FitSugar

Invest That Tax Refund Back Into Yourself

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:00:25 PDT

It's always exciting to receive a check from Uncle Sam come tax season. Like Savvy, I try to save some of my refund and pay off debt. I also invest the money too, and I'm not just talking stocks and bonds. If you've got a little extra money this year, use it toward your health. It's a worthwhile investment that definitely keeps on giving back to you. Here are a few healthy ways you can start spending that tax refund.

Enroll in a new fitness class. Maybe there's a new fitness trend you've been dying to try, or a healthy vacation you've been meaning to take. Why not put those tax dollars to use? Make your money stretch even further by using collective-buying sites.
Get a physical exam. Going to the doctor can be pricey, even with insurance. But at the risk of sounding like a nagging mom, let me say that you shouldn't ignore your health. Go in for an annual physical, eye exam, or make a dentist appointment.

To see more ways to invest in your health,

Treat yourself to healing arts or spa services. When it comes to my tax refund, I'm a fan of a little splurge. Getting a massage, visiting a hot springs, or having a facial is a great way to feel indulgent while also receiving health benefits.
Sign up for a gym membership or personal training sessions. If a lack of funds have kept you from joining a gym, use your tax refund. And many gyms allow you to pay for a six- to 12-month membership up front so you don't have to worry about monthly fees. If you already belong to a gym, invest in a series of personal training sessions. Trainers are a great way to develop workouts that are specific to you, and they also help kick you into gear when you're feeling lazy.
Invest in new gear or fix up old. A tax refund is a great way to purchase big-ticket fitness products like cardio equipment or a bike. If you're hesitant to spend big, get yourself some new running shoes or tune up old equipment you already have.

What's the Deal with Body Wraps?

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:00:00 PDT

Wrap it up, and watch the pounds melt off. If only it were that easy.

With claims that body wraps push fat cells together and allow your body to change into a slimmer shape, many folks are turning towards such treatments in search of losing a few unwanted pounds instead of hitting the gym. Experts, such as Dr. Erica Brownfield, associate professor of medicine at Emory, warn us to use caution when opting for a pricey body wrap. Want to know why? Then

CNN reports that:

"[Body wrap providers] claims say they are squeezing the fat cells closer together," Brownfield says," but I think it's very important for people to realize that they're not losing fat cells. Those fat cells, once you decompress them and take those wraps off, they're going to go back to their usual shape and size."

Brownfield is also concerned that, in some cases, these wraps could be a health hazard. "Actually, depending on which wrap you use they can be harmful, they can dehydrate the body," she says, which can be dangerous for some people. She also cautions people to make sure they know what type of minerals and solutions are being used in the procedure. Allergic reactions are one concern, but also any type of open wound, contagious disease or rash might make a body wrap a bad idea.

And finally, if you have any medical concerns, talk to a doctor before deciding if wrapping up is your best bet for shaping up.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: there is no magic bullet. If body wraps were it, I'd have been first in line. Have you ever tried body wraps for weight loss? Did you think it worked?

Source

At Home Spa Treatment: Moisturize Dry Hair

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:45:00 PDT

We all know olive oil is a healthy fat that is essential to our health, but it's not just for salads and warm bread. You can use it to nourish your dry and fuzzy hair. I've tried leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning treatments, but they don't seem to work. Here's something I do about twice a month, but you can do it once a week if your hair is really thirsty.

Here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup olive oil (you may need more or less depending on how long and thick your hair is)
plastic grocery bag

Here's what to do:

Rinse your hair with warm water.
Pour about 1 tbsp into the palm of your hands, rub them together to warm up the oil, then using your fingertips, gently massage it into your scalp and hair.
Continue doing this until your hair is covered evenly with the oil, making sure the ends of your hair are treated too.
Now place the plastic bag over your hair, tying the ends in a knot or securing it closed with a hair clip or clothespin.
Keep the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo and condition as usual.

That's it. Your hair will look and feel shiny, soft, and smooth. It's especially good if you have thick and curly hair, but it's also great to do in the summer when the sun and saltwater can really dry out your hair. Try it and let me know what you think.

Fit's Tips: If your hair is NOT dry, do not try this treatment - your hair will end up looking really flat and greasy.

Source

What's Your Favorite Spa Treat?

Miriam Lacey — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 06:00:00 PST

When I put up the cash for a spa treatment, facials are by far my favorite service, but various other friends are die hards for lymphatic drainage massages, seaweed wraps, and blue light therapy. Going to the spa is a real luxury, so the service you choose says something about what you value when you get pampered.

I like to feel better about my often-bothersome skin, so it makes sense that I love facials, and my most stressed out friends are usually the ones who crave massages. When you splurge on a spa service, what kind are you most likely to choose and why?

Can You Guess Which Neuroses These "Mental Spa Treatments" Cure?

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:30:36 PDT

Artists Sonia and Mark Whitesnow have an interesting new photo series out called Psychospa, featuring fictitious spa treatments that improve the psyche instead of the body. This is the "ironic world of Psychospa, a world which reflects modern man living in a metropolis, unsociable and full of fears and anxieties, but attracted to nature," according to the Whitesnows. "Driven by a set of procedures such as therapeutic mud baths, volcanic minerals, plants, chocolate, and honey, his inner energy awakes," they explain. "The man turns into a strong and resolute creature with a significant moment of clearing the body."

The photos are lovely, but the symbolism here is rather vague for a series so focused on the human psyche and catharsis. All the "spa treatments" have Latin names tangentially related to what's being conveyed in the photo, but it would be nice to have a little more semiotic guidance so that we can better appreciate what they're doing with this putative blending of spa and psychotherapy. I've tried to parse what each of these procedures is about. What do you think they're treating?

Source: Sonia and Mark Whitesnow

What to Expect (Beauty-Wise) When You're Expecting

Jessica Cruel — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:07:00 PDT

Moms-to-be, we salute you. Perhaps your body is changing, and you're not quite sure if your favorite beauty treatments are allowed. In honor of today's release of What to Expect When You're Expecting, we reached out to Dr. Lindsay Cruel, OB/GYN (also known as my dad) to debunk any pregnancy beauty myths. Find out your prenatal dos and don'ts when you read more.

What We're Sweet On: A Scrub That Brings the Spa Home

Annie Tomlin — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:47 PDT

When it comes to swanky spa havens, the Willow Stream spas are among the best. There are 16 tucked into Fairmont hotels around the world, and each offers something different. If you want to bathe in floral-accented waters, you can do that in China. If soaking in a marula milk bath is more your speed, head to the Willow Stream in South Africa. Swimming in a rooftop pool? Scottsdale. Point is: if you're looking for luxury, this is it.

But if, like us, a trip to Willow Stream isn't in your immediate future, here's the next best thing: its Ener.G mineral body scrub ($45). The same salty slough-er used in the high-end spa treatments, it's infused with bergamot, clary sage, rose geranium, and chamomile oils. (Need we even say that it smells amazing?) What's most impressive, though, is the texture. It's completely devoid of even the slightest oiliness, yet skin is left soft and moisturized. We're dreaming of someday being spa regulars, but until then, this is the next best thing.

Brad Pitt Is the New Face of Chanel No. 5

Jessica Cruel — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:35:00 PDT

Brad Pitt gets a gig with Chanel No. 5 - HuffPost Style
Beauty battle: laser vs. wax hair removal - Styleite
Want baby-soft skin? Steal these toddlers-only products - Stylelist
Preview the elaborate designs on the new OPI nail appliqués - Racked
Make your flat iron do double duty with this curl tutorial - Refinery 29
Get the scoop on Miss USA's beauty must haves - Real Beauty
The 10 items you can't leave home without on your wedding day - Beauty High
Splurge on a spa treatment for Mother's Day - InStyle
See nail polish inspired by runway fashion - The Fashion Spot
Why you should add a face serum to your daily routine - Real Simple

Great Gifts For Mother's Day - Plus Exclusive Discounts For BellaSugar Readers

Kirbie Johnson — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:24:14 PDT

	Tocca Beauty Bagno Body Wash ON SALE for $15 at DermStore
Kikkerland Scalp Massager $3.99	Crème de la Mer-1 oz $140.00 - Barneys New York
Tocca Beauty Crema Body Lotion ON SALE for $17 at DermStore	Japonesque Safari Chic Brush Set ON SALE for $25 at DermStore

Mother's Day is this Sunday, so we found some of the best (and most fun!) beauty products for spoiling Mom. She deserves the best, so whether you want to send her to the spa or merely give her the posh treatment at home, these gift ideas will make her smile. Watch now to find out more - plus, score discounts exclusively for our readers. On Kirbie: TopShop. (Disclosure: a sample of Crème de la Mer was provided by public relations.)

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OFFERS:

Up to 15% off select products at Dermstore.com/bellasugar
15% off Almond Cookie Gift Set (retail $67), use promo code: BELLASUGAR15
10% off SpaFinder Gift Certificate

This New Hong Kong Spa Really Gets You High

Brittney Stephens — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:16:13 PDT

Hong Kong's newest luxury spa might not be so relaxing if you have a fear of heights. The new ESPA just opened in the city's Ritz-Carlton International Commerce Center, the third tallest building in the world. ESPA sits on the 116th and 118th floors, making it the highest spa on Earth.

Don't worry if you're only slightly acrophobic, though. The architects, HBA, gave the space rounded edges and curved walls to create the illusion of insulation and protection from the world below. And in the relaxation room, the custom-designed lounger pods are curtained to create private, safe-feeling cocoons. The treatment we're coveting most? Their 90-minute Lava Shell Treatment ($191 USD), where heated shells, warmed aromatic oils, and deep-tissue-massage strokes will (hopefully) melt away any stress you may be feeling from the hotel's dizzying height.