Everyday Home Spa

There are many posts out in the net world that give pointers on how to bring the spa experience home and/or how to create your own at home spa. Most of these posts center around creating ambiance and an atmosphere of relaxation rather than an actual room transformation. If you're an avid reader of this blog you've probably already guessed that since I like to be a little different, this post is all about transforming a room (in this case the bathroom) into an affordable spa retreat all your own.

So why did I choose the bathroom? Well, many of us spend quite a bit of time here. This is one room where privacy is almost guaranteed. Notice I said almost. This is also one of the top answers when asked "where do you relax at home".

Making changes to your bathroom/soon to be home spa retreat doesn't have to be an expensive project. The first thing you'll want to do is change your lighting and add a dimmer switch while you're at it. Don't be afraid to do something with recessed lighting or track lighting. You may even want to think about contemporary, "not usually found in the bathroom" light fixtures.

So what's next now that you've made the lighting switch? Well now you can concentrate on the one area that's sure to get the most use...the tub. An easy, inexpensive way to create the ultra relaxation experience in your tub is to purchase a bath spa along with a spa showerhead. Add a cushy bench or chair, bath soaks, natural wax candles or aromatherapy oil diffusers. Don't forget to complete your getaway with your favorite soothing music, a nice leafy plant or two and decadent dark chocolate treats (remember dark chocolate is good for you).

Photo courtesy of Spa Finder, Inc

What's Up With Hip Hop Abs?

If you're a regular reader of this blog, I'm sure you've figured out that I'm in love with music and dancing. I have it so bad that one "must have" for my wedding ceremony and funeral (no, I really don't see them as the same thing) is a choreographed dance routine.

Anyway, part of my exercise routine is dancing (of course). Knowing this, a friend of mine gave me the Hip Hop Abs series:
4 routines: Secrets To Flat Abs, Fat Burning Cardio, Ab Sculpt and Total Body Burn
Success Tools: Step by Step Nutrition Guide, 30 day Nutrition Calendar, Hips, Buns and Thighs, Results On The Run Diet Guide, 6 Day Slim Down Plan and Measurement Card w/Tape Measure
3 Full Hip Hop Dance Routines: Take It To The Dance Floor (check it out below), Hip Hop Groove and Last Minute Dance

I have to tell you that I laughed when she told me that she wasn't able to get the moves and it was just too much work for her (I don't know but me personally I would have made it work seeing that it currently costs approximately $75). I took that as a challenge. I popped in the first DVD (Secrets To Flat Abs) and was pleasantly surprised although I thought it was a bit short (only 13 minutes). From there (since I was feeling revved up and rearing to go), I went on a Hip Hop Abs spree! I loved it! Not only was it NOT hard (and it's not even because I'm a great dancer) but it was easy to follow along. I actually had to stop a couple times and go back because it was inspiring...I was adding my own moves. To say it was fun would be a bit of an understatement. I was sweating before I knew it and still smiling. Now that's a great workout! You'll definitely learn a few "club worthy" dance moves from this series. Go ahead, grab your Exercise Gear and get it started!

Take It To The Dance Floor (Sneak Peak)


Hip Hop Abs Infomercial

A Little Dancing, A Lotta Laughing

I love dancing. I love laughing. Today I thought I'd give you a little bit of both. Shaq dancing is always a treat!



Laughter really has a few health benefits. Find out what they are in an upcoming post!

To Have, To Hold, To Snip

Recently, I've been thinking about just how truthful it is when they (the Holistic Health community) say that hair has energy and memory. It's ironic that something so often taken for granted has such a profound impact on our lives. I mean think about it, unplanned baldness can pretty much break a person...or at the very least hurt their feelings so much that the "joke makers" end up in top spots on "I'll Get Revenge" lists. Even I have to admit to occasionally joining in the chorus of the childhood bald song "Baldy Scaldy I declare...somebody stole all (insert bald kid's name) hair...". This song was often followed by raucous laughter by the teasers, but baleful sobs for the follicle challenged child. Wow, what a poignant picture that just painted for me. Did you feel it too?

Your hair does everything with you and goes through everything that you go through. As a result, negative energy (pain, loss, sorrow, grief, etc) that you experience can really get trapped in hair no matter its texture. Not only does it get trapped, but hair will hold onto it like the twining roots of a gnarled oak tree. Ever wonder why right after a bad breakup or other significant negative life event the hair is almost always the first to go (either voluntarily or involuntarily)? Once the hair loss is accepted, the words "I have a new lease on life" seem to also be the phrase of affirmation. I just had a friend of mine cut her locs completely off and while she's now down to about 1-1.5 inches of hair, she said she's never felt more free. Perusing blogs, I came across a post where the author talks about the freedom she herself has experienced now that she's hair free, she's even taken to cutting cute designs (like flowers) in her hair. How creative is that?! I guess you really can say "Hair free is Care free". Now everyone wanting to get rid of those negative feelings, run out and get a hair cut. See how much better it'll make you feel....just make sure it's a GOOD hair cut (or we could be right back at the starting point).