establishments to mom-and-pop neighborhood favorites.

Flights are available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway Airport. The hotel is easily accessible with valet and self parking options: click here for driving directions.

About:

All of this activity calls for a home-away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top choice. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center, it’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests. Upgrade to a Lakeview Suite to savor views of Lake Michigan while business travelers may want to book an Executive Level suite with private access to the Executive Lodge where complimentary breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar is available daily.

Beauty / April 12, 2016

CureDiva – Navigating the Beauty Aisle as a Breast Cancer Fighter

Be gentle with your movements and your moisturizers – read the label:
Use only hypoallergenic products, or those that don’t have harsh ingredients such as acids, emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, dyes or amines. You want happier, more comfortable skin, so scan your products for these ingredients and restock your supplies with organic, chemical-free and sensitive items. CureDiva.com has an entire line of facial natural and organic skin care.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize:
To prevent dryness and cracked, uncomfortable skin, be sure to moisturize immediately after washing and toweling dry. This means for your body, apply moisturizer after the bath or shower; For your face, apply moisturizer in the morning and at night; For your hands, moisturize after washing many times during the day; For your lips, use a hydrating lip balm throughout the day.

3. Acne at our age? Yes, some chemo treatments can cause acne on the face and scalp. Even if you suffered from acne before, take another look at your old acne ointments. They usually contain salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide and other harsh ingredients that further dry and irritate skin. Try more natural solutions like Acne Clarifying Serum by Nurture my Body and a mild, natural soap.

4. SPF should become more than just an afterthought: Although SPF is used in the summer outdoors, it should become a priority when in treatment. Chemo skin is super sensitive, especially to sun exposure which can cause lasting damage even in the winter. Wear sunscreen whenever you go out, and protect your skin with UV-protective clothing (hats, gloves, long sleeves). With skincare and beauty products, choosing an SPF version is best. While it can be overwhelming to find products that are safe on skin and look and smell great, asking your doctor or a friend who has been through treatment is the best way to receive a referral. Websites like CureDiva.com provide a great amount of information for those going through treatment to get the answers they need.

5. Fingernail care: Some chemo drugs can cause finger and toenail damage. They become dry, cracked and may start lifting up. Apply cuticle balm and lots of hand cream. Checking out the label is relevant here. Switch to water-based nail color like CureDiva’s water-based nail polish by Acquarella which is my favorite when I’m dressing up!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / April 4, 2016

Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center – Spa Week

It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in a good spa service. Life can get very busy and we often forget to take time out for ourselves!

Luckily, we can (all) visit the spa and still splurge on a new pair of pumps. Spa Week is a great time to check out local wellness or beauty centers. Anyone can sign up on the website and find discounted treatments. A few of the $50 services include Eucalyptus Mint Massage, Cat-Eye Lash Extensions, Aloe Vera Jelly Pedicure, or Chemical Peel Treatment.

I was invited to visit Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center. The service I received was the Custom Lotus Bliss Massage.

Prior to starting my treatment, the owner (Nicole Stokes) shared a few facts:

The center specializes in wellness and all of the products used are organic (bath salts, lotions, candles.)
The services also include special enhancements such as sinus relief massage, scalp massage, thermal softening treatment, and custom aromatherapy.
The practitioners have a medical or science background which enhances the total spa experience.

Lotus Bliss Spa Review –

My massage started with selecting a few essentials oils, depending on my personal preference. I made the selection based on relaxation. From there, I was able to smell the aroma while Nicole created a special lotion. My treatment also included a stimulating face massage (infused with essential oils.) The steam instantly relaxed my facial muscles and allowed for easier breathing.

Nicole also shared information about the Chronic Pain and Lymphatic Massage. This particular treatment is encouraged (or suggested after doctor recommendation) for those suffering with specific illnesses such as fibromyalgia.

The experience of visiting Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center was truly an educational session. I learned a lot about aromatherapy and the health benefits associated with receiving a massage. The center also sales products to their customers that will enhance their body treatment at home such as bath salts, essential oils, or massage balls.

Visit their website to learn more and book an appointment.

How To / March 25, 2016

Spa Week Spring 2016 Event – Wellness and Fitness

Technology gives us a wealth of opportunities to have a more comfortable life. We have become accustomed to tech indulgences such as shopping online, working on our tablets, posting to social media and binge watching Netflix anywhere. Everything we need to do or share is a call, text or post away. While all of these modern lifestyle techniques are extremely convenient, they are doing actual physical harm to our minds and bodies. From April 11th-17th, Spa Week is back to remind us about the importance of taking care of ourselves by treating technology-related injuries and stress. Spa Week has successfully spread this message for over a decade and their biannual events enable millions to lead a healthier lifestyle. Hundreds of spa, wellness, and fitness facilities will be offering premium full-service treatments at a major discount of $50 each. During Spa Week, set your favorite technology device aside and allow yourself the time to truly rebalance and heal your mind and body.

Using tablets, computers, and cell phones on a daily basis leads to issues such as back and neck pain, poor posture, muscle fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, facial sagging (phone face), vision damage, sore thumbs, anxiety, stress and more. Technology dependence has become a part of everyday life. To help alleviate these symptoms and reverse the damage caused by technology overload, spas have created treatments that specifically focus on and alleviate these technology-related conditions. During Spa Week, from April 11th-17th, signature treatments will be offered at a special rate of $50/treatment (normally $100-$500) at participating locations.

This spring, Spa Week has teamed up with spas across the country to deliver healing and therapeutic treatments to combat the effects of technology. Long hours hunched over a computer can create a myriad of problems. Haven Spa in New York City offers a unique Geek Massage (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50) that was created to address and relieve the ailments that are created from hours of computer usage. Having your phone connected to your face all day and texting leads to clogged pores and wrinkles from squinting your eyes. Holistic Touch in Virginia offers Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (Reg. $130, Spa Week $50). With this natural face-lift you will notice a great improvement in skin tightness, clarity and evenness of tone. Lines will show improvement and meditation exercises are taught during the session to help break the habits of expression that contribute to these. Anxiety brought on by our fast paced lifestyle can be healed through the power of water. The Elizabeth Adams Salon in Illinois touts their Spa Oceana Stress Relief Treatment (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50)– a water-based stress-relief body treatment. Long day at the office? KUR Skin Lab in New York City has created an Office Relief Massage (Reg. $125, Spa Week $50). This massage treatment with guided meditation will help heal you mentally by alleviating subconscious tension along with physical and mental strain. As we sit for hours a day, tight muscles and tense necks often occur. Red Door Spas nationwide are offering a De-Stress Body Treatment (Reg. $255, Spa Week $50) including exfoliation, an aromatherapeutic body wrap and a relaxing scalp massage to melt stress away and rebalance your spirit.

In order to receive exclusive information on participating spa and wellness locations and their $50 services, spa-goers should register on SpaWeek.com as early as possible. The complete list of treatments, available on March 21st, will allow consumers to begin booking their desired services. It is recommended that spa-goers sign up and book in advance on www.SpaWeek.com to ensure they reserve their top treatment choices. Visitors to SpaWeek.com also have the opportunity to spread the gift of wellness by conveniently purchasing the Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week®. Accepted at over 8,000 spas and wellness locations across North America, Spa & Wellness Gift Cards may be used during Spa Week or any time of the year without expiration. Recipients will have the freedom to choose from thousands of locations and services, all while knowing that you have their long-term health, balance and happiness in mind.

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Joining Spa Week for the Spring 2016 Event, sponsors include Exclusive Destination Sponsor: Sandals; Exclusive Cosmetics Sponsor: Hynt Beauty; Exclusive Apparel Sponsor: Yummie by Heather Thomson; and Exclusive Trade Association Partner: International Spa Association (ISPA). The event is co-sponsored by Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and a portion of the proceeds from the Spring and Fall Events is donated to CancerAndCareers.org

About Spa Week Media Group, Ltd.
Spa Week Media Group, Ltd. is the leading health, beauty and wellness marketing company across North America. Through its website SpaWeek.com, millions of consumers from coast to coast benefit from an abundance of resources necessary to experience a healthier, well-rounded lifestyle, 365 days a year. Since its inception in 2004, Spa Week has continued to revolutionize the industry with the success of its biannual Spring and Fall Events with signature $50 spa services, life-changing promotions and a robust gift card program. Spa Week continues its dedication of delivering the best in health and wellness year round with its Spa & Wellness Gift Card, the premier spa gift card of choice by consumers. This gift card is accepted at over 8,000 spa and wellness locations across North America and is sold in over 60,000 retail stores nationwide including Target, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and on SpaWeek.com. It’s never been more convenient to give and enjoy the gift of wellness.

California / March 22, 2016

Sonoma Wine Country – Fearless Fabulous You Retreat

Are you a type A personality, aka a woman that puts business, family and obligations first while neglecting you? Today’s the day to invest in yourself. It’s time to recharge your mental batteries, restore your energy and reset your life intentions with Melanie Young. She too once cared for everyone but herself and has great lessons to share. Young dedicated time to re-frame her life and today she is successful wellness coach, author of Fearless Fabulous You! Lessons on Living Life on Your Terms, and host of the inspiring national iHeart Radio Show for women, Fearless Fabulous You! Are you ready to experience a relaxing, heartfelt and sumptuous getaway at Sea Ranch Lodge, a sublime escape tucked away on the Sonoma Coast, in California’s wine country. Trip dates are May 18-22.

Here’s what’s included:

4 nights/5 days accommodations (taxes and gratuities), meals, wine tastings, ground transportation
Arrive Wednesday / Depart Sunday
Daily hikes to recharge your spirit
Daily meditations and breathing exercises to calm and restore
Re-energize with healthy meals and recipes to take home and share with others
Unique wine tastings/dinners with local vintners specially selected for this retreat
Inspiring workshops plus private 1:1 coaching sessions with Young to reset your life intentions
Reflect with time for yourself to nurture your spirit

The retreat is priced at $2,586 or double occupancy and $3,227 for single occupancy with the early bird special. This special expires April 15, 2016.

This retreat is presented by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation or review this itinerary in detail click here Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat announcements, promotions and discount offers.

About Melanie Young: Young knows how to face challenges with grit, grace and wit and re-frame them to make things happen for the better. She a motivational muse for anyone who feels stuck and who wants to reignite their personal or professional brand. She is a living example of turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. After surviving breast cancer, she wrote her first book, Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor’s Guide to Staying Fearless & Fabulous in the Face of Breast Cancer to help newly diagnosed women stay focused and make smarter choices about caring for their well-being during and after treatment. This book received both the 2014 International Book Award and USA Best Book Award for Cancer Health topics. Young’s second book, Fearless Fabulous You! – Lessons on Living Life on Your Terms is filled with inspirational insights to recharge your spirit and revalue your self-worth. Website and blog: www.melanieyoung.com

About Sea Ranch Lodge: A small, secluded property on Northern California’s rugged Sonoma Coast, Sea Ranch Lodge is a serene destination that embraces the beauty and bounty of nature in myriad expressions. A getaway here features nature untamed – ocean vistas, pristine bluffs, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife – with miles of hiking trails to enjoy it just steps from your door. This sublime natural setting melds with efforts to live lightly on the land. We respect an ethos of sustainability in lodging, dining, activities, service and more.

Event / March 15, 2016

Alabama Gulf Coast Convention Joins Food Sport

Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, known across the country as Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (www.orangebeach.com), has signed as the 2016 title sponsor of the World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com), making Orange Beach, Alabama the Official Host Site of this year’s ultimate food fight.

The arrangement ensures the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area capitalizes on the energy, excitement and economic impact of an anticipated 1,200 chefs, home cooks and competition teams who will compete for World Food Championships’ $350,000 prize purse and its industry-leading $100,000 grand prize.

The event, which last year attracted competitors from 45 states and 17 countries, will take place Nov. 9-15 at The Wharf (www.alwharf.com), a resort destination with a full-service marina, retail, dining and entertainment options anchored by a multi-use event center and a 10,000-seat amphitheater.

“Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and our Sports Commission are excited to step into the arena of competitive food sport with the World Food Championships coming to our beach destination,” says Vice President of Sales Beth Gendler. “Sports has truly diversified our destination, and this event helps us diversify even further.

“One of the focuses of the sports commission is to build shoulder season business, and the World Food Championships will be a very impactful event in both room nights and number of people visiting our community during the fall shoulder season,” Gendler said. “It is our pleasure to welcome these national and international food competitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast this November.”

All told, World Food Championships is expected to bring an estimated $2 million in direct local spending as it draws thousands of foodies and Food Sport enthusiasts to the Alabama Gulf coast, elevating hotel and vacation rental bookings, restaurant spending and other community revenue metrics that come with such signature events.

The deal also connects Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism with World Food Championships’ universe of marketing assets, including national media exposure which eclipsed 794 million impressions last year, as reported by independent media monitoring service BurrellesLuce.

The World Food Championships has experienced rapid growth since its creation in 2012 as the richest and largest Food Sport competition in the world. From a 30% annualized growth in competitors, to its second TV series scheduled to air summer 2016 on Destination America, the WFC has evolved into a year-long quest for thousands of competitors and foodies, as well as a marketing platform for innovative companies.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism welcomes more than 5.7 million individuals to the Alabama Gulf Coast each year for family reunions, vacations, meetings and sporting events. Marked by its sugar-white sand beaches, deep-sea fishing and countless family attractions, the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area is one of the world’s leading beach destinations, annually attracting more than 5 million visitors. Centrally located along the Gulf Coast, and a short drive from airports in Pensacola, Fla. and Mobile, Ala., Orange Beach’s lodging properties are ideal for beach-side access or inland retreats that are both convenient and affordable. A spectrum of local dining, upscale shopping, fishing, golf, nature and adventure-based excursions also contribute to a spectacular vacation, holiday or leisure experience.

The bulk of these Orange Beach-based food fights will occur in Kenmore Kitchen Arena, the largest outdoor kitchen in the world, measuring a full city block at 7,800-square feet. The competition space features $250,000 worth of Kenmore branded stoves, cooktops, countertops and cookware – enough for 50 chefs to cook simultaneously. An additional $100,000 worth of professional grills from Bull Outdoor Products affords open-flame grilling.

To learn more about the WFC and its qualifying events, tournament-style process or consumer experiences, visit www.worldfoodchampionships.com.

To learn more about Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, visit www.orangebeach.com

To learn more about The Wharf, visit www.alwharf.com.

# # #

About the World Food Championships:
The World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com) features hundreds of competitors seeking food fame and fortune. The fifth annual event, scheduled for Nov. 9-15, 2016 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, invites the champions from the biggest and best food competitions around the world into a single highstakes culinary showdown for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Follow World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), and Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism:
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism serves as the official destination marketing organization for the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in addition to the unincorporated area of Fort Morgan. To learn more about the whole different state of discovery on Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, visit either www.GulfShores.com or www.OrangeBeach.com. This convention and visitors bureau is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization (2012-2016). Follow Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism on Twitter (@AlabamaBeaches), Instagram (@GulfShoresOrangeBeach) and Facebook (@AlabamaGulfCoast).

Beauty / March 14, 2016

Glow Bio Cleanse – Healthier Lifestyle

Introduce yourself to fruits and veggies you never knew existed with the bountiful menu at Glow Bio! From Acai to Goji and everything in between, Glow Bio offers a lineup of beauty food rich smoothies and juices that will keep you satisfied AND taste good – all carefully curated by nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author, Kimberly Snyder!

For an added bonus, many of your favorite smoothies are found in a number of the Glow Bio Cleanses. These help rebuild your digestive system and help you achieve sustainable results by getting on track to a healthier lifestyle! With three options to select, durations ranging from 1 to 5 days, each cleanse consists of four unique components:

1) The world famous and fiber-filled Glowing Green Smoothie to start and end your day with.

2) Cold-Pressed Juices enhanced with probiotics to aid digestion.

3) Powerful benefit-driven boosters.

4) A specific order of consumption to maximize the nutritional benefits and get your body back to harmony.

All of which help to achieve renewed energy, a more svelte and toned physique and glowing, radiant skin!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 23, 2016

Vino 301 Wine Concierge – Wine Tour for Alzheimer’s Research

Tour Ambassadors of Vino 301 Wine Concierge are raising their glasses to support of the Alzheimer’s Association with the sponsorship of a charitable wine tour to the Westminster Wine Region.

The event is scheduled for March 6, 2016 at 10:00 am, and will include tours to the Old Westminster Winery and Springfield Manor Winery. Many of the vineyards featured on the tour are grown in Bordeaux style. Lovers of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Grigio, or Vidal Blanc will especially relish this tantalizing treat.

According to statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association, there is an estimated 5.1 million people 65 years and older in the United States living with Alzheimer’s. Approximately 200,000 individuals below the age of 65 are afflicted with the disease.

Vino 301 Wine Concierge is the one of the latest sponsors to join forces with the organization in the fight against the disease. The company was asked to host the tour by a former tour guest, Ms. LeeAnn Charpentier, whose grandmother had the disease and died. LeeAnn wanted to do something to honor her grandmother’s memory and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.

Discussing Vino 301 Wine Concierge’s response to Ms. Charpentier’s request, Managing Director of the company, Leslie Frelow said: “We thought it was a great idea and were eager to help. Ms Charpentier has been a tremendous supporter of Vino 301. We hope our contribution will further research for a cure for this debilitating disease.”

Fees for the tour cost $87 for wine tasters, and $37 for non-drinkers. Net profits will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. For further information or to register for the tour, visit: Alzheimer Charitable Wine Tour.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 23, 2016

BJs Cherry Berry Smoothie – American Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health Month and BJs Wholesale Club has some delicious produce (and recipes) to help us live a healthy lifestyle. Personally, I am a huge fan of smoothies! They’re easy to make and the perfect breakfast option for families.

Smoothies can be made in a variety of ways depending on your health needs. For example, if you’re having digestive issues, add a teaspoon of Flaxseed into your mixture. Drinking a smoothie provides ease into your morning routine and allows breakfast on the go. It can also serve as a filling afternoon snack instead of drinking a soda or eating potato chips.

Homemade Cherry Berry Recipe

2 containers (5 oz each) Yoplait Greek Cherry or Strawberry Blended Yogurt

1 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Sweet Cherries

1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Strawberries

1 cup Milk

Make It:

Place all ingredients in a blender
Cover & blend on high speed, about 1 minute or until smooth
Pour into 3 glasses
Serve immediately

For my smoothie recipe, I like to include a small amount of water and 2 teaspoons of Wellsley Farms Pure Honey. Also, if your schedule will be hectic the next morning, take frozen fruit out of the freezer (the night before.) This will help ingredients blend faster and more consistently. Pour the smoothie into your tumblr and go!

Ingredients are from BJs Wholesale Club

Cute Tumblr from Dollar Store

follow my Snapchat @kwest1908 to see more behind the scenes at BJs Wholesale Club

Sponsored Post

Accessories / February 3, 2016

Burlington Stores in honor of American Heart Month – Free Heart Screenings

Did you know that over 43 million women are currently living with heart disease– the leading cause of death of American women? In the spirit of American Heart Month, Burlington Stores, a national off-price retailer, has teamed up with WomenHeart, The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, for the fifth consecutive year to launch their campaign to raise awareness and combat heart disease.

This Friday on February 5th (National Wear Red Day), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., your local Burlington in Baltimore will host free women’s heart health screenings to raise awareness. At the screenings, blood pressure will be checked, BMI will be screened, and fun but easy heart help tips will be provided.

The address is:

Burlington Stores
6500 Reistertown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 764-3338

To find out more information head to www.BurlingtonStores.com/HeartHealth.

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Category: Wellness