Avocados offer amazing skin and health benefits; avocado oil even more so, which is why this natural skin moisturizer is included among the ingredients of A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Salt Scrub. Some of the benefits of avocado oil include: It's rich in anti-oxidants, which counter the skin's natural aging process and helps fight free radicals. Among these in avocado oil are Vitamin A, C and E.

• Vitamin A: This anti-oxidant exfoliates and makes skin smooth, improves hydration and soothes irritated skin.
• Vitamin C: One of my favorite anti-oxidants for so many reasons, some are which include it's ability to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it helps increase collagen production (necessary for smoother skin and reducing wrinkles), and strengthens your skin's barrier response.
• Vitamin E: In skin care products, Vitamin E protects you from UV damage, helps prevent water loss from skin which can lead to dehydration (dry skin) while strengthening your skin's barrier. It also protects the skin oil balance when cleansing.

Avocado oil also contains omega-9 fatty acids, which are beneficial to skin health. They aid in hydration, combatting dry, flaky skin and often improves symptoms of eczema.   Bottom line? If your skin is dry, you want to use a product that contains avocado oil! Some posts to check out: DIY Skin Care Recipes Homemade Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment (includes avocados) DIY Avocado Hair and Face Mask Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

One of my favorite cruelty free makeup brands is IT Cosmetics. They also happen to make the most amazing makeup brushes that are incredibly soft (like swiping a cloud across your face.)  Their newest palette, CC+ Radiance, contains a color correcting powder, as well as a universal blush and bronzer to brighten skin. Each powder is aimed at improving the appearance of your skin tone - so not just concealing an uneven skin tone, but enhancing it in a very natural way. I don't know about you, but lately all of these conceal and contour how-to's out there seem to take beauty to an extreme. I'm really more about natural beauty and that's what I really love about this Radiance Palette. Looking at the CC+ Radiance Palette on their website, the blush looks to be a very light, pale pink. However, in person, it is more lively. I have fair to medium skin and the blush is not too bright, yet not too light. It's actually a very buildable color as well. I was able to lightly dust on color for day and then apply it a little more generously for night. The bronzer, despite looking dark in the photos, is really more subtle on my skin for a sun-kissed glow. For application I used their new Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball Brush and French Boutique Blush Brush. Both grab the powder and disperse it without it applying beyond its target. (I'm not a fan of brushes that blow powder all over your face, at all.) I use this palette daily and love the fact that it doesn't take a lot of the CC powder to make a difference on my skin. Plus it is very very light, so it doesn't appear cakey. Not to mention, there are days when I don't even need to use my regular concealer at all because this palette gets the job done. If I could ever get up the confidence to post a picture of myself without makeup, you would see that my skin doesn't look this good without the help of a palette like this! I'd love to hear from you if you've used it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!  

A lot has happened since 2005. A Girl's Gotta Spa! began as a beauty blog intended to help other women, short on time, discover meaningful reviews and tips that they could incorporate into their daily lives. It was also a way for me to connect socially with women in my season of life beyond the 4 walls of my house. (Working from home has many benefits, but socializing is not one of them.) October marks nine years that I've been blogging. (Insert gif of me doing the robot dance here. No, there'll be no image, but just know that I am indeed jamming out.) Thinking back to the October 26, 2005 version of me sitting in front of my chunky computer monitor on a dial-up internet connection, I was full of excitement and anticipation. I had zero html skills and zero design skills, but I was happy to figure it out as I went. There weren't many beauty blogs at the time, and the ones I was reading (Scentzilla, Beautiful Makeup Search, The Scented Salamander, Beauty Addict, Bag Snob, e-Beauty Daily) all had their unique spin on the beauty and fashion world - I knew I needed to discover mine. (Lest I forget to mention that I read Amalah every single day, as well.) For lack of doing a yawn-worthy post, I've decided to compile 9 things I've learned in 9 years of beauty blogging - this is going to be long: 1. Beauty blogging is hard work and sometimes it's exhausting making you become a hypocrite to your own tagline. When I initially launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! the tagline I chose was "because we all deserve a little pampering." I, for one, knew this well. However, over 9 years, 4 children, 2 miscarriages, a divorce and re-marriage, I can honestly tell you I often forgot about myself, my needs and that I deserved to take time for myself. Coming to this realization, which I guess you could say was like an epiphany, is what led me to launch A Girl's Gotta Spa! bath and body line. How many other women out there are like me, I wondered, the friend who can give the great advice but can't seem to apply it to her own life? I now take time for myself each day without guilt or regret. 2. Sometimes at the beginning of your journey you think you can see a clear path, but often that path has twists and turns you never saw coming, both good and bad. In 2005, the only two goals I had, as stated above, were to be a help to other women and to have that connection with others. I recall that within 9 months of launching the blog, I was contacted to potentially write for an online magazine. I was beside myself (although it never panned out.) A month after that I was interviewed and extended the opportunity to join b5media (now defunct) and launch another blog called, Makeup Minute (anyone remember it?) Then a month after that a well-known NYC PR firm hired me to be their "Chief Blogger." Within 6 months of that I was doing social media consulting with beauty brands. Suddenly, I had a new career on my hands. It was never my intention, and I still marvel over this stream of events that took place that has led me to where I am now. This path, although incredible and at times almost unbelievable, hasn't always been easy, but I am so beyond grateful for how this path essentially changed my life. 3. Just like anything in life, you will meet some really great people and you will meet some people who, for lack of a better word, suck. I can truly say that my intended goal of connecting with other people has been a success. There are so many people I have met in person and virtually connected with (due to distance) over the years that have really made an impact on me, both positive and negative. Just like the soap opera of life, some have betrayed me and left me in tears, while others have brought me so much joy, that they inspire me daily. I've witnessed random acts of kindness from acquaintances to punch-you-in-the-gut careless words being said by people I've considered my friends. Just for the record, I read all of your comments and emails. Some make me smile and some make me crinkle my nose. I prefer the ones that make me smile because crinkling my nose leads to wrinkles. 4. No one will understand what you do, like ever. I don't even think this one needs to be explained because my fellow bloggers will simply nod in agreement from that sentence alone. 5. Evolution is a guarantee. I can say this with confidence. Blogging has evolved as a platform, and many of us who began so long ago have evolved and branched out. I am so very proud of my blogging friends who have now launched product lines and wrote books like Kitiya of Mischo Beauty, Tina of Bag Snob, Elizabeth of Beauty Bets, and Nadine of Nadine Jolie Courtney, to name a few. In 9 years, A Girl's Gotta Spa!'s tagline has evolved too. Because we all deserve a little pampering has now become You Deserve to Be Pampered. It feels more empowering. 6. Opportunity will knock in expected and unexpected ways, be ready for both. The one thing I like about laying my head down at night and waking the next day (besides still living to see another day) is that each morning is like a clean slate. It is always open to new possibilities. To be honest, I can't really think of any more. This is what happens when you turn 40. Your brain effectively nose-dives into ADD behavior and mush. You know what would be funny? Is if you share this post with the statement, "Points 7, 8 and 9 are the most profound!" Then everyone will be confused and feel duped. Which I guess is point 7 - have a sense of humor. And point 8 - don't believe everything you hear on the internet. And finally point 9, be forever grateful for the gifts God has given you and appreciative to how far down the path they can take you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me for 9 years and I hope you'll stick around for many more. xo - Shannon Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Feet are always in need of some restoration and hydration no matter the season. Whether you’ve had a long day at the office, you’re suffering from dry flip-flop feet, or you’re trying to break in a new pair of heels, there is nothing a DIY at-home foot scrub can’t fix. Try the below recipe for a luxurious, at-home foot treatment from celebrity manicurist and owner of As "U" Wish Nail Spa, Skyy Hadley and your feet will feel good as new in no time! Skyy Hadley’s Recipe for the Ultimate Hydrating Coconut Scrub: · Begin by muddling a few fresh mint leaves in an empty jar to release their natural essential oils. This will help you relax while providing hydration. · Warm up some coconut oil and pour into the jar until it is halfway full. · Add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix in 1 tablespoon of sugar until the sugar is completely immersed in the oil mixture. · Take a couple spoonfuls of the scrub and work into your legs and feet to fully exfoliate, sloughing away dead skin and smoothing out calluses, cracked heels and rough spots. · The coconut oil will provide a great amount of moisture, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple. · Also, be sure to rub on toe nail beds and in between toes to prevent nail infections and fungus (as coconut oil contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties). · Repeat 1-2 times per week for a moisturizing and revitalizing at-home spa treatment. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Teen skin issues are in full force in my house. Thankfully my sons have taken an interest in caring for their skin and always come to me with questions about how to clear up blemishes, moisturize and cleanse their skin, and for my oldest, asked my husband to show him how to shave. Whether you are a teenager or an adult battling blemishes, a spot treatment is a must-have to keep on hand. GR8SKN from Teenceuticals is a new skin care line targeted to teens and those in their 20's, and let's face it, teen skin and adult skin do differ in how it combats and recovers from acne. (Not to mention male skin from female skin, but that's a whole other article.) GR8SKN products are paraben-free, sulfate-free and cruelty free. Gavin is the one who tends to breakout the most, so he was all for testing out GR8SKN's Clear Exfoliating Spot Treatment and Toner. Clear uses an airless pump and recyclable packaging. You can't really control how much product you pump out though, but we were able to get around this by barely pressing down on the pump so that a small amount of product would come out. This spot treatment had an herbal fragrance, which Gavin said he didn't mind. The texture is thin and silky without being greasy and quickly absorbed into his skin. Ingredients for this acne spot treatment are Mandelic Acid (from almonds), willow bark, Irish moss, chamomile, geranium, rosemary and lavender oil. It didn't dry out Gavin's skin like most teen acne treatments do and seemed to be effective in calming the inflammation of his blemishes. With it being the only blemish spot treatment in the house, I've taken to using it as well. (I really wish I could've left pimples back in my 20's.) Has your teen tried it? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

With the change of season it takes an extra dose of effort (and nutrients) to ward off dreaded colds. The Umstead Hotel and Spa (Cary, N.C.) is treating spa guests to a soothing seasonal Lemon Ginger Lavender Elixir that will be more pleasant on the palate than cough syrup!

Chef Greg Gettles shares his recipe for a refreshing, vitamin-packed pick-me-up that combines potassium and calcium-rich Lemon, Ginger, which has antioxidant and direct anti-inflammatory effects, relaxing Lavender and Thyme, which helps relieve coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion.

Lemon Ginger Lavender Elixir Recipe:

· 7 lemons (peeled and juiced)

· 7 bruised and chopped lemongrass

· 3 oz. peeled and chopped ginger

· ½ oz. dried lavender

· 12 oz. lemon juice

· 16 oz. honey

· 7 oz. simple syrup

· 3 ½ oz. ginger puree

· 12 sprigs thyme

· 16 qt. simmering water

Method: Combine all ingredients in a cambro and pour over with simmering water.  Allow mixture to steep for at least 4 hours before straining.  Adjust seasoning and chill.

Enjoy and feel better!

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Copper has many skin care benefits including the promotion of collagen and elastin production, as well as acting as an antioxidant. Copper peptides help to firm, smooth and soften skin, and it's said that copper can accomplish it in half the time compared to most other anti-aging skin care ingredients. Copper peptides are also beneficial when it comes to treating scars, as well. NEOVA has a Copper Moisture Mask as part of their Treat line of products. Skin care products in this collection aim to reduce the signs of photoaging, rejuvenate the skin and soothe irritation. The NEOVA Copper Moisture Mask has the consistency of a thick gel, which is lightly tinted blue and has a light fragrance that I can only describe as sweet almond in nature. Prior to applying the mask, cleanse your skin. The sample I was provided with came with a ceramic spoon, however I'm unsure if that was extra or if it comes with the mask. The reason I mention it, is because it's important not to stick your fingers into the gel to prevent bacteria transfer. Use a spoon or spatula that you can clean with hot water after using. The gel has a cooling effect and due to its thickness, it won't slide off your face. You really don't need a lot of product to get the job done. Leave on for up to 20 minutes, however you might find that you need to remove it sooner as the gel begins to dry and makes your skin taunt. (I chose to remove mine after 10 minutes.) Use warm water and a cloth to remove the mask. (I used my Swisspers Cleansing Cloth.) Removal is a little tricky, as the water to remove it seems to reactivate the mask from thin and dry back to gel. It took a few swipes of the cloth to remove it. Once you've removed the mask, apply your toner, serum and moisturizer as usual. Your skin will feel incredibly supple. Hydrated skin always improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. After about a month of use, I did notice a slight fading of the photodamage on my face. Would love to  hear if you've used this mask or have a question! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: Press Sample

Ever since I decided to make the leap into wearing red lipstick, I've become obsessed. While I know that self-confidence comes from within, the perfect red lipstick can get you there a little quicker. Cruelty free cosmetics brand, Cate McNabb, has some incredibly hydrating lipsticks and Be Mine basically begged to be worn. It's a pink-based satin red that screams I got this. Or like a boss (as my kids would say.) Years ago I wasn't much of a lipstick fan in general simply because lipsticks tend to dry out my lips. Then I look older than I am and ain't nobody got time for that. Not to mention all of the wrinkle-minimizing products I use...only to have my lips shout OLD? No thanks. I'm happy to report that Cate McNabb's lipsticks don't dry you out. With nourishing ingredients like shea butter, sunflower seed oil and olive oil it's virtually impossible to do anything but hydrate your lips. As with any red lipstick, make sure to wear a lip liner to help prevent color bleed. The color itself was long-lasting, with the exception of eating and drinking of course (but that goes for any lip product in general.) Have you tried Cate McNabb's lipsticks? I'd love to hear from you in the comments! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: Press Sample

A year ago when A Girl's Gotta Spa! began the quest of producing the best bath and body products, this exfoliating salt scrub was the one I was looking forward to most. It's no secret that body scrubs are by far my most favorite skin care item due to the way it transforms your skin. Transformation is important when it comes to self-care. When you take the time for yourself, even to simply scrub away dull, dry skin, you make yourself a priority and that's important for your emotional well-being. If you don't make the time to care for yourself, who else is going to? Can we talk about how amazing this 10 oz. exfoliating body scrub is? As my fellow beauty blogger Christine from 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic told me, "I'm going to eat the scrub. OMG." Now, please don't consume this product, but I don't blame you if that's the first thing that comes to mind. It is 100% natural, though, as well as vegan and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free. The natural ingredients listed on the label are super easy to understand. Don't you hate when you look at a label and scratch your head at an ingredient? I aimed to make it as simple as possible. That's why if you see Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, I let you know that's Sweet Almond Oil in paranthesis. Some of the incredible ingredients include: Dead Sea Salt, Avocado Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Beet Root, Green Tea and pure essential oils. So not only is the Energizing Citrus fragrance out of this world like ripe citrus fruit at the peak of freshness, the other natural ingredients are skin smoothing and hydrating.  

Exfoliating Body Scrub http://t.co/WHgSO4eZtG — A Girl's Gotta Spa! (@agirlsgottaspa) November 6, 2014

You want to look and feel your best and sometimes that can be difficult with everything you may have going on. Believe me, it happens to all of us (sometimes more often than we'd like to admit.) Give yourself just 5 minutes. It's too easy to neglect ourselves and become worn out, stressed out and run down. Rid your skin of environmental stress while treating yourself to some me time! You deserve to be pampered. To stay in the loop regarding A Girl's Gotta Spa! bath and body line, please subscribe to our mailing list (you get 15% off your first order if you do!) Also check out our ever growing list of retailers that believe in our mission. Interested in becoming a retail partner? Please see our Wholesale page.

Lately I have been somewhat obsessed with bananas.  Being insanely busy for the past two months has reintroduced me to how versatile bananas can be.

In the morning I blend them with almond milk, blueberries and medjool dates for a simple, quick and super filling smoothie or will slice them and add to my muesli or coconut milk yogurt.

When I'm really rushed for time I have a banana with a few almonds for a filling, yet healthy snack.  Little did I know that in addition to being filling and convenient, bananas also have amazing benefits for skin, hair and my overall health and well-being.

The health benefits of bananas are seemingly endless. They contain flavonoids and poly-phenolics, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta and alpha carotenes, acting as free radical-destroying antioxidants. 

They also are also high vitamin C, most known for its infection-fighting properties. Just one banana contains 467 mg of potassium, which is important for controlling heart rate and blood pressure.  The vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in bananas provides around 28% of what is needed daily to help prevent anemia and coronary artery disease.  

The fiber content of bananas helps keep the digestive system regulated, while magnesium helps to strengthen bones and protect the heart.  Manganese is needed to activate antioxidant enzyme and one banana supplies an adequate amount of copper to keep up the production of red blood cells. 

Bananas have been used to settle upset stomachs (including morning sickness), reduce stress, ease heartburn pain, relieve constipation, soothe PMS symptoms, cure warts, and stimulate brain power.

In addition to the health benefits, the beautifying benefits of bananas are countless. They contain significant amounts of vitamin C and B6, which is vital in maintaining the integrity and elasticity of the skin. 

In addition, the large amount of antioxidants and manganese present in banana protect the body from damage caused by  free radicals which lead to premature aging of the skin.  A banana has about 75% water by weight and thus helps to hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying and peeling.  The potassium in a banana helps to draws out excess fluid from under the skin and reduces swelling immediately, which makes it ideal for reducing puffy eyes. 

The potassium, natural oils, carbohydrates and vitamins in bananas helps to soften hair and protect hair’s natural elasticity preventing split ends and breakage. Banana also creates manageability, shine, growth and controls dandruff.  Bananas can be incorporated into facial and hair masks, face and body scrubs and applied to the eye area to battle puffy eyes.

For a moisturizing facial mask: Mash one banana to the consistency of baby food (or you can blend it to make it thinner) Add one teaspoon of natural honey and mix Apply to your face Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse off with tepid water Optional: Add lemon if you have acne or yogurt for oily skin.

For a moisturizing hair mask: Puree 1-3 ripe bananas (amount of bananas depends on the length/thickness of your hair) Add 1-3 tablespoons of honey (same as above depending on length/thickness of your hair) 2 teaspoons of coconut oil Blend all ingredients and apply to your hair Leave on for 30-60 minutes (the longer the better) and rinse, shampoo and condition hair as you normally would.

Since they are available year round, bananas may not only the perfect food, but also the ultimate beauty product!