Today isn’t just 11/11/11, it’s Veteran’s Day, a day for us to thank the servicemen and women of this country. Our small tokens of gratitude are incomparable to the sacrifices they’ve made for us. So be sure to take the time to say “thank you” and let them know you are grateful.

Many soldiers return home with battle scars (or even more severe injuries). We can’t think of anyone who deserves to be rubbed down and healed with the power of a massage more than our military men and women. We know the healing capabilities of a massage which can offer relief after a major surgery or after several tours of duty.

Massage Envy supports the troops and provides a military discount year round. In honor of Veteran’s Day they are offering a FREE one hour stress-relieving massage. Not only is this for active military personnel but retired and spouses of military personnel as well.

Find participating locations near you on Massage Envy‘s website. Most locations in New Jersey, Arizona and Las Vegas accept the Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week – check our gift card spa directory for details.

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It’s quite an incredible industry we are part of – not just for the wellness benefits, but because nearly every spa makes it a point to benefit the lives of those who are less fortunate. Yes, 96% of spas are engaging in charitable activities such as donating products and services, fundraising events, and partnering with local charity groups. We recently featured James Corbett who actively works to give cancer patients and their caregivers the dose of glam they deserve through his orgnization Hair2Help.

Well, I am proud be on the board of a non-profit organization called Glamour Gone Good, which empowers America’s glamour-makers (such as YOU, spas!) to give back to women and girls in need. Each year, Glamour Gone Good distributes up to $100,000 in funds raised by glamour industry professionals to worthy women’s and girls’ organizations. This year is going to be no exception!

Spas, salons and wellness facilities nationwide: I invite you to take part in 12 DAYS OF GGGIVING.

12 DAYS OF GGGIVING is an unprecedented charitable initiative launching nationwide on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, led by prestigious salon and spa brands, to boost end-of-year revenue and increase consumer brand loyalty while celebrating the season of giving.

In a nutshell: Salon and spa professionals will have 12 days to raise $1,000 for charities that support women and girls in need. By hosting holiday-inspired events, percent-of-proceeds promotions, raffles, and much more, they will have their clients falling in love with them all over again as they celebrate the true meaning behind the season of giving.

Registration is free and includes:

1. Listing on GlamourGoneGood.org under “Participating Salons and Spas”

2. Limited rights of use to “12 Days of GGGiving” logo and artwork

3. Invitation to participate in national and local media opportunities

4. Access to free resources, including promotional signage and press releases

5. Complimentary 30 minute fundraising and marketing consultation with Glamour Gone Good’s founder and CEO, Shikha Vasaiwala

100% of proceeds raised during the twelve days will benefit grants to Dress for Success Worldwide, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS), and Sister to Sister: The Women’s Heart Health Foundation.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR 12 DAYS OF GGGIVING NOW!

Spas directors, I encourage you to sign up to be part of this spirited holiday event. Comment below if you’re thinking of signing up, or feel free to email me with any questions – michelle at spaweekmedia dot com. I do hope you join us. Here’s to a season of glamour… and the gift of being able to give back!

BLACK FRIDAY: two very terrifying words. The stress and madness that comes from this historic shopping day can ruin anyone’s holiday. We have to two other words for you: desert oasis. The AAA Four Diamond Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Arizona offers a a full-service spa and championship golf to award-winning dining and upscale shopping. They also know how to offer a relaxing holiday experience…

Black Friday at Agave Spa allows you to shop, save, and spa! On Friday, November 18th, sip on some fine wine and enjoy a shop-till-you-drop foot relief treatment. This is how “Black Friday” should be done!

• Free gift with purchase of a $100 gift certificate
• Complimentary gift wrapping with purchase

The free gift is a festive red glass Frasier Fir scented holiday candle. It fills the room with a classic holiday fragrance and lasts for approximately 70 hours. $34 retail value.

The celebration doesn’t stop there. They are also hosting their 2nd Annual Spahhhh-holiday Open House on December 8th. You’re invited to enjoy:

• Complimentary mini spa treatments
• The chance to shop unique gifts
• Savory wine and the chance to mingle
• The Agave Wear Fashion Show

Be merry!

Agave The Arizona Spa at the Westin Kierland Resort
6902 East Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480.624.1500

Is getting your child’s hair cut a chore? Most squirm around in those big salon chairs and claim how it is so unnecessary. That will all change once they start going gray and they’ll be happy to sit in those comfy chairs for hours on end. But I digress… Let the professionals help and your child’s haircut could go towards a great cause. We’ve told you about Hair2Help’s mission and their great spa day event but now they are offering free hair cuts for kids when you make a donation to their charity, which supports cancer patients and their caretakers.

Bring your children, ages 4-10, to the James Corbett Studio in Union Square, NYC for a Holiday Haircut and Priti Princess non-toxic manicure in exchange for a 100% tax-deductible donation.

The goal of the day is to help raise money for those who are battling cancer. Your child will have the opportunity to make get well cards for patients at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge.

For more information visit the Hair2Help website, or to get involved, please contact James@Hair2Help.org or call 212.388.1296.

If you’re in New York visit Sunday November 13, 2011 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the James Corbett Studio. The address is:

32 Union Square East #311
New York, NY 10003

Here’s the invite:

You’ve seen the pictures, you read the recap post and you had an exclusive look inside those 15 pound gift bags… now it’s time for you to experience the Spa Week Media Party like you were right there with us. Press play and transport yourself to our largest, most successful media event in Spa Week’s history!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for making it all possible:

Presenting Sponsor, Carefree®

Food Sponsor, Dole

Hair Care Sponsor, Ouidad – The Curl Experts

Skincare Sponsor, American Laser Skincare

Cosmetic Sponsor, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

Destination Sponsor, Vdara Hotel & Spa

Special thanks to our Media Event Sponsors, Spa Chicks On The Go, Bobby Berk Home, Plank Yoga Mats, Seagrams Smooth, Given Liquor, and Reve Vodka as well as our caterers, the Altman Building and of course – the woman to whom you are all writing your thank you notes - Spa Week founder and CEO, Cheryl Reid.