Oh...Man!

Why aren’t more men getting spa treatments? Athletes get massages, go to saunas and steam rooms. Some of the most renowned spas in the world are often patronized by affluent men. So what are normal Jacks and Johns afraid of? Maybe it is because I am a woman, but I see it differently, I think it is sooo… macho for a MAN to get a face treatment, manicure, pedicure, or massage. As a woman I find it attractive for a man to take care of himself, look good, and what is most important –feel good.

Hello MEN! Feeling good, relaxed, and pampered is OK, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Dealing with a soar neck or back by yourself is not going to heal it. Yes, that pain will go away, but you will feel much better and relieved quicker if you get professional a massage or facial.

A lot of our male population have occupations that require them to be outdoors, or in tough to handle work environments such as warehouses, factories, roofs, mechanical rooms, trucks (just imagine driving for hours!). GUYS! You do need good a massage or rejuvenating face treatment as much as or even more than women. Spa treatments are more about your wellness than beauty. Just think about the number of men with high blood pressure. They do not even want to take pills because they think that there is nothing wrong with them (if they do not feel pain of discomfort, it means they are fine!). Just get a massage once a month, take that time and treat yourself instead of another evening with a can of beer or soda in front of the TV.

I know, I know, some will say: “Waste of money” because they do not SEE the results. Ok, do some research and type in “benefits of massage”…. Endless…

Not convinced? Do it for your significant other. Do it together, get couples treatment, make her happy, or whatever reason is best for you. Just try it. You will like it and you will FEEL better.
I guarantee it!

April - Nature

When I think about this coming summer, I realize that it will be my third summer working at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, and fourth summer for Spa Shawnee and Salon. Oh my… time flies… When I think of the future, I still see myself here, on the banks of Delaware River, watching how seasons unwind, the river flows by, geese come and go, and Shawnee grounds get more beautiful every day. We are so blessed to work here, and share all those beautiful surrounding with our guests. Those who visited our destination once know what I am talking about. It is an amazing experience to live AMONGST this environment to be part of it.

I came across an article referring to the upcoming Earth Day lately, and realized that often time’s we-people do not consider ourselves as part of Nature, but think that we own the Nature. We do things to preserve Nature, environment, and limit natural resources used by our civilization, and so on… (You know - all green efforts). Well, we are wrong; at least that is what I think. We ARE only a tiny part of this massive creation, this mastered to perfection existence. A tiny part that thinks it is smarter, better and able to rule this creation. We should start with RESPECT, and then we would not have to go back and fix what we messed up.

I love to hike. The Pocono’s is one of the greatest places to hike that I know of. You can discover new things every time you go on the same trail. Although you take the same path, the trail is not the same – it changes. Constantly… When I hike, I love to listen. Listen to the trees, and try to comprehend what those trees have seen and have gone through. It makes me bow to them and think of my tiny “me” and my tiny issues (family, work, bills) that overwhelm me on the daily basis. When I am hiking, there are no issues, no worries, just a thought: “These Mountains have been here forever (in human sense of time, I mean) and they will be here forever, after I am long gone with my little “issues”.

I love to listen. Listen to the Nature.

Holiday R&R

I cannot believe 2008 is almost over. I remember it like yesterday all the New Millennium threats and scares. It is so funny now J but what’s not funny at all is the fact that the same time next year, the first decade (!) of 21st century will be OVER…
It makes me realize even more how important it is to enjoy every minute of our life….

Holidays and the New Year are a good time to think about the past and future. I want you all to think about how much time you spend on treating yourself with things that you like the best – reading, hiking, hobby, gardening, or sleeping….anything you enjoy the most. You are probably like most of our society now and put your job, children, and community work first; and you are on the bottom of the list, aren’t you? This New Year’s Eve make a promise to yourself that you will spend more time with yourself. I promise you that you will get so much more energy to do all those wonderful things for your family, work, and community. Find that time, even before you go to sleep and think about all those wonderful things that you enjoy and promise yourself to do them in the nearest future - at the first opportunity. Put yourself on the top of the list. If you are not able to do the activities due to the weather or season, just make an appointment for a manicure, massage, or go to the movies or library. Just be with yourself for sometime.

In the meantime, though, Holidays with lots of food are coming. That may be dangerous for your body and soul. It is easy to get filled with fat, toxins and unnecessary calories, and your soul will feel guilty. In order to cover the guilt, you will promise to go on diet with the start of New Year. Then you will have to do something with the left-over’s, so you will eat them feeling guilty about not sticking to the diet and so on… Why don’t we all take some steps before the fact? Here are some great tips to feel healthy and not guilty:

- Always have a light snack a few hours before arriving at a party. If you turn up having starved yourself all day, you’re more likely to overindulge yourself when faced with a mountain of delicious food;
- Pile your plate high with traditional seasonal vegetables such as red cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. The more colors you have on your plate, the greater the variety of nutrients (remember the Éminence food palette!);
- Turkey is a great option. It is packed with protein, which helps fill you up, and provides many other nutrients including zinc, a mineral that keeps the immune system in tip-top shape. But best of all, turkey is lower in fat and calories than many other meats, especially if you go for the breast;
- Don’t smother the turkey with oil, butter, margarine or lard when you cook it;
- Often we arrive to a party thirsty and drink the first drink fast. Quench your thirst with a glass of water instead of a high calorie alcoholic or soft drink;
- Beware of all the extras such as cranberry sauce, bread pudding and white sauce;
- Position yourself far away from the food and drinks table so you are less likely to pick.

Have Peaceful and Relaxing Holidays!

Eminence

“Just like a fine wine, we get better with age, but that doesn’t mean our skin needs to look older. There’s no need to mull it over – the DiVine Collection from Éminence Organic Skin Care is the toast of the town” (Éminence Organic Skin Care). We are so excited to launch our first collection from Éminence. It smells delicious; it feels so smooth on your skin. This exclusive collection is based on Tokay grapes that come from vineyards of the Tokai Region of Hungary and are full of antioxidants. They also reduce inflammation and slow the oxidation process that causes the skin to age prematurely.

When you come to Spa Shawnee you should start your day with a relaxing massage using our new Mimosa Champagne Massage Oil followed by a Mimosa Champagne Exfoliation of your entire body in our unique Hydrotherapy capsule. Wrap up your visit with a renewing facial. Éminence refining Tokay Ice Wine Masque is packed with chunks of Tokay grapes along with apples to hydrate and renew your skin.
This season’s collection leaves one reminiscent of gentle summer afternoons, while making you feel pampered by the champagne bubbles of New Year’s Eve. Just a perfect Holiday gift for every body!

Since we want everyone to share our excitement, we offer great deals this month. Come and enjoy DeVine Mini Facial (30 minutes), Manicure and Pedicure for only $89. Get yourself (or others) the gift of indulgence. See you then…

Purple and White

This blog is the last of our food color installments. We are very excited to introduce our new product line - Eminence, that will come to Spa Shawnee and Salon in December.

Here we go!

Purple and blues are found in blueberries, prunes, red wine, cranberries, strawberries, figs, red apples, and blackberries. Blueberries contain more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. Although all of these fruits mentioned above contain many antioxidant properties. Purple or blue fruits have shown to prevent nerve cells from weakening in the brain and perhaps protect against effects of physical aging. These fruits have positive effects on the heart, in that they prevent blood clots.

White vegetation is found in onions, celery, pears, leeks, garlic, shallots, chives and white wine. They are known to inhibit abnormal cell growth and are imperative antioxidants that a body needs. Some of the benefits are the rising levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, decrease dangerous levels of triglycerides, which are blood fats, and easing the inflammation of asthma and eliminate colds and the flu.

Color of Food November 12

While the orange and reds are almost gone from your beautiful Pocono Mountains, green is what we miss about spring and summer. Before our environment will change into white and gray, let’s talk about green, yellow today.


Green Indicates: Isothiocyanates, folic acid
Found in Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage family), spinach, bok choy, kale, peas, artichokes, and asparagus.
Sulphur-based sinigrin, a substance unique to the cabbage family (that includes Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower), converts into antioxidant isothiocynates, which cause pre-cancerous cells to destroy themselves.

Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower help to prevent cancerous cells from developing in your system. The deeper green vegetables contain folate, which has been known to prevent birth defects. Folate also aids women who are trying to become pregnant. If you do not like spinach, spice it up with salt, pepper, and (!) garlic (great anti-inflammatory) and add a tablespoon of cream cheese – use it as a dip for your tortilla chips, crackers or as a side dish for your meal. So far, my friends who are not fans of spinach – loved it. Serve warm for best results.

If you add garlic to steamed broccoli, sauté on a little bit of olive oil – they will taste really good, as well. Although we cook and boil a lot of vegetables, remember that fruits and vegetables have the most of vitamins and minerals when raw.


Bon Appetite!
To be continued….

Colors of Fruits and Vegetables (information provided by Eminence)

As the colors of Appalachian Mountains change every day from rich gold to deep mahogany and red go outside and enjoy the crisp air and deep blue sky. At the same time, remember to eat healthy and prepare for the cold and dry winter. Yes, dry winter – when many forget to hydrate their skin and body in colder temperatures. Cold, dry air dehydrates the body the same way as summer heat. Please remember to drink lots of water during fall outdoor activities.
Let’s go back to colors of fruits.

RED: Found in tomatoes, persimmons, watermelons and pink grapefruit.

Carotenoids are a fierce cancer fighter and can also help prevent heart disease by inhibiting the formation of harmful LDL cholesterol. The deeper the red or pink color found in fruit and vegetables, the higher the lycopene content. Studies have shown that a high intake of tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer quite.

ORANGE Indicates: Beta-carotene

Found in oranges, carrots, mangoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apricots, squash, rock melons and papayas.

Beta-carotene is a major antioxidant that lowers cholesterol and converts it to vitamin A. Fruit and vegetable skins are nearly always packed with nutrients. Beta-carotene is an immune booster that helps fight off colds, flu, cystitis and skin problems. A study of smokers showed that those who ate more beta-carotene had a lower incidence of lung cancer, but this was only true when the beta-carotene was acquired from food, not a supplement. Like lycopene, beta-carotene is fat-soluble. These orange fruits and vegetables are also high in the immune-booster, vitamin C.

Hmm…hmm… yummy!
To be continued…