Getting In My Skin ... Spa Day

Yesterday was the last appointment of my Mother's Day package at Alec Ian Day Spa/Merle Norman. It was five part - spa facial, massage, microdermabrasion, massage, and foot detox treatment. The foot detox treatment included a skin care lesson and make over. Because I had some neck/back irritation, I added a 30 minute massage.

I had never had a foot detox treatment before. The color of the water in my foot ionization treatment turned a yellowish color. There is a chart that informs you what toxins are represented by the color of your water.

This ionization was followed by my make over. Generally with make-up your guess is better than mine.I like the foundation used. I learned some techniques about 'looks' I've been trying to achieve. With half of my face done, I could not detect in a mirror which half of my face had been done. I was particularly impressed with the set spray (never had that before), and how she applied the blush (I thought it made my face appear thinner). The photo reflects the final result.

Finally, the massage - just what the doctor ordered! A day later and the pain I was experiencing before is gone. Oh and when they tell you to drink plenty of water afterward; take heed!

Over the duration of the package, I've had facial cleansing and toning, masque, steam treatment, skin analysis (good report). I've implemented the inexpensive recommendation for a scrub and I am very pleased with the results. For a very tense (they told me and they weren't lying) neck and back, I added the recommended deep tissue massages which dissipated pain that I had with me for the past year. The package includes a massage with thermotherapy, passive stretching.

This has been a mother's day gift that kept on giving. I have not spa'd much - a few trips to Glen Ivy, a few individual massages. I view them somewhat frivolous and that is okay if one likes to do those things. Now I consider it of value to every girl to understand the skin she's in, and in reality any person. I am eager to start a new package with them. In the meantime they have several one-time deals of which I want to take advantage! Other offers are also available through Amazon or Groupon - I've personally seen the Groupon one; good value.  Going to the spa has gotten under my skin!

summer settlin' ...

and the heat is on!

The kid is out of school the month of July. We a couple of days in Palm Springs the week of the 4th. This weekend's heatwave called for the husband's company party in the Palos Verdes Peninsula - a time of swimming, mingling, and food. We had a great time.

It conflicted with the train gangs summer birthday celebration, but Saturday there was a bbq replete with karaoke! Made some new friends - one couple met on the internet like us and had the same age differential; they also enjoyed photography.

The giant and his wife are back from Washington; it's nice to have them nearby. It's been a busy month and looks to continue that way. We manage to squeeze in episodes of the last season of Stargate Atlantis.

Ketchup

I don't like ketchup - only on meatloaf; it is really good on meatloaf.

And I don't like playing catch up - the stress!

But here I am in January, looking at December.

I had a birthday, so maybe it's age. ;-). I have a new camera - an upgrade from my TZ3 to a FZ28. Wow! I'm really enjoying it and I still like my little one with so much capability. It fits in my pocket or purse - so I'm never without a camera. But the new one is light years more intriguing. I take some solitary walks to get some shots as well - a combo of physical, spiritual and artistic exercise. I'm enjoying this new avenue of pursuit. I take shots where ever I see them.The first day of my vacation it snowed over night. I captured this shot doing morning errands.

The husband and I go on shoots. He also goes with our yenta who also is into photography. New Year's, he came over with his lady and shared a morning with us - more photos LOL. We're plannning a getaway shoot - should be fun; I'm looking forward to it. The youngest has accompanied us on a nature shoot.

I also received Vanessa William's Christmas CD and a great workbook 'Sacred Romance'; going to get the book today so I can begin the journey.

Spent Christmas with kids in and out. We were blessed to see the Giant's wife over the holidays who came bearing the gift of kewl watch. Too we were blessed as the next oldest came down from northern California. We had 5 for dinner, and it was a very nice to have the help cleaning up. We missed the one studying in France, and the Texans, but were also blessed by all of the rest.

I usually use this time to do some cleaning and re-arranging some furniture. I made the effort this year to change our living/dining room in to what I call the conservatoire (a reading/music room of sorts) - same stuff, just slightly different look to contrast with our 'theatre' room we already have. I have much, much, much more cleaning to do.

Other than groceries, I didn't really do any shopping, even though I have a few gift cards to spend. Eventually! Eventually! Went to the office parties of my and the husband's job. New Year's we've developed of having of finger foods and sparkling beverage with whomever graces our home as we wait in the New Year. That was nice. We were watching, as we had been throughout the holidays, episodes of the last dvd season of Smallville. We paused for the midnight celebration!

So now as I look back I see I've had a difficult time in getting back into school; but I haven't given up. I'm trying to manage the workload and make way for that opportunity, as well as continue in ministry and of course having a meaningful family life. Jer 29:11 reminds me God has a plan. I'll be trying to be on His page.

Meanwhile I look to the hubbi's upcoming birthday - a weekend which we will celebrate the gift of him, Martin Luther King Jr., and 44. Hoping to make the most of what will be a 5-day weekend for me.

Ketchup/Catch Up is what you make it - done well it can as enjoyable as this has been.

May God's (not the World's) prosperity bless you all this New Year.

"to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect (Hiphil) to look at or upon, have insight to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent to have insight, have comprehension 1b insight, comprehension (subst) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b the teachers, the wise to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely to prosper, have success to cause to prosper"

Groom's mom pix

Mother of the groom didn't take the highest quality of picture - but here's a look at the goings on.