Get Your Glow Back! Easy Tips to Youthful Skin, Slowing Aging and Feeling Great!

If you're like many others, you look in the mirror and wish you could get that radiant youthful glow back. If you've accepted that there's no turning back the hands of time, I'm here to tell you that the best can still be made of the situation. I'm not suggesting the nearest med spa. I'm suggesting you make a few small changes and additions to your day and week.  With these simple tips for youthful skin, you'll slow aging, feel great and get a whole lot of your glow back!  

You ready? 

DRINK UP! 
Water is your friend.  Coffee, tea and sodas are NOT your friend. They have their place and don't need to be tossed out, but the truth is, they are highly dehydrating. Our bodies are 80% water and need proper hydration to function at their best. If you really feel you can't live without these things, please by all means, counter them with and increased water intake. Not sure how much to drink?  Simply determine how much you weigh in pounds - let's say 140.  Now divide that in half and convert to ounces - 70.  If you weigh 140 pounds, you should consume 70 ounces of water daily.  Go for 90 ounces at least if you need to include coffee, tea or soda.   Now, I know this may seem like a lot.  But please don't be discouraged.  Feel free to add a couple lemon or orange slices to the water and make it taste good.  Your blood needs water to flow well.  Your skin is the organ that tells you when the inside of your body has a need.  Love yourself and your family enough to take care of yourself, even if only with baby steps.

LOVE GREEN 
This one is pretty self explanatory.  As long as you know that I'm not talking about green food coloring, then you will know what to do.   Green fruits and vegetables are packed with Chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals that both bring elasticity and suppleness to the skin.  Bonus point?  Great for you metabolism as well!  Eat plenty of what you already love and begin to experiment and explore the delicious ways to enjoy the new foods!


SLEEPING BEAUTY
Do it.  Sleep. Try not to eat 3 hours before going to bed.  Turn off all TVs, computers and phones at least an hour before you sleep.  Take some deep relaxing breathes and be thankful for the beauty in your life and day. Make sure your sleep environment is peaceful and calm.  Then dive in.  Sleep, is the time when our cells rejuvenate.  Things like mind activity and digestion steal our cell's focus and keep them from using our sleep ours from the priority of their renewal.  Do your body a favor and sleep in peace.  You will not only get more youthful skin, but will wake refreshed and more motivated to continue caring for your health. 

INNER PEACE
We all have stress.  It's the common thread in our modern society.  We are over committed, over worked and have a hard time saying 'no'.  It's ok to take time for yourself.  It's ok to make a cut-off point for your work day. When stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol into our systems, causing tense muscles, emotional highs and lows, lowered immune system and well - wrinkles!  Now, this could be a whole topic in itself an maybe that's soon to come.  But for now, consider what stresses you and ways you can relieve those situations and responses. 

LET IT OUT
Our body detoxifies itself best through release.  One way we 'release' is through sweat.  My two favorite ways to sweat is through exercise and heat.  Exercise is anything that gets your heart rate elevated for more than 20 consecutive minutes.  You can decide what exercise is best for you but then stick to it.  (Again, it seems this should be expanded in another blog.  What do you think? Let me know!)  On to the topic of heat.  Shower, sauna, steam room... you decide.  Of course, the luxury of a sauna and steam room are ideal but if you have only a shower as an option, you will get the most out of it by adding a few sprays of our Eucalyptus Shower Mist to really open up the respiratory passages, increase circulation and further detoxify the skin. 

Your health and life quality is our priority.  It's why we do what we do.

So instead of being frustrated at age taking it's toll, step in to action and implement the 5 tips into your life schedule.  You will be so happy you did.

To know more about what we can do for your home or even health spa, visit us at Eurospa Aromatics and we'll be happy to get you started!


Until then, more water!  Have a beautiful day!

by: Navae Fiona

Feeling Stressed? Fast and Affordable Tips for Stress Relief At Home Or On the Go!

Stress is a hot topic everywhere whether you are male or female and so often it has to do with our busy lives and family dynamic.   But how do you relieve that stress when you feel there's just no time to handle it?   It's time we talk about the simple and affordable tips to relieve stress quickly at home and on the go. 

Let's talk about the men first.  We know you guys.  You are a hard working crowd with a lot of pressure on your shoulders.  And whether you are the game watching or fine dining type, you have the right to experience the relaxing fruit of your labor!  

And Ladies?  We know you too.  Whether you are a mother at home, working hard at your career or the busiest of the two worlds: BOTH, we invite you to take the time here and there to reward yourself for your thorough dedication to your many responsibilities!

I know we all have heard of the dangers stress brings to our lives, but I do want to touch base on a few major points (before I go into the fixes) so that we remember to take it seriously and take charge of the stress relief we so greatly deserve.  

So what is stress? It's simply a fact of nature.  Forces from the inside or outside world affect people in various ways and the individual responds to stress in ways that affect both themselves and their environment as well. Due to the overabundance of stress in our modern lives, we tend to think of stress as a negative experience, but from a biological point of view, stress can be a neutral, negative, or positive experience.  In general, stress is related to both the external and internal factors. External factors include the physical environment, such as your job, relationships with others, your home and all the situations, challenges, and expectations you have to deal with on a daily basis. Internal factors determine how your body responds to and deals with the external stress-inducing factors. The internal factors that influence your ability to handle all that stress include your nutritional state, overall health and  fitness levels, emotional well-being, and the amount of sleep and rest you get. 

Now that that's clear,  let's talk about some simple ways to deal with it all!

• Move Your Body:   Pretty clear, don't you think?  When we move our bodies via running, dancing, yoga, weight training, cycling and other forms of movement, we release dopamine (a happy hormone) and get rid of cortisol (the stress hormone that wreaks havoc).  Our heart rate increases and our whole bodies get into a groove of joy and excitement.
• Eat Well, Live Well:  Just a few simple rules here.  Stay away from white foods as much as you can.  This includes white breads, pastas, rice and sugar. These cause peaks and lows with our blood sugar, contributing to mood swings and feelings of anxiety.  Make sure your food includes veggies and fruits in a variety of color (extra greens if you can) and that you are adequately hydrated.  DRINK WATER.  You may be surprised at how much that single tip helps! 
• Breathe Deep:  Annoying people and frustrating circumstances are all around us and this is the most easy tip yet the hardest to remember.  Breathe in through your nose slowly and deeply, pausing at the peak of inhalation.  This activates the back of your brain, causing a slower and calmer reaction time.  
• Relax:  This is, of course the most enjoyable tip.  What relaxes you?  Whether it's a massage or a slow walk in the park, you can determine what you will enjoy.  I know for me, my favorite two things are to sit in a hot tub or sauna or to sit in the sunshine with a book. 
• Gratitude:  Be thankful.  Yes, times can be hard.  I'm not at all saying it's easy.  We can recognize the pain, feel it and then take a deep breathe and really be thankful for the beauty that *is* in our lives - the things that are working, the people that do love us and the health we are experiencing. 
• Laugh:  Enjoy your laughter! Talk to an old friend and think back on old times.  Recall stories that make you smile. Play with children.  Invite friends over for charades!  Watch a comedy.  Laughter is healing.  Don't underestimate it's power. 
• Sleep:  Here's the most medicinal one.  We tend to slack on sleep because our work and family load can keep us busy until midnight.  Then we wake to being our recurring routine at 6 am the following morning and then wonder why we are burnt out.   Many medical studies agree that we need to turn off all media at least an hour prior to bed time.   In that hour, practice the art of being in the present moment and just letting everything else go.   Take a hot bath with some drops of lavender oil and a few sprays of eucalyptus shower mist to the steam - and do the same with the lavender and eucalyptus to your pillow and bed sheets for an even deeper sleep relaxation.   Read, pray and be thankful. Trust that tomorrow will have plenty of beauty of it's own to be thankful for as well.

Your health is so important and it begins with your state of mind and being.   Take care of your mind, body and soul and the rest will begin to fall more peacefully into place.   At Eurospa we want to know that people's live are enriched and full of beautiful health.  Don't hesitate to ask what we can do for you!

Enjoy the day that awaits you!

by: Navae Fiona

Eucalyptus Steam Rooms at Pure Blue Spa Get Rave Reviews

Pure Blue Spa in Newport Beach CA Located in the Newport Beach Marriot

Here is how the folks at Pure Blue Spa describe themselves:

Step Into The Blu

There is just something about the O.C. pure blu captures that mystique, that indefinable quality that combines the quiet mystery of the sea and the vibrant energy of the sun. Through tranquil massages and indulgent spa treatments, pure blu helps you capture the mystery for yourself.

 

pure blu at the Newport Beach Marriott is a full-service spa in every sense of the word. We indulge every body part, from head to toe, and we also revive your spirit and awaken your senses. From our Eucalyptus steam room or dry sauna, to our saltwater whirlpool Jacuzzi and refreshing cold foot plunge. Take a swim in our saltwater lap pool, reserved for spa guests only, surrounded by plush lounge chairs and cabanas. From our massages and body wraps to our facials and full salon services, we cater to your every need in our Southern California spa. Let us pamper you. Step into the blu.

Spa week had this to say about Pure Blue Spa in Newport Beach, CA:

About Pure Blu Spa at the Newport Beach Marriott

Pure Blu Spa boasts 14,000 square feet of spa luxury! Pure Blu is separated into a Ladies and a Men's side and each side of the spa has a eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, salt water whirlpool jacuzzi, refreshing cold water foot plunge, private and co-ed relaxation rooms, private (spa only) outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs, cabanas and poolside food and beverage service! *robes, slippers and lockers are provided for your convenience. Spa services include complementary valet or self parking and require a 4 hour change or cancellation notice (or appointments are charged in full).

The Yelp reviews were very interesting.  The Spa got generally high marks (averaging 3.5 out of 5), with most of the negative reviews coming from guests who were there on a Groupon or other coupon.  Of special interest to this blog, the eucalyptus steam room was mentioned favorably in almost half of the reviews.  It is very unusual to see so many comments on the steam room.  But the eucalyptus seems to be the difference.  Here were some representative examples. 

Review from Kady B.

• Kady B.

Irvine, CA

1/28/2011

So, it's safe to say that I'm a spa junkie. I especially love full service day spas with relaxation rooms and eucalyptus steam rooms. I've come here a few times and taken advantage of some of their specials. My first visit, I had a deep tissue massage and boy was that different from any massage I've had before. To begin, it was with a male masseuse who worked my muscles harder than a triathlon. Amazingly enough, I felt better and more limber afterwards. I've also had a facial and a body scrub here on different occasions. Each time I had a great experience. I LOVE their steam room. It is spacious, clean and smells great.

Review from Roni H.

• Roni H.

Irvine, CA

3/22/2013

Me and my sister came in here on a weekday morning for a facial and massage.  my massage was good, my sister RAVED about the facial.  Was happy with the spa and its amenities overall.  Everything was very clean, stocked well with towels and cucumber water.  We were the only ones there for the whole time we were there and we stayed a couple hours after our appointments.  THe jacuzzi was nice and indoors, the eucalyptus steam room, and cool foot bath was great. 

 
Elise W.
Irvine, CA 

4/17/2011

I like the wet sauna (steam room) at Pure Blu more than the one at Burke Williams because PB infuses the steam with eucalyptus scent.  As a girl with allergies, I found this delightful.  If I would come back, it's for this steam room. 

 

• 
  

Review of Spa 88 aka Wall Street Bath and Spa - A Russian Bath House

Spa 88 Has Those Who Can't Get Enough and Those Who Can't Kvetch Enough

                                               Eucalyptus Steam Room

According to the website for Spa 88:  The steamroom combines the therapeutic effects of moist heat with inhalation therapy. Inside our therapists can perform several body treatments such as full body wash, scrub or Platza. 

 I've never been to a Russian bath house, but apparently you don't want to compare this to the luxury spas we've been reviewing elsewhere in this blog.  Also, this is NY, not Maui or Orange County.  Some of the reviewers kindly note that Spa 88 is a "little rough around the edges."  There is talk of "hairy old Russian Men."  Then an old Russian man reviews the place and says "What do you expect?"

Though there are detractors, there appears to be a very large crowd of those who love the place and come regularly.  So much so that Saturdays are described as "crowded."

One thing comes through all of the talk.  It would appear that hairy old Russian men and young girls can agree on this:  Eucalyptus Oil is important in the steam room.  As Joana K says, "my sinuses never felt so clear..."

Joanna K.

2/14/2010

4 hours passed before I knew it, and we ended up closing the place down. The wet steam room had eucalyptus in the air so my sinuses never felt so clear as they did after several minutes there.

 

Joann L.

12/27/2011

This was my first banya experience. 

I'm glad we did because I loved it there.  The steam room was so refreshing and in one of the rooms, there were regulars there who go every saturday.  One man, who I'm assuming is a masseur, was giving massages to people who had some injuries.  He also brought his own body scrub, oils, etc and taught people how to use them to exfoliate and improve their banya experience.  It was fun meeting all these different people and relaxing at the same time.

Shannon Z.

10/13/2012 

WOW. This place is suberb.

My sister and I went into the locker rooms, changed into our bathing suits and put our robes on. We first went into the dry sauna. This was freaking HOT. I sat on the first ledge and it was already hot after 7 minutes of lying down. I decided to go outside to cool myself down. After cooling down for a good 10 minutes, I went into the eucalyptus steam room and chilled there for 10 minutes, alternating 10 minutes in the steam room with 5 minutes cooling off near the benches.

I did this 3 times. The eucalyptus steam room has to be my favorite room since it's not too hot nor too weak. They steam the room real good cause when I walked in there I could barely see anything that was 2 feet away from me. I love the minty smell you get from the room. A bonus is you can bring your own products and apply them to your body (as long as you don't make a mess of the whole area).

Oh My! The Spa Montage in Laguna Beach - Five Star Elegance

The Montage Is A Fodor "Choice" and the Spa Montage Gets 5 Stars Almost Everywhere

If you have to ask, you can't afford it.  However if you can afford it, every review seems to suggest you should give it a go.  Here is a charming review from Fodor's:

Laguna's connection to the Californian plein air artists is mined for inspiration at this head-turning, lavish hotel. The Montage Laguna Beach uses the local Craftsman style as a touchstone. Shingled buildings ease down a bluff to a sandy cove; inside, works by contemporary and early-20th-century California artists snare your attention. Guest rooms balance ease and refinement; all have ocean views and amenities such as CD/DVD players and extra-deep tubs. Of the restaurants, Studio is the fanciest, with more sweeping Pacific views and a refined contemporary menu. At the 20,000-square-foot oceanfront spa and fitness center, you can indulge in a sea-salt scrub, take a yoga class, or hit the lap pool.

 Check out the other reviews and you'll see consistent 4 and mostly 5 star grades from consumers and expert reviewers alike.   One reviewer on TripAdvisor.com put it this way:

When staying at the Montage laguna Beach, I was treated to a 60 minute hot/cold stone massage. It was fabulous! The massage therapist actually used smooth, round, hot rocks coated in scented oil to massage my body!! After the massage was nearly over, she used cool/cold sm. round smooth stones around my face, eyes, forehead for a special final treat!! VERY relaxing. The indoor Spa pool is beautiful and relaxing. The sitting area quiet and luxurious. (teas, cucumber & lemon water, coffee all complementary of course) chilled cucumbers and chilled towels for your face and eyes, of course!! Best yet, when you book a treatment at the spa, you are entitled to use the spa indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and huge outdoor lap pool with ocean view (adults only) for the entire day with food & beverage service!!! Love this spa!! 

Pure Eucalyptus Oil in 8 oz spray mister from EurospaAromatics.com

As with most luxury spas, the Spa Montage understands that you want Eucalyptus Oil in the steam room.  You get 100% pure, pharmaceutical grade eucalyptus oil in the steam room from Eurospa Aromatics. 

Now you can get the exact same eucalyptus oil in a spray mister for use in your home shower.  Enjoy the one-of-a-kind fragrance and experience the calm effects of aromatherapy while you simultaneous receive all the health and wellness benefits from eucalyptus.  To learn more, go to our website at http://eurospaaromatics.com

Rave Reviews for Montanya Spa in Santa Ana and the Eucalyptus Steam Room

The Steam Room at the Montanya Spa Is Named the Eucalyptus Steam Room

We continue our series with a spa located in the city.  Anyone living or working near Santa Ana can quickly move into relax mode at this highly rated facility.  Of course, their Eucalyptus Steam Room uses only Suprema Brand 100% pure, pharmaceutical grade, Eucalyptus Oil.   We'll shut up now and let others tell about their experience.

Spafinder says:

"Montanya Spa aims to help guests achieve the perfect union of beauty, balance, and wellbeing. The 3,000-square-foot spa features nine treatment rooms, a steam room, showers, a locker room, meditation room, garden, and patio. Tranquil music plays in the Japanese-style spa, accented with tan and olive green hues. The garden is full of rosemary, gardenia, and orange blossom scents. After treatments, guests can relax in the meditation room, or out on the patio and garden area. Services offered include facials, massage, body treatments, hair removal, hand and foot treatments, and men's treatments.

The spa also accommodates spa group events and spa packages, and hosts special events such as ladies' spa days, engagement spa parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and birthday parties. Tea and biscotti are available for guests, as well as other goodies for special events or with certain spa packages."


The reviews for Montanya Spa are almost universally excellent 5 star as you can see from the screen shot.  I selected this one from TripAdvisor.com because it was matter of fact and gave a straight from the shoulder report.

“Tranquil and serene spa in Orange County”

Reviewed June 23, 2012

I booked a 55min Couple's massage for myself and my mom as a surprise Mother's Day gift. Came on Saturday before Mother's Day and it was an absolutely great experience.

We got to use steam room before the massage and relaxed in their little tea house in the garden (another small but important little gem that you don't find in many private day spas)

The receptionist served us tea with biscotti (their signature tea) that helped us enjoy the experience even more.

Their couple's room in on the second floor. Our massage therapists (Kathie & Evelin) were wonderful. I had Kathie, and she really worked on my trouble spots, which left me feeling so relaxed.

After our massages, we were shown to their meditation room where they served us water and neck warmers.

My mom couldn't stop talking about her experience and hopefully we can back on a more frequent basis.

I definitely will be back to try their facial services as next time around. 

The amazing healing powers of eucalyptus oil from the laboratories of Eurospa Aromatics will soon be available in Spas all over the US.  In the meantime you can get an 8 oz or 16 oz spray bottle to use in your home shower by calling 1-800-395-6478