Meatloaf vs Tofu: Spa Cuisine at Four Seasons

I'm so excited about writing a monthly column for Girlfriend Celebrations! This month I wrote about my indulging in the unexpected (delicious) tofu after my cooking class at the California Health and Longevity Institute located at the Four Seasons Westlake. You read the article ... and I'm going to go order a pizza (with less cheese per the advice of my nutritional consult!) Buon Appetito!

Writing about my Naked Self

Three years ago when I turned 30, I tried to come up with something fun and creative to do ... I think I was successful. 30 is young, I know it (okay, maybe not to the 20-something's reading this), but already having noticed subtle changes in my body (some I was warned about and other's came as quite a surprise -- hello chin hair), I wanted to recognize my good health, and my girly curves, knowing each year that passed would bring changes. 30 was a milestone and what with all of the ideas behind "beauty" these days, I felt it appropriate to celebrate my curves. So ... I posed nude for a sketch.

And do you know what encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone? Coastal Woman Magazine ... that's right; the editor Barbara actually said "Ya, sounds interesting" to my wanting to write about this crazy idea experience of mine. So, not only did I go through with it, I wrote about it for Coastal Woman Magazine (feature article: Real Women Have Curves) and as if that wasn't scary and satisfying enough, when I emailed my article to Barbara I was SO nervous, hoping she would like it (every writer I think is scared to push the "send" button to their editor.) So when Barbara emailed me back, I didn't open the email for two days afraid of what it said, (My imagination said, "Uhhh... ya, I really don't think our readers are going to want to know about your Naked Self Melissa. Try again.) Instead, Barbara commented that she really liked it; I think her exact words were "This is good; this is really good." I got many positive, encouraging emails from women telling me about how the article encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone or how it reminded them of how fortunate they are to have a healthy body.

So when I recently got an email from Barbara explaining that Coastal Woman was closing shop because of the economic hurdles, well, it completely bummed me out and then I thought of all of the funny, informative and inspiring articles I've read through the years in CW and remembered how Coastal Woman helped me step out of my comfort zone and actually write about it.

So Barbara, when I think of Coastal Woman, I think of being naked (for 3 hours in a cold room, posed in the same position) ... and it makes me happy -- happy that I did something that stirred creative writing and my spirit. Thank you for being a big part of that experience for my 30th birthday.

Fans of CW -- What about you? How did the magazine encourage, inspire or motivate you? I would love to hear about it -- either post a comment on this blog or email me at melissa@spadefined.com

Spa in Santa Barbara FOR SALE

Peaches Skincare Spa is FOR SALE!

Peaches is a Santa Barbara tradition and in an adorable, unique location. The current owner's lawyer has all of the profits and loss info, and they will net over $100,000 by the end of the year.

It's a great opportunity for an eager esthetician who wants to own and operate an turn key spa, with a large and loyal client base. It's listed for $59,000.00

Email Nicole at peachesskincare@aol.com for more information.

Discount on Laser Skin Tightening & Vein Therapy!

Skin Essentials has merged with Coastal Lasers Aesthetics and is offering a 25% discount on the services!

Face & Neck

Normally $1,000, NOW $750

Leg Veins

Normally $300 -- 15 minutes, NOW $200 for 15 minutes

Call to schedule a complimentary consultation~

805-695-8699

Ojai Valley Inn

I've been so busy traveling and visiting spas in Italy or Napa or Santa Barbara, can you believe I had never experienced Ojai Valley Inn until last week?! Ojai Valley Inn is recognized consistently by Spa and Travel Magazines and websites; one of the most beautiful spas is practically in my backyard and I have waited too long to visit!

I spent an entire Sunday at the resort; the 45-minute drive to Ojai from Santa Barbara was actually my first "ahhhh"; this time of year, the weather was perfect for a country drive. If you visit the Ojai Valley Inn website you can see just how breathtaking it is, but it isn't until you are actually walking on the grounds, noticing the mountain views, wildflowers, and all around beauty, can you really feel and sense the splendor.

I had arrived early to enjoy an entire spa day and indulge in all of the spa ammenities. Before my massage, I warmed my muscles in the outdoor whirlpool. I had a 50-minute aromatherapy massage; Jessica was my therapist and she was confident and intentional with her massage. At first, I wondered why she didn't ask me how much pressure I wanted for the massage (this is a typical question at the beginning of the session -- deep or light pressure), but then I could see, she intuitively knew what I needed and she had a deep massage touch which was perfect. And ... Jessica was extremely accomodating when we realized the heater on the bed wasn't working and I was a bit chilly; she made sure I was comfortable. Her energy and technique overall were delightful!

After my massage I lounged in the relaxation room a bit and then was escorted the the pedicure room. One of my esthetician students, Randi, is a massage therapist at the Inn and she highly recommended the pedicure, so I took her suggestion! Honestly, I thought, now how would this be different or any better than all of the other pampering pedicures I have received? But ... wow! Nina was my pedicurist and after picking a perfect fall espresso nail color, I sat in a big, comfy chair, soaking my feet in water with essential oils; here's the fun part ... Nina then actually reclined the chair all the way back as if I were laying down in bed. While she massaged feet and legs and proceeded with the pedicure, I drifted off to sleep! I was SO relaxed and I LOVED this pedicure....okay, yes, this is my FAVORITE pedicure ever. I have had so many wonderful treatments at my fave places in town and they are all special for different reasons, but the combination of foot soak, hot tea and reclining chair with an extra long scrub and massage on feet and legs ... well, it's incredible. I think the two most important things that set it apart and make it that special are Nina and the chair!

I finished the day with a delicious cobb salad from the spa cafe and then took a refreshing walk around the property. When it comes to spas, I actually LOVE details (otherwise details aren't my forte), but if there were a detail that I noticed that was less spectacular than I expected, it would be the relaxation room. It was more of a waiting area than a relaxation area; it lacked that cozy feeling that I get when I visit so many other spas. Often times the relaxation room is SO comfy, it's like a mini spa time and I like to spend time lounging, reading and relaxing.

Overall, my day at the Ojai Valley Inn was a Sunday of solitude; I really was in awe of the dreamy property, as I strolled along the sidewalks, followed by friendly bees because of all of the sweet wildflowers. Thank you Jessica and Nina for a perfect spa day and thank you Randi for your recommendations!

Event for Breast Cancer Research

A little more than a year ago, my best friend Kiley was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy, then chemo and has been recovering for a year. Kiley has never smoked and was only 31 when she was diagnosed. It just seems so insane and unfair to me that a mother of 2, so young and vibrant would be diagnosed with such an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Unfortunately, we all know someone who has dealt with this horrible disease and fortunately, more and more research is being done. The Four Seasons Westlake will be hosting "Cure of the Canyons" to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This will be an amazing event and I hope to see you there! Here's the info:

(LOS ANGELES; September 11, 2008) - “Cure in the Canyons II,” THE luxury lifestyle-fest for Breast Cancer Research will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 from 11am – 4pm at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village to raise funds for innovative medical and clinical research. This luxury lifestyle-fest will be set between sequoia trees and cascading waterfalls and provide an afternoon filled with the best of lifestyle, beauty, wellness, epicurean and fashion influences. By sustaining the research, the goal is attainable.

Guest will explore five scenic acres and experience nirvana in many luxury cabanas with free beauty and spa treatments.

Guests will also enjoy Malibu Family Wines, Hampton's Restaurant (California Cuisine), Onyx (Asian Cuisine), culinary delights from Chef is Chef (cooking school), Chocolates à la Carte, Wonderful Pistachios, Dole, Glacéau & Korbel and then bask in a special Kerstin Florian ‘calm mind’ facial relaxation treatment. Revolution Tea debuts it’s new all natural 3D Iced Tea while Sony CIERGE provides their unique concierge services to guests as they peruse the 2009 Lexus Luxury Hybrids.

Shannon Tweed and Sophie Tweed Simmons of Gene Simmons Family Jewels return for the second year as Honorary Hosts of Cure in the Canyons Luxury-Fest for Breast Cancer Research. Shannon and Sophie along with Lorraine Toussaint, currently starring in TNT’s hit Saving Grace, will host a Tea Party for Breast Cancer survivors in the Rose Garden from 12:30 – 1p. Revolution Teas will be served with expertly prepared dainties by Chef Soerke Peters of Chef is Chef.

The afternoon will also feature something just for the gentlemen - The Club Car, a special Men’s ultra-lounge will provide premium beverage service and spa treatments…and that's just the beginning.
All guests will depart with an eco-friendly Envirosax, reusable gift bag full of goodies– all to benefit Breast Cancer Research.
Save the Planet – Carpool to the event and receive a gift from Guess Tote for everyone in the vehicle!
Everyone must arrive together in the same vehicle and appear at registration to receive the carpool incentive. The gift is limited to the first 250 carpoolers.
Over 700 guests are expected to attend this afternoon of luxury to raise money for Breast Cancer research & awareness. Book your ticket now before it sells out - See You There. Can’t Wait!

Who: Cure in the Canyons / USC Norris / Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
What: “Cure in the Canyons II” THE luxury lifestyle-fest for Breast Cancer Research to raise funds for innovative medical and clinical research. By sustaining the research, the goal is attainable.
When: Sunday, October 5, 2008, 11am – 4pm Green Carpet Arrivals, 11:15am
Where: Four Season Hotel Westlake Village 2 Dole Drive Westlake Village, 91362 P: 818.575.3000 Web site: http://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/
Cost: General admission $55.00 & includes gift bag Valet parking $10, Self-parking $5
Tickets: To purchase tickets go to: www.cureinthecanyons.com

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RED CARPET CELEBRITY SUBMISSIONS: Red Carpet arrivals start at 11:15am. To submit your client, please contact Kim Koury at kim@spinprgroup.com or 310.497.6324.

Too cute not to mention on my Blog!

Mary, one of the new esthetician students in the evening course I teach, forwarded me the website for Cocoon Urban Day Spa in San Francisco. Well, the page displaying their waxing services was just too cute and creative, I had to blog about it! Enjoy ... and then go see your esthetician about those Butterflies.

Call in Sick!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I fully support and encourage taking a mental health day to just get away! Perhaps you can't take a week vacation or even a weekend away, but how about just ONE day?? You deserve it!

One of my FAVE spas, Four Seasons Westlake is offering a blissful package to get away just for a day. I have completely indulged at the Four Seasons Westlake, taking a cooking class, getting a massage and swimming in the pool! Check our this great mini vacation ...

IT’S TIME FOR A DAYCATION WITH A NEW SPA DAY PACKAGE AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE
Looking to ease the transition from summer into fall? A new day package at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village offers a wellness-inspired retreat, ideal for local residents and girlfriend getaways. This package includes a 50-minute spa treatment and all-day access the 16,000-square-foot Fitness Center and pool, including daily classes. Intrepid day trippers also enjoy entrance to the outdoor adults-only Serenity Pool at The Spa, including half-day cabana rental and a poolside lunch. Daycationers do not need to be guests of Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. The Daycation is just $225 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuities. Groups reserving six packages or more receive a 10 percent discount.

An extensive menu of spa treatments and therapies allows guests to customize their Daycation, such as a refreshing facial utilizing products from Kerstin Florian and True. An array of massage options such as traditional Thai, craniosacral and reiki complement the highly popular therapist’s choice, which incorporates elements of Swedish, shiatsu and reflexology. Body treatments, scrubs and wraps are also options for a Daycation, including the aromatherapy immersion wrap or the eucalyptus-basil sea salt exfoliation.

For additional relaxation, guests can upgrade to a half-day Spa Suite rental starting from an additional $175. Spa Suites include daybeds for relaxation, private gardens with plunge pools, Swiss showers and other amenities for a pampered respite. Guests can also reserve a Wellness Kitchen cooking class and luncheon at California Health & Longevity Institute for an additional $90 per person. This hands-on experience is led by a Registered Dietitian-Chef who inspires guests to create nutritious foods at home and transform their eating habits through tips and recommendations shared during the class. The Daycation package is priced per person and inclusive of tax and gratuities. This package is based upon availability and excludes Saturdays for individuals, Saturdays and Sundays for groups. Some signature spa treatments are excluded. To reserve a Daycation or for more information, please call (818) 575-3010 or visit www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage.