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.

Spa Defined had a MAKE OVER

After 3 years and almost HALF A MILLION visitors, Spa Defined needed a little Pampering!

New headshots (hey, I'm in my 30's now and needed an update!), New Blog, New Spas added, New Logo (which signifies rolling hills, vineyards and ocean waves!), new partnerships, new articles ... and so much more!

Plus with all of my travels, how could I not incorporate that into the new Spa Defined? The new philosophy is Escape, Experience, Explore and I am so excited about this because I want Spa Defined to inspire people to Spa AND Travel ... spa-ing is indulging, but spa-ing in some of the most beautiful places in the world is a complete experience of the senses.

Spa Defined is still centered around Santa Barbara Spas, each still having their individual pages and reviews, but I have also added spas in Napa, Italy and Destination Spas.

Welcome to the new Spa Defined!

P.S. Grazie mille to Ricky Mia, my very, patient business partner, for working with me and discussing ideas, thoughts and content and creating the new look!

Spa Defined Featured on Girlfriends Celebrations Blog!

I recently wrote about planning a fall getaway with girlfriends and it's published on Girlfriends Celebrations Blog! I love their blog -- so fun, so informative and SO pink!

I will be contributing to Girlfriend Celebrations, highlighting spa getaways -- I think I need one! How about you?

This is a photo of me a my new gal pals in Siena Tuscany a year ago when we created our own getaway with a picnic (cheese and wine of course), facial masks and hiking to a natural hot springs hidden in the hills of Tuscany.

Local Spa hosts seminar on Energy & Stress

Do you lack energy by mid or late afternoon?

Are you overwhelmed by tasks that once were a breeze?


Discover how you respond to Stress and how
it Impacts your Health and Wellbeing!

Join Carol Stalker & Kristine Reyes, C.N.C.

Sunday, September 14th at 1:00 pm

SKIN ESSENTIALS
1482 E. Valley Rd., Ste. 6
Montecito, CA 93108

Take advantage of this FREE opportunity to hear sensible answers to all your questions about nutrition & health.

Space is limited so make your reservation now.
Bring a friend & receive a FREE GIFT!

For reservations call Julie, 805-695-8699