My spa service in Italy.

My hubby and I are back from our second year wedding anniversary vacation in Italy.  

We had the best time and split the two weeks between four days in Florence, six nights on a farm in rural Tuscany and ended with four days in Rome!  There were so many highlights in the trip; the food of course, the museums, the Italian hospitality and after all the sight seeing, a much needed luxurious pedicure.

When I travel I like to check out spas and receive a massage or spa service, so when it rained one day, I dragged my hubby into The Four Seasons in Florence to look at their spa and book a treatment.

Let me say, I was reminded again of the value of massage and spa services! I hear it all the time from my clients so when I a receive a service it really strikes a chord.

Here’s what the pedicure included:

The luxury pedicure commences with a grapefruit and tea tree emollient foot soak, followed by a sugar crystal exfoliation. The feet are then nourished with a cream that is rich in avocado and vitamins A and E, resulting in a refreshing sensation of lightness and hydration. The experience concludes with an application of polish.

The pedicure was pure bliss and I drifted off during the foot massage.

Pedicures don’t just help your feet look and feel better; when combined with a reflexology foot massage, pedicures can improve your circulation, lessen stress, and reduce pain. Pedicures also relieve uneven pressure on your bottom of your feet caused by callous build up. Dead skin is removed allowing your skin to breathe more efficiently. Aromatherapy like grapefruit, orange, lemon, tea tree or peppermint adds to the experience too as it uplifts the spirit and energizes you. Finally, as the cuticles and nails are cleaned, pedicures protect against fungus's and bacteria. So there you have it, the benefits go far beyond pretty toes.

They looked after my hubby too and suggested he relax in the quiet area. They gave him tea and a book to read so I could relax some more, guilt free!

Helen relaxing after her pedicure-Four Seasons Florence ,Italy.

                                                           

Olive Oil is the #1 Beauty Secret in Italy

After a fruitful summer, I’m taking a vacation and I’m happy to say that I’m writing this blog post from Italy. I’m inspired by the beautiful Italians around me and can’t help but wonder what their beauty secrets are.

As it turns out, olive oil plays a significant role in the Italian beauty mystique. It’s such a healthy ingredient and can be used in a number of ways to enhance anyone’s beauty.

Here are some quick, easy, and Italian-inspired ways to use olive oil in your home spa beauty routine:

1. Eye Make-Up Remover: Italian women are known for their long, dark, thick eyelashes and dramatic eyes and they use olive oil to remove their makeup. Olive oil has a gentle cleansing action and as a bonus, it helps strengthen and condition the lashes as it brushes across the eyes.

2. Lip Balm: Italian women often use olive oil in lip balm recipes to keep their lips kissable, soft and supple.

3. Face Mask: Not surprisingly, olive oil is a great ingredient to add to facial masks because it cleanses pores, moisturizes dry skin, and smooths wrinkles. It’s good for normal, dry, mature and even sensitive skin types and Italian women don’t let a week go by without applying a face mask with olive oil to their skin.

4. Hair Conditioner: Italian women are also known for their long, wavy tresses and once again, olive oil works to cleanse and condition their hair. Olive oil also adds shine and gloss and helps repair damage from the roots to tips.

5. Nail Treatment: What’s the point of wearing your gorgeous rings, bracelets and watches if your hands and nails aren’t looking healthy and polished. Soaking your hands in olive oil will help condition dry and brittle nails and will help your hands look and feel splendissima.

6. Foot Treatment: Italian stilettos make a fashion statement, for sure, but the feet have to look great by themselves before they slide into those lovely shoes. Use olive oil in your pedicure to cleanse the skin, soften rough patches and reduce swelling.

7. Massage Oil: As a licensed massage therapist, I know the value of a relaxing massage. Add drops of your favorite essential oils to some olive oil and apply it to the body to soften skin and soothe pain and take a holiday from stress.

8. Nutritious Diet: Italian women are also known for their curvaceous, hour-glass figures and many, including Sophia Loren, give the credit to olive oil. Olive oil is highly nutritious and full of antioxidants and it helps people stay slim and trim while still eating healthy meals. Eating olive oil also lowers high blood pressure and reduces the risk of contracting heart disease and cancer. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer! Ciao for now!