Things that Go Shimmer in the Night

 









 Before starting with anything else on your eyes, apply the Urban Decay primer potion.  This will make cheaper brands look more expensive and make all brands last longer on the eye lid. Retail $22.00 + tax at Sephora.

For your New Year's party eyes, try Mac's Shimmer Time eye shadow which is a pigment colour powder in a 7.5 gram/26 oz jar.  This is a soft pink and copper blended with a shimmery gold which is fair enough to use as an overall lid base.

Try Mac's black track fluid line eye liner which comes with its own special precision brush in a 3 gram/10 fluid oz. jar.  Then finish with Mac's Zoom Lash Black Mascara.

Moving down to the decollete and you will only need a small amount of this fairy dust to give yourself a glowing sparkle on your skin.  This product is called Iced Body Powder (Apricot - 14 grams) and sells at the Body Shop for $21.00 plus tax.

To finish things off, put sparkle in your handshake as you wear Sephora by OPI nail colour, Untarnished Image, offers holiday sparkles in its silvery, quick drying polish. Retail $12.00 plus tax.

Now put on your favourite lipstick and gloss and
you are ready to go girl!

Happy New Year To All!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE SPA TRAVELLERS

  Christmas Decorations Saks Fifth Avenue, New York

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers.  May 2010 bring peace and harmony to all!

 Christmas tree, Rockerfeller Centre.  Swaroski crystal star.

Dare to Compare - Two Face Cleansers

I recently compared two products from different lines and have expressed my thoughts below:

Product One: Origins A Perfect World
Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea - 150 ml

This is a pearlized foaming cleanser. It is a highly concentrated product.  More is less with this cleanser.  Use a very little product and lots of water, if not adding lots of water, this product will cause dryness on your face and neck as it did to me when I first used it. It requires you to be a bit of a chemist and I can be a little lazy at night and not so careful. The product, when used correctly, will last a long time.  Although the sound of tea in a product seemed like a good idea, I was sensitive to it when it came into contact with my eyes and caused some stinging.  The scent is also not reminiscent of tea (hummm?) but has a vibrant citrus scent.   For now, tea will be for drinking only.  The product was purchased at the Bay for $32.00, (A free mini mascara was also thrown in). There were at least two other cleansers to choose from including one with a mushroom base from the Origins line.

Product Two: Milk Cleanser with Geranium - Apothecary by Jan Benham's School of Holistic Studies and Aroma Shoppe - about 150 ml

Although a locally made aromatherapy milk cleanser, I found it amazingly thick and rich. This product was non drying and did not irritate my eyes when I used it.  I would describe it as mild and good for sensitive people. I give it a super thumbs up for a good product at a good price of $25.00 plus I had a 25% discount for attending a special open house event.

Tea - What makes a Good Cup of Tea and Where to get it

Often when visiting a high end spa, you are offered a cup of tea while waiting for your attendant.  This is a time to relax and it is a perfect opportunity to indulge in a drink that maximizes your relaxation experience.  This is certainly something I look for when I seek out a favourite spa haven.

Did you know that the water that is used to make a cup of tea is very important in maximizing a tea's taste?  But, who has the best water?  Tap water (hopefully filtered) with low mineral content creates the best cup of tea.  Where in American can you enjoy the best natural tea water?  If you are in New York, Seattle or San Francisco, be sure to check out a local tea shop as their water reins supreme.  Here at home in Toronto, our mineral content varies from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and we rank somewhere in the mid to low range.  But, if you are in Phoenix Arizona, you may want to skip tea drinking until you get back home as they are ranked the worst place to drink a cup of tea.  Look also to obtain the freshest, clearest running water to maximize your tea drinking experience.

Okay, now that we have discussed water, let's discuss tea leaves.  It took a while for the Chinese to perfect the making of tea and this started in the early Hun and Tang Dynasties.  As tea making evolved, during the Tang to Song Dynasties, it became very fashionable to develop the skill of tea making and contests became a very popular pass time and preoccupation with society as a whole.  During this time, the Japanese also developed their skills in making Matcha tea.   But it was not until the Ming Dynasty that they figured out how to control the rate of oxidation and this is when loose leaf teas including oolongs, floral and scented teas were developed into the crafted product that we enjoy today.  The tea leaves all start out the same.  It is how the tea is processed that determines its type and to a large extent, its price.

During my recent studies, we sat and enjoyed teas from the Meng Ding region of China amongst others.  These teas were purchased from the seven cups website.  Please see the link below to purchase their teas online.  They also offer tea tours in China which is touted to be the latest hot new tourism experience.

I have listed in order of least oxidation, tea choices offered in fine shops across the country:

White Tea - This is the least oxidized tea made mainly of leaf buds.  Look for teas made in the Fujian Province as they are deemed to have perfected their skill in making this very high end tea.  I would suggest trying "The Tea House" at Yonge & Bloor in Toronto for its fine white tea blends amongst many other tea blends.

Green Teas - The second least oxidized tea.   Leaf will have some degree of green colour and often has herbaceous notes.  My favourite tea is Green Tea Dragon Well Long Jing 1st Grade (2009) from the Chinese Tea Culture Canada Inc.  Unit price cost is $24.00 for a small bag which is about double of most high end teas but in my opinion, worth it.  This is described as China's most famous tea and, it is considered the epitome of pan-fried.  I would recommend it if your searching for a cup that says, Ahhhhhhh.....

Can be found at:  www.c-TEA-ca.com

Yellow Tea - A very special low oxidized tea which few tea purveyors have perfected.  Implies a special tea processed similarly to green tea, but with a slower drying phase.

Oolong - Made with a unique firing process which is very labour intensive to make and requires upwards of 30 hours per batch.  This tea is special because the leaves can be brewed over and over again before they lose their flavour.  In fact, they say to pour the first steep down the sink and drink the second steep.  Tea leaves are thicker and more leathery in appearance than other loose leaf varieties.  They may be rolled into balls or may be available in a full leaf.

Black Tea - One of the best teas to make flavoured tea blends in my opinion and is the highest oxidized tea available.  If you live in Toronto, I was advised to try "The Tea Leaf" at Bayview Village - if you enjoy Lavender, Rose and Jasmine, their Bouquet Blend mixed with black assam is devine.

Pu-erh - A specialty tea described as the "champagne" of teas, unique to China and known for its aging process. This tea  is often collected in the same way as people who source out fine wines and good cigars.  Usually sold in compressed cakes.  Originally produced for the Tibet market.  100% organic and known to be produced from wild tree plants.

http://www.sevencups.com/tea_shop/home.php?cat=280&catexp=280

See also on line, Les Banks story and his website of teas.

http://www.allinthistea.com/about.html

http://www.silkroadteas.com/servlet/the-template/about/Page 

I would like to suggest Costco for buying tea as a gift.  You can get a set of three vacuum packed tins which include a diffuser.  The first tin is Yunnan full leaf black tea.  The second is Dao Ren Mao Feng full leaf green tea from their spring harvest and the third is a tin of Jasmine Green tea which is scented with natural jasmine flowers ---enjoy.  To add a rose taste to black tea, I would suggesting buying a bag of  loose rose hips at T & T on Cherry Street.  A small handful will do it.

If tea bags are more your style, Costco offers a bamboo container of flavours of tea by Starbucks.  Home Sense offers a very elegant tea chest from Touch Organic with a wood box and eight flavours  They also have a tea bag chest for $20.00 with the brand name of The Connoisseur's Favorite.

I would be delighted if readers would like to share their favourite teas and where you have found them wherever it is that you live, please attach your comments to our blog. I  would be happy to report your choice selections on to our fine tea readers.

Until next time we sip together...

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs & Spa, New Mexico

      OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS AND SPA
Iron and Arsenic Pools Cliffside at night

One of my very first spa travels was to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa located in northern New Mexico.  I was visiting a good friend who is very lucky to live in the beautiful town of Sante Fe, New Mexico. and we travelled up to "Ojo" for a day of pure heaven, sun, soaking in the natural mineral waters, amazing food, and most  importantly, relaxation.

New Mexico is called "The Land of Enchantment and it is aptly named.  Located in the American Southwest, it is a land of stunning beauty with altitudes of 6,000 feet above sea level on average.  The land changes from plateau to mountain terrain, from high desert to low desert, everywhere the land is dotted with pinion and juniper trees and all varieties of cactus.   The Rocky and Sangre de Cristos mountain ranges run through New Mexico and the Rio Grande flows through cutting a deep valley.  The sun shines for most of the year and the sky is such a brilliant blue it dazzles your eyes.  New Mexico was the land of Billy the Kid and Kit Carson.  The Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Pueblo Indians made their home here, and later Spanish settlers. It brings alive the stories you read as a child about the "Wild West".

The city of Sante Fe was originally settled by artists, the most famous of these was Georgia O'Keefe who made her home at Ghost Ranch, now a famous tourist museum.  Modern Sante Fe is a sophisticated and artistic city that combines elements from the historic Old West, Spanish and Indian Culture with modern hotels, top class restaurants, amazing shopping and, of course, spas of every kind.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa is located in the town of the same name about an hour's ride north of Sante Fe.  The drive takes you through high desert, studded with cactus, scrub pinion and juniper,  with a  view of the Sangre de Cristos mountains in the background, until you arrive at the small town of Ojo Caliente and the Spa itself.  The Spa is comprised of a rustic adobe main building with an adjacent historic hotel dating back to the early 1900's.  The mineral springs flow from a deep volcanic source and were a gathering place for the early Indians, who considered it a sacred spot, as well as the early Spanish.

What makes the hot springs of Ojo Caliente so unique is that they are the only natural hot springs in the world that are made up of four different type of minerals waters: Lithium, Arsenic, Iron and Soda.  Each one of these waters have different health benefits.  Arsenic is said to be good for arthritis and skin conditions, iron for blood and the immune system, lithium for relaxation and soda .  A day pass at the springs allows you entry into the pools and adjoining mud pools for the entire day. Spa treatments of all kinds are available, massage, body treatments, facials, and the Milagro Wrap, an Ojo special, where you are wrapped in a warm blanket after soaking in the waters, while soothed by gentle music, a great way to increase the detox experience of the waters. The Spa maintains a "whisper only" policy which adds to the peacefulness and tranquility of the waters.

Enjoying the mud pool

The Historic Hotel that adjoins the Spa offers wonderful, simple food based on cuisine of the Southwest.  After spending the day soaking in the waters, you can work up quite an appetite and a wonderful way to end the day is with a light lunch or dinner in the Artesian Restaurant or with a Margarita or glass of wine in their new Wine Bar and Lounge.

A trip to historic Ojo Caliente is a must if you have a chance to visit New Mexico.  The day I spent there was so relaxing, so special,  I can't wait until I visit there again.

If you would like more information on the Spa, Accommodation and Packages visit:  www.ojospa.com

Iron - Arsenic pool with cliffs

Tracey's Tea in China Series

If you grew up in Canada, you will remember tea as something that was only purchased in a flimsy cardboard box and inside was ground black tea encased in tea bags. Maybe you are like me and remember collecting figurines from the Red Rose tea box as a child.

After moving to Toronto years later and discovering Dim Sum at various China Towns throughout the City, I noticed the Chinese always served pots of loose leaf tea with their dumplings.  I developed a new love for tea.  As I am now studying tea in a partnership with the Tea Association of Canada and George Brown College, I wish to share some inspirations learned.

Even though coffee is still the overall preferred hot beverage in Ontario, for much of the eastern hemisphere a more intense understanding and selection of the ancient drink of tea exists. Fashions in tea have changed over the different eras but until fairly recently, choice and awareness of a fine cup of tea was not readily available or understood in this country.

In China, 1.2 million hectares of land are devoted to tea growth which is about one half of the tea growing area in the world and is arguably the best place in the world for fine tea.  After China, India and Africa are the largest global producers of tea.

Tea is a labour intensive crop. About two thirds is grown for domestic use and one third is grown for export. Generally speaking, much of the very best remains in China with a limited amount of the best being exported.

Tea is grown only in a zone limited in the north by the 43rd parallel to the equator and in the south by the 27th parallel. It cannot be too dry or too hot or too cold. Most tea is grown in the southeastern part of China. The mountainous regions are ideal and tea grown in the mountains generally fetches a higher price.

China's regions are divided by its river systems. Tea production is divided into four river zones. Historically, teas were controlled by the Ming Dynasty. A tribute tea was a dynasty gift of the very finest teas to people in power. These were generally the first plucks and given mainly to people of the court. This tea was not permitted to touch the ground and was also double wrapped in silk when presented. The last tribute tea was presented to the emperor of China in 1910, after that the dynasties ended.

Famous teas come from leased patches from tea gardens in China. Government agencies and large corporation's have control of the tea from these groves and are as coveted as a pair of Leaf Tickets in Toronto on a Saturday night. This may start to shed some light on the importance of tea to the people of China and the areas which border this country. In fact, tea was highly regarded in Russia which is just north of China.  Tea was delivered to Russia by camels up until 1900 when the Trans Siberian Railway opened. They expected the best.

To become more knowledgeable about tea, I would suggest the following books:

The Ancient Tea Horse Road by Jeff Fuchs - Travel with the last of the Himalayan Muleteers.  There is a picture and article of this local author at the Tea Emporium on Bayview south of Eglinton  in Toronto - read the book and have an understanding of the history of the tea trade and his travels in China.    The book sells for $35.00 in all of their shops.

The Story of Tea - A Cultural History and Drinking Guide - by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss.  A book written by two married tea merchants who have traveled extensively in China in search of teas to export to America.  A very comprehensive book of tea and how it is made.  The book can be purchased at Indigo Books.

I hope I have piqued your interest about tea and in my next article, I will tell you about some of the types of teas that exist, some of my favourites and some suggestions about where you might find them for purchase.

Until next time we sip...

The Body Shop - Winter Collection

I reviewed the following three new seasonal products from the Body Shop and would consider them all for gift giving.

Merry Cranberry - Body Scrub - 200 ml

When you first pour out this product, you will think that you must have raided your grandmother's jam cupboard while sleep walking as it has the appearance of her favourite preserves.

There are no directions on how to use the product so resist the urge to spread on toast and try pouring onto a wet loofah mitt before spreading on your body.  First of all, this product is fun.  This is a "berry" fruity and sweet smelling body exfoliate enriched with cranberry seeds and crushed walnut shells.   You'll notice it lightly lathers up on your skin and you can guarantee leaving the bath squeaky clean and feeling like a kid again...next

 Black Velvet Apricot Body Wash - 250 ml

The second product is the Black Velvet Body Wash.  This is described as a sumptuous, soap free cleansing, enriched with black velvet apricot extract and community trade honey.  I would describe it as slightly more sophisticated in nature but an exhilarating experience none the less.   This has a poignant scent of apricots but not as sweet as the product above. And, last but not least..

 Nutmeg and Vanilla Body Butter  200 ml

The third is the Nutmeg and Vanilla Body Butter in a tub. It also has a sweet smell and is suitable for Christmas giving.  The cocoa and shea butters are from Ghana, sesame oil is from Nicaragua, organically grown soya oil and organic babassu oil from Brazil and Brazil nut oil from Peru.  The smell reminds you of the faint scent of home baked cookies.  You may also wish to look at other Body Shop selections.  I suggest you check out their new winter trend make-up line with very pretty packaging.

All of the products are produced with the efforts of community trade.  If you are uncertain what community trade or free trade is all about, this is a highly respected undertaking through the efforts of the manufacturers of the product. It is a democratic system enabling plantation workers in developing countries to financially better themselves, their families and their communities.  How it works is that the buyer pays an agreed premium for the product and a percentage of this money is allocated back to the worker's unions who as a joint body, determines how money is spent to support the community as a whole.

As consumers, it is important to look into what is behind the products we purchase and to speak with our dollar. I believe most people would like to see the world become a better place.  Those who want to do something about the world tomorrow need to spend their money consciously and educate themselves on companies who are trying to make a difference like the "The Body Shop".  I for one wish to commend you on your efforts.

CRUELTY FREE MAKE UP BRUSHES

It is very gratifying to see that the world of make-up is becoming more and more holistic.  Niche lines are springing up offering products that are made from organic ingredients that are fairly traded and made with ingredients that give back to the people producing them.  Organic make-up is now available in all ranges from drugstore brands to exclusive lines.  Unfortunately, one thing that amazes me with some lines is how they can put a great amount of detail into the quality of ingredients in their products and then offer a line of brushes to apply these same products made with animal hair.  I recently had my make-up done at the Bay in Toronto, at an event sponsored by one of my favourite make-up lines. As the make-up artist was very expertly applying the products, he happily told me that their brushes were cruelty free and that they were made from "clipped pony hair".  One of the most popular make-up tutorial gurus on You Tube recently did a review of extremely high-quality brushes from Japan made from squirrel hair that were purportedly cruelty free. Squirrels?  The sad truth is that most make-up brushes made from animal hair are not cruelty free.  More than often the animals are killed for their hair and if they are shorn for their hair, this is not always done in a humane manner. 

Fortunately there are a number of companies that now offer make-up brushes made of synthetic fibres that are stylish to look at, well made and durable, easy to use, and affordably priced. The main fibre used for brushes is Taklon, which is a man-made fibre that is soft, durable and most importantly much more hygienic than brushes made from hair.  This last fact is a major consideration for people with skin that tends to break out. 

The Body Shop was ahead of its time in being one of the first companies that offered their customers products made from pure ingredients and from fairly traded sources.  They have a wonderful range of professional looking make-up brushes, that are incredibly soft on the skin, and easy to use. Their line includes two adorable Kabuki brushes that are easy and fun to use for applying mineral make-up and bronzer, a flat brush that makes applying liquid make-up a breeze, eye shadow brushes for applying, smudging and lining the eyes, an eyeliner brush, a lipliner brush, a retractable blusher brush, as well as a very portable mini brush kit.  The Body Shop brush line has a very stylish, professional look and is moderately priced, so you can purchase the entire line at a low cost.  

A few other company lines also offering Taklon brushes are Afterglow Cosmetics, a line of natural, mineral-based make-up.  Although slightly higher priced, their brushes are very stylish, available in every application style including a baby kabuki with bag, and an organic lavender brush cleaning  solution.  You can find them online at their website.

Eco Tools offer an extremely budget priced line of brushes.  Again, the brushes are soft and made with sustainable bamboo handles.  They come in all styles including a retractable kabuki.  They are introducing a line of hemp make-up and travel bags, including a great little brush set with bag, by Alicia Silverstone.  In Canada, Eco Tools are available at Wal-Mart and in the U.S. at Walgreen's Pharmacies.                      

Too Faced Cosmetics are a line from California.  They have a great range of brushes they say are made from "Teddy Bear Hair", including an extremely handy, retractable kabuki, perfect for tucking in your make-up bag.  Too Faced are a youthful, fun line available at Sephora.  To emphasize their cruelty-free stance, the company mascot and muse is "London", the company owners' adorable little chihuahua.

Urban Decay, also available at Sephora, pride themselves on being a cruelty free line of cosmetics. They have a range of Good Karma brushes  including the "Wonder Brush", an all purpose brush, and the "Big Buddha Brush", a kabuki brush.

Last but not least is a wonderful new line from England called Illamasqua.  Although not yet available in Canada, the line is creating a lot of buzz on You Tube tutorials and make-up blogs.  Illamasqua describe themselves as creating make-up for the "Alter Ego", encouraging people to truly be themselves.  The line creator is an amazing artist turned make-up artist, Alex Box, who is featured in tutorials on the Illamasqua website.  Their line of brushes are extremely professional and at a slightly higher pricepoint.  Illamasqua is available in North America from Sephora in NYC and on-line.  Their brushes are only available directly from the Illamasqua website. 

For more information on the make-up brushes mentioned in this post, see the company websites.  If you are in doubt about the ethical nature of any make-up product, the PETA website is a great source.

I would love to have your feedback on your favourite brushes and why you like them.   

 

Jan Benham's School of Holistic Studies and the Aroma Shoppe

I attended at a recent open house at the Beach at Jan's one of a kind clinic in Toronto.

Jan is unique in that she studied and practiced her craft in England before moving to Toronto in 1986. The business is now recognized as the longest running aromatherapy school of its kind in the country.

I bought a wonderful cleanser in her shoppe.  I also purchased a hair shampoo bar at her recent sale. Not only can you buy the products but you can take courses on how to make them and buy some of the base oils in order to make your own after the course.

Jan's clinic offers the services of an Aroma Massage, Reflexology, Thai Yoga Massage (My Personal Pick), Qi Drop Therapy, Qi Stone Therapy, Shiatsu and Abdominal Slimming treatments. She also offers many aesthetic services and carries 100% natural and holistic skin and hair care products including her own line of mineral makeup to boot.

Come say hello to the teacher, Jan Benham, at her Holiday Party in the beach and learn more on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Please R.S.V.P. at 416-698-5850 - Celebrating 25 years of educating and healing!

We encourage all readers to search out an aromatherapist in their local community.  If you would like to read more about Jan Benham including information on her publications, you can go to www.aromashoppe.com to get more information.

Posted by Tracey

A Moroccan Hammam

This past summer your spa traveller, Anna, had the opportunity to experience an authentic Moroccan Hammam.  Of the many things I did on my vacation in Morocco - riding a camel, sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, shopping in the souks - the visit to the Hammam was most definitely near the top of the list for overall magical experience.  Definitely a lot more relaxing than hanging on for dear life to a camel!! 

The Moroccan Hammam, or Hamman, is a cross between a sauna, a relaxing massage and the most vigorous body scrub you will ever have in your life.  Hammams range anywhere from humble public baths, which are a regular ritual with the Moroccans, to the utmost in luxury pampering equal to any spa you will find worldwide - with prices to match - and any variation in between.  The basis of the hammam ritual consists of a steam in a heated room, being doused with large jugs of hot and cold water, a soaping using Moroccan black soap, followed by an incredibly effective exfoliation scrub with a loofah type mitt, more hot and cold dousings, and a massage or other add-on of your choice, depending on the luxury level of the particular hammam.

Hammams have been part of the Moroccan beauty ritual for hundreds of years.  Historically, grand households had a hammam where the family could relax and bathe.  The hammam would also be offered to visitors to the house as a gesture of hospitality.  Nowadays, many luxury hotels and smaller riads have their own hammam where their guests can enjoy the full hammam experience as part of their stay.

My own hammam experience began one beautiful sunny morning.  I had noticed an ad for a hammam posted in my hotel lobby.  I made an inquiry to the hotel concierge, an appointment was made and soon after that my friend and I were speeding through many winding streets with our own personal driver, sent from the hammam to pick us up. Upon arrival, we were met by a group of smiling attendants.  We were shown to a small room and changed from our street clothing into robes and were then ushered into an extremely hot, dark room, with a heater in the middle, benches along the wall, and several large copper vessals filled with water.  We shed our robes and the attendant began by pouring several large pots of warm water over us.  The first step after the soaking was a luxurious soaping with the black soap, which our attendant explained was usually made from a mixture of Argan oil, essential oils, and olive skins, which gave the soap its black appearance. She very quickly and skillfully massaged the soap all over my body and all aches, stiffness, and any soreness from prolonged camel riding vanished as the warm oil sank into my skin.  After the soaping, she poured another large pot of water over me to rinse away the soap and then she set about scrubbing with the loofah mitt with a firmness and vigour that I never  could have done myself.  Up arms and down legs, across my back, she scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed some more.  Layers of old skin were no match for her powerful loofah mitt and very quickly a new layer of skin appeared, glowing with health.  After every square inch of my body was scrubbed, she then poured another large copper pot of water over me and finished with a bracingly cold rinse.  The hammam was finished and I emerged reborn with a healthy new skin, totally invigorated, my circulation tingling from the scrub and the cold water splash.

Next came a blissfully relaxing massage, which I had chosen as an add on treatment, where I drifted off to sleep and dreamed of crossing the Sahara on a camel.  When the time was up, the attendant gently shook me back to reality. 

The hamman also had a small gift shop stocked with various beauty products.  I purchased some black soap and was given the scrub mitt to take with me.  The total price for this morning of pampering came to the equivalent of $30.00 Cdn.  I emerged back onto the street a new woman, ready for serious shopping in the souk and maybe even another camel ride. 

Using the argan based soap and scrub mitt has now become part of my bathing ritual.  I don't think any scrub or salt can quite equal the effectiveness of the black soap and scrubbing mitt.  Although I don't think I will ever equal the skill of my hammam attendant, regular use has kept my skin silky smooth.  I will post more on Moroccan black soap and the scrub mitts in a later post.

   

Le Scandinave Spa - Collingwood

The Spa Travellers recently visited Le Scandinave Spa at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood. The spa is an outdoor spa set in a scenic woodland setting. We chose a "Girls Spa Package" special offered by Le Scandinave in conjunction with the resort.

Our Blue Mountain Resort had its own modern and luxurious two level suite (for a group of 4) with full kitchen facilities and B-B-Q outside! The spa was a 10 minute drive down the mountain from our Mosaic hotel. We parked in one of three ample parking lots. From there we walked through a trellis and over a secluded bridge which led to the spa entrance. Our package included access to the spa for the day.

Upon signing in, we received a voucher for a wholesome lunch. The windowed dining area overlooked the outdoor spa pools of which there were thermal and Nordic waterfalls as well as hot baths (at least three) and cold plunges.

As you step downstairs and enter the public pools outside, silence of all guests is encouraged and reminders are posted. This is not a place to whoop it up but a place designed to make you feel as you have left civilization and where true relaxation is encouraged. The outdoor spa also contains a covered eucalyptus steam room, a tiered enclosed sauna and huge picture solarium sitting rooms. The sauna is stoked with seasoned firewood and there are also pyramid fire cages outside which are also attended by staff. You are made to feel as if you just stepped out the door of your very own luxury cottage as many Muskoka chairs are placed generously throughout the outdoor and indoor lounges. After our soak, we made our way to the massage room for a one hour massage which was also included in our package. In total, all of the above worked out to be $160.00 each for the four of us.

We left feeling melted and relaxed by our pampering and were reluctant to get in the car for the drive back to T.O.

The Spa is open to both men and women and could make for a romantic getaway. Bring your own robe and bathing suit. Towels and organic body care products, however, are provided along with your own locker. You can enjoy "taking the waters" at a cost of $44.00 per person any day of the week and is highly recommended after a day of skiing which we were told was the spa's high season.

for more go to www.scandinaveBlue.com
152 Grey Road 21
Toll Free: 1-877-988-8484

Posted by Tracey

Our Big Product Review - Exfoliant by Mac

We recently attended at the "Back to Black" launch at the downtown Bay store at the Mac counter in September! Our big product was the Volcanic Ash Exfoliant.

This product goes on as black as the name suggests. In fact, you will not recognize yourself once you start smearing the product over your face as it will bring back memories of days gone past of a mask you used in preparation for a scary Halloween night on the town!

Although it has a very earthy look, you can be reassured that there is absolutely no earthy smell. In fact, the product has a somewhat sweet scent.

I give it a thumbs up for its exfoliating affects on the face...if you do not mind a very black residue left on your wash clothes afterward...and the product contains some grit so be careful not to get it in your eyes because you will spend some time rinsing it out if you are not careful!

Cost: $32.00