Cupping Is Now a DIY Treatment

March 5, 2013 | By

We’re all familiar with the procedure of cupping (who could forget this video?), but did you know that you can do something similar from the comfort of your own home? We spotted the Bellabaci Cup for Cellulite on OpenSky curator Sophie Uliano’s page, and we just had to know more…

The effects of the Bellabaci Cup are similar to those that can be achieved at a traditional cupping session.  For example, massaging areas of your body with the cup can help relieve muscle soreness, joint pain, and decrease cellulite (by increasing circulation, for example). It also helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, breaks up fat pockets, and eliminates toxins from muscles.

The best way to use it is with massage oils or cream to help the cups move along skin more smoothly. According to the website, all you need is 8 minutes a day to decrease pain and cellulite.

This specific kit comes with a soft cup to start and use on more sensitive areas like the stomach – and a harder cup for other areas like your back, which you can gradually work your way up to. People swear by the Chinese method of cupping – so would you try this out on yourself?! Let us know.

Filed Under: Health, Health & Wellness Tagged With: , , ,

Girls’ Night In: Lemon Sugar Body Scrub

June 11, 2012 | By

One of the best parts of our Hot Mom Spa Squad is that it is always growing! We’ve welcomed a handful of Moms over the past few weeks that we can’t wait for you to hear from…

Speaking of which, newest member mommy, Dawn, founder of Not Just a Mommy!, wants to help you get your spa-rty on. Dawn is a mom of two boys, proud military wife of a Marine and the owner of a very hyper mini schnauzer. With a B.S. in Mathematics, she’s admittedly a bit of a geek but her true passion is party planning. Her blog is all about entertaining, event planning, crafts and lifestyle (and, if you live in Seattle or the surrounding areas, I she’s available for all of your party planning needs, from consulting to full event hosting). See below for her favorite DIY spa party crafts plus, her fool-proof Lemon Sugar Body Scrub. It’s so important to take time out for yourself, even if you don’t leave the house!

By Dawn Smith

Every woman needs a little pampering now and then, but sometimes you just don’t have the big bucks for a full day at the spa.  How about hosting a spa party at home with your girls?  Here are some great ideas to inspire you…

A few years ago I put together a Spa Party with goody bag favors, like face masks, bath beads, and nail files, all kinds of spa goodies the girls used that evening.  Hit up your local beauty supply and drug stores for great deals on nail polish, toe separators and more! (The stores are always trying to move those products to make room for seasonal items, so you’ll most likely get a good deal.)  Purchase items like bath beads in large jars and divvy up into smaller containers to save money.

If you can’t find individual soaps on sale, make your own! A silicone ice mold and a soap-making kit from your local craft store is a fun way to custom-make soap. It’s so easy, you just melt the glycerin, add colors and scents of your choice and wrap in clear cellophane. Everyone will think you scored them from a specialty bath store.

Another great party activity is make your own sugar scrub.  This is my fool-proof, all-natural lemon sugar body scrub that I’ve used at countless parties and have gifted WAY too many times.  It will make all those rough areas feel so smooth and you’ll smell amazing.  It can be customized. too. If you like your scrubs “scrubbier,” add more sugar, or if you want it to smell stronger, add a few more drops of the lemon essential oil.

Dawn’s Lemon Sugar Body Scrub

(Makes one batch)

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz air-tight container (I’ve used plastic Tupperware and mason jars before. this container is a Lock-Up, I’ve purchased mine from The Container Store and have seen them at Jo-Ann’s Fabrics)
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of grapeseed oil
  • ½ tablespoon of olive oil
  • juice from ½ of a medium lemon
  • 3 drops lemon essential oil

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl then, spoon into the storage container
  2. Considering this is made with no preservatives, it will not last forever, so store in an air-tight container and keep in the refrigerator

Don’t forget to feed your guests! Yes, chocolate is a given but don’t forget the healthy snacks and drinks. Make food that is easy to eat and transport around the party. One Charming Party has a great smoothie recipe and tasty meat and veggie kabobs that won’t make you a slave to the kitchen.

Cheers to planning a fabulous night in, one your guests won’t soon forget.

Filed Under: Beauty & Style, Hot Mom Spa Squad, Spas Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Spa Foodie: Dissect Your Guacamole for Super-Spa Sunday!

February 2, 2012 | By

As the Giants take on the Pats in an epic rivalry this Sunday, there’s really only one thing on my mind: THE GUACAMOLE (and Victor Cruz’s salsa to go with it, of course). Superbowl Sunday means nothing to me without an endless supply of someone’s homemade guac. My trick is adding a lot of cilantro and a little Adobo, but as it turns out, those are about the only two ingredients that don’t translate to the guacamole spa dissection you’re about to witness.

Turn your Superbowl Sunday into Super-Spa Sunday! Tackle (Eli Manning and Tom Brady style) skin and hair problems using the essential ingredients of guacamole, all packed with vitamins and some very surprising beauty benefits. Ready for some mind-blowingly simple DIY spa recipes? KICK OFF!

AVOCADO

 

Avocado-Honey Mask for Dry Skin: Mash up 1/2 avocado, rich in Vitamin E to help rebuild skin collagen, and mix in 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply to your face and neck and let it sit for 10-12 minutes, then rinse with warm water and a washcloth. From a previous post by The Chefanies.

Avocado Hair Conditioning Mask: Beat up 1 raw egg, mix in 1/2 mashed avocado. Massage into your hair for 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly.

Avocado-Coconut Oil Hair Color Protector: Microwave 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and massage it from roots to ends. Then, mash an avocado and massage it on the ends only. From a previous post with Rita Hazan’s hair tips for lasting color.

LIME

Lime Facial Toner for Blemishes: Lime juice (and lemon juice) have high acidity, which exfoliates the top layer of skin and helps fade pigmentation, blemishes and freckles over time. Rub lime wedges (preferably not straight from the Corona bottle) onto your face, focusing on unwanted blemishes. Let it dry completely, then  rinse with water.

Lime Body Toner: Using the same theory as the facial toner, even out darker or discolored skin on your knees or elbows. Cut a lime into two, then rub each half onto your knees/elbows. Let it dry, and rinse thoroughly.

SALT

Salt Bath for Itchy Skin: Just add a cup of table salt or sea salt to your bath. It will help relieve itchiness and also soften skin while you settle into a deep relaxation.

Simple Salt Exfoliation: After the shower, simply sprinkle some salt on your hands and rub it all over your skin. It will remove dry skin and also get your circulation going. Try it the morning after the ‘bowl to wake you up!

Citrus Salt Body Scrub: Mix together 1/2 cup of fine sea salt and 2 tablespoons of almond or grapeseed oil, then add 5 drops of orange essential oil. In the shower, massage it in circular motions, concentrating on the rough spots.

Salt Spray-Toner for Oily Skin: Fill a spray bottle lukewarm water, add a teaspoon of salt, and spray on your face. Blot dry.

ONION

Onion Juice Rinse for Hair Growth: Sounds smelly, huh? Well, onions are known to be a natural way restore hair follicles and encourage hair growth by stimulating scalp circulation (lots of sulfur), so if you’re willing to put up with the smell: Squeeze the juice out of a medium uncooked onion (blend it then strain it – this could take an hour, and you’ll need to push with a spoon to get all the juice out). Apply the onion juice to the top of the scalp, and gently massage into hair roots. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash with shampoo thoroughly. Repeat twice a week or more to see some real results!

TOMATO

Tomato and Lime Pore-Shrinker: Tomatoes have cooling elements to soothe skin and lots of vitamin A and C to brighten skin tone – and you already know what limes do! Combine a tablesoon of fresh tomato juice with a 3 drops of lime juice, and apply to skin with a cotton ball. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Beauty touchdown, baby!

Filed Under: Food + Drink, Spa Cuisine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spa Foodie: Make Your Own Strawberry Body Scrub

July 21, 2011 | By

Check out this quick and easy recipe for a do it yourself Strawberry Body Scrub. Great for  smoothing dry and dehydrated feet and hands. It’s simple and smells great. And, don’t miss out on the bonus recipe at the end for a delicious Strawberry Honey Facial Masque

Why Strawberries?

Strawberries contain natural fruit acids that helps exfoliact you skin. Plus they are packed full of vitamin-c and antioxidents that will moisturize and nourish your freshly buffed skin. The added olive oil is a proven moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling baby soft. Not to mention, skipping on store-bought scrubs cuts down on the amount of plastic you toss in the trash. That means your helping the environment while making your skin sexy and soft.

Ingredients

  • 8-10 Strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons of Apricot oil or Olive oil
  • 1 tbs of Sugar in The Raw or Sea Salt

How to:

  1. Mash the strawberries and mix all the ingredient together in a small bowl
  2. Massage on your hands and feet or on other rough areas
  3. Rinse your hands and feet, the pat dry

Bonus Recipe

Use leftovers for a Strawberry Honey Facial Masque

  1. Mash strawberries in a bowl
  2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey
  3. Mix together
  4. Apply to face and let sit for 5 to 10 mins
  5. Rinse your hands and feet, the pat dry

Why Honey?
The light fruit acid of the strawberries reveal fresher looking skin. Honey is a powerful skin care ingredient: It’s mild antiseptic that can help with blemishes and breakouts. It contains mild alpha hydroxy acids that can help exfoliate dead skin cells. These acids also increase elasticity, balance out oily skin, stimulate collagen production, and minimize lines and wrinkles, making you look younger. Also, honey contains amino acids that help the skin retain its essential moisture.

Body scrub recipe courtesy of Josh Peterson

Filed Under: Food + Drink Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,