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Pamper Your Partner: Five Romantic At-Home Spa Treatments for Couples

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:42:00 PDT

Hey newlyweds! So what that the actual honeymoon is over? You've got an entire weekend ahead of you to bring sexy back in the comfort of your own home! Wasn't it in your vows to cherish each other for better or for worse? So it's practically an obligation to spoil your spouse now (and vice versa)! Here are five romantic ways to relax and relish in your newly committed love.

With these fun and easy DIY treatments, these indulgences won't cost you a fortune, either. For my list of naughty and nice newlywed spa suggestions,

Give each other a massage. Use body lotions or sexy scented oils to create a mellow mood that heightens the senses.
Light a few candles, play soft music and then draw a bath for you and your honey. Don't be afraid to mix in scented bath treats to help create a calm and relaxing aroma-therapeutic atmosphere. Bath products will also soften and soothe tired skin.
After the bath, lay down and give each other a ten minute foot massage. Not only is this incredibly relaxing but it's also an aphrodisiac (your toes are an erogenous zone).
While you're in the moment, why not see if you can get your guy to indulge in a face mask treatment. Although he may resist at first, I'm willing to bet that when it's all said and done, he'll love the results. Plus, if he does this for you, tell him you'll try your hand a round of golf (or whatever it is he's been asking of you)!
If you're not really bath people, take a long, hot shower together. Lather each other up with a fresh scented body wash and give each other a three-minute scalp massage. For him, use a clarifying shampoo and for you, it's a great time to let a deep conditioner work its magic. I hope you enjoy these suggestions!

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Product Review: GlowFusion AirGlow

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:15:00 PDT

Being a sunscreen devotee, I haven't had a tan since I was about ten. Self-tanners usually made me look more Sunkist than sun-kissed, so I gave up on the idea of looking tanned. And then I tried GlowFusion AirGlow ($175), billed as the world's first and only airbrush self-tanning system. Essentially, it uses the same technology as the spray tanners you'd find at the spa, but you do the work yourself. To find out whether it delivers the tan,

I was worried about making a giant mess with this thing, but AirGlow is surprisingly easy to use. You just let it charge for eight hours, pour in the tanning juice (it's called Micro-Nutrient Tinted Protein Tan Mist) and pull the trigger. A cool, cocoa-scented mist goes straight on your body, not on the shower wall—no mess! Because the mist is tinted, it's easy to see where you've sprayed; the only problem is learning how to evenly control the mist. I wound up lingering on my forearms too long, and completely missing the backs of my calves.

The morning after I AirGlowed, I looked more like Malibu Barbie than Casper for a change. The "tan" was nicely natural, not orangey or visibly fake. Sure, it was a little blotchy due to my user error, and my sheets were a little stained (note to self: next time, let this stuff thoroughly dry!). But for the most part, I looked as though I'd just spent two weeks lounging in Ibiza. I'm curious, though: Would you pay $175 for a great at-home system? Or would you rather stick with cheaper lotion self-tanners?

4 Steps to Wedding-Perfect Skin

Jaime Richards — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:51:00 PDT

Whether your nuptials are impending or you have a big event coming up, there's nary a person who doesn't long to show off clear, radiant skin. "Preparing for your wedding day can feel like training for a marathon (or getting ready for a photo shoot) - hours of effort for just a few hours in the spotlight," says Suki Kramer, president and founder of Suki skin care. "But as any bride (or marathoner, or model) would attest, preparation is the key to any successful day, and every minute is worth it."

Well, check another box off on your wedding to-do list, then; Kramer is sharing her four-step skin care routine, which can begin several months out before the big day. Just keep reading for all the details.

5 Reasons to Treat Yourself Without Feeling Guilty

Laura Marie Given — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:14 PST

Sometimes it can be hard to justify those random treats you like to give yourself, whether it's a pedicure or a weekend getaway. Even worse? The posttreat guilt that often sets in.

Learn to ease up on yourself and focus on how much you deserve that reward, because the truth is, that treat will make you a better person in the long run. Need an excuse to kick back and relax? Here are five reasons you should go ahead and treat yourself:

You'll feel rejuvenated. Taking the time to reward yourself is crucial to your well-being. Even if you just steal away from your desk for a few minutes to sit in the sun, you'll feel refreshed and energized. Small steps can mean big rewards, and you'll return to your work with a fresh new attitude.
It's sure to perk up your mood. Nobody wants to be around a grouch, and if you aren't allotting some time and cash for the things you love to do, your energy will definitely be off. Pencil in a fun class or a spa treatment a couple of days a month to lighten your spirit and boost your everyday joy.
You'll have more to give. When you're good to yourself, you have the capacity to be good to others, too. Regularly treating yourself means that you'll be a better co-worker, friend, and significant other, so think of all that "me" time as a gift to both you and your loved ones.
It can serve as motivation. Set up a reward system for yourself so that each treat feels earned and well-deserved. Bonus: that light at the end of the tunnel will be a great inspiration that drives you to do more.
You'll avoid burning out. If you simply go, go, go without ever taking a step back, exhaustion will likely set in, and you'll have to take extra time to get back on your feet. Avoid any chance of burnout or illness by forcing yourself to treat your mind and body well.

Fresh Start Resolution: Cut Yourself Some Slack

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:23:53 PST

It's a New Year and a new you! We're offering 12 tips to start off the year right. We've already given you advice on mastering time management and improving your public speaking, so here's another way to start afresh in 2012.

Make this the year that you finally give yourself a break. It's easy to get caught up in stress and to be hard on yourself when it comes to work, finance, and relationships, but the best way to stay happy and healthy is to lighten up a little bit. Here are four ways to cut yourself some slack in the upcoming year:

Schedule time for yourself. In between work commitments and everyday errands, it can be tough to find time for the things that fulfill you. Still, it's crucial to step back and let yourself indulge. Whether it's exercise, spa treatments, lunch dates, or just 10 minutes to sit and breathe, give yourself the gift of leisure. Even tiny moments of joy will have an impact on your mind-set.
Use your vacation days. Companies want eager, enthusiastic employees, so take advantage of your benefits package and schedule a vacation early in the year. With a trip to look forward to, you'll find yourself energized and more satisfied with your workplace. After your break, you'll return to the office with a calmer spirit and the drive to do better - especially since greater success usually means extra days off.

Read on for more stay-sane tips

A Few More Reasons to Love Chocolate

Jaime Richards — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 06:00:00 PST

Chocolate is pretty much synonymous with Valentine's Day. And while you can check out YumSugar for ways to ingest it, here on Team Bella we like to explore ways to slather it all over our bodies. When it comes to using this decadent ingredient in spa and body treatments, it turns out there are several great reasons why chocolate is so sweet.

Stacey Parks, spa director at Spa Claremont in Berkeley, CA, explains, "Chocolate induces a euphoric feeling on an emotional level, so it just makes you feel really good, and it nurtures your well-being as well as your body." That's not it, though. "Chocolate is antioxidant, and the darker the chocolate the better, because it does help to boost the body's natural collagen production," she adds. If you just happen to be in the Bay Area, treat yourself to a chocolate manicure or pedicure at the Claremont. Or, for something you can do at home, this quick and easy DIY cocoa soak is perfection.

Be sure to check out more Valentine's tips from Stacey:
Getting the guy in your life into the spa
Two scents (and one massage technique) your guy will love

Away We Go: How to Travel (Better) With Friends

LearnVest — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:15:33 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

You love your friends, imperfections and all, so the only thing better than a trip to Ibiza might be a trip to Ibiza … with them. After all, group travel affords you freedom to do the activities you want, with zero worries about loneliness: Someone will always be game to ski that double black diamond run or dance the night away at that tiki club.

But while traveling with a group can be fun, it can also be fraught. The little differences that might seem small at first-like extra-long showers or reckless spontaneity-can get blown out of proportion after a few days of being together 24/7. Remember that time you tried to split the hotel bill to account for your BFF’s room service? (“But you totally ate some of my calamari!” “Not $20 worth!”) What a headache.

But you can leave the Advil at home, ladies. With our tips on organizing a successful and stress-free group getaway, you’ll come home with both your friendships and your budget intact.

Know Thyself (And Your Friends)

No two friends travel alike, as one woman’s “high standards” can be another friend’s “being difficult.”

You might enjoy getting a manicure with your diva friend, but think twice about inviting her camping. Likewise, if you don’t enjoy drinking, be wary about inviting the party girl on your getaway. Small differences can blow up when deciding how to spend a whole week together.

So, think strategically when planning your trip: Suggest a weekend in Vegas with your diva girlfriend, plan a camping trip with your high school buddies and save up vacation days for that European getaway with your bilingual best friend.

Read on for more travel tips.

Want to Look Young Forever? Here's What It Might Cost

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:00:02 PDT

When it comes to the pursuit of beauty, women in the US put a disproportionate emphasis on looking young. It's far less expensive (and often more attractive) to simply age gracefully and take care of yourself. But just as a thought experiment, we wanted to see just how much you'd spend over a lifetime if you were to try and look 25 forever. We did the math, so to find out, just keep reading.

How to Survive a Cheap Manicure Experience

Emily Co — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:05:08 PDT

A while back, I was super stoked to find this shop near my workplace that offered $10 manicures. So far, I've been there a couple of times and shared this gem with my friends, and most of them have loved it. There are one or two people who didn't care for the lower prices, because they would rather pay more to ensure quality service, impeccable treatments, and a soothing atmosphere. I'm the kind that just likes to get the job done and can do without the extra frills. Before you take my lead, you gotta know what you're getting into. Read this quick guide to find out more on how to maximize your cheap spa experience:

Read Reviews: Don't walk into a store blindly and do your research on sites like Yelp. If hygiene is a question, do not risk your health for a cheap manicure! For example, if you learn that they don't clean the equipment, you're better off doing your nails yourself.
Lower Your Expectations: Don't go in expecting that your $10 will get you a $100 spa experience. Your dollar can't stretch that far. A deal is a deal and usually you get a little more than what you pay for. If you expect a five star treatment, you're going to be very disappointed. Go in with a realistic mindset.

For more tips, read after the jump.

Feed Your Skin and Hair Before the Big Day

FitSugar — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:30:38 PDT

On her wedding day, every bride hopes to look her best - especially when it comes to her skin and hair. While the right makeup or a fabulous hair style has the power to make us feel our prettiest, we need a good starting base first. To be absolutely glowing when you walk down that aisle, here are the foods you should be eating now, alongside some great at-home spa treatments to pamper yourself with.

New brides, pay attention! All week long we'll be bringing you tips on how to prepare your body for the big day. But we want to hear what you've been doing to stay in shape too. Head over to the FitSugar Community and post your wedding workout tips, or, if you're already hitched, how did you get healthy for your big day?

Source: Jupiter Images