The Weekend Guide….

Are you still recovering from the stress of the holiday season?? Need a lil’ lift from the winter blues….Well, if a Swedish massage, hot stone massage or water treatment suits your fancy you may be in need of a spa day!!!

And because fashionistas struggle to keep it together while looking fabulous & chic, I’ve compiled a few tips courtesy of the snazzy folks at ShopSmart (March 2009) to guide through your fabulous Spa fix in this tight economy.

• Call spas and ask, ‘What specials are you offering?’ Inquire about off-season deals, cost-cutting packages, specials for new clients and whether certain days or times are cheaper than others. And don’t be afraid to admit that you’re looking for a deal.
• Try chain massage stores. The décor usually isn’t too fancy and chains are prone to staffing turnover, but the savings can be big. Massage Envy, for example, has more than 500 storefront locations nationwide and employs only certified therapists. As a member, you get one monthly massage for $49 to $59 per month (depending on location) with additional massages that month costing $39 to $49 each.
• Visit Spa schools. Most cosmetology and massage therapy schools offer a student spa/salon or clinic where treatments are done under the supervision of instructors at a fraction of the price. Search the Web sites of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (http://www.careersinbeauty.org/) or the American Massage Therapy Association (http://www.amtamassage.org/).
• Consider Costco! The discount warehouse sells two $50 SpaFinder gift certificates for $79.99, a 20 percent savings, which can be used for treatments (including discounted ones) at any spa in the SpaFinder network.
• Search the Web. Sites like Spafinder.com, Spamagazine.com, Lifebooker.com, SpaWeek.org and Spa-addicts.com post special deals. At Google, type in your city name and “spa discount” to find promotions, or sign up for your favorite spa’s e-mail alerts on specials.
• Buy in bulk. You might be able to purchase a series of treatments—say, six for the price of five—to be used within a specified amount of time. Some spas offer a frequent-user card and the 10th visit is free.
• Ask about product deals. As spas make the transition from one season to another or change product lines, they often offer specials. These types of specials are here one day and gone the next, and they aren’t posted online, so call the front desk to ask.

Don’t forget to check out the March issue of ShopSmart magazine for additional money saving tips on closet organization, fashion, lifestyle and more…….

And remember, Spa Finder offers a comprehensive listing of spas including day spas, vacation spas, medical spas, and spa treatments across the globe.

If your in the New York City area this weekend and craving a Spa fix Body by Brooklyn Day Spa & Lounge has created a dynamic offering that will allow you to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the big game on Super Bowl Sunday!!!!

To celebrate the biggest game of the year, Body by Brooklyn Spa & Lounge will be hosting their first ever Super Bowl Party equipped with food, a full bar, and all the relaxing amenities our luxurious spa has to offer. Guests will be able to enjoy the spa’s unique treatments and services while still getting all the perks of any Super Bowl party!

When: Sunday February 1, 2009

Where: 275 Park Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

Time: 5 -10 PM

Cost: $54 per person

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas…..

Mother’s Day is just two short days away…… Before you get scrambling to the malls in search of the perfect gift, realize the gift doesn’t have to cost a small fortune to be fabulous.

Here’s a few of my favorite gift picks, (just in case my kids are wondering)…..

This Casio EXILIM 10.1-Megapixel Digital Camera-Pink is definitely what a busy mom needs in her life… Not only is it in my favorite shade of pink, it comes with software that easily allows you to download footage onto the web and upload photos onto your computer in a snap. Perfect for a blogger like me! $280, Best Buy

Coach Swing Packs are a mommy’s best friend….. Small enough to throw around your shoulders and still navigate a day at the park. Perfect for that quick trip to the mall and oh so fashionable. Available in various styles & patterns, $128-$158

Don’t we all need a spa day??? This Mother’s Day give Mom the gift of a well deserved spa day. Spa Finder Gift Certificates are accepted at over 4,000 participating spas worldwide so Mom can choose their favorite after they receive their special gift……
Certificates are redeemable for spa treatments, vacation experiences, spa products and more
Price Ranges from $50 to $1000, in increments of $25 to fit every budget!

And because they we all tend to be last-minute shoppers, the brilliant folks over at Spa Finder are offering FREE FedEx Ground Shipping and a Gift Box on your order of $150 or more now through May 11, 2008 at 11:30pm EST.

The distinctive blue box say’s it all….. This Mother’s Day you can give Mom the gift of luxury with a Return to Tiffany™ Heart tag charm bracelet. A classic gift that she’s sure to treasure! $190, Tiffany & Co.

Last but not least…… I saw this amazing gift idea while reading one of my favorite blogs, Brown Girl Gumbo. The Story of a Lifetime Book is a beautiful memoir for reflection and self discovery. The 384-page book includes a family tree section and about 500 Questions ranging from parental relationships, raising kids, traditions and milestones. This book is perfect for all who want to learn more about Mom, themselves and to pass along their discoveries to the next generation. Ultimately, the gift that keeps giving…. $48, Red Envelope

At the end of the day, gifts big or small, high end vs. affordable, Mom’s everywhere will opt for a quiet afternoon with our children, minus all the hoopla and fanfare. I sooooo love being a mom and seeing the smiles on their little faces each day is the only gift that I need….

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

***Just discovered this amazing gift idea that will definitely bring Mom into the 21st Century…..

Mom’s can be “Pretty in Pink” while listening to her favorite tunes in style. The Sandisk Pink Clip MP3 bundle has a 2GB storage capacity and can store up to 1000 songs. The Bundle includes a chic MP3 Player, DLO armband, cotton candy earphones and even a built-in FM tuner with 40 preset channels. Fab Gift Idea!!!

Hurry, the entire bundle is now the same price as the stand-alone player ($59.99) only at Best Buy

Holiday Gift Idea…

Awww…who doesn’t love a cute puppy?

Maybe your little one has been longing for a “new furry friend” or your BFF needs a little pick-me-up.

If your in the New York area, maybe you can help the North Shore Animal League and adopt a new friend.

On November 8, 2007, North Shore Animal League America embarked on a rescue mission to help save over 150 dogs from a puppy mill in Virginia.

When the League’s team of dedicated professionals arrived at the dismal destination, they worked diligently assisting with examinations, vaccinations, taking the dogs for walks, keeping them exercised, distributing feedings and keeping the chaos of hundreds of stressed dogs down to a minimum.
Now safe in the League’s care, these dogs, who are six months old and up, are ready to be placed for adoption. Adopt Today

Side Note: Pets should never be treated as the “latest fashion accessory”.

Make sure and read the fine print on gifting….We wouldn’t want another Iggy situation on our hands…