Chocolate-Covered Spa Deals (And Where to Find Delicious Chocolate Nearby)

With Valentine’s Day next week, the world’s on a chocolate high and spas are right there with it. In case you missed it yesterday, Stephanie blogged all the benefits of chocolate in her chocolaty spa-dventure. In the name of glowing skin, she slathered her face in a (decidedly man-repelling) mask of cocoa powder, sour cream, honey and oatmeal – and it worked! Chocolate is packed with antioxidants and promotes cell growth, tissue repair and absorption of nutrients – the perfect combination of properties to nurture your skin and body.

We’ve got chocolate spa deals across North America this February, and we’ve paired each one with a recommendation on where to get your edible chocolate fix nearby. Eat your hearts out, sweetie pies!

PHILADELPHIA, PA

SPA FIX3rd Element Spa & Salon | A Chocolate Facial for $65 (was $85) or a 60 Min Chocolate Aromatherapy Couples Massage for $180 (was $200).

CHOCOLATE FIX: Lore’s Chocolates | Try their chocolate covered pretzels… or be adventurous with their Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries for a decadent fruity chocolate twist.

NEW YORK, NY

SPA FIX: Dyanna Body Nail Salon – Spa | A 60 Min Chocolate Manicure and Pedicure with 10 Min Reflexology for $50 (was $95)

CHOCOLATE FIX: Jacques Torres | Pay a visit to Mr. Chocolate at one of his NYC locations. The chocolate chip cookies are unbeatable! They also have a lot of Valentine’s day options, including the chocolate bars at the top.

GLENDALE, AZ

SPA FIX: Abloom Medical SpaChocolate Cherry Facial – get it alone for $80 (was $90), add Microdermabrasion, $120 (was $140), or add both Microdermabrasion and Latisse for $199 (was $250).

CHOCOLATE FIX: Wei of Chocolate | This chocolate shop not too far away in Phoenix offers only fair trade, vegan chocolates.

CALABASAS, CA

SPA FIX: Ai SpaChocolate Raspberry Facial, Aromatherapy Neck and Shoulder Massage, Champagne and Caviar for $79 (was $205).

CHOCOLATE FIX: Chocolate Studio | Try their Chocolate Oysters with pearls inside… how romantic!

GREENBELT, MD

SPA FIX: Angel’s Touch Skincare & Wellness | 2-Hour Chocolate Decadence for $175 (was $205).

CHOCOLATE FIX: Cocova | Make the drive into DC for their famous artisan truffles like this festive one above, Christopher’s Cherry Blossom.

TORONTO, ON

SPA FIX: California Sun Spa | Honey Body Exfoliation and Chocolate Body Wrap for $85 (was 129)

CHOCOLATE FIX: Soma Chocolate | Try the Heartnut Butter Crunch, with four layers: toffee, marzipan, chocolate, topped with a heartnut.

5 Almost Free Things To Do This Weekend 09.17.10

Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

Fall is officially here. That means $50 spa treatments, yes, but it means so much more for your beauty regimen too. It means slicked-back hair so the wind doesn’t catch those fly-aways, not as strong of a tan so berry lips and rosy cheeks it is. Time to start stocking up on lip and cheek stain for that natural look!

Check out CozyWallet.com for more 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:

Long Island, New York – Summer is officially over, fall means warm apple pie and apple cider.. Perfect time for apple picking! The 21st Annual Long Island Apple Festival is this Sunday, September 19, 2010 @ Sherwood Jayne Farm. Enjoy a fun filled day of apple picking, apple cider, and a baking contest. (Please submit application for contest by Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 (amateurs only) – ( Form can be download here) Pies must be submitted no later than 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 19 – located @ Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket, NY – Click here for more info.

Missouri River – St. Charles, Missouri – You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy their authentic food, music and drinks @ the annual Missouri River Irish Fest. It’s held in September, which is half way to St. Patrick’s Day @ Frontier Park. The air will be filled with live Celtic music and vendors selling plenty of popular Irish goods. Stop by this weekend – Friday, September 17th from 6 pm til 10:30 pm, Saturday, September 18th from 10 am til 11 pm, and Sunday, September 19th from 10 am til 4 pm – For more info, click here .

Philadelphia, PA – Calling all artists.. Philly Fringe is an unfiltered festival where new and established artists present their work without stressing about the selection process. “Come one, come all..” Last year, 185 Philly Fringe shows were created by artists from around the region. This Saturday, September 18th 2010 marks the last day of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe. Enjoy comedy, theater, dance, music, and other forms of art and expression. Click here for more info.

Washington DC - Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fiesta at the Zoo this Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 11 am til 5 pm @ the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Enjoy a day filled with Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, crafts, and Latin American authentic food. Click here for more info.

Denver, Colorado – Beer, BBQ and the outdoors?? Sounds like a commemoration of Summer.. This weekend, September 17th until September 19th 2010 from 11am until 10pm, the Appaloosa Grill and the Great Divide Beer Garden teamed up to offer a Beer Fest BBQ with live music, and will be hosted outside of the Great Divide’s beer garden. Click here for more info.

5 Almost Free Things To Do This Weekend 09.02.10

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

Spa Week Road Trip! Weekend Guide 4.18.10

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Are you enjoying your full week of pampering? By now you should be refreshed and well-rested, ready to take on the next edition of our Spa Week Road Trip Weekend Guide presented by Cozy Wallet. But first, congratulations to Susan Carroll @grumpy1970 , the winner of the $100 Spa Week® Gift Card in our  I Feel Pretty giveaway! How pretty are you feeling now Susan? May you use it in the best of good health. Check out CozyWallet.com for some swank ways to save money. Here, they rounded up what’s happening this weekend in Spa Week cities around the country, so you can enjoy some fun events along with your final Spa Week indulgences.

national-volunteer-week1. New York – National Volunteer Week (April 18 – 24, 2010), Celebrating People in Action, is a call to action for Americans to volunteer, and a week to inspire by example. Created by executive order of President Richard Nixon in 1974, this week signaled a recommitment to creating a culture of service in America. Millions of Americans volunteer this week and demonstrate the positive community impact that engaged individuals, families, businesses and organizations create year-round. Join National Volunteer Week as they celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things to transform their communities!

Get involved in Hands on New York to give our city a good spring cleaning. Get New York City parks, gardens, and community spaces ready for summer by gardening, painting, weeding, and revitalizing these urban oases. Saturday, April 24th 2010 from 9:30am – 3pm, Hands On New York Day.

yardsale2. North Carolina – “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Stop by Community Yard and Craft Sale  Art Event in Durham, North Carolina to buy and sell secondhand and craft items in the site’s picnic area – April 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m – 2828 Duke Homestead Rd. Durham, NC 27705 (919) 477-5498 – ibiblio.org/dukehome

3. Philadelphia – Need something old to add to your something borrowed and blue? Or if you just enjoy the pleasure of antiquing… stop by The Philadelphia Antiques Show. Founded in 1962, is one of the longest running antiques shows in the country. 2010 marks the 49th anniversary and it continues to be internationally acclaimed as the premier American antiques and decorative arts show in the country. The Preview Gala kicks off the festivities and is antique-keyscheduled for April 16, 2010. The Show itself will take place April 17 – 20, 2010 – Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at The Navy Yard, located at 5100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, just past the city’s popular sports complex, The Philadelphia Antiques Show.

4. Pittsburgh – Enjoy a day with family and/or friends of fun, fresh air and easy exercise to help save lives and create awareness for colon and rectal cancer. (Walk or run for colon and rectal cancer awareness and research) Proceeds support thersz_walk-1Allegheny General Hospital Center for Colon and Rectal Surgery in conducting research and educational activities that raise awareness and advance treatment for colon and rectal cancer. An event T-shirt will be given to each participating walker or runner. Starts @ 8am beginning at the pool parking lot and wind around the South Ridge of North Park. http://www.bigbluequest.com/events.htm

film-festival45. Nashville – Are you a movie buff craving some new material?? Stop by the Nashville Film Festival this weekend where you will find Over 240 feature films, documentaries, shorts, workshops, and panels. It will definitely be a unique film-going experience. April 15th – April 22nd 2010 http://www.nashvillefilmfestival.org/Home/tabid/106/Default.aspx

6. Austin – Bull Riding.. Tie-Down Roping.. Mutton’ Bustling.. This is an event not to be missed.. Longview is the place to be this weekend, when top professional cowboys and cowgirls perform in the non-stop action 20thbull-riding1annual PRCA Rodeo. April 16th – April 17th 2010 Longview Rodeo Longview, TX 75606-1166 http://www.longviewrodeo.com/

Spa Spotlight: The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Philadelphia, PA

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Spa week national wellness giveaway28 spas in 28 regions have whipped up their most decadent day-at-the-spa packages, and in partnership, SPA WEEK® is giving them away to 28 lucky winners across North America. Spa Week Daily will be featuring a spa a day, along with their wellness philosophies and lifestyle tips, until the sweeps ends.

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vanityRegion: Philadelphia

The Spa at the Hotel Hershey

100 Hotel Road
Hershey, PA 17033
877.772.9988

A seriously delectable treat!:

“Let yourself be soothed and toned in total luxury at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, a sanctuary where chocolate is not just a treat to eat, but a necessary ingredient for innovative spa treatments such as the Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Bean Polish, and Chocolate Fondue Wrap.”

And don’t miss the other themed treatments as well:

Thanks to the original Mr. Hershey’s love for Cuba, spagoers can enjoy Cuban-styled treatments like a mojito sugar scrub, the Noche Azul soak, an Ocean Therapy Wrap, or a Bodycoffee Body Polish. Or, enjoy a nod to the farmland the Hershey chocolate factory was originally built on with a soothing and comforting Country Abundance treatment–an Herbal Meadow & Sea Scrub perhaps? Or a Milk & Honey Wrap?

THE DAY OF WELLNESS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

30 Min Chocolate Bean Polish or Sugar Scrub

60 Min Chocolate Fondue Wrap

50 Min Cocoa Massage

Click Here to Enter the National Wellness Giveaway! >>

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