spa treatments

It's Wedding Party Week on the Sugar network, so I'll be bringing you a few beauty posts related to bridal showers and bachelorette bashes. Traditionally, showers involve gift-giving and cutesy games, while bachelorette weekends are all about getting wild and crazy. For those of you tamer, or less thrill-seeking brides, why not consider another option such as a spa party? This relaxing alternative allows you and your friends to spend some quality time together getting pampered and primped.

I understand that a weekend away or even a day at a spa can be indulgent and costly, so thankfully, there are a number of companies that can bring spa parties to your home. For example, Sparty is billed as a blend of spa treatments and cocktails. Their bachlelorette bash option allows you to choose from an assortment of bridal-themed drinks, food, massages and goodie bags. Prices vary depending on the options, but my best guess is that you'll likely be paying somewhere between $150 – $300 per person. Sparties are available in eleven cities nationwide. For four more options, read more

Looking to get away from it all and learn how to hang ten at the same time? If you answered "surf camp" on the winter vacation poll, here are a couple of surf schools for you to check out.

My ideal would be going on a retreat with Surf Goddess to Bali for yoga, surf lessons, spa treatments, gourmet meals and a sightseeing tour. 8 days and 7 nights of this can be yours for $1795 (shared room rate) you just have to get yourself to Bali. The rate listed above is the winter, off season rate, which goes through April.

Much closer to home and easier on the wallet is the surf camp based in La Jolla, Surf Diva. Two hour classes start at 10am and run Monday through Friday for $379.50. The program sounds a little bare bones after the surf goddess retreat, but you should have no problem finding waves to learn the basics in La Jolla.

Boardfolio.com has a really complete listing of surf vacations if you are looking for a camp closer to your home.

Good luck catching the perfect wave.

The Fat Burner Body Wrap from Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa in Arizona is the trendy new way to lose unwanted inches. The spa treatment, which was just featured on the Tyra Banks Show this morning, costs $200 and helps to slim and detoxify your problem areas—particularly the hips and thighs. The process guarantees that you will lose anywhere from six to 30 inches in 60 minutes of treatment.

So how does it work? For the first 30 minutes, you will be wrapped in enzyme-soaked bandages which will help to break down fat. Then, you are treated with a mineral solution that aides in removing toxins from your body. The inches will stay away if you keep up with the treatments and avoid salty and sugary foods. Celebrities have been known to visit this luxe spa, and after losing a whopping 9.75 inches, Tyra was quoted as saying "These wraps really do work!" Call (800) 221-6793 or click here for more information.

I pride myself on being a light packer, but I'm also a beauty-products fiend. For that reason, I'm always delighted to find cool new travel-sized toiletries to take on trips. My latest obsession: The new Apivita Weekend Spa Skin Firming Treatment, which includes a great selection of pampering packets all in one cute box.

The travel-friendly kit includes a few must-haves, like a Deep Face Scrub and Cleansing Tissues, and some nice-to-haves, including a Firming Face Mask and a Tired Feet & Legs Mask, which would be amazing on those vacations where you end up walking everywhere. The package, which costs just $20 and is available here, would also make a great gift or even a favor for a girls' weekend away.

What's more relaxing than a well done spa treatment? Only one that's performed in the comfort of your own home, of course!

Knowing that I would never make it out to the nail salon, I finally splurged and asked the beauty angels at Relax and Rejuvenate mobile day spa to come to my house and give me a manicure/pedicure.

I was admittedly a bit skeptical about the experience before she arrived, but the manicurist was extremely professional and brought everything with her in a neatly packed case, including a beautiful copper bowl to soak my feet in warm rose petal water! How great is that?

The entire treatment lasted around 90 minutes, and while it was a little pricey at $110, it was probably on par with what you'd pay for any other 90 minute spa treatment. If you want to treat your girlfriends, your mom, your bridal party or even yourself to a bit of girly-inspired luxury, I highly recommend giving them a call!

Mobile day spa services are available in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC.

Why not try the black nail polish and let us know what you think?