LYRA MAG.

Wellness-and self-care might  be an updated re-hash of the 70's 'me -decade'...but an emphasis on the health part -is a good thing. Some Tips: A long weekend away-can do wonders... Maybe more costly than a stay-vacations (depending)-all encompassing-inclusive environments-that provide physical and mental nourishment...do not have to break the bank, either. Take advantage a the USA dollar strength vs the neighbor to the north's currency...at the wellness haven Le Monastère Des Augustines in Quebec. Set in a historic and cultural setting- this former cloister has been re-invented as a peaceful oasis for a wellness re-boot-with 33 'authentic' simple (but comfy' ) monastery rooms and 32 contemporary rooms available. Holistic-spa treatments , healthy cuisine, a wide range of daily activities (yoga -meditation, historic tours) included or not-depending on what package one wants. The Lodge at Woodloch is on many 'BEST OF' lists for its all in...

  Townhouse Spa , NYC A spacious, restored building that hosts the The Daily Beauty Bar lavish spa days is a packed from the get-go-but still manages to be a relaxed setting to check out some of the beauty companies that get us all glammed up. We had an appointment with FakeBake® Professional Airbrush session...that's a fine spray mist of serious bronze . Quickly- we look like we lived in some exotic tropical clime---realistic looking too--- after standing inside this cocoon looking thing---while a staff gal expertly wielded an airbrush spray-taking care to emphasize the parts that would hit the sun---like the top of our arms. Without blotchiness anywhere. Then she went over every inch with a blow dryer---though one should take another 20 minutes to let the bronze settle in---and DON'T wear white apparel. FakeBake also sells a host of products -including Lipo Bronze-a smart combo of cellulite reducing patent pending formula combined with a self-tanner, and a Tinted...

Round-up of Spa Events/Guest Suites Fashion Night Out, GBK Spa Suites+ Allure Mag. @ Empire Hotel words/images Judith Ecochard Arguably, the NEW (and the coveted) SKIN/HAIR/MAKE-UP/BEAUTY products that are up front and center during NY Fashion Week---get as much coverage as the apparel that walks the runways---and certainly hold more interest for a lot of the media types we know who skip the shows for the suites. There was a lot of quality items we cherry-picked through...some highlights: We know the mindset to avoid sulfates and parabens- chemical preservatives that have been linked to cancer and as hormone disrupters- is completely mainstream knowledge-when our doorman starts going on about possible causes for his recent hernia- at such a young age. Boy oh boy. Relevant as... At a Fashion Night Out event we practically had a flashback when taking in the Vitabath bath gels...except now with very nice new packaging-the formula is sulfate AND paraben free. A big plus. ...

PART II words/images Judith Ecochard Interiors - REDDYMADE DESIGNS The Elements Showcase commanded two floor at the Skylights Studio.. Upstairs we marveled at the sculptural, solid/polished wood oil lit Luminesse centerpiece---with a replaceable wooden wick--- made by the eponymous company owned by the glam former Ford model,  DAYNA DECKER . Fragrances are lushly scented-whether for the home (diffusers), in the natural (no parabens, petro fillers, DEA etc) bath/body collection, or in the paraffin-free candle selections. All beautifully made and packaged-and on the website---e-commerce offerings include thoughtful gift sets. The booth for Abdel LLC /Fashionable Fragrances- --is like seeing a welcome friend. We first met them at the launch of Mandarina Duck Pure Black  Eau de Toilette---about two years ago...and learned that this fashion label, with the acclaimed perfumers Sophie Labbe and Jean Charles Nie...