It's day one post-marathon. Given how sore your body feels, you're not sure if you would be diagnosed a masochist or just clinically insane. Oh well, one less thing on the bucket list -- and how else could you drop five pounds in one day? (Take that, Biggest Loser!) Perhaps a massage is what you need. You head to the Nordic Spa in Chappaqua for a little R&R.

Your massage therapist is Olof Kjellberg, L.M.T., founder of the spa and creator of the trademarked "Olof Technique for Musculoskeletal Rejuvenation." This less-than-soothing, but ultimately effective, treatment involves applying intense pressure and leverage to the lower and upper extremities of the body in order to breakdown muscular adhesions, clearing the way for nerves and arteries to better do their respective things. How "intense" is the pressure? One look at the padded soundproof walls in the treatment room should be a gentle hint. In other words, if you're in the market for lavender oil and Enya, you're in the wrong place.

Though clients have been known to scream in agony (hence the padded walls), they eventually leave pain-free and are able to begin training for their next feat of strength and stamina.
 
Ironman, anyone?

Nordic Therapy Spa
65 South Bedford Road, Chappaqua
914-238-1558
http://www.nordictherapyspa.com/

Posted by plumberry at 01:28 PM | Permalink

To Botox or get bangs? That is the eternal question. Or you could split the difference between paralyzing your forehead and hiding it altogether with Eve Pearl makeup, available at the newly opened Cosmetic Boutique in Chappaqua.

Pearl, an Emmy Award-winning celebrity makeup artist and the author of Plastic Surgery without the Surgery, the Miracle of Makeup Techniques, has created an innovative line of makeup that doubles as skin care. Filled with "CosmeNutrients" -- anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, proteins and peptides -- the products nourish your skin while giving you a flawless appearance, perfect for posing in front of High Definition cameras (if you happen to be a television personality), or for simply heading out to lunch (if you happen to be a mere mortal like the rest of us).

Pearl will be on hand at Cosmetic Boutique on May 16th from 10am to 5pm to offer tips and makeovers.
Until then, there's plenty of beauty to be had at Cosmetic Boutique, beginning with the Laura Mercier Eyebrow event on March 28th and free Kanebo facials on April 24th.

After all, pretty is as pretty does.

Cosmetic Boutique
18 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua
914-861-2552
www.thecosmeticboutique.net

Posted by plumberry at 11:25 AM | Permalink

You swore that you were giving up serial dating back when you met the man of your (romantic) dreams. Then the habit reared its ugly head as you went through contractor after contractor (before locating that proverbially hard-to-find good man once again.) And yet here you are, still doing the give-it-six-weeks-then-discard act with hairstylists.

You realize, of course, that you only settled into a permanent relationship on the first two fronts when you found someone who took your needs into account, supported you in crisis, and was sophisticated as you are. If you feel like you have overturned every rock in the country trying to find a salon like that, try visiting one of the best kept secrets of Westchester: King Street Salon in Chappaqua.

Run by husband-and-wife team Rosemary Filancia (color) and Charles Fremolaro (cuts), the salon opened in 2002, and provides an intimate retreat from the standard salon bustle. Tucked away in one of the village's historic homes-turned-commercial spaces, the salon is tastefully appointed in restful colors and charming original artwork, and even features a sun porch for clients to relax on while their color processes. Both owners boast extensive high-end resumes: Rosemary began her career in New York at the legendary Roger Thompson and Associates and has worked closely with hair color manufactures over the years to continually improve products that leave the hair looking natural and healthy. Charles has worked as a hair stylist for top fashion magazines, advertising agencies and has taught his craft worldwide.

Emphasizing high style and low maintenance (God love 'em), the salon is going a step further to honor the 44th President's first 100 days in office: New clients will receive 44% off of services on Mondays for the Centum Dies period.

Now, that's getting things off to a good start.

King Street Salon
229 King Street
Chappaqua, NY
(914) 238-8338

Posted by plumberry at 12:54 PM | Permalink

There are times when living in the suburbs can feel like a shadow of your former life in the city. The refrain too-often heard is "Well, it's good, but not City Good." Never having been one to settle for second best, you search out the places (and they are to be found) that really are City Good, even if they are outside the city limits.
 
Thus you welcome news of an oasis, especially when it is the Oasis -- Oasis Westchester, the new Dobb's Ferry outpost of the famed (and raved-about) NYC day spa. Owners Bruce and Marti Schoenberg, residents of Hastings, decided to bring their signature, state-of-the-art spa experience to Westchester after realizing a significant number of their clients were trucking down to the city multiple times a year.
 
Boasting 8,600 square feet (making it the largest spa in Westchester County), Oasis Westchester has 15 treatment rooms, a couple's room, a special events room for private events, a retail boutique the size of many apartments and a rooftop Zen garden with lush outdoor views.  It's not merely the amenities that make Oasis different, though (but boy, are they nice...); it's the spa's emphasis on high-quality, highly trained staff. "New York State does not require CDUs [Continuing Education Units] for massage and aesthetic staff," says Bruce. "Oasis, however, does," meaning the therapist or aesthetician performing your treatment is up on the latest in her field. Luxuriate in one of their amazing massages, facials or body treatments, and you'll immediately recognize the difference.
 
As part of their January promotions, Oasis is offering a Frequent User Series discount: Buy eight treatments (massage, facials or body treatments) and get two free. Plus, join their mailing list for exclusive specials and discounts.

It's pampering done perfectly -- and right where you live. Add it the "CG" list.

 

Oasis Westchester
50 Livingston Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY
914.409.1900
www.oasiswestchester.com

Posted by plumberry at 02:16 PM | Permalink

There are those who have the patience and bravery to grow Rapunzel-style hair only to chop it off for Locks of Love. Afterwards, they may feel ambivalent about their new dos (although short is back in, e.g. Gwyneth), they know that they are giving a child suffering from long-term medical hair-loss a much-needed boost of self-esteem and confidence. Still, try as you might, you just can't imagine your own coif 10 inches longer than it already is. We're talking Crystal Gayle territory, and you're just not that good a singer. Good news: you can still do your part during your next visit to the hair salon.

On Sunday, May 18^th, visit Paolo's Atelier (formerly known as Adam & Eve Hair Salon) to participate in HopeCuts, 2008. Stylists will be offering 20% off of cuts, colors and blow-outs to raise money to fight cancer and HIV/AIDS at City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute. "We are honored to be a part of this fundraiser," says Paolo Gregorio, the owner of the newly renovated salon. "It's a terrific cause."

Hair too short to cut? You can always get extensions.   

HopeCuts, 2008
Paolo's Atelier
725 Bedford Road,
Bedford
914-666-2800
For more information on HopeCuts:
http://www.cityofhope.org/Hopecuts

For more information on Locks of Love:
http://www.locksoflove.org

Posted by plumberry at 01:20 PM | Permalink

So Valentine’s Day is coming up, and you’re thinking you better be looking good enough to match what he’s giving you. Given your high standards on gifts, that’s gonna have to be pretty darn good. While you’re plotting the perfect outfit for present reception, you can indulge yourself and look better for it at back-to-back events happening at Eiluj, the mecca for local beauty mavens.

Boasting a topline product selection, the store will be holding a “Ladies' Night Out” on Saturday February 9^th from 6:30 to 8:30 to introduce clients to their newest makeup artists, Shereen Tannous and Cathy Lanza, who, along with current “top brush” Shawna Starr, will be there to help you put your best face forward for spring. With free makeovers (makeup lines include Paula Dorf and NARS), a chance to win a $100 gift certificate and, yes, wine and cheese -- plus, all purchases over $100 will qualify for a 10% discount (the free wine should make reaching that number easy). It’s the perfect precursor to your night out. (Haven’t got better plans? Take the girls and head down to Willie Nick’s afterwards for another cocktail.)

Saturday night’s booked? Hit Eiluj the day before for their event with MD Skincare, the much-raved about line created by NY dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. A licensed aesthetician from MD Skincare will be there to do 15 minute professional peels, a $125 dollar service that’s free with the purchase of two or more MD Skincare products. (Try the Lift and Lighten Eyecream. It works miracles on undereye circles…) Appointments are necessary, so book fast. 

And by the way, it’s pronounced E-luge, and it’s “Julie” spelled backward.

Eiluj
119 Katonah Avenue
Katonah, NY
914-232-2227

MD Skincare event
Friday, February 8, 11am-4pm
Appointment required

Ladies' Night Out
Saturday, February 9, 6:30pm to 8:30 pm
Walk-ins welcome

Posted by plumberry at 06:49 PM | Permalink

There are certain things that you wish for in life. Really toned arms, the ability to eat an unlimited amount of peanut butter cups without gaining an ounce, a 4.0 tennis ranking and a really good facial. If you think you'll sooner win a Madonna bicep contest than find a great aesthetician without having to head down to the city, you can put down the barbells.

Posted by plumberry at 01:56 PM | Permalink

Posted by plumberry at 02:17 PM | Permalink

 Ah, to be young again at summer camp. Arts & crafts, color war, cook-outs; you could have stayed forever were it not for instructional swim and lice. In your day, an outbreak meant having half a bottle of Quell scrubbed into your scalp followed by a literal nit-picking with that dreaded metal comb while praying you weren't the one with cooties.

Luckily, your kids don't have to endure the hardships that you did. You can help prevent an outbreak of the itchies by using So Cozy Boo! Shampoo and Boo! Leave-In Conditioner Spray, both of which contain natural lice repellants such as pure tea tree, rosemary and lavender oils.

For summer's other hair enemies (chlorine, sunscreen, and the occasional melted Popsicle), there's Sulfate-free Children's Natural Shampoo and Deep Conditioner from The Original Little Sprout company. Formulated by a master stylist who had trouble taming her own daughter's tresses, these products are gentle enough to use every sticky day of summer. Your tow-head will never suffer with green-tinted swimmer's hair again.

Now if you could only do something about instructional swim.

So Cozy Boo!
1-866-COZYCARE
www.socozy.com

For doorstep delivery of Original Little Sprout products:
Jennifer Greenwald,
Westchester Sales Representative
914-645-7850
jgreenwald@originalsprout.com
www.originalsprout.com

Posted by plumberry at 01:46 PM | Permalink

Once upon a time, before holes in the ozone layer and the word "melanoma" were on your mind, you were known to greet summer with a bottle of baby oil mixed with iodine in hand. No more. And with pool-beach-tennis season officially here, it's time to move from "moisturizer with SPF" to the straight stuff. However, by the time you work your way through the countless sunscreen offerings on the shelf, you'll not only be mind-boggled, but will have missed your forehand clinic.

 

Here's what you need to know: "When choosing a sunblock, be sure it protects you from both UVB and UVA rays," writes Bedford-based beauty maven Susan Trumpbour on her website, My Beautyberry (no relation). "Most recently," she continues, "the FDA approved these ingredients that work fabulously in sunscreen protection: Mexoryl, found in La Roche-Posay Anthelios, and Helioplex, found in Neutrogena's Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 45, 55 & 70." Yes, 70.

 

And for that day you're caught sans sunblock, MyBeautyberry gives you the lowdown on the latest "morning after creams" for sunburned skin too.

 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios $19.99-$29.99

Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock $10

 

Both available at Drug Mart

230 Saw Mill River Road

Millwood, New York

914.923.9200

Posted by plumberry at 12:44 PM | Permalink

Whether you work in the home, out of the home, over the home or under the home, a mother’s job is a sometimes joyous, usually grueling, always round-the-clock gig. So it’s nice, at least one day out of the year, to sleep a little late, have breakfast in bed and read homemade cards.

But what you could really use is a spa day (or year). Since a couple of hours is probably all you’ll be able to swing before kid duty beckons, have your family get you a gift certificate to use during “Mother's Day Meltaway Month" at Aer Yoga and Living in Cross River.

First your tired feet are soaked in a hand-thrown bowl filled with Dr. Hauschka organic essential oils and bath salts while your body and soul are nourished with a warm neck wrap and cup of fresh herbal tea or sparkling water. Your to-do list will all but vanish from your thoughts when you gaze out onto the tranquil courtyard garden.

Following the foot soak, choose a 60-minute body treatment from the spa menu. Among the favorites are the Trigger Point therapy and Head to Toe reflexology, though classic Swedish massages are also available. Then, float next door to the café to enjoy a selection of organic wraps, salads, soups, and smoothies while you sip a glass of champagne and pop chocolate truffles. Finally, when it’s time to head home, don’t forget your complimentary Dr. Hauschka travel aromatherapy bath, face or body care kit. A lovely reminder of your time spent in paradise, you’ll probably need it when you see what the kitchen looks like when you get home.

Mother’s Day Meltaway Month Package, $150
May 13th to June 13th

Aer Yoga and Living

in the Historic Yellow Monkey Village

792 Rt. 35

Cross River, NY

914-763-6320

www.aeryoga.com

Posted by plumberry at 06:51 AM | Permalink