sensual overload

i had one of the best days yesterdays and i totally needed it. ladies, you can vouch for me. every few weeks we get into one of those moods where a good crying fest sounds really good, cookies and cream ice cream is the only answer and you just hate men in general. can i get an amen?!

well i was just coming out of that mood this week when wednesday appeared. i spent the morning and early afternoon at elle comm speaking with some representatives from fashion houses like canali, armani exchange, balenciaga, bvlgari, david yurman and hugo boss for an event our team is promoting. seriously, how cool is that?

then i made my way over to the se spa at the se hotel downtown. i had written a few pieces on the hotel's spa for discoversd here and here and here and the spa director offered an Indian Swara treatment. my esthetician was amazing. she guided me through a questionaire to find out what ayurvedic dosha i was. i'm somewhere in between a pitta and kapha. she said that i have a ton of energy, schedule too many things in my days and sometimes find it hard to make time for myself. yup, that's about right.

the treatment was amazing. it started off with a steam in my personal sauna, then an abayanga, where warm oil slowly dripped from above onto my hair and the perimeter of my forehead during the shirodhara process. i have this weird sensitivity at the nape of my neck. if i was a dude, i would have totally gotten a boner :) while the oil was soaking into my hear, my esthetician tavi gave me the best scalp massage. she scratched my head, adjusted my spine and pulled my hair from either direction. and i'm always down for that kind of treatment. the treatment ended with a massage with ayurvedic oils, an application of powdered herbs and minerals that turned into a scrub and a detoxifying body wrap. as i laid there, tavi gave me a headset and the massage bed beneath me began to vibrate in sync with the bass of the music. amazing. the sounds started out as smooth instrumental lullabies and then turned into a latin dance party all of the sudden. it was so intense and my body was all sweaty from the wrap. it was seriously better than sex. mind-blowing, and i just had to lay there! i rinsed off under a waterfall shower head and i felt like a totally new woman.

three hours later i came up to the surface brighter, more relaxed and totally rejuvenated. but just as soon as i took a cleansing breath of air, i was already on my way to see company of thieves and wendy darling at the belly up.

the show was totally amazing. i fell in love with a drummer and stole my very first set list. i think i rocked it on my first concert review and the link on thedeadhub is coming soon and i'll be posting it shortly along with some amazing shots from the photog. but for now, here's a little music video to lure you in:

at the end of this post, i've come to the realization that i need some lovin...like now. any takers??

luxury for less

it seems as if this economic crunch is affecting every aspect of our lives. we're driving less, vacationing less, spending less, eating out less...you name it, we're cutting it back. today i realized that the one aspect of my life that i've cut back on the most is personal pampering.

now don't get me wrong. i'm not that girl that gets fake acrylics every two weeks, or gets a pedicure every three weeks. i don't spend too much on unneccesary beauty products and i don't indulge in a massage every month. and if you are that woman, amen to you sista. you are my muse.

i've invested a large amount of my paycheck into high quality beauty products, like dermalogica skin care that are proven to keep my face clear. i get a facial once every few months, or when i have a massive break out. the one thing i don't let get out of hand, my visits to the beehive every 6 weeks. no man likes a sasquatch, even if they say they don't mind it :)

if i had it my way, i'd go for a monthly massage at my favorite spa in san diego, spa velia. then i'd head to urban calm in east village for the best two hour facial on this planet. one of these days, it'll happen.

but for now, i'm pampering myself wisely and always looking for money saving deals. here are my top picks for incorporating pampering and luxury into your life and not spending a boatload for it.

1. one of the not-so hidden jems in san diego is the reader. those nifty papers are full of advertisements, crazy stories about party crashers, church of the week and where to get the best pho in kearny mesa. on the flipside, new and even seasoned spas, salons, tanning salons and waxing studios are all vying for your attention and your business. last week, i took advantage of a company offering a $24 brazilian wax. next week, i plan on booking an hour massage for half the price at a cute spa that i've always wanted to check out. always be on the look out for companies with offers to new clients. they are eager to show you what they're made of and it's your decision to stay with them or not as part of your monthly beauty regimens.


2. if you've had your eye on an upscale spa but never thought that you could afford their services, check out their website. if they have an email opt-in page, join it. if you're afraid about the spam, enter an email address that you don't use regularly. or, if you're a fan of a particular spa or salon, join their newsletter. you'll be kept to date on monthly events and special promotions. i'm on the mailing list of my neighborhood aveda salon, adora and i get weekly emails about last minute hair cuts and colors. since stylists are trying to book their appointments, the salon offers 20 percent off of particular services and particular times. since the beehive waxing salon is my waxing studio of choice, i'm also on their newsletter mailing list and have saved a good percentage on services throughout the year. this month, they're working with soles4soles and i can get up to $10 off a service just by bringing in a donation of gently worn shoes. and we all know that we have some shoes piling up and are ready for the donation bag.


3. pretty much every neighborhood in sd has some type of beauty college. whether it's for hair care, holistic massage, or acupuncture, our city is bursting with young enthusiasts looking to make a name for themselves in the beauty world. take advantage of this! scour the streets for these colleges and check out what services they offer. today, i got a 60 minute deep tissue massage for $50 at the vitality college of healing arts. the student was eager to get her hands wet, no pun intended, and worked out ALL of my knots and back pain. other colleges you might want to check out: paul mitchell the school in downtown, mueller college of holistic studies and the marinello schools of beauty.


4. if you're so lucky to be blessed with these people in your life, become buddies with an aspiring stylists or aesthetician. they'll need to get some hands-on training hours in and when they graduate and start looking for jobs, they'll need models like you to prove their skills to potential employers. i had a friend whom i met in college and she was pursuing her career in beauty. she needed a model on numerous occassions, which meant that i got a free hair cut or color and i treated her to cocktails and dinner. what a pleasant medium.


5. lastly, treat yourself at home. go into your favorite beauty supply store and browse the aisles for aromatic and natural beauty products. i'm currently into klean bath and body and indulging in the yuzu sugar body polish. just be careful while you're in the shower, things get real slippery :) and anything from bath and body works' true blue line is always awesome.
   

even though we're all in a bit of an economic spaz, it doesn't mean that you have to give up the things that make you happy and serene. with all of the stress you'll be going through about budgets, mortgages and finding a job, you're definitely going to need a few moments to yourself to unwind. just be smart about it and don't be afraid to look around for special savings.

my new favorite north county sanctuary

after a particularly difficult week dealing with work and a messy break up, i was in desperate need to clear my mind and pay a little attention on me. my freelance position with discoversd.com has opened my eyes to search for the latest and most upscale spas and salons in the county. i've known about spa for one sanctuary for a few years but never walked in or introduced myself to the spa owner.

i included spa for one in my list of the top 10 alternative healing spas for discoversd.com and was surprised to hear that she wanted to meet me in person to thank me. the owner, peggy, is one of the sweetest spa owners i have met. i've met quite a few spa managers and owners and they sorta just pop in to put a face to an email and go on their merry way.

peggy welcomed me into her sanctuary and encouraged me to take a breather and leave all of my stress at the door.

spa for one sits atop downtown encinitas on vulcan ave. and their store front can be very misleading. what looks like any other medical building turns into an aromatic, boldly designed loft when you open the doors. each treatment room was lit my candle light or had surf-inspired pictures hanging on the wall to remind you that you are, indeed, still at the beach.

i came in for a foot soak and 40 minute session in the infrared sauna. i was led into the lounge for my soak and was greeted with a fireplace, flat screen tv, water, tea and granola bars. the room was plush and i felt like i was sitting in my own living room with even better accoutrements. the soak was great and finished with a little lavender spritz. i caught up on some reading and completely forgot about how stressed i was that week.

for the record, i NEED an infrared sauna for my own home. this type of dry sauna is heated to 140 degrees, about 40 degrees cooler than the sauna you would find at your local gym. the uv rays sink deeper into your body and helps to eliminate toxins, improve your sun kissed glow and boost your immune system.

the best part of the session: you can burn anywhere from 600 to 900 calories...just sitting there. i was drenched in sweat after the session and definitely felt like i had just finished an hour long kickboxing class. i'd recommend an infrared sauna session to anyone that has a high tolerance for heat and is looking for an aid in detoxing.

the rest of the menu of services boasts revitalizing facials, natural body treatments, waxing, med spa treatments and natural nail care. check out their website to find your own special treatment.

coolest waxing studio in banker's hill

Not only do I love the company's name, but the interior design at The Undercarriage is uber cute and vintage. Originally posted on DiscoverSD.com

Walking into The Undercarriage in Banker's Hill is like stepping foot into your Grandma's finely decorated living room full of antique art and furniture. The only difference is she probably doesn't offer to wax your bikini area or chest hair.

The Undercarriage décor is bright and funky and the ambiance is inviting and warm. Guests are treated as if they are in their own home and receive personal consultations before each visit so treatments are catered to specific and special needs. Owners Kirsten Prunty and Malinda Turner, who have been in the business for over ten years, opened The Undercarriage three years ago with compassionate customer care as the backbone of the company.

Estheticians at The Undercarriage use different waxing techniques based on each client's needs. They use strip wax (soft wax which is spread onto the body and removed with muslin cloth strips), hard wax (wax that hardens on itself), and sugaring wax (the up-and-coming means of hair removal).

Skincare and massage services are also available at this San Diego waxing establishment. Come in for a spa facial or check out the anti-aging and acne treatments. The Rosemary Body Facial is a favorite and stimulates your senses with the application of an aromatic Geranium Grapeseed scrub followed by a shower, application of Epicuren's Rosemary Emulsion and ending with a slather of glycolic cream that leaves your skin supple and dreamy.

one of my favorite day spas in north county

LOVE this spa! Take your honey there and they'll love you forever! Orginally published on DiscoverSD.com

I visited Pukalani Day Spa & Salon in Del Mar on a typical May gray day and was certain that I needed some warming up.

The reception area is full of skin care lines, fresh flowers and water features to stimulate my senses. I was escorted into the women's changing room and met my locker room attendant for the day. She was extremely helpful and put me to ease that anything I needed would be taken care of.

Pukalani offers a wide range of services varying from waxing to permanent make-up, cellulite reduction, massage, medical skin care, hair salon services, and nail treatments. And gentlemen, this Del Mar spa features a private section only for men incase you're weary of others recognizing you during upkeep rituals.

I entered the Hamman steam room, which was hotter than any other steam room I've been in. A hot burst of steam engulfed the room as I walked in, then turned off and settled to a comfortable temperature after a couple minutes. After a quick sweat, I was ready for my Hawaiian Ritual, a 180 minute spa treatment inspired by the island's native florals and techniques. I was guided upstairs into my private room for the next three hours. My aesthetician drew a hot bath for me and added a mixture of coconut milk and frangipani blossom fragrance. It took a few minutes to cool the water down before I could take a dip, but I eventually sunk deep into the hydrotherapy tub.

After a few minutes, my aesthetician returned and proceeded with a coconut crème full body exfoliation, frangipani body butter rub down. She then applied warmed beach stones to melt the butter into my skin and wrapped me into a soothing cocoon. While I was swathed, she gave me a Hawaiian scalp and hair treatment and cold stone facial - a nice contrast to my warmed body. My private room came equipped with a rain shower in which I rinsed off the scrub with the massive rain shower head above me and three shower heads on either side of my body.
The Hawaiian Ritual treatment concluded with a stress relieving massage. This spa day definitely thawed me out of May gray, and I definitely plan on returning the next time the sun decides to hibernate.

just a little male brazilian waxing love

This was one of the funniest articles I had to write for DiscoverSD.com. No introduction necessary.

As uncomfortable and awkward bikini waxes and Brazilians can be, every three to six weeks, us brave women venture to neighboring waxing studio to prime our lady parts for the season. While I’ve given you a long list of places to try out for your next wax, isn’t it time we pay a little attention to the men in our lives and their desperate need for some manscaping? And we’re not talking about a brow or chest wax.

Barbara Galagusz, owner of Skin Trade spa in Encinitas specializes in the male Brazilian wax and offers some tips for virgin males looking into their first treatment.

After all, it’s only fair to reciprocate, right men?

Skin Trade is a private environment offering skin care and full body waxing for men and women. Galagusz is a licensed esthetician and a registered nurse and has a passion for skincare. While she offers facials and chemical peels, her expertise is in male waxing services. Men, listen up: your first waxing will hurt, but not as bad as you may imagine. It’s a quick pain and since your hair and skin is not used to the procedure, it may feel like your skin is being ripped off.

Rest assured, it will be worth it. Take Ibuprofen before your session or apply a “No Scream Cream,” which contains an anesthetic. Some side effects are small bruises or little drops of blood from the pores where the hair is pulled. You’ll want to wax every three to four weeks and hair will become finer and less coarse. Don’t shave between sessions either, as it will counteract the hair growth.

If the procedure wasn’t mortifying enough, Galagusz says some guys get an erection during the procedure. It’s an adrenal response, not a sexual one, so no worries there. And if that wasn’t enough information about finally giving in and getting your first Brazilian, some even say they look bigger when they’re waxed!

Man up and sit through the 15 minutes of pain. I promise, you and your lady friend will enjoy it. Skin Trade in Encinitas
858.395.6195
www.Skintradespa.com

cleanse yourself...inside and out

I'm sure you've all thought about it at some point in time. Yeah, I said it. Getting a colonic isn't the most glamourous spa treatment you can request but it definitely does the trick when you want to clean your system of toxins. Here's a story I did on DiscoverSD.com about Inner Bliss.

For the last few years, I've been interested in colon hydrotherapy, also known as a colonic. I try to eat all organic products and stay away from refined foods as much as possible. I exercise regularly and often times feel like I still need that extra push to get my body to its best capacity. A friend of mine referred me to Inner Bliss Rejuvenation Center in Encinitas for colon hydrotherapy to clean out accumulated waste material in my colon.

Inner Bliss shines with Asian-inspired décor, and is adorned in aromatic candles. Rebecca Enders, the owner, offers diet and lifestyle consulting and designs customized cleanse programs for clients, in addition to colon hydrotherapy. She gave me a detailed explanation of the process, which involves introducing a gentle flow of purified, body temperature water into the colon to soften and eliminate debris. A colonic is especially helpful for those with bloating, gas, low energy, food cravings, and those looking for more normal bowel movements.

I was a bit nervous during my first session, but Rebecca reminded me to breathe and used aromatherapy, gentle massage, acupressure, and foot reflexology to calm my nerves. The session lasted about 45 minutes, during which my colon was gently filled and released and rid of accumulated waste material. For the curious readers out there, you can also see what comes out of your body because the debris passes through a clear and well-lit tube.

After my session, I definitely felt lighter, relaxed and rejuvenated. Be sure to drink plenty of water afterward and don't eat anything too heavy as your body is still detoxifying and eliminating toxins. If you have ever been curious about what can accumulate in your colon, or just want to detox so that you feel more vibrant and energetic, look into colon hydrotherapy and you'll definitely be happy with the results.

Inner Bliss in Encinitas
760.518.0979
www.innerbliss.com

go organic! best eco friendly spas in san diego

If you know me in real life, green is the new pink. I'm all about a more sustainable world and love spreading the word aka scolding people about how to save energy and natural resources. Besides, those reusable shopping bags are WAY cuter anyway! Here is a list of Top 10 Organic Spas that I did for DiscoverSD.com


Even a granola-eating yogi living in San Diego needs to be pampered every now and then.
But even if you're not a hardcore earth advocate, you should know that organic spas in San Diego are the recommended refuges for taking care of your body - one natural product at a time. From organic products to eco-conscious business tactics, discover the top ten organic spas in San Diego.

Spa Velia
One of the newest additions to the Green Spa Network, Spa Velia is under going a green-friendly renovation and offering new organic treatments in their downtown location.

Bergamot
All natural products are used at this spa and salon in Encinitas. A massage in one of the private bungalows will definitely provide a transcendent experience for the mind, body and soul.

Ocean Pearl Spa
Hidden in Carlsbad's hillside Sheraton, Ocean Pearl Spa specializes in organic skincare, massage and body treatments for total mind and body rejuvenation.

Del Mar Skin Care
From facials to waxing and peels, Del Mar Skin Care offers organic, vegan, cruelty free and paraben free skin care products.

Estancia La Jolla
The Spa at Estancia La Jolla uses organic products and is actively working to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Spa at the Grand Del Mar
All of the skin care products at The Spa at Grand Del Mar and are comprised of the purest essential oils, certified herbal and marine extracts and mineral clays.

The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn
The Spa uses herbs grown outside and local produce to conjure up body treatments.

Gaia Spa
A member of the Green Spa Network, Gaia Spa offers organic spa treatments, facials and massage therapies in downtown La Jolla.

Blue Marble at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Atop eco-friendly bamboo floors, Blue Marble features organic skin care products, offers organic munchies for guests, and uses minimal hot water at the facility.

Holistic Traditions
Holistic Traditions in La Jolla offers organic and alternative therapies, like herbal remedies and naturopathy, to better your health and well-being.