Articles about Holiday

Dallas’ Best Valentine’s Day Spa Packages

photography courtesy of Flickr user The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

I love holiday themed spa treatments. So festive.

ADRIFT FLOAT SPA
Couple’s Float:
Enjoy togetherness, relaxation and rejuvenation with Valentine’s couple’s floats from Adrift Float Spa, Dallas’ first luxury floatation spa. Couple’s Floats from February 11- February 19 will come with champagne, roses, and chocolates and include all Adrift amenities: robes and slippers, full- accommodation changing rooms, relaxation room with massage chairs and underwater color and music therapy. $139

HIATUS SPA + RETREAT
100% Pure Love:
Spa love, that is….indulge in an 80-minute Hiatus Massage, a Body Glow with rose and ylang ylang essential oils, a signature Facial + the award-winning Mani-Pedi Retreat.
Love Thyself:
With a Heart-Chakra Balancing Massage, Body Glow, Spa Manicure and Perfecting Facial + Peel….the perfect way to get in the mood!
Love On the Rocks:
Or hot stones, if you prefer! This package for two features the 60-minute Hot Stone Couple’s Retreat and Hot Stone Spa Pedicure, plus a glass of bubbly, naturally.

RIVIERA SPA
Chocolate & Roses Facial:
Rich Hungarian cocoa and nutrient loaded organic roses satisfy your craving for deliciously flawless skin! Your highly trained esthetician will cleanse, hydrate and tone with rich Hungarian red roses to refine and renew your skin. Love your skin with a soothing masque of blended roses, rose tea, strawberries and chocolate. Includes a relaxing Hungarian scalp, neck and face massage. Customized for all skin types! (60 min. Reg $110, February special $95)
Couples Massage with Soothing Rose Massage Oil Candle:
Spoil you and your sweetheart with a relaxing Swedish couples massage on rose petal massage tables in our luxurious couples suite. Our YonKa Rose Candle is a natural candle of shea butter, andiroba oil, mango butter and essential oils of rose that melts into a warm, smooth massage oil, melts away stress and leaves your skin nourished and moisturized. This treatment includes complimentary champagne, strawberries & chocolate and a rose candle for you to take home. (50 min. $240)

Jump for the full list, which will be updated daily as I get more info.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | February 8th, 2012 10:45am | filed under Beauty, Holiday, Spas & salons, Valentine's Day | (0) Comments »

Happy, Happy Holidays. Love, ShopTalk.

We’re off next week. I know there ain’t no sunshine when ShopTalk is gone, but try to enjoy your week. We’ll be thinking of you the whole time and how to entertain you in 2012. Sending holiday happies your way. xoxo, ShopTalk

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 23rd, 2011 10:18am | filed under Holiday | (0) Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Tweens

Tarte’s holiday set of LipSurgence “lip lustres” in peach, shimmery pinks, sparkly raspberry, and coral red comes in a playful silver glitter box and retails for $24. These pretty hues are shimmery sweet and great for younger ladies adding a little color to their pouts. Pick up a box of lipstick crayons at Sephora.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 22nd, 2011 11:24am | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | (0) Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Retro Girls

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

This lip gloss trio is the holiday gift set from vintage-inspired makeup line, Besame. These minis are darling, but I recommend perusing the entire line of lipsticks, powders, shadows, and mascara, beautifully packaged in gold, at Dallas Pin Up in Deep Ellum. Each semi-matte lipstick comes in a bullet-molded case tucked in a red, velvet bag for $22. Every color is a reproduction of a real shade used on the lips of former favorite Hollywood starlets. Powders for $38 are equally exciting, housed in embossed cases and refillable for $15. The 1930s Mascara for $18 has a moisturizing combination of ingredients which was first mixed in the 30s. These are fitting stocking stuffers for history buffs, beauty junkies, retro lovers, and any other gal who like to powder her nose in style. Head to Dallas Pin Up to find them.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 21st, 2011 5:40pm | filed under Beauty, Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | (0) Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Luxury Lovers

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

The Santa Maria Novella Healing Hand Cream, left, and Almond Foot Cream, right, found at LAFCO New York are two of my absolute favorite beauty products ever. And I’ve tested a lot of product. (Some of you may remember these from last year’s gift guide.) The $50 hand cream has a fresh lemon scent and its whipped texture keeps your hands soft for hours. The $48 foot cream is magical. Grab an almond-scented blob, start rubbing, and you’ll experience the cream turning into a menthol mixture to soothe your poor heel-beaten feet. Both products are still hand-crafted in the original Florence Santa Maria Novella apothecary. These are quality, thoughtful gifts, but I recommend you grab a jar or two for yourself while you’re at it. Don’t miss all the other deliciousness at LAFCO.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 21st, 2011 10:55am | filed under Beauty, Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | (0) Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Fashionistas and the Accident-Prone

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

Valerie Elizabeth, Dallas personal stylist and founder of Society Stylist blog, put together this on-the-go “Survival Kit.” For $50, you get a cosmetics case packed full of drugstore goodies to help you “survive any fashion styling emergency.” You may not be an aspiring stylist or clumsy enough to need all these things, but this is a good kit for any woman to keep on hand. (I recommend keeping one in the car.) Peruse the photo yourself, but I’ll highlight the key players here: adjust-a-button, bra clip converter (to hide pesky straps), lint roller, breath freshener, deodorant removal sponge (brilliant), Tide to Go stain remover pen (life is messy), blotting tissues (to remove oil from your face), nail file, safety pins, and a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. And sure, yes, you can put this kit together yourself. But, honestly, will you? Buy it online.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 20th, 2011 2:27pm | filed under Beauty, Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | 1 Comment »

Merry & Bright: The Season’s Best Holiday Candles

photography by Matthew Shelley

Check out our very favorite seasonal scents jarred by some of the best candle makers around.

(clockwise from top left)
Molton Brown Myrrh Muske & Cypress ($49/Stanley Korshak)
Thymes Wildwood Bitter Orange & Cedar ($28/Stanley Korshak.)
Byredo Candy Darling ($65/Barneys online)
Nest Holiday ($32/Neiman Marcus)
Fornasetti Bacio ($165/Urban Flower/Grange Hall)
Tocca Candy Dish Candle in Venice ($58/Barneys New York)
Diptyque Epinette mini ($32, Forty Five Ten)
Cire Trudon Nazareth ($85/Grange Hall)
Nest Sir Elton John’s Holiday minis ($54 for 6/Neiman Marcus)
LAFCO New York Holiday Tree mini ($85 for 3/LAFCO New York)
Slatkin & Co. Winter ($19.50/Bath & Body Works)
Pacifica Russian Fir ($16/Whole Foods)
Diptyque Perdigone mini ($32, Forty Five Ten)
Munnerlyn* Chamonix ($46.20 as part of holiday trio/online)
Voluspa Golden Cypress ($27/Nuvo)

*Munnerlyn is a local fragrance company.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 19th, 2011 3:15pm | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011 | 1 Comment »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Book Worms

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

This nifty apparatus serves as both a reading light and a placeholder for your book. (No more dog-earing pages.) I’ve had a couple coworkers ask, “Why not use a bookmark?” but the answer is obvious. Why would you when you have this cool lamp? Duh. This inventive Suck UK Bookrest Lamp is sold at Iota.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 19th, 2011 1:51pm | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | (0) Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Budding Makeup Artists

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

Head to Target and find these bedazzled makeup tools from e.l.f. I’m not a pink and sparkly kind of girl, but I think if I found these gem tools wrapped up for me this holiday I couldn’t help but be thrilled. They’re just darling. These pieces are a perfect (and super cheap) complement to a gift for the teen girls in your world. Our photo shows a cheek brush, two nail files, eyeshadow brushes (with stained purple tips!), an eyelash curler, a makeup mirror, and tweezers, and everything is under $5. You can’t beat a blinged brush for $3.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 16th, 2011 11:18am | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | 2 Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Chip Eaters and Vampire Lovers

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

I’m pretty much a fan of everything San Francisco-based Gama-Go makes. Their gadgets are kitschy but practical, and I dig adding a little fun to mundane tasks. Take using a coaster, for example. Boring. Instead, use a record coaster! Woo hoo! Finding flipping eggs boring? Use a guitar spatula! But those are last week’s under-$50 treats. Allow me to add two more of my fav Gama-Go trinkets: Bow Tie Bag Clips for protecting your most special munchies, $8, and Vampire Suckeys key toppers, $6. If these don’t make perfect stocking stuffers, I quit. Find them at Froggies 5 and 10.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 15th, 2011 1:28pm | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | (0) Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Gummy Bear Lovers

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

Jailbreak Collective invented the most adorable lighting fixtures I’ve ever seen: Gummylamps. Squeeze this 7-inch tall Gummy Bear’s tummy to activate his LED lights. For $28 you can pick up this little guy and his siblings in green, yellow, and clear–sorry, red is sold out–at Iota on Knox. (Remember all my fun finds at Iota last month?) This little dude is a highly coveted item. Let me put it this way: I leave Chanel perfumes and LAFCO candles sitting out on my desk at work, but I hide this orange guy every time I leave.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 13th, 2011 4:11pm | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | 2 Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Jet Setters

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

There is one good thing that has come out of the tighter restrictions on baggage contents at the airport (because I’m pretty sure it’s not safety as I snuck in with my pocket knife necklace, full water bottle, and lighter last month). It’s the 3Floz.com company, a one-stop shop for TSA size-approved products in the best beauty brands. (Find Art of Shaving, Tocca, Fekkai, Oscar Blandi, and more in minis.) To make life even easier, 3Floz created a “Holiday Clutch Kit” with seasonal parties in mind. In it you’ll find: Air Repair Rescue Balm for lips and dry skin, Blow Out Serious Non-Stick Hair Spray, Help! I Have a Headache acetaminophen tablets, MBeze Deodorette natural deodorant stick, and Tatcha Blotting Pads oil sheets. Get this powerful pack for $45 at 3floz.com.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 13th, 2011 3:21pm | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts, travel | (0) Comments »

If You’re Going to Make a Wish List, Dream Big

That’s what D’s editors did. (Well, some of us.)

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 13th, 2011 12:43pm | filed under Holiday, gifts | (0) Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Your Girlfriends

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

I’m a beauty product enthusiast, but even I consider a $42 exfoliant to be a little luxury. Renee Rouleau’s Mint Buffing Beads always makes my list of favorites, and a jar of this makes a great gift for anyone who won’t splurge on expensive lotions and potions for their skincare routine. My college-aged sister comes to mind. (Hey, feeding yourself is more important than scrubbing your face.) Mint is a perfect pick-me-up in the morning and washes the hard day away at night. Grab a few jars for $41.50 a piece and fill up some stockings.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 12th, 2011 12:43pm | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | 2 Comments »

Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Your Music-Loving Chef

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

Well, not your personal chef. Unless you have one, of course, and then by all means. Otherwise, pick up these Gama-Go kitchen accessories for anyone in your life who loves to jam out while in the kitchen or working on the grill. (They’re also the perfect persuasive tools to get someone new in the kitchen.) Check out my favorite picks above.
From top to bottom:
-BBQ Rockin’ Fork for the grill, $20 (hilarious)
-The Shredder Cheese Grater, $10 (yum CHEESE)
-Flipper Guitar Spatula, $12 (flipping couldn’t get more fun)
-Record Coasters, $12 (Notice the hit song name, “Keep it Clean” from fictitious band “The Watermarks”)
Grab these delightfully fun but practical gadgets from Froggies 5 and 10 on Knox. Get ‘em all for $54 or individually for $20 and under.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 9th, 2011 3:55pm | filed under Holiday, Stocking Stuffers 2011, gifts | 3 Comments »

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