Everything She Wants

National Plan for Vacation Day was earlier this week.  But it's never too late to plan a vacation. Or given the current state of things, it's never too late to dream of planning a vacation.  Since we are very much still in the throes of a global pandemic, I haven't been on a flight and barely out of New York City for nearly a year. But with spring 2021 fast approaching, I've been reminiscing about the last trip I took.  It was in March 2020 and after attending a film festival in Miami, I arranged a day of pampering at the fabulous Carillon Miami Wellness Resort .  I miss spa days and tropical getaways.  Me at the  Carillon Miami spa. Photo credit: ESW The good news is that if you live in Miami or you're within driving distance (until we get this virus under control, I won't be flying the friendly skies for leisure travel), The Spa at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is open for business.  But in compliance with CDC guidelines, the Thermal Hydrotherapy E...

Whenever I travel, Kimpton Hotels are always my first choice.  They  are centrally located, with art-and-fashion forward decor and stellar customer service.  And with a complimentary wine happy hour every day, what's not to love?  Mason & Rook rooftop pool./Kimpton Recently, on a girlfriend getaway to Washington, DC, I stayed at the new Kimpton Mason & Rook in Logan Circle near the hot U Street corridor full of trendy shops, bars, restaurants and music venues.   The boutique hotel even has a Shinola Watch Butler program, where guests can borrow a stylish watch during their stay.  So If you are planning a visit to the nation's capital this summer here's a package you don't want to miss. Sip, Sun & Soothe” Package   at Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel Live the high life and enjoy the newly opened rooftop pool at Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel. Sit poolside with inventive cocktails in hand from the team at Rad...

What do you give the girl who has everything?  How about a gift that's suited to her interests and personality type and a gift that you'll be proud to give. From the health and fitness enthusiast to the Zen mama, here are Everything She Wants ' feel-good holiday gift guide picks  For the health and fitness buff Women's MT Topo shoe for the trail, $100. Topo Athletic (from $100) footwear was created by and for athletes. Each of the comfy, lightweight shoes with a broad, zero drop platform for stability and multi-directional traction are designed with a tailored function in mind, whether it's walking or running on the trail, the road or at the gym. For the hip book worm Bill Duke's acclaimed  Dark Girls documentary encourages women of color with a darker hue to be proud of the skin they're in.  The companion coffee table book ($25) celebrates dark and lovely African-American women such as actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, celebrity hair sty...

As a birthday gift, I asked my husband for a gift certificate to one of my favorite Brooklyn day spas. I'd been experiencing discomfort on my lower left side and hoped a detoxifying massage would alleviate the nagging pain. So on a mild winter afternoon, I walked a few blocks from my apartment to Providence Day Spa and checked in for my appointment.  It had been a few years since I'd been to the new age-y spa and I soaked in the homey decor -- warm colors, comfy pillows, and candles. After waiting for a few minutes, I was greeted by my masseuse, a hippie-ish middle-aged women with her hair pulled into a ponytail and wearing flowing garb.  I told her about the pain, which I self-diagnosed was due to my fibroids and endometriosis. Photo credit: NY Daily News She seemed empathetic and revealed that she'd had her own problems with fibroids and other female issues. During the course of my enjoyable hour-long treatment, this healing arts practitioner rubbed and kneaded ...

I’m a spa lady. So I jumped at the chance to preview one of Spa Week’s $50 treatments – a 60-minute Authentic Korean Body Scrub with Cucumber Facial Treatment at Tribeca Spa of Tranquility (462 Greenwich Street, 212-226-4141) that normally costs $119. Photo credit: Tribeca Spa of Tranquility The New York City spa is tucked away on a side street close to the Holland Tunnel. Once inside the quaint space with a blue sky and clouds mural on the waiting area wall, I met my aesthetician, a tiny Korean woman named Helen. She ushered me into a cozy dressing room, where I changed into a gown and a pair of disposable panties.  Instead of flip-flops, this spa opts for Crocs. “ Shower cap ?” asked Helen, who didn’t speak much English. First I melted in a small but mighty steam room for about 20 minutes.  Then it was time for the scrub. Clad in a black t-shirt and black shorts, Helen led me to a wet room with a vinyl table in the middle of the floor surrounded by shower noz...

You can never have enough spa in your life.  And if you live in certain regions of the U.S. and Canada, from Oct. 11 to 17 you can take advantage of luxe spa treatments for only $50 during  Spa Week . Nearly a thousand spas are participating.  And I'm thrilled that two of my favorite day spas in New York City are offering $50 deals: Joanna Vargas Salon  ( 60 Minute Tone Up with Lymphatic Drainage, Muscle Toning and Skin Tightening; 50 Minute Power Peel with an Organic Resurfacing Treatment ) Mamie's Skin Care Center ( 6 0 Minute Hydrating Pure Oxygen Facial with Vitamins A, B, C and E; 60 Minute Healthy Cell Rejuvenation Facial and Microdermabrasion and 60 Minute Organic Anti-Aging Facial ). So book your treatments now !  Read the Spa Week Daily blog for dish on the hottest celeb treatments, and enter to win a $1000 Spa Week gift card.

Get Spa Week treatments for $50. During Spa Week , you can enjoy luxurious treatments (facials, massages, body wraps, etc.) for only $50 at participating day spas and medi-spas in New York City and across the country.   Appointments book up fast, so don't miss your chance to get your pamper on! For the full Spa Week Directory, go to  spaweek.com . One... er ...intriguing treatment that's sure to spark colorful conversation is Vajazzling.  Let's just say it's a waxing treatment that leaves your Vjaja sparkly! Fellow blogger and beauty gal about town, Bryce Gruber, of The Luxury Spot got Vajazzled a few months ago and documented the experience.  Watch the You Tube video below and see the results for yourself. If you like what you saw (Bryce is a brave girl), you too can get Vajazzled and win a session at four freaky  participating spas across the Northwest.