Women learn at an early age (teens and pre-teens) that healthy skin is of the utmost importance, particularly when it comes to the upper body and face area—it’s an idea or notion that’s instilled within women probably from the time of birth. Have you ever noticed how soft a baby’s skin is? TV commercials and magazines are inundated with images of women with healthy, glowing skin, and that beautiful, aesthetically pleasing look that every woman strives to obtain. Some women that fall short of that radiant look, as seen on television, simply use a lot of makeup to achieve that every woman strives to obtain. Women who are naturally blessed with that glowing look don’t use makeup at all, however, they still look for alternate solutions in an effort to compete with other women who are blessed with perfect skin, much like the ones in the TV commercials—it makes you wonder what these people to make their skin look so good. Dermatologists will always tell you that you need to take care of your skin every day, which is everyone’s goal. Obviously it’s a good idea to take care of your skin, after all it’s the only skin you have, and whether you’re a woman or a man, you want to appear healthy and young (just like everyone else.) The sun and its ultraviolet rays can be one of your skin’s worst enemies, and we’re all exposed to it on a daily basis. Of course, your skin is also affected by other elements, such as your job, lifestyle, stress level, and many other factors. If you are the outdoorsy type, for example, you probably need to protect your skin even more than others do. For the most part, women tend to use a lot of cosmetics, makeup, and powders that need to be washed off every day. To some extent, a daily regimen will help maintain the health and youthfulness of your skin. It also prevents skin conditions, ranging from like acne to skin cancer. At the end of the day, you can keep you skin looking youthful and healthy with a daily regimen of scrubbing, cleansing, applying makeup and moisturizer, and then repeating the process all over again. You can maintain the youthful, healthy, elasticity of your skin by following a strict regimen that involves a lot of maintenance. However, in this day and age, everyone wants immediate results, especially in the areas of health and wellness. With major advancements in medicine and technology, people can actually obtain the quick results they want. More recently, scientists and cosmetic surgeons have come up with a more immediate and permanent solution. It’s called vitamin injection. As you can imagine, intravenous vitamin injections are popular among celebrities. Dr. Oz describes them as “cutting edge,” and several advocates say that vitamin injections can benefit serious conditions like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Fibromyalgia, depression, and a host of other diseases. They’re also touted as helpful for preventing illness as well. A search for vitamin injections brings up a lot of hits and dozens of advertisements as well. Since the concept is so new, it’s difficult to say whether or not injectable vitamins are a cure-all for all of these diseases, however, it may still provide you with healthier skin. One of the more popular forms of vitamin injections is referred to as VitaGlo. VitaGlo is fairly new to the market, and the reviews vary greatly, depending on who writes them. Perhaps the biggest problem that exists today is that providers of vitamin therapies claim that their product can help fight life-threatening illnesses like cancer, which is simply not true. There is no question that vitamin injections are popular. Despite all the hype and all the endorsements, there is still no credible evidence to prove that routine vitamin infusions are necessary or even offer meaningful health benefits (like healthier skin). Just keep in mind that vitamin injections (or injections of any kind) should be done through your doctor or physician. About the expert contributor: Dr. Jeffrey Klein is a dermatologic surgeon based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Dr. Klein is listed a Diplomat for the American Board of Dermatology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. 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+

For beautiful skin and a healthy heart try my HEALTHY stuffed eggplant recipe.

Growing up, my mom would bake up her mouth watering stuffed eggplant that my taste buds would give a standing ovation, but suffice it to say that my waistline did not. I decided to take this tasty lunch or dinner recipe and revise it to meet healthy standards, while maintaining the taste!

When you're messing with a favorite family recipe it makes one a little nervous, well it made me a little nervous anyway, but I am super excited to report that it did NOT disappoint and I will likely pass this version down to my kiddos.

Faccia Bella Recipes SeriesDo you want beautiful young looking skin, a healthy heart, and better overall health? The good news is that it is easier to achieve than one might think, and is well within the busy woman’s time and budget limits. Does it sound to good to be true? It’s honestly not, and is simply a matter of a few MINOR adjustments to the food you already consume, and perhaps an addition of a few new satisfying recipes.

I don’t believe in making a bunch of huge changes all at once, as that is one factor that typically assures failure. We are creatures of habit, so although one might be able to make a major change for a short time, the idea for keeping with it for the long term (which is where one will see the best benefits) is small modifications to your daily habits and routine that will amount to a big difference in the way you feel each day. Not to mention that holding out long term is where you will see the quantifiable effect on your heart healthy numbers. As an added FYI, I also don’t believe in sacrificing taste (My seven picky children and husband won’t allow for it anyway), so rest assured the recipes that come your way will be jam packed with not only nutritional royalty, but your taste buds will bow down with loyalty!

Delectable Shrimp Scampi with Ancient Grains and the Incredible Nutritional Twist (Gluten-free, Casein-free options included)

Serving size for 1 ¼ cup (dry) of Pedon Organic Farro (gluten free option: Quinoa. I personally like Eden Organics) 4 oz of Shrimp, 9 shrimp of the 31-40-count size 4 Cherry Tomatoes Halved 1 cup of Spinach 1 clove of Garlic finely sliced ½ teaspoon of salt 1 tablespoon of fresh Oregano finely chopped 3 Scallions chopped 2 teaspoons of reduced fat Parmesan cheese (do NOT add for a casein free option) 2 tablespoon of white wine (if you are following gluten free be sure that the wine chosen is specified as gluten free, such as Frey Organic) ½ of fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon of Chosen Foods Avocado Oil (I love olive oil, but this is a healthier option and more affordable). Cooking Instructions Farro: In a pan boil ¾ cup of water, pinch of salt, add Farro, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 25 minutes, removed from heat, drain (I rinsed too), and fluff with a fork. Quinoa: Generally cooks in 12 minutes, follow box directions for the kind you buy. Shrimp: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle shrimp with salt. Cook shrimp until pink, 5 to 6 minutes; transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium; add scallions, oregano, and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, Add spinach, tomatoes, wine and lemon juice. Cover and cook until tomatoes soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in shrimp and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in Parmesan. To serve, scoop the juice and pour over grain choice first, then place the rest of the scampi and vegetables over it. Lastly, garnish with a pinch of finely chopped oregano and a sprinkling of the green portion of the scallions. Enjoy! Nutritional Scoop: Dish w/ Farro contains 439 calories, 30g protein, 15.5g fat (10g of monounsaturated, 2, of polyunsaturated, 1.5 unsaturated, 2g saturated, 0 transfat), 6g of fiber Dish w/Quinoa (gluten free option) contains 439 calories, 28g protein, 17g fat (10g of monounsaturated, 2g polyunsaturated, 3g unsaturated, 2g saturated, 0 transfat), 5g of fiber Casein free option subtract for parm cheese (- 13cal, -1g fat, -1g protein) Both dish options are wonderful sources of Niacin and Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese, Selenium, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. More Awesome: The ingredients include anti-inflammatory qualities, which have endless benefits, collagen boosting effects, which improves the look of the skin, and healthy brain and behavioral function. (***NOTE: Though Shrimp contains higher amounts of cholesterol it is still low in fat and contains high amounts of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Omega-3 helps to reduce inflammation, triglycerides, and assists in achieving a healthy blood pressure. There are studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids may help with other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and many more. (via) In terms of Omega-6 the University of Maryland Medical Center states that it can, “help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system.” With this said, it is safe to say that the benefit of eating Shrimp far out weighs the 1 negative.) Stay tuned for more healthy recipes! I'd love to know if you tried this recipe! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! 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! Courtney on G+.

Step 1: Apply primer over entire eyelid and up to brow line. Step 2: Apply jane.'s Ray of Light to lid. Step 3: Apply mark.'s Fab 5 green to entire crease. Step 4: Moisten brush dab in and then on Urban Decay's Zodiac over the green crease line (this adds intense sparkle & shimmer), blend upward then outward on outer corner of eyelid towards brow bone. Step 5: Clean brush, moisten again, and dab in and then on Urban Decay's Space Cowboy over the lid (again, this adds intense sparkle & shimmer.) Step 6: Highlight your brow bone with mark.'s fab 5 champagne type color and blend. Step 7: Apply black eyeliner of choice. Step 8: Apply mascara of choice. Step 9: Apply the rest of your face makeup. I used Urban Decay's Naked for my foundation coverage, jane.'s Peach Bouquet for my cheeks, and jane.'s intense color lip gloss in Million Dollar Smile for my lips. Step 10: OK ladies I hope by now you know this step...admire your hard work and say or think something fun or super positive to yourself. (IE: Boom!, Pow, Meow, Gosh the Lord did good work!) Oh and wait, let me add that we MUST pass this uplifting spirit on to our friends by telling them the same. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! 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! Courtney on G+. *Disclosure

1. Apply primer. (I love Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion.) 2. Then on the inner lid and crease place a stripe of gold. Also bring it down to your inner lower lash line. I used mark. fab 5 (I use this set endlessly!) 3. Right after putting a stripe of the gold, place a stripe of pink. I used Shiseido's shimmering cream pink (PK302) again make this stripe from crease to lid...like a rainbow except it's side by side. This is a beautiful pink and it blends so well with the other colors! 4. Next apply a stripe of violet. I used Shiseido's Provence (VI704.) 5.Make a V shape on the outer lid and crease with a deep purple. Also, bring that color down to the lower lash line from the mid to outer portion. I used Aveda's Dusk Orchard. 6. Place a neutral highlighting color on your brow bone. (Hint: you want to keep the focus on the crease area down, so I chose a matte cream color.) 7. Blend and add color again where needed. I always dab the colors I'm reapplying, so it pops and looks well blended. 8. Apply black liner to the upper lash line and the waterline. 9. Apply mascara.

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! Courtney on G+. *Disclosure

Here's an easy and quick makeup tutorial to get this chic look in under 5 minutes! Main brands used are jane. Cosmetics, Aveda, and Mirabella. Step 1: Apply primer over entire eyelid. Step 2: Apply jane.'s Polished Pewter cream eye shadow to lid. Step 3: Apply Aveda 992 Juniper eyeliner to your upper and lower lid. Step 4: Use Mirabella Clover eye shadow lightly blended into the lower lash line. Step 5: Apply mascara of choice. Step 6: Apply the rest of your face makeup. I left my face natural and just used jane.'s Peach Bouquet for my cheeks, and a slightly tinted copper lip gloss for my lips.

Readers, do you have any requests for look how-to or ideas you need for a certain occasion? Let me know and I will do my best to get up a post on it with you in mind! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! 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! Courtney on G+. *Disclosure

Winter means frigid weather, snowball fights and warm, cozy sweaters. It also means thermostats turned up, wood burning stoves (at least in our house), and remaining indoors where the air lacks moisture. While winter may be the best time of year fashion-wise, it's not so great for your skin, especially when you resort to soaking in a hot bath or turning up the heat in your shower. I always say that the shower can be one of your first defenses against dry skin. But it's time to learn the truth about your body wash...some of them can be harsh on your skin, making it drier when your goal was to moisturize! Dove Body Washes just got more caring by combining the brand’s mildest cleansers ever with NutriumMoisture™. Dove's Deep Moisture Body Wash combined with a luke warm shower, will help keep skin from dehydrating. I know, I know--luke warm you ask? On the coldest day this seems impossible, but I promise you, you'll notice the difference in your skin when making the switch from uber hot, steamy showers. (Not to mention that cooler water temps help to lock in hair color longer.) Towel dry, just patting down skin, not completely drying off and then apply a moisturizing body lotion. Don't forget your driest spots: knees, elbows, hands and feet! Not sure which Dove Body Wash is right for your skin? You can take this Body Wash BFF Quiz. I'd love to know if you've tried Dove's body washes to combat winter skin! Doesn’t your skin deserve the proven best care? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! 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: This post was sponsored by Dove through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Dove, all opinions are my own.

Traveling has so many benefits: it’s educational, it allows you to experience things you wouldn't in your home country and it gives you the opportunity to meet people from around the globe. Perhaps best of all, it offers you a different perspective on life and how it’s lived. However, being on the road, or in the air for that matter, can also take its toll on your mind and body. Waking up at the crack of dawn to catch a flight, driving a few hundred miles, or being forced to spend a night in an airport can leave you feeling tired and in desperate search of some under-eye concealer. Luckily, there are a number of little tricks and tips to keep yourself looking young while you travel. Here are some suggestions for your next trip: Use the right products For those of you who don’t naturally leap out of the bed at 6am, do not despair. There are heaps of revolutionary skin care products out there to make you look like a true ‘morning person’. Anti-wrinkle eye cream, moisturizer with SPF and under-eye concealers are designed to make your skin look immune to the effects of time. Use eye cream to freshen up the skin around your eyes, and if you can, get reflective under-eye concealer to make you look more awake. Moisturizer with SPF is essential for the rest of the face, as increased time in the sun (one of the best parts of traveling) can speed up the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. It’s important to protect yourself from those harsh UV rays. Go back to basics Taking off your makeup and washing your face every night might be part of your routine at home, but when you’re on the road, these pre-bedtime beauty rituals are often the first to go. Fight that desire to rest your head without clearing your face first. Going to bed with makeup on will only make you look and feel worse in the morning. If you can’t fit your makeup remover or face wash in your travel bag, use a dab of moisturizer to remove your eye makeup and rinse your face with mineral water. Get creative When you’re on the road, you often don’t have access to all the skincare products you’d like. That’s when it’s time to get creative. Grab a lemon at the next grocery store or fruit market you see and use the juice to freshen up your face. Applying two tablespoons of lemon juice to your face for just ten minutes has been shown to actually help promote new cell growth. This is a great activity when you’re back at the hotel for the night and you’re ready to relax. Plus, it will make your skin smell citrusy fresh! Treat your hair right Your hair is another area that can have a rough time of it when you’re traveling. Extra virgin olive oil mixed with your conditioner is just the ticket to help revitalize those tired locks. Leave the mixture in for a good five or ten minutes before you rinse and you’ll be surprised at the difference you’ll see. Get out there The final secret: you’re already doing it! Traveling alone has been shown to help people of all ages look and feel younger - so you’re already on the right track. With all the unexpected adventures you encounter when you travel, it’s no wonder avid travelers report to feeling young at heart, regardless of their age. So keep feeling young on the inside, and it’s bound to show! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! 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: Olay Arabia provided some exclusive insights to make this post possible. All opinions and content are my own.

What was once used solely for herbal remedies and medicinal purposes is now taking on a new twist in the beauty and skincare world. Spices are what Cirque Boutique/Beauty Cirque founder, Rianna Loving is indulging in this winter to help keep skin pristine and hydrated.

Rianna advises to head to the kitchen cupboard (or local spice market) for additional flavor to include in your next beauty mask!

Cayenne Pepper
½ Ripped Avocado
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you have sensitive skin, use 1/2 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon of raw cocoa powder

Directions: Mix raw cocoa powder and cayenne pepper then blend avocado into mix until the texture is smooth.

Use it to: Increase blood flow and circulation and fight off breakouts. Enriched with vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, antioxidants and additional necessary nutrients to provide a healthy immune and digestive system.

Paprika
1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
½ tablespoon of almond meal
1 teaspoon of Paprika

Directions: Mix paprika and almond meal in a bowl then slowly pour jojoba oil into the mixture. Blend until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Use it to: Brighten complexion, treat and prevent age spots and protect skin from damaging effects of pollutants and environmental factors. Paprika is also high in Iron and Beta-Carotene, known to aid in preventing wrinkles.

Turmeric
1 cup of coconut oil
1 tablespoon of turmeric
1/2 cup of shea butter

Directions: Apply coconut oil and shea butter in bowl, mix well until smooth then slowly apply turmeric and blend well until all is even.

Use it to: Even out wrinkles and limit stretch marks. It also heals acne and has great anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin is known to have potential anti-cancer properties and is a popular anti-aging ingredient in beauty.

When a food item gets its own year, that has to mean that it's pretty amazing.  In the case of quinoa, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially declared that the year 2013 be recognized as, "The International Year of the Quinoa." By now you might have heard that quinoa is another one of these "super foods" that you should be incorporating into your diet (which is super easy to do given how versatile it is.)  I use it as a substitute for other grains such as rice and pasta, in my salads and as a breakfast porridge.  There are dozens of other ways quinoa can also be used, I personally am looking forward to using it for baking , for making a vegan quinoa burger and since the holiday season is upon us I am thinking of ways to incorporate it into stuffing etc. Simply perform a Google search for quinoa and you will get tons of results on the health benefits of quinoa, which includes (to name a few); quinoa  is a source of complete protein, it is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. It is also a source of calcium, and thus is useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.   It is also gluten-free and easy to digest.  These are all pretty amazing reasons to consume this super food, but from a beauty standpoint quinoa is practically a miracle food for the skin. Quinoa contains lysine, an essential amino acid for human skin, which is used in the production of elastin and collagen. Lysine is an essential nutrient which cannot be synthesized by the body, hence it must be provided by the diet. It aids in the quick healing of damaged tissue, making it very important for people who are recovering from any surgery or injury.  It also helps to create scar tissue and ligaments for quick recovery.  Quinoa contains high levels of riboflavin which provides elasticity to the skin to give it the required softness and resiliency. It also builds up connective tissue to tone the skin and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. Consumption of quinoa seeds provides the body with collagen which rejuvenates the skin from within and reduces wrinkles and other symptoms of ageing. It makes the skin soft, smooth and supple. There are Vitamins in quinoa that decreases clustering of melanin granules to reduce brown spots and pigmentation. and if that is not enough, quinoa also helps to decrease sebum production and treats acne.  See I wasn't kidding when I said miracle food! I usually purchase a 4lb bag of quinoa from Costco, which lasts me for a pretty long time since the bag contains 42 servings.  If you go to Pinterest and search Quinoa, the amount of recipes that show up can almost be overwhelming so go ahead and get crazy and creative with your quinoa exploration! 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!