Identifying Genetically Modified Produce at the Supermarket by Tracy L. Carmack

For conventionally grown fruit, (grown with chemical inputs), the Price Look-Up (PLU) code on the sticker of fresh produce consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GE) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8.

GM-Oh No! What You Need To Know About Genetically Modified Food

Could it be true? Could the big name cereal makers have carried out extremely misleading ingredient campaigns by labeling their products “all-natural?” Would they knowingly use ingredients that contain high levels of toxic chemical pesticides and genetically modified ingredients?

Unfortunately, it seems to be true. But don’t feel silly or naive if you’ve bought Kashi (Kellogg’s) brand cereals, Whole Foods’ 365 brand cereals, or Quaker Oats thinking you were making a healthy choice over the sugary cereals. It’s easy to be misled by environmentally friendly packaging with leafy imagery and terms like ‘all-natural’ and ‘whole grain’. Pardon the pun but it’s only natural that you would believe that a product that markets itself to be healthy would be free from pesticide chemicals and genetically engineered ingredients. And here you thought sugar was your biggest concern.

Thanks to social media and the recent investigation and findings by the Cornucopia Institute, GMO (genetically modified organisms) has become a very hot topic. The news that “100% of the soy used in tested boxes of Kashi cereal was genetically engineered soy” became a viral firestorm leaving consumers saying “GM-Oh no they didn’t!” A grocery store in Rhode Island recently pulled Kashi brand products from their shelves and posted a sign in its place that reads:

“You might be wondering where your favorite Kashi cereals have gone. It has recently come to our attention that 100% of the soy used in Kashi is Genetically Modified, and that when the USDA tested the grains used, there were found to be pesticides that are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors.” 

The photo of this sign was liked, shared, pinned, and tweeted faster than Kashi/Kellogg’s PR department can say ‘no comment’! Ouch! However, Kashi has since posted a response to this viral photo on their Facebook page.

What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

According to The Non-GMO Project, genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). Genetic engineering merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial, and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide.

Why should you care if your food contains GMOs?

According to Organicconsumers.com, GMOs have been linked to thousands of toxic and allergenic reactions, thousands of sick, sterile, and dead livestock, and damage to virtually every organ and system studied in lab animals. Jeffrey M. Smith, author of Seeds of Deception and genetically modified food expert, says “eating genetically modified food is gambling with every bite.” Smith links genetically modified organisms (GMO) to toxins, allergies, infertility, infant mortality, immune dysfunction, stunted growth, and death.

While there are arguments for both sides of the issue, here is what you should know about GMOs:

• Currently there is no law dictating that food products containing GMOs must be labeled as such.
• According to the FDA, 93% of soy, 78% of cotton, and 63% of corn is currently genetically modified.
• Approximately 80% of all packaged foods in U.S. grocery stores contain GMOs.
• Animal studies have revealed that mice fed a variety of GM foods have experienced a range of health ailments ranging from stomach ulcerations to allergic reactions to dysfunctional immune systems.
• According to a recent CBS News/New York Times poll, 87% of consumers would like GMO ingredients to be labeled, and 53% of Americans say they won’t buy food that has been genetically modified.
• Experts say that if it comes in a can or a box and the label lists soybean oil or corn syrup as ingredients, odds are that it contains GMOs.

Help make a change! Because the FDA does not require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods, you cannot  make informed decisions about what you are eating or feeding your family. You can tell the FDA that you want the ingredients in your food clearly labeled by visiting Just Label It‘s website.

The staff at Seasons Wellness Clinic is committed to educating north Louisiana and the surrounding areas with the most scientific and reliable information about healthy living. If you have questions about GMOs, leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to guide you towards the best information and, hopefully, a happier, healthier life! For more information about Seasons Wellness Clinic and Seasons – The Spa, wander around our website to your heart’s content! Or call our office at (318) 255-3223.

Don’t Get Flushed! It’s National Rosacea Awareness Month!

Which would you like first, the good news or the bad news? Let’s get the bad news out of the way. Unfortunately the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no known cure. But the good news is that you can suppress the symptoms during a flare-up with the right procedures and products.

Depending on your skin and the severity of your rosacea, procedures such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and red light treatments can help to strengthen capillaries. In addition to facial treatments, products such as Obagi Rosaclear and Guinot Red Logic are great for treating the symptoms of rosacea. Some treatments and products that treat rosacea may be acceptable expense items under your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.

April has been designated Rosacea Awareness Month by The National Rosacea Society (NRS)  to emphasize the importance of seeking medical help for the skin ailment. Any of the following are a signal to make an appointment for a consultation with a Seasons aesthetician. Our aestheticians can make sure you are taking advantage of all of the procedures and products available to help your skin and insure that you aren’t doing anything to worsen the condition.

• Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
• Small visible blood vessels on the face
• Bumps or pimples on the face
• Watery or irritated eyes

• Rosacea by the numbers. It is estimated that rosacea affects more than 14 million Americans.¹ It occurs most commonly in adults age 30 to 60.² And 30% to 40% of patients with rosacea have a close relative with the condition.³ It tends to occur more often in women but more severely in men.²
• Menopause is a red flag. Many menopausal women tend to think they have adult acne when they see red bumps and pimples. However, it is possible that it could be rosacea. In fact, hot flashes might cause the first appearance of rosacea, so visit a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
• The sooner the better. People often delay treatment, thinking they have a temporary condition that will go away quickly, yet rosacea is reported to worsen with time—so the sooner treatment is started the better. If you have facial redness, acne-like pimples, flushing of the cheeks, nose, chin, and/or forehead, meet with your physician for a diagnosis and to discuss the prescription-based Rosaclear^® System.
• Avoid the aggravation. Prevent future flare-ups by avoiding things that can trigger rosacea. It might be helpful to keep a journal because everyone has different triggers. The most common ones include sun exposure, vigorous exercise, caffeine, stress, spicy food, excessive sugar and sweets, and alcohol.
• Keep your chin up. According to a National Rosacea Society survey, nearly 70% of rosacea sufferers reported experiencing embarrassment and anxiety because of their condition. The Obagi Rosaclear System incorporates a therapeutic prescription component, as well as products that help calm your skin and minimize the visible redness and blotchiness associated with rosacea. Even better, it is a skin care regimen that is noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. This can make it easier for rosacea sufferers to face the world and it helps improve their quality of life.

At Seasons – The Spa, our skin specialists are highly trained in treating the symptoms of Rosacea with advanced skin treatments and professional strength products. Call us today for a complimentary consultation and let us help you achieve a clear, calm, and more balanced-looking skin tone, (318) 255-115.

---

¹ American Academy of Dermatology and the National Rosacea Society

² www.medicinenet.com/rosacea/article.htm

³ www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160281.php

The Paleo Diet: Back to Basics

My husband, Evan, and I live by the saying, “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” We believe good health requires a foundation of proper nutrition and we have found that foundation with the Paleolithic Diet. Because the name ‘Paleo Diet’ is new to many people, some consider it a “fad diet.” However, eating unprocessed foods as close as possible to their natural state is not a fad. It’s a concept that’s been around since the first humans walked the earth!

So what does it mean to eat Paleo? Paleo consists of meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, some fruit, limited starch, no sugar, no grains, and no alcohol. The first thing most people ask after hearing the do’s and don’ts is “How will I get the carbohydrates my body needs for energy?” And the answer is this: all vegetables and fruits are made of carbohydrates. The concept of the Paleo Diet is quality over quantity with the main goal of maximizing efficient macronutrient intake.

My husband was first introduced to the concept of eating Paleo at a CrossFit Trainer certification course in 2008. At that time we were following the standard American diet: high in processed foods, low in complex carbohydrates, low in plant-based foods, and high in simple carbohydrate sources. We were having difficulty reaching our weight loss goals and certain health conditions began to surface: high blood pressure, obesity, and inflammation. It seemed no matter how many calories we cut or how many additional hours of cardio we did, our weight loss goals were still unobtainable. Since we began eating Paleo exclusively in 2010, we have seen wonderful results in our overall health and positive body composition changes.

So how can you incorporate the Paleo Diet into your daily life? Surprisingly, it’s easier than you think. The following steps will make your chances for success greater.

• Don’t treat it like a transitory diet that you will quit after a few days or weeks. The success of this diet is changing your lifestyle. Think of food as a fuel that makes you better instead of treating it as a reward.
• Next, clean out your kitchen and pantry of all junk food and buy whole foods.
• Last, commit to this change for a lifetime of good health. You will be thrilled with the wonderful results!

There are lots of resources and recipes online. Here are two good websites to help you get started:

• www.robbwolf.com
• www.chriskresser.com

Related articles

• Paleo Diet: Blueberry Spinach Smoothie (mainebelle.com)

Beginner’s Guide to IPL Hair Reduction: ‘Hair’ Today, Gone Tomorrow

Are you ready to shed your winter coat and put on that teenie weenie bikini? Here’s the buzz on de-fuzzing with intense pulsed light (IPL).

How does IPL hair removal work?

IPL is fast and effective in eliminating unwanted hair. The laser gets to the root of the of the follicle by going into the shaft and heating the hair at its base, destroying the hair, and effectively stopping or reducing re-growth. Lasers are set to target pigmentation, so laser hair removal is usually more effective on darker hair.

What’s the treatment like?

IPL treatment lasts only 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the area). A gel is applied to the skin to act as a conductor for the laser and help keep the skin cool during the procedure. Our aesthetician will use a hand-held laser tool on the desired area. The procedure can cause discomfort in some individuals, but it’s usually slight and fades quickly.

Do I need to have a consultation before treatment?

Yes. It is our policy to meet with you prior to a laser treatment to make sure you are a candidate for this procedure. It is possible to have your treatment the same day as your consultation as long as there is enough time. If you feel like you may want to have a treatment the same day, please tell our spa concierge when booking your appointment.

How often do I have to come back for the treatment?

The recommended course of treatment is six sessions. However, this will vary based on skin tone, hair texture and the rate of hair growth. We recommend that you wait 4-6 weeks between sessions.

When can I see visible results for hair removal?

The hair reduction is gradual and increases with each treatment. The exact amount varies from person to person and by area.

Will my hair be permanently removed?

Though we know you’ll be thrilled with your results, we can only ensure permanent hair reduction, not complete elimination because it is possible that you may need a touch up in the future.

Before your service:

• Please shave the area to be treated before your appointment.
• Do not pluck, wax, use a depilatory, or undergo electrolysis in the areas you wish to treat for 6 weeks prior to your hair removal treatment. Shaving is good. Everything else is a no-no!
• Avoid any UV exposure to the areas to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid self-tanning products for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
• If you have taken any medications such as Accutane in the last 6 months, please let us know. Certain medications can make your skin more susceptible to damage from the laser.

After your service:

• Some redness and swelling in the treated area is normal, it may feel similar to a sunburn.
• Avoid applying irritants (glycolics, retinoids, etc.) to the treated area for 7 days after treatment.
• Apply sunscreen to the treated area for 6 weeks after the procedure.
• Keep the treated area clean. To avoid irritation, do not scrub the area.
• Do not use deodorant or antiperspirant for 24-48 hours after an underarm treatment.

Ready to get smooth? Call Seasons – The Spa at (318) 255-1155 to schedule your  complimentary consultation. Until May 31st, 2012, you can receive a discount on all IPL and waxing services. For more information, click here. 

Burn Relief, Sleep Aid and Other Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

As an herb, lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. Today, most people appreciate lavender essential oil for its light, soothing scent, used in soaps, shampoos, perfumes, lotions and many other aromatherapy products. Known for its calming effects, Lavender essential oil helps to relax both the mind and body which is why it is a staple oil in my massage practice at Seasons – The Spa.

Lavender can be diffused for comfort, applied topically for beauty and healing purposes, as well as ingested as a dietary supplement. Lavender essential oil has also been used as a remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and fatigue. Here are a few ways that Lavender essential oil can help you:

Sleep: Recommended for those with sleep problems or insomnia, lavender’s tranquil scent helps to slow brain waves, allowing you to relax and drift off to sleep without the use of medication. Here are a few way you can use lavender essential oil to treat restlessness:

• Add a drop or two to hot herbal tea.
• Rub a few drops onto your hands and spread it over your pillow.
• Add a few drops to your bath and soak.
• Diffuse the oil in your bedroom before bedtime.
  

  Young Living Lavender Farm in Mona, Utah, US

Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is an excellent remedy for pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, and sprains. I encourage my clients to have regular massages with lavender oil to provide relief from joint pain.

Respiratory Disorders: Lavender can be used to help heal and soothe throat infections such as the flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. Here are a few ways that lavender essential oil can be used to heal your respiratory problems:

• Use in the form of vapor by diffusing a few drops at night.
• Apply topically onto the skin of neck, chest and back.
• It can also be added to vaporizers or inhalers for cold and coughs.

Blood Circulation: Lavender can improve blood circulation in the body and has been shown to aid blood pressure control.

Digestion: Lavender can be useful for digestion as it increases the motility of the intestine. Lavender also aids in treating indigestion and can help alleviate stomach pain, gas pains, vomiting, diarrhea and colic.

Skin Care: Lavender has antiseptic and antifungal properties, and can be used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly because it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil can also be used to treat eczema when added with chamomile.

Young Living essential oils and products are available for purchase at Seasons – The Spa. As with many other essential oils, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult with a healthcare professional prior to use. Keep away from eyes and out of reach of children.

---

We use only the best, therapeutic-grade essential oils at Seasons – The Spa and Seasons Wellness Clinic. If you would like more information on essential oils, please call us at (318)255-3223.

Here are a few additional articles about essential oils.

• Be Confident, Be Happy, Believe!
• Bethany Cox To Highlight Essential Oils In A Series Of Blog Posts
• Featured Essential Oil: Orange
• American Spa Magazine Features Aromatic Facial
• Healthy Living Tips: A Recipe For All-Natural Bug Spray!

Top 10 Health Experts to Follow on Pinterest

Lately you are more likely to hear someone ask, “Are you on Pinterest?” than “Are you on Facebook?” or “Do you do Tweet?” But if you are new to the world of Pinterest, it is best described as a virtual pinboarding site that combines imagery bookmarking with the fun of social media. Users (or “pinners”) post images and links onto virtual pinboards and share visual ideas with other pinners. Share the things you love – whether that be health tips, things you want to make, or anything in between.

I love the idea of making “vision boards” with pictures of things that inspire you to live a healthier life. My pinboards include my favorite Paleo and low-fat recipes, fitness routines, inspiring images and quotes, and general wellness tips. While pinning, I have come across pinners whose pinboards provide a gold mine of healthy inspirations. I have compiled a list of these pinners to create my Top 10 Health Experts to Follow on Pinterest. Happy Pinning!

---

1. SeasonsWC:

   I love to follow Seasons because not only do they have great tips, recipes and links to informative posts, they also share skincare tips from their Aesthetician and news on the best beauty products.

   

2. Dr. Oz:

   His boards include fitness tips and recipes. My favorite pinboard is ‘Oz Approved Desserts’. Yum!

   

3. FitSugar:

   With 27 boards and counting, you are sure to find something you are interested in! They have a whole board dedicated to gluten-free recipes!

   

4. Whole Foods Market:

   Whole Foods’ pinboards include a range of interests related to the organic lifestyle including gardening, recycling and, of course, recipes.

   

5. Health Magazine:

   Their board dedicated to all things smoothie will undoubtedly compel you to blend a green smoothie for breakfast!

   

6. Eating Well Magazine:

   41 boards of RECIPES! Need I say more?

   

7. Shape Magazine:

   If you are looking for great abdominal workouts – Shape has you covered, follow their boards for inspiration and new things to try.

   

8. YouBeauty:

   Like Seasons, You Beauty believes beauty reflects your inner health. Some of my favorite pinboards from their Pinterest page include ‘Yoga’, ‘Makeup Articles’, ‘Favorite Fitness Articles’, and ‘DIY Beauty Treatments’.

   

9. Yoga Journal:

   Pull out your yoga mat! They have pinned everything you need to know about yoga including tips and videos to inspire you to de-stress and exercise more often.

   

10. Whole Living Magazine:

    The health, happiness, wellness, food, and green living magazine has a wide array of boards including ‘Crazy for Quinoa’ and ‘Healthy Chicken Recipes’.

    

At Seasons, we are dedicated to providing individualized treatment and improving your quality of life by providing the best complementary and integrative medical treatment available. Our hope? To transform lives, one patient at a time. Follow our pinboards for great information on health and wellness! Not on Pinterest? Follow this link to request a Pinterest invite.

This guest post was written by Seasons team member Lauren Derveloy, a Certified CrossFit Trainer and coach/choreographer for the LA Tech University’s Regal Blues. Lauren loves using Pinterest as a resource for inspiration and information in her pursuit of healthy living!

Nibble on This: Cinnamon Peanut Butter Swirl Oatmeal

Plan Ahead for Dieting Success! by Valerie Costanza, RD One of my favorite quotes comes from Benjamin Franklin: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” This statement holds true in many areas of life, including your diet. Most people on a “diet” have a specific goal in mind; weight loss, less fatigue, decrease in digestive upset, etc. No matter the goal, in order to be successful you have to plan your meals. The first step in planning is knowing what you can eat. Whether you have met with me or you are following another diet, the next step will be to make a meal plan. My best advice to sticking to a diet or a change in lifestyle is to write out your meal plan. If it is written down and easily accessible, you are more likely to stick to it. If it is planned out ahead of time, it is not likely that you’ll make a last minute decision to go through the fast food drive-thru because you couldn’t think of anything to eat. I would suggest planning for a week at a time, but I have seen clients have great success by making a 6-to-8 week meal plan as well. To inspire you to plan ahead, the recipe this month can be prepared the night before. Enjoy it for breakfast the next morning. Make-Ahead Cinnamon Peanut Butter Swirl Steel Cut Oatmeal Yield: 4 servings or 3 1/2 – 4 cups Ingredients 2 cups water 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk) 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats 2 large bananas, mashed (1 cup mashed) 2 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of salt 2 – 3 tsp vanilla extract 1 Tbsp roasted peanuts Cinnamon Peanut Butter Swirl sauce (whisk together: 1 Tbsp peanut butter, 2 Tbsp applesauce and ¼ tsp cinnamon) Directions In a medium-sized pot, bring the water and almond milk to a boil. Add in steel-cut oats and a pinch of salt and reduce heat to low. Stir in the mashed banana (mashing it helps disperse the sweetness throughout). Simmer on low, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so. When the oats are creamy and tender, remove from heat and stir in cinnamon to taste, pure vanilla extract, roasted peanuts and cinnamon peanut butter swirl sauce. Serve immediately or allow to cool before transferring into air tight containers in the fridge. In the morning, add a splash of milk and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For more nutrition tidbits, visit our website at seasonswc.com For a personalized nutrition consultation with Valerie Costanza, call Seasons at 255-3223 and schedule an appointment. NIBBLE ON THIS ARCHIVES » Maximize Your Nutrition With These Winter Fruits and Veggies » Cold & Flu Fighting Tips! » Best Food Phone Apps! » Pumpkins: More Than Just Fall Decorations » Gluten-Free Can Be Healthy and Tasty!

 

 

 

Nibble on This: The Recipe For A Healthy Super Bowl Party

 

by Valerie Costanza, RD Giants vs. Patriots. We love the game, the hoopla, and the commercials. But we don’t love the additional pounds just as we gain post-holiday weightloss momentum! New Year’s Day inaugurates resolutions of eating well, staying fit and losing weight. And you might even be sticking with those resolutions…that is until the Super Bowl. The calorie-filled snacks and sugary drinks are temptation no moral soul could bare. You ask yourself, “Self, how you can I be social without giving in to the temptations of the chips and dips, hot wings, and desserts?” And in response, we say, “Self, host your own party or bring your own snack!” Follow these tips to stay on track and keep your New Year’s resolution beyond February. Invite people to your house and plan for healthy but delicious snacks such as trail mix, hummus and pita chips, and homemade salsa with vegetables for dipping. Eat before the party to lower hunger and reduce temptation. Call the host ahead of time and ask if you can bring anything. This will ensure at least one thing healthy you can eat. Southwestern Layered Bean Dip Ingredients 1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed 4 scallions, sliced 1/2 cup prepared salsa 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped 1 cup shredded MontereyJack, or Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 medium tomato, chopped 1 medium avocado, chopped 1/4 cup canned sliced black olives, (optional) Preparation Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using). Southwestern Layered Bean Dip recipe courtesy of EatingWell.com This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For a personalized nutrition consultation with Valerie Costanza, call Seasons at 255-3223 and schedule an appointment. NIBBLE ON THIS ARCHIVES » Maximize Your Nutrition With These Winter Fruits and Veggies » Cold & Flu Fighting Tips! » Best Food Phone Apps! » Pumpkins: More Than Just Fall Decorations » Gluten-Free Can Be Healthy and Tasty!

Don’t Be A Stupid Cupid: 10 Outside The Box (Of Chocolates) Valentine’s Day Gifts

• The Dream Gift: Spa Membership. With the Spa Membership, she can pamper herself all year long with services like monthly massages, unlimited yoga classes, sauna sessions, and more! Starting at only $60 per month, we have 3 three unique membership plans to help her de-stress on a regular basis.
• The Romantic Gift: Couples Massage Class. Throw out the usual plans and join us on Valentine’s Day from 5-6:30 p.m. for a class in massage. Learn how to release tension in your partner’s arm, legs, hands and feet and use compression techniques on the torso. Only $35 per couple [$25 for Spa Members]. Class includes door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and wine from Portico Bar & Grill, and a goodie bag. Reservation required (We had to make your responsible for something).
• The Gift of Relaxation: Hot Stone Massage. Relax and enjoy a complete mind, body, and soul treatment with the benefits of a deep tissue massage without the deep pressure. This massage promotes healing and well-being on all levels by using hot stones. 60 minutes, $80.
• Gift For Him: Man’s Facial. This relaxing facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, aromatherapy, steam and extractions as well as special treatment for the beard area. 60 minutes, $65.
• The Beautiful Gift: Liftosome Facial. This firming, radiance-boosting treatment uses a thermal mask that shapes the facial features and diffuses energizing concentrates of Vitamin C and Ginseng. These active ingredients combine with a warming effect and fill the skin with new energy, restore its elasticity and regenerate new cells. 75 minutes, $95.
• The Perfect Gift: A Gift Card for Spa Services of her choice. She keeps saying she hates those crow’s feet around her eyes, but if you’re afraid a gift certificate for Botox might send you to the doghouse, then a gift card will be perfect! Available in any denomination and as always, wrapping is complimentary.
• The Favorite Gift: Clarisonic Pro, Mia, or Mia 2. Starting at only $119, Clarisonic’s innovative technology vibrates at 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just one minute, the micro-massage action brush head cleans better than traditional manual cleansing. Available in a variety of colors (Oh, No! Choices! Our friendly spa staff will help you pick the perfect Clarisonic!).
• The Gift of Peace and Quiet: Yoga Classes. Flexibility, strength, muscle tone, pain prevention, stress reduction, and improved breathing. Yoga provides all of these benefits and much more! 12 classes are only $100.
• The Hot Couples Gift: Sauna Sessions. Our Sunlighten infrared sauna has completely transformed the meaning of the word “sauna.” The state-of-the-art, no-steam sauna offers 7 times the effectiveness of a traditional sauna with added amenities including a DVD player. At no extra charge, book the sauna for you and your lovely lady. Starting at $15 per session.
• The Waterworks Gift: Prenatal Massage. This gift is guaranteed to make her cry the happy tears. Now, the hormones might have something to do with it, too, but we know she will love that you thought of her during this special time. The soothing essence of massage allows expectant mothers to feel serene, healthy, and comforted while helping to relieve common ailments of pregnancy. Packages start at $45 for 30 minutes.

Next Page »