I’ll never forget the first time I stepped foot into the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort (now the Waldorf Astoria Spa). A Zen garden bubbled just outside the doors. The reception area was spacious, uncluttered and adorned in natural hues and textures. At every turn, the spa spoke of nature and harmony. I […]
Curse of the Bad Haircuts
It all started in kindergarten. My best friend, Sarah Macky, innocently asked me one day, “Can I cut your hair?” Me, being a people-pleaser at age 5, said, “Sure.” And thus began my life-long curse of bad haircuts. See, Sarah Macky had not quite mastered the art of using scissors yet and basically, she lopped […]
Parfait Me Away Morning Facial Mask
Perfect for the gal on the go! This easy, three-in-one mask whisks away dirt and dead skin cells while delivering skin-softening botanicals. Here’s what you need: 1 cup fresh strawberries 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon honey 1 egg 1 tablespoon plain yogurt 1/4 cup almonds Here’s what you do: Combine ingredients in a blender […]
Summer Spaaah Series Returns
Let’s be honest, the summers in Phoenix metro and beyond can be unbearably hot. So hot that you could fry an egg and cheese omelet on the sidewalk. But here’s the good news: The blistering, three-digit temps also keep tourists to a minimum and give us locals free reign to fully enjoy the spoils of […]
Spa Tour California
Today marks the first heat advisory of the season. It’s gonna be a long, hot summer folks. And like most Valley dwellers, I’m already planning a summer jaunt westward. From the balmy beaches to the grape-covered hills of wine country, California hides a bevy of acclaimed resort spa destinations, each with distinctive styles and offerings […]
Mother's Day at the Spa
What does every mom want for Mother’s Day? According to our completely unscientific survey, nine out of 10 moms want a day at the spa. Here are just a few to consider: The Centre for Well-Being at the Phoenician, Scottsdale Expecting moms need love too! The Mother-to-Be day of relaxation package begins with a 50-minute […]
Handicapped Accessible Spas
A few weeks back, we got an email from a user requesting a list of handicapped accessible spas. Apparently, one of the Valley’s most beloved spas had some serious limitations and she was very disappointed in her experience. But we won’t point fingers and instead, we put together a list of spas in greater Phoenix […]
Mani Madness
Nothing beckons in spring like soft hands and pretty fingers. Here’s the quick rap on an easy home spa manicure. Before you start, gather all your tools, a few clean hand towels and something nourishing to sip while you work. 1. Clean and Shape Remove old lacquer with non-acetone polish remover. Clip only the tips […]
Go For Glow
Lackluster skin, feet the texture of 40-grit sandpaper, and elbows so scratchy they could cut glass all mean one thing: time for a springtime scrub-down. And lucky for us, spas do come in a jar. Prepare to go bare with these energizing, spa-inspired body scrubs. You’ll find one to please every taste and for every […]
Battle of the Bump
It never fails. Just before any big shindig, a pimple the size of Texas erupts somewhere front and center on my face. My standard pre-party checklist: a hot Betsey Johnson number, a trendy piece of jewelry, shoes to kill and a super-size tube of blemish cream. But there is help. Armed with a game plan […]
Love Thyself
You love yourself. You think you’re grand. You go to the movies and you hold your hand. You wrap your arms around your waste. And when you get fresh, you smack your face. That, my friends, is a twisted nursery rhyme that I picked up in my formative years and can still able cite from […]
Tried-and-True Cucumber Soak
Okay, it’s not just a wives’ tale … cucumbers really do help relieve puffiness, sore eyes and eye fatigue. Cukes have a high water content, which helps soothe and cool eyes. The trace amounts of salt help draw excess water from the tissue surrounding the eyes, reducing puffiness. They also help to tone and firm […]
