The beautiful thing about Spa Week is the affordability factor.

Spa Space, Chicago

Spas and salons that typically offer $90 facials and $100 massages slash their prices so that hardworking women who deserve a spa treatment — like you and me — can enjoy a spa treatment. In my humble opinion, that truly makes it the most wonderful time of the year (sorry, Christmas). My best advice to you is, don’t forget your Spa Week Rules of Engagement, and make those appointments now! Because once reservations open (which they already have, on September 12), those $50 slots go fast.

In case you’ve missed my annual posts and haven’t yet visited SpaWeek.com, let me put you up on game. From October 10th – 16th, hundreds of spas, salons, and studios around the country will offer two or three exclusive services for just $50 each. This probably includes places that are in your city, and happily for me many of the Windy City’s chicest spots, from Chicagoland to the Gold Coast are going above and beyond with unique treatments.

I got a Spa Week sneak peek of some of Chicago’s coolest $50 treatments. Spa Space on the west side is offering a 50 minute Indian head massage with hot stones. Appease Inc. will be offering an hour long organic chocolate facial. And at Soulistic Studio & Spa you can work out your own tension with 45 minutes of Pilates or yoga personal training, and half an hour’s worth of infrared sauna or steaming. I want (OK, need) all three!

See anything calling your name at SpaWeek.com? What treatment do you need the most? A massage? A facial? A mani pedi? What’s your must-try because you’re worth it spa indulgence?

Some would describe a visit to the spa as a luxury. I beg to differ. In my opinion, spa visits are an occasional necessity. Depending on the stress level of your life, you might need the occasion more often than other people do.

One great thing to come out of the recession? A proliferation of deals and specials and discounts and incentives to spend again. Allow me to share with you the most spa-riffic deals on my radar.

First things first, can we talk about Groupon? If you haven’t signed up by now, you are seriously missing out. Click here to rectify that. Now sit back and watch the deals roll in every day! On a weekly basis I get offers on discounts on facials, massages, manicures and pedicures amongst many other things.

And if you’re really in it to save, don’t stop at just one discount site. I also heartily recommend you sign up for Living Social, which tends to offer more spa deals and incentives than other discount sites. If you’re looking for a variety of offers on a consistent basis, I recommend signing up for both of them!

Maybe you’re more of a spa newbie, and you want to go when there’s a special deal and the offers are cheap. Well you’re in luck in the month of March – Spafinder’s Wellness Week™ will offer sweet spa deals between March 21-27. All you gotta do is click here to visit spafinder.com, browse the site for sweet wellness tips, recipes etc and then enter an email address and zip code to search for half-off and $50 special spa treatment deals near you! The list of Chicago-area spas is pretty impressive, and I hope to check at least one of them out so stay tuned for an upcoming review!

If you are like me and LOVE to spa, you don’t want to stop at one week of incredible offers. And you don’t have to! After you enjoy a spa-riffic March, you can look forward to an equally indulgent April thanks to Spa Week. It’s launching their highly anticipated $50 Treatments in 17 new cities this season. Spa Week is April 11-17, but booking begins March 14 and these appointments fill up quick! Click to check out their upcoming offerings.

So if you’ve never been to a spa, or your mom’s never been to a spa, or your sister…this is a great time to treat them and yourself to a truly pampering experience. If you’re a first-timer, I recommend you check out my spa rules of engagement to get an idea of the best way to do it. Of those 5 rules, the most important one is TIP. These discount deals are sweet for consumers, and they don’t necessarily hurt the spa owners…but the women and men who are actually doing the discounted massages and body scrubs, pedicures and facials are often getting shafted on the deal and from what I hear, it winds up hurting their pockets the most. So make sure to leave a nice tip for the person who made you feel special, and enjoy your indulgence!

What’s your fave spa treatment? I love a good body scrub, but I’m dying for a decadent massage!

How did it creep up so fast? Bellas – Spa Week will take place April 12th to 18th. That’s next week!! Hopefully you’ve already visited SpaWeek.com to make your appointments. If not, HURRY because many of those sweet $50 slots are most likely filled, or filling up fast!

If you’re a Spa Week newbie or a spa novice in general, allow me to share some tips to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

1. Consider your potential treatment carefully. Just because something is trendy or the treatment du jour, doesn’t mean it’s right for you (or worth your time and money). Take for example, vajazzling. Everyone and their mother is talking about it so you may be curious…but first you should read about the procedure itself and then read about the uh…after effects. Spa Week’s $50 treatments provide a great opportunity to try something you’ve been curious about but otherwise couldn’t afford (hello, acupuncture!), but it’s always smart to educate yourself about the pros and cons before you head off to the spa.

2. Look at the time. I am ALL about getting spa bang for the spa buck, so when you browse the treatments being offered consider the length of the treatment. For example, Chocolate for your Body spa here in Chicago (which sounds AWESOME, amiright?) is offering three treatments. Two are an hour long. One’s a 90 minute mani/pedi. If I had to choose, I’d SO go for the 90 minute mani/pedi. When it comes to time at the spa, MORE is more IMO.

3. Would I recommend laser hair removal for Spa Week? No. Because laser hair removal can’t typically be done in one treatment, and you’ll have to go back to get the rest of it done. And guess what? It probably won’t be spa week then and you’ll have to shell out quite a bit more than $50 for your follow up treatment.

4. Stick to your comfort zone, but don’t be afraid to try something new. What do I mean, contradicting myself this way? I mean you should go for a treatment you feel comfortable with, but still try something unique. If you love massages but have only had traditional techniques done before, try a hot stone massage instead. If you’ve only gotten the custom facial, then maybe try an aromatherapy facial. If you like traditional spas, stick to recognized names — here in Chicago, the Red Door Spa and the Spa at Saks Fifth Avenue are participating. Can’t get more traditional than that! But if you typically hate facials, or feel uncomfortable during massages don’t waste your Spa Week appointment on something you won’t enjoy. I just heard a spa horror story of this kind, where a friend booked a massage appointment for his mom who “hates being touched.” She went (to be nice) and HATED it. Well, duh! Stick to your spa comfort zone, but make sure you get an indulgence that’s worthwhile!

5. You’ve just paid $50 for your SpaWeek.com treatment. Do you tip? YES. The treatments during Spa Week are often significantly reduced, but the massage therapists, aestheticians, and manicurists will be working just as hard. Show them some love and use some of the money you’re saving on the discounted treatment to give them a tip that reflects your appreciation.

And bonus tip #6 – Don’t fret if you missed the boat. Spring Spa Week is almost here, but there’s also Fall Spa Week in September and October!

Did you book an appointment for Spring Spa Week? What are you getting?

The practice of acupuncture has been traced back as far as the Stone Age. The earliest known writings about acupuncture were published in second century Chinese medical books. And still, in modern day Western society, there are those who regard this ancient, proven medical practice as a reason for skepticism and raised eyebrows.

Billions of Chinese people around the world aren’t wrong. There’s a reason that this admittedly off-putting practice of sticking thread-thin needles into key, corresponding points in your body has been so popular for this long. Quite simply, I believe it works. And having just tried it for the first time – I totally plan to try acupuncture again.

My first interest in acupuncture came in Miami, when a friend with chronic back problems swore on his life that acupuncture had healed him of his pains. “Dude, just try it!” he encouraged. But despite stress levels that led to high blood pressure, bouts of nausea, and an ulcerated stomach, I still never listened. I went the traditional route, and was prescribed medicine to treat my symptoms. I tried to eat healthier and well…my efforts at exercise never took root and truly became the “lifestyle” I keep hearing it has to become. But that’s another post for another time.

The first opportunity I had to actually try acupuncture came when I was on board Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas. That’s where I met Alaric Toy, the licensed acupuncturist who has a constant flow of enthusiastic patients in the ship’s spa. He told me all about the popularity of the acupuncture at sea program, which is currently offered on all the major cruise ships. He spoke passionately about HR646, a senate bill that aims to get acupuncture covered by medicare. And he explained what acupuncture could do for me, to improve my own condition.

“There’s an old Chinese saying — where there’s pain, there’s blockage. Where there’s blockage, there’s pain. The US Air Force is using battlefield acupuncture right now, because it offers almost immediate results. It gives you a sense of well being that can’t be measured. You’ll start sleeping better, eating better, makng better choices for yourself. I’ve been able to resolve the problems of people with pain issues who have had chronic pain for 15, 20 years,” he said assuredly. But despite the opportunity literally staring me in the face – I wasn’t yet ready.

It wasn’t until just a few weeks ago, that I found opportunity staring me in the face yet again. Spa Week Daily wanted to send me to the spa to experience one of their $50 Spa Week treatments as part of SPA MADNESS. And lo and behold — amidst the vajazzling and Botox and facials and body scrubs…there was the offer for me to experience acupuncture at Chicago’s renowned Ruby Room. This time, I leapt at the chance.

The Ruby Room is not your typical spa. Oh sure, you can do typical spa things and get a facial, a massage, waxing, or a new hairstyle. They’ve got an amazing array of makeup and beauty products for sale, and you can get your face beat by a pro using lovely, high end cosmetics. The decor is clean, refreshing, and airy. There are absolutely stunning statues of Buddha everywhere. But then, you go up the steep red stairs, and the ambiance becomes more spiritual. The second floor of the Ruby Room is all about enhancing your internal beauty, and tapping into your spiritual center. There are crystals and tarot cards and Chinese herbs, and people there are ready to teach you how to apply those things to your life.

That’s where I met my acupuncturist, Pamela. Her approach was far different than the licensed acupuncturist I’d met on the cruise ship – he was more matter of fact, and the ambiance where he worked seemed almost clinical and spare – I felt very aware there that acupuncture is medicine, and it’s power is not to be underestimated. At the Ruby Room, acupuncture is performed in the same space where intuitives work with crystals and the general ambiance is very gentle and quite mystical. I found the contrast fascinating.

As a newbie to acupuncture, I found Pamela’s demeanor to be very comforting and nurturing. Before the procedure began, she gave me a detailed diagnosis, and in acupuncture that begins with a look at your tongue. Just from looking at the color and possible coat on your tongue, an acupuncturist can tell if there are graver issues taking place within your body. Pamela proceeded to explain some basic layman’s terms for what my issues could be attributed to. Chinese medicine is very much about achieving a perfect balance. There’s yin and yang, which just about everyone knows about. But there is also dry and damp – she sensed alot of damp within me. Pamela explained the Zangfu organs, and why she’d be putting certain needles in certain places. And then it was time for my treatment.

In general, I’m not particularly nervous about needles — unless I’m giving blood and I can see the blood filling up in a bag, I can block out the pain and fear of getting stuck. But I had reservations with acupuncture. Were these needles going to hurt? Would I wind up with needlemarks in my face? OMG, were there going to be needles in my face?

Yes. And I barely felt a thing.

The first needle went into my upper right ear, and I could hear it more than I could feel it. Acupuncture needles have teeny springs on the end, and I could hear the little zing as it went into my skin. The second needle went into my forehead. After that, I lost count. I know there was one in my right arm, one in my left hand, at least five in my stomach, and several in my legs and feet. But the only ones I could truly feel and felt aware of, were in my arm and my hand – that’s because I had to position them carefully and kept worrying they’d fall off the massage bed I was laying on.

If you want to get acupuncture and you’re concerned about needles hurting, please know that you shouldn’t worry. Quite literally, I fell asleep at the Ruby Room with a pincushion’s worth of needles sticking out of my face and body. Of course there were teeny drops of blood where I’d been stuck, but nothing hurt about this procedure. At all. In fact, just the opposite.

So let me explain the before and after. The morning before I left for my acupuncture treatment, I was more stressed out than I’d been in a really long time. I was so stressed out, I was nauseous. I took my blood pressure and it was indisputably high. I had to force myself to even relax enough to eat breakfast, take a shower, get ready, get on the el and head over to the Ruby Room.

After acupuncture, I immediately felt better. Restored. At ease. The issues that made me stressed out to begin with were still there, but seemed less oppressive and overwhelming. I came into the Ruby Room with zero appetite, and I left feeling ravenous. And maybe I even looked on top of the world, because three random strangers gave me compliments on the street when I left. So admittedly, I left my first acupuncture experience with a complete afterglow and the desire to return for more.

Of course, I was covering this for SpaWeekDaily.com –so I was sure to capture the experience on camera, and asked my acupuncturist some questions I got via Twitter.

Will I experience acupncture again? Definitely! It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. I hope my experience helps to answer any questions you may have, and if you’re in Chicago, I highly recommend the Ruby Room – 1743 West Division Street, 773-235-2323. Visit RubyRoom.com. If you’re not in Chicago, make sure your acupuncturist is licensed!

If you are interested in experiencing acupuncture – or any other kind of spa treatment! – you can start booking appointments March 15th, when the Spring Spa Week directory launches onSpaweek.com !

Did it sneak up on you too?? Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, which means you’ve still got a few hours to sneak off to the mall to get your special someone a gift to remember. I got your back, fellas! Here are some outstanding ideas for you that I’ve tried and tested. And they’re all available at the mall today, so get up and get!

Idea #1. Godiva Candle. See, here’s the thing. Valentine’s Day has become synonymous with chocolates. And not every woman wants a box of chocolates. Many of us are dieting, or trying to eat healthier…and a box of chocolates is just gonna sit there and tempt you. If you’re getting a gift for a loved one who is working on her fitness, get her a Godiva candle. Candle Luxury has the delicious limited edition Chocolate Strawberry Rose candle for sale, but if you don’t have time for all of that and need a gift in a bag pronto, go to Bath and Body Works. Get the Godiva White Chocolate Magnolia candle. It’s equally potent, and equally intoxicating.

Idea #2. Just go to Sephora. Duh. I love watching men at Sephora. Some of them walk in confident, like they know what they’re doing. Then one gander at the array of options and they start getting that expression of utter confusion. That “oh no, what did I just walk into?” look. I understand completely. Sephora can boggle the mind! My advice here is, ask a sales associate to guide you towards the gift sets. Or if all else fails, find the section that says Carol’s Daughter.

They’ve got some great body treatment sets that’ll make a great gift. Ooh, and don’t sleep on that SweetHoneyDipChocolateBrownSugah Scrub. Few products have made my skin feel softer, or made me smell more candylicious. Mama likes, Mama likes a LOT.

Idea #3. The never-fail spa gift card.

I seriously believe that spa days should be medically prescribed. I just NEED a good massage and pedicure at least once a month. If you’re seeking an all-around never fail excellent spa, I HIGHLY recommend the Red Door. Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door spas are absolutely decadent, and the packages are to die for. And because they know how Valentine’s Day can creep up on you, they’ve got the Print-A-Gift option, so your Valentine’s Day card can contain a little something to make your honey squeal with delight. Get her the Signature Escape. Trust me. She will LOVE it.

If you’re looking for even more options, then go to SpaWeek.com for one of their fabulous gift cards spa deals, and discounts.

Idea #4. Cookware.

Maybe your honey pie isn’t a girly-girl who loves makeup and perfume and going to the spa. Maybe the love of your life is all about being in the kitchen and cooking up fabulous feasts. I never used to be that girl, but lately I find so much pleasure in cooking, and having friends over for dinner. Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s gift? Three words. Cast iron cookware. It’s heavy, it cleans up marvelously, and this is cookware that will last forever. Cast iron is investment cookware. There’s a reason people have been using this for hundreds of years.

So if I were to ask my husband for a Valentine’s gift this year, it’d probably be the cast iron panini pan by Giada De Laurentiis for Target. It’s red. It’s versatile — this can go in the oven or be used on the stove for yummy hot sandwiches, or even hamburgers or chicken breasts. $69.99. I want it, I want it, I want it!

For a much more affordable option, go to your nearest Cost Plus World Market. I just bought the most darling red cast iron pots there for $20 last week. And their red oven-to-table bakeware collection is great as well.

Idea #5. New music!

Some excellent new albums have come out recently, and maybe getting your sweetie an album or three could be a great gift. My personal recommendations are Soldier of Love, Corinne Bailey Rae’s The Sea, and Nina Simone’s Anthology.

And because it’s Valentine’s Day — here’s a freebie!

Idea #6 — The “whatever you want to do, baby” option. Here’s the thing. Valentine’s Day is a commercial celebration, but it’s about spending time together. It’s about falling in love all over again, and all of the joy that togetherness brings. So make the day about that. In the past, me and my husband have exchanged coupons for things to do together that have ranged from concert tickets to none-of-your-business. We can get so caught up in the day to day, that we miss moments to celebrate couplehood. So make breakfast for each other. Go for a lovely walk — tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day is the same day as the Chinese New Year, so maybe go check out your local Chinese New Year parade together! Go out for dinner. Or make dinner together. Love the one you’re with, give it your all, and make plans to celebrate your own private Valentine’s Day once a month.

Love to you all!