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! 

Right now my hair looks and feels dry, lackluster and just downright sad. I know that I could've taken better care of my hair, but sometimes it's much too easy to neglect my hair care routine and just disguise less than stellar hair with a cute braid or bun. Agreed? I decided to start the process of devoting more time to healthy hair by reevaluating the products I use to clean it.  A lot of shampoos actually have a drying effect on my hair (textured, curly) so finding an alternative to drying shampoos was my first order of business. This first hair cleanser I tried in my quest to undo the havoc I've wreaked on my hair was a non-sudsing, oil-based shampoo called From the Lab Transforming Hair Cleanser No. 724.  This hair cleanser contains a combination of traditional oils and high tech stem sells that clean, condition and detangle hair.  I will admit that it was a challenge psychologically to get used to a cleanser that does not produce suds since that is what my brain has been conditioned to understand - suds = cleansing. However, my hair did feel really clean after using the Transforming Hair Cleanser No. 724 and once dried, my hair did feel less dry and brittle.  As I mentioned, if you are like me and are accustomed to seeing and feeling soapy suds when you shampoo your hair, this product will take some getting used to, but it does work and I would highly recommend it for naturally curly, textured hair like mine. If you just can't see yourself cleaning your hair without soap or suds you may want to give Colorado Aromatics Sage Angel Falls Conditioning Shampoo a try.  Angel Falls shampoo is a natural shampoo with conditioners to soften hair.  The all natural, ecocertified, biodegradable surfactants in this shampoo are gentle on hair and will not strip your color. Plus the botanical extracts and Vitamin B contribute to both hair and scalp health.  I absolutely love the soothing, minty scent of this shampoo.  It seemed to gently cleanse my hair and left it feeling clean and refreshed without that stripped, dry feel.  What is great about this shampoo is that I can not only pronounce the all natural ingredients that it contains, but I also know what they are...a first for any shampoo I've used. Another one of the hair cleansing products that I tried and positively loved was the Mane Choice "Give It To Me Straight" Moisturizing Shampoo.  This shampoo is infused with Moroccan Argan Oil to nourish, protect and hydrate hair.  It's gentle enough for chemically and color treated hair and even to clean extensions. It's free of parabens, sulfates and sodium chloride.  I  loved the delicious lemony cookie scent of this moisturizing shampoo and immediately after using it my hair felt softer and not at all dry or stripped. I especially like using the Mane Choice "Give It To Me Straight" Moisturizing Shampoo when I plan on blow drying or flat ironing my hair because it contains thermal protectants formulated to protect hair from straightening appliances. All of the cleansers are cruelty free. I'd love to hear from you if you've used any of the above mentioned products - or to tell me about your favorite that I should check out! 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 Samples

From your head to your toes, winter conditions are no fun for your skin. Not only does dry skin look unhealthy, it can be really uncomfortable, too. Did you know that everything you need to save your skin from winter is as close as your pantry or refrigerator? Below are some excellent DIY skin care recipes from Dr. Susan Stuart a board certified dermatologist from La Jolla, California. Avocado Mask An avocado mask is perfect for dry skin that may become very irritated in the winter. It is easy to make: mash the flesh of avocado with a fork, add a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, and apply this smooth, fragrant mixture onto your face. “This nourishing mask will supply your skin with a whole range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and softening agents to fight winter dryness,” says Dr. Stuart. We've also included avocado in our DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment and DIY Avocado Hair & Face Mask. Avocado Oil can be found in A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Salt Scrub, too. Sweet Almond Body Scrub Almonds are packed full of nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats. These compounds make them nourishing to your body inside and out. Try this recipe to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. -1 cup brown sugar -1/2 cup almond oil -2 tsp honey -1 tsp pure vanilla extract Mix all ingredients together in a shatter-proof bowl. In the shower or tub, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions (after washing your skin with soap), concentrating on rough or dry areas of the skin. Rinse with warm water, allowing the residual layer of almond oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry. Chocolate Face Mask Once regarded as a bane to our health, new research has shown that dark chocolate is healthy—and not just to eat. Compounds found in chocolate can actually benefit the skin when applied topically. -1/3 cup cocoa powder -1/4 cup honey -2 Tbsp cream or plain yogurt or sour cream -3 tsp oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking) Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry. (I still eat a lot of dark chocolate, though.) Apple Vinegar Foot Soak -1 part apple vinegar -2 parts water Mix ingredients and soak for 30 minutes for hydrating new-like feet. Don't worry about the smell, as it will do wonders for cracked, rough, smelly feet! Static hair - Coconut oil Rub a small amount of coconut oil between the palms of your hand and lightly pat down the top of your head. "Just the tiny bit of moisture will tame fly-aways and hydrate tresses without leaving hair greasy looking," says Dr. Stuart. Rough elbows and heels -Fresh figs -Hardened coconut oil (optional if you choose to make a more aggressive scrub). -Sugar Take ripe figs and mash or blend then in a bowl. Add coconut oil. This mixture will gently exfoliate, as the fig seeds will lightly clean and remove dead skin. According to Dr. Stuart, "Coconut oil is highly nutritious and moisturizing. Make sure the coconut oil is not melted. Place in fridge if you have to solidify, because if you are like me and prefer more exfoliation, add some sugar to this and create a dry scrub. Once this touches your skin, the coconut oil and sugar will melt." Apply while you're in the bath tub or shower and be careful as it may cause a slippery surface. Vanilla Lip Scrub -2 parts sugar -1 part olive oil -vanilla extract to taste This scrub will get rid of rough, dead skin on and around the lips. No one wants chapped lips where you can see the lines under your lip color, so this scrub is perfect! Also see our DIY Lip Scrub recipe. Loved these DIY skin care recipes? Please share them on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! 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!

Know for their incredible handmade artisan soaps, Faith, Soaps & Love has another trick up their sleeves... or in this case, in their tubes. Good things come in 2 oz. packages. Don't let the small number fool you, as the Solid Lotion Bar tube is the size of my hand. If you've never tried solid lotion before, it is a different experience than fluid lotion and has its benefits. These particular lotion bars are comprised of shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, fragrance or essential oil. Simple ingredients and completely convenient packaging. While the shea butter and coconut oil hydrate your skin, the beeswax locks in the moisture. It's best used on your elbows, knees, heels of your feet - which is also another reason the packaging is super convenient. I've used lotion bars in the past, but they came in a tin and I'd have to hold them in my hand to apply. It would become tricky because the heat from my hand would soften the bar and my hands would become a little greasy. Utilizing Faith, Soaps & Love's solid lotion bars in the tube totally takes the messiness out of the equation. I love that. I'm not the only one in my house using these solid lotion bars, as my oldest son began using them on his eczema. His elbows get really bad and he tends to scratch it, making it worse (and spreading.) I've tried encouraging him to use body oil sprays and lotions, but he always foregoes it (i.e. he ignores me.) I've mentioned it before, and if you are a long time reader you may already know, that my oldest son is on the Autism Spectrum. With his sensory issues he found that the solid lotion in a tube is perfect for him. Better still, his eczema has diminished significantly. While I can't go making bold claims that it cures eczema, it definitely helps. He now uses it on his legs and arms, too. The solid lotion bars come in a variety of scents and are only $6.50 each. They do also sell non-tubed heart-shaped lotion bars in a variety of fragrances as well (set of 4 is $6.) As with their handmade soap, the tubes each have a scripture verse on them. Have you tried solid lotion before? 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! Shannon on G+ *Disclosure: Press Samples

No matter your age, unwanted facial hair can become a true confidence problem. From genetics to mature skin, it can be difficult to feel beautiful when dark excess hair lingers around. Bleaching the hair is an option and if you haven't tried it before and are curious, read on. First, bleaching noticeable hair is actually pretty simple. There's not too much involved and it can be accomplished in about 10 minutes and last for up to 4 weeks - so it is definitely something you can squeeze into your beauty routine without having to put aside a large amount of time or use a plethora of products for that matter. Jolen, an at-home beauty staple for millions of women for the last 50 years, has an easy peasy Creme Bleach that not only lightens facial hair such as on your upper lip, cheeks, chin and even your brows, but it will also lighten arm and body hair, as well. Jolen Creme Bleach comes in an original formula as well as a sensitive formula with Aloe Vera, which is ideal for use on sensitive, more delicate skin. How to Lighten Excess Facial Hair: 1. Wash the area to be bleached with soap and cold water, then pat dry. 2. Measure one quarter teaspoon (with the spatula provided) of the Accelerator powder and place it into the cup (also provided.) 3. Rinse off the spatula and re-use it to measure one half teaspoon Creme Bleach into the cup and blend with the powder. 4. Looking in a magnifying mirror, such as the Conair Illuminated LED Mirror, apply the mixture with the spatula to the area to be bleached, covering all of the hair completely. 5. Wait 10 minutes, then remove the paste with the spatula and wash the area with cold water. That's it! The bleach is gentle to skin and leaves it soft and smooth and the whole process is practically effortless. Since bleaching can last up to 4 weeks, this is a process you only have to do once a month. It's less painful than waxing (doesn't hurt at all) and less messy/irritating than depilatory creams. Where's your trouble spot for noticeable hair -- lip, cheeks, arms, elsewhere? Jolen Creme Bleach formulas can be found in stores nationwide, including CVS, Harmon, Rite Aid, ULTA, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as online. They are also cruelty free. LIKE Jolen's Facebook page for glam, giveaways and beauty tricks from celebrity makeup artists! Now through November 14, 2014, enter the Jolen 50th Giveaway for a chance to win $50 gift cards to Jolen retailers, as well as Jolen Creme Bleach product. More than 50 winners! #GoConfidently Stay connected to Jolen for offers, giveaways and the latest in beauty tricks from celebrity makeup artists at https://www.facebook.com/jolen. 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! This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received both Jolen Creme Bleach formulas and a Conair 3X/1X Illuminated LED Mirror for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

I'm always on the lookout for a BB or CC cream that not only matches my skin tone but also has SPF 20 and over, covers without feeling heavy or oily, helps to reduce the size of my pores and gives me a little glow. My skin could be described as medium to dark with green undertones and most BB or CC creams ends up making my face look slightly ashy or like I went crazy with a really dark bronzer. I find that mixing two of the several variations of medium colors that I have sometimes gives me the look I'm going for, but honestly with my busy schedule most days I don't have the time for mixing as I need something that simplifies my morning routine. I've never heard of nor used any products by nyakio, so I was excited when I received their ABC African Beauty Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen in Cinnamon. The founder, Nyakio, uses "naturally effective African ingredients", and combines them "with modern, result-driven formulas to deliver superb multi-tasking products." The best part? Her products are formulated without parabens or sulfates. The nyakio African Beauty Cream states that it provides a sheer coverage and natural radiance, wears for eight hours, reduces the look of fine lines and leaves skin smooth and hydrated. The following morning I smoothed the Beauty Cream onto my face after cleansing and applying a serum. As I still have a bit of my summer tan, Cinnamon wasn't too dark for me. The consistency is creamy but on my face it feels light and sheer; I felt like it melted into my skin to provide the coverage I'm looking for giving me a natural glow. Not only did it hide my imperfections, but it also moisturized my skin without feeling greasy. Even with the SPF 20 in there, my face did not have that ashy tinge. As I wanted to see how it would hold up for a day at the office, I didn't use any other make-up besides lip gloss. Throughout the day and until I cleansed my face before bed, my face still looked smooth and radiant and although it felt hydrated, I didn't feel like it was greasy or heavy. At the moment Cinnamon is working for me,  but I believe once my tan fades, I'll probably have to switch to a lighter color. I love that a little goes a long way and I know this will be a staple for me! If you're looking for a product to help simplify your daily beauty routine and one that "protects, perfects and primes skin while helping to prevent skin from showing the signs of premature aging and staying color-true throughout the day", this is it! akio ABC African Beauty Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen comes in five shades and is cruelty free: Macadamia (light) Honey (light-medium) Almond (medium) Cinnamon (medium-deep) Coffee (deep) It sells for $39.00 and will be available this month at HSN, HSN.com and nyakio.com. 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