Go on - You deserve it!

1) Give your basic bath a boost

Baths are a simple way to de-stress after a long day and relax tired muscles. Several pure, all-natural household ingredients make it easy to transform your everyday bath into a luxurious soak session. Simply add a cup of milk, two tablespoons of honey, two pinches of sea salt, and a ½ cup of oatmeal to running bathwater. The wholesome ingredients work together to detoxify, soften, and soothe skin.

2) Fix yourself a cup of green tea

The Chinese have been aware of the mind-blowing benefits of this miracle brew since ancient times. A study from Harvard outlines several of the medical benefits to this bloat-banishing drink, including lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cancer. Steep a green tea bag in a mug of hot water for several minutes, add a spoonful of honey for a little extra sweetness, and cheers to your fabulous self!

photo by northern star

3) A facial regimen to please every green gal

Put your best face forward. The SPA at Hotel Felix offers a number of world-class and environmentally-friendly treatments for your pleasure. Here are two of our favorite eco-friendly facial treatments offered exclusively at the SPA at Hotel Felix:

• Sundari Omega 3 Facial: Breathe new life into dry or stressed skin with this deeply nourishing, intensely hydrating facial. Our own Omega3+ complex uses naturally active ingredients to restore skin’s lost lipids; softening, renewing and awakening your natural glow. ($120*)

• Sundari Facial: Awaken and rejuvenate your skin with this holistic facial that is customized for your skin’s specific needs. Naturally active ingredients like lemon, sandalwood and lavender are custom-blended for an intensive cleansing and gentle exfoliation. Our signature balancing marmassage completes this experience for newly radiant skin. ($105*)

Call to book a treatment with us at 312.256.8000 or make your reservation online.

To keep your skin naturally vibrant and gorgeously glowing in between treatments, be sure to exfoliate at least once a week. Here is a simple, all-natural recipe to transform your face into lustrous, baby soft skin:

photo by tribal

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• dash of honey

Mix all ingredients together. Smooth the mixture onto face and décolletage and massage gently. Rinse with warm water.

*Prices subject to change, see website (www.hotelfelixchicago.com) for complete pricing details

4) Refresh your feet the all-natural way

Your tootsies are tired! Reward them with a nice, long, relaxing soak. Prepare a pail or bathtub with warm water. While the water is running, add two drops each of chamomile and lavender essential oils. Both herbs are known for their relaxing properties.

Next, immerse your feet in the fragrant water. After soaking for several minutes, gently slough away dead skin and fast track circulation with a pumice stone. Pumice stones are naturally formed from lava and are an excellent tool to smooth your feet. Dip your feet back in the water to rinse off any remaining dead skin. Finish off by slathering on your favorite deep-moisturizing lotion.

5) All-organic (& edible) deep-conditioning hair mask

For a silky smooth mask for your mane, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Our all-natural hair treatment will turn your limp, lackluster strands into shiny, luscious locks. Simply mix one jar of organic mayonnaise (such as Spectrum®) with one ripe organic avocado (the riper it is, the easier to mash) until you have a uniform mixture. Apply the mask liberally to your hair, from roots to tips. Wrap hair with a slightly damp towel and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy your newly conditioned coif!

The SPA at Hotel Felix

Love Thy Neighbor

As we all know, one key component to green living is taking advantage of your local resources, which is why we’ve decided to dedicate this post to our wonderful neighbors in the River North District of Chicago.

Green Heart Shop – There’s more to being green beyond the tangible, and Green Heart Shop fully embraces this – this nonprofit shop carries eco friendly and fair trade products – twice as rewarding. Follow Green Heart Shop on Twitter.

Flair Tower – If you love our neighborhood as much as we do, be sure to check out Flair Tower for eco-friendly living. Follow Flair Tower on Twitter.

Scoozi Chicago – Enjoy the tastes of a home cooked Italian meal, and please, don’t forget to take a look at Scoozi’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Follow Scoozi on Twitter.

East Bank Club – This is a gym that you’ll never have a hard time getting to, even on those lazy Sundays. East Bank Club’s amenities make any gym experience feel more like a retreat. Follow East Bank Club on Twitter.

Allyu Spa – Place the focus on you at Allyu Spa for an all around spa experience. This healing environment celebrates you and the world outside simultaneously. Follow Allyu Spa on Twitter.

WEAR Eyewear – a cutting-edge eyewear shop located in the heart of River North, you’re sure to leave with specs that will attract the attention of others. Follow WEAR Eyewear on Twitter.

Imerman Angels – This nonprofit organization ensures support and strength through one’s fight with cancer. Imerman Angels provides one-on-one cancer support, connecting fighters and survivors. Follow Imerman Angels on Twitter.

How do you and your neighbors work together for a more sustainable lifestyle?

Bachelorette Jillian Harris Visits (and Loves) The Hotel Felix

Jillian Harris Visits Chicago's Hotel Felix

ABC’s Bachelorette Jillian Harris recently visited the Hotel Felix’s Spa Asha for a relaxing treatment.  Her thoughts?”My time at the spa truly was incredible! From all my travels in the last year or so - I have visited my share of spas and my time at Felix was top notch,” said Jillian Harris.  “All I know is that when I left my face was glowing for days [from the facial]. Same goes for the massage, the therapist was truly one of the best I have ever had.”

Jillian’s parents also stayed at the Hotel Felix while they were in town and raved about the visit.

“My parents stay at the Felix was incredible - staff was so friendly and personable and of course the décor was right up my alley,” said Jillian, who works in the restaurant and hospitality design industry.

It’s also rumored that Jillian has set a wedding date with Ed Swiderski, although the date isn’t announced publicly.

Go Green + Hotel Felix = One Great Evening

Go Green Management and the Hotel Felix joined forces once again this past Wednesday (June 24) to co-host a cocktail reception. We had no idea the event would be the talk of the town even before it began.

When Facebook had hundreds of responses, we were curious to say the least. (Don’t forget to become a Hotel Felix Facebook fan.) Sure, we’re the first hotel in Chicago to be designed for Silver LEED certification. Sure, we’re the most eco-friendly hotel in town. Sure, we’re fabulous (if we do say so ourselves.) But we were thrilled with how many people wanted to come to see our “home.”

People from all different industries & interests showed up to dine on MaiChef Catering’s Tea Cured Salmon on Brioche with Lemon Grass Aioli, Ginger Chicken with Mango Relish & Mini Tiramisu Shots. Yummy! Our guest then went to see our amazingly appointed guest rooms and get pampered with mini services in The SPA at the Hotel Felix. Tired from your day? A hand massage was just one of the services waiting.

When the crowd had cleared, the Hotel Felix team sat down to toast a successful evening and new eco-friends. Swollen feet and hoarse voices led us to ask…..where did those masseuses go?

(JB)

Greetings from the “city gal”

Getting used to city living takes time. Here’s some advise from a “city gal.”

Number one, road rage can be reduced. Not only can you make a positive impact to the environment by ditching your car but you save on gas, insurance & have less stress. Imagine the ways to expand you mind with the books read or the podcasts listened to on CTA.

Number two, if the bus is crowded & there is an empty seat, check to make sure it isn’t wet before you sit down. I don’t know why it’s wet & I don’t want to….I just know I want to keep my own seat dry.

Number three, bring a change of shoes. You women know what I’m talking about. No matter how comfortable those shoes feel first thing in the morning, your feet will hurt when you are walking home at 9pm because you cannot get a cab.

Number four AND most important, do not let people stay with you. Now I know this sounds cruel. I promise you are doing everyone a favor. Over the years, my parents, relatives & friends have come to visit me in various cities. Even though I worked in the hotel business, for years I would give up my bed & sleep on the couch. I realized, not only were we tripping over one another but also by the end of the visit we were getting on one another’s nerves. Counterproductive I think. One year, I finally decided to tell my parents I was going to put them up in a hotel; it was great. They had space to move & unpack. They didn’t feel bad for putting me on the couch. We didn’t have to worry if the other person(s) were awake in the AM. And, we all got time to unwind alone at the end of the day.

So learn from this now proclaimed city gal & get a room! They’ll love the Hotel Felix for its comfort, friendly staff, four-star service. Even better, they’ll love you for putting them here. Comfortable beds, complimentary AM coffee, spa services……Isn’t it great when we are all Happy. Naturally.?

(JB)