SPA INDEX NEWS / OCTOBER 16, 2002
ISSN: 1533-6417
WWW.SPAINDEX.COM

LIST YOUR SPA WITH SPA INDEX
SPONSOR THIS NEWSLETTER

---

 

SPA INDEX welcomes TWO NEW SPA FACILITIES to our growing community:

A Little Indulgence Salon & Day Spa is located in historic Old Towne Clovis, in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley.  At this intimate appointment-only spa facility, guests experience a relaxing refuge with a preeminent level of service.    Spa Director Kathy Baker offers and administers herself, for the ultimate in service, several different facials, including the thoughtful "teen facial" which includes a consultation with instruction to your teen son or daughter regarding a home skin-care regimen.   A Little Indulgence also offers full salon services, as well as microdermabrasion, massage and waxing, or, choose from  four different Spa Packages (including the ultimate package which includes a haircut and style!).

A Little Indulgence Salon and Day Spa
618 1/2 Fourth St., Suite A
Clovis, CA 93612
Phone: 559-323-1140

www.littleindulgence.com

 

Ronna Lane Aesthetics, housed in the charming Country Village enclave of shops in Bothell, Washington, has been providing an extensive list of health and beauty services for both men and women since 1979. Praised for its peaceful ambiance, therapeutic aromas and soothing music, Ronna Lane Aesthetics boasts a close knit team of talented professionals who work together to create an unforgettable experience for guests. Choose a day spa package from a menu of eight different themes, or, choose one of thirteen different facials, including the Ronna Lane Signature Facial.   Customized to every individual skin type, the signature facial includes all the steps of the popular facial extraordinaire, plus an added ampoule treatment, treatment of the neck and décolleté, special shiatsu back massage, and a hand and foot treatment. Bliss!  Ronna Lane also offers body treatments, massage therapy, waxing, foot and hand treatments, and hair services.  Everything you need in one charming location.

Ronna Lane Aesthetics

A Day Spa at Country Village
23718 Bothell Everett Highway
Bothell, WA 98021
Phone: (425) 485 4323

www.ronnalane.com

---

SPA INDEX QUICK FACTS:

CUCUMBERS: 

The cucumber is widely considered an immigrant from southern Asia, coming in a fantastic assortment of sizes, colors and shapes.  Food historians have also found records indicating it was used as a food in Ancient Egypt, and was a popular vegetable with the Greeks and Romans. Columbus brought cucumbers to the New World.

The three most common varieties are English, Japanese, and Common Slicing Cucumber.    Good quality cucumbers are an even dark-green color, firm and relatively thin, but can be either long or short.  In most grocery stores, you'll see long English cucumbers wrapped in plastic.  Whatever variety you choose, avoid cucumbers that are soft, yellow or wrinkled on the ends.  Also, size does matter -- huge fat cucumbers may contain large seeds, and taste bitter.

Besides being an economical snack, cucumbers are a naturally low-calorie, sodium free, cholesterol free tasty salad vegetable.  Based on a serving size of 1/3 of a medium slicing cucumber, your Nature's Label reads as:  Calories 15, Total Fat 0g, Sodium 0mg, Total Carbohydrate 3g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 1g, Vitamin A 4% RDA, Calcium 2% RDA, Vitamin C 8%, RDA, Iron 2%  RDA.

While not a Nutritional Powerhouse, the personality rich cucumber has long been a favorite ingredient in beauty, spa, and fitness treatments.

CUCUMBERS IN THE SPA

The Cucumber's reputation as a beauty treatment is well known -- the beauty industry has long believed it replenishes dermal (skin) moisture, maintains the pH balance in the epidermis, promotes healthy skin texture and clarity.  The humble cucumber is used extensively in products as a cooling and revitalizing agent, and is especially effective for oily skin types: its juice makes a good skin tonic and tightens the pores. Cucumber slices on the eyes refresh and moisturize and, for those who forgot their SPF, mashed cucumber soothes sun burnt skin.

The Phi Phi Island Village Resort & Spa in Thailand offers the signature "Sunburn Soother Body Wrap."  Natural aloe vera gel and cold shredded cucumber is applied to the body to relieve the pain from sunburn, cooling the skin and adding moisture. After a 30-minute wrap and cool shower, a soothing cucumber lotion is applied again adding moisture to the skin.

The Angsana Resort & Spa in Maldives, Ihuru (this site has a beautiful photo gallery) offers the Angsana Facial.  Pamper your face with the goodness of Mother Nature. Suitable for all skin types, this signature facial uses purely natural ingredients, including yogurt, watermelon, honey, cucumber and egg white, to cleanse, moisturize and freshen the skin.

The Verona Spa in Houghton, South Africa, offers you a private hydro tub with infused orange and lemon pieces, honey and cucumbers, followed by a facial, hydrotherm massage with sacred hot stones, lunch, chocolate mousse wrap, and a roman spa whirlpool.

A popular day spa in Chicago, Il, Channings Day Spa, offers the UltraLite Moisturizer for sale on its website.  This favorite of spa guests is a non-greasy formula with anti-oxidants, cucumber, and watercress.

NewYorkMetro Magazine nominated Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa the "best pedicure" in New  York for 2002.  Jin Soon's signature pedicures  all have rather grand names: the Breath of Milk and Honey, the Balm of Purity. But a trip to either location proves that you can't really overstate the experience. Your feet are soaked in milk or cool cucumber baths. The foot massage is extraordinarily relaxing. And Soon scores extra points for great polish: All the best brands (Chanel, Nars) are well represented ($30 to $60).  Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa, 56 East 4th Street, 212-473-2047, and 23 Jones Street, 212-229-1070.

 

For assistance in selecting, preparing, and enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables, visit the Produce Online Advice and Shopping Information System (OASIS) at www.ProduceOasis.com.  Helpful descriptions of everything good for you, as well as recipes, tips, and factoids.  Did you know watermelon is a vegetable, a cousin to the cucumber? 

---

SPA INDEX has several recipes to take advantage of the delicious and healthy cucumber  -- from a simple but tasty Cucumber beverage, to spa at home treatments. 

SPA CUISINE   

The Indian Springs Spa in Calistoga, California, serves a refreshing Cucumber Citrus infused Mineral Water to its guests (pictured at left).   In Mexico and Texas, refreshing "CucumberAde" is popular, and although odd sounding can become addictive.  Try our recipes and see for yourself.

 

 

Citrus Cucumber Fresca (Agua de Pepino)

• 1 cucumber, peeled and cubed

• 1 lemon, or, the juice of 2-3 limes

• 5 c water

• Sugar to taste (approx 1/4 cup)

• Add cucumber and water to a blender and puree. Strain. Add juice of lemon and sugar to taste. Serve over ice.

Low Fat Cucumber Spread

• 1 cup of YoChee (click here for recipe) (or cream cheese if you must)

• 1/2 c sour milk or buttermilk

• 1 T milk

• 1 t grated onion

• 1/4 t Worcestershire sauce

• 1/3 c finely chopped cucumber

• Combine all ingredients except cucumber, mixing until well-blended. Add cucumbers. Chill for several hours.  Excellent as a vegetable dip, on crackers, or, our personal favorite, on a toasted bagel with smoked salmon (lox) on top.

---

SPA AT HOME

QUICK CUCUMBER PARSLEY FACIAL The next time you make a salad, set aside just 3 tablespoons of basic ingredients, and you've got yourself a quick facial, to be enjoyed while soaking in the tub before bed.  You cannot get any easier, or quicker, than this. 1 Tbsp. Plain yogurt 1 Tbsp. Cucumber 1 Tbsp. Parsley Puree (or use your handy rotating chopper -- you know you bought one) the cucumber and parsley finely and mix with the yogurt until smooth. Cover your face with this creamy mask. This will rejuvenate your skin as it moistens. Leave the mask on for approximately 15-20 minutes for best results. Rinse with water. Do not store this mixture.

QUICK CUCUMBER EYE SOOTHER You can purchase a $12.00 bottle of cucumber-lookalike eye pads infused with cucumber extract and then kicked up with a list of chemicals.  Or you can simply use a real cucumber.  Even if you used a fresh cucumber each week, it would take a long time before you spent $12.00 on this simple and soothing treatment. 2 wafer thin slices of cucumber 1 warm, damp, clean washcloth While reclining in the tub (and perhaps while using the Quick Cucumber Parsley Facial, above, place one cucumber slice over each eye.  Cover your eyes with a warm washcloth and relax for 10 minutes.  Fine lines will smooth out and your eyes will feel refreshed and soothed, preparing you for a night's rest.  We recommend this particularly if you've had yourself a crying jag that day.

Cucumber Hair Drench If you swim in a chlorinated pool for exercise on a regular basis, the same damage you've noticed happening to your skin and bathing suit, is happening to your hair, as well. Try this treatment at home to keep chlorine damage to a minimum. 1 egg 1 eggshell's worth of olive oil 1 quarter of a peeled cucumber Blend the egg, olive oil and  peeled cucumber. Spread evenly through your hair, leave on for 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse. For the best results year-round, continue this treatment monthly.

CUCUMBER EYE GEL 1 Tbs. aloe vera gel 1 tsp. fresh cucumber juice ¼ tsp. cornstarch 1 Tbs. witch hazel Mix together aloe, cucumber and cornstarch. Heat until just boiling, about 1 minute in microwave. Remove from heat source and stir in witch hazel. Stir well and allow the mixture to cool completely. You should have a clear, jelly-like cream. Spoon into a small clean jar. To use: Dab a small amount under your eyes and be careful not to rub or pull the delicate skin under your eyes.  Keep in cool place. Makes 1 oz.

SPA SPECIALS AND PROMOTIONS

We are happy to provide our subscribers with a sampling of limited time offers for special packages, special rates, and workshops. You will find all of our Spa Deals on the Spa Index Specials Page. 

Featured Specials:

• Five Gables Inn & Spa - St. Michaels, MD
  SPA & SAIL PACKAGE - Two nights accommodation in a room with whirlpool, porch and fireplace. Continental breakfast each morning. A 1 hour Massage each and a 2 hour sail aboard a Skipjack with your choice of picnic basket. $450-$895. Thru November 10, 2002.
  THE SECOND HONEYMOON PACKAGE - Two nights accommodation in a room or suite with Double whirlpool, porch and fireplace. Continental breakfast each morning. 1 dozen roses, romantic candles, a couples massage and a bottle of champagne in your room on your return from the Spa. $395-$$900. Thru November 10, 2002.  

• Visit Red Mountain, the Adventure Spa, St. Ivers, Utah, between September 15 and December 31, 2002 for just $269 per night, per person. In addition, you get to enjoy Resort Credits: Resort credits valid toward spa services, adventure trips or health and fitness services. Click here for more info, or call 800-407-3002.

Spa Index boasts more Spa Giveaways, Promotions, and Contests than any other Spa Site on the Internet. Visit our Spa Index Giveaways page where we have assembled a list of participating spa facilities offering you the opportunity to win free spa trips, days of beauty, and beauty products.  Some of these specials begin anew each month, so bookmark them and register every month of the year for your chance to win. Click Here to visit the entire Spa Index Giveaways Page.

---

SPAS IN THE MEDIA

HEALING TOUCH PROJECT

INNOVATIVE SPA PROGRAM AIDS VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Preston Wynne Spa is one of the most relaxing places in California's Silicon Valley. Guests visit the award-winning day spa to escape the stress and anxiety of the "real world" with nurturing body treatments, massage therapy, and expert skin care. Lights are dim, soothing music plays and heavenly aromas fill the air. It’s about as far removed from the painful reality of domestic violence as one could get. "Which is exactly why we’ve started the Healing Touch Project," says Peggy Wynne Borgman, founder and director of the 18 year old Saratoga Village spa. Healing Touch is conceived as a way to raise funds for Next Door, a Santa Clara non-profit which provides critical services and shelter for victims of domestic violence. But the program is far from an ordinary fund-raiser. Here’s how it works: customers of the spa (or any interested party) can "sponsor" a guest or guests from Next Door’s program, who are then able to come to Preston Wynne and enjoy a treatment of their choice. The basic sponsorship is $85. Next, the proceeds, less spa employee compensation, are donated to Next Door. So each donation will go to benefit the organization as well as an individual victim. "Spa treatments can help victims of domestic violence on several levels," explains Borgman. "First, they’re treated with great respect. They’re welcomed by warm, friendly people to a peaceful sanctuary. Then they enjoy the healing benefits of spa treatments. During their spa treatment, they experience therapeutic touch in a deeply positive way. This can help them re-connect with their bodies after trauma." Borgman dislikes the word "pampering" used to describe spa treatments. "’Pampering’ just sounds so frivolous," she explains. "Spa treatments have an array of very profound benefits. Stress relief is obviously a huge benefit, but another benefit is enhancement of self esteem. We think spa treatments can have lasting benefits for women who have been in an abusive relationship." "The power of healing touch can’t be underestimated," she contends. Next Door’s services include a 24 hour emergency shelter, a 24 hour hotline and emergency response, a Family Violence Center, individual and group counseling for women and children, in-school education and intervention services, legal services and a certified Batterer’s Intervention Program. Like all non-profits that have been hit hard by California’s economic downturn, Next Door must rely increasingly on community and private support. Two weeks of shelter, food and services for one victim cost Next Door $710. Food and personal supplies for the entire shelter’s residents for a month costs $2,200. Borgman is confident that programs like Preston Wynne’s Healing Touch Project can make a significant difference. "I think businesses in the wellness sector, like spas, have a special imperative to contribute to organizations that are battling domestic violence. It’s a massive public health crisis in the US," explains Borgman. "And it’s all around us, whether we recognize it or not." Contact Preston Wynne Spa at (408) 741-5525, or via e mail at info@prestonwynnespa.com. Visit the spa’s website at www.prestonwynnespa.com. Anyone can make a donation to the Healing Touch Project via phone or e mail.

________________________________________
SUBSCRIPTIONS

We love it when kindly souls forward our newsletter all over the globe, but we prefer you sign up for your own free copy -- it keeps our sponsors happy. Also, please don't claim the contents as your own, or post our news on a website without crediting and linking back to Spa Index.  To sign up, please visit our homepage at www.spaindex.com  and use the free newsletter sign up link, or, send an e-mail to newsletter@spaindex.com  and we'll sign up for you. ©2002 Spa Index

©1998 - 2010, All Rights Reserved, Spa Index Media, LLC
Spa Index: Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas™ and a Dot Calm Resource™
SpaWire: Connecting you to the Spa, Salon & Wellness Industry™
SpaFlyer: ™An RSS Syndicated Blog for Spa Enthusiasts
SpaCast: ™ An RSS Syndicated Blog for the Spa Industry
@SpaIndex:  SpaIndex.com on Twitter
@SpaWire: SpaWire.com on Twitter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Link Partners