Desiree Stordahl Skincare Expert Interview and Book

Desiree Stordahl is a best-selling beauty co-author, alongside legendary skincare expert Paula Begoun, dedicated to using her years of expertise to help people solve their skincare woes, from acne to wrinkles and everything in between. Desiree’s passion for all things beauty carries over to makeup with game-changing trends, tips, and tricks for flawless skin. Whether you need to know how to treat crow’s feet or under-eye circles, Desiree is your expert.

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1. How did you get started in the beauty industry?
The only way I can explain it is fate! Growing up I had my fair share of skin struggles, and my family was on a very limited budget so I needed products that I could buy over-the-counter that would really work.
Unfortunately, nothing seemed to do the trick so I turned to makeup to at least camouflage my breakouts. I got pretty good at doing makeup on myself and others, and my passion for all things beauty carried over into my school work…I still have a report from 8th grade called “Beauty by the Buck” where I analyzed whether or not expensive cosmetic products were better formulated than their drugstore competitors.
Fast-forward to the college years, I graduated with a degree in Communication Studies and went on to work in sales and marketing. All the meanwhile my struggles with acne didn’t let up… nor did my passion for skincare and makeup fizzle out. It was my dream to somehow work in the beauty industry, but I didn’t yet know how that would play out.
One fateful day I saw an ad to work for a “Paula’s Choice Skincare and Cosmetics Company” and several interviews with the legendary Paula Begoun later I KNEW this is where I belonged. Paula took me under her wing, trained me how to interpret cosmetic studies, made me promise to never tan again or she’d fire me  (true story) and taught me why so many skincare products didn’t work like they said they would and what to do instead. Once I got my skin under control I wanted to share that same life-changing info with others, and the rest, as they say, is history! Several years and two books later, here I am.
It feels so serendipitous that everything fell into place at the right time, but really, when I reflect back it’s clear that actually my whole life had been preparing me for this role. God had my plan in motion from the get-go—I just didn’t know it!
 2. What are some of the best beauty products to have radiant skin?
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) leave-on exfoliants are game changers. By gently getting rid of the built up layer of dead skin cells, BHA and AHA exfoliants help smooth wrinkles and reveal the radiant skin hiding under a dull complexion. And don’t let the “acid” part of their names scare you… they’re actually gentler on your skin than using a scrub!
In the realm of makeup, a good highlighter works wonders for a youthful glow. Becca Cosmetics makes some of the best luminizing products out there, and just a couple strategically placed highlights can really liven up a drab complexion.
For the days I go without makeup but want a hint of luminosity, I love the Resist Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment from Paula’s Choice. It’s formulated with ingredients that fade discolorations for a more even skin tone + it contains mineral pigments that instantly revitalize and brighten the complexion.
3. Share with us the appropriate age for women to start using anti-aging products?
There isn’t a hard and fast rule, but if you want to keep your skin looking as young and healthy as possible, it pays to start using anti-aging products from the moment you earn your own money to buy them! Think of it like a healthy diet. You wouldn’t prolong eating nutritious, antioxidant-rich foods until you’re in your 40s, right? The same should go for skin. The earlier you start using products loaded with anti-aging ingredients such as antioxidants, retinol, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, etc., the better off your skin is going to be in the long run.
Above all else, start wearing sunscreen on a daily basis no matter what your age. That’s the #1 way to halt the signs of aging!
 4. What are the top 5 wrinkle creams and skin tighteners?  
It’s hard to pick the top five when there are so many great formulas out there, but here are some great wrinkle-fighting and skin-firming options based on the research behind their ingredients:
In terms of traditional “skin tighteners”, the tightening effect of many of these types of products comes from a high amount of film-forming ingredients, which make skin feel tighter temporarily, but skin “feeling” tighter is not the same as making a real change for the long run. However, with products like those mentioned above, you can create healthier, younger-looking skin, and in some cases, increase firmness.
5. In your book, you mentioned natural ingredients that are bad for the skin.  Could you share a few here?
There are many natural ingredients that are brilliant for skin, but there are also many that do much more harm than good. For instance, despite their popularity essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and jasmine contain volatile, fragrant compounds that incite pro-aging inflammation to the skin. Citrus extracts, such as lemon, grapefruit and orange, should also be avoided due to their sensitizing/irritating effect that impairs the skin’s immune response. Other natural ingredients to watch out for include witch hazel, ylang ylang, arnica, and balm mint oil, just to name a few.
If you’ve ever used products with these kinds of ingredients and wonder why they don’t appear to be problematic for you, keep in mind that research has demonstrated that you don’t need to see or feel irritation for it to be causing damage below the surface layer of skin. They’re sneaky in that way—speeding up the signs of aging without you knowing it.
6. How can readers learn more about your expertise and wonderful book?
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Hyleys Slim Tea Lifestyle Option – Product Review

Hyleys Slim Teas –

Hyleys Slim Teas are 100% natural Green teas made with Senna leaves, and fruit flavoring that promote body cleansing, detoxification, and a healthy digestive system, all in a delicious cup of hot tea! Mild and pleasant in both taste and texture,the weight-loss enhancing properties of the Slim Teas offer consumers a safe, pound-shedding alternative to risky pills and surgery. 

Using only the highest quality ingredients, Hyleys Slim Teas are available in flavorful options like Acai Berry, Blueberry, Goji Berry, Pomegranate and Raspberry as well as a Five-Flavor Assortment. MSRP $5.99 for 1-pack of 25 foil envelope tea bags.

See www.hyleysteaonline.com for their entire collection of 100% herb- and fruit-infused, wellness teas along with Wooden Gift Boxes and Gift Tins perfect for holiday gifting.

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Product Review

Let’s be honest, I enjoyed too much comfort (and fast) food during the summer months.  After facing this harsh reality, I had to actively start my weight loss program.  Number one, I take pride in being healthy and monitoring my diet.  Number two, I’m petite and must be mindful of those “few extra pounds.”  Number three, it’s the holiday season and my wardrobe requires fitted a dress.

I received the assortment of Hyleys Slim Tea in the mail and honestly, didn’t know what to expect.  I am proud to share (with the use of moderate exercise) I have seen results from drinking the Slim Tea.  Yes, I lost a few pounds!

I would suggest reading the directions on the box which indicates the best time frame to drink the tea along with consumption.  This tea not only helps you lose weight but it also has a nice flavor.  I could taste the fruit infusion in each bag.

Remember, the tea also serves as a mild laxative but if you’re eating “clean” you should not have severe stomach cramps.  I am pleased with the results of the tea and encourage everyone to try it.  This is a great option if you’re seeking to lose weight without extreme measures.  Hyleys Slim Tea is affordable and can also be purchased online.  If you decide to try the tea and see results, please share in the comments box below!

Lean Diet

Moderate Exercise

Drink One Cup of Hyleys Slim Tea Before Bedtime

Beauty Regimen in Winter Months – Editor Talk and Products

Yesterday was the first day of December and that means we are officially in the cold weather season.  Not only does the seasons change but our beauty regimen alters with the weather.  The reason we must change our beauty routine is because the external environment can damage our skin, hair, and nails.

Every year I look in the mirror (around the month of November) and my skin is excessively dry.  My first instinct is to panic but then I realize it’s time to visit the drugstore or cosmetics counter.  I have a few beauty products that I am actively using from foundation to nail polish remover pads.

Beauty Regimen

To begin, let’s talk about foundation.  We often forget to change our foundation because it’s our favorite shade or brand.  Here’s what I learned, foundation in the winter months should have hydrating and moisturizing functions. This helps to counter-act dryness and use a lighter press powder.  Also, if you tend to look a shade darker (or tan) in the summer months, you may consider a foundation that’s lighter.  The foundation color should match the exact shade of your face and neckline.

In terms of face lotion, it is suggested that we stay away from light-weight lotions and use a cream.  Lotions are not heavy enough to protect the skin from the dry air.  I suffer from dry skin due to eczema and prefer a cream lotion whether in the winter or summer months.

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Always opt for a deep hydrating mask to use on your hair in the winter.  The cold air can create brittleness no matter the hair type or texture.  If you can’t afford an expensive hair mask, visit your local drugstore or Pinterest.com to create a DIY hair mask at home.  Either way, your hair can not afford to be shampooed with a leave – in conditioner alone.  The result will be breakage and frizz!

An additional beauty product that I’m actively using are nail polish remover pads.  Surprisingly, my mom (the other contributor) introduced me to this product last summer.  You can purchase a box for about $2 at the drugstore and they serve two functions.  Nail polish remover pads will remove polish quickly while also conditioning the cuticle and nails.  I was relieved to discover this product and since that time disposed of liquid remover (and cotton balls.)

I’m always searching for beauty tools to make my life easier because I’m managing my brand and have mommy duties.  The ultimate makeup tool the everyone should own in their bag is a Beauty Blender.  I have to admit that I own three because they serve a different function (and if I lose one there’s always an extra.) The Beauty Blender surfaced several years ago but has recently become available to beauty enthusiasts.  This is not your normal sponge due to the shape, texture, and use of the blender.  The Beauty Blender can be used to apply foundation, bb cream, tanner, bronzer, and concealer.  It can also be used for highlighting, contouring, and strobing.

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Lastly, with so much dryness in the air and having a hectic holiday schedule, we need an at home facial in between our spa treatments.  Purchasing a Sonic Face and Body Polisher can be an investment.  I am totally in love with my system and received it as a product review.  This little hand-held machine exfoliates and softens the skin while tightening my pores.  I love makeup but I’m a huge advocate for natural, glowing skin and we must take care of it!

I hope the tips I provided will help your winter beauty routine.  Also, stay connected to the site because I will be visiting a few local wellness spas very soon!

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Birchbox and Rent The Runway Launch: Black Friday Sales

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Birchbox (www.birchbox.com), a leading beauty and grooming retailer, has opened its doors in Washington, D.C. in partnership with Rent the Runway, which is revolutionizing fashion by allowing millions of women to rent designer apparel and accessories. On Friday, November 6, Birchbox launched a beauty shop in a dedicated space at Rent the Runway’s Georgetown store, allowing local customers to get a complete new look from head to toe – from on-trend outfits and accessories to the latest lipsticks and head-turning hairstyles.

The shop features the following elements to help Washingtonians prepare for special occasions and upgrade their everyday looks:

  • A Build Your Own Birchbox (BYOB) station with an exclusive new box design co-branded with Rent the Runway ($15)
  • A curated shop featuring the best hair, makeup, skincare and fragrance products, as well as holiday gift sets, from brands including Bumble and Bumble, Dr. Jart, Living Proof, Oribe, RMS Beauty, Smashbox, Stila and Sunday Riley, among others
  • Birchbox subscriptions and gift subscriptions for purchase (starting at $30)
  • Makeup services (starting at $30)
  • Special offers and events

 

“Birchbox has a large subscriber base in the DC area and our customers want to look their best, but don’t always have time to navigate the latest new products and trends. Together with Rent the Runway, we’re able to offer a one-stop-shop edited with the very best in beauty and fashion,” said Katia Beauchamp, Co-Founder and CEO of Birchbox. “It’s designed to bring delight to discovering new product by having an easy and efficient shopping experience. As we approach 2016, we’ll continue exploring meaningful opportunities to bring Birchbox to life offline.”

Customers can visit www.birchbox.com/georgetown for more information on Birchbox at Rent the Runway Georgetown, located at 3336 M Street NW. Birchbox has a flagship store in Soho, NY and plans to open additional stand-alone stores in 2016.

About Birchbox

Founded in 2010, Birchbox is a leading beauty and grooming retailer, offering an efficient, personalized way to discover and shop for new products. Birchbox redefined the online shopping experience by pairing a monthly subscription of deluxe samples – tailored to customers’ unique profiles – with inspiring editorial content to create a seamless path to purchase full-size products online. More than 800 best-in-class beauty, grooming and lifestyle brands are available on Birchbox’s e-commerce shop. In 2012, Birchbox launched Birchbox Man and expanded internationally, and in 2014, Birchbox opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Soho, New York. Today, Birchbox has more than 1 million subscribers and operates in six countries, including France, Spain, UK, Belgium and Canada. Birchbox is headquartered in New York City. To learn more, visit www.birchbox.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Snapchat.

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Black Friday

For US men and women – spend $35 on gift subscriptions and/or full-size product and get:

  • Non-Ace: 25% off with code BIGDEAL
  • Ace: 30% off with code ACESONLY
  • No limit to code usage

For CA women – spend $45 on gift subscriptions and/or full-size product and get

  • 25% off with code BIGDEAL
  • No limit to code usage

Cyber Monday

Same offer as above as above but codes are:

  • Non-Ace: PARTYON
  • Ace: ACEDIT
  • No limit to code usage

GuruNanda Essential Oils and Diffuser – Lifestyle Tip

GuruNanda 100% Essential Oils with Diffuser (www.GuruNanda.com), an aromatherapy gift set that features two different oils (calming lavender and uplifting peppermint) and an ultrasonic diffuser with a color-changing LED light to add to the sensory experience.

This would be great for:

  • Natural products and aromatherapy enthusiasts
  • Alternative beauty and wellness enthusiasts
  • A holiday party hostess gift
  • Affordable gifts/gifts under $25 (It retails for $19.99)
  • Gifts for the home
  • DIY spa-ers
  • The woman who has everything
  • Stressed out holiday shoppers who need to wind down or reenergize
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The kit houses two different oils – lavender and peppermint  — and an ultrasonic diffuser that disperses them into the air, where they release their wonderful natural fragrance and the healing aromatherapy benefits.    It can transform a room into a mini DIY spa in seconds.    The diffuser also features a color-changing LED light to add to the atmosphere.

Best of all, at only $19.99, it’s an affordable, thoughtful, one-size-fits all gift with tangible benefits.   It will be available in November at Walmart.

Spa Week: Holiday Gift and Wellness Idea

Give the Gift of Wellness this holiday season. The new gift card by Spa Week, Spa & Wellness BLACK, is the only spa and wellness card you will ever need, making a perfect gift for everyone on your list. It is accepted at over 8,000 spa and wellness locations across North America and may be used any time of the year without expiration. Special perks of this card include thousands of spas and hundreds of treatments to choose from, the ability to load in any amount from $10-$500, and the ability to use the card in multiple locations on as many visits as you choose. Visitors to spaweek.com can conveniently purchase Spa & Wellness BLACK, to be shipped in a gift box with a personal message anywhere in the United States.  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. Visit www.spaweek.com to see the numerous spa and wellness locations that accept Spa & Wellness BLACK.

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“Spa Week encourages a healthy lifestyle and inspires people to pursue ways of living fuller lives,” says Spa Week Founder, Cheryl Reid.  “Consumers are seeking better ways to take care of themselves, taking responsibility towards maintaining good health and making important lifestyle changes.”

With Spa & Wellness BLACK people can choose to access spa and wellness services, medical grade treatments, holistic services and cosmetic treatments, such as: massages, facials, yoga, pilates, nutrition classes, acupuncture, chiropractic sessions and more. Premier brands across the US that accept Spa & Wellness BLACK include: Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons, Rosewood Hotels, The Peninsula, The Trump Soho, Jurlique Soho, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, L’Institut Sothy’s and Fresh (LVMH).

In addition to Spa & Wellness BLACK, if you want instant gratification on www.spaweek.com, you can send an e-gift card to someone’s inbox immediately or at your requested date with a holiday themed background design. If you are looking for a corporate gift idea visit www.spaweek.com to learn about the unlimited uses of the corporate gift that offers something for everyone.

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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.  Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. 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. For the past eleven years, consumers from all demographics have felt physical and mental relief and gained tools for healthier living by taking advantage of an abundance of spa and wellness treatments at an attainable price. 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.  Spa & Wellness BLACK is accepted at over 8,000 spa and wellness locations across North America.  In addition, you can also find select denomination cards sold in over 55,000 retail stores nationwide including Target, CVS, Rite Aid, and Sam’s Club and on SpaWeek.com.

Follow us on Facebook at Spa Week, on Twitter @SpaWeek and on Instagram @SpaWeek.  Share your Spa and Wellness Memories #SWBLACK

For more information, visit http://www.spaweek.com/ or call Julie Leventhal at (212) 352-8098 Julie@spaweekmedia.com

Paul Mitchell – Giving Is My Style Campaign

Christmas and Thanksgiving’s right around the corner and everyone likes to give back during this time of the year! Why not participate in a great charity; striving to raise funds for Boys and Girls Club, Waterkeeper Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, and many more.  Paul Mitchell has taken action on social media with the Giving Is My Style Campaign.

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Paul Mitchell Mission:

This holiday season, we’re celebrating our commitment to live beautifully by giving, because that’s our style. Whether that means taking steps toward sustainability, helping families in need or supporting underserved kids, Paul Mitchell® believes in doing good for people, animals and our planet. Join our global family and share why or how you give back on Instagram or Twitter with #GivingIsMyStyle, and we’ll donate $1 to one of our favorite charities on your behalf.

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Causes:

Bright Pink: Bright Pink is the only national non-profit organization that focuses on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. We are proud to support their mission to educate, equip and empower women of all ages to be proactive with their health. @BeBrightPink

Waterkeeper Foundation: For more than 10 years, Paul Mitchell has supported Waterkeeper Alliance in their mission to protect rivers, streams, coastlines and other major waterways around the world.@Waterkeeper

Morris Animal Foundation: Morris Animal Foundation is a global leader in supporting scientific research that advances veterinary medicine. We’re proud to support the organization’s commitment to improving the health and quality of life for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife around the world.@Morris_Animal

Grow Appalachia: In 2010, Paul Mitchell co-founder John Paul DeJoria teamed up with Berea College to establish Grow Appalachia, a non-profit initiative that helps Appalachian families plant a healthy future. Over the last few years, the organization has produced more than 1.1 million pounds of healthy, organic food for thousands of people in five states. @GrowAppalachia

Boys & Girls Club: Paul Mitchell co-founder John Paul DeJoria grew up in an underserved Los Angeles community. During his youth, the local Boys & Girls Club provided a safe place for him to socialize, learn and grow. Today, our company is proud to give back to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and their efforts to create great futures for young people.@BGCA_Clubs

Reforest’Action: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree proudly supports Reforest’Action, an environmental organization that plants trees worldwide, in the areas where they’re needed most. Join The Green Takeover and help us plant 500,000 trees by 2016.

Social Handles

IG: @PaulMitchellUS

Twitter: @PaulMitchellUS

Hashtag: #GivingIsMyStyle

Join us in helping with the cause by sending an IG Message or Tweet with the featured social media handles. I’ve already started working on the initiative and asking everyone to join me!  It’s just that easy but can make a big difference this holiday season.

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YogaWorks Expands to Baltimore Studio

YOGAWORKS EXPANDS EAST COAST PRESENCE WITH PURCHASE OF SEVEN AWARD-WINNING STUDIOS IN BALTIMORE

YogaWorks, the rapidly growing leader in yoga practice and fitness, today announced its fourth acquisition of 2015 with the purchase of seven Charm City Yoga studios in Baltimore, Maryland.  This deal comes on the heels of YogaWorks’ acquisition of two studios in Boston last month, and seven studios in Northern California earlier this summer.  The renowned yoga company’s accelerated growth is due partly to the rapid adoption of yoga across the country, coupled with the demand for consistently high-quality yoga in growing yoga cities like Baltimore. In fact, Forbes Magazine rated Baltimore as the 6th fastest growing yoga market in the United States.

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“The award-winning Charm City Yoga studios are an amazing addition to our family because they, like YogaWorks, feature terrific teachers committed to building a local community where students can experience the physical and mental benefits only yoga can provide,” said Phil Swain, Chief Executive Officer, YogaWorks.  “From teens and young adults enjoying more rigorous classes to the restorative and relaxing pace of a gentle class, these Baltimore studios offer a wide variety of classes to meet the varied needs of the local yoga community.”

Kim Manfredi and Chris Blades opened the first Charm City Yoga Studio in 2000 and have dedicated their lives to growing the yoga practice in Baltimore.  “I am excited to partner with YogaWorks to grow our yoga community and continue the work we have started with our dedicated teachers and team.” said Ms. Manfredi.  “YogaWorks is a well-respected name in the yoga world and we believe that our students, staff and teachers will be able to benefit with additional opportunities and over 25 years of experience that YogaWorks brings.”

To maintain Charm City’s celebrated flow of yoga programming and operations, which has been recognized as “Best of Baltimore” for 15 consecutive years, Manfredi will remain deeply involved as both a teacher and yoga teacher trainer.  And, as with all of its acquisitions, YogaWorks will retain the company’s current teachers and staff in order to continue offering students the same great diverse programming, including Vinyasa , Gentle Yoga, Ashtanga, hot yoga, prenatal classes, and the popular community classes, workshops, and yoga teacher training programs. Names of all studios will eventually transition over to YogaWorks as the brand seeks to broaden its presence in this market. Through the end of the year, Charm City Yoga students will receive complimentary access to over 850 online yoga videos through YogaWorks’ online platform, MyYogaWorks.com, an excellent way to practice yoga between classes or further one’s practice while traveling.

Charm City Yoga studios, conveniently located around the Baltimore area, include: Mt Vernon, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Towson, Severna Park, Pikesville and Columbia.  With studios in Boston, New York City and, now, Baltimore, YogaWorks is further expanding on the East Coast with its first Washington D.C. studio set to open in early 2016.  YogaWorks also has several more studios in construction on the West Coast that will open within the next six months.

 

About YogaWorks

Founded in Santa Monica, California in 1987, YogaWorks has become the nation’s authority in the yoga space offering world-class teachers at yoga studios, a premier yoga teacher training program, workshops, retreats, and best-in-class online yoga at www.MyYogaWorks.com. YogaWorks’ trademark approach is a mix of safe, compassionate and skillful teaching featuring a diverse array of yoga styles and teachers for all levels of students. In addition to yoga, YogaWorks also offers a variety of fitness classes, including Pilates, BarWorks®, SculptWorks®, and TRX®.  Moreover, it features specialty programing, including private yoga, restoratives, pre-natal, Urban Zen® and meditation.   It is YogaWorks’ unwavering commitment to excellence – in teaching and practice – that has honed its reputation as the most respected name in yoga. Dedicated to giving back and to inspiring change in others, it is of utmost importance to YogaWorks’ teachers, employees and students to be involved in the local communities where studios operate.

For information about either studio, or to learn more about YogaWorks’ programming, philosophy and locations, go to www.yogaworks.com orcharmcityyoga.com.

Kingsmill Golf and Spa Resort – Holiday Travel 2015 {Lifestyle}

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Fall Weekends Frighteningly Busy as Halloween & the Holidays Near

* Low Gas Prices, Means Holiday Travel/Get-A-Ways Are On The Rise*

The countdown to Halloween is on, and as we creep closer to the holidays, Kingsmill Resort’s reservation system is spooky busy with many key weekends in October, November and December starting to fill up.   The reason, according to Kingsmill Resort, is the increased desire to create multi-generational memories by establishing new traditions for family travel during the fall and Holidays.  Low gas prices and high demand for Kingsmill’s riverfront cottages and spacious condos featuring full kitchens support this trend.

Kingsmill Resort is the only AAA Four Diamond condominium resort in Williamsburg and the only property with direct access to the majestic James River.  Sitting on 3,000 acres of land, Kingsmill Resort is ripe with stories of fright and holiday delight dating back to America’s beginnings.  It’s also a fall/early winter harvest of golf, watersports, heated indoor pools, a million dollar spa, restaurants, tennis, biking and just a cannon-ball shot away from the area’s iconic major attractions.

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What does this all mean?  For travelers planning a visit to Greater Williamsburg this holiday season to take in the fall foliage, ghoulish frights at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, or Greater Williamsburg’s holiday lineup, that means it’s best to book now or beware.   There may be no room at the proverbial “inn.”  A word to the wise, if you are thinking of calling Kingsmill Resort ‘home’ for the upcoming holidays it is best to book now, or the resort may be stuffed and your family will be crying foul.

Fall/holiday packages that are exceptionally value driven and popular include:

·       The Howl-O-Scream package through October 31 which includes accommodations for two nights in a  guest room (upgrade to condo available), daily breakfast, complimentary shuttle service to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg and access to Busch Gardens with two Fun Cards.

·       The Thanksgiving package, featuring a two-night stay in a one bedroom condo, breakfast daily, complimentary transportation to Colonial Williamsburg, and of course a traditional Thanksgiving buffet.

Three distinct Christmas Season packages:

1.     Christmas Town: a two-night stay and multi-day tickets to Busch Gardens

2.     Let It Glow: spacious accommodations in a condo for two nights, breakfast daily and curbside transportation to Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg.

3.     Holiday Traditions:  featuring two-night accommodations in a holiday-decorated condo including a tree and fireplace, meals, and more…

Kingsmill Resort is an AAA Four Diamond condo resort and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Located on the James River off I‐64 between Richmond and Norfolk the property is within minutes from Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

C O Bigelow Freesia Candle – Breast Cancer Research Foundation

All year long, C.O. Bigelow donates 10% of all sales of their Freesia Candle to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a leading organization which fights breast cancer by advancing promising research around the globe.

Freesia is one of the brand’s most popular perfume oils, which inspired this soft, floral scent featuring a heart of tart quince, jasmine, pink freesia and tender muguet. The feminine and uplifting power of this candle honors the spirit of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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Price: $42.00

Available: bigelowchemists.com, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries: 414 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10011