russell+hazel, a Stillwater, Minnesota-based company that is renowned for their sleek, stylish and uber functional home and office products, recently opened their flagship store in the cutting edge North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. (That's me at the computer! ---> also me) The new store goes beyond binders and notebooks and offers a selection of beautifully curated products such as home accessories, leather goods, jewelry and to our surprise and delight, beauty products plus an appointment only style studio in collaboration with celebrity hairstylist Pearson Knight.  We are absolutely in love with the selection of natural, eco-friendly, non-toxic beauty products that are available at the beauty bar.  From skin and body care products to makeup and hair care, the beauty bar offers a complete solution of beauty products. It is apparent that a lot of thought went into selecting the beauty brands that were chosen. Hard to find cult favorites such as Mullein & Sparrow, Board and Batten, Rituel de Fille, Kosas Cosmetics and New Zealand based Sans are just a few of the amazing natural, eco-friendly brands that you can find at the russell+hazel beauty bar. We've interviewed celebrity hairstylist Pearson Knight on a few occasions at NYFW, so we were thrilled when we heard that he was collaborating with russell+hazel for the in-store style studio.  Guests are able to book hair services directly with Pearson at the exclusive, by appointment only, one chair, style studio. The style studio is also the only brick and mortar store that carries Pearson Knight's newly launched namesake line of hair products (which you know we'll be reviewing soon!) The new russell+hazel flagship store is more than a just a retail store, it's an experience. The space is light, airy and absolutely gorgeous.  The mix of products is unique and eclectic and will make for some amazing gifts come the holiday season.  Our only complaint is that there is only one russell+hazel flagship store! (We'd love to see a few more so that everyone can experience this!) If you're in Minneapolis, stop by and say hi! 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!

With age comes a multitude of skin issues. Dry skin is one of them, both face and body. Now combine age-related skin issues with other environmental issues, and we've got a problem. Typically I would use a night cream, which is normally thicker than a day lotion and sans SPF, and that has worked out OK. But I didn't know what I was missing until I tried Travertine Spa's Marula Night Serum. Marula, is similiar to argan oil, but provides a much deeper level of hydration and protection of the skin. It has an abundance of vitamins and minerals, something mature skin desperately needs. (Being honest, I hate calling my skin mature. It makes me feel super old.) Travertine Spa's Marula Night Serum also contains certified organic hibiscus flowers (you actually see them floating in the serum), geranium and essential oils of nerouli and lavender. My experience, where to start? I've never used Marula oil before to be honest. I've used argan oil and never really strayed because it got the job done. I've known the owner of Travertine Spa for several years now and when I was talking to him about my skin issues, he told me that Marula would make a world of difference. I agreed to give it a try because he has never steered me wrong. The serum looks maroon in the bottle, but comes out clear. The first thing you notice is the fragrance. To say I am in love with the fragrance would be putting it mildly. I applied this serum at 11pm the first time and literally considered texting him right then to ask that he make me an oil I can put in my aromatherapy diffuser with the same scent. Lucky for him, I chose to wait until the next morning. The directions say to use 3 drops, but I found that one pump (a little more than pea-sized) was sufficient for my skin. I smoothed it over my entire face and neck. One night, after a week of using it, I remarked to myself after applying it how much better my skin looked. Almost like a few years have turned back. Not being comfortable with this whole aging thing, this was motivation enough for me to make sure I am consistently use it nightly. The serum is not greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin. Your skin will literally glow. All evidence of dry patches have disappeared. So much so, that I was able to wear my BareMinerals bareSkin Serum Foundation. If you are not familiar with that review, here's a quick summary - it looked great on my skin with the exception of magnifying dry patches of skin. Liquid foundation has never been my friend. However, after using Marula Night Serum for just few weeks, I was able to wear the foundation and SLAYED. Here's what you need to know - I review skin care products regularly. But when I start trying to figure out my budget so that I can purchase this when I run out and plot how I will also scoop some up for my mom (she mentioned she wanted it after hearing how much I loved it), you know that this is SOMETHING INCREDIBLE. Do your skin a favor and grab some for yourself. Girls, this will not disappoint! www.travertinespa.com Marula fans, let me hear your thoughts - leave a comment! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

If creams and lotions haven't worked on your dry skin, but you're not a fan of oils, then this review of Sutton Family Skin Care's liquid skin salve is something you'll want to read. I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to not only try something new to me (liquid skin salve), but that it also comes from a skin care brand that is local to me here in Northeast PA. (I am all about supporting small, local business!) Sutton Family Skin Care was developed by a bio-organic chemist in search of creating a product that would actually relieve dry, cracked, painful skin often associated with those who have diabetes or are in the healthcare field (from repeat handwashing.) Her first customer? Her husband, Dr. Charles Sutton. (and it's safe to say he loved it!) Sutton Family Skin Care has two products - a liquid skin salve for hands and one for feet. I wasn't really sure to expect (would it be watery? messy? greasy?), but I was pleasantly surprised. To start, the Liquid Skin Salve for Hands comes in a 4oz bottle (and travel size) that easily fits into your hands (or as least my small hands - it wasn't too big or too small.) It does have a fragrance to it, which is very clean yet smells floral. Here is how they describe it on their website: Fresh watery notes mingle with hints of lily, sea salt and an ocean accord. It's not overwhelming and what amazed me more is that the scent lasted a good 6-8 hours. Even though it began to fade throughout the the day, if I put my hands near my face, I could still smell the aroma. It's really pretty, yet unisex. The sprayer is very direct and doesn't overspray beyond where you are aiming. So it is not messy at all. Something I've found when I use hair treatments that I spray on, is that the mist usually gets all over my bathroom floor making it slippery. Even though this is a fine mist, it only came into contact with my hands and feet and no where else. A definite plus. It's not greasy. While it does have some slickness to it at first, and takes a bit longer than most moisturizers I've used to absorb, once it is in your skin you are left with very soft hands. Another bonus is that I can spray this directly on my cuticles and around my nails where my skin gets super dry and then rub it in. It seems to do better than most lotions and creams. The Liquid Skin Salve for Feet is along the same lines in terms of hydration, not being messy or greasy. It also comes in 4oz (and travel size as well.) I LOVE the cooling sensation of peppermint and eucalyptus that's in it (and it smells sooooo good.) Typically when I apply lotion to my feet in the bathroom, I leave lotion foot marks on the tile. I liked that this was not the case with this product. With each salve, you simply spray a few times and then massage in the liquid. Super easy and super quick. Sutton Family Skin Care is cruelty free, vegan, sulfate and paraben free. Give them a look and see if they'll work for 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Age spots caused by sun damage, scars, dark brown spots (for whatever reason) - all of the things we wish to fade away in order to regain a near-perfect canvas. Having done EVERYTHING wrong to my skin in my younger days, from using the tanning booth to rarely using sunscreen, to picking at my blemishes and never taking off my makeup before bed...to just not taking care of my skin in general, I'm now paying the price.

Note to beauty girls piling on the makeup with contouring, baking, highlighting, over-doing it on your brows, skipping the sunscreen, etc etc. - you will one day regret how you treated your skin during this trend of makeup excess. TRUST.

But I digress.

If you don't have the time or budget for cosmetic treatments to help undo skin damage, then your best bet (aside from being smart about skin care going forward) is to use Vitamin C skin treatments to brighten your skin and fade hyperpigmentation.

The thing is, just any Vitamin C treatment won't do. When searching for the perfect Vitamin C product, you need two things: a stable form of Vitamin C and a high concentration of it (i.e. not the last thing listed on the label so that the brand can make claims.)

A stable form of Vitamin C is the most potent - if your Vitamin C is brown, then it is oxidized and not stable, therefore ineffective. It's also important to note that some Vitamin C treatments do give a stinging sensation. Everyone's skin reacts differently and I've found that some products sting (briefly) while I feel absolutely nothing from others. I can only think that this is due to the other ingredients in the product that may help to counteract the stinging.

So what has worked for me? Paula's Choice Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment, InviCible Scars and emerginC Vitamin C Serum.

Paula's Choice Vitamin C Spot Treatment: 25% Vitamin C, the highest I have ever used. It does sting, but goes away within seconds. There's no fragrance to it and it says it works on all skin types. It is a white lotion, that feels "dry." Unless you've tried it, it's difficult to explain. It doesn't feel like a typical creamy lotion, which isn't a bad thing, but worth noting. It absorbs quicky and there is no greasy feeling. It's the smallest tube of the 3 mentioned (15ml) at a high price point ($55.)

InviCible Scars: 17% Vitamin C and it did not sting. It has no scent to it and is also meant for all skin types. This is a silky, white lotion which is partly due to the silicone (one of the best treatments for scars) and skin-softening ingredients like aloe, sunflower and safflower seed oil. I've used this on my face for dark spots, but I have also used it in the past for my burn scar. Using a small amount, it does not feel greasy and I found that it absorbs well. (28ml for $28.99)

emerginC Vitamin C Serum: 12% Vitamin C and it did not sting (they also have a 20% version.) My immediate thought when applying this serum is that it is perfect for combination skin, as it is a liquid gel serum. It does have a slight orange scent to it, but it fades once absorbed into your skin.  There is no greasy feeling and I like that it came in a large bottle (30ml for $83.)

While most stable Vitamin C products come in dark or concealed tubes/bottles, this one is in a clear bottle, so you *must* keep it in a dark place or it will become unstable.

Another thing to keep in mind, fading dark spots and scarring takes time. There is no quick fix. This is skin damage and takes consistent use over a period of time to see a difference - typically 12 weeks. Your best bet is to take a before picture of yourself and at the 12 week mark take another in order to note progress.

You must always wear broad spectrum sunscreen forever. And ever. Vitamin C causes photosensitivity, so if you aren't protecting your face when wearing these products, then you really are voiding their benefits. Once you have faded the pigmentation, you'll still need to wear sunscreen, as UV rays can re-darken the area (and no it won't fade like your tan will.) 

There's beauty secrets to be found in the Rainforest. Thankfully, Teadora brings the magic of Brazil to your skin with their vegan, natural and cruelty free superfruit-based skin care. Teadora's products are intended to be a sensory experience - using decadent fragrances and textures, their products are designed to transport you to magical rainforest moments through a total immersion of your senses. With my combination skin, I am a huge fan of clay masks, so trying out their Nourishing Exfoliating Bar brings the mud to your face and body in soap-form. They are two different bars; Rainforest at Dawn and Rainforest at Dusk. I experienced Rainforest at Dusk, which has a delicious scent that is hard to describe. It's earthy, a bit sweet and unisex. The Exfoliating Bar has a fine grit to it and is comprised of Amazonian clay, natural Açaí Berry, organic Buriti Fruit oil, and organic Cupuaçu Butter. It gently exfoliates while nourishing the skin. For my face, I use the bar directly on my face in a few spots and then use my fingers the massage the lather across my face and rinse off.  Lather really isn't the right word, as it isn't foaming, but it's the best way to describe it. I use this Exfoliating Bar once a week in conjunction with my other skin care products. When not in use, make sure to keep it in a dry place. This Nourishing Lip Butter is actually pretty big. It also has a dual purpose of exfoliating your lips while moisturizing. I have Açaí-Açu (Berry-chocolate), which smells of a nutty, chocolate fragrance. This lip balm does have a fine grit to it, tastes delicious (I kind of always want to lick it off), but isn't greasy. You simply swipe your finger across the butter and apply it to your lips. It seems to absorb, rather than lying on top of your lips like most lip balms, so it is more of a lip moisturizer than a lip balm per say. A little goes a long way, as well, as this lip butter has lasted me months and it looks like I've barely touched it. If you're looking to try something exotic that works great, give Teadora products a look! Have you tried them? Leave a comment and let me know! 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

As I've gotten older, and my scalp and hair continue to change (for what most days, feels like the worst), I've really had to think beyond just shampoo and conditioner. At 42, my hair has less movement due to the changes in sebum production and all of that other fun stuff that comes with aging. Getting older simply means (for me, at least), having to work harder at the things I took for granted in my youth (like flowy, bouncy hair.) Since I have to put more things in my hair and on my scalp to combat so many issues, I then have to undo all of the buildup they leave behind with a clarifying treatment twice per week. There are two things I am currently using, one of which is Lemon Rinse from Beautiful Nutrition. It's no secret that I have a love for lemons. It's a magical little piece of citrus. I drink lemon water daily to ward off blemishes and lemon essential oils are found in A Girl's Gotta Spa! bath and body products. What's so amazing about lemons is that it pH balances the skin and acts as an astringent (when applied topically.) This Lemon Rinse Gentle Clarifying Treatment doesn't have an overwhelming scent, and is thinly textured. You're supposed to apply it from root to tip after using shampoo and conditioner, but I found that it worked better for me when I used it after shampooing. If I used it after conditioner, my hair felt a bit stripped. Now this could be due to the decreased amount of sebum and moisture to my hair to begin with, but I found what works for me. I can't say that I saw a decreased amount of frizz or shinier hair as they claim, but I did notice that my scalp was more balanced (not overly dry and itchy, but not super greasy after a day.) So if you are looking for something to smooth your cuticle and decrease frizz, this may not be the right product for you, but if you are looking to clarify your scalp and pH balance it, then definitely give this treatment a try. Have you tried it? What were your results if you did? 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media. Opinions are my own and the adorable baby is all mine.

Dear new and soon-to-be moms, It can be difficult to navigate this crazy new season in life called motherhood and finding the perfect items for your baby all while taking care of yourself. Trust me, I've done it times 5. It starts with tons of research into the best products for your baby and lots of family and friend's weighing in with their opinion (sometimes helpful, sometimes not so much.) Then your little one comes along, and taking care of yourself goes on the backburner (oh girl, trust me, you say it won't, but it does despite your best efforts.) Being a mom of 5 boys - my oldest being 17 and my youngest just turning 1, I can sincerely say I know a thing or two about some must-have items. To start, here are my 5 boys. The only way to ever get them in the same picture at the same time is on the first day of school, otherwise, best of luck. Whether this is your first baby or 5th, I hope stumbling upon this list is helpful in your search for your baby and yourself. For Mom: illumai biome care system: After you have your baby, your hormones go crazy and this wreaks havoc on your hair and scalp. But something you may not know, is that during your pregnancy and after (if you are nursing), you still need to be vigilant about the ingredients in your hair and skin care products and that's what makes illumai a brand worth looking into. illumai 3-product system only contains 7 ingredients, and is formulated without sulfates, silicones, parabens, preservatives, and plasticizers. Their products are gluten-free, nut-free, 100% vegan and cruelty-free (PETA certified.) illumai works with every hair type, making it ideal for the whole family. They offer it in travel size (pictured above) and full size. And while you may associate natural hair care with herbal scents, this one is unlike any other. It has a perfume-like fragrance as you cleanse and condition your hair, which really is a mood-booster in the shower, but the scent dissapates over the course of the day so it is not overwhelming. This system is so well-designed for new moms, that I’ve asked them to give you a discount. Get 40% off either size of illumai biome care system - just use promocode 44AGIRLSGOTTASPA at checkout. Expires 10/31/2016. Rainbow Light 35+ Mom & Baby Pre and Postnatal Vitamins: When I found out I was pregnant with Ethan, I was 40 years old. There's a lot to consider when everyone tells you all of the scary statistics and being deemed a high-risk pregnancy. Nutrition to insure the health of my baby was my number one priority. Like, as soon as I peed on that stick and it said I was pregnant, I was out buying prenatals that afternoon. No joke. Rainbow Light vitamins are made with natural, purity-tested ingredients and NO artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or sweeteners. They're vegetarian and do not contain gluten, wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, eggs, fish, or shellfish. Why is this important? Because there are a lot of vitamins out there with filler ingredients. (Plus if you have an allergy, this is good info. to know!) Rainbow Light multivitamins can be taken on an empty stomach (yay!) and can be taken during and after pregnancy (if you plan to breastfeed, plan to keep taking your prenatals until you've weaned your baby.) Enjoy this discount code for 20% off on Rainbow Light Prenatals: HappyBaby For Baby: Gerber® Onesies®: (OMG how freaking adorable does Ethan look for real???) This brand of onesie has been a staple for each of my boys as babies. So you could say that I basically have been in a relationship with Gerber® for 17 years now. Gerber® Onesies® are sooo soft with 100% knit cotton, so they are perfect for layering or simply to be worn alone on a hot day. Despite the fallen leaves in the photo above, it was 80 degrees when I snapped that pic of my sweet boy in his onesie. On warm nights, he wears his onesie so that he can sleep comfortably without overheating. During the colder weather, I use them for layering for warmth. Gerber® Onesies® are by far the most durable onesies and I love that they come in both short and long sleeves. Save on Gerber apparel at your favorite retailer with money-saving coupons to use in-store only: http://goo.gl/RYGA6D or order online at www.GerberChildrenswear.com now through 10/8/16 and receive FREE $6 STANDARD SHIPPING on your order. Use promo code BBOXX16FS at checkout. FUJIFILM INSTAX Mini 70: Be prepared, you will take lots and lots of pictures of your little one. They grow up so fast and they're only little once. While I'm all about my cell phone camera, I also like instant pictures. The INSTAX Mini 70 is the perfect size to have in your diaper bag or out at a party. It also offers selfie mode that automatically adjusts settings for perfect selfies of you and your little one. Ethan knows that when the camera comes out, it's time to pose. What was amazing to me, is that despite his constant movement, the pictures don't come out blurry at all. Boudreaux's Butt Paste: Diaper bag and changing table essential - diaper rash cream. I'm telling you, invest now! I highly recommend Boudreaux’s Butt Paste as it is fast acting without the harsh ingredients. This diaper rash cream is free-from parabens, preservatives, dyes, phthalates and talc and comes in 3 targeted formulas: original (16% zinc oxide), extra strength (40% zinc oxide) and all natural. So what makes this brand different from the rest? First it's not thick or sticky, so it won't stick to your fingers. It looks thick in the tub, but as you apply it, it's very smooth like a cream. Since it won't stick to your fingers, it doesn't stick to baby's skin either - it simply creates a barrier. Honestly, there is nothing worse than a blowout that also requires you to rub your already irritated baby's skin because your diaper rash cream is stuck to his body. Couldn't help but show how happy he is... and always moving. TempTraq®: This wearable Bluetooth enabled temperature monitor is a Godsend. When your baby is sick, he/she won't be sitting still long enough for you to take their temp, and if they're sleeping, the last thing you want to do is to wake them up to check if they have a fever. This thermometer adheres like a bandaid and sends information to the TempTraq® app that you can download to any Apple or Android phone. The patch is one-time use and good for 24 hours. TempTraq® notifies your smartphone when your child has a fever and also makes it very easy to email all of the data collected, directly to your child's pediatrician. Have a tribe of children like myself? The app can monitor multiple TempTraq® patches. (Because when one gets sick, they all get sick!) Very limited time discount - 10% off when you use code BABBLEBOXX10 on their website.Offer Expires Oct 31, 2016. Discovered something new? Have something to add? Leave a comment and let me know! 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

If you ever have the chance to visit The Lodge at Woodloch either for a Pocono getaway, or locally for a spa day, you won't want to miss the chance to eat at TREE. Woodloch's TREE is literally a delight to your tastebuds. Everything comes fresh from their garden and/or locally sourced farmers. It's always healthy and absolutely delicious. Below is the recipe for their mouth-watering Ratatouille with Herbs de Provence. I think you'll love it! Ingredients 2 pounds eggplant, cut into 1- inch cubes 2 ½ pounds tomatoes, seeded, and cut into 1/4- inch cubes 1 ½ pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced 1 ½ pounds bell pepper, assorted colors, cut into 1- inch pieces 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 cup (approximately) extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tablespoons herbs de Provence, dried, if using fresh herbs triple the amount 1 pound zucchini, cut into ¾ - inch half moons (remove seeds from larger zucchinis) 1 pound yellow squash, seeded, cut into ¾ - inch pieces 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons kosher salt Directions Toss eggplant in 1/2 teaspoon salt and place in a colander. Let stand in the sink for 30 minutes. Pour eggplant onto several paper towels and blot to remove excess moisture. In a heavy-bottomed, 5-quart pot over medium heat, add onions and approximately 4 tablespoons of oil. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 4 minutes until onions are soft, stirring occasionally. Add peppers and cook for another 4-8 minutes, adding enough oil to keep mixture quite moist. Add garlic, cook for another 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, herbs de Provence* and about a 1/3 cup oil. Cover partially to allow steam to escape. Cook for 30 minutes until tomato starts to break down, stirring occasionally. Put eggplant into simmering mixture along with enough remaining oil so vegetables are quite moist, but not swimming. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place zucchini and yellow squash in mixture and cook until they are just soft, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Add pepper. Check seasoning. May be served hot, warm, or at room temperature. Improves when refrigerated overnight and reheated. 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Since having Ethan last year, and a few months prior to his birth, sleep has eluded me. Before getting pregnant, I would take melatonin or unisom before bed because my insomnia was so bad. Although Ethan is 1, he still doesn't sleep through the night, which means I can't be groggy and need to be able to get up and take care of him if need be. Right now I use my Gurunanda Aromatherapy Diffuser and switch between their Calming Sleep and Tranquility essential oils. I can tell you this has worked wonders. (Right now I have their Focus blend going so I could concentrate enough to write this post!) When I heard that meditation expert, Emily Fletcher, also used to suffer from insomnia, I couldn't help but wonder what magic she worked to cure it. Since I can't make her meditation retreat she has coming up at the Four Seasons Resort and Spa in Santa Fe, I asked her to lend some tips that we could all benefit from. Below is directly from Emily herself! As we all know, if you don’t get a good night’s sleep, life can get pretty tough on the other side. We all want to be there for our friends, our family, our colleagues, and perform at our very best. To get a good night’s sleep, we actually need to start taking action during the day. Here are a few practical tips to help you get that delicious restful sleep you’ve been craving. 1. F.lux App I know it seems crazy to offer up technology to help with sleep, but since so many of us spend so much time on computers and phones during the day this is a great tool. It actually knows the time the sun sets in your time zone, so it darkens and softens the light on your device to correctly signal to your brain the time of day. It’s awesome. 2. EMF Phone Cover This shields the harmful rays that come from our cell phones that aren’t great for us anyways, but especially best to block them when we are focused on getting good rest. 3. No technology in the bedroom Let your bed be for sleep and sex only. 4. Wash off the day and reset for night with a nice, warm bath. Add some magnesium or lavender to help relax the muscles, and remind your body that it is time to rest and relax. 5. Give yourself an oil massage. Try this once you’re in bed- just on your hands and your feet to work out the tension. Sesame oil or coconut oil work beautifully here. 6. Lavender oil on the bottom of your feet. Simply dab some on the bottom of your feet. It sounds crazy, but it is a magical miracle trick. 7. If you’re lying in bed and can’t fall asleep, remind yourself that even if you're not actively asleep, you're still getting 80% of the rest you could be getting, simply by lying in bed. Just remembering this helps to take pressure and anxiety off, and relaxes the mind along with the body. 8. My number one favorite tip for insomnia: Meditation. I had insomnia for about eighteen months before I found this style of meditation. It was like torture! I wasn't enjoying my job, or my life. On the first day of my first meditation class I slept through the night for the first time in eighteen months and I have every night since, and that was nine years ago. If you don't yet have a daily practice I would love for you to join me at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort and Spa in Santa Fe this October. I will teach you a simple, powerful technique and you will leave with this self-sustaining practice you can do anywhere. I’m excited to share this with you, friends. Sweet dreams! More about Emily - Emily Fletcher is the founder of Ziva Meditation and the creator of zivaMIND, the world’s first online meditation training. Ziva’s mission is to make meditation attractive and accessible to people who are ready to up-level their performance and their lives. Recently featured in The New York Times, named top 100 women in wellness to watch and regarded as one of the leading experts in Vedic meditation, Emily has been invited by companies like Google, Barclays Bank, sweetgreen, & Viacom to help improve company performance through meditation. She began her ten years of training in Rishikesh, India and was inspired to teach after experiencing the profound physical and mental benefits meditation provided her during her 10-year career on Broadway, which included roles inChicago, The Producers & A Chorus Line. Emily has been invited to speak at Harvard Business School, Bulletproof Biohacking Conference, Summit Series, A-Fest and The Omega Center. So far, she has taught over 2,800 people to become self-sufficient meditators with this game changing practice to take with them for life.  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!

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My hair has not been at its best this summer.  Sun, salt water, humidity and heat, plus constant styling to battle the heat and humidity all tends to strip my hair leaving it looking and feeling dry and dull. This may sound a bit dramatic, but when I do not feel good about my hair, it can ruin my outlook on life...not kidding....and like I said, somewhat dramatic. Due to sweat and product build-up, I try to use deep cleansing shampoos in the summer, but while they do cleanse my hair, they also strip it of moisture.  What my hair required to battle summer damage was a deep cleansing shampoo that removes product build up and pollutants, but does not strip my hair, followed by a conditioner that is deeply moisturizing and repairing, yet does not weigh my hair down. I found the perfect shampoo and conditioner combo to battle my summer damaged hair woes with Volé 's Revitalizing Shampoo and Volumizing Conditioner. The Revitalizing Shampoo contains a combination of moisturizing, nourishing, gentle cleansing and rejuvenating ingredients such as coconut-derived cleansers, eucalyptus, menthol, and avena sativa (wild oats). Thanks to the menthol, washing my hair with Volé 's Revitalizing Shampoo is incredibly invigorating and I absolutely LOVE shampooing in the morning (it's a lot more effective than a cup of coffee at waking me up.)  The Revitalizing Shampoo effectively cleans my hair and rids it of build-up without leaving it feeling like straw. The Volumizing Conditioner is now my absolute favorite hair product and is honestly the perfect conditioner.  It is deeply moisturizing without leaving my hair feeling weighed down, adds a lot of shine and leaves my hair soft and also really bouncy. I have also been trying Volé 's Regen Serum, which is supposed to promote hair growth, improve strength and rebalance the hair's lifecycle.  It's too soon to tell if it's working, but if the shampoo and conditioner are any indication of the Volé Hair System's effectiveness, I'm sure I will be more than happy with the results of the Regen Serum. I feel as if I've finally found the perfect shampoo and conditioner combination for not only my summer hair concerns, but all of my hair concerns in general.  Thanks to Volé, I have a shampoo that effectively cleans my hair without leaving it dry and more damaged.  I also found a conditioner that actually repairs and improves the condition my hair.  The only thing I can ask from Volé is that they create more hair products with the same incredible performance as the shampoo and conditioner! Give it a try and treat yourself with this 20% off promo code at www.volehair.com: Girlsspa20 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! Disclosure: press sample