Monday, April 2, 2012

Stopping to smell the cherry blossoms?

Hola!

It's been a minute since my last entry and there is no review here but rather some practical advice for all those who are always on the go. I'm away at a business conference in the DMV area (DC,Maryland,and Virginia) for those who don't know, and have spent some quality time by myself. However I had dinner with an old high school classmate who I haven't seen since high school. I was reminded simply to just "be" which is often difficult for some to do. (yeah including me..)

I was reminded that it really is the simply things in life that bring us joy. So my lesson tonight was to simply "be". I wonder how often do we actually do this? In your quest to be pampered.. Stop and just "be". I know your thinking.. Who has time for that??

To truly pamper oneself really starts with allowing yourself to do you. Do what you love..what makes you happy. I was reminded just during casual conversation why I do what I do. Always grinding means it's easy to forget to be grateful, thoughtful, spontaneous and appreciative. I left dinner thinking there are some who don't have friends and I realize I treasure all mine.

Whatever you do.. Learn to Just "be".

Spa updates next time!

Ciao!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Valentine's Day..Last Minute Steals and Deals!!

Greetings!

I couldn't resist another entry before the BIG day!! There are 4 days left until the biggest love holiday of all..Valentine's Day!! It's a day that many don't care to think about for a variety of reasons...I know...I know..you're single...you're the side piece (ok my bad..but ya'll do know you won't see your "man" this day right??) or you're the dude who can't stand spending the money 'cause you think it's a frivolous holiday - or worse yet the dude that gotta figure out how to tell the side piece that she won't see him...come on...we all know someone that fits these categories...:)

But for those of you like me who actually think it's not a bad holiday - and probably should be practiced all year long..for those who spend the other 364 days a year not knowing how to articulate those special feelings...this is the perfect time!

I got an email last night for a link that is fitting for this holiday so I decided to share it ...all things chocolate! If you've never indulged yourself in a chocolate massage,body wrap, or facial, you simply must try it!! My bestie loves all things chocolate and has had a chocolate body wrap...I've had a chocolate facial..and the smell is simply incredible!

http://www.spaweekblog.com/2012/02/10/chocolate-covered-spa-deals-and-where-to-find-delicious-chocolate-nearby/

Please check out my one-stop-shop for spas and there are specials acres the country offering all things chocolate...

www.spaweek.com


In the NYC area - Oasis Day Spa still have fabulous specials available for Valentine's day..Couple's Side by Side Massages, Romance Packages which offer gift cards for dinner...:) This spa is often noted as the best spa in NYC....try for yourself and see!

Oasis Day Spa
1 Park Avenue (between 32 and 33rd St)
212-254-7722

Oasis at the Affinia Dumont Hotel
150 East 34 Street ( between Lexington and 3rd Avenue)
212-545-5254


www.oasisdayspanyc.com/specials/valentine2012


Whether married,"boo'd" up, seriously single or somewhere in between...remember you can still enjoy the holiday at home spending very little and pampering yourself or each other!

Drop me a note, subscribe, and let me know what you think!

Happy Valentine's Day!!



Ciao!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Love is in the Air!!

Greetings!

It's the month of Love! In honor of the month of February and the biggest holiday to many, this post is for all the lovers looking for something different to do for Valentine's Day! Don't get me wrong ...I love flowers...roses specifically and I hope next week I get my share (hint..hint..) yet there is still time to woo your "boo" with not the usual flowers, candy or dinner but something the two of you could enjoy together. Why not try a couples massage?

There are several places that offer wonderful services and theres time to book!
At www.spaweek.com there are a host of specials offered that you and that special someone can take advantage of!

And of course if you are single - you can enjoy the spa services just as well!

Have a great Valentine's day and do a little pampering for you or someone else!


Ciao!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Happy New Year!

Greetings!

Happy New Year to one and all! I hope the day finds you blessed and highly favored :) It's a new year and the Spa Diva has a whole new set of goals that I wish to share and impart to all who follow.

I'm building a website to expand my concept but in the mean time, thank you for following and being a part of my little journey! Gratitude is important in whatever you do!

So over Christmas break I went to my favorite spa, Eden Day Spa in downtown in Manhattan. I've yet to go to a more relaxing or fabulous spot! I had a facial and a hot stone massage....no deals during the week but well worth it! I hadn't had a facial in quite some time and the winter weather wreaks havoc on my skin - so I treated myself!

Eden Day Spa
388 Broadway, NY NY 10013
212-226-0515
www.edenspany.com

I find that I have so much going on - trying to be all things to everybody (sigh- I promise that will NOT be a goal this year...). While I was off work between Christmas and New Year's, I focused on me. I slept. I read. I played with my new MacBook Pro :) I know the whole concept of my blog is just that - relaxation and being pampered - and I certainly realize I don't do it nearly enough. Who else doesn't?? Raise your hand.....:)

My last post was a little serious concerning depression during the holidays. The truth is depression can strike anyone at any time. More often than not - too much to do and not enough time help to contribute to this. (I'm not trivilizing those who have a treatable disease who have actually been diagnosed as such - yet it is important to note most depressive symptoms go unreported and undiagnosed.)

Take the time out in the new year to set realistic goals. No resolutions. Who keeps 'em anyway? :) Goals that are S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, realsitic, and timely). Try looking at goals as a "To Do" list. Start where you feel comfortable. But start. For me- this is the mental. The spiritual and the physical are also part of my regime of taking care of me this year. Know that you are no good to anyone else if you can't take care of you!

Learn and practice that taking care of yourself is a goal. Men - this includes you too! I know far too many men on their "grind" who are not slowing down and some who have passed away before the age of 50. Spiritual, Mental and Physical health are all part of the same equation. We must actively begin to treat our health (in all aspects) like the "things" we have. Like the cars, the gadgets, the shoes, clothes and what ever else our disposable income allows us.

Slowing down doesn't mean stopping. It does mean acknowledging when you need "me" time. I've always said - "you don't have to spend money to feel good". You don't need a spa to be pampered - but it sure feels good!

If I never recommend another spa - EDEN is truly a slice of heaven in the city....

Until next time! Recommend a friend or pass my blog to those who you think can benefit!

Ciao...

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Spa Away The Blues?

Hola !

It's been a minute and I'd like to wish everyone a a wonderful holiday season. Holidays are filled with love, fun, family, partying, drinking....all of the festive things that mark this season of indulgence. The season is almost over , yet the biggest party is about to happen...New Year's Eve!

No review of a spa service here ...rather some practical advice as this is also the season where depression and suicide rates increase.

With the flurry of activity during the season, it's hard to recognize depression. Often those who are depressed may not know it and tend to pull away from others either deliberately or not. The holidays are a time of togetherness, yet one can be in a room full of people and feel alone.

This is the season of S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder which is a form of depression that affects people around the same time each year - generally the winter. A lack of sunlight seems to be one of the causes.



This is not to suggest that anyone who is depressed during the winter has S.A.D. yet it is very real. Depression is very real. Recognizing it in oneself or others is also very real. There are a variety of other types of depression some are long term in duration and others quite sudden. Unchecked depression can lead to suicide.

Women seem to suffer more than men with S.A.D. Women are nurturers and often are taking care of others to the point of not taking care of themselves. Since this blog is about that very thing - take the time during the holiday to TAKE CARE OF YOU.

Appreciate and take the time for the little things. Find out what's really important to you. While I know spending time alone is a luxury for some -take the time for yourself this season. Give the gift of free time to someone else. Sometimes helping others can lift our spirits tremendously.

As the year closes, be thankful for all the things accomplished - and even the things not accomplished and pray for the ability to have another shot at getting it right.

Whether you are struggling with financial issues, health issues, relationship issues a holistic approach is one option in addressing those issues. Yes you can spend money and head to the nearest spa, but the reality is spa-ing is a wonderful relaxing way to de-stress but also is quite temporary.

Realizing you may need help and reaching out to others is always the first step. For those who are more adept at dealing and recognizing the signs of depression in others - assist if you can. Sometimes all people need is to know you care.

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Depression resources : National Institute of Mental health

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml


http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-symptoms-and-types




Hopefully this information is useful to you our someone else you may know. Have a healthy and prosperous new year!

Ciao!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Spa how you feel...

Greetings!

Two posts in two days! I realize I've been slacking..

So today I'm not writing about a spa necessarily - but a Nail Salon..The Polish Bar in Brooklyn! My Sorority Sister owes the spot and it's way cool...and while I've been to the Myrtle Aveune location..nice but cramped..this is my first visit to the Vanderbuilt Avenue address... I'd have to say it's much more spacious and relaxing...

Now I know I should be writing about spas but there are some honorable mentions of places My friends and I frequent that I'll mention from time to time. This is a far cry from the neighborhood nail salon...There is no foot scrapping here! Y'all know what I mean....:)

I choose the paraffin pedicure and my feet felt fab after! I will say the test is when I get home to see if they still feel fab.. This spot is not for the faint of heart. It's pricey. I spent $50 for a pedicure..which would normally cost $20 with no paraffin.

Well my motto after my last spa visit .. You get what you pay for.. We shall see.

Just like not all spas are created equal neither are nail salons. The around the way nail spot offers a lot less and definitely more drama especially on a Saturday when folks act out trying to determine who's next..since many of the patrons are walk-ins (come on..how many of y'all know what I'm talking about?)

To avoid all that, the Polish Bar and others that are upscale ,do take walk-ins but they encourage appointments. They also take your debit/charge card over the phone; I suspect to charge a fee if you need to cancel.

The nail polish .. Not the cheap acetetone watered down stuff... Name brands..OPI and the like. What I like most was the website design.. With the ability to book your appointment online. I can appreciate the time savings here as I spent several times during the day trying to get through on the phone. Take a look for yourself:

www.polishbarbrooklyn.com

All in all a very good experience. The Polish Bar offers a host of other services...waxing, makeup, manicures brows and lashes . They even have spa parties on the menu!

FYI they don't deal with acrylic, so this is not the spot you want for your full set of nails...gel manicures are on the menu..

Spa-ing is really what you make of it ...find what works for you. Not always can one afford these extras in today's economy, yet often our decisions are simply those things we choose over other things. Since this pedicure wasn't really in my budget... And I feel I need some form of spa-ing to reduce my stress level... I will gladly spend no money this weekend and take the longest bubble bath ever!

Let your significant other give you the massage next time :) Let them run your bath water, or paint your toes for free!

Spa how you feel!!!

Until next time-please read, subscribe and tell your friends!

Ciao!

I'm a Spa Snob!

Greetings!

As promised here is the review of the spa I attended for spa week. Let me first say I'm not happy having to write a negative review..then again maybe it was just me and my expectations were too high. The spa is Karen's Body Beautiful in Brooklyn. I think this was really a case of buyer beware. While I was running to get there, (so I'm not late and reduce my time as their literature states)...at 5:00pm I was still waiting and there appeared to be no one there....my appointment was 4:30....

This was the first spa I'd ever been to where there was no paperwork completed to assess if there was any medical conditions ..I was thoroughly surprised. Someone please let me know if they have had this experience before....

I was also surprised to see there were no lockers to store my belongings ...there was a clothes closet, but it didn't fit my purse... Hmmm..so my purse was on the floor in the ONE room for massages...

I choose the $79 special which I thought would include a hydrotherapy bath. I did have a bath..(in one of those tanks that they close you in and the jet streams water on you). Yes it was heavenly...With really great scents but it was more like an exfoliation...alas no real massage...in this case I got what I paid for (mind you the literature says something different).

My reflexology treatment was $49 and it could have been better but I will say the technician was very knowledgeable in relation to how massaging parts of the feet are related to the rest of the body... It wasn't awful .. Just not enough power...oh.. and this was the same technician who did my hydrotherapy/massage..umm..exfoliation (I broke my cardinal rule I mentioned in another post about having the same technician perform more than one service).

Now the pedicure wasn't bad...I was astonished, however, when I booked they had not included the pedicure but instead a manicure..then I was told I'd have to wait for the technician to clean the station and it would take 20 minutes... She gave major attitude saying I was supposed to get a manicure and argued with me! For those that don't know, I get my nails silk wrapped and many of these new "spas" deal with natural nails...so I asked if I could get the special with the pedicure instead.... I was told yes...

Imagine my surprise now that it's 7:00pm and still have a pedicure to go! The final straw was the pedicure technician was on HER cell phone the entire time....

There's just something incredibly wrong with hearing the traffic outside and the music thumping upstairs while I'm get a pseudo massage....

To make matters worse - disposable panties(and thongs!),bra and slippers... I've never seen anything like it. Of course as someone who is fairly business savy, I do understand this keeps expenses low..but...They are just...Well..Cheap.

Needless to say I won't be back.

So what exactly makes me a spa snob? I'm used to a few set of basic (ok maybe they are not basic??) formalities when "spa-ing"...

1. Tranquility - I expect to be taken away from the daily grind where I can relax, de-Stress and be at peace.

2. I expect my service to start relatively on time. My time is valuable as is everyone else's.

3. Can a girl have a locker? With some REAL robes and slippers? And shower caps? Shampoo? Soap? Scrunchies for my hair? Yeah I never really used the stuff offered in the other spas but I'm used to have them at my disposal!

So the motto here really is you get what you pay for...and always be prepared! My bestie had given me a spa kit a while ago..and another one as my bridesmaid gift so I was prepared...:)

I will say after thinking about how to end this post ... I like large facilities with all the bells and whistles. Make sure when deciding to spa if the small intimate setting or the large setting matters to you.

Please provide your feedback with your own spa stories..subscribe and tell a friend!

Ciao!