Getting Ready..

My dear friend Biny has opted for a destination wedding. So in a few short weeks I will be jetting off to Mexico to frolic with the happy couple and a hundred or so of their nearest and dearest. Of course I needed to go shopping, heaven forbid I did not have proper tropical attire. I could not resist one of the new long maxi dresses in shades of blue. -Just how chic will that look while sipping cocktails on the beach?!- Metallic sandals, long dangling earrings, and I was already feeling slightly woozy.

Reality bit me good when I hit the 'Swimsuit Department'. Why is the ultimate staple of summer the hardest and most stressful things to shop for? Why does trying on bathing suits make almost every woman I know want to head for the nearest cocktail lounge? I remember my Mom telling me that when she tried on swimwear, she always left her pantyhose on so her legs looked firm and tan. A good idea, but who wears pantyhose anymore?

Even before I reach the dreaded dressing room with the horrible lighting and fully length mirrors, I am faced with a zillion choices: bikinis, tankinis, strapless, one pieces, solids, printed, pleated, skirted, and the list goes on and on. I have read every single article on how to match the perfect swimsuit to my less than perfect figure so I have some ideas. 'Plunging' ahead, I picked five suits that I thought might work for me. After trying on the first two suits, I began to calm down and actually thought I looked pretty good in a black and white printed tankini. I paid for it and moved on.

Remembering how pale and winter white I looked in my new tankini, I thought of how much better I would look once I was tanned. But why wait? With so many self-tanning choices available, why not hit the beach with a nice 'healthy' glow?

A number of my friends have raved about the results of the professional spray tanning done in spas and salons. While the results are often very good, it is expensive, ranging from $25 to $75 for a single application. While the do it yourself home versions are far less convenient, they are more affordable and that is what I opted for.

Self-tanners come in may forms -Lotions, gels, mousses, creams, sprays, and even towelettes. The most important thing in picking a tanner is to select a quality product. My favorite is 'Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel'. At about $33 it is expensive but worth it. It is easy to apply, not stick, and dries quickly to a streak free tan.

Next time I will share a few tips I have learned (the hard way) about using self-tanners. Exfoliating by dry brushing is top of the list. Check out some of my exfoliating body brushes on BathtubBuzz.com

Talk to you very soon!

xoxo -Bizzie Buzz-

Glowing

There are many terms used to capture the essence of a bride as she comes down the aisle. The former Kate Middleton conjured up many of those adjectives last week as she married her Prince. Oh the dress was great and who doesn't love a tiara- even if it was a tiny one. For me, I cannot get past her amazing complexion. Glowing seems to be the word that suits it best. I have heard that the English climate is especially kind to the skin. All that moisture must be good for something.


Alas, those of us here in the states have to find other solutions to get that flawless look. Many dermatologists advise their clients to include a facial brush as part of their everyday beauty care. Long a staple of beauty regimes, it is a way to cleanse and exfoliate your face in one step.


Recently, I spent some time checking out the popular electronic complexion brushes. I hear raves about the results, soft clearer skin, but yikes are they expensive, about $200- and not in my budget. A quick check around town, and I have found a number of 'complexion brushes' that use no batteries and work just a well. I decided to try one and after five days I honestly notice a difference in the tone and appearance of my skin. It is softer and clearer.


Using a complexion brush is easy and inexpensive. Choose a complexion brush that is appropriate for your skin type. Generally the dryer your skin is the softer the brush needs to be. The idea is not to scrub your face until it is read and sore, but rather just enough to stimulate and exfoliate the top layer of dead skin. Done correctly it also feeds good, much like a relaxing massage for your face.


Once you have chosen the brush (you might want to speak to your dermatologist of esthetician for advice) pair it with your favorite facial cleanser. Softly and slowly scrub in circular motions beginning on your forehead moving down to your cheeks, nose and chin, and all the way back to your ears. Some people use it over the eyelids as well. Finally, rinse your face with cool water.


Be sure to rinse your brush thoroughly after each use and store it in a clean dry area. Tip: every week, mix one part vinegar with two parts water and dip your brush into the solution. Rinse thoroughly and your brush will stay clean and hygienic


I am sure you will become a fan of this method and I know you will see a difference; give it a week or two. Wish I could promise you a complexion like Kate, but I think that requires a home in England and a Prince too!

Check out our Complexion Brushes at Bathtub Buzz.com


Talk to you soon!


Bizzie Buzz

Sleeping Beauty

Having a few days off during the recent holiday has played havoc with my schedule and left me with way too little sleep. Looking in the mirror this morning was a jolting experience. Time to get back on the wagon. I need some serious shuteye.

Everyday we are bombarded with facts about how sleep, or the lack thereof, affects our bodies and our long and short term health. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to everything from obesity, high blood pressure, depression, to heartattacks. Then there is 'Beauty Sleep', the age old term for a good night's rest. Until recently, the idea of sleep improving or affecting our apprearance was pretty much a myth and never put to the test. But now, a new study done by scientist from Stockholm's Karolinska Institute and published in the prestigious British Medical Journal has confirmed the sleep/beauty connection.

In the study, sets of photos were taken of twenty-three men and women. The first set was taken after the subjects had eight hours of sleep, and the second set after having been awake for thirty-one continuous hours. Each subject maintained the same facial expression, was the same distance from the camera and didnt not wear makeup either time. A group of observers then reated each photo based on a series of quailites including health and attactiveness. The observers rated the sleep-deprived as less healthy, more tired, and less attractive than those who had recieved a full night's sleep. John Axelsson, on the researchers speaking of the  results said, "Sleep is the body's natural beauty treatment. It's probably more effective4 than any other treatment you culd buy."

Surprise.. a FREE beauty treatment. That is a pretty strong endorsement. I will be starting this regime tonight!

Quick Tip: It is very important to sleep in as close to complete darkness as possible. That said, it's not always easy to block our every stream of light using curtains, blinds, or drapes.. Particularly if you live in an urban area (or if your spouse has a different schedule than you do). In these cases, Sleep Masks can help to block our the remaining light. Check out my sleep masks here- Bathtub Buzz

See you later!!

Bizzie Buzz

Flatforms!

The world of fashion has taken some pity on our poor feet for spring and summer this year. After a bunch of seasons featuring sky-high stilettos there is a new shape in town. 2011 is the year of the 'Flatform'. Now just to be clear, this shoe is NOT flat, but it's a shoe you can walk in for hours. A 'flatform' is a shoe with a platform equal in height to the heel. Resulting in a high or nearly flat walking surface. It captures high style and comfort.. What a concept!! Don't forget that platforms elongate your legs for a very sexy look.

While most of the platforms are made from the traditional stacked wood, leather, or cork- that is where tradition ends. Look for cork that is covered with glitter, wood painted with whimsical flowers, or multicolored woven soles that look like confetti. You can find this shoe with high chunky ankle straps... If you are still hanging onto the whole gladiator thing. I am loving a simple slide of narrow turquoise leather bands with a gold metallic cork heel. Look for lots of colors and patterns, flowers and jewel accents, and even lace. The sky, or should I say the 'sidewalk', is the limit. Just make sure you pick some that are fun and sassy.

I hope you have tried my foot soak from last week's blog. I have been faithfully dunking my feet and they are looking much better. I have added a foot scrub to my regimen too. After looking a the prices of scrubs in the stores, I've decided to try a quick and easy homemade recipe. With what I have saved, I can almost buy another pair of shoes!

This one is my favorite, but you can and should come up with your own unique concoction. Remember the best cooks seldom follow a recipe!

BROWN SUGAR SCRUB

1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
1/4 cup of Almond Oil
1/4 cup of Liquid Hand Soap
1/4 cupe of Vanilla Extract

I'm off to the mall!! We'll talk soon!

Bizzie Buzz

Breaking Out The Flip-Flops

It is my favorite time of the year…. the warm weather is here. For those of you that didn’t suffer through the winter that “wouldn’t end”, you probably never put your flip-flops away. For the rest of us, it has been a long wait. Today was the day I rescued them from their hibernation in the back of a dark closet. I dusted them off and slipped them on with great joy.


Unfortunately my feet are hardly flip flop ready. I have gotten the occasional pedicure over the last few months, but except for that, I have virtually ignored my feet. I wonder just how much you attention you pay to the care of your feet? Probably not a lot and no…buying shoes for them doesn't count.


Our feet are the whipping boys of the body. For every mile we walk 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of stress bears down on our tootsies. By the time we’re 50, most of us have walked 75,000 miles. That’s a lot of pounding for two narrow islands of 26 bones and more than 30 joints. Considering this, I've decided that my feet deserved a little respect.


Why not start with a nice soak. In doing some online research I came upon an ingredient I remember my Granny using to soak her feet….Epsom Salt. Epsom salt is made of the mineral magnesium sulfate. When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, and is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more. Apparently my Granny knew what she was doing. Fast-forward to the 21st century and here is a brilliant way to begin a “new foot” ritual. Experts recommend that you soak your feet three times a week.


1. Use a large container that is big enough to fit both of your feet comfortably in and be adequately covered by water. Fill the container with warm water. Make sure to use enough water to cover the feet and a bit of the ankles.


2. Add 5 or 6 tablespoons of Epsom Salt to the warm water and gently stir with your hand to thoroughly mix the salts and the water.


3. Add a few drops of any essential oil you love to create a spa like experience by incorporating the sense of smell. I used Peppermint oil today and it was yummy.


4. Soak your feet for 15 minutes in the oil infused water.


5. Gently dry the feet with a small hand towel and apply your favorite lotion.


I guarantee not only will your feet begin to look better they will feel great. Stay tuned for more tips for the feet in the coming days.


BTW Epsom Salt can be found in drug and grocery stores.


Talk soon!


Bizzie Buzz


-xoxo-

Spa for Men

We certainly have come a long way from the time when the words ‘spa’ and ‘men’ would not be used in the same sentence.  Not all that long ago the ‘spa’ was a place where a man went to buy a gift certificate for his girlfriend or wife.  The world has certainly changed.  Did you know that about 35% of all ‘spa’ clients are men and this segment of spa goers grows every year? I guess I should not have been surprised. I have noticed how many men I see at spa and the nail salon too.  ‘Mani’ anyone?

Today’s spas have become gender-neutral places.  The surroundings are designed to be places where both men and women feel comfortable.   Gone are the frills, pink floral, and waterfalls; replaced with soft neutral colors, sleek, and modern designs.  Most spas now have robes and slippers just for men and tables long enough to prevent their legs from hanging off the table while getting a massage, as well as scent appropriate products that don’t leave him smelling of vanilla with a hint of jasmine.  If your spa does not have these man friendly things, find a new one that does.

You already know the value of a good spa treatment and you have a man in your life that deserves and could you use a spa gift.  The question is how to make him appreciate your gesture.  The answer depends on what kind of man you are sending to the spa.  Here are some typical types:

The Pleasure Seeker - Does he love that you are willing to indulge his every need?  Does he look for fun and delight in every experience and avoid pain at all costs?  If so, I think you have a pleasure seeker in your life.  Here is a perfect opportunity to give him something he loves… more pleasure.  You might consider a spa experience that incorporates his senses with an aromatherapy massage and a herbal facial.  He is the type that might find a way to prolong the experience for the entire day.  Just remember to leave you cell phone number so they will know where to call to have him picked up.

The Competitor – He will let you make all the decisions, as long you don’t stand in front of the TV screen.  To get some relief from the constant roar of the TV, consider the speed option play that involves a drive right to the spa door remembering to guard against any retreat by quickly peeling rubber as you make your retreat.  You might include something to deal with those chewed up nails. Once they get him in a robe and on the table the ‘game’ will be over.

The Metro sexual - Does your man have more clothes in his closet than you do?  This is a man that pioneered the spa experience for men.  He will be willing to spend both time and money at the spa.  No need to rope this guy in.   Treat him to the most innovative and exotic treatment your spa has to offer.  I’m thinking a Chocolate Sugar Scrub or Seaweed Wrap.

The Woodsman – He will boast of going four days without a shower while on a backpacking trip.  He is all about nature and practicality.  This guy will enjoy a practical spa treatment…like “my feet are so dry and cracked I could use a pedicure so they don’t stick to the carpet” He also likes all things technical.  Give him some info on the very tech- like experience of the Shiatsu massage.

The Stop the Clock – He turned 40 and can’t stop talking about it.  Is he constantly complaining about the failings of various body parts?  Some men just go over the edge once they turn 40 and spend a lot of time focusing on father time.   Have you heard about anti-aging facials?  Play right into his vanity and send him post haste to the spa.  I guarantee he will become a regular seeking out any and all treatments designed to ward off the effects on the clock.

The Superhero – He just needs to relax.  He spends most of his time carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.  You need to give him the opportunity to relax… if only so he can get more things done.  It will be a big challenge to get him to spa land.  Ask him to trust you… just this once. Then find a men’s spa where he can get just a shave for starters and add a facial on the sly.  Once he knows he can control the experience he will be scheduling his spa treatments along with his oil changes.

Since we all know how amazing a spa experience is I have a feeling you can manage to get your boyfriend or husband there.  I would suggest that you book his first visit as a gift to celebrate a special occasion, that way he will look at it as something special. Once you get him there the first time, I am pretty sure he will want to come back for more.  In no time at all I bet he is looking for space in the shower to put his loofah and back strap!

Good Luck.  I would really love to hear about your spa experiences… both yours and your man’s.   Leave me a message!

Talk soon,

Bizzie

-xoxo-

Spa Scents..

Bizzie Buzz here with thoughts on Spa Scents…


I did manage to get to the Spa last weekend and let me tell you I really needed it. As you know I have been spending some time thinking about ways to extend and expand the Spa experience at home. I have been paying particular to all the things that make these trips so pleasurable for me.


In a nod to Spring I decided to forgo my favorite Hot Stone treatment for an Aromatherapy Massage. Obviously this massage is all about the idea of scents and how they affect our well-being. As I relaxed and inhaled a lovely mix of essential oils (in this case lavender and neroli) I began to think of the real impact our sense of smell has on us.


Almost all living things depend upon their sense of smell for their very existence. Our nostrils are attached to a part of our brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When you inhale essential oil molecules, during an aromatherapy massage, messages are transmitted to the limbic system. The limbic system affects heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Scents can trigger intense feelings. Pretty powerful stuff!


The memory of a scent can hold all aspects of a moment including sounds, sights, faces, and thoughts. In Greek mythology each of the gods had his or her own scent that the Greeks described as part of a god’s 'presence' while the Egyptians referred to the use of scents as 'divine perspiration'.


Ok, enough of the science. For me a great way to extend and replicate this Spa experience is to purchase the massage oils used in my Spa’s signature treatments. The massage oil can be used as moisturizing oil after a bath to enhance relaxation and create a sense of calm. You can also create your own treatment by using the oil to give yourself a head to toe warm message before crawling under the covers for the night.


If you find the products at your Spa too pricey, buy your own essential oils and mix and match to create a delicious blend. (Think of it as your “house blend”). Each essential oil has different healing properties. Some of the most popular are:


Calming – chamomile and lavender


Uplifting – ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli


Energizing – rosemary


Cleansing – rosemary


Decongesting – eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree


There are many different things that can encourage and expand the relaxation of your Spa days. Keep thinking of what it is you enjoy most and treat yourself to something that can help duplicate that experience in your very own bathroom.


One final thing…to create an authentic Spa experience in you own bathroom, remember to dress the part. What is the first thing you do when you go to the Spa? You undress and slip into a comfy robe and slippers. Why not set aside a special robe and slippers to be used only for these occasions?


I have some great ideas on Spa attire that you are sure to love!


-Bizzie - signing off for now. Check in next week- with more great spa ideas.