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Ask anyone who has ever given me a massage or facial. I’m picky about the music. Picky, picky, picky. I have an aversion to boring, tinkly spa music — which is most of it. The lowest setting is often too loud. Many times, I just have them turn the music off. Quiet is better than bad, loud spa music. I’m also sensitive to scent, though that’s not usually a problem in spas.
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Although Earth Day comes around only once a year, that’s no excuse to forego making an effort every day to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Spa Gregorie’s (Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Del Mar, CA), a founding member of the Green Spa Network, makes such eco-friendly pursuits a part of each and every day. From using recycled paper and soy ink for all printed paper materials and using unbleached paper towels for treatments to donating all towels to various non-profit organizations and recycling all bottles, cans, and products used in services, the spa and its staff is focused on thinking green. Here are some tips the staff shares with its spa-goers to help them do their part:
Mexico has always been one of my favorite destinations, and a few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the amazing Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos. Like the entire resort, The Spa at Las Ventanas is second-to-none when it comes to the level of personalized service. Recently, with the addition of a Music Menu and an Incense Menu, guests can fully immerse themselves in a customized sensory experience.
The Music Menu offers five categories for spa-goers to choose from, including Gregorian Chants, Sounds of Mother Earth, Celtic Music, House Music, and Ancestral Music. For each category, the menu offers treatment recommendations that work best with that particular music choice. For example, guests who choose Ancestral Music will experience an awakening of emotions that unite them with their ancestors, which would be ideal for treatments based on ancient practices such as the Spiritual Chilam Ritual.
Because the spa’s treatment menu offers services based on one of the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, the Incense Menu offers guests an ideal way to engage their olfactory senses to complement their chosen treatment. For example, the Earth Element Incense choices include sandalwood and copal scents, while that Air Element Incense options are eucalyptus and lavender. With these two new menu options, guests can engage all of their senses while experiencing a bit of Mexican magic.
I just got a comment on my Massage Envy blog from Naomi Serviss, an excellent spa writer and contributor. While Grace Brown had a great experience at a Massage Envy in Beverly Hills, Naomi had one of her worst massages ever at a Massage Envy in Arizona. “It was soooo unpleasant and made me realize that there must be plenty of unsuspecting, hopeful consumers who have had similar experiences but too reticent to make waves,” she wrote me. And she has excellent advice for when you’re disappointed in your spa treatment. Speak up. “One thing I’ve learned is to not hold back, and if the spa manager is smart, she/he makes immediate changes.”
The Massage Envy manager offered her another massage, which she didn’t accept, not wanting another unpleasant experience. I think I would have given them another try, and asked for a therapist with at least three years experience. Personally, I’ve never had a massage as bad as the one Naomi described, but it’s important to remember you can always stop the session, just like you can if the therapist has “roving hands”. It’s hard because you don’t want to insult the therapist, but if you’ve given feedback and they can’t adjust to your needs, you can just say, “I know you’re doing your best, but I’m not enjoying this massage and I’d like to stop.” Then you have a better case for getting your money back.
Naomi (who has also had hot rocks dropped on her head and been badly bruised by a massage) also points out that quality resorts are generally very strict
when it comes to quality control. “The best ones are always the best hotel brands, I have found.” Examples would be Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental. You pay a price, but at least you know the quality will be there.
The Little Luxury: “The Original” Bring It Up Instant Breast Lift!
Nickname: Perkyset
Relationship status: We got to second base.
How they work: These horseshoe-shaped adhesives give your twins a lift—not by cradling from the bottom—by hoisting from the top. Peel off the sticker-back on the bottom half, rub down above and around your nipple. Okay stop rubbing. Then pull up until your nipple points to the moon, peel off the other half of the backing, and press down to secure. Repeat.
Hmmm… sounds like it wouldn’t work. I know, I was skeptical too… Turns out they do a nice job of holding them up an keeping them in nice shape.
It’s a tad bit nipply: Which is fine, because a little nip is so 2010! When you’re aiming for that easy-breezy no-bra-because-I’m-that-cool summertime look, this bolder-holder alternative will give the illusion minus the gravity.
ANY size? Cut it out! Yup, each lift em up is built for a D cup, so if you’resmaller you have cut it along a perforated line to match your size. However, I’m a C and couldn’t find my scissors, and the full size worked just fine. (If you’re a double D or bigger, I’m not sure if they would have the same effect. Someone try and let us know!)
What do you wear them with? They are a great alternative to your nipple stickers and sticky gel bra cups that you wear with backless and otherwise complicated tops. It has to be the right shirt though– they won’t work with everything. If you want that hippie look, try them with a thin tee. They are waterproof, so you can try them with your bikini. Want to feel extra Barbie doll? Use them for an additional lift with another bra.
Throw caution to the wind: (and hopefully not your blouse…) These bad boys left evidence in the form of sticky residue on my breasts, and it took 2 showers to wash off the gook. I’m sure if I was really trying I could have scrubbed it off in one, but don’t say I didn’t warn you and your ladies.
Cheaper than a boob job: $19.99 for a pack of 8 pair at Bringitup.com
Hot Stone Scale: 5 out of 6
This Little Luxury Report was brought to you by: Michelle Joni Lapidos
disclosure
Pasta is the ultimate in cheap eatin’, the fave of college kids and budget-conscious families everywhere. And even though there’s nothing inherently bad about the typical semolina pasta you chow down on at your favorite Italian joint, you can power-up your pasta fixation on the cheap by swapping regular pasta for nutrient-packed multigrain pasta. Multigrain pasta will work in your beloved spaghetti and alfredo, but the slightly nutty, complex flavors of multigrain pasta also lend themselves to taste creations all their own. Try these three healthy choices for a cost-saving yet delightfully different dinner!
Multigrain Pasta with Veggie Salad
1 box multigrain pasta
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup green beans
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced onions
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
5 ounces Italian dressing1. Cook the pasta according the instructions located on the box.
2. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of oil, cool on a sheet pan.
3. Prepare all of the raw vegetables as listed. Combine with the dry seasonings in a large bowl. Dress with the Italian dressing.
4. Cover and chill then toss with the cooled pasta.
Multigrain Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Leeks
12 ounces multigrain penne
4 teaspoons olive oil
3 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into half-moons
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
2 small sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
kosher salt and pepper
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, until they begin to soften, 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sage and cook 2 minutes. Add the sweet potato, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring twice, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan and the reserved cooking water and simmer, stirring, until the potatoes are fully tender, 2 to 4 minutes.
4. Add the cooked pasta and nutmeg and toss. Divide among individual bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Multi-Grain Pasta with Sicilian Salsa Verde, Cabbage, and Haricots Verts
1/2 14.5-ounce package multi-grain spaghetti (the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen used Barilla Plus) or whole wheat pasta
3/4 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons drained capers
3 anchovy fillets
3 garlic cloves, chopped, divided
6 cups thinly sliced savoy cabbage
1/2 12-ounce bag frozen haricots verts (slender green beans), thawed
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, puree parsley, 4 tablespoons oil, capers, anchovies, and 1/3 of chopped garlic in mini processor.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cabbage; sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add haricots verts and remaining garlic; toss 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup cheese, pasta, and 2/3 cup pasta cooking liquid, then parsley mixture from processor. Toss until sauce coats pasta, adding more pasta cooking liquid if dry, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve, passing remaining 3/4 cup cheese separately.
All eyes are on South Africa these days thanks to World Cup fever. If the madness gets overwhelming at the stadiums, there are plenty of places—such as the spas below—to escape the bustle and vuvuzuelas and enjoy some quiet time in the lap of luxury.
Opened in April 2009, the One&Only Cape Town resort is a chic oasis in the heart of the capital city. Certainly a sight to see, the One&Only Spa Cape Town is situated on its own private island and is surrounded by lush vegetation. It boasts 12 locally inspired, yet contemporary, treatment rooms, two vitality pools, a scenic relaxation room, sauna, and steam facilities, as well as a full-service salon, including a Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. Spa-goers can enjoy a comprehensive menu of holistic experiences, or they can break a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Jiva Spa at the Taj Cape Town take note from the classic Indian approach to wellness. Designated as a Leading Spa by The Leading Hotels of the World, Jiva consists of four expansive single massage suites, a double massage suite with a soaking tub, two skincare-dedicated suites, an Ayurvedic consultation and treatment suite, and a relaxation room. It also boasts a wet area, complete with a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam. Spa lovers can also tantalize the palate with healthy cuisine that blends modern gastronomy and traditional cooking techniques to create Asian-, Western-, and Indian-inspired fare.
Recognized by the Five Star Alliance as one of the World’s Best Hotels with a View, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa has a lot to be proud of, including its Sanctuary Spa. Cut into the surrounding rocks, the spa features seven treatment rooms where guests can partake in services that feature Elemis products and are inspired by the regional fynbos, Afrikaans for “fine bush.” The hot and cold plunge pools are popular with spa-goers as is the rhassoul chamber, but, for those who would like to soak in the natural beauty of Cape Town while still relaxing, they should opt for a spa appointment in one of the two outdoor gazebos.
CND pampered 70 nurses from across the country with complimentary nail spa services and gift bags at the Health & Wellness Conference hosted by the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. The conference was held at the Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego. CND nail professionals gave nurses relaxing hand and foot services with Citrus SpaManicures and Marine SpaPedicures, while the CND team educated nurses about nail and hand grooming options suitable for care providers. “Nurses are inspiring in their care of others,” says Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND. “We wanted to pamper them for a change and provide a memorable, relaxing sanctuary to help them take pause from the serious nature of their business.”
The Sciton Group Buy Program ends July 2nd and there are only 3 units left.If you’re in the market for a brand new IPL platform and the Sciton BBLs fits the bill for you, make sure you check out their group buy offer. Sciton’s got a pretty good reputation around here and even if you’re not looking to buy one you should take a look at what other Members think of their systems.
Sciton is offering their latest BBLs IPL for $15,000 off and giving you the option of returning it for a full 30 days after you’ve trained and have it up, running and generating revenue.
Are you happy with your Botox Rep?I posted a while ago about our dissapearing Botox sales rep.
Someone who appears to be an Allergan rep responded with the following:
Maybe your practices were not bringing in a large amount compared to the rep’s quotas. We rate offices from A-Z and if you are C and below…I don’t bother call on that office. 80/20 rule and so far it’s been working. President’s club 3 out of the past 5 years and great bonuses. Don’t take it personal, but it makes sense to serve the offices who have the greatest potential in serving us. If my quota is 100 and your potential is only 5, I’m skipping you to talk to the next 5 doctors who have a potential to do 100 on their own and blow out my quotas.
So take no offense. These guys have Botox quotas of their own and I’m guessing that commission is a prime motivator. If you’re not ranked as an A or B by Allergan (and I guess it goes all the way down to Z), you might just be on your own.
Anyone switching to Dysport?
Today will officially be the hottest day of the year here in metro Phoenix. Yipee. For those of you who [...]
We couldn’t close out the week of cheap buys without providing a good list of fun things to do this weekend. We enlisted the the help of Miss Cozy (check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money) for low to no cost options to enjoy this weekend. Featured cities: San Diego, Philadelphia and New York. As the temperature rises we want to find some things to cool you down. (Other than the beach, of course!)
Miss Cozy’s Beauty Tip of the Day: Before you slip into your tiny bikini, try an exfoliator all over – including your elbows and knees (while you’re in the shower) to get rid of any dead skin cells and make your body feel smooth and fresh!
San Diego, California – La Jolla Festival of the Arts (June 26th – June 27th 2010) This is a non-profit art festival held annually since 1986. It showcases up to 200 of the west’s finest artists. Enjoy two full days of prominent musicians, celebrity authors, and street chalking by national artists. The annual event raises funds on behalf of the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Club to provide sports and recreation opportunities for disabled San Diegans as well as wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It takes place on the UCSD east campus at the corner of Genesee Ave and Regents Rd. Admission price is $10 per person. Parking is free. Visit lajollaartfestival.org
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Tasting Philadelphia (Friday, June 25th 2010) Welcome America kicks off on Friday evening with the Taste of Philadelphia, where you can try foods from over two dozen area restaurants including Capogiro, Paesano’s, Jamaican Jerk Hut, Capital Grille, Dave and Busters, Hard Rock Café, Tony Lukes and many more. Visit welcomeamerica.com/taste-of-philadelphia and be sure to download and print the discount pass before you go.
Manhattan, New York – (June 25th – July 8th 2010) Don’t miss the newest, coolest, and most entertaining films from the hottest Asian filmmakers from June 25 through July 8, 2010. See Thai action movies, Korean gangster flicks, Pakistani horror films, and much more. Visit www.subwaycinema.com, Ticket Prices Range from $7-$12.
I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoy reality television from time to time. There has been the occasional lazy Sunday where I will relax on my couch watching the Bravo TV channel, which often runs marathons of its most popular reality shows on weekends. That is how I became hooked on “The Millionaire Matchmaker.” If you’ve never seen it before, you are missing out. Third-generation matchmaker Patti Stanger and her staff hand-pick two wealthy clients to transform with the help of personal shoppers, dating coaches, therapists, and more, and then set them up on a date, complete with a list of Patti’s rules to follow in order to ensure a match. Earlier this week, Sanger and the crew visited Susan Ciminelli Day Spa & Salon (New York City), where they filmed one client receiving crystal healing therapy to channel out negative energy in order to help her find true love. Stay tuned for the episode, which airs this upcoming season, to see if it worked. Trust me, after watching the sharp-tongued Sanger in action, you won’t be able to turn the channel.
It’s hard not to feel helpless when you see the devastation caused by the recent oil spill in the Gulf Coast. Wanting to do something about it, Bioelements made a donation to The Nature Conservancy, which works to protect coastal wetlands and marshes, re-establish critical habitats for threatened wildlife, and restore the Gulf of Mexico’s resiliency by bringing together scientists familiar with the area’s habitats, plants, animals, and people. “All of us at Bioelements wanted to find a way to help make a difference,” says Barbara Salomone, president and founder. “We found that The Nature Conservancy is working to assess, protect, and restore what has been ruined by the oil spill. Now we want to get the word out to anyone who wants to join us and make a donation if they can, or just help spread the word.” If you’re interested in contributing to the cause, log on here.
