Lying face down on a comfortable table with a soft blanket draped over your back, you look around at the candles illuminating the dimly-lit room as you let the soothing spa music lull you into a tranquil state of relaxation. This is my happy place, and it’s my favorite way to relax and recharge. There are a few things you can do to make your massage experience perfect!
TREAT YO’ SELF
FOOT SOAK
So, you’re telling me you are going to pay someone to let you stick your feet in water? Yes and no. It’s more of an experience. To me, it felt like the moment during a massage where you lay on the table waiting for the masseuse to come in and you’re listening to the relaxing music and hear no one call you Mommy. It’s so relaxing and no one is even touching you.
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF A FOOT SOAK?
Ok…the salon says, “It is said that the feet mirror the body, corresponding to different organs and systems. In our custom foot soaks, we use different salt blends to try and replicate the waters of natural hot springs which are high in minerals. These minerals are believed to have healing properties when absorbed by the skin.” Interesting. What I got out of it was relaxation, a calm mind, time to myself, and my own quiet oasis…for 30 minutes.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SOAKS?
What do I love about this box?
Since I have two girls, I find it a huge responsibility to empower them to know they are fierce, compassionate, and can do anything they put their minds to. I love that Sanaya Set, a seasonal subscription box, has a high set of values that mirror my own. Their company was founded on the premise that each of us can make a positive impact and determine our own future. They feel strongly about intersectional feminism: understanding our overlapping identities and how these factors impact the way we experience oppression and discrimination.
Empowered women empower women!
This is one of the key morals I hope to teach my girls…always build up other women and never push them down.
What does Sanaya mean?
Sanaya is named after Tarul’s daughter, and it means
DISTINGUISHED, DIFFERENT IN A GREAT WAY.
NATURA CAVE SPA, GROTTO BAY BEACH RESORT, BERMUDA: Located in Hamilton Parish, this spa has the most amazing location…inside a cave! Stalagmites were dripping and the water of the underground pools reflected the flickering candles. The hot stone massage I had included a cleansing and exfoliation. After the massage, we were able to swim in Cathedral Cave. It was a once in a lifetime experience.
THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK, STOWE, VT: I had the pleasure of spending 5 blissful hours at this fabulous spa! My first treatment was the Stowe Cider Uber Scrub, followed by the Hydra Facial. After all my pampering I was able to use their Healing Suite. Here I use the jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna, followed by an amazing swim in their heated outdoor pool. I would highly recommend a trip to this stunning resort during any season!
Treat Yo’ Self
January: Massage!
Tips for Getting the Best Massage
You are lying face down on a comfortable table with a soft blanket draped over your back. You look around at the candles illuminating the dimly-lit room as you let the soothing spa music lull you into a tranquil state of relaxation. A massage is my favorite way to relax and recharge. There are a few things you can do to make your massage experience perfect!
BEFORE YOUR MASSAGE:
· ARRIVE EARLY– You often have to fill out forms and you’ll want some extra time to relax in the lounge in those fluffy cotton robes.
· TALK TO YOUR MASSEUSE– They want you to have a wonderful experience and need to know your expectations. Tell them what you want to get out of this massage (Relaxation? Tension release?). Is there any part of your body that hurts? What kind of pressure do you prefer? Tell them what you’re comfortable with and if there’s any medical history that will affect your massage.
· FOOD– Stay away from large meals or too many drinks before your massage. You won’t feel comfortable if you suddenly have to use the bathroom.
TREAT YO’ SELF!
Kids, relationships, work, health, money, household chores…the list of stressors are never ending! You WILL have stress in your life…that’s a given. The only aspect of stress you can control is HOW you respond to it. When you’re balancing so much, even de-stressing can seem like just another thing on your to-do list. Every now and then you need to give yourself permission to put yourself first and take some time to relax and regroup. This is my resolution for 2019…make a conscious effort for more ‘Me Time’ so I have more serenity to offer my family.
This is how Treat Yo’ Self came to be! Every month I will focus on ways to relax or pamper yourself and write about this act of wellness. These could include treatments, products, activities, retreats, or home remedies. Hopefully it will inspire you to also make some time for yourself…you deserve it!
If you have any ideas or experiences you want to share…drop me a line and I’ll gladly feature you! I know I have some readers who have had some great spa experiences and also some that have chosen to make a lifestyle out of wellness, so I’d love to hear from you to bounce some ideas off of you!
Treat Yo’ Self January will be all about MASSAGE!!