I wish I could express the intense fear I felt the day I found out I had Melanoma. That feeling along with the waiting and uncertainty alone has changed my life forever and made me wish 1,000 times that I’d done a few things differently just a couple years ago. (Starting with covering up at the beach!)

That fear is also something that I am certain would change you too. Instead od dedicating one month of the year to Skin Cancer Awareness, it's something we should be vigilant about throughout the year. 

Sun safety goes beyond just SPF, but should include UPF, too. I discovered a really cute and wearable line of sun protective clothing that I am so excited about! Had I known then what I know now, I would have taken sun safety a lot more seriously.

Life after Melanoma has been about educating myself and others, finding every way possible to protect myself from the dangers of the sun, and the hardest part … getting over my fear of spending time outdoors. (Yeah, there was actually a period of time where I was afraid to commit to attending outdoor events.)

When I first attempted to shop for sun protective clothing a few years ago, my search came up short. I couldn’t find anything a 20-something year old would want to be seen in and just because I want to protect my skin doesn’t mean I want to look drab!

The thought of spending extended periods of time outdoors first felt terrifying. I was afraid to be in the sun and felt like there was nothing I could do to cover up enough to enjoy daylight.

Thankfully, with time and information, I’ve adjusted to taking proper precautions to protect my skin from the sun and I am now beyond THRILLED to have stumbled upon Mott 50, a line of super cute sun protective clothing and accessories.

These pieces are life savers … literally. If you’ve ever tried to shop for sun protective clothing in the past you know that the selection is usually sad and frumpy. What about the fashionista that wants to cover up?  That’s what the gals who started Mott 50 were thinking when they started the line!

Sun safety isn’t just about preventing skin cancer (which by the way is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.) … it’s also about preventing premature aging like wrinkles and sun spots. Nice skin is what’s in.

Mott 50 is a new line of fashion that offers sun protective clothing, with UPF  in every garment. UPF  = ultraviolet protection factor. UPF indicates how much of the sun’s UV rays are absorbed by the fabric before it reaches your skin.

A UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th (or 1 %) of the UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) can penetrate fabric, thus indicating how effective the clothing is from blocking UV rays. Pretty cool, huh?

Dermatologists rank sun protective clothing as the #1 way to successfully block the sun’s harmful rays, proving to be even more effective than sunscreen.  Mott 50 is finally a place where fashion meets function!

The pieces are stylish, easy-to-wear, super cute and are 50 UPF. If you’re wondering what makes Mott 50’s clothing different from regular clothes and gives it a higher UPF, I did some research! 

It’s the tightness of the weave and low porosity of the fabrics Mott 50 uses in their line create a higher UPF in these garments than in typical clothing. In comparison to regular clothing … the average white t-shirt has a UPF of just 5.

There are an array of cute and fashionable pieces available from Mott 50 with 50 UVF! I’m not a model, but I wanted you to see how fabulous these pieces are. I’m a huge fan of the Girandella Infinity Scarf ($68) because you can wear it a few different ways.

I’m wearing it in toast/white stripes. It’s made in the USA … you can throw this lightweight shawl in your tote and wear it as a scarf or a shawl as a cover up. It is so soft! (Contents: 92% Rayon Soft Spin Bamboo/8%Spandex)

If you’re a beach-goer or spend a lot of time outside in the summer, this piece is one of Mott 50’s best sellers. The Santa Cruz swim dress ($115) can be worn like a dress cover up or cinched up on the sides as a top. I’m wearing shark grey, (I like neutrals that go with a lot because I get to wear them more often) but it comes in a bunch of gorgeous colors.

Certified with 50 UPF, every lady who spends time outdoors in a bathing suit should have this piece in her closet. The fabric is breathable and dries REALLY quickly. It also has a nice amount of stretch to it.

Wearing Mott 50 allows me the ability to spend time outdoors without worrying like crazy. That is such a relief. While the harmful UV rays penetrate regular clothing, Mott 50 apparel blocks the suns rays in a fashionable way. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime?

Some cases can we dealt with at the dermatologists office, others take lives and when they do, it happens very fast. In the past 40 years, Melanoma (the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer) has risen 800% among young women age 25-29.

Mott 50 got my stamp of approval, but they got a huge nod from the Skin Cancer Foundation, earning their seal of approval! To achieve the seal, all of the fabrics had to be tested, certified and reviewed by them before gaining the seal of recommendation.

*press sample

If you are local here in Northeast PA, then you may be aware that our very own Amanda, a DJ on 98.5KRZ, is a melanoma survivor. Amanda is a vibrant personality who is the picture of health. However, at the young age of 25, Amanda noticed something unusual about her skin that led her to obtain a shocking diagnosis: Melanoma cancer.

Since May is Melanoma Awareness Month, I recently interviewed Amanda to find out how she discovered the abnormality and what she is doing now to protect herself from skin cancer.

Q: How old were you when you first noticed that something wasn't right about your skin?

I was 24 when I first noticed what I called a “mark” on my breast. I didn’t call it a mole at first because it was just a dot and it had just recently appeared. (Or at least I had just noticed it was there.) It was something I noticed one day when I got out of the shower and ignored for a few months until I saw that it had changed.

Q: Can you describe what Melanoma looked like?

When I first noticed the “mark” in question, it was a small dark dot. Almost like the tip of a black Sharpie marker. A few months later, it was a larger dark dot that now had a brownish rim around it. The dark center had a faded brown rim with uneven edges that almost looked smeared.

At this point, it was the size of a pencil eraser. I showed a friend and continued to show her every couple of weeks so that she could tell me whether or not she thought it was changing. I didn’t want to overreact about it, but at the same time I kept reminding myself that I didn’t remember ever seeing it there before.

I kept saying that and that gut feeling is what ended up saving my life. I knew that “dot” was turning into a growing, darker mole, was not there before.

Q: Prior to this point, would you say you had a good handle on understanding what Melanoma was?

NOT AT ALL. Actually, I didn’t even really know what Melanoma was or how serious is it. I knew enough about skin cancer to know that it was a red flag to have a mole that is changing, which is the only reason I ended up addressing the mole with my doctor.

Q: Leading up to this, had you been wearing sunscreen on a regular basis?

 No, but I also wasn’t a sun worshiper. Sunscreen was one of those things I would apply if I remembered to, but it wasn’t a priority. I always felt some level of heat exhaustion when I was out in the sun, so I never stayed out in it long in the first place. But before Melanoma, hats were a fashion accessory, not a sun safety must.

Q: Had you ever used a tanning bed or had multiple sunburns?

I have to admit, as much as I wish I never had, I did use tanning beds, but not regularly. If I had to guess, I’d say I probably used a tanning bed between 20-30 times in my life. Just a few times before special occasions to "get a base."

It sounds so stupid now, but I either didn’t know better or didn’t care. Had I known the fear I would feel just a few years later, I would have never directly put myself in that kind of danger.  As far as sunburns go, I grew up in New England and spent some time at the beach growing up, so I’m sure I had a few sunburns, but I can’t recall anything significant. (It only takes 6 sunburns in your lifetime to put you at risk for skin cancer.)

Q: How long did you wait until you asked a medical professional about it?

I waited far too long to show a doctor. Silly me, time was ticking. It was about 6 or 7 months from when I first noticed the “dot” until the “dot” grew into a dark weird shaped mole. Still then, I watched it.

It continued to grow and look funnier for a few months. I continued to show a friend who is very active with the American Cancer Society and her reaction is what made me finally realize I needed to say something.

I didn’t actually see a doctor about it until almost a year after I first noticed that something was up. For anyone reading this who is questioning a mole - PLEASE DO NOT WAIT! Waiting was extremely stupid, but I wasn’t educated enough to know I was allowing the cancer time to spread.

Q: Once you saw a doctor, what happened next?

I first showed my gynecologist because the mole I was watching was on my breast and because I wasn’t sure it was something to worry about, I waited until my yearly check up. It was very dumb to wait for it to be convenient to get it checked out, but my appointment was coming up and I just figured that would be a good time to show the doctor.

When I showed her what I was worried about, she got serious. She told me I needed to call a dermatologist the moment I left her office and tell them that my doctor said I needed to be seen immediately. I wasn’t expecting the urgency; probably because I didn’t have the slightest clue how fast Melanoma spreads or how serious it is. (While my gynecologist doesn’t know skin as well as a dermatologist, since my experience, she has made an extra effort to check her patients for suspicious looking moles in private areas that primary doctors don’t typically see.)

I called the dermatologist (I was a new patient, I didn’t have any reason to see a derm before) and scheduled an appointment. Next thing I knew, I was having 3 moles removed for biopsy. The one on my breast was the only one I knew about and was worried about. Little did I know, there were 2 more pre-cancerous moles living on me. One was on my back, the second on my other breast. The suspicious mole on my right breast actually was Melanoma.

When my dermatologist first called, I was on the air and told him I couldn’t talk. We were in the middle of our show and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting him to say anything bad. He said he’d stay a little late that night to call me back and give me the news when I got off the air.

When he called again an hour later, he told me that a team of experts reviewed my case and diagnosed me with Melanoma. He then said I would be requiring another surgery immediately. My eyes filled with tears, but to be completely honest, I wasn’t really sure what Melanoma even was.

He told me that my oncologist would be calling in the morning to schedule the surgery because they feared that the cancer may have already begun to spread to my lymph nodes. Wait, I need an oncologist?  Isn’t that a cancer doctor? So for anyone who are under the impression that it’s “just skin cancer, they can just scrape it off,” that is very far from reality and that has become a statement that will throw me right into sun safety preach-mode.

He told me not to go home and Google or look it up on Web MD because the information is very scary. Of course, that’s exactly what I did. To say that I was scared out of my mind doesn’t even begin to describe what I was feeling. I felt dumb. Why did I wait so long to see the doctor? Did I do this to myself?

The surgery was painful. I am sharing these details with hopes that it will reach someone and change the way they think about their time spent in the sun. I don’t wish this experience on anyone, but I am grateful to have caught it in time to warn others.

In order to find which lymph nodes the cancer would likely spread to, I was brought down to the radioactive medicine department and had a radioactive tracer dye injected direction into my areola. (The mole site was nearby.)

I was told this lymph scan with dye is the same scan that breast cancer patients also receive before surgery. To say that the dye stung is a gross understatement. I laid there on a cold metal table surrounded by doctors, weeping. It burned. The injection site and my whole chest burned like it was on fire.

They injected this dye 5 separate times. Wearing a thin paper robe, naked from the stomach up, sobbing on a cold metal table. I laid there for an hour while the machine showed the doctors where to operate and which lymph nodes to remove. I’ve read that this is often done while under general anesthesia, but for me it was not and it was extremely painful. The gist – this is not fun.

Later that day, they put me under and they removed a bunch of lymph nodes (sentinel lymph node biopsy) from under my right arm. In addition to the lymphadenectomy, my surgical oncologist also did a wide local excision of the mole site and the surrounding area. They cut and scooped a 4 inch area on my breast to get all of the infected cancer cells out.

The doctors said it looked like the cancer had just begun to spread to my lymph system, but we literally caught it “just in time” before it got any further. Of course, we didn’t get this news until 1.5 weeks AFTER the surgery.

Telling this story back now loses some intensity because it lacks the time spent worrying in between appointments. The waiting was the worst part. There are weeks in between biopsies that you have absolutely no idea what you’re facing. All you can do is wonder. Is it that bad? Am I catching it in time? Will I have a chance to fight it?

While recovering at home and waiting for the results from this surgery, I daydreamed about my future with my then boyfriend, now husband. I wondered if we’d even have a chance to live the life we dreamed of together (update: we are now married with two beautiful girls.)

My mom was also wonderfully supportive through all of this (especially the waiting) and often reminded me not to worry until there was something to worry about. I was blessed with a chance to tell you what I went through because thankfully, we caught it just in time.

What I learned from this that I hope you take with you, is to know your body. I essentially caught this myself. Melanoma is the fastest spreading skin cancer and the deadliest. It spreads so fast that waiting to get something checked out can cost you your life.

Q: How has Melanoma changed the way you spend your time outdoors and sun safety in general?

Melanoma has changed everything about the way I spend time outdoors. I don’t just hang out outdoors. I go out and live a normal social life, but I take extra steps to make sure I’m prepared to protect myself. I use sunscreen like a regular moisturizer. ALL THE TIME. I’m obsessed with protecting my skin from the sun and I now feel like it’s my duty to educate others about sun safety.

I don’t go to the beach and hang out. I don’t spend long periods of time out in the sun and I don’t drive around during peak hours with my sun roof open. Work wise, I work in radio and we often do live broadcasts outdoors at concerts. Before Melanoma, you would likely find me bopping around all over the place, now you’ll find me under the tent.

My first vacation after Melanoma was terrifying. I was scared to be outside, but realized I also can’t stop living. I went armed with sunscreen, hats and cover-ups. I no longer look at hats as just fashion accessories, but as MUSTS that also happen to be cute. Melanoma is not going to stop me from looking cute, but I am going to embrace being pale.

I try every new sunscreen that hits shelves and have found some favorites that also give a nice glow and even shimmer. The main thing is that now I’m using it! I also wear sunglasses every day. While they are also cute fashion accessories, Melanoma can also form on your eyes and they need to be protected too. I keep a pair of sunglasses on me at all times.

My experience with Melanoma has left me with an overall sense of paranoia about my own skin that I like to just call awareness. I constantly check myself for new “marks” (I still call them that) and even take pictures of moles that I think may be changing. Sometimes I start to convince myself something doesn’t look right because it’s a fear, but that fear stems from learning how serious Melanoma is.

Since my surgery, I have had a few scares and other procedures done. For a 6 month span, I had MRI’s done on my brain because there was fear that the Melanoma had spread there. I also had another mole removed from a very private place that NEVER sees sun. I literally mean NEVER. I also found this myself. Again, I caught this in time before it spread.  

This was another frightening reminder that this is going to be a never ending battle with the sun and with my own paranoia and fear of not catching it in time, next time. My current struggle is with trying to find a balance between awareness and living in a constant state of fear.

Q: What key piece of advice do you want readers to know about Melanoma?

The one thing I hope readers take away is that Melanoma is not a beast you want to fight and a worry you want to have. KNOW YOUR BODY. Do a monthly skin check and know what moles already exist and what they look like. Taking pictures helps.

If you start to worry something is changing, measure it. One thing I try to stress to my friends and family is that you have to be your own finder; your doctor doesn’t see you enough to notice small moles that may change. Know your body, know when it’s changing, and speak up when something doesn’t look right! You could save your own life.

Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 35, and the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to 30.

Early signs of melanoma are changes to the shape or color of existing moles or the appearance of a new mole. They are often referred to as the ABCDE’s of Melanoma.

• Asymmetry

• Borders (irregular)

• Color (variegated)

• Diameter (greater than 6 mm (0.24 in), about the size of a pencil eraser)

• Evolving over time

If it looks suspcious - schedule an appointment right away with your dr!

The summer can be both your skin’s best friend and worst enemy. Although it feels great, the sun may be doing a lot more damage than you realize. By adjusting your skincare for the season - choosing the right skincare products and regimes - you can ensure this summer leaves you with glowing, soft and clear skin, as well as avoiding any long-term wear and tear. Sunscreen 1.      Finding a sunscreen with vitamins, minerals or anti-oxidants will ensure your skin is well nourished. 2.      Failing that, using an antioxidant serum underneath sunscreen acts as an extra protective layer – we recommend looking out for those containing white tea. 3.      Don’t put everything on the SPF number, the actual difference from SPF 15 onwards is not as large as you’d expect; the most important thing is to apply sunscreen at regular intervals, particularly if you’re keeping busy or taking a dip. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a high SPF is going to keep you covered all day.  4.      Don’t neglect your lips either, it’s important to find a lip balm with adequate sun protection. Moisturizing 5.      Although sunscreen may make you feel greasy, the sun and salty sweat will be dramatically drying out your skin so it’s important for your complexion to keep the skin moisturized day and night. Those with dry skin should pay particular attention to their moisturizing regime – try to find moisturizers with natural ingredients and make sure you leave on a layer of moisturizer long enough to penetrate skin deeply. 6.      If you are susceptible to oily skin then don’t be fooled into thinking this step is unnecessary - simply look for an oil-free moisturizer; one labelled ‘noncomedogenic’ won’t clog your pores. Those with oily skin might also find blotting papers useful for controlling the shine, and try leaving your makeup brushes out in the sun in order to dry-out any excess oil and bacteria. Face masks 7.      The summer heat can cause inflamed skin in all its forms; acne, sunburn and rashes for instance. A soothing facial mask used once a week can help your skin recuperate from these effects. Smoothies 8.      Keep skin healthy from the inside-out in the tastiest way possible, with a regular summer fruit smoothie. Berries - blueberries, blackberries and cranberries for instance - contain antioxidants that neutralize the skin-damaging free radicals generated from UV exposure and help the body produce collagen which helps smooth the skin. Watermelons, pineapples and carrots are also fantastic for smoothies, helping to nourish and moisturize skin from the inside. Winding down 9.      Make sure you wash your skin well in the evening to remove any unnecessary toxin build-up that could damage your skin overnight. Using a good exfoliator is particularly important over summer, as it will help remove any dead skin that can clog your pores and cause outbreaks. A salicylic acid based cleanser is a gentle option that will also help combat acne. However, try not to overdo the exfoliator, particularly if you’re prone to skin irritation; one to three times a week should do it. 10.  Using a good toner will also help restore the skin’s pH balance; avoiding the growth of unwanted bacteria. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Think Idaho is only for potatoes? Think again. Worley, Idaho has a gem with its Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort and its luxury spa, Spa Ssakwa'q'n (pronounced sock-walk-in). Set on the massive Coeur d'Alene tribe's reservation, this amazing resort is all about utilizing its natural resources, giving back to the local community (taking care of its tribe as well as helping non-Indians) and giving visitors a taste of what Idaho has to offer.

Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort: The resort and casino have undergone many expansions since it first came into existence in 1993. When I first approached the resort, I was in awe of how large it was. On the one side is the original casino and lodge, then an expansion, then the new Spa Towers and spa (which were added about 2 years ago.) It is beautiful on the outside with a great view of snow-covered mountaintops.

I stayed in the new Spa Towers, which has a gorgeous lobby with a long horizontal fireplace. As you head to the elevators, you pass a second seating area which has beautiful tribal pieces set behind glass to browse. Past the elevators is a smaller, non-smoking casino that leads into the newly renovated Chinook Steak House. Down the hallway to the right is the second Spa Tower, fitness center, and Spa Ssakwa'q'n. 

I stayed in the first Spa Tower, which had a beautiful view of the courtyard area that includes a dock, water, bushes, and in the warmer months, lively plants. One thing I noticed about this resort are the quiet details. For example, the elevator ceiling is a piece of metal artwork mirroring the night sky and its stars. Throughout the hallway leading to the rooms are large pieces of wood from the trees outside set as seating at each window. Incorporating the natural landscape and its elements are seen throughout the casino, resort, and spa. It is so tastefully done and modern.

My room was the Spa Tower Deluxe room. It is a large space, with an equally as large bathroom. There are two floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the courtyard and across to the spa. I liked that the windows offered a tinted see-through shade that could be lowered for privacy, yet I could still see through it to admire the outdoors. I was constantly on the lookout for a moose or elk, which have been known to eat from the trees and bushes near the spa.

Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort has eight restaurants and a coffee stand (which has the most delicious Salted Caramel Iced Latte ever) all overseen by Executive Chef Adam Hegsted. I had the opportunity to eat at Chinook Steak House, High Mountain Buffet, and Red Tail Bar & Grill. Each restaurant has its own flavor, but all incorporate local game, wild fruits that are native to Idaho, and local produce. At Chinook, I was able to sample a majority of the menu. I decided that I was going to eat whatever was given to me, even if that meant eating something I wouldn't normally eat. I'm not a big fish eater, yet the Idaho Trout melted in my mouth and had no fishy taste at all. If my eyes were closed, I would've had no idea that I had just eaten a fish-it was THAT good!

The Northeast Elk Stew was my idea of comfort food. I've never had elk before, but it tastes just like steak with a softer texture. My favorite dish sampling by far was the Mushroom Ravioli. However, it was a close competition for dessert, which included homemade (as in, right at your table) huckleberry ice cream, honey mousse, and ganash.

High Mountain Buffet was great for breakfast and what you would expect from a buffet with its assortment of fruits, waffles, eggs, croissants, etc. The food was so good that I helped myself to two plates! Red Tail Bar & Grill is a more "relaxed food" type of place. We feasted on Pork Tacos, Carne Asada, Beer Battered Alaskan Cod (holy smokes it was out of this world with their homemade tartar sauce--and again, I don't typically eat fish!)

My favorites, however, were the Huckleberry Soda and Indian Fry Bread which comes with huckleberry jam, butter, and local honey. Who knew that huckleberries were so delicious?! I was sad to learn that we can't get them here on the East Coast.

Although I do not gamble or drink for that matter, the casino was very large and the beer and wine were from local companies. Despite not gambling or drinking, the food was by far the best I have ever had, so if you are like me, don't hesitate for a second to stop by any of their restaurants.

Spa Ssakwa'q'n: What a beautiful space. Considering that Coeur d'Alene has a championship golf course, being guy-friendly was taken into account with the design. You'll find the use of stone, wood, and water throughout the spa, making it very guy-friendly (in fact 40% of the spa-goers here are men!)

The pedicure and manicure salon is located adjacent to the spa itself. Upon entering the spa there is a boutique that sells clothing, skincare, candles, and bath and body products. There's a beautiful waterfall feature in the lounge area and an elongated fireplace. The chairs are oversized and I could've honestly slept in them!

There are two quiet rooms on each side of the spa looking out to each other with a hot tub in between. The hot tub is outdoors and I could only imagine how nice it is to relax in it as the snow falls. From these quiet rooms, you can also see the heated and non-heated pools (which are indoors.) The quiet rooms contain bottled water, iced water with lemon and lime in a large container, and an assortment of teas.

Seasons Spa Pedicure: The pedicure and manicure salon has a very industrial feel with its exposed metal, wood, and stone look. Yet, while sitting in the incredible massage chair as I had my pedicure, the tranquility of the floor-to-ceiling windows that were the entire wall looking out into the courtyard, made this a very relaxing place. Bernice made me feel at ease as she gave me the Seasons Spa Pedicure, which included a soak, exfoliation, marine mask, and then the polish. My polish of choice was OPI's It's All Greek to Me, a beautiful hot-ish pink.

Ssakwa'q'n Facial:

The facial beds here are amazing. You'll feel like you're laying on a cloud and the blankets that lie atop you are something you'll wish you could take home. Lori skillfully conducted my facial and was a pleasure. This particular facial includes 2 cleanses, exfoliation with the Clarisonic, facial massage, masque, an arm massage, eye creme application with the Opal, and a moisturizer. Naturopathica was the brand of choice for this treatment.

Lori used their Aloe Cleansing Gel, Glycolic Refining Peel (AMAZING), Neuroli Serum, Primrose Eye & Upper Lip Treatment Cream, and Lavender Protective Moisturizer with SPF 17.  My skin was glowing when she was done.

Palouse Prairie Massage: In all my years of spa going, I've never had a guy perform any of my spa treatments. So when Zach introduced himself, I was entirely nervous. However, Zach makes you feel at ease immediately, not to mention that the pressure he applied during my massage was perfect and targeted all of the knotted-up muscles in my neck and upper back.

During this massage, Zach used Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Oil, which is a mix of peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus. I have a cold, so it not only was a soothing fragrance, but it did actually help me breathe a bit better.

Mountain Rain Shower Scrub and Wrap: I've had a body scrub once before (at Dorit Baxter Day Spa), however, I'm on the fence about this type of treatment, since you are, of course, naked (more so than a massage.) After having 4 kids, I can say that I'm not comfortable with my body, so this makes me tense at the idea of having so much of myself exposed. Throw in that a guy was doing this treatment, and I wondered how I would survive the hour without being embarrassed.

Thankfully, Zach is a pro. I was happy to learn that I could have a towel draped over me and that he would only do the scrub and wrap on my arms, legs, and back. He does offer to scrub your stomach, but I told him that there was no need to see my stretch marks on that particular day. He laughed, but I'm sure he was more relieved that I said no. (ha!)

The scrub used was Naturopathica's Espresso Mud Body Scrub, which contains coffee grounds, Indian Sarsaparilla with volcanic Pumice, and Black Silt Clay. It smelled great, although the pumice was a bit abrasive. When it comes time to flip over, Zach holds the towel in a way that he cannot see you and you don't have to worry about what you look like. After the scrub is applied to your back, you are then covered with a heated covering to help flush out the toxins while under a Vichy shower.

Of all of the spa treatments I had on this day, this is the one I almost fell asleep in. Go figure! The sound of the water dripping and flowing, the heat from the covering, the soothing music, and the relaxing fragrance all contributed to the ultimate in relaxation. At one point during the vichy shower, Zach massaged my head and I literally thought I would wake up snoring. Once the shower was complete and the scrub was rinsed off, Zach applied shea butter to my skin. My skin looked amazing and was incredibly soft.

Summary: Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort and Spa Ssakwa'q'n has an amazing team of people that make you feel at home (their tagline is "Welcome Home.") While I don't gamble or drink, I think it is amazing how the Coeur d'Alene tribe gives back to its community of Indian and non-Indian people from their net profits.

In fact, they built a medical center, give 5% to education, and use as many local companies as their vendors as possible. This trip also made me realize that I know little, if anything, about Native Americans. I sadly say that all I know about their culture is that they were here when the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. However, I can say that I also realized that Idaho is beautiful and I had the best time visiting this resort and meeting new people along the way. Be sure to visit Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort's website to learn more about them.

*Disclosure: The majority of this trip was comped, however, it did not affect my experience and honest opinion.

If you've been looking for a makeup remover that isn't greasy, doesn't sting your eyes and leaves no residue behind, then you'll want to read this review! Renée Rouleau Soothing Eye Makeup Remover ($19.50) was created by celebrity esthetician and skin care expert, Renée Rouleau based out of Dallas and Plano, Texas. As an esthetician for 25 years, Renée is well-versed in skin care, especially in regards to listening to what her clients are looking to get from their skin products. I know that for myself, I always look for a product to live up to and deliver on its claims. If it does, price is never a sticking point for me.  What I love about this makeup remover is that it is weightless. When using it to remove eye makeup, especially the waterproof mascaras I've been reviewing lately, it feels like I am simply using water on my face. I use this makeup remover with Renée Rouleau Toning Cloths (which are AMAZING and I also use them to remove my nail polish, as well.) The reason I point this out is because the Toning Cloths aid in using less product than if you were using it with a cotton ball or pad (which would simply soak up all of the product and make you waste it.) By pairing the Soothing Eye Makeup Remover with the Toning Cloths, I've been able to make this 4oz bottle last well over 6 months. Another benefit is that the makeup remover looks after those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. While I don't fit into either category, I do appreciate that the formula is meant to be similar to your own tears...another reason why it feels weightless. There are no oils in this product either, so your face won't feel like an oil slick after. Believe me, I've used makeup removers that do; have you? There's no fragrance either, which is another bonus. You can only find this makeup remover online at ReneeRouleau.com or in Renée Rouleau Skin Care Spas. Have you used it? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure

As an avid hair coloring fiend, I was nervous upon hearing January Jones revelation that her hair is falling out in clumps. Since I literally just colored my hair over the weekend, I decided I needed some expert advice from my friend and celebrity Master Colorist, Jason Backe of Ted Gibson Salon. He's also the Celebrity Colorist for L’Oreal Professionnel, so he definitely knows color! Q: January Jones revealed that her hair is falling out in clumps from all of the hair coloring she has done in the past year. Is what is happening to her normal and something that others who color their hair should worry about? Jason: The question in whether or not the hair is falling out at the scalp OR breaking off in clumps. If the hair is falling out at the scalp I would seriously doubt it is product related. In my entire career I have never experienced hair color to cause bald spots at the scalp (and believe me, I have women who color their hair from brown to blond every 12 days). I have however seen bald spots appear because of diet or stress related issues and although I wouldn’t consider this common, it is not unusual. If the hair is breaking off in clumps then it is most likely a hair integrity issue. Excessive coloring can lead to damage and ultimately breakage – no matter how expertly talented the colorist. If you are a girl who loves to change your color frequently, look for the signs of extremely dry, brittle and breaking hair. This will let you know to pump your breaks and run to the salon for weekly treatments (I am obsessed with the Fiberceutic treatment by L'Oreal Professionnel – it REBUILDS the hair from the inside out – MAJOR) to restore health and integrity before your next color. Q: How often should women go between colorings?  Jason: As a general rule I suggest 3-4 weeks. That being said, there are exceptions to every rule. It's not terrible to color more frequently as long as you are not going overboard. Remember, hair is a fiber – the more you manipulate it, the more fragile it becomes. I love using as much AMMONIA FREE COLOR as possible. INOA and Dia Light from L’Oreal Professionnel have completely changed the way I think about hair color and how to avoid compromising the integrity of the hair. Q: What is the max amount of times per year someone can color their hair without it becoming overly damaged? Jason: That is a tough question to answer – it really depends on the individual, her hair texture and type, how frequently she shampoos and heat styles. There are too many variables to really say. Q: Does the damage occur more with dying your hair blonde and highlighting, than coloring your hair with darker colors? Jason: Generally, lightening the hair is more damaging than going darker. However, anytime you use hair color you are going to alter the hair shaft. The more it is altered them more damage is likely. Again – this is why I choose ammonia free colors and lighteners. They leave the hair softer to the touch, shinier and ultimately much stronger. Q: Are there products you can incorporate into your daily routine to help prevent your hair from falling out? Jason: Again, falling out may be more related to diet, stress and overall wellness more than a topical product. Breakage on the other hand has some products that you can use at home to help repair. The Fiberceutic by L'Oreal Professionnel has a shampoo and condition masque for at home maintenance. The Mythic Oil by L’Oreal Professionnel just had a line extension to address dryness and color treated hair – it's AMAZING stuff! Q: Any other tips for those of us who LOVE to color our hair? Jason: Always trust a professional. Stay away from box color. When your colorist says – if we do that today your hair will break – believe him! I hope this is helpful to everyone who colors their hair! If you are in New York and are in need for a color, definitely give Ted Gibson Salon a call to book an appointment with Jason! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

l'oreal

Review by Courtney Smith “You should get a facial,” I would hear my sister-in-law say to me over the past few years, “they are so great, so relaxing.”  It sounded nice, but other than imagining mud plastered over my face, I really did not know what a facial was or what kind of benefits to expect from getting one.  Low and behold as I made my daily drive past Breathe Salon and Spa of Lansdale, PA I noticed a big sign that hung promoting anti-aging facials. Weeks away from thirty-five and with enough fine lines on my face to show it, anti-aging sounded fantastic to me. I have had the pleasure of enjoying Breathe Salon and Spa’s knock out cut and colors in the past and thought this would be a terrific opportunity to explore one more, of the many, self-care aspects that the salon and spa has to offer.  Per usual the staff was friendly and welcoming, the environment was creatively inspiring and offered a sense of serenity, and upon meeting Maureen Barnes, Breathe’s premier certified Esthetician, who is filled with 20 years of cosmetology wisdom, I was provided with a tour of the room where my facial would be done, as well as educated on what to expect from our time together.  Maureen displayed confidence, professional and practical knowledge, and her presence emitted calm energy that placed me in a mood of ease for the hour we spent together. She was able to answer all my questions and then some and offered me some simple tips to assist me in dealing with the season’s harsh effects on my skin and for my my anti-aging  (appearance) journey.   The facial was so much more than mud on my face.  It was an investment into myself that I am seeing positive effects weeks later. Since I write from the every day woman’s/mom’s perspective, as well as with the eye of a healthcare professional as an RN, I feel it is pretty realistic to say many everyday woman have NO idea what a facial has to offer or what is involved. With that said I want to equip you with some well rounded know-how and encourage you to go indulge in a facial!  Yes ladies, just because we are tired and perhaps a little worn from all of our daily duties does not mean we have to look it, and when we begin to take even a little time for ourselves we can get some release from feeling it too! My view of the top 10 benefits of a facial:

1. Relaxation
2. De-stressing of skin, emotion, and over-all mind, body, spirit
3. Increased circulation to the skin on our face (this has enormous health benefits)
4. Decreased sinus pressure
5. Release of toxins from our skin (if you only could have seen mine, whoa!)
6. Minimize the appearance of pores
7. Decrease in fine lines and wrinkles
8. Increase in moisture balancing
9. Decrease appearance of age spots
10. Firmer skin with an added glow

Maureen Barnes 10 steps to an awesome and effective facial: 1. Cleanse. Facials are different from regular at-home cleansing because they deep clean, removing toxins caused by pollution, grease and dirt found in your everyday environment. 2. Analyze.  This tells what skin type you are working with or any concerns. i.e. large pores, sun damage, dry patches. oily patches. 3. Exfoliate. This gets rid of dead skin and improves the look of the skin. It also helps any product you use work better. 4. Steam the skin and loosen the debris in the pores. The oxygen helps the immune system and heat from the steam help the hardened, clogged oil in the pores to soften therefore becoming easier to extract. 5.  Extraction.  Is the removal of whatever may be clogging pores. 6. Massage. This increases circulation and helps products to sink into the skin, It helps soften the look of lines, and has emotional benefits of touch. It also assists with digestion and metabolism. It de-stresses you period, which has a long list of health benefits. As part of the facial, the scalp (which helps with hair growth), face, chest, shoulder, arm, and hands are massaged. 7. Mask. There are the highest amounts of nutrients and minerals in this product and designed to work with different skin types. 8. Skin booster. This is a potent serum (there are a variety), which give a strong boost to the skin and assist in alleviating skin issues. 9.  Mini massage with the serum. 10. Moisturize.  Moisturize, moisturize and your done! Now go get your facial and reap the benefits! Book your facial with Maureen Barnes at Breathe Salon and Day Spa by calling 215-362-1277. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure

Great news for those of you that love your Gel Manicures! Sally Hansen recently introduced an easy to use, economical, at-home Gel Manicure Nail Polish Kit that costs less than $65. When you get a gel manicure at a salon, you can pay anywhere from $30 to $50 and up PER manicure. With this at-home kit, you can do up to 10 manicures that will last at least a week or more. Now, admittedly, I had never had a gel manicure before this, so I didn't have a lot to compare it to. That said, it wasn't as hard as I anticipated it would be. It took me about an hour from start to finish and I don't think it would take me nearly as long the second time around. The first 15 minutes was reading the enclosed instructions to make sure I knew what I was doing before I started. Always best to venture into these things well prepared!  I started with very clean, freshly washed and dried, naked nails. I then read the enclosed, easy to understand instructions one last time before I began. Then I placed everything out on the table to make sure I had everything easily accessible. You don't want to be digging around in the box with wet nails! Before you begin, you have to clean your nails with the enclosed Nail Cleanser Pads that come with the Gel Manicure Nail Polish kit to make sure your nails are totally and completely clean. You want to get into every crack and crevice and make sure that you cuticles are well moisturized (previous to this step) and do not have any loose edges. First, you put a thin layer of "Step One" bottle one each finger nail on your left hand. You then promptly place it under the UV lamp to "set". It leaves your nails looking like you put on a shiny top coat, but don't let it fool you. Nails are still tacky at this point and you do NOT want to let them touch anything. Second, you put a thin layer of "Step Two" bottle (the actual color - in this case it was "Red My Lips") on the same hand and put it under the UV light for 30 seconds. Repeat with another thin layer on the same hands and put under the UV lamp for an additional 30 seconds. At this points, nails are still tacky and you want to be super careful with them! The final step is what hardens and "sets" the manicure. After you apply a thin layer of "Step Three" bottle and dry it under the light for 30 seconds, you are left with an INSTANTLY touchable, totally hardened gel manicure. After you finish your left hand, you then repeat all the steps all over again on your right hand. Then you're done! You are left with a mirror shine, no dry time and indestructible, chip-free manicure that will supposedly last for up to two weeks. Mine lasted for 8 days before 2 of the nail edges lifted and got caught on stuff and ripped off. After that it was one nail after another that the edges lifted up, got caught on something and that was it. I attempted to repair one of them with the "Step three" bottle and 30 seconds under the light, but that only worked for a day. It warns not to get it anywhere near your cuticles. I made every attempt not to get it near my cuticles, but I thought perhaps I had put the polish too close to the edges and that's why it failed before it's alleged 2 week lasting power. My friend came to visit and I asked her if I could try the Sally Hansen Gel Manicure Nail Polish kit on her and she was more than happy to oblige! So I got a second shot at trying the whole process and it was slightly easier since I wasn't doing my own nails. I stayed far away from the cuticles and edges. The process from start to finish only took a little over half an hour this time. Much more reasonable. However... her manicure only lasted 5 days before all the edges lifted up and she ended up ripping them all off out of frustration. (I don't recommend doing that because it can take a layer of your nail off.) She said that if it had lasted longer that she would have loved it and totally bought one of the kits for herself. Overall, I would probably recommend this kit. It certainly lasted MUCH longer than regular nail polish does on me. It took me about the same amount of time to apply as the Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips, but didn't last quite as long. So the nail polish strips from Sally Hansen would still be my number one preference, but this would definitely be a runner up. It's on par with COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss that lasted the same amount of time with a finish that was just as glossy as the gel manicure. Basically, it lasted more than a week, it had a high gloss finish the entire time and it never chipped. When the edges started to lift up, it wasn't visible, it was just disconcerting if you ran your fingers through your hair. I'm sure if I didn't play with it, I could have made it last a tiny bit longer, but as soon as the edges started lifting, I just couldn't leave them alone. Also, I was doing a lot of demanding activities like floor scrubbing, bathing two dogs, vacuuming, laundry, baking, cooking, washing 2 children, putting up Christmas lights outside, etc. I'm sure for someone with an office job, this Gel Manicure Nail Polish kit would easily last the proposed two weeks. You can purchase Sally Hansen Gel Manicure Nail Polish at Target, Walmart, chain drug stores such as Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, food stores and mass retailers nationally. The kit retails for $64.99 and it would make a great Christmas gift for someone who loves nail polish! For more information, visit SallyHansen.com Check out our other nail posts over at TheFashionableHousewife.com and our favorite nails on Pinterest! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure

The latest multi-tasking wonder from beauty innovator Jamie Kern of IT Cosmetics, is a 4-in-1 anti-aging lipstick, balm, gloss and stain. Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipstick ($20). I love the look of a lip stain–so natural like you’ve just been eating berries. The downside to most lip stains is that they are very drying. IT Cosmetics has managed to overcome that problem by creating an all natural formula with ingredients like plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, argan and jojoba to avoid DFLS (dry flaky lip syndrome). As if that’s not enough, there are some major anti-aging ingredients in here too. Vitamins A,C, E, Acai, Green and White Tea all work to protect and ward off free radicals, while minimizing the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Perfect for us over 40 women, count me in!   Je Ne Sais Quoi looks and feels like a clear balm, but it adapts to your natural lip color leaving behind a pretty sheer pink. A true “my lips but better,” shade, the stain + gloss appears effortless, natural and sexy. The color will vary depending upon the pigmentation in your lips. I have super pale lips so my color is a medium pink. It will appear lighter on those with more pigment to their lips. The texture has a glossy, smooth balm-like feel that glides across lips leaving behind a hydrating, shiny finish.  Even after the glossy finish wears off you’re left with a pretty flush for a few hours. Je Ne Sais Quoi feels like a balm, lasts like a stain and is shiny like a gloss–perfection! Try it for the  office or a with a simple cat eye for a sex kitten look a la Brigitte Bardot. Je Ne Sais Quoi for $20. There are two more shades of  Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipsticks; Love Story, a rich just-bitten pink and Pretty Woman, a sheer berry. The trio (includes Je Ne Sais Quoi) retails for $29.50 on QVC.com *Disclosure

 

Serums are key to any good skin care routine. They help deliver key ingredients deeper into your skin and help your moisturizer to perform better.

That age old beauty myth, skin needs to breathe, will only make your skin dehydrated and fine lines and wrinkles will become more apparent.  

Lancôme's Génifique and Visonnaire are the perfect partners for younger-looking skin. These super serums are a powerful anti-aging duo to give you more perfect skin. And as they say, your makeup can only look as good as the skin underneath!

Lancome Super Serums:

Génifique Concentrate is Lancome's award-winning activating serum targeting radiance, vibrancy and softness. Génifique will give you visibly younger skin in just 7 days.

 

Visionnaire is their award-winning correcting serum. In just 4 weeks, Visionnaire radically improves the appearance of wrinkles, pores and uneven texture, leaving your skin visibly transformed.

The result? One out of two women tempted by a cosmetic procedure decided to postpone it. *

How to use: When using them together, apply one to three drops of Génifique to cleansed skin. Follow with two pumps of Visionnaire when layering, prior to applying your Lancôme moisturizer.

For best results, use Génifique and Visionnaire together in both the morning and evening. (Yes! You do need to use serum, toner and moisturizer before bed. Nighttime is prime time for skin dehydration.)

Have you tried Génifique or Visionnaire?

*After 4 weeks of consumer use. Consumer evaluations of women 35 to 49 years tempted by hyaluronic acid, laser or chemical peeling. Results not equal to a medical procedure