Feeling Flaky? Chances are winter’s bitter chill has left more than a few dry patches on your skin. We’ve got a quick fix that will leave your skin supple and your spirit more relaxed. Using ingredients that you’ve probably got in your pantry, this milk and honey facial is simple and delicious. read more

A mother has very few moments to herself, so in the spirit of making each one count, here are some ideas for making a spa experience out of your daily shower, that is if you’re lucky enough to get one alone.

	Banded Sateen Shower Curtain. Luxurious cotton pique with gorgeous blue bands of cotton sateen, which remind us of a panoramic ocean view — just right for adding a little scenery to your bathroom. $79 at restorationhardware.com.
	Pollenex Luxurious Pouring Rain Showerhead. Extra-large, 8-inch showerhead mimics the puddle-hopping downpours of childhood. The efficient design saves 2-1/2 gallons of water per minute, which is good since you’ll be tempted to shower longer. $37 at amazon.com.
	Stone Bath Mat. The smooth pebbles on this distinctive mat are simply gorgeous and have an alluring zen appeal that will immediately transform an ordinary bathroom into a spa sanctuary. $59 at vivaterra.com
	Almond Shower Oil. Indulge with this unique shower oil that creates a satin-like foam and leaves behind a heavenly almond aroma. $22 at loccitane.com.
	Sisal Smoothing Mitten. This sisal mitten is an all-natural alternative to nylon sponges. Woven from the dried leaves of an Agave, Sisal has a rough texture that will leave you super-smooth and soft. $9.50 at bathbybettijo.com.

If you’ve been longing for an escape to the beach, you’re not alone! These ocean-inspired goodies are your ticket to paradise — less then $25 each, they’re a fraction the cost of the real deal. Here’s to wading through long summer days stuck home with the kids:

	Good Home Co. Beach Days Sheet & Clothing Spray. This topped our list because we can’t get enough of the intoxicating fragrance — equal parts ocean air and tall pina coladas, with a tiny bit of cabana boy rubbing sunscreen on your back, thrown in for good measure. $18 at beauty.com.
	Ocean Mist Handmade Spa Soap. Speckled with seaweed and kaolin clay, this nutrient-rich handmade soap smells so realistically like the salty sweet air of the coast — close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re there! $6 at bathbybettijo.com.
	Ocean Sea Salt Body Scrub. This rich body scrub uses sea salt, soybean oil and tapioca pearls to give you beach-worthy skin. Flower petals or sea shells are tossed into the jar like hidden treasures burried in the sand. $25 at carolsdaughter.com.
	Ocean Moisturizing Lotion. Not your average lotion, this lightweight but intense moisturizer has a cooling sensation on the skin — a welcome refreshment on hot summer days. Made with organic ingredients such as spirulina, bay laurel and blue-green algae to hydrate, firm and tone the skin. $24 at redflower.com.
	Maui Island Candle. A unique and totally exotic pairing of mango and macadamia nut will help you channel some peaceful, oceanside relaxation. $7-15 at bpurebody.com.
	Desserted Island Moisturizing Body Glaze. This luscious body and bath oil is infused with the tempting aroma of Tahitian coconut and vanilla. Jojoba, macadamia nut, and sunflower oils absorb quickly giving you glowing, soft skin. $22 at cakebeauty.com.

A warm welcome to the one season dedicated to relaxation… ahh Summertime. Pay your respects to the time of year best known for swimming, popsicles and baseball by enjoying one of these relaxing and perfectly summery activities with or without your kids. There’s one for every day of the week:

1. Run through the sprinklers – on par with a spa vichy shower only practically free. Plus your grass will appreciate the extra watering.
2. Blow bubbles – you’ll be amazed at how quickly this childish delight can lift your spirits.
3. Treat your taste buds – sit on the porch at twilight and sip fresh lemonade, eat a popsicle or lick an ice cream cone.
4. Swing – in a tire or hammock, close your eyes and pretend you’re flying. Weee!
5. Feed the birds – make a homemade birdfeeder or hang this inexpensive one, then sit back and watch nature come to you.
6. Play catch – it could be a beach ball by the shore, a frisbee in the pool, or baseball in the park.
7. Find water – whether it’s the local creek or local pool, just get wet!

Make yourself Mrs. Clean with these Sudsing Sensations

Who says your home is the only thing that should be spiffed up this spring? After you’ve rendered your house spic and span, get your skin warm weather worthy with this collection of top-notch cleansers. They’ll wash away your winter flakiness and reveal that healthy, glowing complexion underneath, just in time for bathing suit season. Scrub-a-dub-dub! read more

Red, puffy eyes and dark circles — it looks like you’ve had quite a night on the town; only you haven’t. A few midnight trips to the nursery or a sleepless toddler can have the same effect on a mother’s complexion. Sure, your little one has put a new twinkle in your eye, but they’ve also given you a whole new host of worries and robbed you of too much sleep, and it’s beginning to show.

Okay, so it may not be all junior’s fault. Those dark circles, the result of engorged blood vessels around your eyes, can also be blamed on genetics and poor circulation. But no matter the cause, here are five ways to perk up your peepers. read more

A critical step in skincare, exfoliation boosts skin’s natural rejuvenation by sloughing away dead, dry skin. To keep skin glowing, you should exfoliate from head-to-toe about three times a week.

There is an army of skin-buffing concoctions out there, but why not indulge yourself with these handmade scrubs that you can whip up at home in minutes. read more

After a day of chauffeuring, refereeing, housekeeping and so on, it is no wonder that at night you’d rather drift into dreamland then take a roll in the hay. If you and your husband are feeling out of touch, then perhaps it’s time to put your love life back on the front burner.

The daily grind can wear on both of you, but more intimacy will help the two of you take a united front with the kids and whatever else faces you. Since lovemaking is supposed to be about pleasing each other, a healthy dose of passion develops a habit of selfless concern for one another — helping couples feel safe, secure, loved and connected. When you feel more connected with your spouse you’ll be happier in all aspects of life.

This year make Valentine’s Day extra special as are sort of kick-off to a year of renewed passion. To help you celebrate, here are some gift ideas — not for him or for her — but that will bring you both equal pleasures. read more