DIY Aromatic Reed Diffuser

Do you love reed diffusers, but not the fragrances available at the stores (too strong!) or the prices (expensive!)? 

Us, too! 

That's why we are super excited to share this video from Mother Earth Living on how to create your own reed diffuser at home using a glass jar, bamboo skewers, vegetable oil and essential oil. You likely have a few of these items already hanging around the house and the others can be purchased relatively inexpensively.

This simple, quick project could be whipped up for different rooms in your home or as gifts. We are thinking these would make a great shower favor or holiday gift!

Have fun creating your own diffusers! Customize the fragrance to you, grab a cup of tea, then sit back and relax!

U-PICK 2 IS BACK!!!

September Special

What a great way to celebrate "Back-to-School!" 

Host a party this month and guests can pick two of these services for $75 or all three for $110:

• 30 min Swedish massage
• Relaxation facial
• Spa pedicure

Call today to book your spa party!

5 Ways to Get Your Skin Ready for Spring!

Image © Camille Leinbach

With the temperatures warming up here in Michigan, it is almost time to trade our snow boots for sandals! Here are 5 easy ways to get your skin ready for Spring!

1. Exfoliate
Use a skin brush or loofah (available at your local drug store) in the shower to help to shed dead skin cells. You can also use a body scrub, like the Pink Grapefruit Sugar Body Scrub from Marmalade Hills to smooth and soften dry, flaky skin. This is a Traveling Spa client favorite and is used in our full-body polish service.

2. Hydrate
Be sure you are drinking enough water to support your skin's moisture balance. Aim for 8 glasses a day, more if you are exercising or drinking caffeine or alcohol.

3. Moisturize
Use a moisturizer on your entire body immediately after bathing or showering to lock in the moisture. Pay special attention to trouble spots like knees, feet and hands, which tend to dry out easily. Use a good quality body creme or butter that includes skin-protecting ingredients like shea butter, jojoba and coconut oils. These ingredients will help to keep skin soft, smooth and hydrated.

4. Veg Out
Include as many fruits and vegetables as possible in your daily diet. Fruits and veggies are loaded with tons of antioxidants that help to keep skin healthy. Include them in salads, soups, stir-fries and smoothies (like this yummy Cherry Kale smoothie!). You can also incorporate a multivitamin and fish (or flax) oil to give skin the nutrients that it needs to stay soft and in balance.

5. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Even though it isn't yet summertime, you still need to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. It is very easy to accidentally get sunburned in the spring, which is one of the main causes of aging (not to mention skin cancer). Apply a zinc-oxide based sunscreen before going out in the sun - every time. Remember it is easier to prevent sun damage than it is to correct it down the road. The more frequently you use sunscreen now, the better you will look 10 years from now! :)

Happy Spring!!!

U-Pick is Back for April!

April Special

Host and guests can pick two of these services for $75 or all three for $110:

• 30 min Swedish massage
• Relaxation facial
• Spa pedicure

Call today to book your spa party!

Spring Clean Your Mind, Body & Spirit

Let the Light In

It's no secret that sunshine brightens our spirits. Research has shown that light (or a lack of it) can affect our health. To increase the amount of light in your home, start by cleaning your windows, all light bulbs and fixtures and trim back shrubs and trees that block windows. You can also brighten your rooms by changing drapes, linens, and rugs that feel dark or heavy.

Clean Your Emotional House

Air out your mind: Let go of the past to make room for new things to come into your life. Commit to tackling what you have been putting off. Let go of excuses.

Commit to a positive attitude: it enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. It's also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don't smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

Add YOU into your daily routine: Whether you take a walk, do yoga, exercise or find five minutes to meditate when you take care of YOU, you will be much better at taking care of others.

Clear the Clutter

When we are surrounded by stuff, we get distracted. Physical clutter creates mental clutter. One of the rules for clearing clutter is "If it doesn't celebrate who you are and what you love, or doesn't serve a utilitarian purpose, it's clutter."  Donate, sell, or recycle it.

And a few more tips for cleaning your mind, body and spirit...

• Be active every day: No spring makeover is complete without exercise.
• Get in touch with your hunger: Are you hungry or thirsty?
• Drink plenty of water: Aim for 6-8 glasses a day for hydration and cleansing checking that your urine is pale in color, not dark.

Pick one or any combination of these spring cleaning tips to live well in a better body.

Happy spring from your Traveling Spa team! 

Check Out Our New Look!

Welcome!
Take a few minutes to browse around the new site.

In addition to the new look, we've also added an updated online service menu, a page to keep up-to-date on monthly special offers and more! 

Got an idea for something you'd like to see on our new site or on our blog? Drop us a line at amanda@thetravelingspa.net.

Have a relaxing day! 

March Special: A Luxurious Upgrade!

This month, upgrade to a luxury service... 

at no charge!* 

Let us treat you to the ultimate in pampering. You deserve it!

Contact us to book your spa party today!

*Limit one upgrade per person.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at 
The Traveling Spa!

Fun Family Valentine's Dinner!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Share the love with some lovey-dovey inspired ways to celebrate the day with your family at dinnertime.

Here are some of our favorite ideas from the Workman Family Blog, a super-creative blog devoted to family and fun! Check out their blog for even more Valentine's family-friendly ideas! XOXO

Adorable heart-shaped pepperoni pizzas for a fun Valentine's dinner...

Serve it up with a salad tossed with heart-shaped cucumbers (fun for the kids to cut out!)...

...and some cheese Xs and Os!

Decorate the dinner table with this cute swag, using paper items easily found around the house, including hand-dyed coffee filters!

For dessert - mini-pudding cups with rims rolled in chocolate, covered with sprinkles!

Wishing you a week full of love for you and your family!

How do you plan to celebrate???

Spa Parties + Cupcakes = LOVE!

Add a little sweetness to your your life!

Book a spa party this month and 

you will receive a 

4-pack of delicious cupcakes 

from 

Pink Elephant Cupcakes is a local company based in St. Clair Shores, offering little cakes featuring fresh, natural ingredients and several unique flavors. 

Check them out for party favors, weddings or to even order a whole year of cupcakes! 

Yum!!!

Valentine's Pinterest Picks

Check out our staff's favorite Valentine's Pinterest Pins! Click on each image to find out more!

So cute and funky in the baby blue polish!

How cute are these tulle pom poms???

OK, we are DEFINITELY making these - Skinny Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries - with 10 different filling ideas!!!

A healthy "mocktail" -  mulled pomegranate juice. Yum!

A sweet strawberry cocoa face mask from one of our favorite blogs - Fresh Picked Beauty!

What are some of your favorite Valentine's Pins on Pinterest???

U-PICK IS BACK!!!

U-PICK is back for January! Book a spa party this month and...

Pick two for $75 or all three for $110:

30 minute Swedish Massage

Relaxation Facial

Spa Pedicure

Contact us today to book your spa party!!!

Have a Happy, Relaxing Holiday!

All of us at The Traveling Spa want to wish you a safe, happy and relaxing holiday! See you in 2013!

Say Goodbye to Dry, Flaky Lips!

This time of year, it is so easy for lips to become dry and flaky. The harsh environment outside, the changes in temperature from the cold outdoors to the warm indoors and constant lip licking to keep lips moist is a recipe for disaster!

Try this quick and simple lip scrub using ingredients that you have in your kitchen to both exfoliate and soften dry lips.

Bye, Bye Dry Lips Sugar Scrub

1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sunflower or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon honey

1. Mix all ingredients in a small container with a lid.
2. Apply a small amount to a soft, dry toothbrush and apply to lips in a gentle circular motion.
3. Remove the scrub with a warm, damp cloth.
4. Finish by applying your favorite lip balm.

Voila! Instantly soft lips. You can use this lip scrub 2-3 times a week or as needed to keep the flakies away.

Help for Holiday Stress

With the holidays right around the corner and the stress that can come with them, it is important to remember to take time out for yourself. Here are five ways you can relax and recharge so you can have balance and energy this season.

• Take a short walk outside. When your day starts to get stressful, breathing the fresh, cool outdoor air and moving your body will energize and refresh you.

• Set the timer for 1 hour each day and do something that feeds your soul. Grab a book, sip a cup of tea, call a friend or just sit and daydream. Make this date with yourself and stick to it.

• Move your body for 30 minutes each day. With the bustle of the season, it is easy to skip workouts to get all of the things on your to-do list done. Exercise helps our bodies to better handle and manage stress. Even if you can’t fit in a whole workout, try to commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. 

• Prepare a healthy meal. During the hectic holiday season, it is easy to grab unhealthy food while on-the-go. Unhealthy, empty calories will surely drain your energy and make it difficult to get through your day. Plan ahead for meals, incorporating plenty of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, quality proteins and whole grains

• Take a relaxing, warm bath. At the end of your busy day, turn off the TV, radio and cell phones and slip into a warm tub escape for 15 minutes. A warm bath can soak away a stressful day.

What other ways do you find balance during the holidays?

Healthy Fall Comfort Food

The weather has turned chilly - must be time for chili! Check out this deliciously different and healthy Pumpkin Black Bean Chili recipe from Gracious Pantry.

We gave it a try and are certainly hooked! It is the perfect combination of hearty, with a touch of sweet and spicy. Plus, it is loaded with nutrition and fiber. Definitely a fall favorite comfort food!

Stay warm!

Help For Dry Skin

The arrival of cold weather brings the arrival of dry skin. Here are a few tips and techniques from the Skin Care for Your Soul blog to help keep your skin soft and smooth during the coming months!

General Tips To Prevent Dry Skin

• Drink plenty of water and/or coconut water to help keep your skin hydrated. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies to also increase hydration in your body.
• Try to avoid caffeinated drinks, as they dry out your skin. If you must have your coffee in the morning, drink an extra glass of water for each cup.
• Try to avoid alcohol, as it also dehydrates your skin.
• When headed outside, cover your skin as much as possible with clothing. Cover any areas of exposed skin with a thick lotion to prevent moisture loss.
• Apply lip balm frequently throughout the day, especially before you go outside.
• Keep baths and showers short and warm (not hot). Hot water dries skin out by stripping your skin of its natural oils. 
• Add fatty fish, like salmon, to your diet or take a good quality fish oil. The good omega-3 fatty acids help to keep skin moist.
• Avoid using harsh cleansers, soaps or exfoliants. These will only further strip your skin and lead to dryness.

General Tips to Treat Dry Skin

• Gently exfoliate dry skin with a brush, loofah or exfoliating gloves as part of your body cleansing routine in the shower before using any topical treatments (oils, lotions, etc.). Dry, flaky skin needs to be removed from the surface of skin to allow topical treatments to work more effectively. Be SUPER gentle if your skin is overly sensitive and use these items only a few times a week. Avoid them if you have any rashes, open wounds or general irritation.
• Avoid cleansing your entire body every day, especially with a foaming soap or body wash, as they can strip your skin. Skip a day of sudsing, or wash only those most important bits daily.
• Use a body wash of 1 part honey to 1 part oil (jojoba is lovely) a few times a week in place of your regular soap. Incorporate thicker body lotions/butters containing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil into your daily post-shower routine. 
• Apply lotions, body butters, oils, etc. immediately after showering while your skin is still damp. You want to capture the water and seal it into your skin.
• Avoid using products with artificial ingredients (artificial colors, fragrances or preservatives), as they can dry and irritate skin, too.

I Tried It!: The NEW Traveling Spa Body Polish!

Renew your skin with Marmalade Hills Sugar Body Polish.

Like many of us, I rarely make pampering a priority for myself. Work, home and family make for a hectic schedule and "me" time always seems to fall to the bottom of the "to do" list. Sound familiar?

Desperate for some relaxation, I recently booked a spa party with some close family to allow some time to catch up, slow down and reconnect. Feeling like I needed to renew my dry skin - along with my spirit - I booked the NEW Traveling Spa Body Polish treatment featuring Marmalade Hills Sugar Body Polish, a local handmade Michigan product. I was soooooooo happy I did!

Our wonderful massage therapist, Sheryl, gently exfoliated my skin with the Lavender Sugar Body Polish, which contains skin moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil. After my skin was scrubbed to perfection, the body polish was removed with warm, relaxing towels. I was then treated to a luxurious application of Marmalade Hills Lavender Silk Body Butter (the nicest body butter I have ever experienced!). The treatment was so relaxing and my skin was left glowing and feeling like velvet. It was so soft, I couldn't stop touching it when I went out on the town later that night!

This service is great before a special event, to soften dry skin or to just be good to yourself. Plus it is only $25 when added on to a massage or facial service (or only $45 as a standalone treatment)!

Marmalade Hills Sugar Scrubs and Body Butters are also available to purchase at your next spa party to continue your pampering at home.

Make yourself a priority today. You deserve it. :)

Love, peace and relaxation,

Camille
Traveling Spa Aesthetician

Celebrate Sandal Season with our June Special!

It's sandal season! Celebrate with $10 off a Pedicure when you book a European Facial at a June Traveling Spa party!

Also, if you host a party this month, you will also receive half off all of your regularly priced services and a FREE luscious lime lip balm as a special gift.

Break out your flip flops and call to book your party today (586-612-7900)!

The Top Natural Sunscreens & Sun Safety Tips: The EWG 2012 Sunscreen Guide

Photo from the EWG 2012 Sunscreen Guide

It's here! The Environmental Working Group has posted its 2012 Sunscreen Guide!

This is the most comprehensive, go-to guide for finding out the top rated and safest natural sunscreens, SPF lip balms, moisturizers and other cosmetics. 

Don't miss Sunscreens Exposed - the eye-opening section on mass marketed sunscreens and why they are so harmful to your skin and health. Sun Safety Tips offers a quick reference on how to pick a safe sunscreen and ways for adults, teens and kids to enjoy the sun safely.

Enjoy these beautiful, sunny days!