Greer's OC

Lotus Salon & Spa in Eastside Costa Mesa just launched seasonal blowout and braid bar specials to help you look fantastic for the holidays. Lotus Salon & Spa can give you big sexy waves, tight curls, an upside down Frenchy with a twist, a classic fish tail, or any blowout or braid style you can imagine.

Now through Jan. 31, 2013 Lotus Salon & Spa is offering “The Blowout Special” complete with a shampoo, conditioning treatment, blowout style of choice and a glass of Champagne (or two) for just $35, regularly priced at $65. Lotus Salon & Spa stylists offer the same fun and quick blowout bar experience in a real modern luxurious salon atmosphere.

Or, experience braids that are all the rage at the Lotus Salon & Spa Braid Bar. Whether you’re obsessed with the Frenchy, Upside Down Frenchy, Twisted Frenchy, Chic Fishtail or Classic Rope Braids, your Lotus Salon stylist has the hottest braids styles just for you.

Shampoo, blowout and braid costs $65 (regularly $75) – through Jan. 31, 2013

Shampoo and braid – $35; just the braid – $25; add a conditioning treatment to any braid service - $20.

The salon and spa offers a one-stop shop of beautifying services including cuts, color, blowouts, styling, straightening treatments, bridal services, nails, facials, waxing and eyelash extensions.

Lotus Salon & Spa is at 474 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.646.2400 or email info@lotussalonandspaoc.com

Escape to the Desert

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and say goodbye to 2012 with a quiet escape to The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, a luxurious eight-suite inn built in 1925 with all of the amenities of a full-service resort only without the crowds.  Rooms are still available for Dec. 31 and a three-night minimum stay is required.  Rates start at $325 per night.

You can stay and enjoy the luxe surroundings of The Willows or attend one of the New Year’s Eve parties in town such as Le Vallauris, located across the street from The Willows, will offer an elegant New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu with a live band and party favors.  LuLu Palm Springs, just a short walk from The Willows, will serve a special four-course dinner with party favors and live music.  Those who want a more energetic start to the New Year can attend the Spa Resort Casino’s Club Glo featuring DJs, dancing, a midnight balloon drop and a date with Lady Luck on the casino floor.  The Fabulous Follies, a Palm Springs institution, will offer a pair of performances on New Year’s Eve with guests receiving a Swag Bag, hat and noisemakers.

At the Willows, you can reserve the Marion Davies Room, named for the inn’s most famous resident, with its large fireplace, two-person claw foot tub and private balcony; or Einstein’s Garden Room, where the famed genius often stayed, cradled in Art Deco elegance with French doors that swing open to reveal a private balcony overlooking a waterfall.   All rooms are a study in elegance with king or queen-size beds, plush linens and hand-selected antique furniture reminiscent of the era in which the inn was built.  Modern amenities within each suite are plentiful and include high-speed Internet data port, iPod docking station, individual climate control, flat screen television with cable access and DVD player, en suite coffee maker and refrigerator plus plush robes for lounging.

Each stay includes a three-course, gourmet breakfast served in the stunning dining room with an adjoining verandah overlooking the inn’s 50-foot waterfall.  After a day of shopping, golfing, tennis or lounging by the inn’s intimate pool, guests can gather on one of the outdoor terraces or inside the reception area for evening wine and hors d’oeuvres.  Fresh fruit, seasonal edibles, iced tea and other refreshments are available throughout the day.  Room service is provided by Le Vallauris, the critically-acclaimed French restaurant located adjacent to the inn.

One block from the inn is Palm Canyon Drive, a shopping and dining destination.  The Willows is also just a short distance from some of the desert’s best championship golf courses, tennis facilities, and luxury spas. 
The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is at 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way in Palm Springs.  Call 800.966.9597 or visit us at [url=http://www.thewillowspalmsprings.com]http://www.thewillowspalmsprings.com[/url].