Tag: Wellness

Lifestyle Tips /

Time-Saving Items: Do Less and Achieve More

We’ve all had days where we feel a little rushed and can’t be bothered with things like putting makeup on, eating a healthy meal, or that re-decorating you’ve been putting off.

Make all those to-do’s easier with these time-saving items:

 

Mixed Chicks 2-in-1 Co Wash: Adapting to weather changes is a core part of day-to-day life. As we prep to put our swimsuits on to soak in the golden haze of summer, we also must adjust our hair care techniques to beat the heat. With the Mixed Chicks Co-Wash, keep summer living easy with this all in one product for cleaning, detangling and hydrating!

• Features: o Hydrates, removes impurities, detangles o Creamy, no lather cleanser o Revitalizing shampoo alternative o Uses jojoba and castor oils to restore strength and flexibility o 8 oz/ 236 ml

Picture Keeper: Picture Keeper Connect — the best device to store all of your pictures on! If you are switching to a new phone, running out of storage, or just wanting to secure important photos, this safeguard system offers a simple photo backup solution for all devices – smartphones, tablets and computers. Protect your memories quickly with the ability to choose the storage capacity that best fits your needs! Picture Keeper Connect works anywhere, anytime – no wifi needed!

 

Tempaper: Decorate your space quickly with the self-adhesive, easily removable wallpaper from Tempaper! Also great for DIY projects, touch up your walls, dressers, cabinets, bookshelves and more. Tempaper is FDA approved, made lead-free, phthalate-free, VOC-free and has been made to be the apparent solution to many design problems while also being a fun alternative to decorating surfaces. You can choose from a wide variety of colors and designs, as well as you creating your own design to truly fit your home’s ambiance.

FACE Atelier’s Ultra Skin: Meet FACE Atelier’s Ultra Skin – the ultimate lightweight foundation! Its silicone-based formula perfects the skin with a long-lasting satin finish with light to medium buildable coverage. The creamy, soufflé-like texture produces an airbrush-like result and is perfect if you want a foundation that can be applied like a moisturizer without compromising performance. No blender, brush or sponge needed. Easily apply with fingers! Ultra Skin’s 11 shades cover the lightest to richest complexions and are color-matched to award-winning Ultra Foundation. No primer needed!

 

Perfect Shaker: No time for a gourmet meal? Whip up a quick and healthy shake in a Perfect Shaker! The superhero-themed cups have powerful perks like a stay-open flip cap, screw-on lid and extra wide mouthpiece. Perfect Shaker’s Marvel and DC Shaker can take you to the next level. Train like a Hero!

 

 

Birmingham /

Liberated Specialty Foods: Healthiest Secret in the South

The self-proclaimed “Healthiest Secret in the South”, Liberated Specialty Foods is the first-to-market Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) commercial bakery, selling dozens of food items online and nine distinct items for wholesale, including coconut and cashew bread, Paleo pizza crusts, pizza sauce, ketchup and more. Based in Madison, Alabama, the unique health-crazed company is taking the nation by storm and becoming more and more popular in areas all over. Having grown immensely in the last year, they can be found in major retailers (Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Nugget Markets, Raley’s, the Health Nuts, and more) and are baking up more and more new, delicious foods daily.

Liberated Specialty Food’s motto is they go “Beyond Paleo” by taking the paleo diet and removing the starches (like tapioca, cassava, arrowroot) and other additives (like guar gum). This makes their offerings even more simple and able to be consumed by those on a wide variety of diets outside of Paleo, such as the SCD, Keto, GAPS, Bulletproof, Feingold and more. They are an ideal brand, and the only brand, for many people who need to rethink their eating habits but don’t want to deal with the brutal elimination of favorite foods and the feeling of being left out when surrounded by people eating their most desired guilty pleasure foods. Imagine enjoying a delicious pizza crust with only 3 net carbs? Count us in!

Not only does Liberated Specialty Foods fill you up with delicious, clean foods but the story behind the company fills you up with inspiration and motivation for a better you. Founder Stacey Schlaman was inspired to start the business through her own struggles providing grain-free meals, with simple ingredients, to her own daughter who suffered from a number of autoimmune diseases. After breaking down in tears over the lack of ingredients and the immense time it took to prepare these types of food herself, she vowed to dedicate herself to making these foods available for others so that she could, in some way, help alleviate the heavy burden many of her customers were already carrying.

Liberated Specialty Foods™ goes Beyond Paleo and gluten-free eating to provide foods that can be consumed by those on special diets. In doing so, they use the healthiest ingredients for the highest quality foods. Five unique things to know about their products:

  • Products do not contain most starches and are gluten and grain free.
  • The Paleo branded products contain no dairy products.
  • The SCD™ and GAPS™ products may include the following dairy products: approved cheeses, farmer’s cheese, ghee, and specially made yogurt.
  • Products are sweetened with only honey, fruit and/or vanilla extract.
  • Consists of no unlabeled ingredients, such as “spices” or “natural flavors”

For more information about Liberated Specialty Foods or to view all product offerings, please visit http://liberatedspecialtyfoods.com/

Beauty /

Aveda Essentials: Eco-friendly Hair and Skincare Products

Eco-friendly hair and skincare services are considered the philosophy of Aveda products.  The company believes in wellness as it relates to beauty.

Product Review:

I had the pleasure of receiving a few of their latest products in the mail.  Let me start by saying, that Aveda did not disappoint on any levels.  Before I opened the box there was a beautiful well-wrapped package.  Each product had a distinct, natural aroma and instantly filled the room.

Aveda Essentials Products

Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother

Be Curly Curl Enhancer

Thickening Tonic

Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair

Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray

Phomollient

Shampure Composition Oil

Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme

Based on my daily routine, I was in desperate need of the Thickening Tonic and Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray.  I’ve also suffered from breakage and decided to use the Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair.

In terms of skincare, the Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme not only fights dryness but diminishes the signs of aging.

Overall, this package was perfect in terms of my monthly beauty needs!  Stay connected for more about Aveda‘s latest hair and skincare products.

Beauty /

How To: Glowing Skin with a Positive Mindset

Skin care probably gives us more anxiety than any other part of our body! Which makes perfect sense, of course – it’s covering us and constantly showing to some degree. Those who have skin problems will often have issues with self-esteem and even moodiness. If you want to tackle your skin anxieties, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s some advice that you should take on-board.

Featured Photo from Instagram

Change your mindset

A negative mindset isn’t going to help your anxieties. Well, duh, right? But how does that help you when it comes to skin problems? A lot of people would argue that a skin problem such as acne gives someone the right to be negative or self-conscious. But again, you might need a change in mindset. You can read more at mind-sets.com. It seems that you may be assuming the worst in people without taking into account that most people, at some point, will encounter these sorts of problems. People are more empathetic than you might think.

The fact is that the vast majority of people don’t care all that much; they may notice you have a problem, but they’re not going to be disgusted by it in the way that you think. Other people aren’t going to sit there and stare at your flaws. Think about it: do you pay attention to someone’s skin problems? Has it stopped you spend time with them or even dating them? Probably not. Try to keep this in mind; it will soothe a lot of your anxiety.

Get expert advice

You can speak with someone about these kinds of worries. They may point you in the direction of a dermatologist. (A “skin doctor”, in layman’s terms!) Dermatologists will always help you explore non-surgical options, but there are loads of businesses out there, such as belcarahealth.com, that will help you explore both non-invasive dermatology and cosmetic surgery. (And no, you shouldn’t be afraid to look into such treatment if there’s a good chance it will really improve your situation.)

Dermatologists, or even your regular physician, may even be able to recommend you specific products and lifestyle changes based on your particular skin structure. Don’t be afraid to look into medical treatments they may suggest, like microdermabrasion. Something like that can be done at home or with a doctor.

The skin-friendly lifestyle

Changing your mindset is one part of adopting a skin-friendly lifestyle; when you’re less negative, you stress out a lot less – and stress can aggravate skin problems in ways you may never have thought possible. Stress is just one part of an unhealthy lifestyle that you need to avoid.

It’s true that those with skin problems like acne may be, in a sense, “doomed” to have the problem to some degree, at least in the short term. But most people aggravate the problem by not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep, and neglecting exercise. You can read more at experiencelife.com. These things aren’t guaranteed to cure skin problems, the way some people make out. But they can go a long way towards improving your skin tremendously.

Sponsored Post

Beauty /

Essence Festival 2017 – Media Passes & Lineup

Essence Festival 2017 is only a few weeks away and we have received official media passes.  What does that mean?  Style + Life + Fashion will share behind the scenes style photos, celebrity interviews, and video clips.

Aside from real-time micro blogging via social media (don’t forget to follow the hashtag #EssenceFestSLF ) there will be an official event recap sharing details from the Beauty and Style Expo, Entertainment Access, and much more.

The 2017 Lineup will include:

If you like this post, click here – What To Wear:  6 Tips For Music Festival Season

Beauty /

7 Do’s for a Sexy Decolletage

For women of all ages, sallow, dull, or creppy skin can make the chest area or décolletage appear older than it is. Factor in side-sleeping where for hours at a time, your breasts are at battle with gravity leading to deeper lines in the neck and chest. Luckily, there are advancements and solutions available to bring back the glow to the beautiful feminine décolletage. Dr. Lenny Hochstein, world renowned board-certified plastic surgeon based in Miami, Florida and owner of the city’s newest state-of-the-art Hochstein MedSpa, and his team of licensed aestheticians, offer insights on how to achieve and maintain a sexy décolletage.

  1. Go topical.

There are plenty of things women can do to prevent chest area skin from aging such as applying high-quality, medical-grade skin care products. There are plenty of wrinkle creams on the market. The key is to look for ones with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinol, Vitamin C and E, and growth factors. These will reduce the appearance of wrinkles. “This is great for prevention and maintenance. Using creams in your 20’s and 30’s really does help skin retain elasticity and its ability to produce collagen,” explains Larisa Belyakova, Hochstein MedSpa licensed aesthetician.

  1. Consider lasers.

Lasers will certainly offer that healthy glow, since they are the most powerful tool to address both discoloration and texture imperfections.

“One of the lasers we have had success with in the chest region is the HALO treatment, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. It’s strong! Results to skin tone and texture are visible after the first treatment,” explains Dr. Lenny Hochstein who prides himself on being incredibly selective about the results-driven treatments he offers. “The HALO is a type of a fractional laser which allows us to obtain optimal results with reduced healing time,” he adds.

There are other options as well. “The other device used for chest rejuvenation is called BBL (broad band light). This treatment is the most effective on the market for clearing up sun damage spots and reducing redness,” adds Jenya Titova, Hochstein’s certified Physician’s Assistant who vast expertise in lasers spans 12 years.

An issue of concern to women are stretch marks to the breast area. “Another laser often used on the chest area is E-matrix. This technology reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks on the breast,” Jenya adds.

  1. Try a chemical peel and/or a microdermabrasion.

If the skin itself is supple, microdermabrasion could work very well to address skin elasticity, texture, tone and overall appearance. It’s a less expensive option than lasers. Chemical peels work at the cellular level, smoothing the fine lines in the chest area with very little downtime. There are varying strengths available so it is very important to have an experienced person administer peels. Microdermabrasion and peels are usually recommended in packages of 3 or 4, performed several weeks apart.

 

  1. Hydrafacial

 

This is of the newest treatments that brings out the healthy radiance and glow to the skin of the décolletage area. “It is a high- tech equipment operated procedure that includes several steps, such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, antiaging light treatment and application of powerful antioxidants. Well hydrated and nourished skin on the chest is the immediate and lasting result of this treatment,” explains Hochstein MedSpa Licensed aesthetician, Capri Colello.

 

  1.  Micro-needling

 

Micro-needling is a process where a small roller is rolled over the skin creating tiny punctures in the top skin layer. This phase of the treatment triggers a wound healing response in the body. Collagen levels are boosted as the skin regenerates itself leading to skin thickening, scars fading and smoothing of fine lines. Peptides and antioxidant serums are applied and massaged into the skin at the end. “What’s interesting to note about micro-needling is that the skin is essentially put into a healing, rejuvenation mode lasting for several months after the first session takes place. Skin looks better over time. To maintain results it’s advised to repeat the treatment at least 3-4 times,” advises Hochstein.

  1. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

Microneedling described above, can be enhanced with a very powerful collagen building treatment using your own plasma. “The treatment requires that we draw a small blood sample to extract the concentrated platelet cells out of it. These cells have a natural ability of healing by building new elastic and collagen layer. Fine lines and wrinkles on the chest respond wonderfully to this procedure, with no discomfort, side effects or downtime” says Dr. Hochstein.

  1. Get smart about sunscreen.

Regardless of what treatment option you choose optimal skin protection is key. “You go through a series of treatments. The last thing you want to do is damage skin and get into this cycle of damage, treat, damage treat,” explains Dr. Hochstein. “You can’t invest $6000 on skin treatments and think a $9.00 bottle of basic sunscreen is going to protect you,” he adds. Any physician will suggest using a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. “The best results are found when the patient ‘protects the procedure’ and takes preventative measures recommended by their skin care professional,” he recommends.

About the experts:

Dr. Lenny Hochstein is a board certified plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. World renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, symmetry and overall excellence, including published scientific papers, awards, early entry directly into medical school where he graduated valedictorian; Dr. Hochstein has two decades of experience, over 23,000 surgeries with breast augmentation as his main specialty. His dual accreditation of American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons speaks to his high standards and reputation of providing exceptional care to all his patients. In 2017, Dr. Lenny Hochstein added Hochstein MedSpa to his Miami practice to offer lesser invasive treatments and anti-aging solutions adhering to the same values of high standards and quality. Anyone selected to be on his team must be exceptional, credentialed and committed to offering excellent care.

Jenya Titova, board certified Physician Assistant with 12 years of experience in aesthetic field, is Dr. Hochstein’s right hand at Hochstein MedSpa. She is highly skilled in areas of laser medicine and injectable treatments. His wonderful licensed aestheticians, Larisa Belyakova and Capri Colello are also great assets of his skin care team, delivering personalized, quality-driven approach to their patients.

Lifestyle Tips /

How Much Caffeine Can I Drink A Day

Too much caffeine caused the death of a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina who collapsed during class last month, according to the county coroner. Davis Allen Cripe died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia. During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow affects the brain, heart and other organs. The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks — a cafe latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink — in a two-hour period before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26, Watts said. (Source: CNN) So where does this tragic news leave adult java lovers?

How much caffeine can I drink a day?

“Most people can safely take in about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily or about 4 cups of coffee,” says Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He adds that, “the limit varies from person to person.” It’s difficult to assign an exact amount for everyone because people can have different sensitivities or reactions to caffeine based on age, medical history, and tolerance. However, there is enough research available to make a recommendation based on an individual’s weight.

To keep it safe, health experts recommend a maximum daily dose of 400 mg. To see what this means for you, check out the caffeine in some of these common drinks:

Starbucks Coffee (16 fl oz): 320 mg caffeine

5-hour energy (1.93 fl oz): 207 mg caffeine

Dunkin Donuts regular (16 fl oz): 203 mg caffeine

Starbucks Latte (16 fl oz): 150 mg caffeine

Coffee, brewed (8 fl oz): 133 mg caffeine

Red Bull Energy Shot (2 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Red Bull (8 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Tea (8 fl oz): 53 mg caffeine

But how, exactly, can the world’s most popular drug kill?

Like other stimulants, caffeine raises blood pressure, boosts heart rate and temporarily shrinks blood vessels. Dr. Calapai explains that, “In excess, the effects can be deadly by causing a heart attack, stroke or other cardio-vascular-related problem. Researchers think daily caffeine intake can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but the results so far have been inconclusive.”

It’s also important to realize that medical conditions can affect sensitivity to caffeine. “If you have anxiety, panic disorder, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, diabetes, take medication or have any sort of medical condition, then you may tolerate less caffeine and should speak to a doctor,” says Dr. Calapai.

There are “caffeine overdose symptoms” that are important to watch for. These include:

Jitters, Restlessness, and Nervousness

Increased heartbeat

Nausea

Anxiety

Heart palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia)

Insomnia

Sweating

Dizziness

Vomiting

Cardiac arrest

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue; he was a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Beauty /

10 WAYS STRESS IS WRITTEN ALL OVER YOUR FACE

According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez Psy. D, Colombia University Professor and Founder of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services in New York City; stress is written all over our face and can result in looking years older when stressed for prolonged periods of time.

Dr. Hafeez whose expertise is in understanding neural pathways as they respond to anxiety, stress and trauma explains that how we think directly impacts how we age and how youthful we appear. The routine stressors in our lives really impact how fast or slow we age. When stressed, we see it in our skin tone, texture, elasticity, and over all glow.

Featured Photo from PeopleStyle.com

“When someone is under stress they can appear up to 5 years older, 10 years if they don’t manage stress or make changes to their lives. Stressful relationships and careers age people. I have seen patients end relationships or get new jobs and look 10 years younger within days.  People are spending money on creams, facials and cosmetic procedures but if the stress is still there it will still show in their face,” offers Dr. Hafeez.

Here are Ways Stress is Written All Over Your Face

  1.  You have dark circles. Stress results in blood flow to main organs plus capillaries under eyes are fragile and break under stress leaving your face looking sallow and tired. Dark circles seem more apparent.
  2. Mini-Menopause

The jury is still out on exactly how or if this is possible, but it appears that the constant flow of cortisol that goes along with chronic stress causes a dip in estrogen, one that mimics, on a smaller scale, the dip that occurs during menopause. Less estrogen means less collagen and less moisture. So, while estrogen levels may not drop enough to shut down your period, stress may make them dip enough to make your skin look dull and dry.

  1. You notice more wrinkles. Life’s stress due to divorce, death of loved one, job-loss, financial concerns; impacts our brain chemistry. When we feel sad or anxious, are crying or not sleeping well it’s common to see deeper lines around the middle of the eyes, forehead, under eye area and mouth.
  2. You itch, flake and even have hives.  Stress leads to inflammation which may lead to rashes, rosacea, eczema flare ups and changes in skin moisture.
  3. People ask if you’re feeling okay. When the Starbucks barista or guy at the dry cleaners asks if you’re feeling okay, pay attention. These people may not know the details of your life but they know how you look because they see you quickly.
  4. Under-Eye Bags: Tomorrow’s to-do list can weigh on your mind, keeping you from getting enough beauty sleep. This can cause fluid to pool below your lower eyelid area, and what you end up with is a puffy mess in the a.m. Stomach sleepers, bad news: You can expect the puffiness of your under-eye bags to be even worse because of gravity.
  5. Increased jaw size– Heavy jaw

Grinding teeth and clenching of the jaw are common symptoms of stress. Unfortunately, these habits can cause the jaw muscles to work overtime. This can result not only in damaged teeth, but also a heavier than usual jawline, as the muscles become larger with the grinding action.

    8. Hair Loss

Stress can cause sudden hair loss by literally flipping the switch on the hair follicle’s growth stage from an active to a resting phase. Once the follicle enters this resting phase prematurely, it stays there for about three months, after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. When you experience an overall shedding of hair, you must cast back a few months to find the trigger. Rest assured that in most women, this hair will grow back.

   9. Adult Acne

Acne isn’t just for hormonally crazed teenagers. Many adults can’t seem to outgrow it because of stress hormones. What makes it worse is that tense people often can’t leave pimples alone. Squeezing, poking and picking at them becomes an almost obsessive way to release tension, but it also makes breakouts worse, exacerbating the inflammatory response, and you’re left feeling a bit more stressed. So no picking

   10.  Hormonal Mood Swings

There is a lot of interaction between hormone physiology and mood that works both ways. Our mood can impact our physiology, and our physiology can influence the balance of our hormones. If stress can sit at the top of a cascade of events that lead to undesirable hormonal changes in the body (like those that trigger insomnia, insatiable hunger and weight gain, and collagen breakdown), then what we want to do is find ways to gain the upper hand on our stress level and ensure that we keep all those hormones in check.

According to Dr. Hafeez, “The good news is that we can get to the root cause of our stress and manage it. When you notice changes in your facial appearance take inventory of what is going on in your life and what may be stressing you out. Simple things like sitting quietly for 10 minutes focusing on breathing, writing in a journal, exercising or taking a walk outside, reading, baking, painting, listening to music and reaching for an activity that takes focus off the stress is helpful. If you find yourself reverting back to the stressful issue consider therapy. Clearly there is a connection between how we look and how we feel and think.”

About Dr. SanamHafeez: 

Dr. Hafeez  is available to speak to media on a plethora of topics that connect stress, anxiety and depression and its negative impact on our wellbeing and physical appearance. She provides neuropsychological educational and developmental evaluations in her practice.  She also works with children and adults who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, autism, attention and memory problems, trauma and brain injury, abuse, childhood development and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…) In addition, Dr. Hafeez serves as a medical expert and expert witness by providing full evaluations and witness testimony to law firms and courts.

Lifestyle Tips /

FIVE TIPS FOR HAVING A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY from Lauren Smith Brody

For many of us, Mother’s Day means a bouquet of flowers, a heart-shaped box of chocolates, or—if we’re really lucky—a lovingly-and-slightly-burned breakfast in bed. And those things are all great!

But parenthood is all about making memories, and that traditional trifecta (flowers, candy, toast), can start to blur year to year. Studies have shown that experiencing new things for the first time together is very bonding—and memory-making. Every other day of the year, you’re the one teaching your kiddos how to do something you already know how to do. Why not share a completely new experience together? You’ll walk away with the gift that lasts longer than the hardiest construction paper heart: A real memory to treasure.

Featured Photo from SouthernLiving.com

Our phones are often an integral part of making memories—whether it’s calling our loved ones or taking photos. That’s why I’m teaming up with Total Wireless to talk about how to do Mother’s Day like a “boss.” Here are some unforgettable ideas:

  1. Create a family playlist and have a dance party.  The internet is your friend here. Choose a hit song from the birth year of every member of your family, from great-grandparents down to the baby, for a uniquely-yours mixtape. And then, obviously, dance! Or karaoke. Or both, your call.
  2. Move it! It doesn’t matter whether it’s a 5K race, a family yoga class, or an easy stroll around the block, a little exercise is good for everyone. Bonus points territory is ordering matching exercise gear (go ahead and be That Family). Search online for “custom t-shirts,” or do a deep dive into Etsy for inspiration. Yelp may have some suggestions for a local vendor too.
  3. Play food stylist. You know those time-lapse recipe videos? Why not try making one as a family? Best-case scenario, you’ll end up with shareable directions your little sous chefs can send to their friends. Worst case? You’ll have some messy laughs…and order in pizza.
  4. Dig in the dirt. It’s Mother Nature’s day too, after all, so honor her with a visit to a local garden, or plant one of your own. (Window boxes count if you live in an apartment like I do!) According to proflowers.com, May is the perfect time to plant roses, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and more.
  5. Set a hug alarm. Cheesiest idea on record…and yet, we dare you not to enjoy it. Most mornings of the year, your alarm is go-time for the morning rush/panic. Today, let everyone in the family set his or her own alarm on your phone for a family hug session. Don’t forget to reach out to your far-away family members. Video hugs and screen kisses count too.

Lauren Smith Brody is the founder of The Fifth Trimester movement to help businesses and families improve workplace culture together. Her book, The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby is just out from Doubleday. Prior to launching her own business, Lauren had a 16-year career in magazine publishing, most recently as the executive editor of Glamour magazine at Condé Nast, overseeing the magazine’s features, beauty, and fashion content, as well as brand and digital extensions and editorial events, including Glamour’s annual Women of the Year awards. She’s partnering with Total Wireless to share her “total boss mom” strategies—hectic schedule, two little boys, messy home, and all. Check out TotalWireless.com to learn more about their affordable plans and high-end smartphone selection.

Beauty /

Spa Week Spring 2017 Event: Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Natural healing methods are on the rise as antidotes for an over-connected, demanding world.  The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) reports that US healthcare costs are forecast to rise an average of 5.8% every year through 2025.  In turn, more Americans are integrating alternative, preventative health approaches into their lifestyles.  Spa Week continues its dedication of delivering the best in health and wellness year round by working with spas nationwide to transform their traditional treatments into one-of-a-kind wellness experiences for our daily lives.  From April 17th – 23rd, hundreds of spas will give consumers the opportunity to explore wellness in an extraordinary and affordable way during Spa Week’s Spring 2017 Event.  “A profound shift in the way people consume wellness is underway: once a luxury or “add-on”, it is now being infused into every aspect of daily life,” shares Katherine Johnston, Senior Research Fellow, GWI.

From holistic salt therapy centers to detoxify the respiratory system, to standing in a -160 degree Cryotherapy Chamber to reduce cellulite and improve circulation, these signature services – normally valued at anywhere from $100 to $500 – will be available for just $50 each. Sit back and get ready to enjoy this roller coaster ride of healthy lifestyle choices and rejuvenate with our top recommendations for Spa Week’s Spring 2017 event.

Get Salty

Looking for a natural treatment that is designed to help you purify your skin, clear your lungs and overall help you de-stress? Take a trip to visit the Hygea Wellness Co & Salt Room in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania for a Salt Therapy treatment (Spa Week $50, normally $100). There, you will bask in a quiet Salt Therapy room made of seven tons of Dead Sea salt and breathe in its surrounding salty and misty vapors. As you meditate and unwind from the outside world, the ions will draw out the pollution, infections and toxins in your body. Not only will you reap the physical benefits of improved breathing and clearer skin, you will leave feeling completely relaxed and refreshed – like a breath of fresh air.

Freezer Friendly

Does the thought of a treatment where you freeze various parts of your body leave you with chills? Well, when you stop by the Carrollton Square Spa in Texas for a 50 Minute Cryotherapy Massage (Spa Week $50, normally $100), you’ll be joining the ranks of World Champion LeBron James and actress Demi Moore in using alternative methods to improve your health and minimize your pain. Carrollton’s targeted arctic treatment uses cryosticks during the massage to remove tension, promote rapid healing, and reduce the inflammation of muscles and joints. You can also visit the RonnaSkin Day Spa in Westminster, Colorado for a 60 Minute Results-Oriented MicroNeedling Treatment with Cryotherapy (Spa Week $50, normally $107). This facial concentrates on rejuvenating and revolutionizing your skin with small icy blasts that will increase collagen production and erase wrinkles.

Face-less Facials

A facial…for your butt? Initially, we asked the same question but when we look at celebrities like J-Lo, Beyonce and Kim Kardashian and their finely crafted assets, we can’t help but want to book an appointment at NYC’s Smooth Synergy for a Fanny Facial (Spa Week $50, normally $150). This sculpting treatment begins with an exfoliating scrub to smooth your backside, and then employs small zaps of microcurrents to your butt and upper-thighs to sculpt and lift your butt. A similar effect that you would get if you went to the gym to do squats. About an hour later, you’ll be left with a perky derriere and an overwhelming confidence to flaunt your newly contoured bottom down the street.

Escape from the Man Cave

Don’t worry guys, Spa Week isn’t just for the ladies. If you’re facing a hairy dilemma, we’ve created the perfect treatment for you.  The Bearded Boss Men’s Facial (Spa Week $50, normally $75) – at NYC’s very own KUR Skin Lab. There, your beard will be attended to with a series of soothing massages while the hair is thoroughly cleansed and the skin is exfoliated and moisturized. Your beard can also get the royal treatment that it needs in Indianapolis, Indiana with Pure Image’s Burly Beard Facial (Spa Week $50, normally $75). From its invigorating facial cleanse to a soothing massage, these alluring treatments are designed to build confidence and keep the beard soft and groomed – perfect for a night out on the town.

Entering the Gemisphere

What do celebrities like Katy Perry, Adele, and Robert Downey Jr. have in common? They are all harnessing the special healing properties from crystals to ward off negative energy and promote healing and relaxation. To experience this modern day treatment, head down to The Spa at CopperWynd in Scottsdale, Arizona for an Amethyst massage (Spa Week $50, normally $120). This immersive body massage utilizes the ability of the gemstone as an infused oil to block and reduce pain. You will leave feeling physically and spiritually renewed.

Joining Spa Week for the Spring 2017 event, sponsors include skincare sponsor, Peter Thomas Roth, beauty device sponsor Clarisonic and travel sponsor, Grand Fiesta Americana- Coral Beach, Cancun.  The event is co-sponsored by CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women)and a portion of the proceeds from the Spring and Fall Events are donated to CancerandCareers.org.

Visitors to www.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 9,000 spa and wellness locations across North America, the Spa & Wellness Gift Card 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.

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 9,000 spa and wellness locations across North America and is sold in over 65,000 retail stores nationwide including Target, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and on SpaWeek.com. It has never been more convenient to give and enjoy the gift of wellness.