Just in time for Spa Week it seems all the spas have one thought on the brain: Upgrade! It’s not a conspiracy– excellent service demands flawless decor. The Spa at New York-New York in Las Vegas recently joined the upgrade brigade with a fresh redesigned urban retreat. There you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the strip and escape to a serene oasis upon soothing elements of nature. The aesthetic at the Spa New York-New York puts you in a state of peace with its earthy-inspired palette of dark browns, tans, subtle grays and sea greens. Adding to the calming atmosphere is gentle crystal lighting that appears to sparkle, cool slate walls, glossy wood and polished river rocks the paths for weary feet.
The spa is also the only one in Vegas to use Thalasso Cosmetics,  a leader in marine cosmetics. Hint: the best seaweed body scrub you could ever imagine. The spa is designed with your hectic lifestyle in mind, with services like the Environmental Escape, where vitamins are used to create a super-charged cocktail for the skin and the Traffic Stopper, a facial designed to combat the harsh effects of stress with vitamins and oxygen. If you so choose to indulge in the New York Minute Manicure or the Complete Restoration Pedicure you can do so in complete privacy with their exclusive personal treatment rooms. Book now for Spa Week! Choose a 50 Min Pure Bliss Massage or 50 Min Restoration Pedicure. (702) 740-6955

So you packed your summer out, and just realized that Labor Day came out of nowhere!  Don’t worry – you can still get one more weekend of relaxation in.

Miss Cozy’s Tip of the Day: Labor Day was actually intended as a day of rest, so before you head to the beach or a BBQ, try to sleep in this weekend.  Recent studies have shown that catching up on your sleep can help reverse the effects of sleep deprivation. Getting enough sleep also helps you look more refreshed by reducing dark circles, under-eye puffiness, and bloodshot eyes.

(Check out CozyWallet.com for swank ways to save money and look good doing it)

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend, brought to you by Miss Cozy:

Atlanta, Georgia – Have you looked at today’s date??  Its 9-02-10!  It shouldn’t go unnoticed!  So SweetWater Brewery has created a 90’s themed event to celebrate.  Hosted by Metromix and SweetWater, tonight the Peach Pit comes to Atlanta for an all out 90’s bash - to celebrate America’s favorite past time: 90210!  Go big or go home and dress up like Kelly, Steve, David, Donna, Brandon, Dylan, Valerie or Andrea, because everyone in costume will receive half off their entrance fee.  (You must be 21+ – Entrance is $8)  The theme is original 90210, so the more 90’s the better: Jean jackets, gelled hair and mini dresses are not only appropriate, they are highly encouraged.  Get some SweetWater goodies for the best dressed and best looking couple.  SweetWater Brewery is located at 195 Ottley Drive Northeast – Atlanta. For more information visit sweetwaterbrew.com

Phoenix, Arizona – Kick off Hispanic Heritage month this Saturday, September 4th 2010 from 11 am to 6 pm, as the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual 21st Fiesta de Septiembre. The event takes place in Historic downtown Wickenburg, and includes Mariachi groups, folklorico dancers, salsa and margarita contests, outdoor mercado, food and beverage cantina, historic photo exhibits, and a food fair!  Wickenburg Community Center 160 N. Valentine Street. For more information visit outwickenburgway.com

Boston, Massachusetts – If you’re in Boston this weekend, the one event to check out is their traditional Gloucester Schooner Festival.  This 26th annual schooner festival takes place in America’s oldest seaport. Running from September 3rd until September 6th, close to 50 ships are expected to participate in two days of racing, celebration and events, including Sunday’s “Mayor’s Race.” Sponsored by Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, enjoy a full schedule of activities from sailing, tours, fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor, a festival party, and more! For more information visit capeannevacations.com.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Stop by the 45th Annual Polish-American Family Festival and County Fair to enjoy a three-day festival of all things Polish. Running from September 4th until September 6th 2010, this event is infused with the Polish spirit, featuring vendors, kielbasa, pierogi, loads of entertainment (yes, there’s polka), and much more. Located at 654 Ferry Road Doylestown, PA 18901. For more information vist czestochowa.us

Columbus, Ohio – The mission of the Native American Indian Center is to preserve, protect and promote Native American culture, spirituality and philosophy. This has been accomplished through traditional Powwow’s, as they are the greatest expression of Native American Indian art. Join them during their traditional Labor Day Powwow, to encompass the values, traditions and spirituality of many native cultures. This weekend, from September 4th until September 6th 2010, enjoy traditions including Native American dancing, singing, food and crafts.  Located at Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard – Weekend pass: $15, Adults: $7. For more information visit naicco.org

It’s happening! It’s really happening! The speculation is over—the next designer collaboration for H&M will be none other than Lanvin. Alber Elbaz and team will fall in the ranks of Sonia Rykel, Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and others to bring a new designer collection to H&M this November. Since taking over the 100 year old fashion house in 2001, Alber Elbaz has brought seduction to fashion in the form of vivid color, metallic embellishments, raw edge and phenomenal cut.

Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin says, “H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” .

To add accessibility to accessibility, the Lanvin for H&M collec­tion will be revealed to the world through a special film which will be launched on November 2. The film will be available for all to see online at www.hm.com. Three weeks later on November 20, you’ll have the chance to get your hands on a covetable piece of Lanvin for H&M. I’ll be first in line… these babies are going to go faster than $50 spa treatments.

Alber Elbaz (But where's the bowtie?)

Our spa students’ well manicured hands were raised high as the class tackled the “Spa” questions from teachers @SpaWeek and @ArtoftheSpa with their teacher’s aides – @carissarogers and @jeremymcc – in yesterday’s Back to Spa School #SpaWeekGossip.

And the report cards are in – check out the top of the class tweets AND the 6 A+ Valedectorians in pink (based on overall performance) who get their caps & “gowns” (cuddly Sassimi Spa Robes) early this year!

Homeroom – Spa Perfection Tips

@beth0603 must get to the spa early to relax. Running late kills all relaxation

@PlumSage Leave your worries at the door. Prepare to relax and enjoy

@dopeymouse05 My husband & I went together and had an amazing time

Math – How to Save on Spa & When to Splurge

@xtremelashes with groupon & of course @SpaWeek there are tons of spa deals. Book multi services at once to get a break

@ksceviour  I have never been to a spa Try it during Spa Week for just $50 (Best advice of the party, although we might be biased)

@happyenchilada2 I spa when I’ve got the xtra cash so I guess I’m a Bonus Spa-er

Gym – Get Spa Fit

@markthespaman Cardio on the elliptical trainer! It’s best for the knees… #spaweekgossip don’t forget yoga and tai – chi!

@mmc67  I haven’t worked out at the spa I just like to relax there

@andrebergermd 7E treatments works your abs out for you

Social Studies – What does spa stand for?

@LLLsummer “spa” comes from the BElgian town of Spa, known since Roman times for its baths

@lifeonprint Emperor Nero said, “sanitas per aquas,” which means “health through waters” and gives us the acronym “spa”

@tigpooh1516 “Spa” Salus Per Aquam meaning “health through water”

Chemistry – Concocting Potions

@mmc67 one egg, 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal ,teaspoon olive oil until smooth.leave 15 min then rinse.

@fashionoffice Add Spirulina to a mask. It’s a live #Superfood & it works miracles on the skin. Must be fresh.

@LLLsummer I love lavender scents they make you sleepy

Home Ec – DIY Spa Time

@pontowd my nieces come over and we do hair and nails…  we have so much fun

@lifeonprint  oh yes! margaritas are always good!

@jeremymcc Paraffin treatments are great for home spa parties

Extra  points for great advice and participation:

@SpaFitFinder During your @spaweek experience pick a spa you have never been to and block out a few hours so you can enjoy the amenities

For all the great lessons in leisure we learned, click here for the full party.

Thank you to everyone who attended… it wasn’t easy to grade. Winners: please email Michelle (michelle(at)spaweekmedia(dot)com) with your address and phone number so we can send you your robe.

Your homework: Sit back, relax, and book yourself a $50 Spa Week treatment to look forward to.

See ya next week,

Michelle (Spa Week Daily) and Candy (Art of the Spa)

Image courtesy of naturalskinmedicare.com

LA Spa Week® is back!

Spa Week® is your ticket to the hottest spas and salons, allowing you to get pampered like movie star twice a year for just $50 per treatment. This Fall, from September 13-19, 53 magnificent spas are opening their doors to you for Spa Week in the LA/OC area. Some spas are already nearly booked up for the week! We’ve rounded up 12 spas that define the LA spa scene, what you need to know about them, and our treatment recommendations. For the full LA $50 treatment list, check Spa Week’s CALIFORNIA SPA DIRECTORY and book your appointments stat.

1. The Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula Beverly Hills

A stunning, modern resort spa with locations all over the world. This particular one has been recognized on multiple occasions by readers of Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 5 Hotel Spas in North America. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub (310.975.2854)

2. Verabella Skin Therapy (Beverly Hills

This Beverly Hills mainstay regularly featured in magazines such as Allure, InStyle, Vogue and named “Best of LA” twice by Los Angeles Magazine for its incredible gourmet facials. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min The Instant Lift: A Non-Surgical Face Lift (310.278.4733)

3. The Huntington Spa at The Langham (Pasadena)

Recently renovated, this 11,000 sq foot haven features 13 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and whirlpool, a spacious fitness center, and many of their treatments are based on Chuan Body + Soul Traditional Chinese Medicine. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min “Walk in the Clouds” Pedicure (626.585.6414)

4. BHPS, Inc. by Dr. Gabriel Chiu (Beverly Hills)

Get out your quilted 2.55… the spa architecture and decor was inspired by Chanel! The Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery spa features a Skinceuticals retail lounge, private VIP reception and beautiful patient suites. Spa Week $50 Treatment to try: Cocktail Vermouth Facial Peel (310.888.8087)

5. The Shave of Beverly Hills

This spa provides a male-centric atmosphere for the connoisseur of men’s grooming with class and style. They blend the traditional shaving regiment with a modern approach to men’s skin care. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 60 Min Beverly Hills Gentlemen’s Facial, including Cleanse, Scrub, Steam, Hydrating Mask and Extractions (310.858.8281)

6. Rejuvalife Vitality Institute

Spearheaded by Dr. Andre Berger, Beverly Hills’ Rejuvalife Vitality Institute integrates anti-aging, hormone therapy, medical weight loss & non-surgical cosmetic treatments to restore & heal your mind, body & spirit. Read this review of the 7E treatment. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 7E Torc Plus Instant Inch Loss Treatment (310.276.4494)

7. CityLife Medical and Fitness Spa

8. Lauren’s Salon and Spa

This Hollywood hot spot is loved for its friendly staff, intimate service and extraordinary styling. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: Spa Week Hair Special: Spice Up Your Look with Fresh Fall Highlights or Wash, Cut, Condition and Blow-Dry (323.852.1410) . Click here to see the see a video of the spa up close.

9. LuxLash

LuxLash founder Suzanne Cats is ahead of the curve in the lash, brow and eye beauty business. LuxLash technicians go through over 100 hours of training to perfect the art of applying lashes with her latest patent-pending techniques. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: LuxLash Enhancement Lashes (310.273.5274‎)

10. Tan Galleria & Spa

A sleek tanning spa with state-of-the-art airbrush tan equipment. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: Celebrity Custom Spray Tan with Pre Hydration Spray – Full Body & Face (818-783-3003)

11. White Lotus Day Spa (Orange County)

An intimate spa owned by Kristin Trumble, who creatively blends many classic French and Hungarian skincare techniques with modern chemical peels. Spa Week $50 treatment to try: 50 Min Acupuncture Treatment (949.496.2977)

12. Skin Beauty Bar (Studio City)

Skin Beauty Bar is about hospitality, same day results, and comfort. Spa Week $50 Treatment to try: 60 Min Skin-licious Facial, including Oxygen Treatment and Hand & Arm Massage (818.406.7791)

Now: Sign up for Spa Week Fall 2010 and view all the California Spas