Thursday, July 17, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
 Your neck is cramped, your skin feels grimy, you look a little faded … and now you find out your flight is delayed. That may have been a big hassle years ago, but now you can utilize this quality time normally spent in a hard plastic airport chair relaxing and rejuvenating in a comfy spa chair. Airport spas are now a place to unwind and beautify thanks to an array of relaxation locations that have popped up in terminals around the world. Services for luxury travelers
Take XpresSpa for example. As one of the biggest airport spas it serves 20,000 travelers a month at 34 locations including Logan, D/FW, JFK, Houston Bush Intercontinental, San Francisco and more. Services comprise of massages, waxing, facials and manicure/pedicure. The menu is standard with the exception of add-ons to facials including an olive oil and leaf mask, an exfoliating papaya mask and a ginseng and spirulina mask. Fast massage at the airport
If you’re interested in a fast massage at the airport between connecting flights, the Massage Bar, with locations in Seattle, Dulles, Nashville, Sacramento and more, offers a 15-minute or 30-minute massage with no appointment required. Or - because your feet are exhausted- you can kick back, lay on a heated neck and shoulder wrap and get a foot massage. One of the best features of the Massage Bar is that many of their services do not require you to undress. This is a draw to those who need a quick massage but couldn't be hassled with changing. Airport spa in Vancouver
The Absolute Spa at Vancouver Int’l takes airport grooming to an entirely new level with steam showers, self tanning and a private resting suite equipped with aromatherapy and music. They also offer an assortment of unique services including the Bon Voyage Moor Mud Manicure, the Circulator Anti-Swelling Leg Massage, and an oxygen spa that gives an ‘Oxygen boost with fresh citrus or aroma oil.’ If you want to look good right off the plane Absolute offers haircuts and make-up touch-ups. Here are some airport spas to help you relax and revitalize on the go: Baltimore-Washington International Airport Destination Relaxation
Boston Logan Jetsetter Mini Spa
Classique Hair & Nail Salon Calgary International Airport Destination RelaxationChicago O’Hare The BackRub HubCincinnati/Northern Kentucky Int’l Airport 10 Minute ManicureDallas/Ft. Worth Int’l Airport XpresSpaDenver Int’l Airport A Massage Inc.Indianpolis Int’l Airport Passport Travel SpaNewark Liberty Int’l Massage BarN.Y. JFK Oasis Day SpaXpresSpaN.Y. Laguardia XpresSpaSacramento Int’l Airport Massage BarSan Francisco Int’l Airport XpresSpaSeattle-Tacoma Massage BarToronto Pearson 10 Minute ManicureVancouver International Airport Absolute SpaWashington Dulles International Airport Massage BarDo you know of any places where you can get a good haircut or a fast massage at the airport? Let me know! Previous Post: Celebrity hairdresser Allen EdwardsLabels: Absolute spa, airport spa, BWI, celebrity haircuts, eyelash extensions, famous haircuts, FitFlops, grooming, indulge, Indulgence, JFK, Logan, nails, polished, Skin, toronto, vancouver, xpress spa
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Friday, June 20, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
I once thought a friend of mine was heavy drinker because he smelled of alcohol constantly. To my surprise I found out he actually did not drink at all, but did have another addiction: hand sanitizer. It left him with a constant scent of booze and left me turned off to hand sanitizer for years. So, when I heard of a 'luxury' sanitizer made with essential oils I gave it a whirl. Frais hand sanitizer is made with ginger, grapefruit, basil, orange, lemon myrtle, tangerine, cardamom and niaouli. I thought the scent was a little strong at first, but toned down to a botanical aroma that reminded me of the interior of an Aveda store. The smell was clean, but rich and definitely did not have that alcohol-like smell I was used too. Frais only uses high grade pure sugarcane alcohol and does not use animal ingredients or perform animal testing. They also partnered with the Just a Drop foundation which supports global water, sanitation and health projects. So, say what you will about hand sanitizer (I know many either love it or hate it), but this one had grown on me and left my hands pretty soft.  Previous post: World's most expensive haircutLabels: grooming, hair, hand sanitizer, luxury, nails, polished, polished salon, Skin, spa, Treatments
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Monday, June 16, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
 Who can resist an Airstream trailer filled with free skincare products? Expert skin therapists with Dermalogica are cruising through California on a 'Know Your Zones' tour to give out free, 5-minute Face Mapping analyses to educate people about the 14 areas of their face and neck. The theory behind Face Mapping is that skin on the face and neck may reflect parts of the body that need extra care. For example, Dermalogica describes Zone 2 as ‘The middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows ... related to the liver. Congestion in this zone can indicate over consumption of alcohol, rich foods, and possibly a food allergy such as lactose intolerance.’ The experts look at all 14 zones to determine a person’s distinctive state of skin health, needs for treatment and what products they should be using. People who participate in Face Mapping will receive free travel size products in a set customized for them. MicroZone Treatments, $25, 20-minute targeted remedies to attend to precise skin challenges, will also be available. These include fixes for puffy or dark circles under eyes, exfoliation, hand repair and breakout treatments. The trailer is only sailing through California (see locations/date below), but the folks at Dermalogica have made these treatments available at all skin centers, salons and spas that use the Dermalogica skin care system. In addition, the Dermalogica Foundation will donate $1 to the Children’s Skin Disease Foundation for every person who participates in Face Mapping.    California locations/dates:
Huntington Beach- July 4-6 at the Pier Plaza L.A. - Promenade @ Westlake Westlake July 24, Waterside@ Marina Del Rey Marina Del Rey July 25, Commons @ Calabasas Calabasas Sat July 26-27.
San Francisco - San Francisco Marathon (Pier 30/32) Aug. 1-2, Justin Herman Plaza Aug. 3 and 27, UC Berkeley Berkeley (Recreational Sports Facility and Downtown Berkeley "Welcome Week") Aug. 28-29, and Civic Center Aug 30-31.
Previous Post: Kate Hudson promotes eco-friendly hair products
Labels: dermalogica, grooming, indulge, Indulgence, polished, salon, Skin, spa, sun protection, Treatments
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Friday, June 13, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
 Kate Hudson could be the world’s most beautiful guinea pig. She has lent her golden locks to test a new line of cruelty-free, eco-friendly hair care products she is creating with hairstylist David Babaii. The David Babaii for WildAid products are free of parabens, sulfates, animal products and animal testing. In addition, 10% of all profits are donated to WildAid to help rescue endangered animals. Some of the more interesting products I saw on the website included Bohemian Beach Spray, a non-aerosol styling spray that contains sea salt from the Dead Sea in Israel and Volcanic Ash Sculpting Clay, which has volcanic ash from the Vanuatu Islands of the South Pacific. The company offers styling tools and products as well as shampoos and conditioners that feature unique ingredients such as blue algae, rich cupuacu butter and white ginger.  Hudson is also starring in the ad campaign, as you can see from the photo above.
Labels: Conditioner, Davai Babaii, db4WildAid, grooming, hair, Hair products, Kate Hudson, salon, Shampoo, spa, WildAid
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by Jacqui Pini
 Anyone can wear a bold piece of jewelry, but simplicity is the key to elegance. The straightforward design behind these colorful 35-karat cocktail rings is one of the reasons they caught my eye. At $1350, Darby Scott rings have an antique cushion cut stone set in white or yellow 18K gold. You can choose from stones ranging from black onyx to dark lime citrine to smoky quartz and more. These rocks are big right now with celebrities, including Rachel Bilson, Hayden Panetierre, Eva Mendes and Queen Latifah, who all have them in different colors.   Previous Post: Hollywood Hairstylist Sally Hershberger talks to Indulge
Labels: celebrity jewelry, darby scott, eva mendes, grooming, indulge, Indulgence, queen latifah, rachel bilson, Relax, salon, spa, Treatments
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Sunday, June 8, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
 Recently I was attending a party at the Beehive Lounge in Boston and noticed the bar had hooks for purses or briefcases underneath it. Have you seen those before? They are just in front of your legs, so if you’re sitting in a stool at the bar you can keep your bag safe and clean. It is a great way to keep your bag clean, safe from thieves and away from drippy drinks on the bar. I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want my Balenciaga bag coming in contact with a runaway rum and Coke. Although, if you are not at a place where purse hooks are at your beck and call, there is the brilliant invention of a portable purse hanger (see photo at right). It is simple, lightweight and comes in tons of cool patterns and styles. Just place it on the edge of a table and you can hook your purse to it. This is a great way to keep your bag clean, as the floor is nastier than you may think. Rachael Ray did a terrific segment on how the bacteria in your purse can pick up. Think about it, you put it on the floor at a restaurant, take it home, put it on your kitchen counter or your bed. The germs were horrifying. On the tested purse they found E.coli and more. ABC News also tested the bottom of women’s purses. All of the bags they tested carried bacteria and one even had 6.7 million bacteria on it. Talking about the purses, the microbiologist who did the testing told ABC News, ‘I'm afraid to touch them. You know, I know too much. I'll never become a purse snatcher, believe me.’ Some of the purse hooks out there include Hot Hang-ups ,which come in tons of patterns such as leopard, rhinestone, corporate logos and even a watch face. They range in price from $12-$24. Another place to purchase them is Luxe Link, who says their celebrity fans include Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Angelina Jolie, Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts and more. Two different styles of Hot Hang-ups shown below.
  Labels: Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, christina aguilera, ecoli, grooming, indulge, Indulgence, Jessica Alba, paris Hilton, Purse cleanliness, Purse safety, Rachael Ray, Relax, rihanna, Treatments
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Thursday, June 5, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
 Flip-flop-flip-flop-flip-flop … sounds like something you would hear at the beach, but not exactly a sound you hear when someone is exercising. That could change though as a new generation of flip-flops are here and they could get you shaped and toned with every step you take. FitFlops, a “flip-flop with the gym built in,” are shoes made with a multi-density mid-sole designed to challenge your muscles to give you greater exercise while you walk. Made for men or women, if you’re too busy for the gym, or just hate working out, this could be a solution for you. FitFlops, released in May 2007, were created by a group that included Bliss spa-entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, Senior Lecturing Biomechanist Dr. David Cook and several footwear engineering technologists. The shoe had a waiting list of over 10,000 names making it the quickest selling new health and wellness shoe yet. While FitFlops were designed to tone and shape your muscles, the company says they have also been reported to lessen chronic back pain, result in inch loss, speed healing of injured joints and relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and arthritis. They have plenty of testimonials on their site, but soon I will tell you what I really think of them. See my photo below of me in my FitFlops ... I am to spend the next few months testing them out and you can look for my review to find out the following: -How I think they feel
-How I think they look
-Have I noticed physical changes as far as toning and trimming of muscles (yes, I will take photos)
-How I think they feel to walk in for a long time
-How I think they feel to stand in for a long timeHave you tried these? Let me know what you think. Or, if you want to experiment with them as I am doing, send me email! We can track your progress too on Indulge. FitFlops come in tons of trendy colors and styles (note the very cool sequins and fringe) and retail for $49.99. They even have a limited edition Auerlia style, which I think looks exactly like the gladiator sandals that are so hot this summer. For details on where they can be purchased, visit The FitFlops website.   Jacqui in her FitFlops.  And stay tuned for my review! I will keep you posted throughout the summer. Previous post: Jennifer Garner promotes sun protection
Labels: exercise, Father's day gifts, FitFlops, fitness, grooming, indulge, Indulgence, Relax, Skin, spa, Treatments
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Friday, May 23, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
 Father’s day is June 15 and rather than get dad another set of golf balls or a coffee mug, let’s buy him something indulgent. It doesn’t matter what your dad is like… there is something for every dad. The traveling dad: The “Grab + Go Portables” kit, by Anthony Logistics For Men, is essentially everything dad needs for a trip. A bonus is they are small enough and in a zip lock case so he can buzz right through airport security. The kit includes facial cleanser, facial scrub, cleansing gel, shampoo, astringent after shave, shave cream, and a zip top bag. $35, Sephora. The dad who loves to chill: Neiman Marcus has a decadent cashmere robe in charcoal or navy for $950. If that is a little pricey for you, Brookstone has a spa robe for men made of their exclusive “NapSoft” material for $89.99. It comes in camel or white. Also -if the gift you bought mom for Mother's Day was bad- you can get her one too because they have women’s as well. The stylish dad: Looking good is always indulgent so why not update dad for the next 12 months with the necktie of the month club. These ties are handpicked by fashion professionals on a monthly basis. $21.95 per month at Amazing clubs. The eco-friendly dad: Try Burts Bees Bay Rum Men's Shaving Kit. Whisk him away with the scents of the tropics and comfort him with soothing aloe vera with this five-piece kit. It includes Bay Rum Shaving Soap, Bay Rum Aftershave Balm, Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, Porcelain Shaving Mug and a Natural Bristle Shaving Brush. The tech-savvy dad: Give dad the gift of clean teeth (and fresh breath) with the Oral B Triumph with Smart Guide. This electric toothbrush wirelessly transmits information, including if you’re brushing too hard, what areas of the mouth have been cleaned, a timer and more, to a small LCD monitor. The indecisive dad: Calvin Klein Coffret (photo below) features four miniature-sized Calvin Klein for Men fragrances. It includes Euphoria, Obsession, Eternity, and CK One in a gift box. $32, Sephora.  Previous Post: Eyelash ExtensionsLabels: Father's day gifts, grooming, indulge, Indulgence, polished, Relax, Skin, Treatments
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008 by Jacqui Pini
 Anyone who skis knows that Vermont filled with lots of great mountains. Along with that comes many delicious restaurants, cozy inns and fireside lodges, but what about if you really need to relax after a long day of skiing. Vermont has some really luxurious spas that can be get you polished and groomed not just after a long day on the slopes, but all year long. The Spa at Stoweflake offers what they call the "Bingham Hydrotherapy Waterfalls and Hungarian Mineral Soaking Pool." It is an indoor area that features a 12-foot waterfall (right) where guests can sit underneath and get massaged by the falling water. The soaking pool is filled with minerals from Hungary. Not such a bad way to indulge after skiing, hiking golfing or just doing nothing. The Top Notch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vermont, offers a Maple Syrup Body Scrub, made from syrup from Vermont trees. They also offer a Vermont Herbal Fusion Wrap, which is basically linens steeped in water with herbs and plants that are native to Vermont. The Stowe Mountain Lodge, set to open in June of 2008, is already promoting their spa and Salon Mario Russo, where you can get your hair or nails done- or visit with their bridal specialist. According to the Web site this will be a Boston-based hairdresser Mario Russo's first salon outside of the city. Previous Post: Pedicures for menLabels: grooming, indulge, Indulgence, polished, Relax, salon, Skin, spa, Treatments
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Jacqui Pini has had her nails manicured once a week since the fourth grade. Her obsession is your gain as she has discovered some of the most indulgent spa treatments, beauty fads and relaxation techniques for both men and women and can’t wait to tell you all about them. And even the smallest of budgets can absorb this punch … and afford a hot stone massage afterwards. … And she'll be the first to tell you, nothing’s more relaxing than that.
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