I recently escaped the city lights for a week in Scotland. We stayed in a little stone croft in the middle of a field in the Scottish Highlands surrounded by the sound of sheep that served as our natural ‘alarm clock’ and views of the Nevis Mountain Range. It was absolutely stunning and the fresh air and open space left me feeling so well – I was relaxed, calm and re-energised. I wondered if a week away from hectic city life and unplugging from social media could actually have health benefits. Turns out, there are a lot of researchers out there who believe that being outdoors in nature may be essential to good health. It seems the more time we spend in urban environments, the more stressed and anxious we become. Here are some health benefits associated with an escape to fresher air and greener spaces: Lowers stress and lowers blood pressure Our day to day lives are filled with deadlines, meetings, calls to make, people to see, gym classes to attend, chores to do…it’s no wonder most of us are feeling more stressed and as if there are just not enough hours in the day. Studies have found that people who spend time in the city have higher levels of cortisol and heart rates than those who spend time in nature, such as a forest. An increase in cortisol can lead to elevated levels of blood sugar, chances of diabetes, weight gain and immune system suppression, so it makes sense to try reduce levels as much as possible. When you walk through nature without technological distractions, you are more likely to take in the smallest details around you. This slows breathing, calms the mind and awakens the senses. Increases productivity and problem solving skills The latest scientific research has shown that time spent in nature, away from distractions of technology and urban life allows the mind to focus more and increases creativity and problem solving ability. Walking in nature, gazing at a sunset or watching the crashing waves of the ocean – all these simple activities in nature allow us to stop, reflect, prioritise, put into perspective and resolve problems without the clutter and distraction of urban life. Boosts mental health A Stanford study found quantifiable evidence that walking in nature could lead to a lower risk of depression. City dwellers have higher chances of anxiety and mood disorders compared with those who live in rural areas. Time spent in nature is shown to reduce the time spent thinking negative thoughts and reduces anger, fear, stress and unpleasant feelings. In fact, scientists are saying that there are severe health problems, such as depression, associated with nature deprivation – a lack of time in the natural world due to increased hours watching TV or sitting in front of a screen. Here are some easy ways to incorporate more time in nature into your daily routine:

• Go for a morning walk – even if its just walking to the furthest bus stop.
• Instead of eating lunch at your desk, go sit in the park or walk to a café a bit further than the one you usually grab your lunch from.
• Exercise outside – this is definitely harder during the winter months (trust me I know the feeling of not wanting to venture outside into the cold) but when the sun is shining, opt for a workout outside or swap the treadmill for the dirt track or park.
• Meditate outdoors. Just ten minutes a day without screens, calls, music. Just you, nature, positive thoughts and mindful breathing.

What are the benefits you've personally experienced when you unplug and get outdoors? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

One of our favorite New York hair salons is Salon AKS. They're always ahead of the trends and one of our go-to's for expert tips. A change in season usually signals a change in hair, makeup, nails and skin care. We love their recommendations for this Fall, in fact, I just got a blunt cut, shoulder-length bob just last week. (Now I'm just trying to find ideas for designs for the undercut I got, as well.) 1. The clean line- The blunt collarbone length haircut has been around for a few years now and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It's a flattering length on everyone. However this season, try changing up the look with shorter face framing angles. These shorter pieces will add movement and texture and accentuate your cheekbones and eyes. 2. The short- If someone tells you short hair is easier, that's not completely true. You'll need to get your haircut reshaped more frequently then your long locks, but your morning hair routine time will be cut in half, if not more. It's a great way to change up your look and routine while taking advantage of low humidity. 3. Chocolate Inspired Hair Color- A lot of times throughout the summer, we let our color go by opting for the sun's natural highlights. However, what's not great is the dryness we get from the salt water and chlorine, not to mention the green (blondes) or brassy (brunetttes) undertones that our hair can take on by the end of the summer. Going darker for Fall will bring back a healthy shine and all over glow. Salon AKS recommends creating a deep chocolate base with ultra-subtle toffee colored highlights to emphasize tousled, texturized layers as well as wavy bangs. Tres chic! 4. Bangs! If you're ever in the mood to change up your hair and cut bangs and you ask your stylist in the summer, they'll usually tell you to wait until Fall (sweaty bangs stuck to your forehead are never the best look!) However, come Fall, bangs are a great way to switch it all up. This season, a bold piecy bang with long textured hair is definitely the way to go. If you have a crazy cowlick, a Brazilian blowout should be your best friend. A quick fix is to "Brazilian" just the bang itself to give you the ability to wake up in the morning, blast them dry then run out the door with a statement look. For the bang commitment phobe, another option is clip-in bangs! Customizable and face framing, 5. Scalp purification and Hair Conditioning- Post summer, purification and hydration is key! Stop into the salon a half hour earlier than your appointment and sit with an intense hydrating mask like PHYTO Phytojoba mask under the heat. Your hair will become silky smooth and manageable. Then clarify and hydrate your scalp with PHYTO Phytopolleine scalp elixir treatment comprised of 100% essential oils. It will focus on the hair roots as well as the scalp, leaving your hair feeling fresh and purified. For your daily routine, apply their AKS serum ($27) as your dose of vitamin E, keratin and argan oil. This will help keep static at bay and hair shining all day long. Which of these will you be doing for Fall? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

If you're like me, you’ve wandered around Chelsea, London and wondered where all those glamorous, lean and toned bodies came from. You'd be interested to know that I’ve found where they are made. A short walk from the Kings Road is Lomax, a boutique health space where you can not only join a cycle or HIIT class, but also enjoy lunch or a smoothie at their ground floor Grill Market café. I recently attended Lomax’s signature Cycle Blast class, which was held in a trendy, dark basement studio. Each bike was set up with a clean sweat towel and a water bottle for each user. With only around 15 bikes in the studio, it had a real, personable feel. The class was dynamic and the ultimate calorie burner (exactly what I needed pre-Sunday brunch!) You can expect to burn at least 400 calories per session. With fun tracks and varied exercises ranging from hill climbs to long sprints, this high intensity spin class is definitely worth the sweat! Besides it being a lot of fun, a cycle spin class is a great way to escape – if you’re looking for a way to turn off your thoughts, there is nothing quite like being glued to a bike for 45 minutes and having nothing else other than the beat and the rhythm of the bike to concentrate on. If you’re looking for more reasons to start spinning then you’ll be happy to know that it is a great stress reliever, calorie burner and muscle toner. It is also a low impact exercise which means that you won’t put pressure on your knees or joints. You can also go at your own pace by adjusting the speed and intensity of your bike at various levels. I was very impressed with the washroom and changing facilities. Unlike most gyms where you shuffle to the shower cubicle – one hand grasping your towel over your body and the other holding your toiletry bag – at Lomax there is none of this. Instead, there are individual bathrooms with towels, shampoo, conditioner and body wash provided with a shower, large mirror, a toilet and wash basin. You really feel at home, not as if you are at the gym and a welcomed luxury when you’ve just stepped off the bike and your legs feel like jelly! Lomax also offers nutritional advice and personal training. There is a weights area and individual workout pods that can be booked. I strongly recommend checking out their timetable (www.lomaxpt.com/book ) because besides the brilliant Cycle Blast class that I attended, there are many other classes on offer, including yoga and a Bumps and Burpees class for pre and post natal fitness. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Chapped lips can happen at any time of year. While the weather plays a big role in it, there are other causes for the dryness and chapping. Treating it isn't as simple as applying a tube of lip balm because that only attends to one part of the problem and so the vicious cycle continues. Not to mention that dry lips make for lips that look aged which are magnified when you try to apply your favorite lipstick. What Causes Chapped Lips? Dehydration is the most common cause of dry, chapped lips. Dehydration can happen two ways - when you're not drinking enough fluids and when the air zaps the moisture from your skin. When our lips are dry it's an involuntary reaction to lick them, which then causes the chapping when done excessively (saliva strips moisture from your lips as opposed to applying it.) Chapping is that redness and cracking that occurs on your lips and around your mouth. If you're experiencing cracked skin at the corners of your mouth, this is completely different and is usually cause by an infection. This type of issue is known as cheilitis. For this article, we're just talking about everyday chapped lips. How to Get Rid of Dry, Chapped Lips I've been using 3 products from Sara Happ to keep my lips healthy looking, soft and moisturized. The regimen, which I do twice per week, is to exfoliate, treat, and hydrate. Exfoliate: To remove the dry skin and create a super smooth canvas, I use Sara Happ's the lip scrub. The one I have is Vanilla Bean, but there are also other delicious scrub flavors to choose from like Brown Sugar, Passion Fruit, Peach, etc. Vanilla Bean is super yummy, and I'll be honest, it makes you want to lick it off - but obviously don't, because gross, you're taking your dead skin with it. To use, apply a small amount of the lip scrub to dry lips. The jojoba and grapeseed oils will give it the slip it needs so that it is not abrasive. It can be a bit messy, so it's best to be leaning over your bathroom sink when exfoliating. Massage in a circular motion for about 30 seconds and then wipe off with a tissue. Again, restrain yourself from licking it off because you will definitely want to! Treat: This is the newest product in Sara Happ's lip care line and I absolutely love it! The Sweet Clay Lip Mask is a mix of bentonite clay and Swertiamarin (an Ayurvedic herb.) The description positions it "like frosting" and it is entirely true! It's creamy, sweet and thick. After exfoliating, you scoop the lip mask and layer it on. There's no set amount of time to leave it on, so do what you're comfortable with. I left it on for about two minutes. Use a wet washcloth to wipe it off. You can feel the beeswax and petrolatum left behind, but not in a greasy, heavy kind of way. More like it left a layer of protection on your lips. It's hard to describe until you try it yourself! Hydrate: the lip slip is a luxurious balm. I was expecting it to be a solid lip balm, but it was more like a creamy lip gloss in a jar. I mention this because when applying a solid lip balm I always have to apply gentle pressure to the balm to get enough on my finger tip to apply. The first time I used this, I went to apply the same gentle pressure and found my index finger quickly in the bottom of the jar. Ha! The lip slip has shine, is a bit thick, but without it being tacky or heavy. It has a rose type scent in the jar (at least to my nose), but that scent disappates once on your lips. I wear this lip balm daily. You can make dry, flakey lips a thing of the past by incorporating this lip care regimen into your daily skin care routine. Have you tried any products from Sara Happ? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Two years ago, after experiencing stomach pains and digestive problems for months and undergoing numerous tests, I was told by my doctor that I was severely lactose intolerant. I was surprised because I didn’t understand that you could all of a sudden become intolerant. The more research I did the more I understood that it is possible to become lactose intolerant at any stage of life and also that I perhaps had shown minor signs of lactose intolerance when I was younger. For example, I wasn’t crazy about ice cream as a child and the thought of drinking a glass full of milk was my idea of torture. Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme lactase in the inner lining of the GI wall. The GI track cannot absorb lactose whole so if your body does not have the lactase enzyme it stays in the gut, causing water to move and resulting in diarrhea and abdominal pain. When I first learned of my allergy I remember thinking, how on Earth am I going to survive?! I absolutely loved cheese and my favourite breakfast was fruit with a big dollop of Greek yoghurt. I am happy to say that two years on I am still alive and have found many delicious dairy alternatives to incorporate into my diet. I feel healthier and no longer have digestive issues. Dairy Milk Alternative: Almond Milk This is my milk of choice! It is high in calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium as well as vitamin C, B6 and E – all essential for a healthy functioning body. I love almond milk with oats (2 mins in the microwave and then topped with blueberries!) or as a dairy substitute in smoothies. Try this breakfast smoothie for a filling, nutritious and tummy-friendly start to your day: - ½ cup oats - 1 frozen banana - 1 cup almond milk - 1 tsp honey or pure maple syrup (or 2 dates) for sweetness - 2 tsp chia seeds (for added protein and omega 3!) - ¼ tsp cinnamon (to regulate blood sugar levels) It is worth noting that some almond milks have quite a lot of added sugar, so make sure to buy the unsweetened version. My favourite is Alpro Unsweetened Fresh Almond Milk. Greek Yoghurt Alternative: COYO This is an absolute treat! Available in natural, vanilla, chocolate and salted caramel flavour, this coconut yoghurt is a delicious snack or breakfast. I love Coyo, fresh strawberries, chopped pecans and a drizzle of honey. And with no added sugar, this ticks all the boxes! Butter Alternative: Coconut and Almond Spread Flora Freedom Coconut Almond Dairy Free Spread is suitable for vegans and has no preservatives, artificial colours or flavours. This is a great substitute for dairy based butter in recipes (think cinnamon banana muffins with melted coconut and almond spread…) or the perfect bread spread for breakfast. Even if you aren’t dairy intolerant, there are many benefits to ditching dairy including less bloating, clearer skin and weight loss. Not only this, but you reduce your exposure to added antibiotics and hormones that cows may be given to cure sickness or increase growth. Studies show that the galactose (a type of sugar) in milk increases oxidative stress and inflammation. If you would like some help getting started, visit sodeliciousdairyfree.com/dairyfreechallenge for shopping lists, snack guides, dairy free swaps and tips and a 21 day dairy free challenge guide and support community. For those who think they may be lactose intolerant, I recommend keeping a food journal for a couple of weeks and recording how you feel after eating certain foods and if symptoms subside when you remove lactose from your diet. What are your favourite dairy alternatives and what tips do you have for living on a dairy free diet? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

If you’re looking to enhance your skin's natural glow this Summer, we’ve tapped spa experts for insider advice! And no, it’s not your typical “wear sunscreen” type of advice – but 14 little-known tips beyond the norm! Consider Gravity: “Apply your facial products to the back of the neck all the way up your hairline,” says Melissa Miller, lead esthetician at Well & Being Spa at The Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas. “Gravity affects that area too, especially with hair up and sun exposure breaking down collagen and elastin. Applying products to the back side of the neck will help prevent sagging in the front and should be treated as an extension of that area." DIY Brightening: Alina Cimpoeru, lead esthetician at The Guerlain Spa at The Plaza Hotel, recommends a DIY mask once a week for skin that glows brighter than the sun. Simply put few slices of pumpkin in a food processor, add cinnamon and 2 spoons of yogurt and honey. After exfoliating, apply the mask and cover the eyes with cold green tea bags (to reduce puffiness) for 20 minutes. Remove the mask with a warm, damp towel. Rind Hydration:For ultimate hydration, rub the wet side of a watermelon rind on the face, says Albert Cruz, spa manager of eforea spa at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Beach Resort & Casino. Because of its high water content and lycopene, watermelon is highly moisturizing and rich in antioxidants and minerals, resulting in reduced inflammation from the sun. Extend A Tan: “To extend your summer tan, incorporate raw carrots into your snack routine,” says Nicole Courrau, spa manager of Sibö Rainforest, Spa & Retreat at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. “Carrots contain a very potent antioxidant called carotene that promotes the coloration of the skin, and when you have several servings in your diet, it warms up your natural skin tone to help your tan last longer.” Summer’s Mist: “Keep a hydrating mist in the refrigerator overnight and pop it in your purse in the morning for refreshed skin all day long,” says Meagan Bowers, lead esthetician at Well & Being Spa at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Misting the skin throughout the day will cool it off and balance nature’s harsh elements by keeping it quenched and calm.” Bikini Body Scrub: The Finger Lakes based Rasa Spa recommends reducing cellulite with an at-home body scrub using olive oil, ground coffee, sugar, and fresh lemon rind. The combination invigorates the circulatory system and encourages cellular turnover, decreasing the formation of cellulite while simultaneously tightening and shrinking blood vessels. Soft Lips: “For sunburnt or chapped lips in the summer, mixing sugar with honey is a great moisturizer that helps heal them quickly, “ says César Sánchez, spa manager for Kuö Spa at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose. Mix two teaspoons of sugar with one teaspoon of honey and rub the paste gently on the face and lips to loosen the dead skin cells. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water. Stone Service: The spa team at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo’s new Spa Metropole by Givenchy recommends applying eye cream with a jade stone. An ancient beauty ritual, jade is known to drain toxins from the body and increase blood circulation, leaving skin looking and feeling sunny and refreshed. Sunburn Healer: Make a homemade yogurt face mask to heal sunburned, damaged skin faster, recommends David Oves, spa manager at The Spa at Conrad Miami. Place a thin layer of plain yogurt on the affected area (body or face) as a mask. Leave on the skin until the pain subsides and skin feels cooler. When ready, rinse off for 5 to 10 minutes with cold to lukewarm water. Spa Day Hack: When spending an afternoon at the spa, avoid stronger peels during the summer months (i.e. chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc.) says Zaharenia Victoros, lead esthetician at The Sisley Spa at The Carlyle Hotel, as they can accentuate the pigmentation guests are trying to treat. Instead, opt for gentler and more indulgent facial services during the summer season. Embrace Oils: A cleansing oil is a pampering, luxurious self-care treatment that also removes makeup, summertime sweat and debris from the skin, says Megan Linney, spa director at The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being.  After applying an oil to the face and neck, follow with a more traditional cleanser for clean and healthy skin. Cool Irritated Skin: For travelers who have spent too much time in the Key West sun, the spa team at Casa Marina and The Reach’s Spa Al Mare recommends submerging a washcloth into a water bowl with lavender or peppermint essential oils, tightly rolling and freezing for two hours. Hold washcloth on sunburned areas and back of neck to bring body temperature down and relieve skin. Follow by liberally applying coconut oil. Fresh Water “Refresh”: One of the most important things to do after sunbathing is to rinse your body with fresh water to remove salt and/or chlorine from the skin, says Frank Garcia, spa director at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach, as these two elements will dry the skin quickly. Stop the Clock: Jamaica’s Jewel Resort Radiant Spa resident wellness expert Sienna Creasy recommends taking advantage of her favorite island ingredient – the coconut – to fight signs of aging caused by the sun. Take the jelly from a whole green coconut and blend with natural plain yogurt. Once the mask firms up, apply directly to skin for a soothing effect. The yogurt’s lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin, reversing damage and fine lines. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

This post is a Sponsored Post written on behalf of The Stimulati Experience: 9 Skills for Getting Past Pain, Setbacks, and Trauma to Ignite Health and Happiness by Jim Curtis. Opinions are my own.

Connection + worthiness leads to contribution. Contribution leads to Purpose. Purpose leads to Significance. Significance leads to Healing." - Jim Curtis

Ever since I made the decision last Fall to begin the process of becoming a Living Kidney Donor, I have been on a transformative journey. While being a wife, mother and girl boss have always been fulfilling, I just hit a season of "more."

More in every way your mind can dream it - a positive impact on the lives around me, both known and unknown; learning new skills that will make me an asset as a freelancer and in my bath and body business; making the time to elevate my mind by reading and/or listening to more books; becoming more mindful and self-aware; making wellness a priority, discovering ways to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle and so on.

There have been so many things that have been holding me back for so long though. The main culprit? Myself.

I seemed to have created this story of who I am, was and who I will be. I put limitations on what I can do, am capable of and what I'd achieve in life all without even realizing it.

In other words, I settled on basic without realizing that life is limitless. It's all in your mindset - but training your brain to reframe everything takes skill. The Stimulati Experience: 9 Skills for Getting Past Pain, Setbacks, and Trauma to Ignite Health and Happiness by Jim Curtis is a must read if you are ready to heighten your awareness, become more mindful of your negative thoughts that are setting you back and transform them into positive ones and just begin leading a healthier lifestyle.

By healthy, I mean of both mind and body. First, a little about the author, Jim Curtis.  For over 20 years he has battled a mysterious chronic illness. He grew accustomed to living in pain, denial, and despair. But when traditional medical therapies didn’t help, he sought answers elsewhere.

He traveled the world and met a group of extraordinary people he calls The Stimulati―and what he learned from them ultimately changed his life. While his illness didn't just up and disappear due to this new enlightenment, nor did it prevent set-backs, it's how he's reframed everything about his life that has helped him to live pain-free and go on to be incredibly successful in all aspects of his life.

The 9 skills and how to conduct them aren't overnight miracles, but they are great tools to set you, and keep you, on a better path to living your life in happy abundance. Happiess, living abundantly, pushing through pain, trauma and set-backs - isn't that something we all desire? I know I do.

After reading this powerful book, I realized that Jim and I have much in common. In fact, I’ve used many of the same skills he teaches to overcome my own challenges. These skills have helped me find my passion, which resulted in building a digital platform that has positively impacted the health of millions. Follow THE STIMULATI EXPERIENCE and you will be sparked!" - Chris Downie, founder and CEO SparkPeople.com, and author of the New York Times bestseller, THE SPARK

I identified with Chris' review about this book because I, too, have been implementing some of the skills Jim lays out prior to reading the book without even realizing that I was on the right track to improving my life.

To be honest, I was just winging it as I went along hoping I was creating a habit of transformative change in my life. I was honestly so happy when I read Jim's stories about how these skills changed his life for the better (and I learned a few new ones along the way.)

The 9 skills are covered in 9 chapters complete with strategies on how to implement them: Discovering the story you have on repeat
Realizing the truth
Reprogramming your shame, anger and resentment
Getting from lovesick to love
Surrounding yourself with awesome stories that heal and inspire
Manifesting your purpose with a new story and some bold goals
Finding the formula for healing and health
Living a meaningful life
Pushing fear aside and boldly taking action

(My favorite spot to think about what I am grateful for and what I will let go of.)

The book ends with a 21 day strategy to implementing his teachings so that they become habit. Each day includes being more mindful of what you are grateful for, telling yourself what you will let go of, daily affirmations (my favorite is "I can manifest anything"), setting your intention daily (this really helps set the focus for the day), writing out a 90 day Road Map for your mental and physical health, your relationships and contribution of giving back.

There's a lot more, but it's not overwhelming and really helps with presence of mind. I will say this, I feel grateful for having been given the opportunity to read this book prior to its release.

Jim Curtis is a master story teller and explains the pains and triumphs in his life in a way that you can see it in yours. And his enthusiasm for the experiences from which he has learned from those he's deemed Stimulati and his passion to share it with others struggling for "more" is contagious.

For me, The Stimulati Experience is a book I will surely be encouraging others to read (now available only as an audiobook. The Stimulati Experience is available on Amazon. 

This is a sponsored post written on behalf of OXY Skincare. All opinions belong to my two teen-aged sons. (And trust me, they are very opinionated.)

Teen boys are a fickle bunch. I have 6 sons, so I kind of feel like an expert on the topic. There seems to be this clear point in their teen years when they go from not really caring too much about hygiene (where they appear to be raised by wolves) to using their, et hem, mom's hair products, skin care and acne products because... girls. I've talked about my two oldest sons, Gavin and Connor, before and how they turned to me to teach them about proper skin care because their skin was breaking out all of the time or was too dry/too oily. The thing is, these two could not be any more different in looks, personality, interests, etc. But they do share two common issues that plague most teenagers: breakouts and lack of consistency. Let's start with my oldest, Gavin. The date that this article will publish he'll be days away from graduating from high school, so I may be typing this through tear-filled eyes. Gavin is obssessed with anime, all things Japanese and cosplay. You can always find him with his tablet watching an episode and ready to discuss it with you at length (so you better not have anything to do for the next hour.) He's also the kid known at his high school to wear a lab coat as part of his daily attire even when it's hot out. He was a late bloomer when it came to the social scene, being on the Autism Spectrum (but he is the friendliest and funniest kid you will ever meet.) He's getting ready to go to college to become a chemistry teacher and I could not be prouder of my first born. Despite their differences, both of them suffer from breakouts. (They would hate to know I just said they had something in common.) Ocassionally they will reach for the products I have out for them on the bathroom counter, but here's my pro tip if you have teenage boys: the easier the better. Boys tend not to be consistent with too many things; taking care of their skin is one of them. OXY is a brand I used in my teen years to treat my blemishes and there's a reason they're still around. They get what works. Their new On-The-Go Acne Stick? Works. Why? Because it is super easy to use and small enough to fit in their pocket to encourage consistency of use. It also contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to effectively treat acne. The OXY® On-The-Go Acne Stick is not only slim and compact in design, the acne treatment itself is a solid, so it avoids the use of any potentially messy liquids and creams. It also applies clear, so if they want to spot-treat breakouts on the go, no one is the wiser. This new acne treatment gets the approval of my boys, and I'm just glad it's one less thing I'll have to remind them about. The OXY® On-The-Go Acne Stick is now available at nationwide retailers, including Target, Rite Aid and online. Will you pick up one for your son? Subscribe to A Girl's Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We're on Kindle too! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of OXY. The opinions and text are all mine.

DryBy is a blow dry and nail bar conveniently located in Central London just off Regent Street. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I love the nail bar cross blow dry salon concept, as it is a great ‘one stop’ for busy professionals or those that want to fit in a workout, manicure, blowdry, lunch and afternoon coffee catch-up all in one day! DryBy has a unique ambience - it’s the kind of place where they have absolutely nailed (excuse the pun…) the mix between gritty and pretty. Large glass windows invite you into a scarcely clad, almost Scandinavian interior, decorated first floor where hairstylists busily transform clients’ hair in minutes. Located right next to Psycle (highly recommended if you have not already checked this out!), one gets the impression that this is where those in the know hang out. It’s the kind of place that you come to after you’ve sweated it out to Beyoncé on the bikes next door and are ready to spruce up your nails or treat yourself to a blowdry. Downstairs, is what looks like a basement that has been renovated into a stylish glamour station where feet and hands are pampered. This is the gritty that I’m talking about – dark with brick walls, but painted white with luxurious heavy velvet looking black curtains and clean cut furniture and décor. Clientele sip on prosecco and relax in a haven away from the light and noise of outside busy London. I was booked in for a shellac manicure and enjoyed a green tea whilst my therapist carefully filed, buffed and polished my nails. When I say carefully, I mean really, carefully. I was so impressed with the care, eye for detail and concentration that the therapists paid each client. It was if they wouldn’t let you leave until they were completely happy with the finished product. Cuticles were removed, nails buffed, hands massaged and nails lacquered into a perfectly square shape. The staff were also very friendly and made sure that clients were happy at all times, coming around often to top up drinks and find out if there was anything else they could do and hugging locals that were popping in for their regular manicures. A great Saturday afternoon catch-up venue for girlfriends or a lunchtime ‘pick me up’! Have you been there yourself? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Some of the most frquently used products in my makeup bag belongs to IT Cosmetics. From brushes to concealer to mascara and lip care, it's all IT. So why not kick off the unofficial start to summer by giving away some amazing products so you can see what all the fuss is about? You'll soon realize why IT Cosmetics is literally a gem. (And I swear one day I'm heading down to QVC to meet Jamie Kern Lima myself to tell her.) Here's what's included in this prize pack worth $183! Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+ Travel Size Travel Size Bye Bye Under Eye™ Anti-Aging Concealer Brow Power™ Universal Eyebrow Pencil Mini No-Tug™ Waterproof Anti-Aging Gel Eyeliner Confidence in a Cream™ Travel Size Heavenly Luxe™ Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 IT’s Your Brush Love Mini Superhero™ Mascara Je Ne Sais Quoi™ Lip Treatment in Rose Here's how to enter: IT Cosmetics Summer Kick-Off Giveaway Here's all that legal stuff I have to post: Giveaway runs from May 29, 2017 until 11:59pm EST June 3, 2017. Only one entry per person/household/email. US only, age 18+, void where prohibited. In order for an entry to be valid, the following actions are mandatory: (1) Follow @agirlsgottaspa and @itcosmetics on Twitter. Bonus entries include: (1) Tweeting about the giveaway, can be done daily (2) Visiting @agirlsgottaspa and @itcosmetics on Instagram. Invalid entries are disqualified. One person will win the following from IT Cosmetics: Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+ Travel Size, Travel Size Bye Bye Under Eye™ Anti-Aging Concealer, Brow Power™ Universal Eyebrow Pencil Mini, No-Tug™ Waterproof Anti-Aging Gel Eyeliner, Confidence in a Cream™ Travel Size, Heavenly Luxe™ Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6, IT’s Your Brush Love Mini, Superhero™ Mascara, and Je Ne Sais Quoi™ Lip Treatment in Rose. ARD is $183. No prize or cash substitutes. Void where prohibited. A Girl’s Gotta Spa! and IT Cosmetics have the right to cancel this giveaway at any time. Once the winner is chosen, announced and contacted, they have 3 business days to reply or a new winner will be chosen. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!