Friday, February 25, 2011

Spa Girl is scrubbed, enriched and soothed!

It was my sisters birthday this past weekend and what better way to celebrate than to head to one of my favourite spas, Sparkling Hill for a girls get-away.

I have blogged several times about this stunning new resort and European-inspired wellness centre located south of Vernon, British Columbia. Located on top of the Commonage Range, the resort’s 70 hectares of land includes the summit of Mount Royce offering spectacular views west across Lake Okanagan, north over the pastoral Coldstream Valley and east toward the fairways of Predator Ridge Golf Resort. It really is an unforgettable location.


Sparkling Hill, now offering a number of fabulous get-away packages, http://www.sparklinghill.com/rooms/winter-promotions is committed to providing a combination of design elegance and health and wellness therapies. Complimentary with your hotel stay, all guests have full access to:


• 7 unique aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms
• Indoor pool with underwater music and starry Swarovski crystal sky
• Hot pool with access to outdoor infinity pool
• Kneipp water therapy
• State-of-the-art Keiser-equipped fitness studio
• Serenity and Tea Relaxation Rooms



In addition to all the complimentary services offered at Sparkling Hill you can relax and rejuvenate at the KurSpa a 40,000 square foot facility which offers over 100 different treatments.

KurSpa endorses the Professional Solutions® line of products that have been formulated, tested and used by leading physicians around the world. Considered a breakthrough in skin rejuvenation, the products are used extensively to correct dehydration, aging pigmentation and oily or acne prone skin.

These exceptional products are natural and free from synthetic chemicals, fragrances and preservatives, and contain active ingredients of the highest quality and in the purest form to give you the result you desire—clear, bright and smooth skin.

Making a decision on spa treatments is difficult when offered so many fabulous choices. This weekend I opted to have the SCRUB AND SOOTHE, 60 MINUTES, $95 and one of my favourites, the VITAMIN ENRICHED HYDRA FACIAL, 75 MINUTES, $155.


The scrub and soothe treatment consists of a deep exfoliation to allow an even suntan in the summer and sloughs away dry skin in the winter. It is followed by a soothing moisturizing application. This exceptional body scrub will prepare your skin for the highest product absorption.

Heightened with antioxidants, this refreshing facial gives your skin a deep moisturizing surge while repairing damage from sun and daily living. Impurities are gently removed from the skin followed by free-radical fighting agents of Vitamin C, CoQ10, Red Tea and Vitamin E. The end result: noticeably brighter skin tone and improved skin texture.
Both treatments left me feeling very relaxed and my skin was butter soft. My sister decided to have the MONTICELLI MUD TREATMENT, 60 MINUTES, $125, and a SPARKLING DELUXE FACIAL, 90 MINUTES, $180.

This exclusive thermal treatment with the synergy of herbal extracts and essential oils, such as Elderberry, Fennel, Lemon and Cypress combined with mud from the banks of Monticelli, Italy. It helps rid the body and its tissues of toxins, giving long lasting visible results in the elasticity and tone of the skin.


Using a blend of specific anti-aging products including ATX Double Action Serum, CoQ10 and collagen, the Sparkling Deluxe facial reduces fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes the skin, improves elasticity and texture.

Most get-away packages at Sparkling Hill include breakfast and dinner and once again we enjoyed the culinary delights of local, often organic, food and award winning wines. The highlight this weekend was an amazing goat cheese cake with a citrus salad comprised of berries, blood oranges and mint on the bottom and a strawberry shaped sorbet on the top of the cheese cake. Now this is spa cuisine at its best!












Here is a video of Sparkling Hill...
http://www.vimeo.com/17005335/


goat cheese cake with a citrus salad

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Spa Girl sets the Table for a Fabulous Feast...

I confess, I'm a foodie, and there is nothing better than sitting down to a fabulous meal with good friends. Generally in my house that also means great conversation about food, spas, art, politics, love...and health.

Most of my friends are 50 something and we are all concerned about what we eat. Most of us try to eat organic as much a possible and we like eating locally grown foods.

Over the last number of years since researching and writing the Spa Girl blog I have looked to Spa Cuisine for inspiration. More and more spas are hiring top notch chefs to prepare outstanding, healthy spa cuisine. This has spun off a number of great websites which feature recipes from outstanding creative cooks and has been the inspiration of a number of magnificent cookbooks about the savoury farm-fresh pleasures of seasonal, local ingredients.

Here are some of Spa Girls favourites.

 The Rancho La Puerta Cookbook which sells for $35.00 US and $39.00 CDN features...

Great cooking—unlocking the amazing farm-fresh flavors of seasonal, local ingredients without the traditional overuse of processed oils, animal fats, salt, and sugar—is at the heart of the experience offered by Rancho La Puerta, the world-famous fitness resort and spa located in Baja California. In Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta, the Ranch’s founder, Deborah Szekely, and co-author Deborah M. Schneider demonstrate that you can bring this revitalizing experience to your own home kitchen. Though not a “diet cookbook,” Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta emphasizes the authors’ view that eating simply and healthfully—with homemade meals that reflect the cycles of nature—is one of life’s most profound pleasures. This beautiful book includes 120 delicious recipes featuring seasonal ingredients that are colorfully and creatively combined to entice the palate as well as promote health.
You can order this book by calling Toll Free: 877-440-7773 or

Canyon Ranch has become synonymous with great spa cuisine and have published several cookbooks including CANYON RANCH: NOURISH (Viking Studio) which sells for $40.00.
Canyon Ranch Executive Chef Scott Uehlein, in collaboration with staff nutritionists, provides the tools, ideas, and inspiration required to create more than 200 of the most requested, delicious, healthy, and indulgent recipes. Inspired by seasonal flavor combinations with an eye towards wellness, the recipes cover a broad range of items, from Beverages and Snacks to Desserts and everything in between. Filled with delicious and nutritious recipes from the leading authority on healthy, luxurious living, CANYON RANCH: NOURISH helps make the pleasures of eating well easy and irresistible for every level of home cook.
You can order this book by calling Toll Free: 800-726-8040


For more outstanding cookbooks check out this website... http://www.destinationspagroup.com/cuisine_cookbooks.htm

Spa Girl has some favourite recipes to share courtesy of New Age Health Spa, Sullivan County, Catskills NY, Golden, in California, The Heartland Spa in Illinois and Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas.


New Age Health Spa--Broccoli and Pine Nut Frittata
5 Servings, 157 calories per half cup
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
4 Egg Whites
¼ TSP Sea Salt
½ TSP Fresh Ground Black Pepper
3 TBSP Pine Nuts, Toasted
2 CUPS Broccoli, Lightly steamed
¼ TSP Paprika
3 OZ Feta Cheese

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the eggs, egg whites, feta cheese, salt, pepper and pine nuts in a medium bowl.
2. Place broccoli at the bottom of an 8 inch pie pan. Pour egg mixture over top.
3. Sprinkle with paprika.
4. Bake at 350 degrees, 10-15 minutes or until set. Serve warm.

Delighful Orange and Butternut Squash Muffins from Golden Door, California
Makes 12 muffins

There's no doubt that fat carries flavor-not just in muffins, but in other baked goods and countless dishes as well. Since we're all trying to reduce our fat intake, one way to reduce the amount of fat in baking is to use flavorful ingredients that add moisture to the batter. Baked butternut squash and juicy oranges do the job here.

1/2 small butternut squash
Vegetable oil in a spray bottle or 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3 oranges
2 & 1/3 cup chopped pitted dates (16-18 dates)
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 &1/2 cups semolina flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the butternut squash on a baking sheet; bake for 40 minutes, or until soft. Let cool, cut in half, and scoop out the seeds. (Reserve them for another use if you wish.) Scrape 3/4 cup of the cooked squash into a mixing bowl. Meanwhile, spray or grease a 12-cup nonstick muffin tin with vegetable oil; set aside.

Grate the oranges to make 2 teaspoons of zest. Peel the remaining oranges and separate the segments of all 3 oranges. Remove all pith. Cut the outer membrane from the orange segments. Chop the segments and add to the cooked squash. Mix in the orange zest, dates, brown sugar, oil, honey, and the beaten egg and egg whites.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Pour the butternut squash mixture into the dry ingredients; mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Turn onto a wire rack; serve warm or let cool.

Pumpkin Pancakes from The Heartland Spa, Illinois
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup fat-free (skim) milk
2 tablespoons cholesterol-free egg substitute
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon vanilla

In small bowl, combine flours, baking powder and spices. In large bowl, combine pumpkin, milk, egg substitute, oil, honey and vanilla. Pour dry ingredients over pumpkin mixture; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix. Cover pancake batter; refrigerate 30 minutes to thicken slightly. Lightly grease griddle or large skillet and heat until hot. For each pancake, spoon 2 tablespoons batter onto hot griddle. Cook until bubbles appear on tops of pancakes, then turn them over and continue cooking until golden. Serve immediately.

Yield: 6 servings Per serving (4 pancakes)
Calories: 157 Fat: 5 g (27% from fat) Protein: 4 g Carbohydrate: 25 g
Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 211 mg

From Canyon Ranch--Spinach Eggs Benedict
Ingredients:
8 cups washed fresh spinach leaves, well drained
1 1/2 teaspoons non-salt seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash®)
4 whole-wheat English muffins

Hollandaise Sauce:
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch cayenne pepper
Pinch salt
4 tablespoons melted butter
3 egg whites
Pinch cream of tartar

Poached Eggs:
1 tablespoon white vinegar
4 cups water
8 whole eggs

Instructions:

1. Lightly coat large sauté pan with canola oil and sauté spinach over medium-high heat until wilted. Season with Mrs. Dash. Cover and set aside.
2. Split English muffins in half and toast.
3. Bring a large pot of water to boil.
4. In a medium stainless steel mixing bowl, combine yolk, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and salt. Place stainless steel bowl over (not touching) boiling water and whisk egg mixture with a wire whip until thickened. Place mixture in blender container and blend at high speed for 5 seconds. Reduce to medium speed and slowly add butter.
5. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until mixture forms stiff peaks. Fold yolk mixture into egg white mixture until blended.
6. To poach eggs, add vinegar to water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil again and reduce to a simmer. Gently crack each egg just above the surface and let egg slip into the water. As eggs cook, use a spoon to corral whites around the yolks. Cook until whites are firm and opaque, but yolk is still soft. Lift eggs from water with a slotted spoon and let drip for a few seconds before assembling plates.
7. Place 1/4 cup spinach on English muffin half. Top with one poached egg and 2 tablespoons Hollandaise Sauce.

Makes 8 serving, containing approximately:
210 calories
16 gm. carbohydrate
12 gm. fat
254 mg. cholesterol
11 gm. protein
400 mg. sodium
3 gm. fiber


Outstanding Parmesan Crusted Trout from Lake Austin Spa Resort
245 calories, 3 grams fat, per serving
4 four-ounce boneless Rainbow Trout filets
4 ounces grated Reggianio parmesan cheese
No-stick pan spray
Lemon wedges

1. Place the parmesan in a flat-bottomed dish big enough to hold a trout filet.
2. Dredge each filet, flesh side down in the parmesan, lay them out flesh side up and pat on more parmesan.
3. Pre-heat a heavy, non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Lightly spray the pan and the parmesan coating.
4. Place the fish flesh side down in the hot skillet and cook for 3 minutes. Turn once, cook another 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot with lemon wedges, a green vegetable, rice or potatoes.

For more fabulous fares and delectable delights from starters to mains check out this site...

Monday, February 14, 2011

Spa Girl says Chocolate*Chocolate*Chocolate--Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!


What fun to spent Valentine's Day in a place where everything is chocolate--The Spa at The Hotel Hershey. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

In the rolling hills of Hershey, Pennsylvania, nestled atop Pat's Hill overlooking majestic gardens lies The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, a haven with innovative and relaxing spa services, where you will enjoy classic elegance, timeless sophistication, and the unmistakable touch of Hershey.

Built on a tradition of excellence and luxury, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey is the newest addition to a town with a richer history than the chocolate that bears the same name. Its timeless elegance and charm connect it directly to the past. The design of The Spa draws its influence from High Point Mansion, the home of chocolate magnate, Milton Hershey, and his wife, Catherine. Echoing the High Point Estate, and incorporating Catherine's love of roses, Hershey created a spa with a one-of-a-kind experience. From the stained glass windows, marble landings, pecan paneling, and beautiful views of The Hotel Hershey majestic gardens, The Spa is unlike any other.

Let yourself be soothed and toned in total luxury at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, a sanctuary where chocolate is not just a treat to eat, but a necessary ingredient for innovative spa treatments such as the Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Bean Polish, and Chocolate Fondue Wrap.

I love the idea of a Whipped Cocoa Bath, and there is a lot more to indulge the senses.

Whipped Cocoa Bath*
15 minutes, $45
Settle into our foaming chocolate milk bath for a soothing and softening signature Hershey experience. Milk will soften and renew the skin while you indulge in this chocolate experience.

Chocolate Hydrotherapy*
25 minutes, $55
Adding our essence of cocoa is sure to conjure up thoughts of childhood during this hydrotherapy experience.

Chocolate Bean Polish
30 minutes, $65
One of our signature chocolate services! We combine the gentle exfoliation of cocoa bean husks and walnut shells with a softening Cocoa Body Moisturizer for superb results. Smells so good, you may want to eat it!

Chocolate Sugar Scrub
30 minutes, $65
Hershey, PA meets Hershey, Cuba! This sweet scrub leaves your skin silky soft and best of all … chocolately smooth!

Sweet Hands & Feet
Hands, 50 minutes, $55*
Feet, 60 minutes, $75*
The ultimate chocolate experience for your hands and feet! Enjoy either a classic manicure or pedicure with a chocolate sugar exfoliation, chocolate mask for the feet, paraffin dip, and chocolate moisturizing massage.

Cocoa Massage
50 minutes, $110
80 minutes, $170
Only in Hershey, Pennsylvania are you able to relax AND enjoy chocolate without a single calorie. Our signature chocolate scented massage oil along with a classic Swedish Massage will surely soothe your senses.

Hot Chocolate Fondue Wrap*
60 minutes, $120
Our exclusive formula of warmed moor mud and essence of cocoa revitalizes and nourishes the skin as it relaxes the body. A luxurious body brushing is followed by the fondue application. The body is then wrapped in a soft warm blanket to enhance the total effect. A Vichy Shower rinse culminates the effect.

Cocoa Facial Experience
75 minutes, $165
The most unique Hershey facial experience! In the rich tradition of cocoa, relax with the newest addition to the Chocolate Spa. Enjoy aromas of caramel, strawberry, rose, and mint. This facial experience contains active ingredients carefully selected from natural resources to maintain beneficial properties of the cacao fruit, proven as an anti-oxidant, to combat the visual signs of aging.

And if that is not enough, how about a guilt-free dessert from The Oaks, one of the spa staff's favourite treats!

Guilt-Free Dark Chocolate Mousse
16 oz. silken tofu
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup decaffeinated coffee
1/4 cup agave syrup
Fresh raspberries

1. In a food processor or blender, purée the tofu until smooth.
2. Place the bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and coffee in a saucepan.
3. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until melted and smooth.
4. Remove from heat and mix in the agave. Stir until smooth.
5. Add chocolate mixture to tofu and purée until well blended.
6. Put in a bowl and chill at least 2 hours.
7. To serve, fill dish with raspberries and top with 2 tbsp. of mousse.

For a list of other delightful chocolate recipes for Valentine's Day, check out this site:

Official Website for The Spa At The Hotel Hershey offering Signature Chocolate and Cuban-Themed Treatments - Located in Hershey, PA

Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Spa Girls Perfect Face + Vitamin C Cream

In my on-going search for the 'perfect face' I have tried so many different products before finding what I believe is a dream come true!

Achieving the perfect face requires finding the right product that works for you and your skin type--check out this series of blogs (Spa Girl's most perfect face) for more information on skin types and how to achieve your perfect face.

I am testing a line of products as I am considering developing my own product line! These skin care products are developed by Cosmetic Solutions, a member of the Natural Products Association, a company who develops private label brands for medical professionals and aesthetic skincare businesses world-wide. These CSI products are designed specifically to emulate the skin's natural functionality, with active therapeutic ingredients for all skin types.

I have now been using these products for six weeks and I have to say I love them. My skin continues to feel more revitalized each day, super clean and is soft as butter and oh so smooth.

I persuaded a dear friend into trying them with me and at lunch the other day she looked absolutely fabulous. She said she was just delighted about how great her faced looked--bright, soft, smooth and less wrinkles!

It is important for me to have a simple routine--three or four steps max--when looking after my face. I am generally in a hurry in the morning, so keeping it to as few steps as possible works for me.

Here is what I do in the morning:

1. Wash face with warm water (my esthetician recommended I cleanse once a day)
2. Gently smooth on Vitamin C Serum or Cream

Vitamin C+ Cream combines the antioxidant power of Vitamin C with the rich moisturizing properties of Squalane and Jojoba Oil, resulting in an extremely effective anti-oxidant moisturizer.

• Repairs skin damage
• Brightens skin tone and improves texture
• Stimulates collagen & elastin production
• Firms and tones the skin
3. Over this add Vitamin K & Arnica Cream
4. SPF Cream to protect my face from the sun

At night:

1. Wash with my Rose Hip Cleaner and warm water
Cleansers gently lift impurities, makeup and excess oil while helping to control blemishes and shine. Naturally derived cleansers reach deep within the skin to remove dirt and oil, leaving skin of all types purified and refreshed.

After cleansing, toners are known as an important step in your skin care regime to further remove excess impurities and oil, tighten pores and improve texture and tone while restoring the skins PH balance.

While I don`t use toners as I have such a great cleanser, it a matter of choice.
2. Gently smooth on Vitamin C Serum or Cream
3. Apply All in one Cream
Moisturizers help nourish and rehydrate the skin; restore elasticity; and repair skin damage. Outside of these core benefits, each moisturizer provides additional attributes in the pursuit of clearer, healthier and younger looking skin.
More on the All in One Cream:

That`s it, one-two-three + sun screen and you are set for the day or off to bed for a good night's sleep. Spa Girl Recommends: only use your sun screen in the morning for that perfect face!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Spa Girl suggests a rosemary infused Valentine's Day!

 Most of you will know from reading my blogs that one of my favourite herbs for both cooking and a nice steamy bath is rosemary. A perfect herb for Valentine's Day, rosemary in many cultures has a long history of being an aphrodisiac--an aromatic herb with the ability to keep fidelity and love strong.

It is a beautiful fragrant evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a member of the mint family. Named by the 18th century naturalis t Carolus Linnaeus, rosemary now grown all over the world, is a native of the Mediterranean region. Its name comes from the Latin words Ros Marinus which means `dew of the sea`.

Rosemary is high in iron, calcium and Vitamin B6 and has a reputation for improving memory, stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches. When applied to the skin, as an essential oil, it helps strengthen the capillaries and rejuvenates the skin. It is a common ingredient used in many cosmetics, including skin toners, creams, soaps and hair products.

Recent research indicates this is remarkable herb, high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents (caffeic and rosemarinic acid) has the ability to help prevent cancer and age-related skin damage, improve liver function and act as a mild diuretic.

Rosemary Essential oil in the bath is extremely aromatic, stimulating and great for the skin. It can also prevent one from sleeping, so it is definitely not a bed time bath!

So this Valentines Day jump in the bath with a little Rosemary Essential Oil, then treat yourself to a romantic candle-light dinner.

Here are some aromatic suggestions for your Valentine's Day:

Rosemary for the Bath...

Gather enough rosemary to fill your Mason jar and strip the leaves from the stem. Let the leaves sit out in the open overnight. This allows the extra moisture that is in the plant to evaporate. Fill the Mason jar with the rosemary leaves, no more than 3 inches from the top of your jar. Cover the rosemary completely with your carrier oil. The oil should completely cover the leaves by at least an inch. Place this mixture into a double boiler and heat on very low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Watch it and don't let it burn. Strain the mixture and pour into a sterilized bottle with a tight fitting lid. Store in a cool place. Pour several tablespoons of oil into your bath and sit back and relax in the heavenly smell.

Cream of Cauliflower and Rosemary Soup...

Start to finish: 20 minutes
15 ml (1 tbsp) butter
1 shallot, chopped
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely minced
15 ml (1 tbsp) all-purpose flour
250 ml (1 cup) milk
125 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
340 g (12 oz) frozen cauliflower, thawed
2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt
1 ml (1/4 tsp) ground white pepper
Rosemary olive oil or other herbed oil, to drizzle

In a medium saucepan over medium-high, melt butter. Add shallot and rosemary and saute until shallot is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and stir to coat. Cook for another minute, then whisk in milk and cream. Add cauliflower, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until cauliflower is very soft and mixture has thickened.

Using an immersion blender or working in batches in a regular blender, puree mixture until very smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Finish with a drizzle of rosemary oil. Makes 2 servings.

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 756 calories; 291 calories from fat (38 per cent of total calories); 33 g fat (19 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 81 mg cholesterol; 89 g carbohydrate; 29 g protein; 4 g fibre; 513 mg sodium.

Milk Chocolate Rosemary Pots de Creme...

Start to finish: 1 hour 40 minutes, plus chilling
250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
50 ml (1/4 cup) milk
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
1 ml (1/4 tsp) orange zest
3 egg yolks
30 ml (2 tbsp) sugar
90 g (3 oz) milk chocolate bits
Whipped cream, to serve

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, milk, rosemary and orange zest. Bring to a simmer, then turn off heat and cover. Allow mixture to steep for 30 minutes. Toward the end of steeping, heat oven to 160 C (325 F). Set 4 small ramekins (about 125 ml/4 oz each) inside a 23-cm (9-inch) square baking pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Turn on heat under cream mixture to medium. When liquid is just steaming, remove it from the heat. While continuously whisking egg mixture, dribble warm cream mixture very slowly and just a little at a time into egg yolks. Add milk chocolate and whisk until melted.

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain mixture into a liquid measuring cup with a pouring spout. Discard any solids. Carefully pour liquid into ramekins. Pour hot water into outer pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins, making sure not to get any water in ramekins. Place pan in oven and cover loosely with foil. Bake until set and the centres just barely jiggle, 55 to 65 minutes. Remove ramekins from water and chill until completely cold, at least 2 hours. Serve topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 436 calories; 312 calories from fat (72 per cent of total calories); 35 g fat (21 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 264 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 1 g fibre; 51 mg sodium.

All about Rosemary at herbs2000.com http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_rosemary.htm

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Spa Girl's continuing quest for the Perfect Face...


As I continue to test these amazing products for the perfect face (in order to create my own Spa Girl line) I have fallen in love with the All-In-One-Cream which is formulated to comfort and protect the skin from moisture loss all day long.

I live in a semi-arid climate and this cream is perfect. It is also ideal as the years creep up, as we tend to produce less oil and have drier skin. Rich in corrective nutrients, it helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles--and who doesn't like that!

It is so important to know what's in your skin care products and use natural verses synthetic ingredients whenever possible. Check out my blogs on what's in your skin care products.

Here are the highlights of the All-In-One-Cream:

KEY BENEFITS

• Tightens and smoothes by increasing collagen and hyaluronic acid production

• Anti-wrinkle and antioxidants compounds reduce fine lines

• Renews stressed and damaged skin

KEY INGREDIENTS

• DMAE: Helps protect the cell membrane.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid: Potent antioxidant with the ability to stop or slow down free radical destruction that destroys collagen, thereby protecting the skin.

• Cu- Complex: Copper complex to feed the skin.

• CoQ10: A vitamin like substance found naturally in cells within the human body.

• L-Carnitine: Anti-oxidant that works against free radicals.

THE SCIENCE

All-In-One-Cream rejuvenates old and weakening tissues by utilizing the natural life-extension substance Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), which extends the life of the cells. The interaction shortens and tightens the tissues, preventing sagging and flattening typically associated with aging skin.

INGREDIENTS

Purified Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethyl MEA, Thioctic Acid, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment (Cu Complex), Carnitine, Retinol, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Orange) Flower Extract, Anthemus Nobilis (Chamomile) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, Monarda Didyma (Bergamot) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q-10).


Professional Solutions™ is one of the finest natural skin care lines available, made exclusively for Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Medi-Spas and Professional Medical Skin Care Dispensers throughout the world. Our skin care products refresh and rejuvenate the skin. From cleansers to toners and exfoliators to moisturizers; patients experience cleaner, clearer, and more youthful skin upon the first application. Professional Solutions™ products emulate the natural process that takes place in healthy skin, and as a result, patients can be assured of achieving their desired results quickly and naturally. http://www.professionalsolutions.net/