News, Skin Care

I Had My First Facial Peel and This Is What Happened

March 16, 2016

You’ve read about the wonders of HydraFacials, but have you experienced our other transformative skin treatment, Same-Day Peels? While there’s a general misconception that peels will initially leave your skin irritated, our six CosMedix peels are specially formulated to be gentle yet effective.

With our upcoming bi-annual Peel Party on Wednesday, April 5, our Marketing Coordinator, Gina, shares her first peel experience with us and gets the 411 on Same-Day Peels from one of our expert 2nd Street District estheticians.

Austin, News

SXSW 2016: The Films We’re Most Excited About

March 10, 2016

Every year, SXSW draws an international crowd ready to take part in the smorgasbord of incredible touring bands, film premieres, interactive panels that cater to the tech, music, film, and sports industry, incredible bands, and of course, the afterparty/networking scene. For me, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a film premiere during SXSW. That’s why I’ve combed through all the upcoming debuts in the week ahead. Excitement, people. Let these picks guide you in your own SXSW viewing schedule. Don’t see your favorite on the list? Share yours in the comments section.

Living

Spring Cleaning With the KonMari Method

March 3, 2016

Does this spark joy?

—Marie Kondo

Spring cleaning. While some may look forward to dedicating an entire weekend to cleaning out their homes (shedding those winter layers, both metaphorically and literally), most of us dread this day. The prospect of rifling through items, figuring out what to keep/discard/donate, and trying to create storage for all of your stuff isn’t always enticing. If you’re anything like me, you have a complicated relationship with your possessions and will even just give up half-way through the entire endeavor.

But what if there was a way you could clean once and never have to do it again? Sounds like a bold claim, right? Organizing guru, Marie Kondo and her revolutionary cleaning method, “KonMari,” will make the dreaded spring cleaning a thing of the past. We’re breaking down the KonMari method here and now. Continue Reading…

Houston, News

We’re Headin’ to the Houston Rodeo

March 2, 2016

March in Houston means it’s time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! Since its inception in 1931, the Rodeo has become one of the largest livestock and entertainment exhibitions in Texas, with music legends such as Selena, George Strait, and Beyoncé having performed in years past. But this fun-filled, weeks-long event extends far beyond concerts and BBQ. In 2015, the Rodeo donated $29.5 million in scholarships to the local community and impacted Houston’s aggregate sales by almost $500 million!

We’re getting into the Houston Rodeo spirit by hand-picking our must-see events! Don’t see your favorite event on the list? Share yours in the comments.

Austin, Houston, News

Monday Funday: Leap Day 2016 Edition

February 29, 2016

Today — Monday, February 29 — is Leap Day! While many of us will treat today like any other day, here at milk + honey, we’re taking our cue from Modern Family‘s Phil Dunphy’s book and using this “extra” day to do something special. Whether that means creating a fun day that your childhood would be envious of or taking a few minutes to breathe and relax, we’re sharing with you some our favorite ways to spend it.

Needing a little stress relief from Mopac or the Katy Freeway? Let out your inner speed demon with a lap or 10 around the Go-Kart track.

Where to go in Austin: K1 Speed

Where to go in Houston: Track 21

Scared of heights? This Leap Day, tackle one of your biggest fears with a trapeze class! From swinging trapeze and ariel silks to bungee trapeze, you’ll spend the day moonlighting as a Cirque du Soleil performer.

Where to go in Austin: The Flying Trapeze

Where to go in Houston: Vault Houston

Put on your walking shoes and go explore some of the great murals these cities have to offer. From memorial pieces to sweet love gestures, these works of art are a must-see!

Where to go in Austin: You’re My Butter Half | HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Hi, How Are You

Where to go in Houston: Biscuit Paint Wall | Greeting from Houston | Thread Sunshine Wall

Decompress with a yoga class. Strike a pose and unwind.

Where to go in Austin: Black Swan Yoga | Wanderlust | Core Power | BFree | Sukha

Where to go in Houston: Joy Yoga | Your Body Center | Yoga One | Revolution Studio | Pralaya Yoga

Henry David Thoreau said it best, “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Shake up your morning routine with a hike or stroll across some of these cities’ beautiful parks!

Where to go in Austin: Barton Creek Greenbelt | Red Bud Isle

Where to go in Houston: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center | Hermann Park

It’s important to stop and smell the roses, and what better way place to do this than at a garden. Both Austin and Houston have many world-renown gardens, filled with stunning greenery and incredible sculptures.

Where to go in Austin: Zilker Botanical Garden | Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Where to go in Houston: Houston Botanic Garden | Bayou Bend Collection and Garden

Photo credits:

Track 21 Facebook
Flying Trapeze Facebook
Joy Yoga blog
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Facebook
Zilker Botanical Garden | Heather Cowper of heatheronhertravels

Austin, Beauty, Gift Guide, Houston

The Official milk+ honey 2016 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

February 4, 2016

Our annual Valentine’s Day gift guide is here. No matter who you’re shopping for — man, woman, or best friend — in your life, we’ve got you covered.

GIFTS FOR HER

The 2016 Valentine’s Date Night package includes a 60-minute Couples Massage and side-by-side m + h pedicures.

Set the mood with these Makana candles. Made from USA-grown soybeans, these handcrafted vegan candles will make any place a feel like a romantic getaway.

GIFTS FOR HIM

Treat him to Back Rub 101. You’ll both learn how to give relaxing neck and back massages in a 30-minute hands-on class, followed by a relaxing 60-minute Couples Signature Massage.

For the guy who loves working out, our Active Set is a must have. The set includes the milk + honey Arnica Balm, No. 18 Bath Soak, No. 18 Bath & Body Oil, and Calendula Cream,making sore and achy joints a thing of the past.

If he loves beer and coffee, then Benjamin Soap Co. Coffee Stout Beer Soap is a great gift option. Handcrafted by the Zilker Brewing Company, this luxurious soap is ultra-moisturizing for all skin types.

GIFTS FOR YOUR BFF

Indulge your best friend with our 2016 Valentine’s Head-to-Toe Retreat. This spa day includes a 60-minute Signature Massage and Lux Pedicure.

Gift your BFF with some milk + honey staples, such as our Essential Gift Set. This set is packed with beauty greats, including No. 16 Body Cream, No. 14 Body Wash, Everything Roll On, Lip Polish No. 35, and Lip Butter No. 40.

Is your friend a makeup lover? Look no further than Youngblood Cosmetics. From the Contour Palette to the Mineral Matte Lipsticks, this luxurious vegan mineral cosmetics line is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and has become the go-to for celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and long-time fan, Jessica Alba.

DON’T FORGET YOURSELF!

You deserve the 2016 Valentine’s Ultimate Retreat. Enjoy a relaxing day at the spa with an Ultimate Massage, Ultimate Facial, and Ultimate Pedicure.

Want healthy, glowing skin for your big date night? Our HydraFacial, — available only at our 2nd Street District location — cleanses and exfoliates your skin while providing nourishing serums to create flawless skin. Head straight from the spa to your romantic rendezvous without any downtime or redness.

Culture, Houston, New Spa Partisans, Salon

Meet the Newest Members of the milk + honey team

February 1, 2016

Our team is growing and we’re always looking for more exceptional talent. Click here to see our career page. But before we get ahead of ourselves, we’d like to introduce you to the newest Spa Partisans.

Meet Alana, concierge. As a certified yoga teacher, Alana has a passion and love for health and wellness, and knew that milk + honey would be the perfect fit for her. Born and raised in Austin, her favorite way to start the day is with a yoga session at Sanctuary Yoga or Wanderlust, a jog around the Greenbelt or Lady Bird Lake, and then have brunch at Justine’s Brasserie.

Meet Shantel, a massage therapist at our 2nd Street location. Originally from Montana, she’s a second generation massage therapist. After seeing her mother help people, she decided this healing and rewarding path was for her too. Though Shantel doesn’t have any pets, her housemates have two precious pups and four chickens! Her number one beauty tip is that people should drink more water and regularly receive messages.

Meet Elizabeth, concierge. She has been living in Austin for three months and is loving every second of it. Originally from Las Vegas, Elizabeth decided to become a concierge because she loves helping people. Outside of milk + honey, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her curious cat, Doug, and cheeky dog, Ringo, both of whom are in her words: spoiled rotten!

Say hello to Jennifer, concierge. She considers herself lucky having lived in Austin all her life and loves to spend her time outside of milk + honey seeing and listening to live music around the city.

Meet Celine, massage therapist at Hill Country Galleria location. Hailing from Chizé, France, she has been in Austin for just over a year and has always had a passion for people and wellness. When she’s not using her healing touch to relax and rejuvenate clients, you can find her enjoying a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, taking swing dance lessons, or watching the bats take off from under the Congress Bridge.

Meet Dawn, concierge. She has lived in Austin for two years and enjoys visiting all of the various food trucks the city has to offer. What Dawn loves most about milk + honey is the company’s unique culture and loves working with others who enjoy creating a wonderful and excellent experience for guests. After a day of helping people relax and unwind, she loves to spend time with her two furry children, KC and Stogey, who are best buds.

Meet Jackie, concierge at our Houston location. She is passionate about health and wellness and decided to fuse her passion for these industries into milk + honey’s newest location. Born in San Francisco, she has lived in Houston almost her whole life, and has a two-year-old Red Lacy (the official state dog of Texas) named Barley Hops and a bearded dragon named Kitty.

Austin, Hairstyles, News, Salon

New Service Alert! The American Wave…

February 1, 2016

For hair that has curl, texture, body, and movement, it’s time to join the American Wave movement. Available exclusively at our Arboretum Market location with stylists Susanna and Krystal, this new, damage-free, texturizing service creates soft, natural-looking waves and curls.

Perm vs. American Wave

Traditionally, perms create tight, patterned curls by using harsh chemicals in the hair. The American Wave treatment uses different styling tools, such as soft Flexi rods which allow the stylist to create looser more natural-looking curls and waves. Plus, this service doesn’t cause damage to your hair. After the service, the wave will continue to drop and loosen the curl for up to four weeks. This allows the hair to grow out nicely, creating that tousled, beachy look.

For a step-by-step look, check out the ARROJO American Wave video.

Which hair types are best for American Wave?

All hair types are welcomed to try the American Wave. Recently, the American Wave launched the new American Color Wave, which is perfect for clients with color-treated hair.

You’re ready to try the American Wave, now what?

Before booking your American Wave appointment, please call 512.236.1115 to schedule a consultation with our stylists. This service takes about three hours and will transform the way you look. Along with the American Wave service, clients will also receive one complimentary blowout to be used seven days after the service. During this time, our stylist will help you find the perfect shampoo, conditioners, and styling products for your new look.

P.S. the Kevin Murphy Resort Spray is a fantastic choice to quickly enhance and hold the curl.

Before & After Transformation

(Photo source: ARROJO Studio in New York)

Austin, Houston, Now Trending

Remembering Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 18, 2016

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1955, he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He unified a nation in 1963 with his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington, and in 1965 he led a march through Selma to help gain African-Americans the right to vote in the South. He championed for the rights of African-Americans, and it’s because of his work that African-Americans are able to become astronauts, industry leaders, and even the president. On January 18, we honor a man who did so much for our country, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In retrospect, 2015 was an amazing year. We saw love win and the world come together to adopt the first universal climate agreement in Paris. In the African-American community, we witnessed great moments like the 50th Anniversary of the March on Selma and Viola Davis’ impassioned speech, after becoming the first African-American woman in history to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. We saw a football team unite behind a young man at the University of Missouri, who went on a hunger strike to protest the school’s handling of racial tension. It’s moments like these that allow me to believe that Dr. King would be proud to see us and what the future has become. But, as bright as 2015 seemed, it wasn’t without its shadows. So, with all the goodness in my heart, I choose to believe that in 2016 we, as a nation, will revitalize the vision of Dr. King, and what better day than January 18 to breathe life back into his dream.

What many people might not know is that Martin Luther King Jr. Day has evolved from a federal holiday into so much more. In 1983, legislation was signed to create a holiday marking Dr. King’s birth, and Americans first observed this holiday three years later in 1986. Then, in 1994, Congress chose to honor Dr. King by passing the King Holiday and Service Act and marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national day of service. Congress entrusted the Corporation for National and Community Service to lead this effort, and thus a Day of Service was born. On this day, the Corporation for National and Community Service asks us to join hands and serve our community in remembrance of Dr. King. So, on January 18, don’t just take a day off — take a day on and answer one of Dr. King’s most important questions, “ What are you doing for others?”

This year, I’ve decided to take his question to heart, and participate in the Day of Service. I will be volunteering at the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas, where I’ll sort through hundreds of pounds of food that is used to feed Central Texans who suffer from hunger. For those looking to lend a helping hand in your area, click here to find Day of Service events in your community. Volunteering isn’t the only way to experience Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In Austin and Houston, there are many events going on such as parades, speech competitions, and marches in his memory. No matter how you celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s important to remember the man who preached nonviolence, fought for the equality of others, and most importantly, helped move America forward.

If you’re looking to lend a helping hand in your community, or just want to experience the energy at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, check out some of these exciting events in Austin and Houston:

Day of Service in events Austin: Concordia University | Houston-Tillotson University | Austin Parks Foundation| Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities in Austin: March and Festival | MLK Oratory Competition

Day of Service in events Houston: University of Houston | The Student Conservation Association | Houston Food Bank

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities in Houston: Children’s Museum of Houston | Youth Parade | Battle of the Bands | MLK Grande Parade Houston