Lisa Kasanicky, Author & Curator of Relaxation

Spa Expert and Author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Girlfriend Getaways"

azspagirl

Arizona Spa Girls Girlfriend Getaways Contest

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It’s that time again! August is Girlfriend Getaways Month and Arizona spa advocate and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways, Lisa Kasanicky is kicking it off by hosting a $2,800 spa getaway for three to the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix.

As featured in Parenting, Woman’s Day and Leisure Group Travel magazines, Girlfriend Getaways have become popular in August before travel rates spike again in September. Kasanicky has named Girlfriend Getaways Month to give women justification to take much-needed time out for themselves.

In celebration, Arizona Spa Girls is hosting a Girlfriend Getaways Contest, which kicks off August 2, 2012. One lucky winner will receive a spa getaway for herself and two girlfriends at the award-winning Royal Palms Resort and Alvadora Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

Valued at more than $2,800, the prize includes:

  • Overnight stay in the Royal Palms Resort’s Alvadora Spa Villa for three
  • Welcome amenity upon arrival
  • One 50-minute Spa Treatment per person
  • Dinner at T. Cook’s Restaurant for three (excluding alcohol)
  • Signed copies of the Girlfriend Getaways book and signature beach bags

To qualify, entrants must “Like” the Arizona Spa Girls Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/AZSpaGirls), fill out the entry form on the Contest tab and submit a photo of the perfect getaway with friends. Creativity will count as the judges will pick the winner from the three photos with the most votes.

Deadline for entries is August 19, 2012. The voting period is August 20-30, and the winner will be notified and announced on September 1, 2012.

For contest details, rules and directions on how to enter, visit: www.azspagirls.com

Spread Jao Not Germs: Jao Hand Sanitizer and Travel Kits

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JaoI’m a little obsessed with germs lately. And I know “little” doesn’t necessarily pair well with the word “obsessed” but I say that because I try to be discrete about my germaphobic tendencies.

Like recently, I thought I’d try out a new deli that opened in my hood and just as I was stepping in through the door, the guy behind the counter blew his nose above the sandwich prep area. “Oh,” I said using my best southern belle accent as I pretended to peruse the menu. “I thought this was a vegan restaurant.” “No,” he said. “But we have hummus.” “Oh darn,” I said. “I’m allergic to beans.” I smiled, wished him a wonderful holiday season and hightailed the heck out of there. Ewww. I love hummus and while I lean toward vegetarian food, I haven’t had a meal in ages that didn’t involve some type of cheese.

But I don’t want anybody to feel bad about their germs. Germs have a good side, don’t they? Anyway, I’ll be traveling soon and I’m not looking forward to being quarantined in a flying tin can with hundreds of other germs … I mean people … so I’ve been seeking out subtle but effective ways to protect myself other then the very non-discrete surgical mask and gloves.

Enter Jao Ltd. Now here’s a company that gets it. Jao products are void of icky stuff like petroleum and dyes and are low-profile, natural and don’t smell like you doused yourself in bug spray. The Jao Hand Refresher is the germ-stomping natural antiseptic that you want in your carry-on, purse, kitchen and desk drawer. It smells clean, dries fast and doesn’t coat your hands in a sticky goo. Heck, if I’d known about it earlier, I would have given it out with the Halloween candy. What’s even better is that you can get the hand sanitizer in cute minis and on-the-go kits. The Jao Staycation Amenities Pak is a great starter kit with a semi-resealable hand sanitizer pouch and minis of LipJao lip balm SPF 15 and Joe Goe Oil body and hair moisturizer ($6). The Jao Flight Rescue Pak comes ready for you to pop in your zip-sealed travel baggie with a mini bottle of the hand sanitizer plus lip balm and Jao Serious Moisture facial moisturizer ($16). Chic, urban, functional — what a concept, right? Check out all the Jao products and on-the-go kits at jaoltd.com. Here’s to a healthy, happy, germ-free holiday season!