Okay, even I admit an article on sun protection may sound as exciting as folding laundry. But I’m here to tell you sun protection is essential in our quest for healthy skin. And healthy skin is VERY sexy. So now that I have your attention, I’ll make this short and sweet. If you get anything […]
Toxic Avengers: Detoxifying Spa Treatments
Straight from the SpaGirl handbook, “toxic” refers to any person, thing or situation that muddies one’s spiritual or physical growth. Toxins can manifest their spiteful little selves in everything from the air we breathe, the food we eat, to the buildings we live and work in. It’s no wonder that the superhero of chemical spills, […]
Miracle Mineral Mud Mask
Mineral-rich mud draws impurities from the skin while feeding it with nutrients and leaving it refreshed and luminous. The powdered mud or clay used for this recipe can be found at your local health food store. Here’s what you need: 2 tablespoons powdered clay (bentonite or French green clay) Non-carbonated mineral water 2 tablespoons powdered […]
Mind, Body and Palate
Long gone are the days when spa cuisine meant a paltry heap of bean sprouts served with a side of fresh cut grass. Just as the spa experience has become more accessible, so too has healthy, nourishing cuisine high in flavor. And what better place to indulge your taste buds than in the sanctity of […]
Sunny Side Hand Conditioner
This citrus-spiked hand oil replenishes moisture in parched, overly dry hands. Keep it next to the kitchen sink and rub onto knuckles frequently! Here’s what you need: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (organic preferably) 5 to 7 drops orange essential oil Here’s what you do: Shake the oils together thoroughly in small glass jar […]
Mind Over Meltdown Soap
Whipping up a few bars of your own soap is about as easy as making “homemade” chocolate-chip cookies (fresh from the cold section of your local grocery store). And the best part? You can’t eat soap (well, you can but we wouldn’t recommend it). Break out these homemade soaps when you want something pretty in […]
Markey's Funny Bone Rub
Possibly the unsung heroes of our bodies, elbows take on a heap of wear and tear. They prop up our heads when our necks give out, absorb the shock of a rogue tennis swing and even catch us when our stiletto heel breaks and sends us sprawling on the sidewalk. Inspired by Garden of Wisdom […]
Stinky Feet Be-Gone Spray
A cooling and deodorizing spritz for your feet and body. Great for stinky boy feet! Here’s what you need: 1/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup vodka 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 3 to 5 drops tea tree oil 3 to 5 drops lemon essential oil Here’s what you do: Combine all ingredients and pour into […]
Comin' Up Roses
Treat dry skin with a surge of sweetness straight from the source. Honey combined with rose oil is an effective and gentle treatment for wrinkles and puffiness. Here’s what you need: 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil 3 to 5 drops rose essential oil Here’s what you do: Combine honey, almond oil and […]
Herbal Steam
Steaming open pores to release impurities missed during regular cleansing. Herbs in the steam sooth the skin and relax the body. Here’s what you need: 2 quarts distilled water 1/2 cup of your favorite dried herbs Here’s what you do: In a covered pot, heat water and herbs to boiling. Remove pot from burner and […]
Cool as a Cuke Toner
The refreshing, gently astringent qualities of cucumber make this a perfect toner for the delicate skin around the eyes. Store in a glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. Here’s what you need: 1 small cucumber 1/4 cup witch hazel Here’s what you do: Cut the cucumber into thick chunks and puree them in a […]
Miracle Minerals
More and more spas are offering mineral makeup artistry. So why all the fuss over minerals? Unlike most mass marketed cosmetic lines, mineral makeup is as pure as it gets — void of talc, chemical additives, fragrance, fillers, preservatives and dyes. Growing from a need for cosmetics gentle enough to use on skin after chemical […]