Spa Week is Here!!!

Greetings!

It's that time again! Spa-week is here! If you've been reading along with me from the beginning you know that I'm a big fan of spa-week. Spa-week happens twice year in October and April all across the country. This year, Spa-Week runs from October 15th - October 21st!

There's still time for last minute deals! In case you're not familiar with the concept spa-week allows patrons to try a salon's service for $50 a piece! If you've never gone "spa-ing" before, this is a great chance to check out a spa or a service you've never had.

Not all spas are created equal. You may not find big name salons on the list like Bliss if you live in NYC, simply because they already have a client base. But here's to happy hunting if they have any specials!

http://www.blissworld.com

My favorite spa Eden Day Spa became my favorite when it used to be on the Spa-week list and then suddenly became uber popular and was no longer on the list. Guess what??? It's not on the list but they have specials during the same time!! :)

http://www.edenspanyc.com/promotion.php

Speaking of not being on the list, if you have a favorite spa and it is not on the spa-week list, check your spas website to see if they are running specials as well.

You can search spas by location using your zip code since spa-week is a national event.

https://www.spaweek.com

Keep in mind simple spa etiquette :

1. Make your appointment in advance.
2. Tip at least 15%-20% percent.
3. Decide if you want a male or female technician.
4. Know the cancellation policy of the spa. Some require 24 hours advance notice -
others especially during spa week may charge a percentage or 100% for a
cancellation.
5. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
6. Decide before hand if you need a bathing suit or you are ok in the nude.


One last thing.... it's getting cold out and many of the spa services may best be enjoyed with a partner! Men can take advantage of the spa services too! It's a great time for couples massages or for women to book spa services separately for the man in your life!

As always, if spas are not "your thang" and you think it's too expensive - nothing is worth more than your own piece of mind no matter how you get it! Create the same environment at home (or away!) if necessary!


Until next time! Tell a friend and recommend!

Ciao!





This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

New Spa Sighting!

Hola !


Hope the day is all you want it to be! Just an quick note to mention what a just discovered ...a new spa! I haven't been there so I can't comment on it (yet) but there is a special going on $45 for a 60 minute Signature massage! There are several days left to purchase at this price! The spa is called SKIN SPA...

Check it out!

http://therightdeal.spaweek.com/deal/new-york-city/


Until next time!

Ciao!

Spa-Tastic!

Some how I just knew I would write my next entry as soon as I landed after my trip from San Francisco and Napa Valley. No such luck.

Alas life gets in the way. Someone I loved passed and it's been difficult to focus. Add to that it happened while I was away on this fabulous vacation so I will have to find my own closure.

Spa-ing and writing can be cathartic, so I'm writing. Where to start? Well since this is a spa blog...

I was completely spellbound by this trip! The spa was Indian Springs in Calistoga.


http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com

After the hectic week in San Francisco at my sorority conference, Napa Valley and the first winery was all that was left to relax and unwind to a slower (not really) pace. This lovely spa and resort was the next stop and should be on the top of anyone's list when planning a vacation!

First, if you've never taken a spa vacation you should. Up until now, I've written only about Day Spas primarily because of the proximity to where I live ...but this ... (some where I have to fit a full spa vacation out of NYC in my schedule..)

The location of the spa was in a town called Calistoga - outside of Napa. Indian Springs offered a Wet Pool (not sure I mentioned this before as I have been to one spa in Brooklyn, NY that offered it) but it's where you can enjoy the pool facilities if you're not interested in spa-ing generally for a fee of $25. The pool has its own location..

What was interesting about this spa was facilities where in separate buildings - so the Natural Bath was one location, and the Pool another, yet another was the relaxing area.

The inside of the spa was quaint! I loved the scented lotions even purchased the cucumber lotion!

I'm seriously considered ordering this bathrobe! OMG it was heavy and warm and plush...and just wow! And it's green! :)

One of the paths that lead to the outdoor "recovery" area. It's the place you relax and sit while drinking tea, or juice and perhaps light snacks (in this case orange slices)
in order to just take a moment and enjoy and "just be". What a quiet and serene spot!

But the spa...I booked a Swedish massage and a mud bath. Mud baths are what California resorts are known for so while I wanted my favorite - a Hot Stone Massage ..I got the package with the Mud Bath!

The spa is simply beautiful..unlike NYC spas in a singular space or a floor, there was an outdoor path to get to various rooms!

While outside the view of the mountains was breathtaking! There was an outdoor lounge to wait for your services after changing. It was soooo peaceful...I didn't have my camera so I missed the really great pics :(

First was the mud bath..my oh my.. I do recommend asking questions before you book of you are uncertain of things like mud temperatures, and whether one can enjoy it if you have any physical limitations.

The mud..well was muddy. Lol. It was weird settling into smelly lava for about 25 minutes..the lava actually begins to stiffen and it's quite uncomfortable for some. My bestie was next to me making faces ..lol

I suspect it was a little claustrophobic I enjoyed it and fell asleep. This was definitely a help to keep me still :) The mud was hot well not as hot as I take a bath but it was hot. They provide you with shower caps (cause you know a sista can't mess up the 'do!).

The mud was messy and you must rinse in the shower..my reccomendation..this is best enjoyed nude if you are not squeamish. Otherwise... make sure you rinse your bathing suit and you very well!

After the mud I hopped into a tub of hot water and relaxed while the staff feeds you cucumber water and provides a scented wash cloth - Ice cold for your forehead. (I think it was lavender scented..) This helps to lower your temperature as the bath was hot as well...It was a very earthy outdoors feeling..

My skin felt like butter after! I could feel the impurities gone! Supposedly that is what mud baths are known for. If you look at nothing - check out this link because it's exactly what the mud bath looks like...and some history of the orgins of mud baths which date back as far as Wappo Indians.

http://www.calistogaspas.com/mud_baths.htm

Next up was the massage. I will say I was not impressed - the NYC Asians (forgive me I'm not stereotyping but most of the spas I've been to besides some African American Owned Spas were Asian operated) still top my list for strength of the massage. I will say it was relaxing and I was enjoying the conversation so I didn't mind. My particular technician was much more chatty than I was used to however...

All of this faboulousness for $200.00! That's right. What one GREAT service in NYC would cost plus tip! I want to say we were in the spa for 3 hours at least and I felt like I was floating on air afterward!

I even enjoyed the gratitutde tree...and while writing this I know what I am grateful for ...Do you?

I am ready and willing to have a spa vacation.. Back to Cali or Arizona as there is nothing like this setting :)

If you've had a spa vacation and care to share, send me an email and guest blog!

Until my next entry.... Ciao!

Pamper Me Please!!

Greetings!

So it's been a minute and I am feeling blessed today which just happens to be my birthday!

So in honor of pampering and taking care of oneself - this is a reminder to treat each day special, whether it's your birthday or not! I am so blessed and thankful for my family, wonderful friends, and my sorority sisters.

This has been a trying year and I swear I had no idea how much stress I had until today. If you have a family, work, relationship..all these things can take a toll. Someone told us women years ago "We can have it all." I think they forgot to mention it comes with a price.

In order to make sure the price is not comprising your health - both mentally, physically and spritually - spend some time pampering yourself. Let go of the stress. Get out and get active. Learn to manage it.

I've learned this year I cannot do it alone. Seek out friends, family, church. Do (or find out) what makes you happy. Figure out how to de-stress.

In honor of figuring it all out... today I went to my favorite spa...(check my other posts if you need to know!) and had a 1/2 of pampering. I had 90 minute massage, and 85 minute reflexology. The technician advised I was so stressed...it took me almost 1/2 to reflex...then finally fell asleep! :)

I then had a dinner date - good food and great company :) I was determined to keep my great attitude all day long. So what I learned today - and hope you do too..is that it is not what happens to you...but rather HOW you react to what happens that matters.

My motto has simply become "You can't pray and worry at the same time." 50 Cent.

Until next time....

Ciao

Happy Father's Day!

Greetings !

Tomorrow is Father's Day and it's still not too late to treat the man in your life to a relaxing day after time with the family....Why not try a spa? :)

Since I've asked this question to the men in my life - I often hear spa-ing is not for them and something they would never do unless on vacation. For many men a cut and relaxin' undisturbed in front of the TV or a night out with the fellas is relaxation enough. Ladies - it's time to change this! How about a visit to a spa? :)

My go to resource wwww.spaweek.com is offering egift cards! So if you have plans tomorrow that don't include a spa - why not get a egift card when he can use it 365 days and it never expires! It can be used at over 5000 spa locations....

Other last minute steals and deals....

Brooklyn NY - Body By Brooklyn Is offering packages from June 14-June 18 from $145.00 and while I mention it - I really can't endorse it. You can google and check the reviews...I hear the place was featured on VH1's "Love and Hip Hop" so......

New York, NY - Oasis Day Spa - Another great spot offering Father's Day specials....

http://www.oasis-dayspa.com/menu


Have a fabulous day!


Ciao!

Stress...Spa-ing...Spirituality

Hola!

It's been a minute since I've posted...work obligations.. but really I haven't have the urge to write. This has been a trying first two quarters of the year for me. I've learned how much strength, fortitude, and spirituality I really have :) So what's this have to do with the Spadiva?

I feel my blog maybe taking shape and moving into a broader direction....I think...or maybe I need to deviate a bit to speak to all those who may have experienced the same issues :)

I love "spa-ing" and pampering myself and a lot of it is born out of the stress experienced in my day-to-day life. So I've been thinking about stress - the effects of it, how to manage it and what role does it play in other's lives? I completely missed "Spa-Week" in April for my discount spa treatments and scouting out new spas, yet I did make it to my favorite spot because I was so stressed I could feel it in my bones (had the best Hot Stone Massage ever!! - and you need to read my other spots to know what my favorite Spa is!)

So the question is how is Stress,"Spa-ing", and Spirituality related? Or are they? The answer really depends on you. It depends on what YOU believe.

Have you had days where you felt you couldn't go on because your stress levels are out of control? Home, School, Work, Children, Family..all pushing you to the brink? Ladies and Gentlemen - yes GENTLEMEN as this affects you as well..what things do you do (has a cool ring right?? thinking of Stevie Wonder as I write.."Do I DO.." ) to manage stress?

I love http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=stress since it's so full of information.

DISCLAIMER...I'm not into self diagnosis so please when using this website seek professional medical advice as necessary.

There is a section on stress and I wondered if many realize just how dangerous stress can be. Stress can cause mental, physical and emotional changes and at it's height can be deadly. How well are you managing your stress?

There's nothing more important than your foundation - what you believe in - your core values. For me spirituality helps guide me through the toughest of times. When your core is rocked - guess what? Your stress level increases. Spa-ing can be used to manage stress but be wary - taking care of the external NEVER fixes the internal.

Make sure you are familiar with the causes, symptoms and how to manage stress.

So..some quick tips:

1. Physical symptoms of stress include: headaches, stomach aches, backaches, trouble sleeping, overeating, and irratibility.

2. Go back to your core values. Spirituality is not religion. It can be - but doesn't have to be. Define, understand, remember the role of spirituality in your life. For me - that has meant remembering why I pray.

3. Learn the ways to manage stress.

A. Meditation - I've mentioned it before. I've begun the practice again which my older sister does religiously. In addition to clearing the mind,it slows your heart rate, and will reduce your stress.

B. Spiritual growth - I'm not preaching here but how does one handle life's stressors if all you believe in is yourself? I really want to know. Are you spiritual? Does it matter to you? I found that it matters to me and it is my core. If it is for you - don't forget it- dust it off in times of strife.

C. Go Spa! I wouldn't feel complete if I didn't mention spa-ing! Again I know it's views as a luxury for many but... I've spent my life in Education Finance and I'm here to tell you we all spend money on the things we want. Yet remember, there are always free ways to spa!

So for me Stress, Spa-ing, and Spirituality and very much related. Are they for YOU? Spa how you feel!

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

Ciao!

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!