Me and Etsy and Vintage Eyeglass Frames
October 13, 2009
You Cannot Afford to Miss Lauderdale Spa Chic 2009 (September 1-30)
September 8, 2009
Lauderdale Spa Chic
September 1-30, 2009
Relax, refresh and renew at a participating spa below:
Bliss Fort Lauderdale at the W Fort Lauderdale
401 N Fort Lauderdale Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 414-8232
$99 Spa Chic service: (excludes Saturdays)
Rapid Rub Massage TM: Thirty minutes of intensive massage work on whatever muscles are mistreating you most.
and
Oxygen BlastTM: Includes a quick fruit acid wash, massage with micellated vitamins, a hydrating hot-towel and enzyme pack, and a five minute oxygen spray in a customized activating solution. Great post-flight, pre-date, mid-life…
Spa Chic Stay:
Room with a ‘dew’: Go gaga for spa with W Fort Lauderdale and Bliss. The ‘spahhh-tacular’ stay package includes Bliss’ Best of SkintentionsTM facial coupled with a stress-free stay in a Spectacular Room. Ocean view room and spa escape starting from $269 *Gratuity not included. Advance booking for facial appointment is required. Please call 1-800-TO-BLISS prior to stay to book your treatment and mention Room With a ‘Dew’ package. Visit www.blissworld.com/spa for facial treatment details.
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 525-4000
Spa: (954) 765-3032
$99 Spa Chic service: (excludes Saturdays)
Seashell Massage / 50-minute: The unique signature massage uses heated smooth tiger seashells to drizzle warm scented oil over the body. The slick shells are then used to massage in the warm oil followed by a deeply soothing massage from head to toe.
or
Ying Yang Massage / 50-minute: A blend of customized massage techniques from the East and West. The perfect balance for each individual resulting in total bliss.
and
Citrus Manicure: Begin with a gentle exfoliation using a delicious citrus scrub, your hands are enveloped in a warm cocoon of rich, moisturizing mask to re-hydrate the skin. A deluxe hand massage, manicure and polish complete the service.
Spa Chic Stay:
The Spa Escape: deluxe overnight accommodations with choice of daily Swedish Massage or European Facial, per person. Valid daily, up to 2 people per room. Offer can not be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Rates starting at $399 and are per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservations. Promotion code: SPA.
Heavenly Spa at The Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale
321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, (954) 245-3040
$99 Spa Chic service: (excludes Saturdays)
Rollerssage / 80-minutes: This unique massage, exclusive to Heavenly Spas, gives a new spin on hot stone treatments. Heated crystalline spheres, selected for their energy enhancing qualities, are rolled over the body, melting away tension and relaxing tight muscles, while restoring balance to ones energy source.
Spa Chic Stay:
One-night accommodation with one Rollerssage Spa Chic treatment starting at $239. Offer is per day, per room.
Planet Massage
811 E. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale (954) 763-1619
$99 Spa Chic service:
Deluxe Stress and Pain Relief Massage Package: Deep tissue, Swedish, neuromuscular or sports massage; reflexology and active isolated stretching if desired. Therapy includes a Chi Massage session, moist heat therapy and Medi-Rub foot massage. Also included is gift bag with an assortment of personal massager’s and Biofreeze pain relief gel.
Spa 66 at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66
2301 SE 17th St. Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 525-6666
Spa: (954) 728-3598
$99 Spa Chic service: (excludes Saturdays)
Chardonnay Body Buff / 25-minutes: An opulent sugar cane and walnut shell “wine therapy” scrub exfoliates while French Chardonnay grape seed extract, shea butter and fine oils purify, soften and protect the skin. A douse of velvety shower bath gel with a refreshing bouquet of pomegranate tones and conditions the skin. Finally an application of the rich emollient of Chardonnay Body Butter with a hint of grapefruit provides the ultimate in skin hydration.
Power Break Massage / 25-minutes
Pedicure / 50 minutes
Spa Chic Stay:
Accommodations from $89 per night (10% off best available rate) plus $108 for one 50-minute Swedish massage and 10% of any additional services.
Spa950 at Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa
950 S.E. 20th Ave., Deerfield Beach, (954) 426-0478
$99 Spa Chic service: (excludes Saturdays)
PURE950: Pure Fiji Paradise Glow Body Polish and 25-minute massage.
Spa Chic Stay:
Luxurious two room, two bath newly renovated suite with choice of Swedish Massage, Custom Facial or Gentleman’s Facial or choice of Classic Spa Manicure or Pedicure. From $219 per room, per stay.
Spa Atlantic at The Atlantic Hotel
601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 567-8020
Spa: (954) 567-8085
$99 Spa Chic service:
Express Manicure and Express Pedicure: The perfect manicure and pedicure for those on the go. Your nails are trimmed, filed, buffed and polished.
Atlantic Repair Facial / 25-minutes: Maintain natural, youthful skin with this reparative micro-biological treatment individually customized with a high potency serum rich in marine proteins.
or
Welcoming Mediterranean Ritual: Promotes circulation of fluids throughout the body, restores and renews & washes away tension.
Classic Massage / 50-minutes: A traditional technique of long, smooth strokes with a light to medium intensity is used to relieve overall tension.
Hair & Scalp Treatment / 25-minutes: This hydrating scalp treatment includes hair brushing, invigorating scalp massage & oil/heat application.
or
Marie Antoinette Sampler: Body Scrub / 50-minutes and Massage / 25-minutes
Spa Chic stays:
Spa Chic Mini Marie Antoinette: Grand Deluxe Ocean Front Room for $259 or Luxury Ocean Front Suite for $309 with Marie Antoinette Sampler. Rate code NEGS4P. Tax & gratuity not included.
Spa on the Broadwalk at Hollywood Beach Marriott
2501 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, (954) 924-2202
Spa: (954) 874-3197
$99 Spa Chic service:
Aromatherapy Massage: This journey combines the power of pure essential oils with a specialized massage drawn from the traditions of both east and west. Spinal pressures and foot reflex sequences target the nervous system easing away the day’s stress and bringing the body and mind back into balance. Enhance your experience with your choice of custom blends.
Aromatherapy Indulgence: Pure hands-on therapy at it’s best! More than a facial, this complete aromatherapy experience supports a healthy circulation and optimizes the skin’s natural regenerative process. Gels based on floral waters hydrate and refresh, while specialized pressure point massage techniques ease tension in the skin leaving it gently cleansed, polished and radiant. Suitable for all skin types.
Spa Chic Stay:
Deluxe Partial Ocean View accommodations with Spa Chic service for $218. Tax & gratuity not included.
The Spa at The Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa
501 Diplomat Parkway, Hallandale Beach, (954) 883-4000
$99 Spa Chic service:
Diplomat Massage with Aromatherapy Bath / 75-minute treatment: A full-body massage based on traditional Swedish techniques. Therapists will utilize a combination of massage modalities to reduce tension and increase circulation to promote total relaxation. Light/Medium Pressure.
or
Signature Facial with Eye Treatment / 50-minute treatment.
Spa Chic Stay:
WestinSimply Renew Spa Package: restore your spirit, rejuvenate your soul and relax. Package includes: a 50-minute spa treatment per person, Welcome Wellness Basket, continental breakfast for two daily, 4pm late checkout. Single $285, Double $350.
The Spa at the Grand Resort and Spa (Gay)
539 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale, (954) 630-3000
$99 Spa Chic service:
Choice of 50-minute massage (Swedish or Deep Tissue):
Swedish: A soothing massage to increase circulation and relieve tension. This massage is given with light to medium pressure which helps to relax the body and spirit.
Deep Tissue: Focusing on specific areas to relieve tension, muscle spasms & tightness using medium to deep pressure.
and
Express Exfoliation Facial: Firm, tone, and brighten the skin with this maximum strength exfoliation treatment. Hydroxy acids remove dulling surface debris to help reverse the signs of aging while a nourishing cocktail of vitamins, botanical extracts, and conditioning agents help soothe and restore skin to optimal health.
Spa Chic Stays:
3-Night “Chic” Get-a-way: 3 nights accommodation in a one bedroom suite (1 king bed) overlooking Tropical Courtyard and gardens plus a 50 minute Massage (Swedish or Deep Tissue) and a facial customized to your skin’s needs (Spa services are per person, per stay) and complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival. $663.84/sgl, $834.84/dbl (tax inclusive); additional nights available at discounted rate.
or
5-Night “Chic” Get-a-way: 5 nights accommodation in a one bedroom suite (1 king bed) overlooking Tropical Courtyard and gardens plus a 50 minute Massage (Swedish or Deep Tissue), a facial customized to your skin’s needs, choice of a body scrub (Energizing, Stress Relief, Jack Black Signature, or Jack Black Eucalyptus) and choice of an Exfoliating Manicure or Standard Pedicure. (Spa services are per person, per stay) and complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival. $1092.90/sgl, $1364.40/dbl (tax inclusive); additional nights available at discounted rate.
The Spa at Ocean Sands Resort and Spa
1350 N. Ocean Blvd, Pompano Beach, (954) 590-1063
$99 Spa Chic service:
Welcome cocktail upon arrival, choice of any 50-minute massage along with a manicure and pedicure and spa lunch.
Spa Chic Stay:
Two-night stay in a luxury deluxe ocean view studio accompanied by a 30-minute massage, manicure and pedicure. Advanced reservations for the spa services are required. Valid Sunday-Thursday. Per person price.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale (954) 465-2300
Spa: (954) 302-6490
$99 Spa Chic service:
The Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage / 50-minutes
Spa Chic Stay:
Partial ocean view accommodations, upgrade to ocean front based on availability, and $150 daily spa credit. Available Aug 1-Sept 30 for $299. Rates are subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers and spa credit may not be used in any other outlets.
Great Values on Transitional Clothing in Surprising Places
September 4, 2009
I’ll be spending part of my Labor Day weekend laboring personally and professionally. I don’t mind. But one of the things I will take full advantage of is shopping my favorite stores to find transitional clothing on the sales and summer clearance racks. Last year I hit T. J. Maxx and Marshall’s and purchased a nice fall wardrobe for under $100 – straight from the summer clearance section. This year I’m exploring some online options and have found a few really great pieces for exceptional buys in surprising places.
Found in Under $30 Section

Knit Pull-on Pant, $19.90

Rubbish Sweater Scarf, $8.90

Converse Chuck Taylor Sneaker, $28.90
Found in Last Call

NM Exclusive Cashmere Hoodie, $69

kate spade Slipper Boot, $40
Found in Sale & Values

Nanette Lepore Sweater, $48

Juicy Couture Denim Legging $59
Found in the Best Under $50 Section

Clara Leather Loafer $29.99

Amaya Patent Leather Heel $39.99
Found in Final Sale Section

Waffle Knit Scoop Top $9.99

Pencil Rinse Jeans $39.99
Silk Dress $50
Parker Sneaker $20

Draped Sweater $29.99

Geometric Chandelier Earring $29.99
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Iconic “Le Male” Scents USB Port
September 1, 2009

One thing for sure Jean Paul Gaultier’s “Le Male” flash drive is anatomically correct. Though I suspect you’d have to be very careful of how you handle it when plugging it into your computer’s port. Or not. (Anything for a thrill, huh?!) At any rate, this flash drive is not only, ahem, unique and beautiful; it also emits fragrance. I suppose the hotter it gets the more scent it releases like the real life “Le Male.” The USBs are free with any purchase of a 75ml or 125ml bottle of “Le Male” fragrance at selected Boots stores or on Boots.com for the next month.
The LUXE Redux Challenge: Free Hermès Scarves
August 28, 2009
I’ve done it once already (Care for a Free Camel Pea Coat?) and decided to try it again. This time the challenge was harder but yet so rewarding.
MY CHALLENGE
Feature an authentic Hermès scarf, its lower-priced cousins and a FREE scarf.
I won!!!
Look at all of the beautiful creations I found online, including THREE (3) Hermès scarves available for barter on BarterQuest.com. I’m so good at this! Click on the photo image to go directly to the sites carrying these scarves.
I Want These…Cashmere Hoodie and Yoga Pant
August 28, 2009
I’ve got an illness – a profound love for hoodies and yoga pants. Bluefly.com has these two pieces by Kashmere that retail at $139 (hoodie) and $149 (pant). I’ll be snooping around the Internet to see if I can find better deals, but for the quality, Bluefly’s Kashmere goods are great.
10 things you shouldn’t buy new
Why waste money on shiny packaging and a fancy store when you can find it online and ‘pre-owned’ for a fraction of the cost? Here are your best buys.
Few people really enjoy wasting their hard-earned money, but many of us do it every day by buying new. We could do our pocketbooks, and the environment, a big favor by opting to be the second owner of some of the stuff we buy.
Obviously, some things are best purchased new; lingerie pops to mind (see my companion piece, “10 things you should never buy used” for more). But lots of other stuff depreciates quickly while still having plenty of useable life left. Here are 10 items where the cost vs. use equation strongly tilts toward buying used.
- Books, books, books. Now this is awkward, because I wrote a book. (Warning! Shameless plug ahead!) It’s called, “Your Credit Score: How to Fix, Improve and Protect the 3-Digit Number that Shapes Your Financial Future,” and of course, I’d love for you to go out and purchase a new copy. (End of shameless plug.
- DVDs and CDs. Some online retailers, like MSN Shopping and Amazon.com, now surface used versions of many of the DVD movies they sell new. You can find similar deals for online CDs (yes, Virginia, some of us dinosaurs still buy CDs). Other good hunting grounds for purchase of used items: movie rental chains like Blockbuster, used record stores and yard sales.
- Little kids’ toys. Parents know: it’s all but impossible to predict which toy will be a hit and which will lie forlorn at the bottom of the toy box. So rather than gamble at full price, cruise consignment shops and yard sales for bargains. My husband’s latest score: a plastic Push, Pedal ‘N Ride Trike (retails for $28, he paid $10) that looks like new after a brief scrub.
- Jewelry. Fat markups on most gems (100% or more is fairly common) means that you’d be lucky to get one-third of what you paid at a retail store, should you ever need to sell.
Read the rest HERE.













