My life is filled with an overabundance of stress at the moment and the other day when I thought my head was going to explode, I grabbed a Lavender Fields Bath Swizzle from fraiche off my product review shelf and headed straight for the bathtub. I was on a mission of relaxation and nothing was going to stand in my way!

fraiche's Lavender Fields fragrance will get your mind prepared for total stress surrender the moment you take in its aroma. Made with goat's milk, certified organic olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and lavender flowers, this Bath swizzle is moisturizing, softening and relaxing. It's a little smaller than a baseball and quickly begins to fizz once it hits the water, erupting the scent of serenity that is sure to make you say, "Stress? Who's stressed?"

If you were not a big fan of bath time before using this product, there is no doubt that you may just become addicted after using it. I absolutely love this product and I highly recommend it. www.myfraiche.com

Have you used this product? Share your experience and favorite scent in the comments.

Oh my stars. As if introducing me to sushi wasn't enough (and I want it sooo bad and can't get it here!), Andrea from Glamour Magazine gave me the "awesomest" write up evah. Wow, I am so flattered.

Thank you Andrea! xoxo

And she knows I am on a mission--the New York Times will notice me yet!!! ;)

I'm so excited! I got to interview Piper Carter, an awesome fashion photographer that you may have watched on VH1's "The Shot."





Go check it out!

Fashion Photography Industry Expert: Visionary, Piper Carter

Tags: piper carter, vh1 the shot

Solessence:
Free Shipping On orders of $50+

SpaLook:
15% off Purchase of $100+ Promo Code: Spa07
$30 Gift Card when you spend $125+

e.l.f.
Get 50% on orders up to $15 Promo code: CAROLINA
Spend $10 and get a bath product for a penny! Promo code: ETBODAL

Benefit Cosmetics:
75% all items in their buh-byes section
Free U.S. Standard shipping with promo code: FRESHP65

Shoe Stor:
Free Shipping on any of their bundles of clear shoe storage boxes

Shoebuy:
Free Shipping on all orders

Urban Apothecary:
Free Shipping on orders $65+

The Body Shop:
Spa Wisdom Buy 1 Get one 50% off

Sephora:
Free 13 piece goodie bag with purchase of $25+ Promo code: GOODIES4U

StrawberryNet.net
30-60% off Gift sets



Tags: cyber monday, beauty

If you suffer from the following skin ailments, you may be interested in reading this review of Skin Free: Extreme Dry Skin, Skin or Fragrance Allergies, Psoriasis or Dermatitis.

I suffer from eczema on my elbows, Duncan suffers from eczema from head to toe and Brody's skin is super sensitive. I had the chance to try out Skin Free's Super Moisture Body Balm, Extra Moisturizing Soap, After Shower Moisture Spritz and Niaouli Butter Stick. Duncan and Brody were also involved in the review process (and their skin was very thankful).

First I am going to tell you that I loved these products because they worked. Second, there are two things I disagree with in their claims. Skin Free products are said to be fragrance free and non-greasy. The Niaouli Butter did have some fragrance, I could smell the vanilla and cocoa butter and the Moisture Balm I could also smell the cocoa butter. I realize that this is natural fragrance and not chemically based. With the exception of the soap, all of the products did feel very greasy--however it was due to the essential oils which absorbed into the skin in about 5 minutes. I have no issues with either the fragrance or greasy feeling, however for the sake of the review, I wanted to put that out there for those who might.

All Skin Free products are free of petroleum, chemicals, preservatives and colorants, which meant it was safe to use on Brody. I mainly used the soap and super moisture balm on the boys, which basically was a miracle in a bottle. Brody's dry skin and irritation was gone within a day and Duncan's eczema was minimized by 90% (he also told me it made his skin feel good). I used the Niaouli Butter Stick on my elbows, which is basically a creamy butter lotion that is easily spread as you push it up through the tube. The Extra Moisturizing Soap worked great on all of us.

I loved the simplicity of the Skin Free products--all are made of oils such as Olive Oil and Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E and the Niaouli Stick has Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Soy. Although I have heard that soy irritates eczema, my skin didn't seem to have any issues with it.

See all the Skin Free products for yourself and if you have used them, do share your experience in the comments.

I probably started worrying about wrinkles when I was 10. Seriously. One day I found that I had developed a wrinkle between my eyebrows. You know, when you scrunch up your face and you develop that fold? One day it just stayed and hasn't gone away since. So it's true--if you make a face, it may just stay that way. Always heed your mothers words.

Two products by Jordan Essentials that can help in lessening their appearance are their Skin Firming Serum and Age Defying Serum.

The Skin Firming Serum smoothes lines by firming the skin and gradually reducing the appearance of wrinkles, furrows, and lines. Skin cells are stimulated with the Phyto Essential blend’s highly bioactive nutrients that include cell signaling factors capable of stimulating important biological functions to awaken and replenish skin cells. The Age Defying Serum is infused with antoxidants and silica elastomers.

Why the Phyto Essential Blend is important:
Aloe has unique anti-inflammatory properties
Chamomile soothes delicate facial tissues
Green Tea is an antioxidant
Seaweed helps promote skin hydration

My mother actually lives by the Skin Firming Serum. She is 55 (and will kill me for telling you), but her skin still retains its youthful appearance. She's been using the Skin Firming Serum everyday for well over a year now.

There's no permanent way to rid yourself of wrinkles, even injections and plastic surgery eventually lose their luster and need to be redone. Taking good care of your skin is really the best way to treat your skin and keep it looking its best.

For the serums, as well as other great facial products, visit www.BigLakeSpa.com and click on the "Face Collection" category.

Related posts:
Jordan Essentials Spa Polish & Facial Brush
5 Tips To Improved Skin Care
Product Tips & Uses
Bathe Your Way To Softer Skin
Grapefruit, Anyone?
The Benefits of Glycerin

Veteran's Day weekend I happened upon a super fab sale at JC Penney's. I am now in love with trousers, I'll have you know. My shape looks so much better in trousers than they do in jeans, but sitting at a desk in your home office with a squirming 6 month old on your lap is no place for trousers. So they will stay reserved in my closet for my next NYC trip.

I mention my lovely trousers because I discovered why seamstresses charge so much for hemming pants--it takes too damn long to do. So on a tight budget my aunt recommended "hem tape." I roped in my friend Barb and we took up 3 inches on my trousers (ha and that is with "petite" length pants!) with this miraculous product! Have you used it? It's like iron-on super glue! And no one was the wiser.

Day Two (see day one here) of my adventures in NYC was spent wearing my super fab (and perfectly hemmed) trousers and going to a seminar on PR. I met fabulous people and learned a whole lot. I also ate the most decadently light cheesecake at The Williams Club. I almost engulfed it, had it not been for sitting at a table of 9 very professional people. I'm sure you can relate to a time like that--insanely yummy dessert you want to take down in one bite, but there's people watching and we are civilized and stuff.

Dinner that night was with Marina, who is a gem and gorgeous. We ate at Celeste, which was delish except so super cramped. If I really wanted to, I could rest my head on the shoulder of the guy at the next table.

Which reminds me--I was hit on 3 times during my trip! Ha! I found that amusing considering I am a 33 year old mom of 4 who has forgotten what it's like to be googled by men. My husband is wonderful mind you, but for 11 years now no one else has attempted to amuse me with flirting.

I did see Erika and Annie in the elevator, but unfortunately for me (but not for them) they were whisked around the city for Total Beauty and I never got the chance to meet up with them.

I have to say, I had an amazing two days in NYC. I can't wait to go back again.

Oprah's Favorite Things episode hasn't yet reached my TV set today--however I hear that she is in love with Clarisonic's Skin Care Brush (as well as Claus Porto Soaps).

The Clarisonic Skin Care Brush's Benefits:

* Pampers skin with instant softness, with just 1 minute
* Gentle enough for use twice daily
* Clears pores of environmental toxins, makeup and bacteria ~ without abrasion or harsh chemicals
* Clinically shown to remove more than 6x the amount of makeup
* Increases absorption of moisturizers more than 60%
* Is based on real science with patented technology
* Used by leading dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and Spas

I haven't yet tried this product myself, have you? I'd love to hear all about it, so please post a comment to let us know how it worked for you!

Beauty.com is offering free shipping on this product, which can also be combined with their $10 off $60 or more coupon!

Tags: oprah's favorite things, clarisonic skin care brush

Spa-nyc.com is celebrating its 5th year online! They couldn't have done it without you, the spa-goers. So as an extra thank you, for the month of November, Spa-nyc.com and many of the best spas in NYC are happy to offer exclusive 50% off spa & salon services! Each day you can find different spas offering 50% off something great. From spas like Faina European Day Spa, Yin Beauty & Arts, Smooth Synergy, Spa Chinois, Laser Cosmetica, Delluva Vinotherapy Spa & many more.

50% off hair cuts &color.
50% off New York City massages, body scrubs & body wraps.
50% off facials.
50% off laser hair removal & Brazilian bikini waxing

Book your appointments early! These days will fill up fast. And when the month is over, don't be sad, www.Spa-nyc.com has 100s of discounts every month to over 75 of New York City ’s best spas and salons. Also spa reviews, the calendar of spa events, and of course, www.Spa-nyc.com's search engine to find the exact spa service and location you want.

No, you're not seeing things. I indeed said "titmas." I'll forewarn you that if you do not have a sense of humor, you may want to peruse other posts of mine. I'm the kind of person who loves people with a sense of humor, a little tongue in cheek, which drew me to Lenora Claire.

Chances are that you have read about her somewhere...she is infamous for the Golden Girls Gone Wild event--but she is also a very talented writer. She also happens to be passionate about breast cancer. Since I am too-- with a family member battling the disease, a friend who survived it and a friend's mother who did not, I wanted to show some love for an event Lenora is curator for that is a breast cancer fundraiser. On Saturday December 8th she is holding "Merry Titmas," an art event to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The event will take place at World of Wonder gallery from 8pm-midnight. It's R rated, so leave the kids at home.

As the saying goes, "Save the boobies."

And PS. Lenora is amazingly gorgeous, so if anything, go to see her in person.

* Photo Credit: Austin Young

Picture this-- It's Thursday, the big day you are supposed to leave for New York where an action packed schedule awaits you. You were supposed to get up at 5am to get yourself (and the kids) ready so you can leave at 6:15am to catch a bus for 7:20.

Now imagine--"Shannon! It's 6am! Did you sleep through your alarm?"

Crike!

Not only that, but it is pouring--POURING--out. I don't own an umbrella, I have a car for pete's sake. So I ask my husband if we had an umbrella somewhere in the house. "Sure" he says as he brings me a black umbrella with bright yellow smiley faces on it. Ahhh--no thanks.

So we decide that we are packing the kids up and my husband was going to drive me into the city, as the next bus would never get me into the city on time. On our way into NYC, we find a WalMart and dash through the rain to pick up a plain black umbrella. Driving in NYC is craaazy, so we try to calm the kids nerves of incessant horn honking and people almost crashing into our car by telling them to look to the tops of the buildings for Spiderman and Superman. My 5 year old shouts out, "I knew it! There's the Daily Bugle!"

I finally arrive at my hotel, check my bags and grab a cab to meet Andrea from Glamour at Haru. In pouring down rain the cab driver makes me get out and walk a city block because he doesn't "feel like" driving around to the restaurant. So I walk in a downpour with big wind gusts hitting me--thank God for water-resistant trousers!

Let me tell you that Andrea is stunning. You think she is beautiful in her pictures in the magazine and on the Glamour blog? See her in person. I was an awkward mess of course, I probably talked way too much and she probably wished she had brought some Tylenol with her from the headache my rambling caused her, but she was gracious and wonderful--and I found, a lot like me.

And she convinced me to give Sushi a try--and I love it!

I wished lunch didn't have to end, but then I was off to the office, to where I finally met most of my co-workers and the CEO for the first time--funny that I have worked for them for more than a year and have never met them in person! And they are all great great great. Totally loved the in-house spa, although I didn't get to test it out. I'll have to see if I am allowed to blog about it here so you can get a behind the scenes look.

Back to the Hotel QT to check in and then getting off the elevator to leave for my next event, I run into Miss Beauty Addict herself. We hug and then I'm off to Bar Americain for dinner with an editor from a PR publication (not sure I can say who, sorry for the vagueness). Again--I was awkward and talked too much, but she was a wealth of knowledge and super nice. If you happen to find yourself at Bar Americain, try the grilled venison and red cabbage bread pudding! YUM! Plus the staff is awesome.

After dinner I was back to the hotel around 9 hoping to catch up with friends, but that didn't happen (which was very disappointing) and I ended up just crashing from exhaustion. I think the fact that the Hotel QT has the most comfortable bed in the universe helped too.

What a day.

Savvy Skin talks about Skin Care For Everyone.
Beauty Secrets Revealed shares a Blueberry Age-Defying Face Pack Recipe.
Viva Woman asks if higher SPF in sunblocks are better.
Spa Beautifully says Get yourself in the holiday spirit with some festive treatments.
Makeup Minute gets a makeover from Prescriptives.
A Girl's Gotta Spa! is in heaven with bobe Bath Essentials.
Aging Fabulous has the list of the Top Five Surgical and Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.
Temptalia reviews MAC's latest collection -- Of Beauty, complete with swatches and photos!

FASHION
Beauty and Fashion Tech Reviews Nina Garcia's Little Black Book of Style.
Laya's Eye shows us some Thoughtful Tee's.
Indie Style File find the perfect skirt for Tetris addicts.
Girls love Glamorous Gucci at Shoe Blitz.
CelebLOOK takes a look at Jennifer Garner in lunch time chic.
The Petite Fashionista polls some of her readers. Come see what they had to say.

SHOPPING
Chloe from Her Accessories has put together a drool-worthy list of suggestions for Christmas shopping.
Stiletto Jungle has found a huge stash of C&C California tops on sale for 75% off retail.
Diva's Deals found some great cashmere cami's for a price you won't believe.
All That and a tries on a new look for the site.
ShopDiary is obsessed with Gryson's fabulously au courant boots!
Shopalicious finds peace in this necklace crafted from recycled vinyl records.
NY $pender lists her favorite snow boots for this coming cold season.

I'm heading back up to New York on Thursday and I couldn't be more excited--or intimidated--about it. Excited because I'll be seeing Lauren, Erika and Marina; excited because I hear someone will be *possibly* meeting "The Girls in the Beauty Department" but for sure is having lunch with one of them, excited because I will be going into the office for the job I hold and love...but not having lost the weight I had wanted to after having Brody and in fact gaining weight from being stressed about my grandfather (among other life-crisises) ...I am completely intimidated about not being a size 0 in an industry where thin is the name of the game.

Enter The Body Wrap. No it won't make you thinner, but it will definitely minimize your shape. Made from a combination of Nylon and Spandex, it flattens your stomach and slenderizes your hips and thighs. It's comfortable and gives your body a firmer look to it.

Yes, I admit, I will be wearing this under my clothes. I'm very self conscious about how I look, but The Body Wrap will help me to focus on having fun and not having to worry about how I look.

Have you tried it?

Of the many many things I do, being a rep. for Jordan Essentials is one of them. Formerly known as Country Bunny Bath & Body, it is the whole reason A Girl's Gotta Spa began and somehow helped me make a name for myself and land me many fabulous career opportunities. Being as busy as I am, I haven't had time to really put any time into promoting their fabulous line of bath & body and skincare products and it appears I may lose my rep. status come November 30th if I don't sell a certain amount to meet their required quota.

So, for your consideration, below are a few fabulous products they have available for the Holidays:

Variety Pack of Lotion Bars $30: Oatmeal Milk & Honey, Sugar Sweet Pea, Sweet Cucumber Melon, Vanilla Cream and Lavender & Eucalyptus. If you don't know what a Lotion Bar is, make sure to read my review--here--.


Joy Essential Holiday Collection $17: Black Raspberry Vanilla Lotion Bar, Shea infused Black Raspberry Glycerin Soap with an unscented large Lip Tube.


Hope Essential Holiday Collection $17: Purse size Mini Spritzer, Dead Sea Salt and fragrant travel candle in a delicious Black Raspberry Vanilla fragrance.


Happiness Essential Holiday Fragrance Infuser $25: A Reed Diffuser in Black Raspberry Vanilla.

Joy, Hope & Happiness Set $55

More fab products (including shea butter and salt scrub) can be found at www.biglakespa.com

See products on the site that you have questions about or looking for a recommendation on the right product for you? Post a comment and let me know.

For those of you have been reading A Girl's Gotta Spa since it's humble beginnings in October of 2005, you know how many template changes I have gone through all in an effort to get this site looking clean and fresh looking. Thanks to Chic & Sassy Designs, it finally does.

Zoe is extremely talented and completely underbids herself (Zoe you need to charge more for your abilities!) I love the way my site looks now and hopefully you do too. If you have your own blog and are looking for a fresh new look, head over to Chic and Sassy Designs and let Zoe know you heard about her from me. :)

Bobe--or Beyond Ordinary Bath Essentials, is a company I've heard about on the Lemming Central forum. It could be because they offer over 50 fragrances for their products and 71 flavors for their lip balms. Or it could just be that their products are pretty darn awesome..I'd have to say it's a little of both.

Bath Mousse: Open the jar to this decadent bath product and the fragrance will have you close your eyes, take a deep breath in and leave you with a smile. The bath mousse I have is in Pumpkin Cheesecake. And let me tell you, it smells like the real thing. Not only can you smell the pumpkin like a pie freshly baked out of the oven, but you then can sense that creamy whipped cheese cake just tempting you to take a bite. Heaven.

The Bath Mousse looks like fluffy white whipped marshmallow without the stickiness . It gently glides across your skin lightly scenting it, but completely moisturizing it.

Lip Balm: There's nothing worse than lipstick covering split, chapped lips. So treat your lips with care by applying bobe's lip balm. Beeswax, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and essential oils ensure that your lips look and feel healthy, so that when you apply your favorite gloss or lipstick you can tout it proudly.

The flavors smell like the real deal. I have pomegranate granita and candy apple. You'll be amazed by both the realistic fragrance and how soft and supple it leaves your lips.

If you've tried any of bobe's pampering bath and body products, I'd love to hear about your favorites. If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing them, check them out at www.bobebathessentials.com

The fountain of youth is not in any magic water in Florida, but can be found amidst the absolutely divine and delicious Sircuit Cosmeceuticals Youth Accelerator. The Youth Accelerator is a 100% natural fruit acid formula created from nutrient-rich Pumpkin. The scent alone made me wish for a spoon and a dollop of cool whip.

Youth Accelerator's ingredients include:

* Concentrated Pumpkin Extract - rich in Beta Carotene and over 100 other nutrients.
* Pumpkin Wine - anti-aging, nourishing, antioxidant.
* Pumpkin Enzymes - removes dead skin cells, decongests pores.
* D-Beta Fructan - from Date Palm, helps the skin moisturize itself.
* Essential Oils - Essential Oils have a long tradition of holding a variety of therapeutic atributes. Essential Oils are soothing, detoxifying and have many antiseptic and anti-microbial benefits.

You smooth out Youth Accelerator in a thin layer over your face and leave on for 10 minutes. It should feel rubbery and you then wash off. They provide you with a small spatula to scoop the product out of the jar to avoid contamination from your fingers. You can use your fingers to smooth the product over your face of course, just don't feel tempted to put them into the jar. Once you've washed off Youth Accelerator you'll notice your skin looking more vibrant and feeling soft. You only need to use it once a week, but with such great results you may be tempted to want to use it more often.

$75 @ www.sircuitskin.com

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Grande Lakes has found a way to incorporate everyone's favorite treats like hot apple pie, chocolate and pumpkin to rejuvenate, refresh and remove the Scrooge this Holiday season.

Indulge in these delicious spa treatments:

Hot Apple Pie & Vanilla Massage
A massage using warm cinnamon apple pie oil tingles the sense and relaxes the mind. This mouth-watering treatment is topped off with a highly moisturizing vanilla shea butter scalp massage. 50 minutes - $140

Pumpkin Glow Rejuvenation Facial
This purifying anti-ageing facial uses Pumpkin or wild black cherry enzymes to reduce fine lines, deep cleanse and refine the pores and nourishes from the inside out, leaving the skin look radiant and ready for your favorite holiday party. (Inclusive eyebrow waxing or shaping) 60 minutes - $175

Cafe & Spearmint Glow Massage
A soothing & detoxifying coffee scrub exfoliates away dry skin and leaves the body smooth and refreshed. After a warm shower using a coffee cleansing gel, a full body massage is performed using a refreshing mint body lotion to nourish and pamper dry skin. 75 minutes - $215

Cinnamon & Vanilla Chocolate Martini Escape
Indulge yourself in the essence of chocolate from the inside out with the ultimate chocolate pedicure experience that will soften and renew the skin and rejuvenate your nails. Indulge in the touch and taste of a warm soak, Cinnamon sugar exfoliation mask and a Vanilla Shea butter moisturizing treatment that is blissful, all the while feasting on Ginger cookies and sipping a delectable chocolate Martini. 50 minutes - $120.00

I'm hungry just thinking about them, especially the hot apple pie & vanilla ice cream massage--yum! Check out the Ritz Carlton's website for complete details.