Relax!

To all those non-stop, kick-ass, go-getting, never-quitting rock stars out there! We hear ya! We thrive on that go-go-go environment in the City That Never Sleeps, but sometimes we just have to take a minute to relax and recharge those batteries. Maybe that means taking a few extra hours in bed on Saturday morning, starting up Yoga again, going for a long run, or a day of beauty. Whatever your outlet for relaxation, we all need it once in a while. We put together a list of some of our favorite Relax Resources.

Sites we love:

Finding good deals can be a hard task, but not when you have Internet Flash Sales on your side! Sites like Lifebooker.com, GiltCity.com, Groupon.com are great resources to find not only discounts on the classic calming experiences, but new, cutting-edge ways to slow down and relax also!

Workouts we love:

Bikram Yoga

www.bikramyoganyc.com/

Physique

http://www.physique57.com/

Spas we love:

Great Jones

www.gjspa.com/

Bliss Spas

www.blissworld.com/spa/

But as always, we love looking for ways to make fabulous experiences cost effective! Why not turn your home into that high-end spa you’ve always been dying to try? Make one quick supermarket run, dim your lights, put on your favorite soothing beats, and get ready to feel like a million bucks by the end of your night.

Here are a few at-home recipes from www.SpaIndex.com that we love!

AVOCADO CARROT CREAM MASK 


This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein. These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.

1 avocado, mashed 


1 carrot, cooked and mashed 


1/2 cup heavy cream 


1 egg, beaten 


3 tablespoons honey 



Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.

GINGER SKIN CREME

Ginger invigorates, and oil soothes. Try this double dose for dry skin. 



2-inch piece of fresh ginger 


2 teaspoons light sesame oil


2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil


2 teaspoons vitamin E oil


½ cup cocoa butter


Preheat oven on lowest setting. Finely grate the ginger just enough so that you have about an 1/8 teaspoon of ginger "juice." To obtain the juice, squeeze the freshly grated ginger over a small bowl. Place the ingredients (including the ginger) in a glass container and heat just until the cocoa butter is melted and the oils are blended. Pour into a clean, dry container and store in a cool dry place. You can add a few drops of orange or other essential oil for a nice twist.

COCOA BUTTER HAND AND FOOT CREME

Unlike other oils that penetrate into the skin, cocoa butter remains on top and lays down a protective layer, preventing the skin from drying out.



1/2 cup almonds


1/2 cup dry oatmeal


4 tablespoons cocoa butter


3 tablespoons honey



Process the almonds in a blender or coffee grinder until coarsely ground. In a bowl, combine oatmeal, cocoa butter, honey and ground nuts. Rub into your hands and feet, cover with cotton gloves and socks, and leave on overnight. The next morning, remove the gloves and socks and rinse. You'll be delighted with your incredibly smooth skin. This remedy is ideal for soothing hard-working hands and feet because it gently exfoliates old, dead skin and nourishes new cells.

Happy Relaxation!