Tag: Lifestyle Tip

How To /

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 /

Sonoma Wine Country – Fearless Fabulous You Retreat

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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.

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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.

Lifestyle Tips /

Woodbridge Wines – March Madness Entertaining

For any viewing party, Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon-infused Sausage Balls are sure to be a slam dunk – especially when served alongside Woodbridge Merlot Chili. WPaired with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, you’ll please every palate.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is also a choice your listeners can feel good about. Every March, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi partners with The V Foundation, helping find a cure for cancer by generating awareness and broad-based support for research. Over the past five years, Woodbridge has helped to raise more than $1 million for the V Foundation and will continue to work towards ensuring a better future for generations to come.

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Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Sausage Balls
Prep + Cook Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 30-40 sausage balls

Ingredients:
Sausage Balls
· Wood1 cup cornmeal

· 8 ounce block of sharp cheddar cheese, grated

· 1/2 tsp kosher salt

· 2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves

· 1-pound ground spicy sausage (or mild if you prefer)

· 3 oz cream cheese

Cabernet Honey Mustard
· 2/3 cup brown sugar

· 1/2 cup whole grain Dijon mustard

· 1 cup of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

· 2 fresh thyme sprigs

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350º. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spray parchment paper with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, stir cornmeal, cheddar cheese, salt and thyme together.

3. In a separate bowl, combine sausage and cream cheese with your hands.

4. Add sausage mixture to cornmeal mixture and combine the two. Your dough will be dry and crumbly, and somewhat difficult to combine. Form 1-ounce balls and place on baking sheet one inch apart.

5. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes.

6. While the sausage balls are baking, make your Cabernet Honey Mustard.

7. Add all Cabernet Honey Mustard ingredients to a medium saucepan, bring to medium heat. Stirring often, cook for 20-25 minutes or until sauce has reduced by about half. Remove thyme sprigs, and serve in a bowl alongside sausage balls.

8. Enjoy sausage balls hot or at room temperature, serving with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.

*Entertaining Tip: These sausage balls are great at room temperature, making them the perfect tailgating food. Let the balls cool completely, and then pack them between paper towels in a storage container to transport them to the game.

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Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot Chili
Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:
· 1 tbsp olive oil

· 3 large cloves garlic, chopped finely

· 1 large jalapeno, chopped finely (remove seeds or omit completely if you don’t like spicy chili)

· 1 large yellow onion, chopped

· ½ pound hot Italian sausage, removed from casing

· 2 pounds ground 80% lean ground beef

· 1 tbsp salt

· 1 tbsp pepper

· 1 tsp cumin

· ½ tsp cayenne pepper

· 2 bell peppers, chopped

· 1 28 oz. can of whole tomatoes

· 1 15 oz. can whole kernel corn

· 1 15 oz. can reduced sodium red kidney beans

· 1 15 oz. can low sodium black beans

· 1 cup Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot

Directions:
1. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add next three ingredients and stir to coat with oil. Add lid and let the onions sweat for 3 minutes.

2. Add meat and all spices and stir frequently until all meat is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. This will release a lot of moisture, so continue cooking until most of the moisture evaporates. You may have to ladle some out.

3. Using your hands, crush the canned tomatoes over the pot. Add the entire can this way. Add the remaining canned goods.

4. Lastly, add the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot. Simmer with the lid on for at least 30 minutes, but up to two hours. (Like all chili, this is best reheated and served the next day, making it a perfect dish for weeknight meals or easy entertaining!)

5. Serve with your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, chopped jalapeno, tortilla chips or corn bread.

*Entertaining Tip: Make chili up to three days before serving. Reheat individual portions in microwave-proof mugs, or store in the pot that you cooked it in and simply reheat the entire pot.

Beauty /

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.

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

Accessories /

Wardrobe Care and Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus – Lifestyle Tip

Most people never make it to the dry cleaner as often as they need resulting in a pile of laundry in the closet or laundry room that is waiting to be dropped off for cleaning. Instead of reducing the availability of your wardrobe simple because of the inconvenience of a trip to the cleaner, you can now refresh dry clean only clothes with a spritz, tug, smooth and hang dry.

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Celebrity Closet

With a quick spray of Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus on your clothes, you can tug out any visible wrinkles, smooth the fabric, allow your garment to dry and be wrinkle, static and odor free in less than five minutes. Silicones in Downy Wrinkle Release Plus grip the fabric fibers in garments making it possible for them to slide against each other rather than being frozen in a crease. And instead of running to the dry cleaner after every few wears, you can refresh clothes and get more life out of them before your next trip to the dry cleaner.

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Fall 2015 /

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.

Accessories /

The Annapolis Sailboat Show 2015 – Lifestyle Tip

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is a historic event that takes place in the Annapolis district.  This is a show for sailors (and family members) searching for equipment, clothing, and boating accessories.  It’s also a great place to visit and enjoy the sailboat tour!

Aside from enjoying the beautiful boats, guests can sip on cocktails, listen to music, and indulge in authentic Maryland cuisine.  My personal favorite is the jumbo crab cake and ice cream.  The boys and I walked around to vendors; we even viewed a gorgeous two bedroom yatch and considered taking sailing courses.


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The Annapolis Sailboat Show’s considered to be one of the largest and oldest in-water sailboat shows.  Here are a few style tips for boat dressing:

1.  Sophisticated Sunglasses

2.  Beautiful Tunic or Afghan

3.  One-Piece Swimsuit

4.  Stylish Clutch Handbag

5.  Maxi Dress

6.  Wedge Platforms or Flip Flops

7.  Straw Hat

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ABC /

Emmys Cocktail and Beverage Ideas from Drizly

Tonight television fans across the country will have their eyes glued to their screens to see if their favorite shows (such as Scandal) and actors will take home awards. Whether you’re hosting a viewing party, or watching solo from your couch, Drizly, the leading on-demand alcohol delivery service, has all your beverage needs covered.

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Drizly has created three cocktails to help you enjoy the evening, a Pre-Show Punch, a Backstage Boulevardier, and below is a dessert cocktail in honor of the show – Empire!

Cookie (Lyons) Delight

One of the best and most memorable TV characters from this year’s nominees. This adult milkshake is dedicated to the leading lady in FOX’s hit show Empire.

Ingredients (serves 1):

3 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur

3 scoops of chocolate ice cream

6 oz milk

3-4 ice cubes

2 medium FRESH chocolate chip cookies

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Directions: 

In a blender combine ice cream, Bailey’s, milk, one cookie, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth (add more milk or ice cream to get to your desired consistency). Crumble up the remaining cookie by hand or with a knife. Pour drink into pint glass and add cookie crumbs on top. Serve with a straw and spoon for maximum enjoyment.

Lifestyle Tips /

Fruttare Frozen Fruit Bars: Poptails Recipe

Check out the recipe (below) that’s Sunday Brunch approved!  Why not serve something different from the normal Mimosa or Bellani?  Poptail’s are made with Fruttare Frozen Fruit Bars.  Each one is:

  • Made with real fruit
  • Sourced from sustainably farmed fruit like strawberries, bananas, coconuts and limes
  • Appealing for all types of fruit lovers with nine refreshing varieties including Mango, Pineapple and Strawberry

 

Fruttare Frozen Fruit Bars are available at local retailers including Walmart, Ahold-Giant Food, Safeway, Shop Rite and Target. Plus, they’re a tasty treat you can feel good about eating.

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Mango Banana Sunshine Poptails

2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

2 Fruttare® Mango Fruit and Juice Bars, chopped
1 1/2 cups ice cubes(about 9 to 11)
1 small banana, broken into chunks
3 Tbsp. orange juice

Process all ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into 2 cocktail glasses.

Nutritional Information 2 servings :

Calories 120.00 , Calories from Fat 0 , Total Fat 0 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 0 mg, Total Carbs 29.00 g, Dietary Fiber 1.0 g, Sugars 19.00 g, Protein 1.00 g, Vitamin A 6.0 %, Vitamin C 40.0 %, Calcium 0 %, Iron 0 %

 

Lifestyle Tips /

KptnCook App – How To Get Your Kitchen Back-To-School Ready

A new school year can turn even the most organized kitchen into a chaotic mess. Whether you’re off to college, or sending your little one to their first day of school, keeping the kitchen in order can be hectic!

Check out tips from KptnCook App, helping us get our kitchen’s back-to-school ready.  Follow these tried and tested back-to-school suggestions for a stress-free start to the semester!

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Fresh start

There’s nothing like an untidy pantry to send your cooking motivation into a tailspin. Set some time aside to clear everything out of your cupboards and give the shelves a good wipe down. Throw out anything that is past the use by date, and any products you know won’t be eaten, looking at your pawpaw pretending to be mango. Be unmerciful and make some room!

The essentials

Having all the basics at your fingertips makes meal prep easy as pie – which incidentally, can be a little tricky to make. Ensure you have these essential items in your pantry:

  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Dried herbs and spices including; oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, chili, turmeric and coriander, paprika, allspice, nutmeg, cumin and cinnamon. Don’t forget fresh garlic too
  • Flour, and sugar
  • Grains such as; pasta, rice, quinoa and buckwheat
  • Canned goods including; chickpeas, lentils, white beans, corn, tomatoes, and tuna

 

Within arm’s reach

Gather all the kitchen utensils and gadgets, and group them into most used and least used. Place your most used items nearest to your cooking area and the least used things further away. This way, for example, your baking tins aren’t getting in the way of the toaster, which you use every morning.

Stock up on kitchen supplies

Make those leftovers more accessible with a selection of different sized clear containers. If you have these at your disposal, you can scoop up any leftovers and have them for lunch the next day. They are also a handy for neatly storing herbs and spices. Bonus tip: if you freeze your leftovers make sure you label what it is and when you put it in the freezer.

Cooking inspiration

Getting dinner cooked and on the table is a key source of stress for Americans, with 33 percent saying that cooking healthy meals is a constant worry*. To reduce stress levels, these blogs are always a good source of inspiration:

* according to a survey by HuffPo Healthy Living

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