Tis the Season for Thanksgiving

Where does the time go? How can it be that another year will soon come to an end? With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I encourage you to stop, breathe in deeply, look around, slowly exhale, and remember all that you have to be thankful for! It may sound contrived and trite, but I count my blessings each and every day. Really, I do! I've got a wonderful family, supportive friends, my health, a roof over my head, the BEST job in the universe. AND - I have YOU! The Spa 131 Team and I are committed to making The "SPA 131 Experience" the best it can be, and I am thankful to you, our loyal guests, for making us your choice for relaxation, renewal and refreshment. We all wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Are you HOLIDAY READY? Our final BOTOX AFTER HOURS of the year - and just in time to have you looking your spectacular best - will be Tuesday evening, November 11 from 5-7. Remember that it is "first come - first seen" in the privacy of my personal treatment room. Our guest is, John Newkirk, MD, who was just named BEST AESTHETIC PHYSICIAN in the Cayce-West Columbia Life Magazine. Dr. Newkirk will be providing Cosmetic Botox at $11 per unit, Juvederm Dermal Filler at $500 per vial and will have Lattisse available at $99 per kit. Reservations are required along with a $25 deposit. Give us a call at the Spa to let us know that you'll be joining us. Invite your BFF. You know that she'll be so glad that you did.

I am going to start adding ideas, suggestions, tips and with this issue, healthy recipes. This super easy Roasted Cauliflower idea may make even the pickiest eater enjoy a veggie on his/her plate.

You'll need 1 head of cauliflower, cut up
2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely minced
Lemon juice from 1/2 a lemon
EVOO
Course salt and freshly ground pepper
Optional Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 400. Put the cut up cauliflower (you can also use Broccoli, Broccolini, Zucchini or Asparagus) in a single layer in an oven-proof baking dish. Toss in the fresh garlic. Sprinkle lemon juice over all and drizzle each piece with the olive Oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Be sure oven is up to temp before you place in oven. Cook 25-30 mins, or until the top of lightly brown. When "fork testing," tines should be able to easily pierce the veggies. Remove from oven and sprinkle generously with cheese, then dig in. Yum-Oh!

Essential Oil Tip of the Month

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, author of Medical Aromatherapy, believes that essential oils, both through topical application and inhalation, can positively impact our immune system. Recommendation for using Eucalyptus, Bay Laurel, Lavender or Tea Tree Oils for immune support are:

#1 BEST - 10-25 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil (Jojoba, Sesame, Grapeseed). Massage feet and cover with cotton socks before bed.
#2 Good - Add 8 drops to warm bath AFTER you are immersed, but better when mixed with carrier like a tsp of preferred oil, or even a tbsp. of appli cider vinegar.
#3 OK - put 1-3 drops on tissue or cotton pad and deeply inhale. Exhale and repeat.

We have so much to say THANK YOU for. Thank you for voting us Best Massage, Best Nails, and Best Airbrush Tanning in Cayce-West Columbia Life Magazine. That is just wonderful - we are delighted. Thank you for your support with our 2nd annual PAINT IT PINK PARTY. We were able to make a nice contribution to the Lexington Medical Foundation's Becky's Fund which buys wigs for Breast Cancer Patients PLUS makes funds available for ancillary needs a patient might have - such as helping with electric bills, phone bills, transportation and the like. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and referrals - we REALLY like referrals - a LOT!

Because we LOVE your referrals so much, for the 1st TWO WEEKS of November we are offering a BUY ONE, GET ONE Offer for you to use with a new SPA 131 referral. This is good for any hour service, during November. We won't be able to schedule any carry overs into December, though. Buy it and book it and show your friend exactly WHY you love us. Your friend will be happy. We will be delighted and YOU will be treated like ROYALTY.

Remember that Spa 131 is here for you and we thank you for loving us! Having said that, we are looking for some honest feedback on how we can better serve you. Here's an "Action Item" - - - take just a teensie weensie second to drop us a quick email advising us what you would like to be different and what you already enjoy at Spa 131. Send your reply to: www.mdskincare@me.com. All those responses will get a free gift just for letting us hear from you - and we thank you in advance!

http://www.spa131.com

803-251-9400

Let's Talk About Nails

Fingernails. Toenails. We all have them - some look better than others. Some people are religious about their nail care and some people simply ignore them. Where do you fall? I would imagine that since you are reading this blog, you are probably fairly interested in healthy pretty hands and feet. Spa 131 is committed to providing the very best nail care anywhere around. We actually have a different approach to manicure and pedicure services than any other place in the Midlands. We don't believe that a manicure is only an emery board and a bottle of nail polish. Nor do we think a delicious mani/pedi should be reserved for special occasion. Between Owner, Marci Delaney, and Master Nail Tech, Monique Moss, we offer a total hand, foot and nail care program that goes way beyond masking problems.

We believe that artificial nails not only cover up problems, but cause damage to healthy nails!

< Our goal is to help our clients to have beautiful and healthy nails that are hydrated and alive! Need a consult to determine what program and/or regular nail care is best for you so that you'll be proud to show your fingers and toes? That's free! Yep! Come, let us see how we can best help you.

Not to totally freak you out or anything, but did you know that a trip to your local, neighborhood nail salon can turn into your worst nightmare? Eeeek!

Think about skin eating diseases and infections. While millions of people get manicures on a regular basis and don't every experience any issues, don't think that it could never happen to you. Nail salons that are not properly cleaned or didn't perform proper sanitization procedures, as well as inadequately trained technicians could be a veritable breeding ground for bacteria -Not actually a sweet place to relax and unwind.

Here's a link to a scary article written by Huffington Post - just to shed some light on this potential disaster.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/07/nail-salon-stress_n_2818567.html

But let's say you're an individual that's been wearing acrylics or other "glued on" pieces to your digits. Going au natural after acrylics or other stuff can be a challenge. Artificial nails - no matter how pretty they look - take a serious toll on the health and integrity of the nail bed. Most people experience quite a shock when their natural nails appear thin, brittle and constantly begin to split.

Understand that the chemicals involved in artificial nail application, including powders and gels, can cause damage to the underlying nail. Depending on how long one has been wearing the artificial nails and the health of the nails before beginning to wear the fakes, damage and health issues will absolutely vary from person to person.

The first step to regaining your nail's health is to remove the tips or acrylics. Be warned to never try to peel them off. Professional removal is always best, but you may soak them off at home. The acetone used to remove the acrylics is extremely drying, so bear in mind, to use this chemical with caution. Once the fakes are off, the nail bed may appear jagged, dry, and generally not very pretty. Remember that the natural nail has been suffocating and your natural nail growth has been stunted.

After removal it will be necessary to have regular manicures. A properly trained nail professional knows how to provide stimulation circulation of blood and oxygen to the nail bed. This will promote healthy nail growth. A quality cuticle oil should be applied during the massage portion. Vitamin E is excellent and found in most quality cuticle oils.

Taking Biotin (a B vitamin) orally has been shown to help build and maintain nail health. A 2007 report published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, scientists state that brittle nail syndrome may subside upon taking 2.5 mg of biotin in supplement form on a daily basis. I always feel like it works IF you have a deficiency. Biotin is found in many healthy diets, so you may not actually be deficient. Only a blood test could determine that. Biotin is found in foods like brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, liver, cauliflower, salmon, bananas, carrots, egg yolks, sardines, legumes, and mushrooms. (Go eat your liver now . . . Oooooo Eeeeee!)

You will need to keep your nails trimmed down as they are getting healthy. Don't fret about length for a while. Gaining strength and building the thickness back up needs to be your goal right now. Don't worry . . . you'll get there.

Your nail professional knows what treatment products your nails may benefit from. Spa 131 uses a great nail repair treatment called IBX. Moe can tell you all about it. You may need additional ridge filler now, too. A good ridge filler does amazing things to help hide any unsightly torn or jagged ridges that you'll find after removing the artificial covering from your nails.

As silly as it sounds, you may actually be advised to avoid applying nail color for a while. Even though we use the healthiest nail polish (Zoya Nail Color is the ONLY nail polish approved by the Board of Obstetrics!) it is still a chemical product. The fewer the chemicals applied to your healing nails right now, the better it will be for them.

IF there is any evidence of infection or if you see that your nail is separated from the nail bed you'll need to see your doctor. While Moe is trained in her craft and is absolutely spectacular she is NOT a doctor and cannot treat a medical issue. This includes if she sees redness or inflammation (indicating a possible infection).

Finally, be patient while your nails heal. This is a process. You may need to adjust your expectations. No miracles here, however, once they have returned to a natural, healthy state you'll enjoy the new look. In addition, your new healthy nails will actually be easier and less expensive to maintain.

Any questions? Feel free to ask away. Between Moe and Marci, answers will come freely.

As usual, thank you for reading this post and we look forward to seeing you at Spa 131. Click on this link to schedule your next visit.

http://www.spa131.com



Marci Delaney
Spa 131
131 State Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
803-251-9400

Facial Massage - FAR MORE THAN JUST RELAXATION!

I give a good facial massage. Well, actually, I have been told that I give an amazing facial massage. That's a main part of every facial in my treatment room. You might think, "Yeah? That's nice, but so what?" So what? Here's the so what part: Want younger, healthier, glowing complexion? Facial massage can firm, smooth and sculpt. That's what!

Everyone wants their skin to look healthy and young. There is no denying that massage of every kind improves the appearance of skin for a period of time after any treatment. The instant improvement is caused by increase of blood flow and, as a result, an increase in cellular oxygenation. We can all agree that massage is good for you at any age, but after about the age of 40, the benefits are even greater. This is the average age that skin begins to lose some firmness. Fine lines and wrinkles become an area of concern.

Let's talk about crows feet, laugh and smile lines. They are not the devil! We really can do something to minimize the appearance of those stinkers. There are two kinds of wrinkles that cause us concern - static and dynamic. Dynamic wrinkles are those caused by facial movement. For example squinting over and over contributes to crows feet. Static lines are the ones that get etched because of those dynamic movements. Get it?

So what to do about those guys? Well, Cosmetic Botox injections will relax those muscles so that they either won't form from dynamic movement or prevent them from getting deeper from dynamic movement. Now, facial massage is more subtle than Botox, but with regular facials it also relaxes those same muscles and even helps to decrease puffiness, as well. If you manipulate the facial muscles through massage, it increases the blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Lymphatic Massage (all that movement around your neck) causes toxins/impurities to move away from the skin. This causes lymphatic drainage - getting the "Yuckys" moving down from your face (think puffy eyes) and eventually leaving your body (through urination), essentially decongesting your skin.

When you're a young babe, your skin tissue is strong. As gravity takes over in our 40's and 50's, the integrity of our skin begins to breakdown, The collagen and elastin - fibers that hold all the layers of muscle, fat and skin all together - slows down production. Regular facial massage helps to increase the cellular production way down in the dermal layer and helps to keep all those layers healthy and in place. Muscles relax, circulation increases and you've got the appearance of that sought-after youthful glow.

After your facial massage,besides you becoming a limp noodle, your therapist will apply products to your skin. These topical products are now much better absorbed. Key ingredients in serums, creams, lotions are able to penetrate deeper giving you better and quicker results. You're really getting your moneys worth now.

The bottom line is this: You want results. When results are provided you will become a loyal believer in regular facials with an awesome facial massage. I take Gynormous pride in all services at Spa 131, however, my personal speciality is with facials and skin care. I challenge you to have one facial with me and see why. In addition, bear in mind that we have a relationship with Dr. John Newkirk, a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Newkirk is a quarterly guest at the Spa to provide Cosmetic Botox and Juvederm Cosmetic Filler, all within the relaxing environment of our facility.

I welcome all comments to this blog. Why don't you become a subscriber and tell me what subjects would be of interest to you. I will take all suggestions seriously.

Book your next facial by clicking on our website (http://www.spa131.com) and clicking on the TREATMENTS tab. I hope to see you soon!

Marci Delaney
Spa 131
131 State Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
803-251-9400

It's c-c-c-cold again - so I think it is only appropriate to talk, 'HOT STONES' or How HOT STONES can benefit you in the cold winter months.

If you are looking for an excellent spa treatment to warm your bones during these cold days, a delicious hot stone massage may be just the answer. Hot stone massage is the use of smooth, heated stones during a relaxing massage session. The use of hot stones for enhancing a massage can actually be traced back over 3,000 years to China and in India - Ancient Chinese secret, as it were.

So what exactly are the stones good for? Your massage therapist will prepare the stones before your arrival by heating to the desired temperature. The stones used in professional massage are either river rocks or basalt stones - both are smooth to touch and excellent to glide across your cold, achy muscles and retain heat for a very long time. These stones are strategically places on specific points of the body, such as the spine, abdomen, neck, legs and/or hands. All along other heated stones are used in gentle strokes over other parts of your body. Lovely massage oils and maybe even additional essential oils are used for ease, hydration and relaxation. Don't worry about the stones being too hot - remember that they must be comfortable for the therapist to hold for your entire treatment in his/her own hands.

It is YOUR job to let your therapist know if anything is uncomfortable in any massage session. This is especially true of a Hot Stone Treatment. You must communicate if you feel the stones are too hot. Of course, after moving the hot stones across your body, your skin may very well become a little pink after completion. This isn't an indication of the stones being too warm, rather showing improved circulation - this is just what you need. Your muscles become warm and relaxed relieving tension all throughout your body. A Hot Stone Massage generally is scheduled in 90 relaxing minutes. Ahhh

My first experience with Hot Stone massage is kinda funny. It is VERY difficult for me to be able to "check out" and get totally relaxed. Hot Stones were just becoming mainstream at this particular time, and I thought, "OK, Why not? Let's try it." I climbed onto the massage table and the therapist began the service. I remember thinking, "Ehh. OK" The next thing I knew, I WOKE UP! WHAT? Really! I NEVER get THAT relaxed. So, this wound up tight, very intense chicky, slept through her entire first hot stone massage. Yes, it was THAT relaxing! Therapeutic? You bet!

Hot Stones can be a beneficial option in the massage room for many reasons. First is that it does allow for deep relaxation of the soft tissue without any significant pressure by the therapist. If you know the typical benefits of massage,(improved circulation, lymphatic drainage (toxic waste), pain relief, stress relief and an improvement in over all flexibility) you'll understand that hot stones only add to that. You should also be aware that there are certain issues that prevent you from being a good candidate for Hot Stones. These include high blood pressure, any open sores or lesions, and diabetes. If you are pregnant, congratulations. You'll have to return for hot stone massage after you deliver your little bundle of joy.

Oh, and finally, here's a great tip: Consider a couples hot stone session for a VERY BENEFICIAL evening!

To schedule your Hot Stone Massage with Latonya Dow, the World's BEST Massage Therapist - or at least the BEST Massage Therapist that I know - click on this link http://www.spa131.com

Spa 131 is always working to improve our treatment menu, but there is no better option for right now, than an amazing Hot Stone Massage.

As IF you need an excuse . . . Here are a few reasons WHY you should get a winter massage:

1) DRY SKIN - Ugh! The biggest winter issue for many of us. Massage is proven to improve skin's hydration . . . that's a guarantee. We use amazing oils, creams, and lotions that contain high amounts of vitamins and nature's hydrators. Massage therapy improves circulation, allowing your skin to absorbs these essential vitamins, leaving your epidermis nourished, refreshed and hydrated. Not only will the outside be radiant, but you'll get your happy from the inside out.
2) IMMUNITY BOOSTER. It's cold and flu season. Did you know that a professional massage is a proved immune booster? Look it up, friends. Google will affirm it. How? Massage therapy increases the lymphatic drainage - our lymph system is the sewer system of our amazing bodies. Enough said.
3) CIRCULATION. I said it above, but massage helps to improve circulation, by enhancing the flow of book and oxygen. Notice cold hands and feet? Notice joints not moving quite as they should? That boils down to a circulation issue, caused by colder temps. This is a "no-brainer" but consider adding hot stones. Oh Baby!
4) WINTER BLUES. Are you one that feels the angst of winter time, also known as S.A.D or Seasonal Affective Disorder? My husband gets really out of sorts when he can't get outside for his normal activities like golf and tennis. Some actually fall into a winter depression. Let us help with that. Massage is proven to improve warmth and provide an overall improvement in well-being. Massage therapy causes our body to release serotonin and endorphins - the "happy hormones." 5) OUTDOOR WORK? Yuck. Well, no matter. Massage really will help after hard physical work. Let us work on those tight shoulder muscles, your lower back, glutes, and forearms.
Simply said, Massage is just what your body is asking for, right now and always.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your 60 minute or and hour and a half massage by clicking this link:
http://www.spa131.genbook.com

Smokers Beware: Side effects of Smoking

Of course we ALL KNOW that smoking is bad for us - we've heard it over and over for YEARS! We know that it plays havoc with our health, but did you know that the nasty, smelly, smoking habit can also do a serious number on your looks? Even though quitting may be hard, it may also be one of the best things you can do if you desire beautiful, healthy, glowing skin!

Think about smoking as "Suffocating" your skin - which is, by the way, the largest organ of our bodies - yet we treat so insignificantly. Smoking both dehydrates and leeches oxygen from the skin. Quitting will allow you to see real beauty benefits, with a brighter, smoother and more radiant appearance.

Honey, smoking ages you faster than you can imagine!

Along with sun damage and plain ole hard living, nicotine can add YEARS to your appearance! According to Lowell Dale, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic, smoking will speed up the normal aging process of your skin. He says that the more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke, the more skin wrinkling you're likely to have - adding years to your appearance. When you inhale just ONE PUFF of cigarette smoke, "More than a trillion free radicals are produced in our lungs, which then trigger an inflammatory response that circulates throughout the entire body," says the famous Dermagologist, Dr. Nicholas Perricone.

The term "smokers face" was added to the medical dictionary in 1985. If that doesn't persuade you to consider "kicking the habit"! Smokers face is defined as: lines or wrinkling of the face, particularly radiating at right angles from the upper and lower lips or corners of the eyes, deep lines on the cheeks or numerous shallow lines on the cheeks and lower jaw. Eeeek! No thank you!

Maybe hard to believe, but cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 toxins, many of which are directly absorbed into the bloodstream and then taken by blood flow into the actual skin's structure. This depletes the collagen in our skin and causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of our skin. What this then does is impair blood flow and lessens the amount of oxygen and vital nutrients, such as Vitamin A and C. These toxins damage and depletes collagen and elastin, which are the fibers that give skin it's elasticity and strength. Therefore . . . skin sags, wrinkles and ages . . . all because of stinkin cigarettes! Smoking thins the skin. In a recent study, looking at 25 pairs of identical twins, with one twin being a lifelong smoker and the other never smoked, ultrasound technique showed some really alarming results. The smoker's skin was a quarter thinner than that of the non-smoker's skin. A QUARTER THINNER! That is significant! Still want to light up? Yes? Well . . . here's stil more reason to quit . . .

Smoking can alter your body shape! OK . . . I hear you saying, "But smokers tend to be skinnier than non-smokers!"

What smoking does is create an imbalance with woman's hormone levels, which can lead to body shape changes. This is actually from the endocrin system - the glands that secrete the hormones - resulting in an increase in the waist-to-hip ratio. So actually, despite weighing less, smokers tend to be pot-bellied with spindly legs - not so very appealing. They store the normal amount of body fat in the abdominal area, which gives a less womanly "Apple" shape. This picture shows a skinny, apparently pretty young smoker. Don't think that her smoking isn't doing a job on her, even at her young age. The purpose of this blog is on how smoking negatively effects our beauty and ageing. It all adds up and her smoking is adding 10 years to her appearance that will very soon be apparent to everyone!

Just consider a lifestyle change for the better, won't you? I'll be there to offer encouragement every step of the way!!!


Finally, I want to end this blog with the link to a really good article on Doctors' Top 10 Anti-aging tips: http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/headline_health/Anti_aging_Tip s/2011/07/22/399496.html. I hope you'll take a little time to click on it. It's a quick, little informative read to offer easy reminders to simple things we can do to age "Better"


Hope to see you soon . . . In my Treatment Room!

Marci

http://www.themdskin.com
561 Meeting Street
Sabre Building
West Columbia, SC 29169


803-351-2922

Positive Vibes in (and out) of My Treatment Room

"You make a living by what you get . . .
but you make a life by what you give." - Lori Crete

Our brains can get stuck in patterns that focus on our stresses, irritations, and problems. Negative emotions can highjack our thoughts, especially when things just don't seem to be going our way. Being around positive people, places and things can and will help us be more successful, confident and feeling happy.

Have you ever heard the saying that you are as successful as the five people you surround yourself with the most? Start to be aware of how you feel around certain people and you will see how other people's energy is contagious. In my treatment room this has become extremely apparent. I am so very fortunate to have mostly wonderful clients, but I also have a few that might be considered "toxic."

When I look over my daily appointments, I am so excited to see clients that feel like good friends. What you guys probably don't realize is how much YOU nourish ME!


"Surround yourself with positive, nourishing people - they will lift you up the ladder of success." - Jeff Keller


The client that follows this lovely client is going to have an even better experience because of her positive energy. I absorb her positive energy and feel like I can do most anything because of spending time with her. I am always grateful to her. She makes me proud of what I do and who I am. Yep! That's many, many of you reading this blog.

The energy zapper, joy stealer, who shall remain nameless, is the exact opposite! This individual sucks the life out, wearing me out - and probably all of those she associates with - and sadly, negatively effects the entire atmosphere around her. Thankfully, there are just a very few of these clients coming to see me. I keep hoping that I can change their outlook by providing exceptional service, giving great relaxing treatments and sharing my smile with them. Hmmmm

I always wonder what makes some people so unhappy. I know that I obsorb other's energy - both good and bad. It's very interesting that as soon as I touch my client I feel an energy exchange. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit new-agey, and before I started my Aesthetics practice, I would have been skeptic, but it's true.

So, how to make sure that you're not the toxic one?

1) Give yourself permission to "gear down"

Are you always feeling the pressure to be better and get it all done - and usually get it all done by yourself? That sounds a lot like the Type A personalities I know and love. Sugar, down time is EXACTLY what you need. I bet your shoulders spend a lot of time nearly pulled to your ears with all the stress you store there - - - and in your neck - - - and in your back. Oh yeah! I know, and I feel your pain, because that's describing myself. I have to plainly just give it a break in order to LIVE sometime. Give yourself permission to take a break and just breathe. A visit to my treatment room can be the difference in your own positive or negative energy.

2) Decide if you are working and living in a "sacrifice mode" or "service mode"

Working from a place of service and not sacrifice can be the difference in your outlook on life. Do you work from a joyful place or feel overworked, stressed out, bored, underpaid and resentful? I think a lot of times, this may be a choice. Sometimes, nurturing yourself can make a difference in your attitude in your circumstance. Taking time to nurture yourself on and off the job is vital to positive energy. Take your lunch break! Get outside and see the trees, smell the flowers and return renewed. I know that might sound a little simple, but small changes can change the world.

3) Take care of your PERSONAL self

Join a gym or plan daily walks with a friend. It's proven that exercise releases positive endorphins! Make spa visits a regular part of your life. They are proven to relax and rejuvenate not only your skin, but your spirit. I call them a mini-vacation and bet you will too!

4) Do something nice for someone else
I have found that this is the biggest positive outlook booster for me . . . a random act of kindness. Something done for someone else with any expectation in return just makes me feel darn good! I encourage you to try this . . . just one time . . . then share your experience with me. I won't tell anyone what you did. I just want to know how it made you feel.

These few suggestions are just a start and I welcome hearing your thoughts on making and keeping a positive energy flow.

So, this is all . . . from my treatment room. Positive thoughts for a positive life. Come see me . . . soon!

Marci Delaney
561 Meeting Street
West Vista

803-351-2922

http://www.themdskin.com

with thoughts included from Lori Crete