Yesterday I had the pleasure of chatting on-air with Alayna Zwick, host of LA Talk Live's Beauty Talk 'n More. While I help Top Tier Media with her social media efforts, she asked me to call in to talk more about A Girl's Gotta Spa! natural body care line - an opportunity I did not pass up! As you can tell from the 13 minute chat, I am passionate about beauty and have been since as far back as I can remember. You can purchase A Girl's Gotta Spa! natural body products at www.agirlsgottaspa.com/store. If you have questions, leave a comment and I'll be happy to answer! 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+

Up on Huckleberry Mountain lies an enchanting stone chateau with 20 miles of magnificent views of the northern Pocono mountains. Whether your view is of the prominent snowcapped peaks in the winter, the lush greenery in the Spring and Summer, or the spectacular colors of the Fall foilage, you are guaranteed something breathtaking even before stepping foot inside The French Manor Inn and Spa.

If you long for a peaceful hideaway that is elegant, a place to simply retreat to whether you are local to the Poconos or are venturing in from out of state, you won’t be disappointed with what The French Manor has to offer. I’m blessed to live local to The French Manor, and having been previously to their Le Spa Foret for a Spa Pedicure, I know that the team here is top notch. Prior to your spa treatment, and on this day it was a Therapeutic Relaxation Massage for me, you are greeted with small, brown, glass bottles of essential oils. Every spa treatment at Le Spa Foret is completely customized to your needs and only with natural or organic products. In dire need of a floral fragrance, I chose Soft Beauty which contains jasmine and smells heavenly. The Therapeutic Relaxation Massage is a Swedish-style massage that promotes relaxation using long strokes and kneading of the superficial muscles. It was much needed, as the launch of my natural body care line has kept me at my desk long hours and feeling exhausted.

Robin immediately picked up on the tension in my neck and upper back and kept much of her focus there. While I don’t typically chat too much during a massage, I found that Robin and I actually had a lot in common, so I didn’t mind the great conversation while her hands worked magic on helping to relieve the pain I was feeling in my muscles and the absolute need to relax my mind.

It’s worth noting that if you love huckleberries (as I discovered I do after my trip to Idaho’s Spa Ssakwa’q'n), The French Manor offers a huckleberry candle in their spa boutique. My advice? Buy one. The sweet scent has filled my office daily and is such a pleasing fragrance.

To learn more about The French Manor Inn and Spa, visit thefrenchmanor.com. If you found this spa treatment review helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it!

Disclosure: Spa treatment comped for review.

It has been a never ending winter here in the northeast and my skin is really not happy about it. In one of my last posts, I was so excited to add two new products to my daily beauty line up for dry skin…but now we can make that three. I’ve never had such a problem with dry skin before, especially on my face. If you live in an area with brutally cold temps and you’re experiencing this same sensitivity and dehydration on your face, meet the Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Balm ($36) from Sarah McNamara. While a vitamin C serum was a great addition to my daily routine, the never ending freezing cold temps were still leaving areas around my nose really dry. It was actually kind of embarrassing and I felt so self conscious that I couldn't get that area under control. I’ve never had to deal with skin issues like this before and my heart goes out to those with regular dry skin. On the coldest days, I felt like nothing was giving me the relief and hydration my face needed until I found Sarah McNamara’s Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Balm. Miracle Balm is a multi-use beauty balm and creamy oil designed to hydrate sensitive, irritated skin and enhance the skin’s own natural repair process.  It’s made of a unique formula blend of waxes, oils, botanical antioxidants, and reparative ingredients like Manuka Honey and Japanese Licorice Root Extract.  It's pretty much a combination of a bunch of really great ingredients for your skin that replenishes, calms, restores, repairs, and quenches your thirsty skin. I swear, it couldn't have come at a better time for me. Actually it's a blend of over 30 moisturizers! This is not your average moisturizer, it really is more a balm. Thicker, more concentrated, and so creamy you really only need a dab. If harsh winter weather has left you painfully dry, Miracle Balm provides instant relief and protection for distressed skin and is for anyone with severely dry, dehydrated skin due to harsh weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments, or environmental reactions. TRUTH! I feel like I'm preaching now, but seriously the harsh weather has been sucking any moisture from my face and a few little dabs on Miracle Balm puts the moisture right back in. Miracle Balm is totally soothing solution for the driest areas of your face and body. Just apply Miracle Balm with your fingertips to soothe irritated skin.  It's safe to apply anywhere on the body including face and lips. If you're not sure about this because of the price tag, I should also mention again that this is a multi-use product. It's not just for your face!  You can use it for dry area of your face and body, but is also super convenient to have on hand to smooth fly-aways, condition lips, use as a face highlighter, and even to transform powder eye shadows into creams. There are tons of different uses for Miracle Balm! Aside from hydrating your face and body, Miracle Balm can help you deal with many skin challenges like reducing redness, soothing areas post-waxing, healing and smoothing cracked heels, stings and bug bites, and even after sun exposure. Try it and let me know what you think! If you found this skin care review helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure

Lapis, The Spa at Fontainebleau’s Director of Spa operations, Josie Feria, came up with a few DIY spa treatments to rescue and revive your skin, and hopefully calm your mind. Take some time to nourish your body and senses. RESCUE ME SCRUB Benefits: Exfoliation of dry surface skin and increased hydration Ingredients: ½ cup mineral salts 2 tbsp of any carrier oil such as avocado, jojoba, grapeseed or kukui 5 drops lemongrass oil Directions: In bowl using a metal spoon blend mineral salt with carrier oil – thoroughly mix until it becomes a paste. Gradually add in lemongrass oil, blending after each drop. If scrub is too thick add a few drops of water and remix. Moisten the body in a warm bath or shower and apply scrub to body by hand or using a moist loofah pad in circular motions. Using a loofah pad or other textured body sponge or brush will increase the effects of the exfoliation. Beware of being too energetic as you may scratch the skin. Skin will be rosy and feel energized. Thoroughly rinse skin and apply body lotion. RESCUE SOAK Benefits: Relaxation, detoxification and mineralization of body Ingredients: 4 oz mineral salts 1 cup baking soda Directions: Add mineral salts to bath as warm water is running. Caution should be taken with hot water as may cause lightheadedness. Add baking soda. Using a bristle brush, loofah or sisal mitt, dry brush the body in upward strokes – this will exfoliate the skin, make the treatment more effective and increase blood circulation at the skin’s surface, which is key to skin regeneration. Lower lights and burn a candle at the edge of the tub. Have a glass of cool mineral water and lemon slices nearby to refresh and rehydrate your body. Play soothing, calming music. Soak at least 15 minutes adding warm water as needed – the longer the soak the greater the benefits. Rinsing is optional – towel dry and apply body lotion. Optional - Add in drops of lemongrass oil to increase aromatic benefits, provide pain relief and soften skin. While enjoying your soak try on these complementary experiences: Hair mask – Massage in a hydrating oil or cream into hair and wrap in shower cap Face treatment – Apply a hydrating mask or clay mask to the face with a small amount of water Eye treatment – boil a chamomile tea bag, chill and moisten 2 cotton eye pads. Apply to eyes and place a sleep make over eyes to secure – this treatment will not only reduce puffiness and dark circles but will enhance relaxation benefits due to the exclusion of light and vision. RESCUE MY FEET Benefits: Soft, touchable feet Ingredients: 2 tsps mineral salts Directions: Soak feet in warm water with mineral salts. Massage scrub (see recipe above) to onto feet and wrap in warm wet towels, allowing towels to cool off. To warm towels – put under very hot faucet /squeeze out excess water and place in microwave unrolled for 1 minute on high (or more time if needed.) Using wet towels remove scrub. Use pumice stone or other callous reducer on any tough, thick skin – be careful not to overdo it and over sensitize your feet. Rinse off. Apply body lotion and place feet in plastic bags and cotton socks. Follow towel recipe to warm the socks but use a lower microwave setting and less time for maximum benefit. Leave socks on overnight. While enjoying your feet treatment try on these complementary experiences: Warm a hand towel and place around your neck to increase relaxation. Apply scrub to hands, thoroughly rinse and apply a body lotion and tuck into cotton gloves or mitts for the night. If you found these DIY spa treatment tips helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Whomever said that spa treatments are just to relax, never experienced the ones that go beyond relaxation and additionally treat an ailment. An old-time Thai remedy that is still used today, the Six Senses Thai Herbal Poultice, offered in Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, increases blood flow and circulation, relaxes tense muscles, and alleviates pain and inflammations when applied directly onto the skin. Making your own herbal poultice is easy and the treatment is a great way to fight off the common cold, the flu, and viruses. The skin, our body’s largest organ and one of the first lines of defense against disease, quickly absorbs the herbs’ medicinal benefits for instant relief of stress, aches and pains. All ingredients are found on the islands of the Maldives, as well as in many of our supermarkets and pantries! Six Senses Thai Herbal Poultice Recipe What You'll Need: Fresh or dried herbs including Kaffir Lime, Galangal, and Lemongrass. (Before making your poultice with other herbs, be sure to research their properties to ensure they aren’t irritants.) Yarn/Thread White Cloth Bowl for mixing Steps: · Put 1 cup of each herb in a bowl and mix it well. · Take a large handful of the herbal mixture and place it into the center of your cloth, making a firm bundle (no bigger than a tennis ball in size.) · Tie the top with yarn or thread to create a handle for your poultice, keeping it tight so it will not become loose when in use. · Using a steamer or a hot pot, boil water and drop in the poultices until steamed, about 30-45 minutes. · For application, first check the heat of poultice on the inner forearm. Once the temperature is to your liking, place with pressure on the body on areas that are tense and or painful up to 30 minutes. · Use your Thai Herbal Poultice up to 4-5 times each before making a new one. If you found this DIY beauty post helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Proper skin care is not something that you only teach your daughter or the female in your life, but is something I feel boys need to learn, as well. Of course, I'm biased having four sons and all. Yet, we know it's true. Where are the ads on TV or in magazines marketing exfoliators, moisturizers, serums and sunscreen to men? (With the exception of acne products like Proactiv, of course.) When have you ever seen teen boys incorporated in skin care commercials? You simply don't. So how does a young man know how to treat blemishes, or how to exfoliate his face or know the right products for his skin type? Moms: It begins with you. When my oldest son, Gavin, was about 13, I began to explain the importance of washing his face both day and night. "No, Gavin, putting your face under the water in the shower doesn't count," I told him. I sat him down and explained the difference between cleansing his face and exfoliating his face, as well as how often he should be doing each (cleansing everyday, exfoliating 1-2x per week.) Directing him to wet his face first, I demonstrated for him how much product to use - because let's face it, kids POUR stuff out of the bottle. I showed him that you pump out about a pea-sized amount of product onto your finger tips, then tap them to your other hand and massage onto your skin in a circular motion. I then told him that he needed to rinse his face with cooler water (because I could totally visualize a screaming teenager saying "MOM! I just burned my face!" and no thanks.) The beginning was trial and error. As with any teenager, he was half listening to me, so the first few times he used products in the shower he would use way too much. Or he would conveniently forget to wash his face at all and later complain that his face was an oil slick. Or he'd glob on the moisturizer. I also explained to him how important it was to wear a moisturizer, day and night, as well as sunscreen. We're working on the sunscreen part still because he is in the typical "My skin will be just fine because I never go outside" phase. He's good most of the time about applying moisturizer at least once a day. What's he's best at is taking care of and treating the occasional blemish that erupts. He knows not to pick at his skin and I taught him how to gently extract whiteheads (washing his hands first then using a tissue and light pressure - and only once it is really ready - otherwise, hands off!) He knows that aloe and/or an ice pack will help decrease the inflammation. And he also has his favorite acne products: Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment and CoralActives Penetrating Acne Serum Gel.

Last week, Gavin (who is about to be 15 now) pointed out to his brother Connor (12) the blemish on Connor's nose, saying, "Look who's in puberty!" I expected the hazing to go further than that, but it didn't, and to my surprise (and pleasure) Gavin began talking to Connor about taking care of his skin and how to handle blemishes. It was definitely a proud moment for me as a mom and skin care fanatic. Connor, Gavin and I then had a great 20 minutes bonding and talking about about skin care. Connor asked a lot of questions and many times Gavin was quick to answer before me. When Connor asked me what pores were, I basically had to dish about the large pores on my nose and show him what happens when you don't start taking care of your skin from a young age. I feel good watching my boys invest in their skin and I like knowing that Gavin and Connor will also be share their knowledge when the time comes for Brody and Duncan to start taking care of theirs, too. Have you taught your son(s) the importance of proper skin care? If you found this post helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

I consider my naturally curly hair both a gift and a curse.  When my hair decides to behave in its natural state, it is a huge mane of defined, bouncy curls that I positively revel in, but when my hair decides to act up, it become a pouf of frizz or a saddened state of lifeless curls that I cannot wait to get rid of. Usually whenever my hair does act up, it is mostly due to the styling (products) I chose to use.  Either the product was too heavy and weighed my hair down or not hydrating enough and caused my curls to transform into a ball of frizz.  Rarely do I ever use just one product to style my curly hair. A couple to a few products are usually required to get those bouncy, shiny, hydrated curls that I always desire.  Last Friday I decided to give  Miss Jessie's Multicultural Curls a go completely on its own.  I did not combine this styler with any other product; I just washed, conditioned, then applied the Multicultural Curls product to my hair and let it air dry.  Miss Jesssie's Multicultural Curls gave me soft, shiny, bouncy curls that were frizz free.  My curls did not feel like they were lacking anything or like they were coated in too much product. It was the perfect balance of hold, volume, shine and manageability.  Even after I did an hour of intense Zumba with my hair completely down, my curls still held up and were frizz free. So far I've used the Miss Jesssie's Multicultural Curls a total of three times with the same great results every time.  I still have yet to give it the ultimate test of summer's heat and humidity, but for now I am both excited and relieved that I have been able to use just one product to get my curly hair not only to behave, but to actually excel! If you found this hair care review helpful, please be sure to Like, Share and Pin this post! You might also like: Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls review. 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

This is the story of how A Girl's Gotta Spa!, launched in 2005 as a beauty blog, evolved in 2014 as a beauty and wellness brand. Your personal well-being should be a priority.

Combination skin friends rejoice! I've discovered an amazing moisturizer that gives your skin the moisture it needs while keeping your skin looking matte.

Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel is an oil-free moisturizer that is lightweight. It's also formulated with a powder that comes to the aid of that oily t-zone and reduces the shine without reducing the hydration needed to keep skin balanced. Since most of us with combination/oily skin tend to be acne prone, this hydrating gel doesn't clog pores.

Dew Over feels like a gel-moisturizer combo texture to the skin, applies smoothly and absorbs quickly. It has a nice honeysuckle and white tea fragrance, which is very light and fades within moments of wearing the moisturizer on your skin. There is absolutely no greasy residue whatsoever.

While this has been a great moisturizer this winter for me, I am most looking forward to Spring and Summer when my skin is a mess from heat and humidity. A hydrating gel will be the perfect remedy. Have you tried it yet?

If you found this skin care review helpful, please be sure to Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Check out our natural bath and body line!

*Disclosure

When it comes to achieving beautiful skin, I believe that it's always best to start from the inside out. I've seen firsthand the difference in my skin when I eat a healthy, clean, well-balanced diet as opposed to when I eat processed foods.  Not only do I feel more alive and energetic when I eat healthy, but my skin looks so clear, glowing and healthy that I can actually skip makeup.  Since I am a bit...a big bit...OK, a huge fan of snacking, I try to make sure that I snack on foods that are also healthy, nutritious and great for my skin.  I've gathered a list of snack foods that are tasty, filling, healthy and have amazing skin benefits.  Walnuts: This is my favorite snack food.  I love the taste and texture of walnuts. They contain essential fatty acids, which are responsible for healthy cell membranes that act as a barrier to harmful substances, are also the passageway for nutrients to get in and out and for waste products to get in and out of cells.  Since it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. (And that means plumper, younger looking skin.) Almonds: Almonds are loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants, which  protect skin from UV-spawned free radicals.  Vitamin E is present in skin's top layers and guard cells' outer membrane so cells stay healthy. And like walnuts, these strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated. Berries: I especially love blackberries, blueberries and strawberries as they are loaded with antioxidants that protect skin cells.  The antioxidants found in these berries protect skin from free radicals (like the kind formed from sun exposure) and can help to lessen any damage to your skin.

  Tomatoes: Tasty and filling, tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene, they  are also considered a high-carotenoid fruit. These nutrients may help slow down cellular damage from free radicals. I love sprinkling a bit of unrefined sea salt and black pepper on thick slices of tomatoes or combine with slices of avocado, another beautiful skin snack.  Avocadoes are a  good source of biotin and help to prevent dry skin. Greek yogurt: This skin nourishing snack carries a good source of protein to help skin to become firmer, so it's more resistant to fine lines.  I love combining Greek yogurt with berries and walnuts or almonds for the ultimate skin beautifying snack. Go ahead and nourish your skin from the inside and out with these delicious "beautiful skin" snacks! If you found this heath and beauty tip helpful, please be sure to Like, Share and Pin this post! 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!