Becoming Harmony

Vacation Time!!

2010-07-29T14:25:00.000-04:00

We will be closed for vacation from 8/8 to 8/14, so please call us to get in for any last minute appointments!!

How to avoid ingrown hair post wax

2010-06-28T13:36:00.000-04:00

For the next 24-48 hours avoid on the waxed areas:

Use of any type of exfoliating products (AHA's, loofahs, scrubs, etc.). This includes scrubby gloves.
Direct sun exposure and tanning beds
Creams or lotions with fragrance or ingredients that may irritate
Deodorant: it results in irritation and clogging of open follicles (when doing an underarm wax)
Wearing tight clothing: results in irritation and inflammation
Excessive heat, such as that from hot tubs and saunas. Warm showers are okay.
Simply keep the waxed area clean and dry

After 24-48 hours, regular exfoliation with a shower gel and loofah or exfoliating glove will help keep skin soft and prevent ingrown hairs.

Apply an SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to any exposed treatment areas. Since waxing exfoliates as well as removing hair, your skin will be more prone to sunburn in the days following your treatment.

Mother's Day Week!

2010-05-05T11:22:00.000-04:00

It might as well be Christmas here at Harmony. Mother's Day is one of the top three busiest weeks in the spa industry (Holiday season and Valentine's Day are the others).

Obviously, most people wait till last minute, and that's OK because we are open on Mother's Day and can accommodate any last minute gift cards with our instant online system. So, good for us.

What I really love though is the excitement! The panic in kids and dad's faces is adorable. It is. Let Mom relax and enjoy her. I am sure that is what she wants! What is a better way to relax then a facial and massage? Two hours away from the house, job, kids, stress of life. Sounds good to me! Celebrate Mom, and make her feel how special she really is!

For us, it calls for a dance party at the end of the day, because we are pooped. At least that is what I do. :)

Make Your Own Tinted Foundation

2010-04-30T15:42:00.000-04:00

Mix 1 part foundation + 1 part moisturizer + 1 part sunscreen on the back of your hand. Blend well and apply with a foundation brush. Lightly powder as needed. Adjust sheerness as needed by adding more or less foundation.

If you are oily, skip the moisturizer and simply blend 1 part foundation (oil free) + 1 part sunscreen.

Do not premix.

I LOVE this product!

2010-03-30T15:14:00.000-04:00

Oh, we don't sell it either!

http://www.moroccanoil.com/en/our-products.html

The oil treatment is fantastic for color treated hair. LOVE IT!!

I Love This!

2010-03-01T09:33:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love this commercial. I watched the Men's Hockey Gold match yesterday and found myself in tears watching this Nike commercial. Why? Well, it is true. We all fall and we simply need to pick ourselves up. Hard to do sometimes. It spoke to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPO354_ugF8

Waterproof Mascara, I Love You...

2010-02-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

Until I need to remove it!

At Harmony, I found a fantastic new waterproof mascara with a great wand (really that is what makes a good mascara). It is SO waterproof, I can't remove it! Not kidding. My brides will love it. Me, not so much.

I was forced to go the Vasoline route to remove it! Do so, if you must. Be careful to wash your face well after Vasoline or Baby Oil is used for eye makeup removal, as this is what usually causes milia (the white bumps by the eye area).

Love Yourself!

2010-02-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

I usually try not to lecture, well too much...I just watched a report on the news about a 38 year old women who had 10+ facial plastic surgery procedures.

She was unrecognizable. She was ugly. She destroyed her face. I don't understand how any reputable plastic surgeon would take her on as a patient. She clearly had psychological issues, not facial issues. Her self image was broken. No amount of surgeries will fix it. She needs to love herself.

I am so bothered by poor self image. Could this women use a little surgery, sure. Maybe a little Botox, or a tweek here or there. BUT, the amount of work she had done was irresponsible for any medical professional.

Plastic surgery on anyone younger then 45 should come with a mandatory psychological consult.

Money or surgery won't make you love yourself. Only YOU can. You are unique, you are beautiful. Work on the inside before you ever tackle the outside. Love yourself!

Product Review, I Wish We Could Sell This!

2010-02-04T12:33:00.000-05:00

Full disclosure...I am a product junkie. I LOVE lotions and potions and I knew at 6 becoming an Esthetician was my calling. In that spirit, I try and review as many products as possible.

Usually, I am not a big fan of the mass market products for several reasons. More then anything, I find they simply don't live up to the claims and I find that you get what you pay for. But, BUT...one product really stands out as being a winner!

Eucerin Calming Cream works. At less then $6 you really can't beat that for dry, scaly winter skin. Dermatologists recommend this product for atopic dermatitis and I see why! This one is a winner. Try it if you have leathery, dry skin in the winter. Use it while your skin is still damp from bathing. Love it!

Winter Skin 101

2010-02-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

Dead of winter...days are still short, it is cold, and we can't wait for it to stay above 40 degrees! My skin is really paying the price.

Just a couple of tips to keep your skin supple:

Hydrate at least twice a day, and always after bathing
Hydrate when skin is moist (like right in your shower for the body)
Use the right hydration...for combo/oily skin use Skin Medica's Ultra Sheer...for dry skin, we love Yonka's Pamplemousse
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week (to remove dry, flaking skin)
Now is the time to add a hydration booster under your moisturizer. Right now, I am using this.
Get a facial! All of our facials are customized and we can penetrate super hydrating serums with Galvanic Frequency/Ultra Sound, or add a specialized mask
Add Paraffin to any treatment (hands and feet)

Dry skin ages you! Keep your skin supple and gain elasiticy (firmness) by keeping your skin hydrated!

The Things I do For YOU!

2010-01-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

I know. Poor me. I try out all of these exotic lotions and potions to find the absolute BEST product mix. Well, I do.

Many times we find some really great products that you have never heard of, such as our Pore Clearing Cleanser. But, sometimes we find some products that make us want to run, very quickly! OK. We found a lemon.

Usually, I wouldn't go out of my way to bad mouth a product. And, I generally like this particular company. This company has been around for years, pioneered AHA's and I even know some people at the corporate office. So, you would think I would love the products. Well, no. Murad gave me a Pomegranate Body Butter at a trade show recently to try. I did. I have had a low level rash for about a week now. I am almost 100% positive it came from this particular body butter. It showed up only in the places I used it and about 24 hours later. So, my verdict friends...is too skip the Murad Pomegranate Body Butter at all costs.

2010 is Starting off GREAT!

2010-01-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

Our first official week in 2010 is wrapping up as an awesome week! Epic, I hope.

This week we were "crazy, busy" I am happy to report. Our regulars are back from vacation or back to a regular schedule-Great to see you! We've meet some really nice new clients who are redeeming holiday gift cards-so welcome, hope to see you soon!

Our skin care resolution-Retinoid, Vitamin C and TNS=smooth, wrinkle free skin. Ask us how!

2010, We Can't Wait to Meet YOU!

2009-12-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

I think it is safe to say 2009 was a stinky year for many. I, for one, am eagerly waiting for 2009 to be over and am excited for all of the possibilities of 2010!

Today, I ask you all to reflect on 2009 and embrace it as it was, good, bad or just another year. What would you do differently? What do you wish could be changed? What can YOU do to make 2010 your best year ever?

The great news is that 2009 is ALMOST OVER! It will be behind you, keep it there. Don't let toxic thoughts of "I should or would haves" hold you back. Focus all of your energies on any lessons you have learned. What can you take from 2009 to make 2010 an epic year?

My mantra for 2010 is "Back in Black" (I didn't think of it, wish I had!). What is yours?

In fact, I am so interested in how we can all learn from 2009 I want to make a contest out of it. Submit your mantra or story about any lessons from 2009 that will shape 2010 into an absolutely EPIC year.

Email us, we will pick a winner after the New Year. The winner will receive a 30 minute Harmony Express facial and 30 minute Swedish Massage.

Good luck! 2010, I can't wait to meet you!
XOXO

Did you celebrate too much?

2009-12-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

I did. I didn't even overindulge in anything other then being over scheduled. Luckily.

So, today my plan is as follows:

Work
Light workout/Sauna
Peppermint Tea
Whole foods
Plenty of water
Vitamin C
Salt Scrub + Hot bath with rosemary essential oils
Formulate goals for 2010
Massage
Sleep

We at Harmony are open straight through New Year's Eve, so we encourage you to do the same! I promise the above really helps you to get "your head in the game" and recharge for a GREAT 2010!

Surviving the Holiday's

2009-12-17T11:59:00.001-05:00

It is right about now that your skin and tense muscles are showing the signs of holiday overload. We know, we are with you!

Now is the time to prevent damage by stepping up your skin care and wellness program.

A couple of important things!

You MUST wash your face at night! I know it's late and you are tired from the holiday parties and last minute shopping, but this is crucial. You can simplify your nightly program by just removing makeup and hydrating your skin. Choose a quality cleanser that will both clean the skin and remove makeup. Our favorite is our Emulsifying Cleanser. Do NOT relay on those handy drug store cleansing clothes, they will not remove all of the dirt and makeup. I know it is tempting, but just don't do it.
Wellness begins with you. Have it be a quick work out, a 30 minute yoga DVD, a super antioxidant smoothie or a nightly bathing ritual. It doesn't matter, just do it. You NEED to recharge your batteries. Don't skimp on you.
Pick up a new lipstick. I know, sounds silly. It's not. Add that one thing to get you into the Holiday spirit. Our favorite is our Holiday Lips Duo. Wear it all winter.
Schedule a mini service. A 30 minute massage or facial will take the edge off. We are open everyday through Christmas Eve (until 3pm, closed Christmas Day) and up through New Years. We will get you in!
Breath. Yes. Do it. Sit in a quiet area, turn off the distractions and simply take 5 or 10 minutes to close your eyes and breath. Deep, slow breathes in through the nose and out the mouth. Reflect on your day, family, achievements and all that is good. This costs nothing but 10 minutes. Do it right now.

The Holidays are about doing and seeing. But, they are also about new beginnings. Reflect on what you want to accomplish for the new year. Write it down and plan your attack. Think big.

XOXO

What are YOU Thankful for winner! Please read this story.

2009-12-03T11:30:00.007-05:00

We launched a fun contest at Harmony Day Spa right before Thanksgiving for our friends and fans to let us know what they are thankful for. The winner receives two 30 minutes services.

We had a great time launching this contest via social media (Twitter and our Face Book Fan Page), we have been schooled by our favorite social media guru. We came up with some fun ways to use a hash tag search through Twitter, and had entries from all over the world. Yeah, social media!

Honestly, we went into this thinking we would hear some funny or cute stories, and we did. We even had a good laugh when several family members entered with some funny answers...:)

One story stuck out. Actually, knocked us off our feet. Our winner was so gracious to allow us to share her story and an even better update. Please read along, marvel at the beautiful spirit that our winner and her family have and know anything is possible with the right attitude.

I am grateful for being able to help someone other than myself, even when I too needed help. My family (husband and two daughters ages 1 & 3) were recently displaced from our home. We lost our home due to a badly executed foreclosure back in April 2009. We had no where to live, no one to turn to, and no back up plan. My cousin (my angel) stepped in and opened his apartment to my family. My family moved into his apartment, where my family of four occupied one bedroom, forcing us all to sleep in one bed. We placed our life's collections into storage and threw away what ever we could not carry, including our children's bed and crib. Approximately 6 months after the foreclosure, we saved up enough money to move into a two bedroom apartment next door to my cousin.

Approximately, nine days after we moved into our apartment, my sister was battered by her husband of 15 years. He attempted to take my sister's life while her 5 children stayed fearfully on the opposite end of the house praying for their mother's survival. My sister manage to flee for her life leaving her children behind. My sister lived in Sa'naa Yemen for 5 years with her husband and 5 children, so it was no easy task trying to get her to the United States. My family gained the assistance of the U.S. Embassy. Thankfully, my sister and her five children now reside with my husband and my two children. Needless to say, we're one big happy family. It's a little tight, food goes quickly, but we're grateful to have one another, and this definitely what I am thankful for. Thank you for allowing me to share my story, and thankfully it has a happy ending.

And an update:

My sister has enrolled all of my nieces and nephews in school last week. I purchased clothes from the Other Mother Store in Maplewood, NJ on Friday to assist her with getting the children ready for school. As of yesterday, the children began their first day at school!!

My sister was approved for Public housing on Monday, and also received the keys to her apartment on Tuesday!! The State has assisted her with temporary rental assistance and with furniture vouchers on Tuesday as well, and we went looking furniture on Tuesday evening! Public Service turned her gas and electric on last night!! We will probably try to have her moved in by this weekend. Although her place will be quite empty; I have already been receiving clothing donations from many of my friends! We are truly blessed!!!

If you would like to donate any used clothes or household items to our winner, please let us know.

Thank you !

Today's Daily Affirmation

2009-11-04T09:57:00.001-05:00

I wish I could say I thought of this, but I didn't. I found this on the Integrative Nutrition Blog.

It is okay to “fit out” instead of “fit in.” I give myself permission to be authentic, spontaneous and passionate about my beliefs.

Today's Positive Thought

2009-10-15T10:45:00.001-04:00

Today is a cold and rainy day in NJ. So let me give you a positive thought about aging from the wonderful Louise L. Hay:

Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with growing old.
-Louise L. Hay

Simmer on this while you ponder our peel specials, ok. Being OK with your age is A-OK. Looking older then your years is not.

Makeup Primer

2009-10-09T10:58:00.006-04:00

We are often asked why would you need a makeup primer, and what the heck is it?

A primer is a liquid or cream that will first help your foundation glide on the skin and secondly your makeup will last hours longer. It is an essential for a professional makeup application.

We offer three different primers for different skin types. My hands down favorite is our RetexturCREME® Face Primer for normal to dry skins. This silicone based creme/gel glides on the skin to ensure a flawless foundation application. Works very well with mineral makeup powders and liquids alike.

Use a primer as your moisturizer or on top of your moisturizer prior to makeup application. A primer will refine the skins texture so makeup doesn't sit in pores, fine lines and wrinkles and keeps makeup fresh all day long. I love this product!

Not sure which one is for you? Call us to schedule your Makeup Boot Camp. $55/45 minutes. Bring in your makeup bag so we can help edit your colors/tools and find the best primer for you!

A Tennis Ball Saved Me...

2009-09-17T10:38:00.004-04:00

It did. Let me explain.

I have been exercising consistently for about six months now. I am happy to say that I have been challenging my body with activities like cardio kickboxing, boot camp and spinning. I am loving it all. But, I need a massage!

My perfect post workout massage would have to be Myofascial. Myo or Deep Tissue is a specific massage modality that works to reduce any pain, tight spots or trigger points and restores range of motion.

Rachel, our lead massage therapist is an expert in this modality. Rachel's technique is to use very little massage oil (if any) and focus on moving the fascia under the skin. Sounds strange, I know. But, until you have had this hands on healing approach, you simply may not understand. Think of it as stretching the muscles under the skin-without moving the muscles. It doesn't hurt, but you do feel as though you've had a work out.

No Rachel today, so I am on my own. My tight areas have always been my low back, more specifically my gluteals are always tight and this muscle group pulls on the sacrum and throws my whole low back out of whack.

To treat this area, all I need is a tennis ball. I will stand against a wall and roll the tennis ball throughout the gluteal area to hit the major areas of the gluteus maximus, medius, periformis, the erector spinae group (small muscles along the spine) and along the sacrum and sacrotuberous ligament (attaches the sacrum to the hip girdle). A good 5-10 minutes paired with stretching will do the trick.

I may be a little sore for the next 24 hours, but this technique will alleviate the stiffness associated with over doing it in the gym. And, if time permits-schedule a myo session with Rachel!

Why do you need a Retinal?

2009-08-25T16:19:00.004-04:00

Because I said so, silly!

Retinal based products are derivatives of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful ingredient that will do several things to the skin:

Thin the top layers of the skin by exfoliating the skin. This is great for several reasons. Aging skin has a buildup of dead skin, usually dry, flaky skin that gives the skin a lackluster appearance. Retinal based products will first flake the dead skin off. Acne skins also have a buildup of debris in the follicle (oil), which is what causes acne.
Slows down the production of sebum or oil in the skin. Fantastic for acne skins. Slows the oily build up and makes sure the follicle stays clear. Within time this will radically address acne skins.
Stimulates cell regeneration. Within time, Retinal based products will rebuild the skin. This is essential for lines and wrinkles.
Additionally a retinal based product will address pore size, mild hyper pigmentation and overall texture.

Now that the summer is winding down, it is the perfect time to start to formulate a new skin care regime that includes a retinal, vitamin C and sunblock. The three pillars of great skin.

One of our favorites is Rhonda Allison's Skin Brightening Kit.

How to Avoid Post Waxing Bumps

2009-07-10T11:01:00.004-04:00

Nothing is better then smooth, hair free skin during the summer. But, sometimes post waxing a bump or two can develop. This is a natural reaction and we can easily guide you to avoid a bumpy bikini line.

What it is:
A reaction to the hair being pulled out of the skin . The hair is removed from the follicle completely (as opposed to shaving which cuts the hair at skin level). The follicle is exposed to sweat and bacteria. A mild reaction to full blown folliculitis may occur.

What to do:
After your waxing appointment go home and take a shower. Do not go to the gym or run errands if you are prone to bumps. Wash and dry the area that was waxed. Use a mild talc if needed to absorb moisturizer. Make sure to keep the area clean and well exfoliated. Avoid products with artificial fragrance.

If bumps happen:
It could still happen. No biggie. Use OTC Hydro cortisone to treat the area or a product like No Trauma Momma. It will go away on it's own. Wax at regular intravels such as every four weeks.

Chemical Peeling 101

2009-06-18T11:17:00.003-04:00

We at Harmony Day Spa offer a variety of Light Exfoliation Peels...or Chemical Peels. No, you won't look like Samantha from Sex and the City, in fact you likely won't feel anything at all. But you will get an improved skin texture and tone and minimized facial lines and wrinkles.

Now is a perfect time to get your skin summer ready. Call us to find out which Light Exfoliation is right for you.

Read Rhonda Allison Blog (one of our supplies) about Chemical Peeling.

Bikini Waxing 101

2009-06-14T14:29:00.003-04:00

We get all sorts of questions come beach season regarding bikini waxing, so we wanted to take a couple of minutes to tackle this burning topic! Warning, not for the faint of heart...

What is a Brazilian? A Completely Bare?

We at Harmony, offer three different styles of bikini waxing. To make it simple, think of it as a Bikini is enough hair removal to wear a modest bathing suit without worrying about any stray hairs. A Brazilian is removal of more bikini hair, upper thigh, tummy, this is an extreme bikini wax. A Completely Bare is just that, the Full Monty. Most people start with a Bikini and graduate to the Brazilian or CB.

Ouchy, why would I do this to myself!

Well now, no one is making you get this service. So we assume you know what you're getting yourself into before we start. But do keep in mind a couple of tricks will make the wax a little less ouchy. Promise.

Purchase No Scream Cream and apply 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment. This is a topical numbing agent (20% Benzocaine) and should only be used on the most sensitive area's.

Some folks tells us that an Advil about an hour before really helps to take the edge off.

Wax when you are not ovulating or taking allergy meds. Your skin is either too puffy or too dehydrated and either way you may feel it a touch more.

How long does the hair need to be?

The hair should be about 1/2 inch long. The wax needs to grab the hair, too short it will not. If you are a shaver, about 2-3 weeks of growth.

I am a nervous wreck?

Don't be, we have seen it all. In fact we will make a ton of small talk that we'll never remember if we see you out and about. It is just to take your mind off of things.

I am afraid I'm as hairy as Chewbacca!

Trust me, we have seen a Wookie or two and it is usually limited to male back waxing.

Will it hurt?

You will have discomfort for a moment. It will feel like a Band Aid coming off. Quick and very temporary. Once you see the finished product, you will soon forget. Follow the above tips to make it as pain free as possible.

How long does it take?

The complete service can be anywhere from 15-45 minutes depending on several factors. If you fidget it will take longer. Also, if it is hot it may take a touch longer for our special hard wax to set.

How often do I need to get a wax?

Like clockwork, every 4 weeks. No shaving in between. If you are really nice, we'll let you go every 3 weeks during the summer.

Am I too old for a Brazilian?

Nope.

I had a Brazilian once and had to get into an embarrassing position?

You won't need to. Only three positions. Easy.

What if I yell out Kelly Clarkson?

You won't.

What about post wax care?

You may get a couple of bumps. No big deal. Any post wax solution such as Tend Skin, Follique or even Sea Breeze will do the trick. Dab on OTC Hydro cortisone on itchy bumps. Just don't use the products together! A pair of exfoliating gloves will also work wonders to release any ingrown hairs (bumps) and keep the skin smooth and hair free.

What if I get my period on the day of my appointment?

It happens. Life goes on. We will give you a Sweet Spot wipette to clean up prior to your service. Please use it. Same holds true if you are coming from the gym- post endurance marathon workout.

How long will I be hair free?

About 2-3 weeks. By the third week you will see some stragglers. Don't shave!

What you should know about Harmony...

We always wear gloves, never, ever double dip and are fully trained and experienced at this service. Liz and Amy are both available for waxing services.

Amy edited the Brazilian protocol in the upcoming Milady Publishing/Cengage Learning Advanced Esthetics Textbook, and is now working on the companion DVD as a Subject Matter Expert.

If you hear an esthetician ever using the "froggy" terminology, now you'll know where it's from!

How to Heal and Treat a Pimple

2009-06-13T12:38:00.003-04:00

We are often asked how to treat and conceal a red, icky pimple that erupts out of no where...usually right before a big event. First, let me take a moment to define what is a pimple versus a cyst is and when you need a Dermatologist.

A Pimple is a red, irritated inflammation that may have white matter inside. It usually doesn't hurt and may also be classified as a whitehead or blackhead. We can usually extract or at least treat and conceal a pimple.

A Cyst is a hard, painful to the touch bump. A cyst is a deep infection and can not be extracted. We recommend seeing a dermatologist if you have an important event and getting a cortisone injection to heal the inflammation. Otherwise ice and time will heal a cyst in a matter of days.

DIY Home Care:

Clean face a minimum of twice a day with a foaming gel cleanser. Our favorite is our Pore Clearing Cleanser with Eucalyptus and Willow extract. You will be squeaky clean without over drying the skin.
Gently exfoliate the skin at least 2-3 times a week. We offer many different choices, but our current favorite is Microdermabrasion Cream.
Protect the skin with an oil free moisturizer and sunblock.
At night, treat the area with a medicated healing lotion. Look for ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide or Sulfur. Note that these ingredients may make the skin a touch red and peely-so use sparingly.

To treat a Cyst, simply follow above and ice the area at least twice a day. Do not touch the skin and simply leave it alone! If you do decide to try a cortisone injection, you will need to see your dermatologist within 24 hours of the pain, otherwise-just leave it alone.

To conceal (such as with make up) the pimple mineral makeup is your friend! Mineral makeup will also work by treating and drying out the area (with the minerals) and providing sunblock (to avoid post inflammatory marks). Key thing with covering a pimple is to:

Find the closest color to your skin
Use the right tools (in the case of a powder mineral-a kabuki brush)
Blend, blend, blend. I can not stress this enough
Leave the area alone. Do not over apply concealer. Do not reapply throughout the day.
Remove all makeup at night.

The best thing you can do to heal and conceal a pimple is to make sure the skin is clean and you are using quality products. Do not over-makeup. Give it a couple of days to calm down.

Need Fans for my Facebook Fan Page!

2009-06-13T11:11:00.004-04:00

Need fans for my biz FB page. Please become a fan if you aren't already! http://ping.fm/WDeRN?ref=ts

Why I need a Sinus Massage!

2009-06-13T09:46:00.002-04:00

urgh...allergies, headache, puffy eyes! I need a sinus massage bad!

Five years this Month!

2009-06-11T13:15:00.005-04:00

Wow, five years for Harmony.

We laughed, cried, threw up and decided to stick with it...all at the same time. Creating a small business is exciting, challenging and rewarding all in one.

One thing they don't tell you is how hard it is. Hard to set standards and stick to them. Hard dealing with the general public, and even harder dealing with employees. But once the right fit happens it just falls into place. We are so fortunate that this has happened. We have the right standards, clients and employees...so it just works. Yeah us!

Five years, where did the time go? We have expanded once, looked at a second location and a second expansion in that time. We grew from our tiny, and I mean small facial room to a three room facility. We fought City Hall and legalized Massage Therapy in our quite little town. We are still small, but exactly where we want to be. We are the anti-Grecian statue neighborhood spa. We don't like the idea of a McSpa. McSpa's offer a big bill at the end and rarely results.

We know you, your skin, your treatments and preferences. You know us. You trust us and that is why you come back time and again. This is why we do, what we do. Thank you!

So, this month crept up on us...just like the last five years. I still feel like we are in start up mode, and to some degree we are. So folks...thanks for the ride.

Knotty Muscle Tip #1

2009-05-27T18:49:00.003-04:00

Use a tennis ball to roll out knots in back and IT Band (the muscle that runs along the side of the leg from knee to hip), follow with a hot towel and stretch. Feels great!

Step 1:
For low back pain, lay on floor with a tennis ball under problem area. Using your legs as leverage, gently roll body over sore area. Pause on any really tight or tender areas.

Step 2:
Bring knees to chest and stretch low back . Bring right ankle over to left side of body to perform a Glut stretch, repeat on the other side. Follow with hot towel or Eucalyptus cream such as Tension Relief Balm.

Poor, poor Kelly

2009-05-16T11:41:00.003-04:00

Go to a plastic surgeon who is a real, board certified plastic surgeon. Do not go to a general surgeon who thinks they are a plastic. This is what could happen! Oh, poor Kelly of RHONY fame. Real breasts do not look like this.

Blah, blah, blah

2009-05-01T13:33:00.003-04:00

This rolling spring break has lasted almost two months, or so it seems.

For those not in the know, a rolling spring break wreaks havoc on any small business. Having similar demographics away at different times equals a lull in business, except on Saturdays. Saturdays is the universally busiest day of the week. That is why I am taking off tomorrow. I want my spring break.

Actually, I am only taking a three day weekend, I do own a small business after all...but, boy will it be nice to sleep in on a Saturday. My next Saturday off will be in July.

Back on Tuesday and the defuzzing race to Memorial Day begins.

The Price of Beauty

2009-03-25T17:08:00.005-04:00

Why, why, why? Kim is annoying but still beautiful in the original picture. Why in the world is she held up as a model, only to be completely photoshopped. How will young girls ever maintain a positive body image to see this "model" completely changed from the original. Nothing wrong with slightly tweaking a photo...but to make a new person altogether is stupid.

From Gawker:

Celebubutt Kim Kardashian's Photoshopped picture from Complex magazine is the grownup(?) version of Highlights for Kids: How many differences can you spot?
[Thanks to our astute commenters for their assistance with this matter]

1. Her skin has been lightened.

2. The skin tone on her thighs has been evened out.

3. Her arm is thinner.

4. Her hips have been shrunk.

5. Her waist has been shrunk.

6. Her thighs have been shrunk.

7. Her butt has been shrunk.

8. Her boobs have been shrunk.

9. Her sleeve has been smoothed out.

10. The color of her dress has been lightened.

11. The background color has been lightened.

12. Her pantyline has been reshaped.

13. The top of her hair has been evened out.

14. And just a leeetle bit of nipple has been erased.

A Wise Women

2009-03-13T14:13:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine, a very wise women named Olga told me just recently that stressing about the what ifs, or why's is just a pointless exercise and I couldn't agree more.

You see, thinking that the sky will fall or the Dow will drop only puts negative energy out there. Now, I have read "The Secret" and I am not quite sure I "get it" or the meaning of my vision board and all of the magical goodness this book claims...but, this I know...wishing for bad things makes bad things happen.

In Olga's fine words, do your best everyday so you can put your head on the pillow at night and know you DID your best. That doesn't mean bad things won't happen, they may and can, but if you DO your best-you have a clean slate in the morning to start fresh.

This often reminds me of a better book "The Four Agreements"-really the same message do your best, say what you mean, don't let people project on to you, etc. But, now more then ever we need this. We need to live this.

Everyday, we at Harmony are seeing stressed out people. They are in fear. Fear is no good, a useless emotion-it is paralyzing. If you batten down the hatches and DO your best-you beat fear. Easier said then done...I know, but we ALL need to remember this.

Do your best, breathe and know what you can control and what you can't. This wouldn't be a business blog without a shameless plug...but a mini spa service really does the trick! The AMTA has posted that massage therapy services are doing quite well in this current economic situation. We all need to unplug and DO something and just plain relax. 30 minutes of Swedish beats worry any day of the week.

Pretty on the Inside, Pretty on the Outside

2009-03-06T16:58:00.003-05:00

It's true. Your mother was right. If you are a beautiful person on the inside you will be a beautiful person on the outside. There, I said it-so it HAS to be true.

Seriously, the current state of economic affairs can make for an ugly inside and outside too! I am often reminded of daily affirmations in times like these. One of my favorite is the "Inner Peace Cards" by Dr. Wayne Dyer of PBS fame and all around self help guru. I want to share some of my favorite's. Hang in, they are a little "new agey" just digest the message.

I am a human being, not a human doing. Don't equate your self-worth with how well you do things in life. You aren't what you do. If you are what you do, then when you don't...you aren't.

I release all feelings of guilt or worry. Throughout life, the two most futile emotions are guilt for what has been done, and worry about what might be done.

I appreciate all that I am and all that I have. Stop focusing on what you do not have, and shift your consciousness to an appreciation for all that you are and all that you do have.

There you are folks. Let it simmer. Be beautiful on the inside.

Lateness and other bad behavior

2009-02-23T13:09:00.003-05:00

We are so lucky to have the most awesome clients, really, we do. We seem to attract like minded (we think so) good peeps. It only takes one (in this case two) bad apples to ruin a day.

Imagine a new client (two friends-2 appointments) 1.5 hours late for a 45 minute appointment-fighting with me as to why I can't take them. I really lost my cool. I was really vaclempt over this one. Why would a potential customer fight with the service provider, demand a service that is a touch intimate and definitely puts the client at the disadvantage. Why? Why...Just show up on time and I will do the service.

OK, better now. Thanks for letting me vent.

Harmony, Bliss, Serenity, Tranquility...What does it mean?

2009-02-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

One thing I love, LOVE about the spa industry is the perceived zen like state of the players, like moi. Those who know us, the behind the scene superhero's of stress relief, know this to be true, we are a mess! Oh boy, are we stressed out. Everyone is. Just like you.

I breath deeply. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Repeat. OK, calm now.

We all want our dollar to stretch a little more. We all need to trim the fat. Where does it end? Everyone will have a different tipping point. We have had a big upswing in massage services, OK, that make sense-people are stressed out. People are still going away-so still the same flow for waxing services. Pimples don't stop happening when the DOW drops-so OK here at Harmony.

Check our website for specials. Loyalty points, last minute appointment deals, series deals. We are creative too. I too, want your dollar to stretch with us. We are here for the long haul. We are not going anywhere.

I love what I do. I love clearing a Bride's skin a month before the wedding. I love waxing the older gals who make me blush a little. We are good, very good at what we do. So the imitators make us angry. You see, we all take it quite seriously. This business is not a steam and cream for the older cosmetologists. It is ingredient knowledge, some chemistry, muscles, trigger points and stray hair. It all rocks and make each of us at Harmony tick.

We like you, will be just A-OK. But the ride sure has been interesting.