GIFTS THAT MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT

(Image from www.wallpapervortex.com)

This is the time of year when thoughts of gifting someone special, and that may even include yourself, becomes a preoccupation, and often a stressful one at that.  Over the years, I’ve assembled these Holiday Gift Guides as a way to help you minimize any concern you might have deciding on a gifting solution, with suggestions on some of the season’s best and brightest gifts.  Whether your holiday gifting is for Hanukkah, Christmas, housewarming, work, place of worship, Secret Santa, etc., the following gift ideas will inspire you to find that perfect gift that indulges the spirit with little to no effort.  Enjoy!

~ Caron Paris ~

GIFT IDEA:  This iconic luxury brand has been revered and coveted by women worldwide since its inception in 1903.  La Poudre Peau Fine de Caron is an extravagant way to finish the face with delicate loose powder; the Poudre also includes the signature Caron Puff; its silken touch glides across the skin, leaving a hint of transparent finish; throughout the day, I didn’t have to bother with any touch-up; there wasn’t any shine in the “T” zone, which is often problematic when wearing makeup.  Key ingredients include Vitamins A and E, Powdered Silk, Distilled Bulgarian Rose, Camellia Oil, Antioxidants and Kaolin.  I chose the Transparent “color”, which provided a natural and light coverage. This luxurious and delicate powder is ideal for all skin types, including those with skin sensitivities.  The Poudre comes in a beautiful signature gold metallic case with the Caron classic dot pattern on its lid.  For more information on this luxury line, visit https://www.parfumscaron.com/en/

~ Crabtree & Evelyn ~

I’ve always loved this company for the simple and beautiful products offered throughout the year.  Christmastime is especially festive and bright; each one of their holiday-themed gifts represent the season’s best and brightest!  Every year I look forward to their special edition Holiday gift Collections much the same as I did when I was a child, eagerly awaiting the holiday edition of the Sears Roebuck Christmas Book.  This year’s gift picks are all about indulging and Crabtree & Evelyn knows how to indulge a person with simple treasures.  GIFT IDEAS:  LaSource Hand Care Ornament Tin (Hand Recovery Exfoliator and Hand Therapy Lotion)…Hand Therapy Musical Tin (Citron, Honey & Coriander, Gardeners, La Source, Lavender, Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed, and Rosewater)…Rosewater Memory Makers Ultimate Gift Set (Bath & Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Eau De Toilette, Porcelain Bird Ornament); each of these hand therapy lotions deliver exceptional hydration; and, the delicate Rosewater Fragrance is exquisite.  For more information on this outstanding line, visit http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com

~ Dealmoon ~

This mega online shopping emporium with its loyal global following of devotees, offers everything you’ll need to gift anyone on your list, including yourself.  Dealmoon offers a huge variety of personal care, beauty, fragrance, and skincare products perfect for that special someone on your list.  GIFT IDEAS:  Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil and PeterRothThomas Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes.  The Nuxe Dry Oil is suitable for face, body, and hair, and includes restorative plant oils like Macadamia Nut, Hazelnut, Borage, Sweet Almond Oil, Camellia, and St. John’s Wort, plus Vitamin E; the scent of the Camellia Oil is beautiful.  For more information on this online emporium, visit http://www.dealmoon.com

~ FragranceNet ~

FragranceNet is another mega one-stop online shopping experience for all your skincare, beauty, and fragrance needs.  GIFT IDEAS:  Calvin Klein Reveal Eau De Parfum (For Her)…Fragrance notes include Raw Salt Signature, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Oris, Ambergris, Solar Accord, Sandalwood, Musk, and Cashmeran; this is a clean, green, and sophisticated fragrance that isn’t cloying; its dry-down is very subtle…Burberry Brit Rhythm Eau De Toilette (For Him)…Fragrance notes include Basil, Verbena, Cardamom, Juniper Berries, Leather, Patchouli, Styrax, Cedar, Incense, and Tonka Bean.  For more information on this online emporium, visit http://www.fragrancenet.com

~ Jane Iredale ~

Leave it to Jane Iredale to come up with just the right holiday color palate that compliments any skintone, while enhancing one’s natural beauty with gorgeous colors that brighten the holidays.  Jane Iredale is the leading innovator of mineral makeup line that never disappoints, no matter the product need.  GIFT IDEAS:  In the Blink of A Smoky Eye Kit (Eight PurePressed Eyeshadows: Bone, Pure Gold, Dawn, Rose Gold, Iris, Forest, Double Espresso, and Ebony, Dual-Tip Applicator, Mirror, and a How-To Guide)…Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain (Forever Red).  For more information on this iconic mineral makeup line, visit https://janeiredale.com

~Skin Authority ~

If you’re searching for the ideal stocking stuffer gift set of skincare products that restore and perfect, then look no further than Skin Authority.  From head to toe, they have just the right product to address any skincare need and advance its condition from ordinary to extraordinary.  GIFT IDEAS: I love their perfect Stocking Stuffer Sampler, which includes four of their best-sellers, perfect travel-sized must-haves.  The Sampler includes Daily Cleanser, Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF30, Olive Fig Shea Butter Body Cream, and Hand Foot Body Restoration; these are just the perfect must-have travel sized treats that address your head to toe skincare needs.  I also loved their Holiday Essentials Duo, which includes their Oil Nutrient for Face, Hair & Nails, and Moisturizing Mist; the Oil Nutrient includes a rich formula of restorative oils that include Avocado, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Petigrain, Cardamom, Safflower, Jasmine, Sunflower, and Bergamot; the overall fragrance is beautiful; the Moisturizing Mist hydrates, cools, calms, and refreshes; restorative ingredients include Grapeseed Extract, Vitamins A, C, and B5.  This dynamic duo takes the guesswork out of finding the right product mix for restorative skincare.  Both Gift Ideas come in a beautiful organza bag.  For more information on this leading skincare line, visit http://www.skinauthority.com/Holiday-Gift-Guide

~ Gift Basket Ideas ~

(Image from www.christmasgeek.com)

Consider making your own gift baskets filled with some of my gifting ideas…make the collections even more special by tucking inside a dated keepsake ornament, and a gift card for a spa treatment!

Gift Basket Idea #1 ~ “Luxe the Look”

Caron Paris La Poudre Peau Fine

Jane Iredale In the Blink of a Smoky Eye Holiday Collection

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain

Gift Basket Idea #2 ~ “At-Home Spa Treats”

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy Musical Tin Collection

Dealmoon Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

Dealmoon PeterThomasRoth Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes

Skin Authority Holiday Essentials Duo

Gift Basket Idea #3 ~ “Travel Spa Treats”

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Care Ornament Tin

Dealmoon PeterRothThomas Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes

Skin Authority Stocking Stuffer Sampler

Gift Basket Idea #4 ~ “Forever Fragrance”

Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Memory Makers Ultimate Gift Set

FragranceNet Calvin Klein Reveal Eau De Parfum

Gift Basket Idea #5 ~ “Manly Does It”

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Care Collection

Dealmoon PeterRothThomas Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes

FragranceNet Burberry Brit Rhythm Eau De Toilette

Skin Authority Stocking Stuffing Sampler

~ In Closing ~

(Christmas at the Hermans, c1960s)

While this festive season may have our thoughts focused on finding the right gift for someone, let’s not forget the best gift to give, which doesn’t cost any money, and that’s the gift of our time with those we love and care about…family and friends.  Lastly, don’t forget those in need…find a local or national charity and contribute what you can…that might even include volunteering for special projects, or sponsoring a food or clothing drive in your neighborhood, place of worship, or your work place.  To you and yours, I wish you peace, joy, and love!

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 on her authored work.  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.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as indicated, or represented by the specific brand.)

SPA SPIN FROM AN INDUSTRY INSIDER

(Image from www.sensetravel.org)

Following are some of my recent musings…they’re all based on firsthand experiences, and my industry knowledge and expertise.  Enjoy!

~ Scent ~

Want to get the full potential of an aroma or fragrance?  Make sure to have coffee beans handy for an initial whiff before checking out an aroma or fragrance.  The intensity of the coffee beans clears the olfactory palate, or olfactory receptor neurons, which are responsible for detection of any odor molecules.  No studies have been made to determine the efficacy of regular versus decaffeinated coffee beans, or flavored coffee beans. 

~ At-Home Spa ~

After making a bowl of delicious guacamole, don’t discard those avocado peels.  If you notice, there’s quite a bit of residual fruit left on the skin after you coop out the pulp for your dip.  Avocado is rich with hydrating fatty acids that’s great for all skin types.  Cut the peel into strips and begin placing them on a clean face, using a circular motion to “smear” the residual pulp onto your skin; the peels will adhere to your skin.  Leave the peels on for approximately ten minutes, remove, and rinse off.  Your skin will feel softer because it’s been drenched with natural avocado oil.

~ Skin Care ~

(Image fromwww.pagamintarankomis.it)

I ~ Many folks aren't aging well, and it shows on their faces and how their skin looks...dried patches, large pores, wrinkles, fine lines, etc.  And while one’s DNA and heritage are contributing factors, others that impact the appearance of skin as one ages include accumulative effects of too much sun exposure, not wearing sufficient sun protection, not drinking sufficient amounts of water, poor diet, smoking, drinking, and other lifestyle conditions, etc.  All of these factors contribute to the appearance of healthy skin becoming diminished.  Lastly, using the wrong products on the skin and as part of one’s daily skincare regimen, including not changing products to those that have formulations that are seasonally adjusted, and which conform to environmental triggers such as a lack of humidity or too much humidity, or even over-cleansing and over-exfoliation, will also dramatically impact the quality of your skin.  Take care of your skin now before neglect becomes evident as you age.

II ~ Have you ever notated all of the various products and pieces of equipment used as part of a skincare regimen that achieves or maintains healthy looking skin that's age-minimized?  Consider that many are using the following, as part of their daily, weekly, or monthly regimen:  Cleanser, Micellar Water, Exfoliator, Toner, Serum, Face Oil, Moisturizer, Neck and Décolleté Cream, Eye Cream/Eye Serum, Clarisonic, Clarisonic Opal, Tweezers, Magnified Mirror, Q-Tips, Cotton Balls, Makeup Primer, Sunscreen/SPF Block, etc....granted, not all of these items may be used for the daily regimen and some are even formulated with combination functionality, but they're definitely used at various stages of the month...then there's the periodic visit to an esthetician/dermatologist...whichever you use, be gentle to your skin, so it doesn't revolt after a full assault!

III ~ My guidelines for optimal skincare:  1) Having an established at-home skincare regimen is key to maintaining healthy skin.  2) Having the right mix of treatment products is also vital, including those formulated for one’s specific skin type.  3) Equally as important is using products that are formulated to conform to one’s specific locale, which factors in environment, climate, and geography.

~ The Spa Experience ~

(Image from www.74211.com)

I ~ If your spa has a guest intake form it requires a guest to fill out prior to their treatment experience, and the treatment specialist doesn’t even bother to review the form with the guest prior to administering the treatment, either dispense with the intake form, or make sure to incorporate in your spas operational protocol that the treatment specialist must review that form with their guest prior to any treatment administration. This is especially critical if the guest references a specific issue(s) that may possibly lead to a treatment contraindication the specialist needs to know beforehand. Don’t just blindly administer the treatment without fully knowing about any potential health-related issues with the guest. READ THE FORM THOROUGHLY! This is also potentially an insurance issue. Better to be safe, than sorry!

II ~ My first-ever spa experience was in 1988 at a destination spa, Safety Harbor Resort and Spa​.  It was a life-changing experience; more importantly, it was the first time I was introduced to structured healthy and nutritional eating, food preparation, and cooking.  It was also the first time I ever ate an egg white omelet.  I still have my recipe booklet from that experience and occasionally refer to it (along with other recipe collections from other destination spa experiences).  I’m grateful for this destination spa being ahead of the curve and the trend in healthy, nutritious, and delicious spa cuisine.

III ~ A memorable welcoming treatment I once experienced at a day spa (which is no longer in operation due to a myriad of questionable management practices), included a foot soak in a large stainless steel basin that was filled with warm water and eucalyptus essential oil infused cleansing lotion.  After a fifteen-minute soak, an attendant approached my station, knelt down, and preceded to Loofah the bottom’s of my feet.  Once this was done, she took a warm, damp towel and gently removed any traces of the soaking liquid.  The treatment ended with the attendant gently massaging my feet while applying a moisturizer.  If you’re a spa professional, consider offering something like this as a complimentary treatment experience for your clients.  Not only will they be impressed, they’ll also remember the experience and think of your spa the next time they encounter something similar elsewhere.

IV ~ A spa experience should be memorable and to the extent that you define and compare all others to that experience. Any spa can administer a treatment, but only an exceptional spa can do so by making that experience define and exemplify what it is to spa.

~ Spas and Aging ~

(Image from www.hdwallpaper.cat)

As the population ages, the need for a restorative treatment therapy that accommodates aging guests with minor (who aren’t considered handicapped or with marked disabilities) remains…the problem lies in the fact that many spas aren’t equipped with adaptive treatments and protocols, or even equipment that facilitates delivering a treatment to the aging spa-goer who has, for example pronounced, even mild arthritis…many treatment tables lack the hydraulic mechanism to adjust positioning, and if a spa has these types of advanced tables, often the therapist doesn’t properly apply the mechanisms or omits doing so…many treatment protocols are also based on younger to middle aged individuals who can withstand being on a treatment table in one, motionless position for up to an hour…arthritic individuals can’t maintain a lack of movement, because it compounds their arthritic issues…using a bolt under the knees or ankles offers minimum relief…neck support rolls are usually something that has to be requested by the guest, versus the therapist knowing as part of their training to ask and offer…while treatment products have developed over the years to keep pace with aging skin related, treatment protocols and equipment designs haven’t…these need to be done to accommodate the arthritic, aging guest to maximize their treatment experience…it doesn’t matter how well-executed a treatment is if the guest is uncomfortable or has to forgo certain aspects of a treatment in order to accommodate their condition…lastly, I’m writing this from experience…in recent years, I’ve had to forgo getting a massage or other types of body work, because the treatment tables create additional discomfort, and flipping over half-way through the treatment is a major effort, especially since most therapists rarely offer to assist you in the turning process, or having to remain in one position and motionless for nearly an hour takes a toll on my body…even facials are a bit challenging…and never mind about getting in and out of whirlpools…those were only designed for the able-bodied, non-arthritic…getting off the treatment table is an effort in itself once the treatment ends, especially since the therapist has left the room and rarely offers to remain to assist me getting off the table…it’s not that they don’t care, it’s just that they are oblivious to the need, since awareness more than likely hasn’t been factored into their training (either at their spa, or even in their school, or both)…to spa therapists, please keep these things in mind as you develop or modify your treatment protocols, or delve into upgrading your treatment tables…and for you equipment designers and manufacturers, please consider improving your designs to accommodate the arthritic guest…heck, even your tables aren’t designed to conform to the female anatomy.

~ Worth Another Read ~

The following articles were posted to this blog in 2015, and provided in-depth information on spa, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness.  They’re all worth another read…

“Fall Transitioning Tips ~ Your Best Bet”

http://definitivespablog.blogspot.com/2015/09/fall-transitioning-tips-your-best-bet.html

“14 Simple Ways To Reduce Stress In The New Year” http://definitivespablog.blogspot.com/2015/05/14-simple-ways-to-reduce-stress-in-new.html

“How To Get The Most From Your Spa Experience” http://definitivespablog.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-get-most-from-your-spa-experience.html

“Spring Lifestyle Transitioning Tips”

http://definitivespablog.blogspot.com/2015/03/spring-lifestyle-transitioning-tips.html

“Spa At Home”

http://definitivespablog.blogspot.com/2015/01/spa-at-home.html

~ In Closing ~

(Image from www.styleathome.com)

Take the time to recharge, revitalize, and relax.  It’s an investment in self, and well worth the effort…remember, too, that you deserve this special time.  If need be, make an appointment for yourself, with yourself.  Always take care of yourself…especially for those you love and who need you.  Lastly, remember that spa-ing is all about self and the sensory experience. 

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 on her authored work.  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.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as indicated.)