Monday, December 22, 2014

REVIEW: LE MERIDIEN CHICAGO-OAKBROOK SPA SUITES



I recently experienced an ESPA Personalised Facial at the new Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook Spa Suites (Starwood Hotels & Resorts).  I’ve been reviewing all-things spa since the mid-1990s, and have become accustomed to a spa being a part of a structured space…check-in area, locker room, waiting room, etc.; that thinking changed with this experience. http://www.lemeridienoakbrook.com/spa-suites  http://www.lemeridienoakbrook.com

The Spa Suites at Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook offer the guest a different approach to a traditional structured spa setting without diminishing the traditional benefits, given the following.  Your check-in point is at the hotel’s registration area.  Your therapist is contacted, and upon arrival, you’re warmly greeted and escorted to the floor location of the Spa Suites


You’re first given a tour of the Spa Suites space; here is where the treatment is administered and which also becomes your private refuge post-treatment.  The treatment is fifty minutes; post-treatment I had an additional forty minutes of private, undisturbed downtime to either take a shower under the pulsating rainwater showerhead, or a languid soak in an enormous tub, or a cat-nap on the heated marble lounger, or quietly rest on a sofa while listening to relaxing music, or watch television as you thumb-through magazines or newspapers, or eat fresh fruit, drink coffee, tea or water, etc.….the possibilities were endless.  You have everything you need right there in the Spa Suite, including a spacious vanity and wardrobe area, robe and slippers, lotions, shampoo and conditioner, Loofah, and every other spa accoutrement you can imagine that will make your spa experience memorable.  Everything you could possible imagine you’d need is all there, and you don’t have to be concerned about traipsing around in front of strangers…you’re cozied up in the privacy of an acoustically sound Suite that keeps out the din of noise from the hallway and the bustling street below.  After you change out of your street clothes and get on your treatment table and cocoon yourself under warming blankets, your therapist returns and begins to work their magic on you.


For my ESPA Personalised Facial treatment would be administered by industry veteran and licensed Esthetician Tipsukhon Calfa (Pam); her credentials were impressive; not only has she been a licensed Esthetician for twelve years (IL), she is also licensed as a Massage Therapist and Nail Technician, and certified in Thai Yoga.  With such impressive credentials, I knew I was in expert hands.  There is no substitute for training and experience, and whenever I’ve experienced a spa treatment from a seasoned veteran like Tipsukhon, I’ve never had to explain or point out what my “issues” were, since as a qualified professional, she was able to determine them based on her level of expertise and training.

(Photo by T. Calfa)
After diagnosing my overall condition, my esthetician begins isolating the specific ESPA Skincare products she’ll use throughout the fifty-minute treatment.  Following are the components and products used by my esthetician during the treatment: Cleansing Balm (1st and 3rd cleanse); Cleansing Milk with Skin Polish (2nd cleanse); Floral Spa Fresh; Pro Serum (facial massage); Clam & Soothing Mask; Restorative Body Oil (shoulders and neck massage); and, Calm & Soothing Moisturiser.  I was also given a deep scalp, neck and shoulder massage during the Mask portion of the treatment.  After the treatment, I was left alone in the Suite to savor an additional forty minutes of downtime to do whatever I wanted…I had everything at my disposal to use, or not use, so I opted to dabble in experiencing a little of each!

~ About ESPA Skincare ~

ESPA is a global leader in the industry and found in prestigious spas across five continents.  All products are formulated to produce results-driven, natural skincare that is enjoyable to use, while encouraging the skin to look its best at every stage of life.  ESPA’s award winning products are as unique as they are effective, they are tested each and every day by a highly trained and extremely professional global network of therapists, and are loved by men and women alike.  I’ll also be conducting a three to four week test review of the ESPA Mask, Serum and Moisturiser products that were used in this treatment; the test will enable me to gauge product efficacy in an at-home spa setting.  So, stay tuned! http://us.espaskincare.com

~ In Closing ~

When I arrived for my treatment, it was bitterly cold and my skin felt raw and very dry.  This treatment yielded many favorable, albeit transitory, results.  As with any professionally administered facial treatment, the key to maintaining and/or improving aspects of skincare on a consistent basis requires an at-home skincare regimen that utilizes products appropriate for the individual’s specific skin type, as well as regularly scheduled facials performed by a licensed esthetician. 

My Spa Suites experience was favorable and something for you to definitely consider doing when in the area; by the way, Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook is across the street from upscale shopping area, Oakbrook Center.  Consider shopping first, then relax afterwards at the Spa Suites and experience one of their outstanding treatments!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.
By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

Monday, December 1, 2014

'TIS THE SEASON ~ HOLIDAY GIFTING GUIDE



It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to generosity and gifting those in our family, circle of friends, coworkers, volunteers, service providers, etc.  It’s also nice to consider being generous by gifting ourselves with something special.  For this year’s gifting guide, I’ve included some of my favorite gift items for you to consider.  Is this a definitive list?  No, but it’s a great start for getting inspired.  Enjoy!

~ My Top Gifting Picks ~


Crabtree & Evelyn ~ I love the holidays and I absolutely adore Crabtree & Evelyn, their products and festive packaging.  This year, I had the pleasure of experiencing their Noël Fragranced Candle (a classic seasonal aroma), a decorative tin filled with travel sizes of deeply hydrating Avocado, Olive & Basil Hand Therapy; a festive see-through tin with travel sizes of seasonally scented moisturizing Hand Therapy in Frosted Fruits, Iced Rose, and Spiced Ginger; and, a Victorian-era inspired decorative box of full sizes of Rosewater Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion; Rosewater is one of my all-time-favorite aromas.  Each beautiful Victorian-era inspired gift container is reusable.  http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com


Das Boom Everything Bar, Everything Wash, and Everywhere Lotion ~ For the guy on your list, consider this line of male-centric, gentle personal care products that are naturally scented in manly aromas like Bourbon & Leather, Yuzu, Shiso & Saffron, and Bay Rum, Smoke & Dirt; the scents are definitely a guy-thing that'll make personal care time enjoyable.  http://dasboomind.com/home


Jurlique Nutri-Define with Biosome5, Multi-Correcting Day Cream, Superior Retexturising Facial Serum, and Rejuvenating Overnight Cream are the latest anti-aging products from this iconic all-natural skincare line that are perfect for those concerned with, or dealing with, age-challenged skin.  Biosome5 is a proprietary formula of five ingredients that target specific age-challenged skin issues; ingredients include Rosemary, Horseradish, Mulberry, Peppermint and Glycogen, which penetrates the skin’s layers; additional key ingredients include rapeseed oil (essential fatty acids, high Omega 3,6 and 9), Squalane oil (water loss inhibitor), peach extract, Vitamin E, licorice root extract, ginseng root extract, and shea butter.  Overall, my skin performed better with noticeable signs of improvement in dry-prone areas, firmness, and suppleness, while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; products were non-greasy and absorbed well; hydration levels remained consistent throughout the day.  The Nutri-Define products also improved circulation, making for a healthier appearance of my skin.  Jurlique consistently delivers beautiful results with beautiful skincare solutions.  http://www.jurlique.com

 

Jane Iredale ~ It wouldn’t be the holidays without this iconic and eponymous brand of original mineral makeup and new gift solutions that deliver beauty, healthy skin, and glamour.  This year, I had the pleasure of experiencing Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection, which consists of three 24-Karat Gold Dust in Gold, Bronze, and Silver perfectly suited for a dusting of shimmer to eyes, hair, face, nails, or body; a beautiful be-jeweled refillable compact in deep orchid, Electric, which includes a protective pouch; and, a real stunning eye shadow collection box, Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eyes, which consists of eight beautiful colors, a mirror, and double tipped applicator; best of all, there’s also a detailed booklet with diagrams and directions on how to achieve different looks.  https://janeiredale.com


LA Indulgence ~ These darling bathing caps not only keep the tresses dry and protect the fragile hair from damaging salt, or chlorine while you indulging in the seawater or pool, they also add a nice touch of himsical fashion.  http://www.laindulgence.com


Paddywax Soy Candle in Woodland ~ I love this candle’s aromas of fir, mistletoe and mint, all evocative of the best of the season.  This line offers an extensive array of gift ideas.  http://www.paddywax.com


World Vision Catalog ~ This is gifting with a heart, since all purchases go to worthwhile causes throughout the world.  Whether it’s food, shelter, water, educational, individuals all over the world benefit from these catalog purchases.  This exquisite Royal Silk Scarf is hand-spun and dyed by Vietnamese artisans; the brilliant colors are sure to accentuate any outfit, adding a fashionable accent and pop of color to any outfit.  http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalog  http://donate.worldvision.org/royal-silk-scarf-1

~ More to Consider ~


Darphin ~ Gifts for that special someone on your list who identifies with being a bit extravagant with their skin and body care products.  http://www.darphin.com/index.tmpl


Kat Burki Tubéreuse Essential Eau de Parfum is an elegant and heady scent, which elevates the aroma of rose to new levels; the scent is fresh, sophisticated, and never cloying.  http://katburki.com


La Bella Donna ~ This is another beautiful line of mineral makeup that’s healthy for the skin; product colors go from natural to glam all year long, without fading or caking.  http://www.labelladonna.com

Gift Cards ~ These are great for personal care items, spa treatments at a local day spa, salon services, etc.  Use your imagination to come up with the perfect gift that gives the recipient the option to select whatever they want the most or will enjoy the most.  Personally, I love gift cards because it gives me limitless options in getting what I really need.

~ In Closing ~

Whatever the reason, whatever the season, give generously from the heart to those who have meant the most to you…family, friends, etc.  Don’t forget the simplest of gifts, either ~ like an utterance of gratitude, volunteering, donating to a local or other charitable cause, spending time with loved ones, or giving a huge hug and kiss to a loved one, or someone special in your life. 

~ To you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays ~

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo from brandthunder.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

Friday, November 14, 2014

MORE PRODUCT FINDS TO TRY



Here are a few more of my latest product finds…included in this edition are mineral makeup, skincare, mood enhancers, and green cleaning aids...whether you want to enhance your looks or save the environment, you’re bound to find some new favorites…I know I did! 

~ Mineral Makeup ~


La Bella Donna Mineral Eye Shadow Quad and Mineral Light Lip Color ~ I loved using these

beautiful mineral products.  The colors were rich and representative of a crisp fall day; each color aptly captured the seasonal transition of summer’s brightness to fall’s richness.  Mineral Light Lip Color in Mindful Red was creamy; the color was rich in pigments, and its intensity brightened the face and left my lips super-hydrated.  Key ingredients include Ceramide 2 and vitamin C; both of these ingredients nourish and condition the delicate lips, while providing UV protection.  Mineral Eye Shadow Quad in Papa Giovanni pays honor to founders Kathy Tracy’s Father and Nicole’s Grandfather, Giovanni! The palette reminded me of a gorgeous fall landscape of turning colors; included were beautiful colors like loden green, subtle bronze, soft gold, and deep brown; each color has delicate flecks of gold, which add just the right amount of shimmer to the eye area without appearing garish; these beautiful colors can be used alone, or combined to accentuate, highlight, or rim; they can also be used dry or wet; colors won’t fade or flake and go from neutral to glam.  Be sure to get current application tips on their website, or at YouTube.  http://www.labelladonna.com

~ Skincare ~

Whenever I test skincare products, I attempt to test the products over a three to four week period in order to gauge product efficacy.  Sometimes companies only send me sample packets or limited travel sizes, which don’t fully cover my targeted test period.  With that being said, the following two lines fall into the sample/travel size category, and as such, I’m not able to fully comment on the product’s performance and efficacy; in general, however, the products were non-irritating and provided some levels of hydration.  Domina Skin Care ~ Product samples included Radiosa Skin Cream, Filler Gel, 24 Hr. Filler Cream, and Concentrated Hyaluronic Acidhttp://md.dominaskincare.com  Maylan Skincare ~ Product samples included Natural Herbal Cleanser, Natural Botanical Toner, Face Firming and Moisturizing Daily Cream, and Silk & Honey Overnight Creamhttp://www.maylanskincare.com

~ Mood Enhancer ~


Moodies ~ These colored “cozies” slip over a CFL or LED bulb and transform a room’s lighting and aura, or mood.  These are also a nice alternative to candles and a less expensive alternative to purchasing colored bulbs.  Color is known to impact the visual sense, where any sensory impact will represent different things to different individuals; in the case of color, for example, particular colors will be pleasing or unsettling to others depending on their sensory conditioning.  Color is also an integral component to lifestyle fields like Feng Shui, Ayurveda and the Seven Chakras.  The psychology of color and color therapy are also believed to be integral in how individuals function.  Moodies comes in eight colors and are made from heat resistant silicone.  http://www.buymoodies.com/ - moodies

~ Green Clean ~

StarFiber ~ Eliminating toxic cleaning supplies has a definite positive impact on upper respiratory results.  Trying these, I was less prone to sneezing and clogged nasal passages.  The non-treated StarMop Fiber Cloths are great for dusting; dust clings to the washable fabric and leaves the dusted surface free of dust.  The Floor Duster has a removable and washable cover; attracts dust like a magnet; works even on carpeting, especially along floorboards.  http://www.starfibers.com

~ In Closing ~

Be sure to visit the websites to learn more about these products, and also checkout their social media listings.  Lastly, I’m currently working on my annual Holiday Gift Guide, so stay tuned!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo credit from womansday.com; all others as represented by the specific brand.)