Life's A Holladay

Thanksgiving is like 10 days away! Yikes. Let's whip up a turkey free Thanksgiving spa fish recipe with the Golden Door’s Head Chef Curtis Cooke*:  Pan Seared Kala Snapper with Thai Vegetable and Red Curry Chowder.  And it serves 12 - 14 folks if you've got company coming! Yum! *chef at the time of this taping Cook along with us!  Recorded live in the kitchen of the world famous Golden Door Spa. He’ll even show klutzy me how to rock a knife! In fact, he shared so many great tips that we will be cooking dessert as part two of this series in a few weeks. Candy Chills.  That’s the only way to describe walking through the Golden Doors (yes they actually exist), across the bridge and onto the grounds of the Golden Door Spa in Escondido, California.  A place where Hollywood goes to unwind and a place I have fantasized about since I was a child.  Yes here I was where stars like Barbara Streisand have been! And the food! You'd never guess it's healthy it's so delish. They even have a cookbook, cli

Just in time for the clocks to fall back, when our sleep is interrupted - we've got a virtual spa nap for you. Yes, napping spas are a thing (aka nap bars, nap lounges, nap cafes) and more companies are offering sleep or nap pods and cabins for employees) but since we all don't have one - let's create a virtual nap spa at your office. Listen on the bar at the bottom of the post. We've got some tips to help you nap like a pro - excerpted from our interview with visionary & spa founder Nicolas Ronco. Who rejuvenated himself following sleep deprivation on a trip abroad, using naps and reflexology. Including: why we are prehistorically programmed to nap for 20 to 40 mins between noon and 3pm daily achieving the ideal position "zero gravity" when you're in the office how to create your napping nest with Aromatherapy, music and textiles how a nap can help you be more rested and productive.   Yelo NYC Did y'all know Salvador Dali practiced micro naps? He would fall asleep with a key in his hand abo

Candy, what do you wear when you do Cryotherapy? Tia K., Listener Hey Tia and y'all! Today's episode is our first Style Byte on Life's a Holladay. These are bite sized episodes where I put my fashion stylist spin on spa treatments, healthy living ideas and workout wear. Today, I answer Tia's question and give cryotherapy outfits a seventies "roller girl" vibe on the podcast. What one wears is very important for cryotherapy - you need to cover your extremities, but leave some skin exposed. As promised, here's a Style Byte with outfit and accessory ideas for cryotherapy. Get the skinny on these fun vintage and modern cryotherapy outfit pieces below (we appreciate clicks on the affiliate links below it helps us bring you MORE episodes no cost to you) Turtle Fur Headband Tee Luv Icee T-Shirt North Face gloves North Face slippers Wanna hear the whole cryotherapy story? Listen here. See ya next time!

Here comes Season Six!!! I can't believe it - this time round we're focusing on transforming ourselves back to the best we can be by visiting spas around the South. Seriously y'all are not going to believe the "spa-mazing" retreats I've discovered here AND. . . We'd love to feature your spa transformation stories too. Have you ever been on a spa vacation or wellness break that changed you? Any aspect, we're talking fitness, skin, mindset. . . tell me all about it and we may share your tale and the tips you learned on the show. Email me here or send me a shout out on twitter or instagram (@CandyHolladay) with the short version, what spa you visited, how it left you shinier and healthier. If chosen, I'll be in touch for more. You can remain anonymous if you like or not - your choice and no story or details will be shared without your permission. Watch our newsletter for the big launch day! What? You don't get the newsletter? Free sign up here.

Try Electric Cryotherapy with me at 111Cryo Spa in Harvey Nichols London as I overcome claustrophobia to rejuvenate like an athlete.  Plus, the benefits of cryotherapy, the differences between American and British cryotherapy and the skincare spa twist at 111Cryo.     Founder 111Cryo and 111Skin Cryotherapy at a spa in one of my fave stores in the world - followed by a good deal of gawking at the gorgeous fashion in Harvey Nichols! Made even better by the fact that 111Cryo is the ideal spot for cryo newbies like me. The fab Nick helping me with my headband. The entire experience feels luxurious, with special touches like your therapist leading you in exercise whilst in the chamber (perf for scaredy cat me) and 111Skin face & body serum for after. Also, the electric chamber which is like a foggy shower (how London right?) is my preferred cryo chamber. 111Skin - Developed to address the rapid aging of astronauts To emulate the cryotherapy effect when you can't get to the spa Try 111Skin Body

Today we're making Hawaiian spa inspired snacks & at home spa masks and treatments to cool you off, satisfy your sweet tooth and moisturize your skin. No kidding these popsicles and face and body treats double as serious chill pills!  Even after last week’s ice pedicure, I’m still burning up!  My parent’s house has an older air conditioner which we need to replace.  So I’ll just be working and suddenly the floor will feel really hot and the rest follows - kinda like a pancake on a griddle (which I’ve been craving lately! uh oh).   Candy Holladay But I have a spa secret weapon - I freeze some of my beauty and health products to cool off throughout the day!  Like lotion ice cubes that I just pull out mid afternoon and rub on my arms and legs - they moisturize and are super refreshing.   Not to mention the yum all natural 2 ingredient popsicles I make as an afternoon snack.   Hawaiian Work at Home Dress find here If you work in an office that has a mini fridge with freezer, I dare ya to take a f

This morning, I've got a quick DIY spa pedicure (no polish required) that will wake you up fast, have you cucumber cool all day and put a bit of energy in your morning. A fun abbrevieated version of my Fire & Ice Foot Treatment.     Did y'all know that the temperature of your feet can help determine how hot or cold you feel? Who couldn't use a dose of um "cold feet" during these dog days of summer?     "OMG Y'all My Feet Feel SO ALIVE right now!" Candy Holladay, Life's A Holladay podcast   Join our Studio Audience for a heads up when the full Fire & Ice Pedicure is posted.     You'll need: A bowl of warm water (optional) Foot Lotion (I used ME Bath Frangipani body butter) A shallow bowl, baking tray of ice OR Two approx. 16 oz Plastic Beverage Bottles of Pellegrino, Perrier, etc. (Fill with water and freeze overnight or keep them in your Beauty Freezer (see mine below!)   If y'all have time, soak your feet in warm water for as long as you like (you lucky devil! I just can't get up early enough to do

You are going to have the California Dream signature body treatment at the Four Seasons Westlake Village Spa with me! And I've got a few spa at home DIY s for you. So let's relax and say goodbye to dried up summer skin.     I’m trying to not feel like a pancake on the griddle, by reminiscing about a  cool spa treatment I had at Christmas!   Anyone else burning up on this steamy August day?  Or maybe your skin’s looking a bit parched?      Spa Suite at Four Seasons Westlake Village     If so, grab a glass of mint water, pull up a lounge chair, put on your robe and go back in spa time with me to the Four Seasons Westlake Village where we’re um, dreaming! about a luxe spa treat that had me saying see ya later alligator to my downright reptilian looking legs, ew!      The glorious gardens!     Spa trips are one of my secret weapons to combat negativity, so thinking about a holiday spa sojourn is one surefire way to forget about the steam heat and chill out. Plus it's an inspiration to plan this year's seasonal s

Today, I’m getting a massage. . . from a sweater - Talk about holiday stress relief. And a "grumpy cat" Christmas sweater at that!     Today I’ve got a StyleBuyte gone spa for y'all. We produce a show called Style Buytes, which is like a virtual shopping and styling trip, but this supercute christmas sweater with a fun, grumpy cat on the front does double duty as a self-massager so I wanted to share it here.       Gotta love Tipsy Elves humor. Don't y'all think the pompoms are meant to be hairballs? LOL. Here's the link, to check it out if you'd like to do some holiday shopping early! Candy   Tipsy Elves Sweater     I originally intended this to be part of Christmas in July, but did y’all hear Grumpy Cat, passed crossing over the rainbow bridge?  I was so sad to hear this since I met her at CatCon in LA and I’m dedicating this episode to her.        So tune in to hear how this sweater becomes a seasonal stress reliever! If you'd like to stay up to date on my latest finds for flourishing in style, subscribe t

This week we're having massage therapy that energizes and relaxes, while helping TMJ toothaches. Plus a self massage technique for headaches, computer neck stiffness and more. And a spa daycation in Chattanooga! Body Wisdom is nestled at the foot of Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, TN. Buddha's words below greet you on Body Wisdom's website, but they truly capture the essence of Body Wisdom's location & offerings which are therapeutic. Even their building, in the St. Elmo Historic District, has a cool urban, natural, calm, befitting its mountain view, it's 110 years old and has a history of health, having once been the St. Elmo Drug Store. TO KEEP THE BODY IN GOOD HEALTH IS A DUTY, OTHERWISE WE SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP OUR MIND STRONG AND CLEAR. ~BUDDHA photo credit: mystelmo.bravehost.com I opted for an hour therapeutic massage with Wynne D. the owner and it was one of the best massages I've ever had! She is certified in neuromuscular therapy, which I sought as I was having pain in my jaw fro

Want to decompress from your week with dancing, relaxing, mingling and pampering (& don't forget the champagne!)?  Then come along to a Happy Hour at a spa in the City of Industry, California, Pacific Palms Resort!  They've got special facials, massages & nail treats, a DJ and a gorgeous patio with a mountain view. And don't forget to bring your signficant other . . . this spa offers manly options, a couples treatment room and is a perfect apres golf getaway.  Held once a month, you may just kiss boring old bar happy hours goodbye! Listen in to find out why I danced in the hot tub and what treatment I thought was the swingingest! Why not host your own spa Happy Hour night at home? Add a few DIY spa stations, like a manicure buffet & massage corner with spiky mat (like the one above) & fun music to your normal girl's night in get togethers! *See my review of spiky mats here. Want to go to the next Pacific Palms' Spa Happy Hour? Gather your gals, hubbies, kids (yes a couple and their c

One of the questions I'm asked most often, is how do I treat my mom to spa time? This week I’ve got a very special show in honor of my Mom, Joyce Ash.  Mothers Day is this weekend and this one is very special because Mum passed last year and I was lucky enough to spend her last Mother’s Day with her.    Then I stumbled upon this radio interview where I dished ideas for pampering our Mum’s on Mothers Day and any other day and I thought it would be awesome to share with y’all.  There’s also some last minute gift ideas here. So please relax, enjoy and Happiest of Mothers Day to you all and your Moms and their moms too.

    Come into my kitchen for a spa along episode where we do a skin rejuvenating lightening and smoothing spa treatment that takes less than a minute. And you can do it while you cook your breakfast! All you need is an egg.   It's Like Paper Mache for your skin! Candy Holladay, "Egg on Your Face" Episode LifesAHolladay.com   Bonus! How to amp up this beauty treatment with a Band Aid If you'd like to cook the breakfast I'm making in the show, see episode here.  

Today I’m taking you back in time to the Golden Door spa trip and a mindfulness lesson that inspired a philosophy we can all wake up to.  And I’m including unreleased recordings of my arrival.  Super excited about new show launch it’s called Style Buy-tes it’s like a little fashion snack for your ears.  And the coolest thing is that you can shop right in the show notes - I always find more than I can keep.   I forgot how much work it is to launch a new show!  And I started thinking OMG I wish I could go back to the Golden Door Spa to rejuvenate, so I then started listening to my recordings I broadcast during my stay.  And as I listened to myself transition from reality into this magical world, it hit me. . .   (ton of bricks sound) Waking Up is like walking through your own Golden Door everyday.  Think about it, you’re leaving a day a night behind future days and nights aren’t here yet. . . but when you open your eyes it’s a new world that you can do whatever you want with!!!   So I hope y’all don’t mind, but

Today I’m going to transport you to a luxe spa with a DIY therapy that will clear brain fog and silkily your skin - inspired by a therapy done at spas worldwide.     Last night we started restoring the deck out back, and I’m having trouble focusing, I’m so distracted about everything that needs to be done.  Also, I’ve been thinking a ton about French morning habits because of our Instagram theme Spring Preening, Cleaning and Paris Spa Dreaming.   Did you ever notice how you never hear about French women doing DIY home improvements? hmmmm they may have something there.  Anyway, One thing that stands out is how they luxuriate in leisure time and that doing “nothing” motivates them to wake up.   Have you ever woken up and feel like you ate a gigundus marshmallow sundae in your dreams?  Me too!!!!   especially if I’ve indulged in pizza or a salty meal the night before.  A wrap debloats that, can speed up the elimination of those yucky toxins that build up at night.  Plus your skin will look velvety plush for all

The delish & decadent breakfast recipe I developed is fast & gives you 3 servings of veg to start your day.  It was inspired by the many spa breakfasts I've indulged in and my year living at the Westin Hotel!   Not only will you feel like you're on a vacation, you'll be more satisfied & I even lost weight. Truly something to get up and look forward to every morning.    Recipe: Spa Frittata: Fill a microwave mug (examples below) with vegetables, add 1 tsp turmeric powder, and black pepper to taste. Add fresh herbs of choice. Refrigerate overnight. In morning, whip in 2 eggs & 1 tsp heavy cream till veggies coated. Microwave 2 - 3 mins. Voila! Southern combo: Collard greens, ham & nutmeg French combo: Capers, kale, asparagus with dill Share your Spa Frittata veggie herb combos on instagram use #MyLifesAHolladay and tag @CandyHolladay - can't wait to see Show Links: Organic Girl Westin Pasadena Oscar De La Renta ball gown French eggs with cream If you'd like more spa like healthy and indul

“There is no wine in the world as heady as applause; and it has the same effect. It temporarily subdues anxiety and restores confidence.”  ― Khushwant Singh, I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale Morning loves! I've come up with a plan to use sound effects to motivate you in the morning & feel happier the rest of the day! Hear the clapping? Take the applause wake up challenge and let me know how you're doing with it. The episode has the exact how to's. Links I talk about below: to see the applause button click here the youtube video by Sound Effects King here history of applause on The Atlantic applause on show beings at 6:26 If y'all have a minute, we'd love your feedback and reviews on the show on iTunes. Just click here , then click the view in iTunes button, then to the Ratings & Reviews tab. Hugs! Want to be sharp as a tack? Check out our Archery @ Golden Door Spa episode!

Mornin' Y'all! Body Brushing is a surefire way to say "Good bye Grogginess" in the morning. Yup, it will seriously help you wake up. If you thought you've heard it all before, I've got some Candyfied, as my friends say ; ) tips to take to take your morning brushing routine to a whole other level - plus the untold truth of body brushing. I also give the skinny on what's happening on Candy Holladay youtube - hint: it's kinda like fashion KonMari but more fun. Step by step how to body brush + loads of benefits here Fun with aromatherapy oils to upgrade your body brushing here Shopping list and my product picks here *note shopping list may contain affiliate friends

Morning Y'all! Welcome to the launch of our Mornings series. Getting out of bed can be tough, but mornings can make or break your day.  What to do? We're serving up fun ideas to treat yourself so you'll want to leap out of bed! Get ready with me and try health, outfit and beauty tricks so we'll flourish the rest of the day, like we woke up at a spa! This episode find out the crazy twists & turns my life has taken & how they inspired me to live my dream. And learn the energy infusing Japanese Water Routine Therapy I do first thing every morning & how I turned this ancient practice into a spa like ritual.

“When I exercise, stress is minimized and I’ve done that my whole life”, Sheila Cluff The Oaks at Ojai is one of the grand dames of spas – and founder Sheila Cluff is the grandmother of aerobics!  Come along as we discover it’s gorgeous surroundings – pep up our skin with a VitaD facial – […] The post Ojai! Rejuvenating Escape to Oaks Spa in historic Ojai, California appeared first on Life's a Holladay.