Is this massage worth a nice tip graphic

What Massage Therapists Want You to Know!

In my ongoing effort to open the lines of communication between clients and massage therapists and other body workers, I asked two well-seasoned therapists what they wish clients would know. What you read might surprise you. Neil, a massage therapist for 25 years, works at a high-end spa in Arizona,

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Spa Pet Peeves

Today’s post focuses on spa pet peeves, highlighting spa and massage clients who have had less-than-amazing experiences. My goal is to help both the therapist and the client understand each other better, which will lead to an awesome spa experience every time. In airing pet peeves, I hope to open

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WunderClip

Got Headache? This gadget might help ~ The WunderClip

WunderClip’s website says this about its product: “All natural pain relief literally at your fingers. No pills, no powders, no potions, no kidding.” They are referring to a headache remedy in the form of a two-inch yellow plastic doohickey that pinches the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger.

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Bon Bliss Truffles

Blissful Hand and Body Scrubs ~ BonBlissity

I have found heaven. And its name is BonBlissity. Comprised of husband and wife team Elissa and Jay Choi, BonBlissity makes deliciously scented hand and body scrubs. I have sampled each of the 14 scents, and I can honestly endorse every one of them. BonBlissity scrubs are single-use treats perfect

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spa massage client

It’s Spa Week!

April 15 to April 21 is Spa Week, which means that spas all across North America are offering luxurious full-service spa treatments for only $50. This is a biannual event, occurring every April and October. It’s a chance to sample a spa affordably; and for the spa, it’s an opportunity

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Woman with smooth hair

Take Care of Your Hair!

I have had long hair my entire life. At its longest, it was about two inches above my waist. People have told me it’s my mane, my identity, and how they know it’s me in a crowd. In elementary school, my hair would hang down over the back of my

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Pamper Me Fabulous Gift Bag

Priceless Primping at Pamper Me Fabulous

I stood on line for seventy-five minutes, business cards in hand, awaiting my “Pamper Me Fabulous” arm stamp, which would allow me to enter the crème de la crème of spa events. Pamper Me Fabulous is held six times a year, and this was my first one, held at the

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woman having stone massage in spa salon

I Got (Hot) Stoned

I got up off the table after my 90-minute hot stone massage, and I was so woozy it’s a miracle I was able to stand up. Now I know why they have mirrors in the treatment rooms. They’re to make sure you don’t leave with your underwear on the outside.

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Oils, soap, bath salts, flowers

The Nose Knows: Are Aromatherapy Massages Worth the Cost?

Last week, I touted the deliciousness of all things crème brulee. Today we’ll discuss the aromatherapy massage. Last year, at Mohonk Mountain House, in New Paltz, New York. I chose the 50-minute “aroma massage,” where I was given the choice of which essential oils I wanted rubbed on me. The

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I planned written in sand

Spa Travel on a Budget

Spa lovers who want to nab those massages, facials, scrubs, and jetted tubs without having to auction off your firstborn must read this. I’m going to save you money doing what you love most, and you can thank me by sending a treatment to me, Val the Spa Gal. (Or,

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Hooray for Creme Brulee

I am consumed with all things creme brulee. Whether it’s the one the Santa Fe Italian bistro Pranzo serves, with a perfectly browned paper-thin crust that conceals the warm licentious cream underneath, or whether it’s in my shampoo, body scrub, or hand lotion—doesn’t matter. Even as I write this blog,

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