text: Dree McCarrel, Author at Milk + Honey Blog | The Partisan | Health, Skin & Hair Care TipsMilk + Honey Blog | The Partisan | Health, Skin & Hair Care Tips
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  Our Founder’s Favorite Spa Treatments
  May 7, 2021
  I always receive the same text when a friend visits milk + honey for the first time. It’s always a little something like “What should I do?” or “Which service is your favorite?” And of course, it can be difficult to recommend just one spa service. For one, I haven’t tried all of them yet. And secondly, every single one I have experienced has been a dream. So, I decided to go to the top for advice. I sat down with milk + honey founder, Alissa Bayer to ask her for her current top three favorite services. Scroll for Alissa’s picks (in no particular order.)
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  Medical Aesthetics
  First-Time Xeomin Experience: What I Really Think
  November 16, 2020
  Age: 29
  Skin Type: I would say my skin type is combination. I never drink enough water (though I try!), so it can get dehydrated. I’m prone to hormonal breakouts and depending on the season, my skin can also be pretty sensitive.
  Feelings on medical aesthetics pre-treatment: I’ve always had really positive feelings in regards to getting “work” done. Perhaps that’s thanks to many years spent watching The Real Housewives or maybe it’s simply seeing the great results my friends have had with medical aesthetics procedures. Either way, it’s totally normalized to me. If you could wave a magic wand and love the way you look even more, why wouldn’t you? I can love myself and love that these enhancements are available thanks to modern science. And I do!
  Walk us through your experience:
  To be completely honest, my decision to get Xeomin was extremely last-minute. I was at milk + honey receiving a touch up for my Versa Lip Filler and mentioned to Allison (the amazing Nurse Practitioner at milk + honey) that I’ve always wanted to do something about my 11s. I explained that I (unwillingly) sleep with my forehead scrunched and often wake up with red lines on my forehead from furrowing my brow all night. We talked a little bit about Botox vs. Xeomin vs. Dysport and I ultimately chose Xeomin because it’s newer, doesn’t have the protein encasements or additives, and (let’s be honest) Gwyneth Paltrow had just posted about getting Xeomin on Instagram.
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  Medical Aesthetics
  INTRODUCING: milk + honey Medical Aesthetics
  October 5, 2020
  We are thrilled to officially launch milk + honey Medical Aesthetics, our enhanced spa experience in partnership with renowned dermatologist, S. Tyler Hollmig, M.D., in our milk + honey Arboretum Market location. Schedule your consultation now. Plus: there’s more milk + honey Medical Aesthetics on the way! Houston, Fort Worth, and additional locations in Austin are coming soon. Join the waitlist for future launches at other milk + honey locations.
  Meet the Team
  S. Tyler Hollmig, M.D.
  Dr. Hollmig is Director of Dermatologic Surgery and Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at Ascension Texas. He attended Duke University, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Hollmig attended medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern and graduated valedictorian. He underwent dermatology residency at Stanford, followed by a fellowship in Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina.
  Dr. Hollmig returned to Stanford as Mohs surgeon and Director of Laser and Aesthetic Dermatology, and was on the medical faculty there for five years. Dr. Hollmig has a special interest in skin cancer removal and advanced, highly aesthetic surgical reconstruction, along with laser & cosmetic dermatology.
  Allison Deshotel, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
  Allison is a Board-certified, Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. After graduating with honors, and obtaining dual degrees in both Nursing and Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she went on to obtain her Master’s of Science in Nursing degree from the University of South Alabama.
  After years of specializing in Family Practice, with additional experience in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care settings, Allison was introduced to the world of aesthetics where she developed a passion for non-surgical face and body rejuvenation.
  Allison has acquired a multitude of aesthetic certifications and specializes in cosmetic injectables including neuromodulators, dermal fillers, Kybella, and sclerotherapy, as well as laser therapies, microneedling, and more. She believes in taking a preventative and proactive approach to facial aesthetics, and strives to produce beautiful, yet natural looking results with each client’s aesthetic goals in mind.
  Our Medical Aesthetic Treatments:
  We vet all medical aesthetic treatments for utmost safety and efficacy in order to offer the best of state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive enhancement procedures.
  Our Medical Aesthetic services include:
  BBL photofacials
  Moxi laser treatments for fine lines and skin rejuvenation
  Neurmodulators (Xeomin, Botox, Dysport)
  Soft-tissue fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Revanesse)
  Microneedling
  Chemical peels
  Dermaplaning
  Hair restoration treatments
  Learn more about milk + honey Medical Aesthetics.
  Do you have medical aesthetics questions? Drop them below in the comments.
  Austin, Life, Living, Now Trending
  Brand Love: Raven + Lily
  April 15, 2020
  Raven + Lily’s Hey, Neighbor blog series aims to highlight their favorite local Austin businesses. We were honored to be highlighted on their blog last week and we wanted to return the love. If you’ve never met Raven + Lily, consider this your formal introduction.
  Who are they?
  Raven + Lily’s sustainable designs are inspired by nature and our environment. Founded in Austin, Texas, their subtropical climate provides them with an abundance of lush vegetation, verdant hills, sparkling lakes, endless vistas, big skies, and plenty of scope for imagination.
  Their team works with women-led businesses who employ skilled craftspeople and invest in their respective community. Raven + Lily’s partners are committed to building their workforce and provide their employees everything they need to learn, grow, and prosper. They work with international businesses that value the tradition of craftsmanship, using locally-sourced materials and handcrafted techniques to bring their designs to life.
  As pioneers of the sustainable movement, Raven + Lily favors longevity over fleeting trends. Everything they make is designed to last for more than a season. They want you feel comfortable, capable, and at ease in Raven + Lily – their pieces are made to help you navigate life’s myriad of possibilities.
  This month, they’re donating 20% of all purchases this month to communities directly impacted by the effects of COVID-19. You can learn more about their efforts here.
  What’s on our list?
  Kamali Dramatic Arc Earrings // Pink Opal
  I’m obsessed with these statement-meets-minimal earrings. Even now, I’d love to wear these on a Zoom conference with my hair pulled back.
  Anya Cuff // Brass
  I love stacking delicate bracelets. This simple cuff would be an immediate staple in my #armparty (yes, that’s still a thing.)
  Small Liya Tote // Black
  If your handbag preference lands somewhere between statement tote and simple over-the-shoulder vibes, this bag is the perfect solution. I love that it’s big enough to tote a book to the park, but small enough to feel easy and convenient.
  Where can we learn more?
  You can shop Raven + Lily here.
  Follow Raven + Lily on Instagram here.
  Uncategorized
  Join Us in Helping Our Employees
  March 20, 2020
  We made the tough, but right, decision to close our location doors earlier this week. Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly to support our incredible service providers and support staff, who are not currently able to perform their daily schedule of treatments and tasks due to this unprecedented situation, by providing ongoing healthcare and paid time-off benefits, daily communication regarding resources, and an employee assistance fund. This fund includes an employee relief stipend, opportunities to earn income outside of their normal job functions, as well as the efforts listed below.
  Here’s how you can contribute:
  Join Our Reservations Waitlist. We can’t wait to see you. Click through to join our waitlist and you’ll be the first to be notified of our locations’ reopening. We’re following federal, state, and city policies to ensure everyone’s safety, but we’re hopeful that within several weeks’ time, we’ll have the opportunity to care for you once more. Join the list now.
  Donate to milk + honey’s Virtual Employee Relief Tip Jar. 100% of the proceeds go directly toward employee assistance. If you’d like to donate a tip to our service providers and support staff who have been impacted by our spa location closures, please click here now.
  Buy Gift Certificates and Treat Your Future Self. Purchasing a milk + honey gift certificate directly supports our employees and allows us to continue operating our business locally. Now through April 3, 2020, 20% of proceeds from all gift certificates purchased on shop.milkandhoneyspa.com will go directly toward employee assistance.
  We appreciate your kind words and outreach greatly. We’re all in this together.
  News
  A Note To Our Communities
  March 14, 2020
  As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact our communities nationwide and abroad, our hearts and healing thoughts go out to those who have already been affected. We understand that this issue is cause for concern and caution, and we are monitoring the situation closely via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
  Rest assured that as this situation develops, we will continue to make decisions based on the health and well-being of our clients, employees, and community at large. Today, we want to share what we’re doing in all of our locations to ensure your safety.
  We have always exceeded the strict sanitation guidelines set forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and will continue to implement these preventative actions to limit potential exposure to viruses or unwanted bacteria.
  What We Have Always Done
  The daily cleaning and sanitization of our spaces and tools. Multi-use implements (hair clippers, hair scissors, hair combs, nail clippers, tweezers) are washed, sanitized, and sterilized in a UV sterilizer after every client.
  Single-use items (gloves, tissues, orangewood sticks, cotton balls, thread, extension pads, nail buffer blocks, and gauze) are disposed of after each service.
  Chlorine-bleach solution is used in every laundry wash.
  Employees are required to wash their hands after using the restroom, after eating, and before and after each service.
  Additional Measures We’re Taking
  EPA-registered disinfectant is used to wipe down frequently-touched objects, such as door handles, phones, computers, counters, and other high-traffic areas.
  Ethyl-alcohol hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is available throughout the space for both staff and client use.
  We encourage our team to stay home if they, or a loved one, feel sick as it is of the utmost importance to us that we all exercise caution. We offer paid time off and subsidized medical benefits so that our employees feel supported and cared for.
  We encourage clients to stay home if they feel sick. We are happy to reschedule appointments, especially as we all continue to exercise caution.
  Our spa and salon locations, as well as milkandhoney.com, will remain open and we will continue to ensure a safe, exceptional experience for all of our clients and employees. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns.
  Skin, Skin Care, Skin Care, Treatments
  5 Steps to the Best Wax
  January 7, 2020
  From your brows to your bikini line, waxing is a great shortcut. The hair removal method can make your growth cycles more consistent, prevent ingrown hairs, and help to achieve your smoothest possible skin. Whether you’re new to waxing or not, you can never have too many tips to make it more relaxing. We asked milk + honey esthetician, Nicole Burke for her go-to advice for the easiest wax.
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  Hair, Hairstyles, Salon
  How to Help Your Blowout Last 5 Days
  September 16, 2019
  If you ask me, blowouts are among life’s greatest luxuries. Sure, a full-on spa day is also a treat, but it requires both a larger time and financial commitment. On the flip side, there’s always 45 minutes open somewhere on your calendar, which is exactly how long it takes to receive a blowout at SALON by milk + honey. From the head massage to the light-airy hairstyle, I always leave the salon fully relaxed and feeling 10/10 confident. I’ve done quite a bit of R+D to develop tricks that extend the post-blowout feeling and I’m here to share what works for my hair.
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  Life, Living
  New Moon Guide | July 31st, 2019
  August 1, 2019
  The new moon arrived on July 31st at 10:11pm CT.
  Mercury finally turned direct yesterday — time to celebrate! Things should feel less out-of-whack in the coming weeks, particularly when it comes to technology and communication. While we’re not out of the woods yet (post-retrograde is real), allow yourself time to reflect on the lessons taught by Mercury Retrograde. Are you ready to pencil in a digital detox? Did a miscommunication reveal perspectives you hadn’t previously considered? This is the perfect time to turn inward and hold yourself accountable.
  Try approaching goals on a monthly basis. What are a few things you’d like to accomplish in August? Meditate on it, write it down on paper, and keep the goals somewhere visible. (Think: bathroom mirror, on your desk, bookmarked in your journal, or by your bed.) Check in with your goals throughout the month to make sure you’re on track. Remember to use a positive and encouraging tone with yourself. Only had time to pencil in 15 minutes of meditation instead of a yoga class? That’s better than nothing andtomorrow’s a new day.
  This new moon brings a shake-up — whether that be a break-up or breakthrough. It’s an ideal time to turn over a new leaf or start something you’ve been putting off. Start that blog. Apply to your dream job. Make that dating profile. It’s Leo season after all.
  Remember to practice patience during this cycle. Try to slowly emerge from Mercury Retrograde and be mindful of lessons learned.
  The new moon is always the right time to set intentions and question old habits. What’s working well for you? Where could you make space to try something new?
  Ingredients, Products, Skin, Skin Care
  3 Tips for Choosing an Effective Eye Cream
  June 24, 2019
  If Eye Cream isn’t a solid step in your skincare regimen yet, that’s okay. While it’s a good rule of thumb to preventatively incorporate anti-aging products before you need them, it’s never too late to start.
  It can be challenging to navigate the “must-haves” and essential ingredients when shopping for an effective eye cream. We’re proud of each ingredient in our hyperclean formulation, but these three pack the biggest punch in our Eye Cream.