June is almost here!

Yes...June is just around the corner bringing with it the official start of summer and the celebration of Father's Day!

What to get Dad? How about something different than just the usual tie or shirt? A great massage with a relaxing sauna afterward to help soothe sore muscles...a pedicure for his tired feet that he is on all day hard at work...or even perhaps a refreshing facial to make him feel special.

Check in or call your local day spa to see what services they may have that might appeal to Dad and to treat him to something different!

What exactly is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the art and science of essential oils which have been extracted and distilled from flowers, stems, leaves, barks, roots, herbs, and has been in use for thousands of years. Yes, thousands of years! 

Over 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians were using such oils as frankincense, cinnamon, and myrrh and in 1920 when the tomb of Tutankhamen was opened, they discovered a jar of what they believed to be Egyptian perfume. It still smelled faintly sweet when they opened it and turned out to contain frankincense and spikenard.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used aromatic oils in their daily lives for healing, home care, body care, and beauty. 

Today, research can now prove there's a real science behind these ancient remedies, and plants have potential healing powers. Aromatherapy is now being used in clinics and hospitals as a complementary therapy. 

Essential oils can also be used cosmetically to create healthier skin, and to balance the emotions through inhalation. An easy way to get these benefits can be through massage using such oils as lavender which can be relaxing on it's own or stimulating when combined with eucalyptus; peppermint is cooling and stimulating and can be used for respiratory problems when inhaled or for muscle pain; rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for relieving pain from sprains, joint aches and rheumatism. 

So the next time when booking an appointment at your local day spa, ask them if they have any of these essential oils that can be incorporated into your massage and see what a difference they can make!

Are you getting enough water?

With the summer heat approaching, it's important to make sure you stay hydrated...really hydrated. Our bodies are over two-thirds water. Water is needed to transport all the nutrients, hormones, even wastes through our bodies, and to help our skin stay plump and moist, so it's important to avoid dehydration. With all the activities we are involved in during the summer months, and by the time we feel "thirsty", it is too late and most of us are probably dehydrated to a certain extent and not even aware of it. 

Do not underestimate the power of water in helping you to look and feel your best. Here are some great reasons for drinking water instead of carbonated beverages...

• Maintain fluid balance in the body.
• Help to control weight.
• Increase energy.
• Glowing skin.
• Digestion.
• Keep muscles functioning.

Dehydration can make your skin look deflated and wrinkled. Drinking water can help your skin look younger, brighter and healthier. You can boost the effect of water by using a moisturizer to "lock" the water in and having facials done on a regular basis at your local day spa. Most all spas have an Esthetician on staff to help you determine the best products to use to help maintain your skin for that moist, dewy look. 

So call your local day spa and make an appointment for a great moisturizing facial and don't forget to...Drink More Water!

Beautiful flowers!

Yes, flowers are one of Nature's most beautiful gifts to us. This time of the year we are beginning to see them everywhere from home flower beds, flowering shrubs on front lawns, wildflowers by the side of the road, and of course flower shops.

What better way to feel connected to Nature than to start planning and planting your own flower garden so that you can enjoy a beautiful color display outside all through the summer. Make sure to include "cutting" flowers such as tulips, roses, irises, hydrangas, and peonies to enjoy indoors or to give as a beautiful bouquet to someone special to brighten their day! 

After all the planning, planting, and fertilizing are done, why not treat yourself to a massage to relax and soothe all those tired and achy muscles? And while you're at it, how about a manicure just in case you didn't use garden gloves?

Call or check in to your local day spa and book yourself an appointment. You'll be glad you did and know it was all worth it as soon as you see all those beautiful flowers start to bloom!