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OK, so this post isn't exactly spa related...but humor me because it's related to fitness and, let's face it, we're all hoping to look better under those spa robes. So, I wanted to share with you my little secret. Since August I've been dance-r-sizing. And, I am happy to report, the results aren't half bad. I've been going to Heartbeat House, a self described non-competitive dance/workout/fitness studio in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. On Monday nights I take Awesome 80s Dance Party, Wednesday Zumba or African Dance and on Friday it's about kicking the weekend off with Cardio Ballet Barre. Classes are fun, relatively inexpensive and I typically leave drenched in sweat. I admit sometimes I feel a little silly, especially with passersby peering into the store-front window. But hey, it's a good escape from the monotony of the YMCA.
I've been feeling run down as of late. Maybe it was the whirlwind trip to Las Vegas for CES last week? CES is partially to blame I'm certain. But, it's more than that. So, I'm taking Thursday and Friday off and with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday that makes for a 5-day weekend. I promise I'm not trying to make you jealous. But, I have been trying to figure out what to do with 5 days off in a row. (Send me your ideas if you have any.)
With some good snow falling in the Pacific Northwest I've been dreaming up a last minute trip to Whistler to snowboard. And then, this afternoon an email landed in my inbox. Scandinave Spa Whistler opens January 30. Think traditional Onsen, Finnish saunas and hot springs nestled into the gorgeous Whistler mountains. The pictures look amazing and the treatments are sure to be worth it after a long day on the mountain. With my typical snowboarding buddy out for the season with a knee injury I couldn't find anyone to make the trip this weekend. And now, I have a reason to wait for the end of the month. Please someone...help make this dream come true.
Photo by Brigitte Sire.Goodbye 2009, hello 2010. I had tea with my 89-year old grandmother (and kind of my life mentor) on New Year's day and talked about my resolution for 2010. Balance. For at least the last six months (if not my entire life) I've been a little "unbalanced." So, in 2010, I strive to bring a little more balance to my life. Read, take time outs, work less, play more, snowboard often, travel, write, love, eat, cook, decompress. (Oh, and spa visits at least once monthly!) I'm looking forward to what life brings in 2010. What's your resolution?
Kick off 2010 with a fresh start and a fresh face. The Foundation at Barneys in Beverly Hills has two skincare events coming up in January. The Fresh Facial event on January 17 includes a facial and shoulder massage. If that's not your style, check out the Shu Uemura facial event on January 22. For the New Yorkers, enjoy a complimentary (yup, I said free) 45-minute Jurlique Signature Facial on January 5. Here's the scoop. Give your face a 180 degree turn.Image by Joseph Newton.
After a couple weeks off, I'm back. I guess I could blame my absence on a few crazy work weeks mixed with the madness of the holiday season. I could, but I won't. A lot has happened and there's much to catch up on. Here's a quick look back at what I've been up to and some exciting things to look foward to in 2010. Hope you're all enjoying the holidays. Spend some relaxing with friends and family and take some time for yourself. It's so needed at this time of year. xoxoA look back
Coming up
Image by Justin Krietemeyer (taken from our Holiday-Related Event invitation)
Happened upon an estate sale in Burbank last weekend landed myself a few pairs of new shoes. Correction: Make that nine pairs of shoes. Yes, I went a little overboard. But at $10 a pair on unworn vintage heals and boots, I couldn't resist. This woman was a fan of the peep toe which means I'll be in need of some regular tender-loving foot care. Anyone recommend a good place in Los Angeles for a reasonably priced pedi?
Since you're the most knowledgeable spa aficionado I know, do you have any suggestions for a great facial?
XO -joycie
First off, aficionado? Joycie, you flatter me. So, I spent some time trolling my mental encyclopedia of past treatments and came up with the following suggestions.
- The Clinic at Kate Somerville - O.K., confession, as you'd know if you read my recent post about The Clinic, I've never actually had a facial at Kate Somerville. But, I've always wanted one. Is that good enough? From others' rave reviews, it sounds like aestheticians at The Clinic are miracle workers. If I ever get around to booking a treatment you can expect a thorough review.
- dtoxygen facial at Dtox Day Spa - I really should get a discount at Dtox since I'm constantly giving props to the folks there. It's in my hood, so I drop in a lot. Recently I tried out the dtoxygen facial when I was feeling a little, well, down in the dumps and left the place feeling like a goddess. I swear. While this treatment is perfect to get you "camera ready," I stopped in for no special occasion on a weekday evening and reaped the rewards for a week following my treatment. Note: They don't do extractions when you're getting an oxygen treatment so don't do the dtoxygen facial in you want someone to dig in.
- Bliss Spa at the W Hotel - I thought really long and hard about this. And, hands down, the facial I got at Bliss while lounging at the W San Francisco was perhaps the best ever. I haven't been to the spa at the W Westwood (probably because I'm scared to venture west of La Brea) but as long as the West Los Angeles location is on par with its San Francisco counterpart, you can't go wrong.
What's your fav facial?
