Top 5 DIY Round Up Musts with Sensational Party Idea Included

We did all the work so you don’t have to…

How many times do we hear ourselves say, "I want clearer skin?" "Smaller Pores?" "A youthful glow?" "Even skin tone?" You get the point.

We ask ourselves how we can achieve these things, which products to buy, and then we go searching. Usually this results in one of two things - we see the prices and cringe or we're overwhelmed with the selection choices and either choose on a whim or throw our hands up all together.

Truth is, although there are many great products out there that are well worth the cost (such as, A Girl's Gotta Spa! products *cough cough*), we can also easily concoct some of the very best skin care products right from our own kitchen with little effort.

DIY products allow for dollars saved, knowledge gained, ease of experimenting to see what works best for us, and best of all allows us the control of knowing exactly what ingredients are in our self-made products.

Of course it’s best to follow the guidance and wisdom of those who have went before us on these ventures, so below is a short round up of 5 of the best DIY skin care articles written by us here at AGGS over the years to start you on your way and condense your search!

DIY Facial Peels

Read this article if you are looking for DIY on:

• Restoring hydration
• Evening out dark spots
• Addressing fine lines and wrinkles
• Soothing skin irritation and reducing swelling

This article lays out three simple, but effective skin peels, as well as a concise and accurate description of what skin peels are and why they are a useful part of our skin care regime.

DIY Honey Apple Cider Vinegar Sugar Scrub

Read this article if your looking to combat:

• Redness
• Dullness
• Oily Skin

This article gives the how-to on creating a fabulously surreal sugar scrub that is especially great for the winter months or for those in dry air conditions.

There are so many great honeys out there and even different sugars that we would love to hear your input and experience on what you chose and how it worked!

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Face Scrub

Read this article if your looking for DIY on:

• GLOW

This is where we learn that Pumpkin Spice Latte is for more than just sipping during the holiday season, and don’t be mistaken and start dumping a cup of it on your face. No, no, no we are talking about how to make a DIY SCRUB that will help you get your GLOW on!

And really who doesn’t want that all year round? Mmmm, take a read to find out what all the talk is about. No need for throwing shade when all we really wanna do is glllloooooow! Sparkle sparkle.

Winter Skin Care DIY

Read this article if you want hair to heel DIY recipes on saying buh-bye to the winter woes of dry this and that body foes like:

• Dry Skin
• Dry Hair
• Static Hair
• Chapped lips
• Rough Elbows
• Cracked and shotty heels

This article is fruitfully filled with SEVEN skin and hair product recipes for masks, scrubs, AND moisturizers that include such ingredients as chocolate and coconut to vanilla and figs. A MUST READ!

DIY Acne Treatments

Read this article if you want DIY treatments for:

• ACNE

Yup, I put it in caps because we all know what a PIA acne is, that it’s difficult to treat, and often not so light on the purse strings.

Take a visual gander to gain insightful tips and guidance with trialing some at-home remedies that may make all the difference in the world when trying to abolish the age ol’ blemish.

Please always remember to read directions carefully and follow instructions, but most of all HAVE FUN and tell us ALL about it!

PARTY IDEA NOTE: Invite the girls over and put these recipes out with a selection of ingredients laid out on the counter and have a literal party where each guest gets to make their own beauty product.

• Awesome social event ✔️
• Great for conversation starters and exchanging ideas ✔️
• Beauty and self-care/love inspired ✔️
• Party favor/gift included without you having to make them ✔️

Take pictures and let us know how it goes, we LOVE hearing from you!!!

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. Don't forget to check out our cruelty free beauty products!

Oh spa girls, I am so excited right now! BELLA Magazine has featured A Girl's Gotta Spa! Synergy Himalayan Salt Scrub in their Gratitude issue!

On page 27, you'll find a list of 10 stocking stuffer ideas, including our super fab salt scrub!

Maybe you're new here, so let me tell you all about this amazing exfoliator.

synergy

/ˈsɪnədʒi/
noun
the interaction or cooperation of two or more substances that produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
via the Oxford Dictionary

Synergy has so many power driven ingredients to gently exfoliate and nourish your skin, leaving you with a next level glow.

Natural Body Scrub

As a body scrub that is 100% natural and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free, under the lid you'll find Pink Himalayan Salt, safflower and sunflower seed oils, buds of lavender and cornflower mixed with lavender, jasmine, rose geranium, palmarosa and cedarwood oils.

The natural ingredients in Synergy hit every pain point - from tackling the flakes of dry skin to moisturizing it back to a silky softness; add in a known scar-fading ingredient and the aromatherapy powers of lavender to promote de-stressing - and you've discovered your new must-have.

If you haven't tried A Girl's Gotta Spa! Synergy Himalayan Salt Scrub yet, you are surely in for a treat!

Grab it here on our website (and look for the 10% off pop up!) or click on over to Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UHm6bT

BELLA Magazine can be found on newsstands and every Barnes and Nobles in the US. Go grab your copy today!

To stay in the loop regarding our bath and body line, please subscribe to our mailing list. Also check out our ever growing list of retailers that believe in our mission statement – You Deserve to be Pampered. Looking to sell A Girl’s Gotta Spa! in your store? Please contact us!

November 4, 2019 (Sun Valley, ID) — A Girl's Gotta Spa!, a brand dedicated to encouraging and empowering women through self-care beauty products, is thrilled to announce its participation in the second annual Women-Led Wednesday on November 27, 2019.

Women-Led Wednesday is...

a collective brand campaign designed to spotlight and encourage holiday shoppers to support women-founded and -led brands.

Similar to purpose-driven shopping holidays like Small Business Saturday, Women-Led Wednesday is dedicated to supporting a specific business group – women, women-identified, and non-binary/genderqueer brand leaders – in efforts to create a more gender-balanced economy.

Beyond the November 27 Women-Led Wednesday holiday, the initiative is dedicated to promoting and uniting women-led brands year-round.

The newly launched Women-Led Wednesday website and directory allow visitors to explore, search for and learn more about women-led brands.

I strongly believe in community over competition and have always, and will continue, to support female-led companies. Women investing in women with their dollars, their words and their actions, shows future generations the importance of standing behind female-led brands," said Shannon Smyth, A Girl's Gotta Spa! Chief Pampering Officer.

Not Enough Women in C-Level Positions

Today, women are 50.8% of the population and 52% of the professional-level work force in the U.S. but only 25% of executives and senior management officials, 20% of board seats, and 6% of CEOs among S&P 500 companies.

As of 2018 there were more CEOs named James than women of any name running Fortune 500 companies according to a study published by the New York Times.

“There’s no shortage of discussion and a lot of viable paths to get more women in the C-suite and on Fortune 500 executive boards,” said Women-Led Wednesday Creator and Wild Rye Co-Founder Cassie Abel.

“I believe that one of the best and fastest paths to create a more gender-balanced economy; however, is to shine a light on and encourage everyone to vote with their dollars for brands that are already led by women.

Visible female leadership is so important to the health of our global economy long-term, the collaborative initiative aims to encourage holiday shoppers to shop women-led brands on November 27, 2019 and the other 364 days a year.

“Participating brands are thinking bigger than themselves and understand that a rising tide lifts all ships,” Abel continued. “After over 100 brands committed to the initiative in a two-week period the first year, I knew the idea resonated with women business leaders.

Women are eager to support each other in a way that’s really special. Year two is shaping up to be much bigger with more brands, bigger brands and a more coordinated effort. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish—we truly are stronger together.”

WomenLedWednesday.com serves as the campaign’s primary discovery hub and directory of women-led businesses. Established female-led consumer products brands and retailers can join for the 2nd annual through the “join us” tab on the website.

Website: www.womenledwednesday.com
Instagram: @womenledwednesday
Twitter: @womenledwed

#WomenLedWednesday #ShopWomenLed

About Women-Led Wednesday
Women-Led Wednesday is a nationwide campaign designed to encourage consumers to support by voting with their dollars for women-led brands during the holiday shopping season and beyond. The second annual Women-Led Wednesday will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. The campaign supports women in leadership and empowers female entrepreneurs in efforts to create a more gender-balanced economic landscape. Our mission is simple: support women. Visit WomenLedWednesday.com for more information.

I recently had the opportunity to try out Fleur & Bee's Rose and Shine Refreshing Rose Water Toner - that you must hear about!

Fleur & Bee is a company known for their stance on creating 100% natural, non-toxic skincare products that are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free.

What I also would like to note before diving into this review, is that they are a company who gives back to support and empower women. 1% of all
sales goes to the distribution of menstrual hygiene products to girls in need.

This is such an untouched area of need in this country, and especially in financially destitute countries.

Many do not realize the absolute need for access to these products and/or the positive impact on health and well-being, infection control, and even self-worth of a woman.

The fact that Fleur & Bee appreciates the need and impact, as well as follows through on supporting this need, tells me from the door that they are an action-oriented company who puts their money where their mouth is.

What is Toner?

Toner creates homeostasis of your complexion by balancing ph levels. It works to reduce the appearance of your pores and removes residual impurities not removed by cleansers.

It is considered an essential element in your skin care regime and an absolute in skin care health.

Rose and Shine Refreshing Rose Water Toner Review

Rose and Shine Refreshing Rose Water Toner is made of 2 highly effective and 100% natural ingredients; Purified water and Rosa Damascena flower oil.

This toner is paraben free, sulfate free, gluten free, non-GMO, and it's 100% vegan.

This is not only an effective product, it is a product ideal for allergy sufferers, those with sensitive skin or other health conditions where toxins can negatively impact other major organs, vegans, vegetarians, and over-all pursuers of health and wellness and, well, beautiful skin!

It comes in an easy to use spritz bottle, which is sized for your hand, making it comfortable to hold. It's also only 2 floz, making it TSA friendly.

It smells AMAZING!!!! It felt like I was spraying a luscious rose on my face without leaving a weird or bad taste sitting in my mouth.

My skin felt oh-so-refreshed and clean! I looove my make-up, so sometimes even after using a cleanser I feel like my skin wasn’t as clean as it could be.

Note: I suffer with plaque psoriasis so it's best to leave NO foothold for breakouts or inflammatory responses on my face.

That said, when I used Rose and Shine my face felt the cleanest it had ever felt, the color of my complexion appeared balanced, and well I felt like I not only smelled fresh, but looked fresh with a feeling of glow!

And, yes, I am all about the glow!

When Should You Use Toner?

Use toner after cleansing and before moisturizing. As far as frequency is concerned, use it once in the morning and once at night.

How Does Rose Water Toner Work?

Rosa Damascenca flower oil is an essential oil made from the damask rose plant. The purified water is present to dilute the oil so that it does not cause irritation and is used safely in a 1:1 ratio mix.

The top 3 skin benefits of rosa damascenca essential oil found in the Rose and Shine Toner include:

• Anti-inflammatory benefits: Helps with anti-aging, appearance of skin complexion, reduced redness.
• Antimicrobial benefits: Assists with the cleansing on a micro bacterial level to prevent infection and fight acne.
• Antioxident benefits: Supports anti-aging and skin health/appearance by destroying free radicals.

Free radicals promote injurious behavior to skin tissue, thereby creating those awful age lines and wrinkles…bring on the antioxidants folks!

TWO added bonuses that I MUST mention:

• Aromatherapy benefits: Reduced anxiety and depression for an overall calm feeling and mental wellness.
• Aphrodisiac benefits: Increases libido and makes you feel damn sexy!!!

OMG, now I understand my sensory experience of feeling balanced, clean, and GLOWING!!!

In summary, Fluer & Bee is a good company, great mission, non-toxic, cruelty-free, effectively makes you feel like a million bucks, and more importantly fulfills the purpose of toner in the most top notch of ways.

Get Rose and Shine for yourself and notice the difference in your skin! www.fleurandbee.com.

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.

This getaway was hosted by Woodloch Pines Resort in Hawley, PA.

The Pocono Mountains has many places where families can reconnect. Recently my family and I had the opportunity to travel 40 minutes north of our home here, to Woodloch Resort.

I've previously written about The Lodge at Woodloch, which is part of this massive resort, but I decided to forgo a spa day for some family wellness time.

Edgewater Suite at Mountain Laurel

Since there were 6 of us for this trip (missing 2 of our other boys), we stayed in the Edgewater Suite at Mountain Laurel. Our suite was on the ground floor with a gorgeous daily view of the lake.

I couldn't get good photos due to lighting, but I did take a brief video tour.

History of Woodloch Resort

The Woodloch Resort of today sits on over 1,800 acres, but when owners Harry and Mary Kiesendahl first opened their doors in 1958, Woodloch Pines existed on only 12 acres of shoreline with two cottages, a main lodge and no running water. What could host only 40 people, now welcomes over 100,000 guests through its doors every year. That's an amazing feat!

What was once small and cozy is now a four-season, family resort voted in the top 1% of hotels worldwide on TripAdvisor. The Woodloch family of properties also encompasses Woodloch Springs, recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the “finest courses in America,” and sister property, The Lodge at Woodloch: A Destination Spa, ranked among the top five spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure - and most importantly, a personal favorite of mine.

Family Fun in the Poconos

I'm very blessed to live in this wonderful area, and a staycation is just what we needed. If you have a large family, as I do, it can be difficult to find a vacation spot that can accomodate you and offer amenities that cater to everyone.

We found Woodloch Resort had something that each of us were excited to do.

My husband and I enjoyed the views here immensely. We live in the Poconos because trees and lakes are abundant, and being immersed in nature constantly, gives you such a feeling of peace. Woodloch did not disappoint with views on views on views of Lake Teedyuskung, the autumn leaves and blue skies.

The boys enjoyed time at the indoor pool, the kids indoor mini-waterpark, the outdoor kids pool, bumper cars, go karts, paddle boats, indoor playground, both indoor and outdoor basketball courts, the petting zoo and they enjoyed the 90's theme show and the comedy show after that.

Then there was the pontoon boat ride around Lake Teedyuskung, which was perfectly relaxing. I think it was the first time my boys sat in silence in a long time, just taking in the scenery.

Dining at Woodloch Resort

I absolutely love the dining plan that Woodloch offers when you stay here. We had the inclusive meal plan, which was 3 meals per day.

Dining here was an experience in and of itself. There were so many meals on the menu that we've never had, so my kids, husband and myself got to discover delicious new favorites.

At breakfast and dinner you select from various meals or the featured meal and dessert. The table is also given various breads, veggies and other sides to share. There is also a large salad on the table - a different kind each night.

Lunch is a buffet that quite honestly, seemed endless. So many lunch options, so many desserts, SO much food!

The kids had no opportunity to pick up their phones as they were focused on eating. It was that good.

And the view? Everyone has a view of the lake from their seat as the entire wall is a multitude of windows.

On Saturday night, it was theme night, and the theme was the 90's. So they had a parade of 90's characters walk through the dining hall, the staff were dressed in neon colors and there were 90s posters everywhere.

Woodloch Resort Entertainment

After dinner we made our way to where they hold their broadway style shows, where it was a night of 90s 1-hit wonders, battle of the boy bands, and 90s sitcoms theme songs. We all had a blast laughing and singing along.

When that was done, a comedian took the stage - who was funny and appropriate for the whole family.

The night we arrived we went to the magic show. My older boys hemmed and hawed at first at the idea of it, but the magician was so good, they ultimately were mesmerized as we all tried to figure out how he was conducting various illusions.

Families Call Woodloch Home

Woodloch is a family owned and run business. You understand that the moment you arrive. Everyone feels like family and they treat you as such. It's warm, inviting and it makes you forget how vast this resort is, because it feels like home.

It's peaceful, relaxing, and so much fun. There is so much to do here, we'd literally need a week. We didn't even see and do everything here and we were all trying to plan how to return.

While on our adventures we overheard many families talking about their many return visits to the resort and it was plain to see why families choose to come back here year after year. My photos and blog post don't do it justice.

Family wellness through shared experiences creates memories you and your children won't forget. This time of togetherness is something that helps you reconnect and bond. As your children get older, that is something that can sometimes be difficult to do with so many distractions out there vying for their attention.

I'm so grateful that Woodloch will now be part of a memory of fun and time spent together for my family.

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! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

On September 8th, 2019, the Motion Picture Editors Guild held their second annual brunch honoring 65 female Emmy Award nominees in post production categories from Foley artists to sound designers to picture editors.

Featured in this year's gift bag was Arise Rollerball Perfume from A Girl's Gotta Spa!

In its second year, this event has grown in the most wonderful ways, expanding to honor women across all picture and sound editing categories and showering those in attendance with fabulous gift bags filled with sumptuous Arise perfume from A Girl’s Gotta Spa and other items. For many, this is their first Emmy nomination, yet others have been working in their craft for decades. Hearing these magnificent, talented artists express never having experienced this level of recognition was not only moving but proof of how important and needed an event like those this truly is.”

– Katherine Griffin, Emmy Nominee, Outstanding Picture Editing For A Structured Reality Or Competition Program

I was really so honored to be able to be a part of this momentous event and honor these women. I couldn't think of a more perfect item to celebrate their accomplishments with, than Arise. We rise by lifting others.

Congratulations to the nominees and to the winners!

Let’s be honest, haircuts aren’t always pretty. Sometimes the result comes as more of a shock to us than the overpriced bill we get afterwards. So, what do we do after our hairdresser turns us around the swivel chair, asks us “what we think” and we lie to their face saying we love it?

We asked NYC hairstylist, Kali Ferrara of the Roy Teeluck Salon in Midtown East, what the best ways are to get hair to grow quickly after a bad haircut.

Schedule an Adjustment

If your haircut is a complete disaster and you think the stylist may have done something wrong, it's always preferred that you first call and schedule an adjustment.

If it’s just not for you, any stylist would prefer you come back for an adjustment than for you to never come back and hate your hair. Your hair has a better chance of growing out if you leave it to a professional to adjust it rather than taking scissors into your own hands.

Patience

This is the number one thing you need when growing out your hair. The in-between stages (growing hair out past your ears and/or shoulders) are most often the times when people want to give up. They are the hardest and most crucial to bypass.

Hair Growth Vitamins

A hair growth vitamin, like vitafusion’s Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies, can also help aid in hair growth. Deficiency in any vitamins due to a poor diet can hinder hair growth.

Repair Your Hair with a Mask

Hair masks and low heat on your hot tools will also help your ends stay healthy, calling for less trims. The healthier the hair that comes from your scalp (and all the way down to your ends) the better, and more efficiently, your hair will grow.

While there is no quick, miracle cure for growing your hair overnight after a bad hair cut, there are things you can do to expedite the process and ensure that your hair grows back healthy and strong.

Poor nutrition literally impacts people from head to toe because diet can significantly affect your hair and that includes hair loss.

Healthy, attractive hair is often due to a combination of factors, including genetics, physical health, hair care, and eating habits. But if someone is experiencing hair breakage, hair loss, or lost luster, their poor diet may be mostly to blame, says Dr. Chris Varona, a hair restoration specialist and the owner of Varona Hair Restoration in Newport Beach, Calif.

“If you’re not putting the right fuel in, your hair may not be getting the nutrition that it needs to thrive,” says Varona. “But for some, a few simple changes in their diet can have a dramatic effect on their hair’s appearance and health.

“And in many cases, if the diet deficiencies are addressed, hair loss stops or reverses.”

The most important nutrients for healthy hair and the foods that supply them:

Essential fatty acids

These are vital for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Omega-3 fatty acids nourish and protect hair, help in regrowth, and add a silky shine. Fatty fish like salmon has lots of omega-3, and walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and soybeans are also a good source of this healthy hair nutrient.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for hair growth, provide extra support to healthy hair, and help it maintain lustrous integrity. They help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. You can find B6 in bananas and potatoes, B12 in meat and dairy products, and folic acid in citrus fruits and tomatoes.

Protein

Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. If you’re short on protein, your hair won’t thrive. Animal products like meat, fish, and eggs are a good source of protein. You can also get protein from plants, including beans, lentils, nuts, and grains.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D keeps the skin, bones, and hair healthy. Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hair loss. You can find vitamin D in fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, mushrooms, tofu and in fortified foods like milk or soy and almond milk.

Iron

Severe iron deficiency, also called anemia, causes hair loss. It is especially common in women with heavy menstrual periods and is easily mistaken for female pattern baldness. Meats including chicken, fish, and red meats are good sources of easily absorbable iron. Plant sources of iron include beans and lentils, dark leafy greens, and potatoes. Many breads and cereals are also enriched with iron.

Trace minerals

These include iron, chromium, copper, zinc, iodine, manganese and selenium. A daily multivitamin can be helpful to ensure you’re getting those vitamins and minerals that your body, and your hair, need most.

A healthy, well-rounded diet often contains all the foods and nutrients needed for beautiful, healthy hair. A simple blood test can check for nutritional deficiencies, and if they are found, a change in diet or supplementation may improve your hair and stop hair loss.

About Dr. Chris Varona

Dr. Chris Varona is a leading hair restoration specialist and the owner of Varona Hair Restoration in Newport Beach, Calif. One of the few hair surgeons who perform FUE graft extractions manually himself, Varona focuses on follicular unit extraction (FUE surgery) and also performs follicular unit transplantation (FUT). He has performed over 5,000 cases.

Eco Lips' Lip + Cheek Tints are truly a multi-tasking beauty balm that works as blush, lip color, and a contouring and highlighting tool.

They are vegan and cruelty-free and are made for all skin tones to provide a perfect pop of natural, sheer color to complement every beauty look.

Ingredients include organic jojoba, coconut oil, organic and fair-trade cocoa butter, and sunflower seed wax. So they're not just pretty to wear, they are hydrating, as well.

I've been wearing them for a few weeks, as I don't normally wear lipstick daily and typically wear a clear lip balm. I love that these balms make you look put together without any effort. They have a sweet scent/taste, too.

This is one beauty item you'll want in your beauty product arsenal. Here are 5 ways to use them:

Contouring

Glide the nude or pink along cheek bones, jawline and between the inner eye and nose for a contoured look.

Highlighting

Use nude for a subtle highlight on your cheekbones for a natural makeup look or if you just want a glowy complexion.

Lip Color

Looking for just the right pop of lightweight color? Try pink or red on your lips for a smooth, lip-nourishing look.

Cheek Color

Glide some red or pink on the apples of your cheek and rub in with your fingers. It goes on smooth and doesn't cake.

Eye Shadow

Try a bit of pink on your eye lids for subtle color. Nude could also work as a primer.

I've been loving the versatility of these Lip + Cheek Tints and I think you will, too. Find them at www.ecolips.com.

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. Or check out our natural bath and body line!