Archive for Fit & Fabulous

Make Today a Spa Day with Mineral-Rich Products

April 17, 2013 / / Comments Off

Share:

Let’s face it: Sometimes we don’t even have enough time to throw a coat of clear polish on our nails, let alone treat ourselves to a full day at the spa. So while writing about the Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga, California, we were inspired to bring the spa to us. Once a wellness retreat that catered to wealthy Californians, Calistoga entices travelers with its natural, mineral-rich hot springs. The hotel even offers mineral mud baths that help warm muscles, increase circulation and detoxify skin. Here are a few mineral products that we’re eager to add into our daily routine.

Photos courtesy of Glamour Box, Metro Beauty and Infomercial Reviews

{From left}

Aqua Mineral Redefining Facial Mud Mask ($149): Based on Dead Sea mud and water, this mineral-rich mask reduces blemishes, freshens skin and improves skin completion, making it worth the splurge.

Evian Mineral Water Spray ($11): Made with 100% pure Evian mineral water, this spray soothes and rehydrates dry skin, so it’s perfect for the office, the beach or just about anywhere.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum ($27): This award-winning powder is packed with crushed minerals like zinc oxide (a calming ingredient with UVA and UVB protection) and mica, which makes skin appear smoother and more radiant.

Category: Fit & Fabulous / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Free Yoga in Five Fabulous Parks

April 10, 2013 / / Comments Off

Share:

As spring gets into full swing (or even a slight swing), we can’t help but think about ways we can soak up the sunshine. Thankfully, the Casa Moderna Miami Hotel & Spa provided inspiration for a fun outdoor activity that combines stress-relief with a sun-sensational setting. Bayfront Park, not far from the hotel, provides free yoga. Free yoga? In a park? That’s right. And as it turns out, it’s not the only city that offers such a sweet deal. Classes are free, but bring your own yoga mat, water bottle and towel.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Bayfront Park, Miami: Classes start at 6:00PM on Mondays and Tuesdays and 9:00AM on Saturdays.

Bryant Park, New York City: Lululemon athletica provides free instruction in a fashionable setting. Classes start in May.

Republic Square, Austin: Classes are currently scheduled for Wednesdays in April, May, September and October from 12:00PM to 1:00PM.

Runyon Canyon, Los Angeles: Classes occur 3 to 5 times each day.

Dolores Park, San Francisco: Classes take place at 11:00AM every Sunday.

*Since all of these events take place outside, cancellations may occur due to bad weather.

Category: Around Town, Fit & Fabulous / Tags: , , , , , ,

The Future of Fitness

March 4, 2013 / / Comments Off

Share:

When you’re researching a hotel, a feature often overlooked is its fitness facilities. This week on SniqueAway, we found a particularly impressive selection of destinations with high-tech fitness centers readily available to all guests. Check out the Palomar DC and Hyatt Regency Bellevue for heart-pumping facilities open 24 hours a day.

Of course, if you can’t make it to D.C. or Seattle, we decided to put together a list of our favorite gadgets to spice up your at-home regimen. Check them out!

Fitness Gadgets

Photos courtesy of Jawbone, Valencall and Speedo

Clockwise from top left:

UP by Jawbone: At the front of the “fitness bracelet sensor” pack is Jawbone’s UP. This light-weight wristband not only tracks your steps and jogging distance, but it also monitors sleep habits to make sure you’re recharging those batteries effectively. And its compatibility with smart phones lets you keep track of everything in an easy-to-use app.

Valencell’s PerformTek: With so many fitness censors and movement trackers out there, it’s tough to choose. But what if you could combine it with the earbuds you already wear on your jogs? PerformTek is a truly innovate set of headphones that allows you to listen to your workout playlist while simultaneously monitoring heart rate, calories burned and a slew of other parameters. How’s that for multitasking?

Waterproof Gadgets by Speedo: Not everyone likes running, and if you’re more inclined to put your hours in at the pool then Speedo has a line of gadgets for you. Beyond the standard waterproof training watches to track your lap times, we recommend the Speedo Aquabeat—a waterproof MP3 player complete with pool-friendly headphones.

Category: Fit & Fabulous, Gizmos & Gadgets / Tags: , , , , , ,

Yoga on the Go

January 29, 2013 / / Comments Off

Share:

What’s a vacation without exercise? Ok, that might seem like a trick question. And most of the time you would be right. There are, however, those moments when a workout might be just the ticket (think: an extra croissant at breakfast) to find balance while away. Topaz, a Kimpton Hotel, in Washington, D.C., recognizes this, and provides complimentary yoga equipment to its guests. For those who aren’t staying someplace with the same perks, you can still find your travel zen with your own yoga gear.

Photos clockwise from top courtesy of Gaiam, Yoga-Paws and Lululemon Athletica

Photos clockwise from top courtesy of Gaiam, Yoga-Paws and Lululemon Athletica

Yoga Paws: Fitting easily in a carry-on, purse or even a pocket, these lightweight gloves for your hands and feet make it easy to practice yoga or Pilates anywhere in the world. No mat required.

Strength and Flexibility DVD with Rodney Yee: With two 20-minute workouts, this DVD is designed to boost your peace of mind (perfect for a relaxing getaway).

Lululemon Athletica Groove Pant: These ultra-comfortable and breathable pants make exercise fashionable and fun. Plus, there’s a hidden waistband pocket for keys or cards, in case you decide to grab another croissant in the middle of your workout (it’ll be our little secret).

 

Category: Fit & Fabulous / Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Add a Dose of Delight to Your H2O

January 16, 2013 / / Comments Off

Share:

What’s more refreshing than a glass of chilled water after a spa treatment or a workout? Nothing, you say? Well, you’re mistaken (kind of). Infusing a plain jug of water with fruit and spices means more antioxidants, added vitamins and a refreshing treat for your taste buds! At Turning Stone Resort, in Verona, NY, the award-winning Ska:na Spa mixes up different flavors of its signature infused water each season. And, if you can’t make it to Turning Stone’s swoon-worthy spa, there are plenty of infused-water combinations you can try at home! All you need is an inexpensive infusion pitcher and one of the recipes below (we love the ginger-pear version on a wintry day like today). Enjoy!

Turning Stone Resort Verona, NY

Photos courtesy of Turning Stone Resort Casino

{From left}

Tangerine-Fennel-Thyme Water

1 gallon water

12 tangerines (zest peel before slicing)

8 sprigs thyme

2 bulbs fennel, shaved

Combine all ingredients in pitcher. Allow to cold steep for 6 hours. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Fill pitcher with tangerine-fennel-thyme water. Garnish center cylinder with slices of tangerine, fennel and thyme sprigs.

Apple-Pomegranate-Rosemary Water

1 gallon water

10 apples, sliced

15 pomegranates (seeds only), muddled

1/2 cup rosemary, chopped

2 lemons, juiced

Combine apple slices, muddled pomegranate seeds, rosemary and water. Allow to cold steep for 6 hours. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Fill pitcher with apple-pom-rosemary water. Garnish center cylinder with lemon juice, pomegranate seeds, apple slices and rosemary sprigs.

Ginger-Pear Water

1 gallon water

10 pears, sliced 1/8 inch

1/2 cup ginger, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch

Combine all ingredients in pitcher. Allow to cold steep for 6 hours. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Fill pitcher with ginger-pear water. Garnish center cylinder with slices of ginger and pear.

Category: Fit & Fabulous, Wine & Dine / Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries  
Wordpress Theme by ThemeZee