There’s nothing much that I like better than a nice visit to the spa. The atmosphere, the treatments, the relaxation, the pampering, the decadent feel of taking time just for myself. In my early days of visiting a spa, I neglected some of the little details that could have made a great experience even better. Not so anymore!
Here are a few tips that can make your spa visit a wonderful experience:
Arrive early. I think at least half an hour is best. There will be some paperwork to fill out, you’ll want to get undressed and into a robe, and …read more

Avoiding germs and infections from the salon or spa is not a job you can leave up to someone else.  You need to be aware, responsible, and pro-active in making sure that your health is not jeopardized by an afternoon of pampering.  Whether it’s a manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, or Botox, you need to make sure that you get the treatment you want, and not some nasty infection to go along with it.
Here are 10 tips for smart and safe spa and salon visits:

If you have, or even suspect that you might have, a skin infection, skip the visit.  Don’t …read more

For the last few months I’ve been able to get away with walking to work and haven’t had much to think about. That all changed this week because all of a sudden it’s hot, muggy, and I somehow still have to look presentable when I arrive. I may still look a little flushed when I first arrive, but that’s not so bad – and a brisk thirty minute walk is well worth it.
Here’s what I can’t go without -
Alarm Clock
What a difference an hour makes when you’re exerting yourself outside…just by leaving a bit earlier, the air isn’t quite as …read more

Somewhere between Thursday morning and Friday afternoon I made up my mind that enough is enough, it’s time to get down to business and do something about an issue that’s been lingering in my mind for months now…
The dreaded..
Sedentary lifestyle.
I work on a computer for the majority of the day…and find it hard to resist the inviting nook next to the cute guy on the couch with the remote control. Compared to the ridiculously active routine of my former athletic life – there is no surprise why I’m noticing the pounds creep on.
But could I find the time to …read more

Last night was the first time in a long while that I made my way to the gym. It was also the first time since my husband started lifting weights and buying gym shorts that we worked out together. It was pretty fun – though depressing how much more fit he is than me all of a sudden! But, with that little endorphin rush comes a few reminders of your calorie burn once tomorrow comes around.
These are a few observations from today.
I’m hungry. Like, super hungry. I haven’t really been a breakfast person lately (just give me coffee…) but that …read more

Sure, the summer months are supposed to be filled with laughter and fun times…but that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to feel waves of stress from time to time. The tricky part about stress, at least to me, is how it can manifest itself in your body…and it’s only at the point where real discomfort (or even pain!) is an issue.
Over time I’ve become a lot more self aware and realized that there are a couple of different ways I can reliably tell when stress is getting to me. Then there are a few others that I know other people …read more

This evening I did the thing that every married girl tries occasionally…I assumed that my husband would be able to do something about those pesky knots in my back.
Needless to say, I was wrong. Unless I’m prepared to send him to massage therapy school, there is going to have to be an alternative, and fast because my back and neck are no longer quietly pestering me quietly…there’s a full on strike happening here.
If you’re feeling the same way, but don’t think you have the time to pull yourself away from life to take the time for an hour of ultimate …read more

It’s easy to get caught up in lists of what to do so that you look good.  But in the midst of that, remember that taking care of your health should also be on your to-do list!
There are four simple numbers that everyone should know:

Blood pressure
Body mass index (calculated by height/weight)
Cholesterol (HDL and LDL)
Blood glucose

You can have a simple biometric screening done at most health clinics.  The screening involves pricking a finger for a little blood and taking your blood pressure.  Fast and easy!  Most screenings are accompanied by a brief review of your results …read more

Image via WikipediaTo further expand upon an earlier post about hair and scalp treatments you can make at home, I’m writing this list of items you can use on your hair to make it incredibly soft, conditioned, and shiny.
For the most part, you can use any two or three of these items together, in an even or  50/50 mix to get amazing results. Play with them, mix them up, see what works best for you, and let us know in the comments what becomes your new favorite homemade hair conditioner!
I’d further recommend that you apply your mixture to your scalp …read more

Image by jremsikjr
via FlickrTaken from the September 2008 issue of Prevention magazine, this is a list of skin care products that have been DOUBLE tested by seven dermatologists and 225 readers, and determined to be the best nine in terms of delivering results.

Best Eye Cream: Priori Smoothing Eye Serum ($60 from prioriskincare.com)
Best Night Cream: Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Night ($110 from peterthomasroth.com)
Best Microdermabrasion Treatment: Prescriptives Instant Gratification Skin Renewal Peel ($45 from prescriptives.com)
Best Facial Sunscreen: Neutrogena Face Shield Face Sunblock SPF 55 ($11 from drugstore.com)
Best Lip Treatment: Avon Anew Clinical Plump and Smooth Lip System ($25 from avon.com)
Best Brown Spot …read more