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!
 

Kids back to school? Five steps to help you be calm and relaxed

During the summer, schedules are relaxed and you can stay up late and sleep a little longer. And while your sleep patterns change it's tempting to fall into "endless weekend mode".

But before you know it, the clock will rule the morning again. Summer is winding down, just a few more supplies to buy, and then the kids will be headed back to school. After a relaxed, easy breezy summer lifestyle, the end of August can be tough. Suddenly you are confronted with a much tighter schedule.

How can moms and kids adjust from the relaxation of summer to the schedules of school? Luckily there are lots of ways you can stay calm and relaxed. Here are 5 easy ways to ease your routine.

Be prepared. What worked last year may not be a perfect fit this year. Be open to new ideas and adjustments when necessary. Prepare ahead of time. Donate clothes that no longer fit your child. It's also a good opportunity to go through YOUR closet and donate clothes you no longer like or need.

Put your family on a routine and emphasize sleep. For bedtime, focus on relaxation and sleep will follow. Accept that sleep is a very important part of life. Plan healthy breakfasts and lunches. Remember that nutrition is an important factor in daily performance. Studies have shown that people who eat healthful, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the (school) day than those who have an unhealthy diet.

Create a stress-free morning routine. Plan for the mornings the evening before. Take out the uniforms or clothes for next day, make sure that backpacks are packed, and that lunchboxes are clean and, if possible, packed as well. Make sure you've put your car keys, cell phone and wallet with the driver's license in it within reach.

Set the breakfast table the night before, and make sure healthy breakfast foods are easy to reach. Also make sure sports bags or musical instruments are packed and ready to go.

Repeat a mantra. It can be something you recently read or one that you came up with yourself. When you start to feel yourself getting stressed and overwhelmed, repeat your mantra in your head over and over again. Close your eyes if you have to. You'll start to feel all the tension drain from your body and it will be replaced with a relaxed feeling and positive energy.

Focus on relaxation. Most women already know what the statistics say: You are still carrying most of the load. You juggle kids, work, home, volunteering and everything else in between. Of course, you know that running yourself on empty isn't good for your health or your family.

Take a relaxing, refreshing bubble bath, light your favorite scented candle, read a good book, or listen to calming music:

Why not plan some extra treatment and get a facial, massage, manicure or pedicure? No matter how organized you are, life can be challenging and you need some downtime to recharge your batteries! Do not be tempted to devalue the worth of relaxation.

One of the most effective ways to achieve a state of true relaxation is by booking a Serve The Goddess® Mobile Spa Services appointment and getting a massage in the comfort of your home. No need to travel (which might add some extra stress) - we bring the relaxation to YOU! A massage relaxes and refreshes your body in multiple ways. To function your best you need to feel your best. Why not invite some other moms and make a back-to-school Spa party out of it? Everything is so much better in a group. Just pick your date, time, and favorite services, and Serve The Goddess® Mobile Spa Services turns your home into a relaxation haven.

Get daily exercise. It is so beneficial to get daily exercise. Plan a walk in the early morning, or after you drop the kids off at school. Do a workout DVD, ride your bike or join a gym. Just find some way to incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity into your daily routine. The healthier you stay, the easier it is to be the best mom you can be to your children.

All these things can help you and your family have a happier, relaxed back-to-school experience without having to give up on that carefree summer feeling yet. Which reminds me: it's time to slap on some sunscreen and head to the beach.