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Viva Day Spa special caters to cluttered and cloudy heads
I had a head full of mold.
I’m typically not a headachy person, but the longer I live in Austin, the more the unrelenting mold seems to interfere with my brain. (If Austin is indeed weird, I’m certain this is why.) Sometimes, my sinuses get so inflamed that my whole head throbs. This was one of those days.
So I booked the Head Trip spa package at Viva Day Spa. Viva co-owner Shannon Mouser invented this package specifically to deal with her migraines. It’s an intensive massage of the head, neck and shoulders, and it works on pretty much any kind of ache in those areas. Therapist Diane Pellegrini started by massaging my face, with no lotion or oil — just with her cool, smooth hands. She worked her way over my eyebrows, forehead and sinuses, focusing on pressure points in the sinuses. It was a relaxing way to get into the treatment and helped me immediately breathe a little more easily.
Then, using a mint-scented oil, she went to work on my head and neck. She kneaded, rubbed and at one point scrubbed in a hair-washing motion, reaching every inch of my head, from the bulges at the back of my head next to my neck, where most of my headaches tend to settle in, all the way up to Mount Suitcase, the big lump at the top of my head where a metal case fell out of an airplane’s overhead compartment and onto my cranium 15 years ago.
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Clinique, Teen Vogue hold beauty event for fresh faces
Get ready to strike a pose.
Students who are at least 13 will get their chance during Clinique’s Fresh Faces Tour, a style effort with Conde Nast’s Teen Vogue.
There will be a mobile beauty studio at 2209 Rio Grande St. near the University of Texas from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Friday.
The magazine’s beauty and health director, Eva Chen, will take questions from the crowd and offer news on fall makeup trends.
Students will get a complimentary makeover, professional photo and a chance to win a prize, including a trip to New York to visit Teen Vogue’s office as well as Clinique’s headquarters, a professional photo shoot that will be featured in the magazine, a year’s supply of Clinique products and a Teen Vogue makeover.
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International Spa Association meets in Austin
When the going gets tough, the tough get a massage.
As other businesses founder in the recession, the spa industry is thriving, earning $12.8 billion nationwide in 2008 compared with $10.9 billion in 2007, according to the International Spa Association.
Against this cheerful financial backdrop, about 1,500 members of that association are convening serenely at the Austin Convention Center this week, hearing seminars on topics such as social media marketing and checking out new products for rubbing out anxiety.
“I think more people feel like spending $100 on a massage than going out to dinner,” said Shana Ominsky, spa director for Austin’s Barton Creek Resort and Spa, who was at the convention with four colleagues.
Massage is the most popular spa treatment, according to a survey commissioned by the spa association. That poll also reported that the No. 1 reason people go to a spa is to relieve stress.
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A warm fuzzy after bath time
What could possibly be more luxurious than a long, relaxing bath?
How about a warm towel to cuddle up in as you step out of the tub?
Heat things up with a new towel warmer from the 200 Series Collection from Mr. Steam.
The perfect upgrade to any bathroom, this relaxation innovative has built-in temperature and high limit controls for precise heating so you can control the warmth, and comes complete with an aromatherapy oil well which releases fatigue and anxiety reducing scents.
The collection of warmers, which come in multiple heights and finishes, are also available with a 24-hour, seven-day digital timer that can be programmed in advance.
Prices range from $400-$800. Available at Moore Supply Co., 8740 Shoal Creek Blvd.
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Give your tired skin an eco-friendly glow
Dip into the eco-friendly fountain of youth and be in the know on the latest in luxury, organic beauty products thanks to Futurenatural, a locally based, online beauty boutique touting more than 40 brands of the best organic and natural brands in the world.
From organic anti-aging moisturizers to makeup made from all natural ingredients, the products represented are a finely edited array of the highest quality, natural beauty products in the market.
Shop by brand to uncover the story behind each line, or by skin type to find the best treatments and elixirs specific to the skin you’re in.
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Relaxing at the human carwash feels delicious
All I could think of was: This must be how a car feels in a carwash. And if that’s the case, the car feels pretty good.
I was experiencing the Moroccan Bath Tradition treatment at Spa Reveil at the Domain. It’s one of the spa’s signature treatments, and it’s a blissful 80 minutes of scrubbing, rinsing and soothing.
I began my afternoon at Reveil with an express facial from Jaclyn Losie, who cleaned my face with a tea tree oil cleanser, then applied carrot seed and gardenia serums before adding a seaweed mask.
She massaged my face with a creamy moisturizer, aware that I was headed into a body treatment that would give it time to work on my summer-dried face.
With my face slathered, I was handed off to Susan Deibert for my Moroccan bath treatment.
The primary component of this treatment is the Vichy shower, a rinse provided by an arm equipped with shower heads that is passed over the massage table. The device got its start long ago in the hot springs of Vichy, France. I’ve had scrubs rinsed off in various ways, and the Vichy shower seems the most expeditious — assuming you’re in a room with a drain. And we were.
Before we started, Deibert tested the water temperature on my feet. It was quite warm, but not hot.
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Appreciation for BeverlyD
Girls, do you remember being 8 years old and having slumber parties? Putting on your robes and playing with each other’s hair and makeup, while gossiping about the cute boy next door? There was camaraderie between you and the girls. Girls ruled … and boys drooled.
BeverlyD brings back these times with her hair parties for women. With the launch of her 100 percent organic, eco-friendly hair and body products, BeverlyD began throwing these parties.
“I want to build women and community. So much of our lives are separate; we get caught up in our own lives, our own little bubbles,” she said. “Hair parties bring women together. When we come together, we talk and connect. A lot of good out comes out of it.”
Women can host these parties or attend one. They come in comfy clothes or robes and bring their own blow dryers, brushes and styling tools. The spa ritual starts with food. They prepare a healthy and organic meal made with local products. Then comes appreciation time, where the women go around and tell what they appreciate in their lives.
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Nourish skin naturally at online shop
We all know ingredients in beauty products are just as important for our bodies as those in food labels, and thanks to Futurenatural, a locally based online beauty boutique touting more than 40 brands of the best organic and natural brands in the world, your skin can be nourished, not famished.
A few of the good-enough-to-eat products might have already secured a spot in your daily beauty regimen, but now you can find your faves all in one place.
Owner Emma Pezzack, who has been in the beauty biz for 25 years, has created a marketplace for eco-conscious consumers to shop for quality organic skin products. From scalp treatments to foot cream, you’ll be treated from head to toe.
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Celebrate the Beauty of Life
Kick off the fall social season in style at the Fourth Annual Beauty of Life fundraiser for Hospice Austin on Sept. 15.
Glossy is the sponsor for the fashion-focused event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Charla Krupp, the style expert on NBC’s “Today Show” and author of The New York Times best-seller “How Not to Look Old,” will entertain and enlighten guests of all ages with tips and tricks on looking their best at any age and at any price.
The brunch, hosted by Les Amis de Hospice Austin, also will feature the hottest fall fashions from local shops and designers, live makeovers, a silent auction, a book signing with Krupp and a door prize of a two-night package at the Driskill that includes food and entertainment.
The brunch’s honorary chairwoman and emcee, Anne Elizabeth Wynn, was named one of Austin’s eight most fashionable people at the Glossy 8 Austin Style Maker Awards last year. Tickets are $100. Call 342-4753 for more information.
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Magic wand gives length to lashes
If you’re looking to thicken sparse eyelashes, consider neuLash, an innovative eyelash enhancement serum that promotes healthier, thicker lashes within 2 to 4 weeks.
Using only cosmetically approved ingredients, such as essential proteins, vitamins and moisturizers, neuLash conditions your natural lashes from the base up, protecting them from breakage and giving them length, volume and shine.
Both ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested, this little magic wand is a safe and simple way to get luscious lashes, and even can be used to enhance the eyebrow line.
$150. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9722 Great Hills Trail, 231-3700.
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Planet Beach brings unusual experience to Austin with mechanized spa treatments
I’m being kneaded, pounded, grabbed and stretched … by a chair.
I never knew a chair could do this, but one is giving me a deep-tissue massage while I’m getting a Luminous Facial at Planet Beach Contempo Spa.
Planet Beach, founded in 1995 in New Orleans, is especially big in California, where it has counted Miley Cyrus among its clients. So now that it has established a spa in South Austin, I thought I’d give it a try.
It’s nothing like a traditional spa. The treatments are performed by machines, not people. Massages, facials and hydrotherapy treatments take about 20 minutes each. The most common way to pay is with a membership, similar to a health club’s. It’s $99 to join and $99 per month; then you can do all the treatments you want. But the spa will also work out a la carte payments for the services if that’s what you desire.
When I first heard about this approach to spa treatments, I wondered if it would be like the massaging chair I typically sit in when I get a pedicure. It’s not. Planet Beach’s equipment is far more sophisticated.
The hydro-massage is done fully clothed. I lie on a table atop a surface with water jets. The water won’t hit me directly; it will just massage me through the pad on the table. I set the pressure (medium at first; I don’t know what to expect) and the speed of the jet pulses, then press a button to start the machine, quickly donning headphones and lying down face-up.
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The healing powers of Linda Craig
Amongst the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin lies Linda Craig’s sanctuary.
Tucked away down a small hallway, I almost missed her room. This hidden gem is a stark contrast from the busy YMCA. The walls are filled with Chinese writing and posters of the human body. There was a sense of harmony and feng shui as I entered.
“The massage table is the only place in people’s lives where they can be at peace,” Craig said. “They don’t have to answer a phone, e-mail or be accessible.”
Craig, 55, has been facilitating this peacefulness with massage therapy, which she has been practicing for more than 30 years in Austin at the Town Lake YMCA.
Craig has massaged people from all walks of life — athletes, children, the elderly, post-operative, terminally ill and cancer patients. Her certifications include traditional Swedish massage, acupressure, reflexology, polarity, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, medical massage, massage techniques for cancer patients and grief recovery.
She has been practicing at the YMCA since 1979, with a very dedicated following.
“Harmony is important. I’m not the masseuse for everyone, but for some — I’m the only one,” Craig said.
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Free six-packs at Birds this Friday
Birds Barbershop is keeping Austin cool with its “Fill Your Cooler” program.
Birds East, 1107 E. Sixth St., is giving away free Lone Star six-packs to the first 50 customers on Friday, July 3, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
So head on over to jazz up your ‘do and fill your cooler before partaking in Independence day festivities.
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Tall honors for dad on summer’s longest day
Summer solstice — the longest day of the season — is also Father’s Day this year, meaning you’ll get some extra time with your father this weekend.
Why not take him to Birds Barbershop for a haircut and some beer?
Lone Star and Birds have teamed up to offer free tallboys this Sunday, June 21, at all four locations. Bike to Birds and you’ll get a free shampoo with your haircut too.
So grab pops, hop on a bike, soak up the sun and crack open a tallboy while you — and dad — get new hairdos this weekend. It’s the manly thing to do.
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Look good, guys, with help from Nordstrom
Life after college usually means job interviews and a need for a professional wardrobe. Here comes the “Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style” (Chronicle Books, $19.95) by New York-based consumer trend expert Tom Julian, with a foreword by Pete Nordstrom, president of merchandising for the luxe department store.
The notebook-sized fashion tome goes through four major style categories — trend, contemporary, classic and luxury. Topics include picking the right fabrics and patterns, finding the perfect fit and how to tie various tie styles as well as packing tricks, style tips and stain removal.
The book is available at Nordstrom at Barton Creek Square, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360), Amazon.com and other book retailers.
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Eco Shoppe arrives in Austin with an earth-friendly focus
There is good news to report on the local green scene, as Austin welcomes the nation’s first Eco Shoppe at 10255 Research Blvd., Suite 900. A division of the Vitamin Shoppe, this new concept store is dedicated to providing the best in green living products, services and education for an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Store departments include apparel, home and garden, gifts, office, pets, kids, yoga and conservation. The Eco Shoppe will feature local Austin vendors such as Olive Green Dog and Mod Green, as well as green-brands like Klean Kanteen, Under the Canopy, Kassatex, Born Free, Bambu Home and Caldrea.
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Clips, feathers add style to your hair
Looking to give your hairdo some pizzazz?
Cedar Park High School senior Marlo Adelle Greta’s hair line, Marlo Adelle Accessories, is getting international orders as well as winning honors, such as the National Federation of Independent Business/McKelvey Foundation Young Entrepreneur Award and the Texas Christian University Youth Entrepreneur of the Year and scholarship money.
In its fourth year of production, the line features hair accessories, hair jewelry, hair clips and brooches. Also, there’s the new Plumette “Vintage” Collection of brooches and hair clips made from imported feathers with shells, hand-painted flowers and beads. You can order custom-made Plumettes with coque and ostrich feathers with black shells, rhinestones and beads.
The pins and pieces range in price from $7.50 to $21.99 and can be ordered online.
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After brunch, take mom to the spa
Sometimes, moms need their own quiet time. Give yours a relaxing day for Mother’s Day or any other day. Sabia, 1213 W. Fifth St., is offering an hourlong full-body massage, one-hour facial and optional makeup touch-ups. The holistic facial will include aromatic compresses, hydrating steam, a healing Cacaolatte scrub, a handmade honey and rose clay mask, and moisturizer. The $130 package is available on Mother’s Day and on May 17.
Other options are at 26 Bones Foot Spa, 1403 W. 47th St., which has a Mother’s Day special with a hot stone massage and hot stone manicure and pedicure and fresh-cut flowers. The package is 3 hours for $200.
For mothers-to-be, there is a one-hour full body prenatal massage using pillows followed by a hot stone manicure and pedicure and a special gift for the new baby. The package is 3 hours for $210 through Mother’s Day.
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Now arriving near Gate 13: Respite and relaxation
There are plenty of things about flying that rub me the wrong way, so I figured it was about time to have a different sort of experience at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
I found what I was looking for at Knot Anymore, which offers 10-minute to 30-minute walk-up chair massages right there at the airport, near Gate 13, under the stairway to the Admiral’s Club. It’s right across from an arrival-departure board, where travelers can easily find it.
When I arrived at the check-in desk, there were already four men face-down in the four chairs, looking like starfish draped happily over rocks. Rebecca Kahn, who opened Knot Anymore at the airport in 2000, told me that’s typical. Most of the clients, she said, are outbound businessmen.
“They almost always say, ‘My body needed it,’ ” Kahn said.
Why would men, who tend to shy away from traditional spas, be so willing to relax and get rubbed on a massage chair at an airport? Because they get to keep their clothes on?
Kahn nodded, saying, “I think that’s probably it.” She said that 40 percent of the business is from repeat customers, so clearly the guys are into it.
I was perfectly happy to be the only woman getting a chair massage at that moment. Jennifer Keen, my therapist, put a new cover on the face cushion, adjusted the seat for my short self and went to work.
For the next 20 minutes she pushed, stretched, kneaded, knuckled and otherwise worked to cajole my back, neck and arms into relaxed submission. She found, as all therapists do, the knot in my left shoulder that I always blame on my heavy purse. She went after it like a baker kneading bread. I heard a few cracks and pops as the spot near my shoulder blade loosened up.
This was no cursory chair massage. It was a good, deep-tissue workover. If Keen hadn’t stopped a few times to pull my knit top down to cover my lower back, I’d have forgotten she was working through cloth.
While I was enjoying my massage, some of the men around me got up, and others — along with one woman — took their places, each quietly imparting information about which part of his or her back was most troublesome.
When Keen was done, I emerged relaxed and prepared — as much as one can be — to meander into a cramped metal tube.
I said I’d be back to treat myself again the next time my plane is delayed, and Eric Smith, Knot Anymore’s site manager, said he hears that a lot.
“People come back looking for a specific therapist,” he said.
Sure. That happens when you’ve been rubbed the right way.
Knot Anymore
Near Gate 13 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
10-minute massage $12; 15 minutes $17; 20 minutes $22 and 30 minutes $35.
Closed Saturdays.
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Remember Mother’s Day with cosmetics from Sisley, Giorgio Armani and Chanel
Just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, the makeup counters at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9722 Great Hills Trail, are getting a little fuller.
Sisley launches a new trio of fragrances on May 6, the Eau de Sisley Fragrances. Giorgio Armani premieres a Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 inspired by extreme conditions backstage and at photo shoots — Uma Thurman, Alicia Keys and Angelina Jolie are all fans of the satin-touch, 14-hour stay foundation. Chanel introduces its Summer makeup collection inspired by resort destinations: lip glosses in cool coral, sun-soaked red, sandy-pink beige, lush peach and shimmering copper rose evoke the glow of a Mediterranean vacation.
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Allow a massage therapist to walk all over you
Remember the “Charlie’s Angels” scene in which Lucy Liu gives a bad guy a massage with her feet? Now you can try it yourself.
Massage Harmony, a spa owned by Derrick Amoriko, is having an open house event from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19 to promote its Ashiatsu Bar Therapy program. The spa’s Bee Cave Road location has four new rooms for the treatment and six trained therapists.
In this type of massage, a therapist uses bare feet to apply pressure while she or he is supported by two parallel bars anchored to the ceiling. “Ashiatsu” comes from the Japanese words for foot (ashi) and pressure (atsu).
During the event, the spa will offer Ashiatsu massages at the introductory rate of $44 for a 60-minute session. (The rate will be available through the end of April.) Also, attendees will be able to participate in live demonstrations. Hot tea and light snacks will be available. 3300 Bee Cave Road, 306-0900, massageharmony.com.
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Latest comments
Are you kidding me? You were 8 years old and “boys drooled”? Get real.
... read the full comment by smokey | Comment on Appreciation for BeverlyD Read Appreciation for BeverlyD
This spa is amazing! There are so many things to do! I went there yesterday and tanned and got a facial and today, on my lunch break, I am going to get my teeth whitened and get a massage on this awesome water massage bed! I can’t wait! I had been
... read the full comment by Jessica Jones | Comment on Planet Beach brings unusual experience to Austin with mechanized spa treatments Read Planet Beach brings unusual experience to Austin with mechanized spa treatments
Linda has been my soul mate for over 34 years. she is a true healer and a fabulous dancer. don’t let the blonder hair fool ya, she is DEEP.
... read the full comment by Brooks Lewis | Comment on The healing powers of Linda Craig Read The healing powers of Linda Craig
Have had spirtual connection w/ Linda for 40 yrs. These praises are not a suprise to me. She was my healing source during a very turbulant time in my life. And have remained friends forever…even have photos!!!Was so glad to see her face again..She’s
... read the full comment by mitch dick | Comment on The healing powers of Linda Craig Read The healing powers of Linda Craig
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