It’s here—we’re in that stretch of winter that seems to last a lifetime. Slippers are a must, you’re starting to see Lifetime and Hallmark movies two—maybe three—times now (er, is that just me?), and lets face it: You don’t feel like moving from the couch. That’s OK! It only happens once a year right? Right…
In honor of staying indoors, I suggest you don a cozy robe, pour a glass of wine and crank up your favorite tunes for a well-earned day at the (home) spa with these fabulous products we’ve selected to fit your body’s every need.
(Clockwise from left)
Bracing Silver Birch Thermal Muscle Soak. A capful of this soothing, rustic-scented soak is sure to help you unwind after a long day. $28 by Molton Brown
Bodywash Infused Body Buffer. A scrubber made of nourishing lemongrass, sea kelp extract and olive oil sloughs away dead skin for a silky smooth finish. $10 by Spongelle
Rose Petal Pedicure Soak. Your pre-polish routine just got an upgrade—soak your feet in this luxe blend of sea salt, milk, roses and tapioca. $12.50 by Carol’s Daughter
Purifying Cleansing Gel. A quick rub of this blend of rosemary and tangerine oxygenates the skin like a breath of fresh air. $50 by Tammy Fender
Myrrhea Anti-Frizz Silkening Shampoo. Let your locks soak up five minutes of intense nourishment from this blend of avocado oil and other frizz-fighting extracts. $30 by Rene Furterer
Makeover Ridge Filler. This pink-hued polish not only conceals imperfections, but moonlights as a nail treatment that pumps protein, vitamins and moisture into your nails. $18 by DERMELECT
Honey Scrub. This decadent, sweetly scented scrub renews skin’s moisture by turning to a luxe, moisturizing oil on contact. $105 by Natura Bisse
Some require a quick walk outside or breath of fresh air. Others just need to vent their frustration on someone close by. But for me? I relieve my stress by painting my nails. There’s something about slathering on a new coat of polish on my fingernails that soothes my soul. Especially when I’m utilizing one of the hottest colors of the season—purple!
Try my method for stress relief with any of these pretty purple selections, and you’re sure to surface energized—and more importantly—stylish!
Enjoy!
Left to right:
“Angora Cardi.” $8 by essie; essie.com
“Bruised.” $18 by rescue beauty lounge; rescuebeauty.com
“Vintage Merlot.” $7 by Honeybee Gardens; honeybeegardens.com
“Deliciously Dark.” $3.50 by Rimmel London; Wal-Mart
“Black Cherry.” $8 by BORGHESE; Walgreens
If you’ve gotten your hands on BRAVA Magazine’s December issue, then I hope you were able to peruse the fashion feature, “Puttin’ on the Glitz.” The BRAVA crew headed to the glamorous Mansion Hill Inn in downtown Madison for of playing dress up—in the most glamorous sense of the word, including statement jewelry, gorgeous gowns and my personal favorite: high heels. Below, you’ll find an exclusive photo that wasn’t included in the spread. Thanks to our model, Amy Strohfeldt.
And an aside—if you haven’t been to the Mansion Hill Inn since its recent renovation, it’s a must-see, especially if you have special guests coming into town for the holidays. The Inn is impeccably clean with gorgeous architecture. We had such an excellent time there, as did our models. Thank you Mansion Hill!
On Amy: Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo Collection, $640, necklace by R.J. Graziano, $68; Woldenberg’s. “Opal” heels by Steve Madden Luxe, $70; DSW Shoe Warehouse.
Also, I’m proud to report that the purchase of one of the dresses used in our December fashion spread (shown at left) directly benefits VH1’s Save the Music Campaign! Madison’s own Twigs has partnered with VH1 to donate 5 percent of the proceeds from various items available at shoptwigs.com (and in the store) to the Save the Music Foundation.
Popular brands featured for the foundation at shoptwigs.com include Shaesby, Milly, Ben Amun, Archive, Gerard Yosca and so many more.
In a statement on their Web site, the Twigs crew says, “VH1 Save the Music Foundation has made a positive difference in the lives of millions of children and we at shoptwigs.com are proud to be part of their ongoing effort to ensure children everywhere have the opportunity of expression through music.”
What a feel-good idea! We were honored to showcase this dress in our December issue. For a peek at the Twigs VH1 Save the Music catalog, click here, or click on the dress to purchase it directly. Just be sure to enter the promotion code: SAVETHEMUSIC at the checkout, and you’ll also receive free shipping and a VH1 Save the Music T-shirt (while supplies last).
Thanks to…
DSW Shoe Warehouse | Greenway Station, Middleton; (608) 831-7766
Elevation Salon and Spa | 302 E. Washington Ave., Madison; (608) 661-3636
i du hair | 21 N. Butler St., Madison; (608) 630-0766
Jazzman | 340 State St., Madison; (608) 256-2062
Mansion Hill Inn | 424 N. Pinckney St., Madison; (608) 255-0172
Twigs | 1925 Monroe St., Madison; (608) 255-4363
Woldenberg’s | Greenway Station, Middleton; (608) 829-2002
I’ve finally had a few days to think and ingest my whole opera experience, and I must say, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The singing was certainly unlike anything I’ve ever heard live—of course, I’ve heard it on TV and movies, but live is a whole other ballgame. The actors were certainly cast for their immense talents, and I felt honored to be able to hear them belt their lungs out. I will say that it was a bit easy to start day dreaming as I wasn’t able to understand the French (if only they’d been speaking Spanish…I might have caught a word here or there!), but unlike many other theaters, the Overture had that handy little screen with the words on top. Though at times I had a hard time keeping up, it was all the perfect balance of old fashioned opera glory and new-age technology.
The costumes and scale of it all was breathtaking. As I mentioned, to be able to go on the set and touch and feel each piece, and then see it put to work on stage was an amazing experience. Additionally, to be able to actually meet and chat with the show’s director (and Madison native) Candace Evans was a thrill, and that just goes to show, once again, the true hospitality and down-to-earth nature of our community—something I have come to love about this town. And, I loved seeing Maestro John DeMain up there furiously conducting the orchestra. When his arms went up for the first time that night, I swear the music must have been coursing through his veins and he was conducting with all his might!
Last thing I’m going to touch on for my wrap-up is just the overall feel of the evening. The night had all the components of a big city show, like those I’ve seen in Chicago or NYC, including glamorous fashions, elaborate sets and overall professional presentation, but in an odd way, the entire thing felt like such a small world with many familiar faces. It had all the components of little ol’ Madison that I love, and I was so proud that our city was able to bring such a high caliber performance to the community. The Madison Opera has so much to be proud of!
Speaking of, I’d like to take a moment to send a heartfelt thank you to the Madison Opera for inviting Sarah and I on this opportunity. I would absolutely do this again, in a heartbeat!


























