Meatloaf vs Tofu: Spa Cuisine at Four Seasons

I'm so excited about writing a monthly column for Girlfriend Celebrations! This month I wrote about my indulging in the unexpected (delicious) tofu after my cooking class at the California Health and Longevity Institute located at the Four Seasons Westlake. You read the article ... and I'm going to go order a pizza (with less cheese per the advice of my nutritional consult!) Buon Appetito!

Writing about my Naked Self

Three years ago when I turned 30, I tried to come up with something fun and creative to do ... I think I was successful. 30 is young, I know it (okay, maybe not to the 20-something's reading this), but already having noticed subtle changes in my body (some I was warned about and other's came as quite a surprise -- hello chin hair), I wanted to recognize my good health, and my girly curves, knowing each year that passed would bring changes. 30 was a milestone and what with all of the ideas behind "beauty" these days, I felt it appropriate to celebrate my curves. So ... I posed nude for a sketch.

And do you know what encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone? Coastal Woman Magazine ... that's right; the editor Barbara actually said "Ya, sounds interesting" to my wanting to write about this crazy idea experience of mine. So, not only did I go through with it, I wrote about it for Coastal Woman Magazine (feature article: Real Women Have Curves) and as if that wasn't scary and satisfying enough, when I emailed my article to Barbara I was SO nervous, hoping she would like it (every writer I think is scared to push the "send" button to their editor.) So when Barbara emailed me back, I didn't open the email for two days afraid of what it said, (My imagination said, "Uhhh... ya, I really don't think our readers are going to want to know about your Naked Self Melissa. Try again.) Instead, Barbara commented that she really liked it; I think her exact words were "This is good; this is really good." I got many positive, encouraging emails from women telling me about how the article encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone or how it reminded them of how fortunate they are to have a healthy body.

So when I recently got an email from Barbara explaining that Coastal Woman was closing shop because of the economic hurdles, well, it completely bummed me out and then I thought of all of the funny, informative and inspiring articles I've read through the years in CW and remembered how Coastal Woman helped me step out of my comfort zone and actually write about it.

So Barbara, when I think of Coastal Woman, I think of being naked (for 3 hours in a cold room, posed in the same position) ... and it makes me happy -- happy that I did something that stirred creative writing and my spirit. Thank you for being a big part of that experience for my 30th birthday.

Fans of CW -- What about you? How did the magazine encourage, inspire or motivate you? I would love to hear about it -- either post a comment on this blog or email me at melissa@spadefined.com

Spa in Santa Barbara FOR SALE

Peaches Skincare Spa is FOR SALE!

Peaches is a Santa Barbara tradition and in an adorable, unique location. The current owner's lawyer has all of the profits and loss info, and they will net over $100,000 by the end of the year.

It's a great opportunity for an eager esthetician who wants to own and operate an turn key spa, with a large and loyal client base. It's listed for $59,000.00

Email Nicole at peachesskincare@aol.com for more information.

Discount on Laser Skin Tightening & Vein Therapy!

Skin Essentials has merged with Coastal Lasers Aesthetics and is offering a 25% discount on the services!

Face & Neck

Normally $1,000, NOW $750

Leg Veins

Normally $300 -- 15 minutes, NOW $200 for 15 minutes

Call to schedule a complimentary consultation~

805-695-8699

Ojai Valley Inn

I've been so busy traveling and visiting spas in Italy or Napa or Santa Barbara, can you believe I had never experienced Ojai Valley Inn until last week?! Ojai Valley Inn is recognized consistently by Spa and Travel Magazines and websites; one of the most beautiful spas is practically in my backyard and I have waited too long to visit!

I spent an entire Sunday at the resort; the 45-minute drive to Ojai from Santa Barbara was actually my first "ahhhh"; this time of year, the weather was perfect for a country drive. If you visit the Ojai Valley Inn website you can see just how breathtaking it is, but it isn't until you are actually walking on the grounds, noticing the mountain views, wildflowers, and all around beauty, can you really feel and sense the splendor.

I had arrived early to enjoy an entire spa day and indulge in all of the spa ammenities. Before my massage, I warmed my muscles in the outdoor whirlpool. I had a 50-minute aromatherapy massage; Jessica was my therapist and she was confident and intentional with her massage. At first, I wondered why she didn't ask me how much pressure I wanted for the massage (this is a typical question at the beginning of the session -- deep or light pressure), but then I could see, she intuitively knew what I needed and she had a deep massage touch which was perfect. And ... Jessica was extremely accomodating when we realized the heater on the bed wasn't working and I was a bit chilly; she made sure I was comfortable. Her energy and technique overall were delightful!

After my massage I lounged in the relaxation room a bit and then was escorted the the pedicure room. One of my esthetician students, Randi, is a massage therapist at the Inn and she highly recommended the pedicure, so I took her suggestion! Honestly, I thought, now how would this be different or any better than all of the other pampering pedicures I have received? But ... wow! Nina was my pedicurist and after picking a perfect fall espresso nail color, I sat in a big, comfy chair, soaking my feet in water with essential oils; here's the fun part ... Nina then actually reclined the chair all the way back as if I were laying down in bed. While she massaged feet and legs and proceeded with the pedicure, I drifted off to sleep! I was SO relaxed and I LOVED this pedicure....okay, yes, this is my FAVORITE pedicure ever. I have had so many wonderful treatments at my fave places in town and they are all special for different reasons, but the combination of foot soak, hot tea and reclining chair with an extra long scrub and massage on feet and legs ... well, it's incredible. I think the two most important things that set it apart and make it that special are Nina and the chair!

I finished the day with a delicious cobb salad from the spa cafe and then took a refreshing walk around the property. When it comes to spas, I actually LOVE details (otherwise details aren't my forte), but if there were a detail that I noticed that was less spectacular than I expected, it would be the relaxation room. It was more of a waiting area than a relaxation area; it lacked that cozy feeling that I get when I visit so many other spas. Often times the relaxation room is SO comfy, it's like a mini spa time and I like to spend time lounging, reading and relaxing.

Overall, my day at the Ojai Valley Inn was a Sunday of solitude; I really was in awe of the dreamy property, as I strolled along the sidewalks, followed by friendly bees because of all of the sweet wildflowers. Thank you Jessica and Nina for a perfect spa day and thank you Randi for your recommendations!