Spa gift certificates are becoming more and more popular and are right at the top of holiday wish lists for both men and women. Spas offer stress-relief, pampering, and results. Spa gift certificates are a wonderful way to show friends, family, employees, or the one you love, how much you care.

When selecting a spa gift certificate, consider the following:

Visiting the web site of a spa can give you an idea of the spa’s environment, their experience, and philosophy. The spa experience begins when a guest enters the door. By taking a virtual tour, you can get an idea of what the experience will be.

Spa gift certificates are available in either dollar amounts or by custom designed treatments and packages. A spa can assist you in selecting the ideal gift package from a foot fantasy to the world’s best day spa experience.

Some of the best gifts are things that one would typically not consider purchasing for themselves. A popular trend today is treatments using more than one therapist. There is nothing quite like a facial (which includes a massage of the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, hands and arms) combined with a second therapist simultaneously massaging the feet with both hands and hot stones. This type of treatment is absolutely decadent and can be surprisingly affordable. At upscale spa, a Foot Fantasy can be combined with almost any treatment. This is a heavenly experience with a skilled therapist providing both a manual and hot stone massage using essential oils and a warm parrafin dip.

When considering a spa service for a man, be sure the environment is comfortable for a gentleman. Overstuffed sofas, needlepoint wall hangings, and especially co-ed waiting areas can be very intimidating to men. Instead, look for an upscale, contemporary environment with privacy.

Ask about gift certificate delivery. For those of us who wait until the last minute, gift certificates that can be purchased over the phone can be a big help. In most cases, gift certificates can even be emailed to ensure “on-time” delivery.

Be sure to ask the spa’s policy on aestheticians (facialists) leaving the room during a treatment. The therapist should be in the room at all times delivering pampering, relaxation, and results. A client who is left alone can feel forgotten and uneasy and certainly they are not getting the best treatment possible.

Adding some products to a gift certificate can enhance the spa experience. Aromatherapy candles, essential oils, soaps, shower gels, and luxurious massage cream can make for a romantic spa experience for a couple to share at home.

Websites such as www.spafinder.com or www.spaindex.com can be helpful in finding the ideal day spa in your area. If the goal is to provide a gift that incorporates the ultimate in relaxation and results, a medical spa might be the ideal choice. Key words such as "medical spa" or "plastic surgery medical spa" and your city entered into a search engine will give you results of medical spas in your region.

Kile Law is president of Blue Water Spa in Raleigh, NC. She has been appointed to the 2005 board of directors for the National Day Spa Association. She is the recipient of the 2005 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Southern Spa Conference. Kile was the winner of the 2004 ABBIES award for best editorial feature in an industry (spa) publication. Kile is often a featured speaker at medical spa and skin care conferences, and interviews with her can often be seen on television and in consumer beauty publications.

From Raleigh, NC to Beverly Hills, CA, every man wants to be taken care of. Stress relief, pampering, and even some rejuvenation is something everyone, including men crave. Day spa gift certificates are becoming more and more popular with men, and it is no wonder. Computers, cell phones, and other advancements designed to make life easier can actually mean that it can be more difficult to leave business stress at the office. Men are asking for stress-relief and spas like Blue Water Spa of Raleigh, NC are listening.

Gone are the days that a man would walk into a spa and there would be looks of shock from other guests. At Blue Water Spa, in Raleigh, North Carolina, men make up approximately 40% of the clientele. Men are often introduced to the spa when a man’s wife or girlfriend purchases him a gift certificate. Other times, men can come in looking for the perfect gift for the lady in their life and find that they, too, could benefit from many of the spas offerings.

With men, the key to satisfaction is combining results and relaxation. To a man, the best possible treatment is when they feel extremely relaxed and stress-free, and then they look in the mirror and say, “wow.” Some say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but one treatment every man loves is a foot fantasy treatment with hot stones and aromatherapy. This can be added to any treatment giving the experience of two therapists providing decadent relaxation simultaneously.

Kile Law owns Blue Water Spa in Raleigh, NC. The spa has been voted one of the top four medical spas in America by American Spa magazine and has been voted best day spa in Raleigh. Blue Water Spa provides relaxation and results for men and women.

Kile Law frequently contributes to plastic surgery and spa magazines. She is the winner of the 2005 Humanitarian of the year award in the spa industry and the 2004 ABBIES award for best editorial feature in a spa publication

Day spa gift certificates are among the most popular gifts for every occasion. Providing relaxation, pampering and stress-relief is one of the best gifts anyone could receive. However, it can be difficult to know how to choose the best spa and the best treatment for a loved one. The following are some questions to ask to ensure that your spa gift certificate is a success:

Does the spa offer weekend and evening hours?

Having a variety of hours available to enjoy a treatment is important.

Does the therapist ever leave the room during a treatment?

Believe it or not, there are some spas that leave a client alone during a portion of a facial and will actually perform a second treatment while the client waits alone. This is unacceptable. A therapist should be in the room at all times providing pamepering and results.

Do the therapists have quotas?

A relaxing spa visit can soon turn stressful when a therapist begins aggressively pushing products. Professional skin care products are wonderful and can make a tremendous difference in the skin, but when products are being pushed by someone who has a quota to meet, often, the client’s best interest might not be the reason for a recommendation.

Does the spa have a website?

A website can be a wonderful way to learn about a spa. Upscale spas will have a virtual tour which will allow you to experience the environment of the spa. The spas philosophy and background will also help you decide if a spa is ideal for you. Gift certificate packages are typically described on a website. This will help you decide on the perfect package for you or a loved one.

Is there a physician affiliation?

Although, a traditional day spa does not require a physician to supervise treatments, it can be an indication of a high level of care. Medical spas are the fastest growing type of spa. Medical grade treatments like laser hair removal, laser skin tightening, and medical grade peels do require physician supervision.

When thinking of a day spa package, consider a treatment that will provide relaxation and results for the one you love.

To search for a spa in your area, you may go to websites such as www.spaindex.com or type in key words "best day spa" followed by your city. To find a day spa that offers the results of a medical spa, type in medical spa and the name of your city.

Kile Law owns Blue water Spa in Raleigh, NC. Blue water Spa was recently voted one of the top 4 medical spas in America by American Spa Magazine. Blue Water Spa has also been voted best day spa in Raleigh

You’ve had a busy week and now it’s time to get what you truly deserve - a spa quality exfoliating treatment. A week’s worth of skin has piled up and started to make your complexion just a little duller than normal, moisturisers don’t seem to do what they used to and you really need to spoil yourself before you resort to a quart of ice-cream.

Banish the gray tint from your skin by exfoliating once a week. Those with oily skin can pull it off twice a week without a hitch. Keep in mind though, that more is not necessarily better - layers of dead skin protect the new skin underneath. Don’t do this everyday. 8 Step Deluxe Treatment

1. So where to start? Before you get wet, use a dry loofah sponge to slough off the really loose skin - don’t scrub, just run it over your skin gently.

2. Get wet (unless you use Coco Luv Chocolate Body Scrub - it’s for use on dry skin).

3. Apply an exfoliant with hands or a cloth, rubbing in a circular motion. Spend some time with this step - the idea here is not just to scrub off the dead skin, but to stimulate circulation as well. (I should note here that the more time you spend scrubbing your behind, the faster you will be able to break up the fatty deposits that cause the appearance of cellulite.)

4. Rough spots deserve a little more attention. Really rough spots, like heels, might need the help of a pumice stone to soften them up.

5. Rinse off thoroughly. Do not use soap.

6. Dry off.

7. Apply an intensive moisturiser head to toe.

8. Wrap up in your favourite bathrobe and snuggle up with a good book and a cup of tea.

So, if your now thinking “Great, like I have time for all that!” Try this one on for size: The Quickie

So you gotta clean yourself anyway right? Forget the soap - Do a salt glow! Grab a handful of bath salt and add a couple squirts of bath & body oil to it. Now scrub your wet self like a madwoman. This can be a heavy duty scrub (lots of salt, a little oil) or a gentle scrub (lots of oil, a little salt) - it’s your choice. Now rinse, dry and taadaa - Your done! Now give yourself a quick second to admire your butter-soft skin.

Ivy Mills has been researching chemical sensitivity and natural alternatives for over five years and has brought her knowledge to the marketplace in her company, Valhalla Essences. Her personal experiences have fed a passion to help others with the same problem. Ivy welcomes others to share their stories and experiences on her blog, Peaceful Power.

Everybody loves a good bath. More than that, everybody loves a clean and gleaming bathroom. Here’s the lowdown on the best products and practices to taking baths and taking care of your bathroom.

In taking the best baths, here are some of the products that should be in your bathroom.

Moisturizing soap/body wash

A good soap or cream applied to the skin can counter dryness. Exposure to everyday weather can strip off your skin of its natural oils so it is essential that you have a good moisturizing soap or body wash when you take a bath.

Aromatherapy oils

Lavender is one of the best aromatherapy oils to include in your bath. It is used for treating wounds, enhancing memory and aiding sleep by combating anxiety and insomnia. Other popular scents include eucalyptus, rose, jasmine and bergamot.Aromatherapy oils are relaxing. They lower stress.

Body buff

This is used to slough off dead skin cells. This will in part reveal, new, clean and smooth skin. When taking baths, our bodies are soaked in water, which makes the exfoliating process so much more easier.

Candles

Whether you take your bath at the start of your day or when you end it, it is absolutely refreshing to light a few candles when you soak up. The soft illumination and fresh scent of your candle will give you good vibes all day or all night.

Now that you know how to take a really good bath, here are tips on keeping your bathroom in tip-top shape.

1. You’ll be needing the following bathroom-cleansers. Strong, liquid cleanser that’s bacteria fighting as well. Spray cleansers that’s antiseptic. Glass cleaners and tile cleaners, too. Plus some mops, sponges and an old toothbrush if you must. Whoever said that cleaning your bathroom is a piece of cake.

2. Spray shower and tub with strong cleanser. The labels on your bath cleaning products will say what kind of stuff is in it- so make sure you get the ones with really strong bacteria-fighting stuff.

3. Pour cleaner into the toilet bowl, and spray the outside with the same cleaner. Let the chemicals do the cleaning for a while and return to scrubbing it after you do the other stuff.

4. Clean mirrors, chrome, bathroom scale, and light fixtures with glass cleaner. Never interchange cleaners. There’s a big difference with cleansers and mirror cleaners. So take note!

5. Vacuum everything! This will remove dust and hair that is so hard to get up when surfaces are wet.

6. Empty and clean the wastepaper basket. Dispose of all the filth and make sure you have a fresh new plastic to replace it with. Remember to spray your wastepaper basket with a good old cleanser.

7. Clean the sink. Working from the top of the toilet down, clean the outside, and brush and flush the inside.

8. Scrub the floor with a strong cleanser. Tough tile floors can be most easily cleaned by hand with the scrub-brush side of a bathroom-only sponge.One more tip: spaghetti mops are more efficient at getting into tough corners than sponge mops. Many types can even be thrown in the washing machine between cleanings.

With these tips, you are on your way to the best bath experience. Because taking a bath is more than just taking a bath!

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of TotallyBath.com and writes expert articles about baths.

Currently, tremendous interest and research are being focussed on anti-oxidants and their role in helping to reverse and prevent free radical damage to the body. Enzymes and anti-oxidants protect the body against the harmful effects of these free oxygen radicals. The best known of such enzymes is called SOD (super-oxide dismutase).

 

• Worldwide studies have shown that people who take anti-oxidants live longer and healthier lives. Anti-oxidants are essential for the removal of free radicals, which can cause premature ageing and can cause diseases such as cancer. Anti-oxidants include vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and SOD or super-oxide. Because of the polluted environment that we live in, it is not always easy to get access to the natural anti-oxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C.

 

• Rooibos Tea, (Redbush Tea) is well known all over the world and regarded as safe to drink for its health benefits.

 

• Scientists have discovered that the Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis) contains nine types of flavonoids. Four of these flavonoids, specifically quercetin, luteolin, isoquercitrin and rutin are very powerful. Flavonoids like the quercetin found in Rooibos, help to neutralise free radicals and in combination with the tea’s naturally high Vitamin C content (1,5mg/ml), they act as anti-oxidant compounds thus protecting the body against diseases and premature ageing. Rooibos has Anti-inflammatory and Anti-allergic properties that can be very helpful in the treatment of eczema. Rooibos is also Caffeine free, Rich in Minerals and Low in Tannin.

 

• Thanks to Rooibos tea’s natural powerful, rejuvenating and antioxidant qualities it is also excellent for use in skin and healthcare products. The Annique Rooibos Products contain an Award Winning Rooibos Extract to restore and retard the ageing process.  Annique has been utilising the powerful benefits of Rooibos for more than 35 years in skin and baby care, and health capsules.

 

• Retrieve your youthful skin and stay healthy with the unique Annique Rooibos Range! www.AnniqueUK.co.uk  

Give Yourself A Pedicure

Tis the season and many of us, or I should say most of us are stressed. So take a little time out and give yourself a pedicure. Save money for those presents and don’t spend tons at the nail salon, do it at home. If your not sure where to start I’ll do a little how to guide.

1. Get all the tools together that you will need. Here’s the list:

Nail Polish remover

Basin filled with warm water to soak your feet

Epsom salt or buy a special product such as my favorite which is a peppermint foot soak.

Toe nail clipper and for really hard nails a heavy duty nail nipper.

Looks like sharp pliers. It’s a good tool to have for your toe nails.

Nail file

Cuticle moisturizer (optional)

Cotton balls or toe separator

Base coat

Nail polish

top coat

Foot pumice

buffer

2. Remove any nail polish that you might have on. Make sure especially if it’s clear polish that it’s all gone. If not you won’t be able to take the of the nails as thoroughly with the nail polish still covering it.

3. Add epsom salt or store bought product to warm water and soak your feet at least 10-15 minutes. The longer the better especially if your feet are hard and rough on the bottom.

4. Clip toenails with clipper or nipper. Then smooth them with nail file. Also gently push back cuticles and use a cuticle moisterizer if they are still hard.

5. If you have rough feet, use a special scraper to remove dead skin. Or the foot pumice to help get those feet nice and smooth.

6. Dry feet and toes thoroughly and using the buffer, buff your toenails to a healthy shine.

7. Apply base coat and wait for it to dry completely. Next the nail polish and finally the top coat. Don’t forget the cotton or toe separator. Also be sure to wait at least an hour before putting on shoes so you don’t mess up your new toes.

This should be a fun relaxing thing to do for yourself, so put aside some you time and do this for yourself. Or get that significant other to do it for you. Either way it should be a wonderful moment. Have Fun.

Written by Marsha James

Gallery of High Heels

Please feel free to add my article to your website, forum, blog, newsletters and other ventures if you leave it in full format. If used in a newsletter please send it to me that I may view where my work is going. Thank You.

A wellness of beauty for mind, body & spirit
by Cathy Gatson

"When the well is dry, then we know the worth of water", unfortunately many
of us take it for granted.
The significance of water is so much deeper than drinking 8 to 10 glasses per
day. Although vitally important; water quenches more than just our physical thirst…

Mind/Spirit
Wade in the water…. Just as water is significant in baptism because it symbolizes the cleansing away of our sins and the renewing of our spirit, biblically water is a reminder that when our spirit is dehydrated we can go to God’s well and refill our cup over and over again. (John 4:7-14& 7:38). Water represents the tranquility and serenity that is necessary to reflect, renew and seek peace of mind.

Body
Inner - Water is necessary for nutrient and oxygen transport and for absorption and utilization of vitamins and minerals. Our bodies are made up of over 80% water. We lose up to 2 -3 quarts of water per day, more if you exercise. That water loss needs to be replaced. Without enough water, constipation, dehydration and a weakened immune system can occur. 8 - 10 glasses of water per day is the popular belief but did you know for every caffeine beverage you drink like coffee, tea or soda, you must drink an
additional 8 ounces of water. You can determine how much water you need per day by dividing your weight by 2…the result is approximately the amount of water you should drink in ounces. Drinking the daily-recommended amounts of water will result in a healthier, stronger body as well as reduce your risks of bladder infections, increase metabolism, keep healthy bowels and reduces halitosis.

Outer - Water improves elasticity in your skin leaving it more supple. Water also helps the body rid itself of toxins, which results in a more radiant complexion and adds a healthy glow to skin.  Keeping your body hydrated not only keeps your skin radiant but it reduces acne flair ups and chapped lips.

There’s nothing like a nice warm bath to renew your mind and cleanse your body. Add these goodies to your bath for a more enjoyable experience. Origin’s "Peace of Mind"
Tension-releasing vapor bath is very soothing if you like the smell of peppermint and eucalyptus. Or Bath&Body Works’ Aromatherapy Sleep Foam Bath is a soothing blend of Lavendar & Vanilla that will leave you on cloud 9.

Exercise - Swimming provides a great workout to your entire body. It’s toning from head to toe, while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. It also strengthens your heart muscles and improves circulation. According to the American Heart Association, just 30-60 minutes of physical activity 3-4 days per week can help reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. As a regular physical activity, swimming can also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.  Swimming is a relatively in expensive sport to begin, since you don’t need much equipment. For most of us, a good swim cap is all the biggest challenge. For more information on pools in your area, contact your local YMCA, 24 Hour Fitness or gym nearest you. Swiminfo.com gives advice for swimming workouts.

Beauty really does start from within. So if you want to raise your beauty factor from the
inside out, just add water. 

Cathy Gatson is a freelance writer and owner/operator of Yada Beauty Lounge, a hair and body salon in Northern California.

This guide will give you the basic directions for nail care, however, it cannot provide the same direction and hands-on experience offered by a Professional School of Cosmetology.

SUPPLIES:

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1 - Nail scissors

2 - Small tray, about the size of a soap dish

3 - Gentle dishwashing detergent or other skin softening, bubbly liquid (such as some bubble bath products)

4 - Warm water

5 - Two to three hand towels

6 - Moisturizer or Hand Lotion with Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter or similar ingredient to condition skin

7 - Clear Base Coat Nail Polish

8 - Colored Nail Polish

9 - Top Coat Nail Polish

10 - Small lamp or other radiant source of light

11 – Table or desk so that, when seated, your arms can easily extend across from the relaxed position of a comfortable chair

12 - Hair dryer or similar device (not required)

13 – Cotton swabs

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STEPS:

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1 - Fill tray with warm water and sudsy liquid (the trick is to add water at just the right temperature so it will soften skin without being too hot to the touch)

2 - Place one hand in tray and let it soak for several minutes

3 - If you’re giving someone else a manicure, you can use oil or moisturizer to massage one hand while the other one is soaking

4 - Remove soaking hand and pat dry with hand towel

5 - Place other hand in tray to soak for several minutes

6 - While the second hand is soaking, you should carefully begin trimming cuticles that form around the edges of the nail itself (NOTE: Pay close attention to what you’re doing, so you don’t cut too close and end up causing skin to bleed. If you take your time and trim slowly with tiny strokes, you should be fine.)

7 - If your timing is perfect, you will be finished cutting the cuticles on that hand before the first hand gets wrinkled from being in the warm water too long. (Tip: Don’t try to hurry the cuticle trimming process to make your timing work. Instead try to remember to check on the soaking hand half-way through the course of cutting cuticles. If the water is cold or the hand shows hints of wrinkling skin, that’s your cue to stop the soaking operation and pat hand dry with hand towel, apply some lotion and go back to the trimming procedure.)

8 - When you have completed trimming cuticles on both hands, you should make sure all loose skin is removed from nail area. Begin to polish nails with clear base coat by applying a thin layer as smoothly and carefully as possible. Try to keep polish on nails only. If you accidentally apply too much or get extra polish on skin around nails, use a cotton swab dipped lightly in nail polish remover to correct your mistake.

9 - After applying base coat to both hands, choose polish color and repeat previous procedure beginning with the same hand you started with last time. Follow guidelines described above to produce best results.

10 - The next application will be a top coat to create a seal or protection for colored polish. Repeat previous steps to ensure success in this process. Remember less is better when it comes to nail polish. Thick layers lead to messy results.

11 - You have two choices to complete this process and make your manicure last.

(1) You can dry nails with a blow dryer or similar device set on slow speed at a moderate temperature. You should keep hands positioned under heat source for at least three minutes and then sit still, touch nothing, and wait for another minute or two to avoid smudges or smears that will ruin your efforts.

(2) You can skip the dryer process and sit still, touch nothing and wait for at least five minutes to creating lasting results that will make your manicured nails look their best.

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp

In today’s high-stress world, a visit to a spa can provide a much needed renewal for your mind, body and soul. If you don’t have the time and/or money to head to the nearest spa or resort, consider creating your own. Experience the benefits of a day at the spa by creating a near-professional spa in your own home. Here are some ideas for transforming you bathroom into a relaxing spa retreat.

SPA TREATMENTS
Widely used in spas, bath salts or salt scrubs made with sea salts are wonderful for their detoxifying properties. The Romans, Greeks and other European cultures have long believed in the benefits of healing through bathing in hotsprings.

SPA TOOLS
If you’re giving yourself a body treatment, have a body brush, loofah or sponge within easy reach. One of the best ways to revive skin is to exfoliate before you get in the shower. The ancient spas of Japan were known for their dry brushing techniques. Gently brush your body using circular motions with a soft body brush, starting at the feet and working your way up. This light brushing technique removes dead skin cells while stimulating circulation.

DRY OFF
Pamper yourself with classic and elegant spa garb – a luxuriously thick white terrycloth robe. If you don’t have a robe handy, find your fluffiest, softest towel. For an unmatched toasty treat, heat your robe or towel in the dryer before using.

MOISTURIZE
Water from the bath has a drying effect on the skin. To make the most of your skin replenishment, keep a special body lotion for spa days – one with an aroma that you enjoy.

Chere Deshayes is the president of Bath Plantation, a company that specializes in handcrafted bath and spa products. Subscribe to her FREE newsletter at http://www.bathplantation.com/newsletter.html or visit her site at http://www.bathplantation.com.