Justin Timberlake brought sexy back (although we’re pretty sure he never lost it) and just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you can’t bring it back too. Being a mom doesn’t make you lose your hotness factor and that’s exactly why we have a Hot Mom Spa Squad to honor moms that take pride in both motherhood and their own womanhood. Our hot (and single) mom Alicia Harper of Mommy Delicious, finds that putting herself out there in the dating world (in heels, of course) allows her to find her sexy and flaunt it.

By Alicia Harper

It can be pretty hard to bring the sexy on when you’re a mommy. Let’s face it: being covered in goo, poo, or other questionable substances is not that sexy. But I’ve found a way to gain and maintain my sexy.

Dating.

As a single mom, I thought that it was going to be one of the last things that I would want to do. After working long hours at the office, taking care of my son, meeting up with my girlfriends, and freelance writing in between, to say that I’m exhausted is an understatement. But… there’s always room for dating, right?

Dressing up in heels and skinny jeans makes me feel sexy. Flirting with cute guys makes me feel even more sexy. And setting up dates with said guys? Well that makes me feel like I’ve hit the hot mom jackpot! And I love it.

One of the first dates that I had was with a guy that I met online. He and I decided to meet up in NYC’s Meatpacking District and take a stroll through The High Line. My logic was that my date and I could talk a bit and get to know each other a bit… and I could scope out new cuties just in case the date turned out to be a total bust.

But it wasn’t.

I managed to get through the date with no fumbles. I think.

I was running 10 minutes late and when I walked up to the corner of 14th street and 10th avenue in NYC’s Meatpacking District, there he was. Smiling. He’s taller than he seemed in his profile pictures. 6’2″ to be exact. I should have worn heels, was the first thought I had to my barely 5’4″ self. He’s broader in the shoulders and slimmer in the waist than he seemed in his profile pictures. Hmmm… he’s cute, was the second thought that I had to my single self.

I smiled and nodded. He smiled and waved. Very smooth greeting. This could be good.

The weather was great — warm and sunny and perfect for a stroll through Manhattan. Our conversation was good — we spoke about our summer activities and vacations, our interests, our day job, Facebook (it’s totally taking over the world), and his family (not mine, with the exception of Aiden). He was a total gentleman the entire time and halfway through our conversation I figured he seemed… safe. He’s old…er than I am. Dude’s got 6 years on me. And based on his let-me-tell-you-all-the-important-details-about-myself constant shift in conversation, I figured he may be ready for an actual relationship. I’m not trying to go there just yet.

Still, I tried to keep it light. And fun. And easy-going.

Our date continued and we indulged in delicious ice cream (vanilla flavor for me, cappuccino flavor for him), then drinks (glass of Chardonnay for me and a beer for him). There was laughter. Check! There was smiling. Check! There was a little flirting. Check plus! And then there was the question… “So, what are you looking for in a relationship?” he asked. Ooh no… check minus.

Really?! On a first date?! Sheesh!

In my humble opinion, the people who ask this question on a first date are the people who do not want to waste their time on more dates with someone who is not looking for the same things as them. How do I get out of this one gracefully? And without fumbling?

“Wow, you’re just getting straight to the point, huh?” I say with a chuckle. “I was not at all expecting that question.”

“I just thought we should get these questions out of the way,” he says. This guy is not playing games. He seems to want to settle down. Sooner than later. Suddenly, he’s not looking so cute anymore.

“This is like a job interview with Chardonnay,” I quip. “Well…” I proceed to say that I am enjoying the dating process and getting to know different people. I add that once I find someone who is compatible with me and I see potential with them, I would consider dating them with a more serious purpose.

He totally ate it up.

A few days after our date, I got a call from him politely requesting if he can take me out again. So I guess I didn’t fumble after all. And I guess the theory is totally true — if a guy is interested in you, he’ll call. Period.

Alicia Harper, M.A., Ed.M. is a single mother, freelance writer, blogger, and recent graduate of Columbia University turned Mental Health Therapist. Her life is filled with all things pink, except for the one bit of blue – her rambunctious 4-year-old son. Together they make a great pair, and Alicia chronicles the trials and triumphs of being a young, single mother living in NYC at Mommy Delicious. Follow her on Twitter. Find her on Facebook.

By Jamie G. Dougherty

Right now I want you to think about your first love. What did he look like? What did he smell like? How did he kiss you? Just by thinking about him your heart starts to pitter patter and things begin to tingle. Nice, right?

Now think about the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you. Put yourself back in that moment when you were so mortified you wanted to shrink up and disappear. Is your stomach in a knot yet? Do you feel a little nauseous? Maybe lightheaded?

As you just experienced, your thoughts have a direct impact on your body (it’s called Psychoneuroimmunology) which can either be a good or not-so-good thing.

So, let’s say you are doing a detox this spring. You start eating lots of healthy food and guzzling green juices. You also continue to compare your body to others, telling yourself you are fat, imperfect and not good enough. In this mind set, your negative thoughts can actually negate all that good food you are putting in. Crazy, I know! Like I tell my clients, you can eat all the brown rice and broccoli you want, but if you aren’t being nice to yourself, you will never have the body you want!

Detoxing is not just about cleaning out your body but also cleansing your brain of the toxic thoughts that junk up your system every single day. That’s right, what you think can be just as toxic to your body as McDonalds!

Moral of the story: Be nice to yourself! What you think matters and there is no point in detoxing your body if you aren’t also going to detox your brain. If you are detoxing this Spring, make sure you choose one that addresses both the body and brain.

In fact, if you are serious about cleaning out the cobwebs, join me for my Delicious Detox Party teleclass on May 9. No joke girlfriend, it is going to rock and I promise you will feel lighter, leaner and seriously cleaner than you ever thought possible.

In the comments below tell me how you’ve noticed your thoughts affecting your body.

Jamie G. Dougherty, founder of JamieLiving.com, empowers busy women to create bodies that are as rockin’ as their careers! Jamie believes that though kale and brown rice are good foods to put on your plate, until we truly learn HOW to eat rather than just WHAT to eat we will continue to be carb-craving, super-frazzled, stress-out ladies. If you ever feel hungry, stuck and unsatisfied with your food be sure to visit Jamie’s website to get her FREE 5-Step Guide to Fabulous. Seriously ladies, get ready for Jamie to rock your world!

We’ve been on a mission to inspire and get inspired. Inspiration is all around if you look for it and if you don’t have time to look for it we offered you the 10 People & Blogs You Should Be Following NOW. Where is My Guru was one of our need-to-know motivators, as a weekly online radio show and social media hub dedicated to advancing the melioration of individuals, communities and the environment. Jessica Durivage, the founder, offered us some tips on how she remains a positively inspirational addition to the social media community.

By Jessica Durivage

There is a well known non-profit called Off the Mat and Into the World that encourages yoga practitioners to take the awareness and insights gained in a yoga class such as having a calmer mind or feeling the relaxing effects of noticing the breath off of the yoga mat and apply them out in the “real world.” For many of us, the “real world” now consists of a flat screen in which we interact all day. We form relationships and connections, communicate, engage and learn; and also have the power to spread positive or negative vibes. So, I like to say I am taking it “Off the Mat and Onto the Computer.”

1. You Are What You Post

What we think – we become, right? Social Media is a perfect mirror we can hold up to reflect back to us how we are showing up in the world every day. I will never forget the day Facebook started showing what you posted as your status the year before on that day (and in some cases, like for social media junkies like me, the year before that as well). While they were both relatively light and positive posts, seeing them made me think about the message I was sending into the world and consider the kind of message I wanted to share. Energy follows thought and it also follows your Facebook status. What we choose to share has a ripple effect – and you never know the depth of your reach.

2. No Comment Rage

When was the last time you lost your temper behind the safe, enclosed glass window of your SUV? Yelling profanities at someone you will never have to see again. Social media can provide even more of a disguise for leaving negative comments and spouting hateful remarks. Behind screen names and profiles – we have to remember that there are real people with real feelings. This new way of communicating is an opportunity to engage in mindful discussion, learning to appreciate differences of thought and opinion. Now, I am a pretty realistic person. This is hard enough in real life, right? The internet is far from a utopian society but using the time you spend online, be it for personal or business, as an opportunity to cultivate more peace, compassion and awareness for yourself and the virtual community you are creating.

3. Be The Change

With every thought, with every interaction, with every post, comment or tweet – we have the potential to share something positive with those around us – whether we are online or off. The internet is a powerful tool that is revolutionizing how the world connects, and that power is in our hands. Be the change, be the change in the world that you want to see. We would love to see your next post – and we would love to see the message you want to share.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Gandhi

Jessica is the founder and owner of Where is My Guru – an ever evolving work of life that encompasses writing, art, community, leadership, consulting and a weekly radio show where you can find her contemplating Purusha, Prakriti, the Yoga Sutras and why all Yogis are crazy mo fo’s. The Where is My Guru Show Airs LIVE every Friday at 11am EST.

Whether in a business suit, on a yoga mat o r a meditation cushion, Jessica will follow her Dharma to the ends of the earth and work to bridge the gap with the world and the light that dwells within each being. Grateful for the wealth of experiences, teachers and mentors who have guided her along her path as a yogi, a business woman, a non-profiteer and an improv comedian; she cultivates mindful, savvy and innovative approaches to make the world a better place each day and lead with compassion, from the heart (and trying not to take herself too seriously).

Buddha Pic Photo Credit

As you know, we launched a head-to-head health showdown last month, aka The Spa & Wellness Challenge. With so much star power on SpaWeek.com, our regularly scheduled Spa Week Daily Health Challenges have been put on hold to accommodate the awesomeness that is Joy Bauer, Dolvett Quince, Elena Brower and Dr. Michelle Copeland, combined. The Spa & Wellness Challenge ends on April 30th (have you entered for the chance to win a $1000 Spa & Wellness Gift Card, yet?) and that’s when we’ll pick up right where we left off with a new expert and a new 10-day challenge. So, just to whet your whistle with what’s to come, we are overjoyed to introduce to you, Design and Organizational Expert, Bobby Berk.
As you may recall, last fall Spa Week tapped Bobby to deck out our first-ever social media lounge at the Fall 2011 Spa Week Media Party in NYC. With killer comfy couches and sexy side tables, Bobby transformed a completely empty space into one of the chicest, most relaxing spots at the event. Many of our media guests camped out at the lounge for an hour or so, sipping Seagram’s and tweeting away… and we’re so excited to announce that for our upcoming Spring Media Event, Bobby will be back to add his accessible yet sophisticated flare to the media party once again.
Who is this Bobby Berk you might ask? And why do we love him so? Bobby, a Texas native, started his career at powerhouses Restoration Hardware and Portico Bed & Bath. He is known for his midcentury style and playful use of acrylic, stainless steel, and wood. You’ve probably seen his designs on HGTV, Bravo, Extreme Home Makeover; the list goes on and on. Best of all, Bobby has truly bridged the gap between the ridiculously high priced yet innovative designs you oh-so desire and the lame cheap-o pieces you find at super stores with zero wow factor.
With Bobby Berk Home store locations in New York, Miami and Atlanta (and an online website/showroom you could spend hours perusing); Bobby is taking over the world, one orange throne-ish chair at a time! And did we mention he was just named one of Miami’s most fashionable men by Miami Magazine? Yes, he just oozes style and creativity and we can’t wait for him to share his lifestyle tips and tricks with you during his challenge.
Sneak Peek: Next month, Bobby’s savvy styling will segue into a full-on design meets organization meets wellness challenge, given to you, exclusively by Bobby himself. We can’t tell you the challenge just yet but let’s just say you’re home and your health will be in excellent hands!

Green is in for spring. Well, it’s in all the time. It’s the green that’s proactively saving resources, making trash into treasure and building a more sustainable future. Hopefully you’re already a part of the green revolution. You may recycle at work, home and even carry a green reusable tote to the store. But wait, did you just go to the spa? You love your spa, but do know if they love the earth as much as you do?

We’re always focused on your well-being, but we can’t forget about the wellness of the earth. A happy planet is one that will keep us on it (so we can spa!). More and more spas have been getting eco-conscious in both their business practices and products, and we want to give some of our participating Spring Spa Week Event Eco-spas a big shout out and maybe a hug.

1. Blue Marble Spa at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego, CA

Blue Marble Spa’s eco-conscious treatments offer guests the beauty and purity of life-promoting properties derived from nature. With a dedicated commitment to wellness, healing, and the environment, this spa reveals beauty inside and out by promoting life and spa in harmony with nature. Adopting ecologically friendly practices focused on inspiring the spirit and building positive health, Blue Marble incorporates natural products and resources harvested from the land and sea to restore your inner glow, cultivate your environmental and spiritual awareness, and connect you to the self-healing, curative power of nature. They use organic and natural skincare products, they offer organic fruits and food options, and their luxurious spa services utilize minimal hot water. The blue planet thanks Blue Marble.

$50 Spa Treatments

• 45 Min Pure Results Facial including Customized Purification, Exfoliation, Facial Massage, and Rehydration
• 45 Min Organic Massage using Organic Sunflower, Olive and Jojoba Oil
• 45 Min Pedicure Ritual using Sustainable Bamboo, California Sea Salts and Lavender

2. Uhma Spa Miami Beach, FL

This spa is a true believer in environmental sustainability. Uhma Organic Spa & Green Shop was designed and built under eco-responsible guidelines and Biophilic principles to create a relaxing, non-toxic  environment. They have everything from a tank-less gas water heater, eco-friendly lights and even environmentally sound toilets. They filter all their own water, use only glass or wooden cups and plates, and use only bags, menus, forms and business cards made of recycled materials. In addition, they use only 100% natural, organic, non-toxic and cruelty-free products in our treatments.

$50 Spa Treatments

• 50 Min Sense of Awakening Hot Massage Treatment
• 50 Min Revitalight Therapy Facial

3. Namaste Organic Spa Ridgewood, NJ

Namaste Organic Spa is a full service spa that provides skin and body treatments that are relaxing and detoxifying without compromising their Eco-friendly root. Their lotions, creams and oils are always paraben, propylene glycol and fragrance free. From beauty treatments such as Jane Iredale’s all natural make-up, to organic facials customized for your skin, to stress relieving organic massages – they promise to only use products that are healthy and nourishing for your skin and great for the environment.

$50 Spa Treatments

• 60 Min Natural Face Lift with LED Technology and Plant Stem Cell Serum
• 60 Min Hand and Foot Reflexology with Foot Scrub
• 60 Min Namaste Signature Organic Massage

4. Hiatus Spa + Retreat Dallas, TX & Austin, TX

Hiatus always strives to be earth-friendly, or future-friendly, as they like to call it. From their initial build-out to their ongoing operation, they have always kept the environment close to their hearts and minds. Hiatus uses 100% wind-powered energy, a purified water filtration system and a “no bottled water” policy. All spa menus are printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy ink and all retail packaging is made from recycled materials.They are a partner of both Aveda, which is known for its environmental responsibility, and a partner of certified organic Intelligent Nutrients, a company with a vision that “everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe.”

$50 Spa Treatments

• 60 Min Organic Aveda Stress Fix Massage
• 50 Min Signature Hiatus Facial with Foot Soak plus Customized Aromatherapy
• 50 Min Hiatus Body Glow and Energizing Scalp Treatment Package

5. Reve Spa Salon San Mateo, CA (San Fran)

This spa proudly shares Aveda’s mission “… to care for the world we live in, from the products we sell to the ways in which we give back to society.” Their motto is “beauty is as beauty does.” Empowered by their own unique Mission, they believe that authentic beauty is one that works in harmony with the greater web of life. Aveda is the first beauty company manufacturing with 100% certified wind power, is one of the largest purchasers of organic ingredients, leader in integrating the highest possible post-consumer recycled content into their packaging.

$50 Spa Treatments

• 60 Min AVEDA Elemental Massage plus Steam and Sauna Amenity Day Pass
• 60 Min AVEDA Elemental Facial plus Steam and Sauna Amenity Day Pass
• Brazilian Bikini Wax Or Full Legs plus Steam and Sauna Amenity Day Pass

6. Jurlique New York, NY / Santa Monica, CA / San Francisco, CA

“Our Plan For Today to Help Our Tomorrow.”  Jurlique is committed to sustainable practices and nourishing the earth. By 2015 they plan to further reduce energy and water consumption by 20%, decrease the amount of waste to landfill by 20%, and aim to strive for more than 95% of natural ingredients in their products. They also are focused on the maintenance of their re-vegetation project on their National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA) Certified Organic and Biodynamic farm, in order to gather carbon, protect and cultivate their powerful herbs and nurture their wildlife.

$50 Spa Treatments

• 50 Min Signature Revitalizing Facial
• 50 Min Skin Soothing Facial
• 50 Min Skin Purifying Facial

7. Verabella Skin Therapy Beverly Hills, CA

This eco-friendly spa, where Hollywood’s elite are regulars, has a subtle ambiance and welcoming atmosphere. The Verabella product line was just launched last year and is creating a buzz among clients and editors alike. It is a botanically-rich aloe vera based green collection of skin care that is free of sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, and animal products and testing. Verabella supports a “Refill Your Jar” program, in order to encourage reuse of their jars and offers $5 off each product that is refilled in the spa. We’ll tip to that!

$50 Spa Treatments

• 50 Min The Instant Lift: A Non-Surgical Face Lift
• 50 Min Crystal-Free Micro-DIAMOND-Brasion
• 50 Min Organic Skin-a-Peel from our Peel Bar Menu