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Tavoos Skin Care and Halotherapy

Being a student for the second time has given me the chance to learn from some of my earlier experiences. I always wished I took more advantage of the many discounts available to students. Here at College of DuPage, Student Life has partnered with a variety of businesses in the area, who all want to help out both students and faculty by providing discounted products and services. All you need is your ID card.

To find out what these discounts are, a handy PDF file can be found on the COD Student Life web page. Head over to www.cod.edu/student_life and click on the Student Life services link. Along with information on transportation and accommodation for students, is the list of local businesses and the discounts they offer. During the week I checked out a few, but this is barely scratching the surface of what is available. Whether you are planning a trip to the movies, a day out bowling, a game of laser tag, or looking for a place to eat, Student Life has you covered.

My first trip was to check out Tavoos Skin Care and Halotherapy located at 710 Roosevelt Road. Halotherapy is salt therapy, and at Tavoos, seven tons of Himalayan Salt has been used to create man-made salt caves. Generators turn the salt into vapor, which is pumped around the ‘cave.’ As you relax in an 85-degree room, the vapor helps detoxify your body, boost your immune system and benefits your circulatory and respiratory systems. It also is great for your skin, and is a wonderful way to recharge after a long winter. Students and staff are offered 50 percent off a one-hour session in the room, and so I tried it out for myself.

Although I was not struggling with any specific ailments, I do have trouble sleeping because I cannot relax. Although you can take a book into the room, I was encouraged to simply enjoy the experience. For someone who carries tension from my head to my toes, the salt room worked wonders. Turning off the mind is not easy to do, but while listening to ocean sounds, leaning back in a chair and digging my toes into the tiny Himalayan Salt pebbles that littered the floor, I was transported. By the end of the session my body felt light, and I was nearly asleep, a near miracle. Many customers have found a session in the salt room works wonders when they are dealing with breathing or skin problems, and other customers participate in restorative yoga classes that take place in the rooms. Tavoos offers a variety of other beauty and health services including massages, skin care treatments, hair removal and makeup services. All students and staff receive 10 percent off.

After relaxing for the first time in months, I thought I should finally take the time to get a haircut, and to cover up my mousey brown regrowth. Salon 21 is a business owned by a College of DuPage alumna, Rella Gurbek. Gurbek described the amazing experience she had as a student at COD. She loves being in a position to help out other students. Her generous offer of 25 percent off services and 15 percent off products, certainly reflects that.

Salon 21 has been in the beauty business for 33 years and is found at 32 Danada Square West, next to Jewel Osco. It has something for everyone, whether it is hair and makeup services, massage, body sculpting services, nail care or hair removal services. Salon 21 is also recognized in the area for its stunning wigs, hairpieces and extensions, with certified wig and hair stylists, and recommendations from hospitals and cancer centers. I certainly would also recommend them after my time in the chair.

I walked in with a specific color in mind, and I walked out with a better version of what I had imagined. Getting the right shade of blue-red was a challenge they were up for, and I couldn’t be happier. An eight-minute drive back to school meant I was able to fit an appointment in between classes. With makeup testers on site, I was able to cover up any hairline discoloration with products they had on site. Gurbek and her team of professional stylists are dedicated to giving their customers the ultimate pampering experience, and they are excited to see more students and faculty from COD take advantage of what they have to offer.

My trip to CK Auto Plus, was surprisingly wonderful. I never expected to be wowed by vehicle repair services, especially since my knowledge about cars is limited to what is necessary in order to drive from A to B, but I was impressed by my experience. CK Auto Plus, found at 21W079 Roosevelt Road, has a number of services and perks tailored for ease of use and affordability. Customers can sign up for monthly newsletters and an app, that both provide coupons and promotional offers.

During the month of March, customers can enter the “March Madness” competition online with chances to win a variety of prizes. There are opportunities for more coupons when you recommend friends, and if you pick up one of their key rings, you can get $20 off your fourth service.

I drove in for the regular student-discounted service, an oil change for $19.99. While I was there I also ended up getting my fuel line changed. The unexpected repairs were made far less frustrating when Rafael Rivera, one of the service writers at CK Auto Plus, informed me I could borrow a car. CK Auto Plus has four cars available to borrow for customers who need to leave their car at the shop for longer services. When I returned later that evening, I was able to add the 10% student discount for labor services on top of my already discounted oil change. With all of these perks available, and only a 10-minute drive from campus, the CK Auto Plus in Lombard is really a great place for those prioritizing convenience and cost effectiveness. The service was prompt and friendly, and the opportunity to save money on car maintenance is open to both students and faculty.

Chicks n’ Salsa is a Mexican restaurant that focuses on fresh ingredients and made-to-order food. A stones throw from campus at 874 Roosevelt Road, the restaurant is not only dine-in, but can also deliver via Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. The sauces, salsas and guacamole are made in-house, fresh daily, and every meal comes with a side of delicious blue, red and yellow corn chips. A group of Courier reporters enjoyed a delicious meal to go, and with 10 percent off for students and faculty, the meal was a steal. The guacamole was to die for, and the Mexican tilapia I ordered was fresh, and cooked perfectly. Chicks n’ Salsa also offer catering options, a great idea for clubs or events on campus. Cindy Degen, the president of Chicks n’ Salsa, Glen Ellyn, was proud to inform me their menu is 99% gluten free, and all of their rice and beans are vegetarian and vegan friendly. Their staff can also cater to specialty orders for those with specific dietary requirements or allergies. Chicks n’ Salsa is open everyday, and their heart healthy menu can easily be accessed on their website at www.chicksnsalsa.com.

After a long week of bravely accepting cheaper products and services, I cannot recommend these locations enough. Don’t forget to check out more great discounts, both local and national, on the Student Life webpage. All phone numbers, addresses and web pages are listed on one handy downloadable PDF.