Melissa's Spa Defined Blog

Facebook is my Preference

2011-10-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Blogs are out-dated?! Well ... that's in my opinion anyway! With Facebook, I rarely write on the blog (hence the date of my last entry!). So allow me to first introduce you to "Like" BOTH of my spa and skincare pages on Facebook! "Spa & Esthetics Defined" on Facebook and also "Melissa June B., Skin Consultant" on Facebook. This is where you will find the latest updates of travel, spa info and education!

So since I'm on here, I may as well give a quick summary of updates of the past year! I'm still an adjunct faculty at Santa Barbara City College; they have made me "lead" esthetician (that's very nice of them). I LOVE teaching beginning estheticians and it's been 4 amazing years doing so!

I continued visiting spas and writing articles and I taught a spa writing workshop in Chicago for AWAI, the travel writer's association and that was one of my professional highlights this year!

I did really FUN consulting work for Guthy Renker and Meaningful Beauty and that was also a HUGE highlight (it seems the really good stuff started happening in the fall).

I started being a direct selling rep for NYR Organic, https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/melissab (thanks for the tip MOM!) and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!

AND ... I STARTED MY OWN ADVANCED AESTHETICS ACADEMY! It's called Santa Barbara Aesthetics Academy! I will post classes on here, but also Facebook! I'm so very excited about this venture!

And lastly, I am working on a writing project of a lifetime ... wish me luck ... more to come later!

Esthetician Students Make Me Smile!

2010-11-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

I have been having a ball with the esthetician class I teach! Make sure to check out the Spa & Esthetics Defined Facebook Page for recent posts on skincare and class outings! I love my students! In this photo we are researching OTC products and ingredients so that we can get an idea of how and why our clients feel overwhelmed!

Cow Cookies

2010-11-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

Most people associate my travels and spa health with Santa Barbara, Napa, Hawaii and even Italy...but some of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate are with friends in the most wonderful, cozy towns.

I have two amazing girlfriends -- we met when we all lived in Boulder Colorado and worked at CU Boulder; years have gone by and now I am living the Cali life and they are in the midwest. We decided it was time to get together for a girl's weekend in Madison Wisconsin -- what a perfect spot!

My friend Kim and her new hubby live and work in Madison and my friend Jules (I call her Bub) and her family live in Bloomington Indiana. Bub and I ventured our way to Madison and met Kim. The short weekend was happy times for all of our spirits! We shopped at the farmer's market (yummy cheeeeeeese) and bought all of the veggies necessary for a bbq later. We got home, cooked, danced in the kitchen and laughed and laughed. It was one of the best spa health weekends to see two of my best friends and reminisce and laugh!

Harvest Time in the Wine Country

2010-11-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

My friend Julia and I recently ventured to the Santa Ynez Valley, just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara. We love it up there this time of year -- a warm wind, pumpkin patches, apple orchards and vineyards...makes you just let down your shoulders, exhale and ... ahhhh....

Julia and I visited Lane Farms; we skipped and laughed through the orchards, picking our own apples. After posing for a picture or two on the cool farm tractor, we headed to Los Olivos for the most delightful cupcakes and glass of vino at Enjoy Cupcakes. Kevin the owner, said we had to indulge in the dreamsicle cupcake...to say the least...we ate 4 different cupcakes that were divine.

Spa health this weekend meant apple hunting, tractor posing and eating the most delicious cupcakes imaginable.

Solitude on the Ranch

2010-11-20T21:24:00.000-08:00

Being a spa health writer is fun...relaxing...and rejuvenating -- of course all of the words that are associated with "spa-ing". But really...most of my adventures and times of relaxation come from trips that bring epiphanies, characters, and things that surround the idea of spa health.

I recently took a roadtrip to Kay el Bar Ranch in Arizona. It was an amazing 3 days; the roadtrip itself lent conversation, adventure/laughter (ran out of gas in the middle of the desert) and a therapeutic value that made my heart smile. Ya see, I grew up on a cattle ranch; my dad was a cowboy and it was the most wonderful way to grow up. Spring time meant calving and branding season, summer brought rodeos and haying, fall and winter meant ice-skating on the frozen pond (my dad would scape the snow off with the tractor).

My dad passed away this past year and it has been an adjustment getting used to the idea of him not being here, but being at the Kay el Bar Ranch brought great happiness and memories. For me, it was just the "spa health" I needed; we rode horses through the desert, enjoyed the most wonderful meals -- presented with the meal bell ringing and of course the solitude of the big desert sky filled with beautiful stars.

I want to be a Travel Host!

2010-11-07T13:55:00.001-08:00

The past 10 years have been amazing and thrilling leaps of faith and travel opportunities! Many of my travels have come from spa visits, but also roadtrips and mini vacations here and there just looking for the best kept secrets and meeting characters along the way. Living in Italy for 3 months sealed the deal on my travel bug fascination!

So what better way to continue my sense of discovery and exploration...and pushing my boundaries and comfort level...than to apply for a travel host competition!?

Part of the competition and selection for interviews is based on the number of votes I get! So...please, please vote for me (and you can vote once, everyday) and spread the word! Here's the link; watch the 1-minute video and vote for me! www.paradisehunter.com/vote/Melissa-June.html

Facials at La Colina Junior High in Santa Barbara

2010-09-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am so honored to volunteer with Partners in Education in Santa Barbara. The leadership and team in the organization is both inspiring and motivating. Thank you for honoring me as a volunteer of the month! I look forward to another year of working with the organization and the students supported by Partners!

WAY Cute Tee's for Estheticians and Students!

2010-08-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

After teaching for almost three years, I have found my (esthetician) sense of humor! I am starting to turn that into fun, educational and promotional products for estheticians and esthetician students!

I just finished two tee-shirt designs and one tote bag. I love wearing my
Es-the-ti-cian t-shirt and have already gotten inquiries about it "Oh you're an esthetician?" The market research worked!:)

If you would like to take a look at these cute t's...just visit Esthetics Defined and also look for Spa and Esthetics Defined on Facebook!

My Oprah Adventure

2010-08-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a post a couple of weeks ago...I'm about a year "behind" in blogging about all of my adventures, so...this is old news, but NEW to me!...

I am a contributor for Girlfriend Celebrations (one of my fave websites for us girls!) and the readers chose the write-up about my Oprah adventure as one of their top 10 favorite stories of 2009!

Read about my trip to Chicago...and how I managed to get Oprah tickets!

My new hobby

2010-08-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure how one can top visiting and writing about spas...it's the best hobby ever! However, in the past several months I have enjoyed adding to my travel experiences -- I have been visiting boutique hotels. And what I love about it is that it is still unique enough to offer an experience...not just a same ole' chain hotel or resort.

I think we can all agree that Facebook is a great way to network (and let's just admit it -- it's fun!). Several months ago, I connected with Larry Broughton of Broughton Hospitality Group. We were connected for two reasons -- first that I am a traveler and reviewer of spas (and hotels) and it seemed like we would be compatible FB friends AND ... (this is the cool coincidence part)...we have the same last name!

It's a small world...turns out 3 of the Broughton properties are in or near Santa Barbara where I live! Larry and I met over coffee and discussed his cool story of how he came to be who he is -- speaker, entrepreneur, author...and seriously one of the coolest cats I've ever had the pleasure of getting to talk with.

So in the past couple of months I have visited a couple of the Broughton properties: The Morgan near San Simeon and the Andreas in Palm Springs. Both are *amazing*...unique in character, history, details. I adore these boutique hotels! The Morgan is named after Julia Morgan -- the architect who designed and built the Hearst Castle; there are original architecture sketches of her plans throughout The Morgan. While staying there, I would highly recommend visiting the local wineries and also the Hearst Castle.

Andreas Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs, a completely different atmosphere (hot desert vs foggy beachy San Simeon), but so quaint and with 24/7 WARM weather, the pool is open all night. Swimming under the stars in the warm evening...gotta love it. While in Palm Springs, I would recommend going on the Tram...going up 8000 feet...a great view and good way to get a feel of the cooler weather.

Did I visit a spa while at these properties?...nope...didn't need to -- my "spa" and getting away was simply enjoying these charming boutiques. Next on my boutique list...Kay el Bar in Arizona and...Bali in December. These Broughton properties won't be the best kept secret for too much longer...how did I not know about them before? Either way, what a tremendous find!

Travel Writer's Conference

2010-08-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought my "work" couldn't get any more fun and diverse, I was invited to speak at the annual AWAI Travel Writer's Conference in Santa Monica at Hotel Delfina. 80 travel writers from around the world wanted to know about my lovely, little niche writing job as a spa health writer and reviewer.

An hour or so power point shared photos of spas from all of my travels (that was my little secret to keep their attention and based on the oo's and aahh's it worked!). I spoke about what perspectives to write from and all of the different topics to cover in articles. It was SO much fun!

It's amazing what hard work, preparation, FUN, and networking can do! This all started with a referral and networking with Valerie at Changing Course. I then had the opportunity to meet Lori Allen, the director of AWAI, Carey Sauls (marketing) Jen Stevens, and so many other amazing writers!

My hope is that this leads to other workshops...abroad...and perhaps hosting a spa travel show. Would that be amazing or what?...THEN I WILL need an assistant for all of you who have asked me that question!

Spa-ing in Vegas!

2010-08-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

For the past few years, I have been living the life spa-ing in all of the dreamy places... Santa Barbara, Napa, Kauai and Italy. So I was SO excited when I got an offer to be the spa columnist for Caesars Player Magazine...and spa in Las Vegas!

This will be fun...and different than the other places I have visited. I can play all night and then spa all day. Sounds good to me! Look for my first article on Body Wraps and Oils, highlighting a Signature treatment at Caesars Palace in November!

It's been a year since I have blogged

2010-08-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hello strangers...I have looked at the dates of my last posts of my various blogs and it's been a year. Here's the thing...2009 proved to be the hardest year of my life emotionally -- it literally shut me down. After a handful of challenges and upsets...and then within two months of each other I lost my best friend of 28 years to breast cancer and my father shortly after that. Life...it can be a doozy.

And even though I stopped writing and working for awhile, the spa and simple lifestyle were one of the many things I did to take care of my mind, body and spirit. Remember the spa health lifestyle...no I wasn't spa-ing more, but I was finding ways to seek solitude, rest and healing. This meant incredibly supportive friends, alone time, long walks or drives. My dear friend Maggie, a local massage therapist and yoga instructor gave me weekly massages; sad emotional stuff definitely has a way of settling in the muscles and I can tell you that these massages were so healing to me. It wasn't just pampering; I NEEDED them. Another friend, Amy -- a naturopathic doc, made me a homemade tincture from Lemon Balm which helped me sleep and dream beautifully.

Allowing myself to go through each stage of the grief process was necessary and difficult. But with the support of many and trying to keep my mental, spiritual and physical self healthy (and that was harder than I ever thought it would be), I managed to get through a Life transition...and getting used to my new reality.

My job (writing and teaching), where I live, friends...I am definitely blessed! I am excited to be blogging every now and again about my travels and new projects regarding spas, esthetician students, products and treatments.

This blog has moved

2010-04-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

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The Esthetician Students are Published!

2009-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

My esthetician students and I collaborated in class and wrote an article about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun, but ALSO enjoying the sun!... I mean we DO live in Santa Barbara and can't deny our beautiful sunshine! The article was featured on Girlfriend Celebrations -- one of my favorite blogs! Read..and then take a long stroll on the beach!

Esthetician Students get the scoop on Dysport

2009-08-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

My esthetician students are botox and dysport experts! After a month of studying the anatomy of the face and learning about how Botox works, it was a treat to have Dr. Perkins and Brian Perkins from Evolutions Medical Spa visit the class and do a demo! Dr. Perkins presented information on Botox, the new Dysport and fillers -- Dr. Perkins was so genuine and knowledgeable! Everyone wanted to know about Dysport -- Dr. Perkins and Brian explained that it works like Botox, but is a smaller molecule and to many clients the results seem "smoother" or "lighter". Students learned that Dysport takes effect in 2-3 days and Botox 4-5 days. The good doc did a demo of Dysport and the esthetician students were able to see what muscles are affected by the injections. We had so much fun! ... now ... how many estheticians will want to go to nursing school to be able to do these injections!?

The Esthetician Class says THANK YOU!!! Dr. Perkins and Brian for your time, insight and sharing your knowledge!

P.S. I love trying new things ... I went to Evolutions in June to try Dysport ... I really like it! "Light" results, softened lines, but not too much and just relaxes the muscles.

Learn about CryoStem Facials SUNDAY

2009-04-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

Skin Essentials is hosting "Science and New Skin", an education night on the DNA CryoStem technology.

Dr. Noel Aguilar, a recognized and respected pioneer in biological skin therapy and creator of the DNA CryoStem Firming and Hydrating Facials will be speaking at Skin Essentials in Montecito THIS SUNDAY, April 26th @ 1:00

Don't miss this opportunity to hear about this revolutionary technology for skin enhancement and rejuvenation -- the CryoStem facials introduce an abundance of collagen, proteins, minerals, vitamins, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Why should you attend? As if hearing Dr. A speak, learning about these facials, and eating Italian food wasn't enough ... I will be there creating customized skin cocktails for participants to take home! There will be a drawing for a CryoStem Cell Firming Facial, gift bags for each attendee and a drawing for a Jane Iredale basket.

The event is catered by Pane E Vino and tickets for this event are only $10! Seating is limited, so call soon to reserve your spot -- 805-695-8699

I hope to see you there! Happy Spa-ing this weekend!

Wellness Event @ Evolutions

2009-04-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

Wellness to Riches

THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 5-8 PM
@ Evolutions 1309 State Street

At this fun, interactive and FREE event you will learn about (and experience) proactive ways to live a happy, healthy life!
~ Mini Vibraderm treatments (this helps obtain a beautiful glow on your skin!)

~ Thermal scans to determind the activity of your nervous system

~ Pressure Point massage

~ Guided meditation practice

~ Customized skin consultations and skin cocktails by DNA Health Institute

Sponsors include: Evolutions, Dr. Kara Gochnour, Sunshine Wellness, DNA Health Institute, Spa del Mar, Star Performance and Buddhafield

Call 687-0212 to reserve your space!

Chocolate and Yoga

2009-04-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite websites to write for is Girlfriend Celebrations! In case you missed my monthly column for this month on my delicious experience at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa participating in a yoga and chocolate workshop, read all about how eating Vosge truffles inspired me to do the downward dog!

Burke Williams Spa

2009-04-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

I recently had an invitation to visit and receive a facial at the new Burke Williams in Sherman Oaks. The invite came from a recent SBCC esthetician graduate -- Sarah, who is an amazing, caring woman and esthetician.

The Burke Williams Spa is located in the Galleria in Sherman Oaks; I arrived early and discovered a Paul Mitchell Academy, so I stopped in to browse and network!

This was the first time I had been to a Burke Williams Spa and according to Sarah, they each have different setting and decor. The Spa in Sherman Oaks seemed to have a bit of a Cape Cod or hunter's lodge type decor. I arrived early to enjoy the ammenities -- sauna, steam and jacuzzi, really though, I was just excited to have a facial by Sarah as she had raved about the education and thorough training process at Burke Williams. And indeed, the facial was beautiful and it was interesting because it was different than the "usual" facial protocol. Sarah performed mostly pressure point face massage (instead of effleurage). Sarah also had a great approach with her consultation and facial technique -- I could tell she was in her element and really loves being an esthetician.

Thank you Sarah so much for the pampering morning at Burke Williams Spa -- the are very fortunate to have you on staff!

Remember: Always arrive at least an hour early to enjoy the ammenities and calm your mind and body to prepare for your treatment.

Parents Love ZenSpa!

2009-04-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

Spa Defined would like to congratulate Audrey and the other amazing ZenSpa staff for being recognized by SB Parent and winning FIRST Place in the Parent Choice Awards for Spa Services!

Want to know why they were voted FIRST PLACE? ... I could give you all of the dreamy details -- the best peels for rejuvenated skin, organic skin care, and ultimate pampering in a relaxing, zen environment! Oh ... and did I mention the staff is so smiley and friendly?! But ... why don't you stop by, get a massage or facial and find out for yourself why ZenSpa is FIRST PLACE material!

Certified DNA Practitioner Training

2009-04-06T02:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I attended the DNA Certified DNA Practitioner Training for two Days at the DNA Corporate Office. It was so much fun and I learned more about Ionic Chemistry from Dr. Aguilar and Heather and Jessica, both amazing staff at DNA, did such a good job organizing the event.

It was fun to network, learn and mingle with all of the estheticians from Evolutions, Coastal Skincare, ZenSpa, SBCC Esthetician Program, Skin Essentials and Kiz, Christy and Michelle from Santa Barbara Skin Therapy. What an amazing group of women, now ALL utilizing the DNA protocol -- their clients will love them even more!

Global Spa Summit

2009-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Santa Barbara Spa Community and DNA Community/Family, I would like to congratulate and recognize Dr. Noel Aguilar -- a good friend and colleague, for his invitation to the Global Spa Summit this May in Switzerland!

Rock Star Toes

2009-04-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

I've been wearing peek-a-boo heels lately or my Italian sandals from Capri to show off my Rock Star BLUE toes. A friend treated me to a pedicure at Aqua Nail Bar and encouraged me to "go outside my comfort zone and take a risk" in choosing a color ... Metallic Blue to be exact. But that sounded like a dare to me ... and I do like taking risks, so now I have blue toes (goes well with the new Red hair by the way) and I Love my "outside of my comfort zone" toes. What color would be out of your comfort zone??

The pedicures at Aqua are so fun and I "heard" that they will be offering more organic pedicure options starting in May -- yippeee tippy toes! It's always fun to see friendly and familiar faces there too -- Hi Mickey! Hi Claudia!

With summer just around the corner, I will need a pedicure at least once a month!

I want my next job to me coming up with the names for a Polish Series. How about the "Cowboy Nail Colors" and they would be:

country girl
Rodeo queen
spurs
bareback
I reckon
giddy up
bullrider
8 seconds

OR how about the "Bella" Collection:

Ciao!
Capri
Toscana
Vino
Venezia or Venice
Trevi
Siena
Palio
Magari (If only!)
Gelato

What would YOUR Collection be??

Hosting Italian Massage Therapist

2009-04-02T01:15:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of hosting Paolo, an Italian Massage Therapist, visiting from Italy (near Milano). How this came about ... last summer, he found my website when he was Googling spas in California. He began emailing me asking for information and help regarding spas in Santa Barbara. Remembering how helpful every Italian was while I was in Italy, I happily answered his questions. Several months later, he was determined to make his American dream come true to live and work here, that he came here, for the first time, and we spent a couple of days touring the spas and resorts in the area! Paolo is actually a quite famous massage therapist, working at Terme di Salsomaggiore and has letters of reference from famous Italian designers (can't give the names, but you can guess I'm sure) and articles written about him as a massage therapist.

Paolo and I had so much fun driving my Miata around to Bacara, spas in Santa Barbara, Four Seasons Westlake, and Ojai Valley Inn. Imagine me and an Italian, in the Miata, speaking English and Italian ... we were laughing most of the time. I saw so many traits in him, being in a strange country, that reminded me of how I felt in Italy; this was so comical to me. "Parli lentamente per favore" (speak slowly please) and then he would imitate what I sound like talking English "fast". Then we actually got caught in a minor mud slide on the way to Ojai and it scared us both so much that we were ... laughing hysterically after the whole incident. As we drove through the hwy 150 pass, we came upon a minor slide; I stopped the car, got out to move a big rock or chunk of mud, but then I could hear the mud coming down again and so could Paolo. He started screaming in Italian, then I started screaming in English "Andiamo! Andiamo!" "Okay! Okay! Oh My God!" His final comment -- "Women same everywhere"

Paolo gave me some beautiful body products from Salsomaggiore -- mi piace molto molto! and also taught me a few techniques for facial massage. Paolo will be back in July to further pursue his dream of living and working here! A presto Paolo!