Moms in Motion

I would like to recognize one of Spa Defined's members for her work and involvement with Mom's in Motion. Audrey Swanson, owner of ZenSpa, is also a wife and mom of two.

Here's what she shared with me:

Q: What exactly is Mom's in Motion?
A: Moms In Motion® is a Global Network connecting Moms through Fitness, Fun & Philanthropy. Moms meet other moms with similar interests and fitness goals. They develop friendships and get the support and guidance they need to reach their goals. Through our Network, members interact and local teams emerge around a shared fitness goal.Our unique niche of fun, fitness and philanthropy has been embraced by women both nationally and most recently, internationally, with new teams starting each week! Giving back to our community is so important to us that we have adopted and supported numerous charities making life better for thousands of families. Each one of our Moms In Motion® Teams supports a local philanthropy in her community. Raising money, volunteering time, or supplying items of need provided on a charity's wish list are all ways Moms In Motion® helps!

Q: Tell me a little more why you got involved.
A: When we moved back to SB, I wanted to find a way to meet new friends and hopefully some w/ children the same ages as my kids and w/ similar interests. Jamie Allison, the founder of Moms In Motion is a mom at my kids school and of course, organized a walking group on Wed. mornings. I thought that was a perfect way to meet new people, so I joined them every Wednesday. I quickly found out that many of them were involved w/ Jamie's organization and what it involved. I thought that was an amazing concept, moms - fitness philanthropy......perfect! I knew that I would like to join one of their fitness groups as soon as time would allow (I was busy building out ZenSpa)! Thru a neighbor, I found out that my business could sponsor Moms In Motion allowing me to support this amazing group of women, their fitness and philanthropic goals. Perfect!

We recently held an event at ZenSpa for Moms In Motion members. We thought this was a great way to meet some of their members, enjoy wine, appetizers and talk with them about their skin and body care needs as atheletes. At ZenSpa we provide many treatments such as Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and a Peppermint/Seaweed Body Wrap that will release the lactic acid that causes cramping in the muscles of athletes. We look forward to continuing to hold such events for Moms In Motion members every quarter and to our continued support of this local organization.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week

In support of Eating Disorders Awareness Week,
Bellezza Vita is pleased to invite you to an
Evening of Education & Inspiration!

Join us on Thursday, February 28th
7:00- 9:00pm
2410 Lillie Avenue, Summerland

"Embrace your Genes, Wear Jeans that Fit the TRUE You"

Featured Presenters:
Andrea Borgatello, LCSW ~ "It's not about the food" – Understanding Eating Disorders.
Michele Tamarkin, MFT~ "A life worth living" – Sustaining positive change through finding your passion, meaning and purpose!
Chantal Gariepy, RD, CDE~ "Honoring the Female Body" – Exploring the emergence of eating disorders from a cultural and nutritional perspective.

Join us in the Great Jeans Giveaway!
Too often individuals struggle against their natural, genetically influenced size just to fit into that pair of "skinny jeans" in the back of their closets. In support of this special event,
Bellezza Vita will be offering a 25% discount on a spa service for each individual who donates a pair of jeans that no longer fit their "true self"!
All jeans will be donated to a local charity.

Your RSVP is appreciated – Bellezza Vita 805.969.7300

Spa, Support locally owned & Save Money!

Valentines Day has come and gone ... but who says that's the only day to indulge in couple's massages? I did a little research with the cost of couple's massages and it's not the most affordable treatment on the menu. However, if your budget is limited and you want to enjoy a massage with your sweetie, consider visiting one of the smaller boutique spas in Santa Barbara instead of the larger resort spas. And ... it's not just about budget -- these charming small spas are extremely personable -- you will appreciate the extra pampering!

Price comparison:

Bacara Resort: 50 minute couples massage: $325, 80 minute $470
Four Seasons: 50 minute couples massage: $290, 80 minute $420

Cielo: 60 minute couples massage: $200
Montecito Bodyworks: 2.5 hours Couples Massage Workshop $225

Don't like Wrinkles? Sun Spots?

~FRIENDLY REMINDER~

S'bia's Education Night is THIS Thursday!

Look Forward to:
Informative info on LASERS, INTENSE PULSED LIGHT & TIGHTENING DEVICES,
Presented by Laurie Grizzard, BSN, RN
Catering by ELEMENTS, LA FOND WINERY, JEANNINES
$500 SUNGLASSES GIVEAWAY from Dr. Michael Paveloff's Vision Center
When: THIS THURSDAY, Feb 21st, 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: First Bank 1035 State Street, Santa Barbara
RSVP: 966-2894

Platinum Facial Treatment

This past Saturday I experienced the Platinum Facial Treatment at Evolutions Medical Spa. This is not a pampering facial, but a medical aesthetics treatment which takes about 45 minutes and can be administered by an esthetician. Brian Perkins, Managing Partner for Evolutions, explained this treatment to me before I came in and so I was so excited by the concept and the results.

Nancy Kelley, an esthetician for almost 30 years, administered the treatment. Nancy was so knowledgeable and further explained the treatment to me. Nancy used the Mesoderm, a medical device which uses a process called electroporation allowing channels in the skin to open and allow therapeutic products to penetrate deeper into the skin. Five minutes after the treatment I looked in the mirror and noticed results -- super hydration from the hyaluronic acid infused into my skin and softer lines. My skin even looked plumped! The Platinum treatment was painless and results will last about a week. A series of 6-8 weekly treatments is recommended to extend the refreshed look.

The staff at Evolutions have been not only professional, but extremely down-to-earth and friendly. I met Mrs. Perkins last weekend for the photo tour -- she designed the decor and concept of the spa; she is such a nice woman. Nancy my esthetician and Carrie the patient coordinator were so helpful and friendly -- I could have just stayed all afternoon talking with them about this treatment and that treatment. And of course Brian Perkins, Managing Partner of Evolutions, conveys the utmost professionalism. He met with me briefly right after the facial to see what I thought of the treatment (note: having a discussion or meeting with someone post-facial can be a little awkward given the "post facial" hair and dazed/relaxed facial expression one might have!) Then Brian followed up today asking about the results and any potential side effects that I may have experienced -- (I had minor redness on my cheek bones because I have sensitive skin). This treatment would be great to look your best for an event or something else special where you just want to look refreshed with a natural glow. Keeping in mind if you have sensitive skin, schedule this treatment a couple of days before the event.

I am also just so excited about the new downtown location for Evolutions! What a beautiful, welcoming space for the medical spa; upon entering you'll hear the sound of a trickling waterfall and the lighting and design concept captures the concept of spa health and beauty. Visit Evolutions on Spa Defined and take a look at the photo tour!

Fun Friday Spa-ing around SB

My morning started with a photoshoot at Michele Wilder Nail Lounge & Boutique -- I am so excited to have them as new Spa Defined members! Spa Defined's photographer, Ricky Mia, took great shots and they really show the personality of the boutique -- look for them on Spa Defined by the end of the weekend!

Late morning I headed to Cielo Day Spa to catch up with owner Roxanne and check out the cozy spa's NEW brochures and gift certificates (perfect for Valentine's Day!) We talked about her representation in Health and Beauty Directory and then she pointed out some new additions to her cottage spa -- beautiful new carpet, beautiful framed article with a mention of Cielo and now she offers couple's massages -- also perfect for Valentine's Day (or any day for that matter!)

Cielo has 2 rooms for rent!!! One room is 70 square feet -- $600/month and the other room is 800 square feet and $700/month. Both rooms have a window and are so cute! Cielo is located in a great location, just off State Street next to Salon U and has private parking. For more information contact Roxanne.

After working and getting treatments with the girls at S'bia (I love my brows Steph!), I went to dinner with my friends Julia and Nicole at Piatti in Montecito; Julia is an acupuncturist and will be demonstrating facial acupuncture on Monday to the esthetician students I teach! I can't wait!

Tomorrow ... a meeting with Cade, the publisher of Health and Beauty Directory and then a spa review at Evolutions in the afternoon! Can't wait to tell you about it!

Learn about Lasers & IPL!

Mark Your Calendars! S'Bia, Santa Barbara Institute of Aesthetics is hosting an Education Night!

Topic: Lasers, Intense Pulsed Light, Tightening Devices:

Learn how to soften fine lines, remove un-wanted hair and sun spots and tighten skin for a more youthful appearance!

Presenter: Laurie Grizzard, BSN, RN of S'Bia

Day & Time: February 21st, 5:30-7:30 pm

Location: National First Bank, 1035 State Street

RSVP: 966-2894

Enjoy: Wine from La Fond Winery, Catering by Elements and Jeannines

Raffle for a $500 Pair of Sunglasses for Paveloff Vision Center!

Bring Friends and receive discounts on your next treatment!

Let's Talk Hormones

Last Sunday I attended an educational seminar at Skin Essentials in Montecito. The event was catered by Pane e Vino and the guests dined on the patio. It was a break from the rain and a great afternoon to sit outside and enjoy the best Italian food in town.

Dr. Elkin, the new medical director at the spa, spoke about nutritional counseling and hormonal imbalances ... and how to balance. I went with my friend Monica who is also an esthetician and I'll be honest -- we were the youngest women there, but ... it was very informative and revealing to hear the questions and concerns from women in their 40's, 50's and 60's. We got a glimpse into what we should expect and how to prepare for and prevent the negative side effects of hormone changes.

Now clients of Skin Essentials can utitlize the resources Dr. Elkin offers; he is available to clients in Montecito by making an appointment through Skin Essentials. See you at the next seminar!

Couples Special for Valentines!

ZenSpa Announces:

Couples Package

Honey and Sugar Body Polish
Swedish Massage
Zen Facial

$430 per couple/3 hours
Includes a complimentary glass of champagne, a chocolate covered strawberry and
red currant foot soak prior to your treatment!

LOVE PACKAGE:

Honey and Sugar Body Polish
Warm Honey Body Wrap
Swedish Massage
Zen Facial

$325 / 4 hours
Includes a complimentary glass of champagne, a chocolate covered strawberry and
red currant foot soak prior to your treatment!

Packages are good thru February 29, 2008

Call 845-4701 or visit ZenSpa

Think Pretty. Be Polished

What a cute mantra that is -- Think Pretty. Be Polished. That's certainly how I felt after my pedicure at Michele Wilder Nail Lounge & Boutique (see my review below!) So I wanted to pass on a a great Valentines Special ...

They are spreading valentine’s love and offering 20% of all treatments and 10% of all apparel & accessories

Come in and try our new favorite pedicure with your choice of red, white or sparkling wine…

Mint Chocolate Pedicure
nothing is more decadent than the artful pairing of brisk, cooling peppermint and indulgent organic chocolate. taking a nod from one of america’s favorite treats, the peppermint patty, we’ve combined our peppermint soaking syrup, chocolate sugar scrub, chocolate renewing masque and cooling peppermint foot crème.

To redeem this offer, mention you saw this on Spa Defined any time between
february 1-29, 2008

1a west canon perdido street
(805) 966-6848

I'm Wild about the New Nail Boutique and Lounge

Last Saturday I ventured downtown amongst the SB Film Festival crowd and found relaxation at Michele Wilder Nail Boutique and Lounge on Canon Perdido Street (just a few doors down from Nordstroms).

Situated so adorably, you'll notice a hanging powder-pink sign that reads Michele Wilder Nail Lounge & Boutique and just outside the door of the boutique is a little chalk board sign with Sale Inside written with pastel-colored chalk. If you're walking by, it's just too adorable to just pass by...instead, hesitate ... peak in the door and the boutique presence invites and welcomes you in.

Named after the middle names of the two sisters who own the business - Jaime Michele and Robyn Wilder, this quaint shop has an antiquey feeling with old chandeliers and framed, vintage, black and white photos of their family all over the shop. The boutique carries high-end, trendy clothing and jewelry by LaLa, which is creatively displayed in the shop as if you were looking through your own little closet. I can't wait to add Michele Wilder Nail Lounge & Boutique to Spa Defined to show you the great personality through the photo tour! Look for it on Spa Defined just before Valentines Day!

Jaime gave me a little tour around the shop, offering little stories about the black and white photos and then offered a glass of wine, tea, mimosa or champagne. On one side of the lounge are four comfy, brown leather chairs; I made myself cozy in one of them and sipped a glass of red wine. For preparation of the pedicure, I had a foot soak in a copper tin bowl, filled with hot stones and water; lemongrass salt was sprinkled in the water for a clean, refreshing aromatherapy. Heidi, a manicurist for over 25 years, gave a divine Touch of Thai pedicure which included a leg and foot massage using Bella Lucce Thai Coconut Lemongrass Silk and Honey Lotion -- it smells so refreshing and felt rich and creamy and the foot scrub/exfoliation and massage nearly put me to sleep.

Michele Wilder Nail Lounge only uses organic and non-toxic nail polish lines -- Spa Ritual and Zoya . I chose a dark espresso color for my pedicure and I love it! I went home with Green Tea and Crushed Rice Body Scrub by Bella Lucce and the Thai Coconut Lemongrass creamy lotion. The whole experience was so delightful ... a boutique where I can shop and get a pedicure -- what a great idea for busy women! To schedule a pedi or mani ... visit their boutique at 1a Canon Perdido St. or call 966-6848