We are currently looking for the right candidate to fill our front desk position - SPA COORDINATOR. This role is key to our success and the right individual will have the following experience and skills:
*2 years management experience preferred.
*Commitment to Cleanliness
*Above and beyond customer service skills.
*Overall professionalism
*Great communication skills
*Outgoing and positive person to lead the team and build rapport with clients
*Works well under pressure
*Self-starter and motivator
*Open to constructive feedback
*Strong interest in nourishing your personal education and self-growth
*Be able to multi task
*Problem solve and ensure client satisfaction 100%
*Microsoft excel, word and knowledge.
*Marketing and social media skills are a PLUS
Pay depends on experience. The schedule is 2-3 days a week with a minimum of 16hours. Weekends are a must. Schedule is Friday 9:30 – 6:30 and Saturday 10:30 – 7:30
Please provide a cover letter and resume as an attachment with desired salary.
montereydayspa@gmail.com
Thank you for your inquiry!
Showing posts with label Monterey Day Spa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monterey Day Spa. Show all posts
Monday, May 19, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
A Surprising Way to Lower Body Fat
The quality of your sleep, along with your bedtime and wake time, influence your body fat composition.
When we don't sleep enough, two hormones in our body are greatly affected: ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin is a hormone that gives us the "go" signal, meaning that we are hungry and need to eat. On the other end is leptin, a hormone that signals satiety and tells us to stop eating. When we don't get enough sleep, even after just a few short nights of less slumber, the balance between ghrelin and leptin is tipped. We have more ghrelin and less leptin. As a result, the signal that tells us we're full becomes weak, and the "you're hungry, eat!" signal is strengthened.
An interesting November 2013 study, conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) and published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, took a somewhat different angle at the sleep/weight connection. Instead of just focusing on quantity of sleep, their research looked at the timing and quality of sleep.
Researchers at BYU investigated over 300 college-aged women over the course of a few weeks, assessing them for body fat composition and keeping track of their sleep patterns for one week. Results showed that participants who obtained less than 6.5 or more than 8.5 hours of sleep per night had higher body fat.
What is novel in this study is their look at the timing of sleep and its impact on body fat composition. The researchers found that a consistent bedtime and, more importantly, wake time, were related to lower body fat. Participants who had more than 90 minutes of variation in their sleep/wake times were more likely to have higher body fat composition than those with less than 60 minutes of variation.
We are all born with internal clocks called circadian rhythms. These rhythms are on a roughly 24-hour clock and keep our bodies in check throughout the day. Not only do circadian rhythms impact our sleep schedules, but they also govern many other complex functions in our body—notably, when hormones are released by various organs in our body. Keeping a fixed wake time seven days per week helps to keep the circadian clock in check all day long. Even though staying with the same bedtime is important, having a constant wake time has many more implications in keeping our body's physiology on the right clock. Plus, not sleeping in allows for us to be out of bed and active for more hours, which helps with lowering body fat.
Finally, the researchers also noted that sleep quality greatly impacted body composition. Participants who slept better had less body fat. A myriad of reasons can factor into why sleep quality might be disrupted: pain, sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, etc. And the more disrupted one's sleep is, the more likely they aren't getting all of the benefits of a solid night's sleep. What’s more, less human growth hormone is produced and more of the stress horomone cortisol is released (leading one's body to feel more stressed). These are all things that can impact leptin and ghrelin production, thereby increasing body fat composition.
If you find that you're having trouble logging enough sleep, getting quality sleep or keeping to a sleep schedule, consider seeing a sleep specialist to help assess any issues that might be contributing to your insomnia. Also, check out this column for more ideas on how to treat insomnia naturally and get both your sleep and weight on the right track for 2014.
Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!
Purchase additional products from our online store HERE
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HEREaricle source-youbeauty.com
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Lip Service: How to Shop for Lip Balms
Treat chapped lips and avoid "lip balm addiction" with these insider tips.
By Amy Wechsler, M.D.
 |
MORE: Tips for Your Best Lips
- Avoid lip licking. If you can rid yourself of that habit, you will be well on your way to smooth, supple lips. Saliva contains enzymes that breaks down your food and skin tissue.
- Always apply sunscreen. The skin on your lips is just as delicate as the rest of your face and thus needs to be protected from the sun.
- Check the ingredient list. Do not use products containing phenol or formaldehyde, both of which are harmful to skin and can create "lip balm addiction."
- Skip the lip plumpers. The short-term fullness that they might provide is not worth the moisture-depletion they’ll lead to.
- Hydrate while you sleep. Use a humidifier at night to ensure that you are sleeping in moisture-rich air.
- Shop smart. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as pure vegetable oils or beeswax.
- Look for add-ins. You can also benefit from products containing additional moisturizers or soothing agents, such as calendula or shea butter.
Be sure to check out the amazing Jan Marini product C'Esta Lips. C-ESTA Lips, containing DMAE, is the first medically based product that actually improves the appearance of aging and sun damage in the lip area. Available to purchase in our online store, here - http://www.secure-booker.com/mds/ShopOnline/Product/3536769/C-EstaLips
Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!
Purchase additional products from our online store HERE
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HEREaricle source-youbeauty.com
Thursday, February 20, 2014
U.S. Olympic Beauty Secrets!
Beauty Secrets of the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team (Exclusive!)
These Sochi headliners are about to skate the performance of a lifetime. Here’s the inside scoop on how they plan to look good while doing it.
The ladies of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team have beauty tips that are truly battlefield-tested under bright lights and high cardio demands. Here, they reveal to us the tricks behind hitting twizzles and triple lutzes with nary a hair out of place.
Let the Games begin!
Pin it
 |
“When you step on the ice, the first impression goes a long way, and hair and makeup can help draw the audience in by enhancing the character you’re portraying,” explains Ashley Wagner, 22, who will skate to “Samson & Delilah” in Sochi. “I love playing a strong personality like Delilah—she’s a wily temptress, so my look will be a Middle Eastern-inspired cat eye, cheekbones for miles and a strong berry lip,” she excitedly adds.
Tricks of the trade:
- Black looks harsh against her light blue eyes, so Wagner instead favors smoky brown in the crease and gold shadow on the lid for depth.
- She slices tips of CoverGirl lipsticks into an old eyeshadow pot to create custom-blended lipstick that complements her dress undertones.
- Sunkissed highlights are a must for this Cali girl, and Champions Hair Salon (we couldn’t make this up, folks) in Lake Forest, Calif., is her go-to for a brightening blend of bronde.
- For a sleek bun that doesn’t look like weighed-down “helmet head,” she first teases roots for a base of volume. Then she twists up a high bun, and secures by pinning down with a near-invisible Conair hairnet. A spritzing of Pantene hairspray keeps it all in place.
 |
U.S. gold medalist in figure skating, Meryl Davis, 27, performed “Scheherazade” with partner Charlie White, 26. “The Persian influence means I can play out of the norm with exotic makeup colors!” she says of the bold look she plans to wear. Did you see the headband she turned Olympic-worthy with jewel embellishments, and the matching lavender midriff-baring dress that skating seamstress duo Stephanie Miller and Luanne Williams created to bring the decadent tale to life?
Tricks of the trade:
- “Healthy skin is beautiful skin, and I wear sunscreen every day, even though I go straight to a skating rink!” she says, adding that she became vigilant about protection after her mother’s bout with skin cancer a few years ago.
- Davis keeps hair in place with Goody Spin Pins that look like little screws. “They’re total lifesavers when I’m tossed around because they keep hair from slipping out,” she says. (The brand claims that just two spin pins do the work of 20 bobby pins.)
- To keep deep color on lips and off teeth, Davis first primes her pout with foundation, then applies lipstick, and finally blots with a Puffs tissue right before stepping on the ice.
 |
“The bigger the bun, the better!” says Gracie Gold, 18, the newly crowned U.S. National Champion. Skating to Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty,” she plans to pair a statement bun with a fiery red lip that sets off the brilliant blue skating dress her mom helped design. Her signature shade is CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Hot #305, applied with a lip brush for crisp precision. “I always keep my lips matte, or else you have to worry about smearing while doing a sport, and you need your concentration focused on your program,” she explains.
Tricks of the trade:
- “It takes practice to get a skating bun,” admits Gold. She preps hair with dry shampoo on roots and ends to create “fluffy” hair texture that makes building a voluminous bun easier. She then coils the bun and crosses bobby pins in “x” formation for hold.
- Gold keeps skin in the clear by always cleansing makeup off before bed with Olay Fresh Effects wipes. “They smell great, work fast and help my skin breath!” she says.
- False lash strips have gotten in her way in the past. She prefers starting with a lash-building base coat, and then topping with a volumizing formula for no-hassle drama.
 |
James Bond fans are in for a treat when Marissa Castelli, 23, and partner Simon Shnapir, 26, take to the ice with “Skyfall” in their free skate. “It’s all about a sleek bun, red lips and lots of contour to help interpret the sexy feel of the choreography!” says Castelli. Hair is kept perfectly in place with “ginormous” bobby pins she finds at her local Rhode Island LaBrie Dance boutique (most dance shops carry them), and with generous amounts of MoroccanOil hairspray.
Tricks of the trade:
- For the perfect budge-free red lip, Castelli always lines and fills in with her favorite Chanel Rosewood liner that pops and adheres any color to follow. Bobbi Brown Burnt Red lipstick is her current topper of choice.
- To contour, she makes a “duck face” and sweeps NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna under cheekbones, around the hairline, jawline, sides of the nose and above her top lip.
- A fan of eyeliner, she says that Tarte’s waterproof Amazonian Clay gel lasts through the bright lights and sweat of competition.
- “I used to use expensive makeup brushes, but I randomly got a Sonia Kashuk brush at Target a few years ago, and can’t believe how amazing it is!” she shares.
 |
Skating as Cosette from Les Miserables, Madison Chock, 21, hopes to capture the tragic love story with partner Evan Bates, 24. Like many ice dancers, Chock enjoys letting hair loose to perform. “Long hair that flows with your skirt is beautiful, and can add a sense of drama to your dance lines,” she explains. “But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t blow all over the place! I hairspray, then curl with an iron, then hairspray it again, and hope for the best,” she adds.
Tricks of the trade:
- Makeup setting spray is her must. If skin feels normal, she finishes makeup with a spray-over of Urban Decay’s All Nighter. When it’s cold and her face is dry, she uses the more moisturizing MAC Fix + for a hydrated finish.
- To capture the soft elegance of Cosette, Chock will use a palette of brown shadows and a pale pink lip. “A Japanese fan gave me Shisiedo’s lipstick in PK705—it’s the most perfect pink color, and will be on my lips!” (We’re sad to report it has been discontinued.)
- To treat redness that is exacerbated by the frosty skating rink air, Chock uses Rodan + Fields Soothe line of sensitive skin products. “It’s helping the redness a lot!” she says.
Purchase additional products from our online store HERE
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HEREaricle source-youbeauty.com
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
How to Draw a Winter Bath
Dermatologists say hot baths are bad for your skin, but that won't stop us when it's 10 degrees outside. Here's how to make a bath a skin-safe ritual.
By
Grace Gold
|
And while experts often scold against hot water submersion during the wintry months of dry skin, we can’t help but luxuriate in this soothing mind and body ritual. So we’ve sought out a dermatologist who loves a good soak herself, for tips on how to transform bath time into a hydrating salve for skin and spirit.
Use bath oil.
Most importantly, the base of your bath should infuse hydration. “Don’t soak in soap product like bubble bath or shower gel that can add to the drying effect of hot water and provoke itchiness by triggering histamine release,” advises Washington, D.C., dermatologist Noëlle S. Sherber, M.D. Use bath oil, or if you love bubbles, counter it by adding bath oil to the water, too.
Rinse with plain water.
Bathing oils and soap products are generally not designed to remain on your skin, and can cause irritation if left on, says Dr. Sherber. Simply do a rinse before stepping out of the tub to prevent related dryness, or do a quick once-over in the shower.
Moisturize ASAP.
Keep rich moisturizer nearby so that you can apply a generous layer within a minute or two of leaving the tub. “A good rule of thumb is that if the product is thin enough to dispense through a pump, it has too much water to be sufficiently moisturizing—look for products that are thick enough to have to be dispensed in a jar or tube, or use body oil,” says Sherber.
Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!
Purchase additional products from our online store HERE
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HEREaricle source-youbeauty.com
Friday, February 14, 2014
Why You Shouldn't Ditch Your Multivitamin
Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen clear the air on the recent multi meltdowns.
Following a review by the US Preventive Services Task Force on vitamin and mineral supplements and a dramatic editorial in a leading medical journal (the Annals of Internal Medicine, which published the Task Force review in the same issue), many have shouted from the digital rooftops that you should throw your vitamins out the window (not literally, of course). Well, we respectfully disagree and think that a lot of this hullabaloo is based on articles that don’t take important details into consideration. Here’s what you need to know:
Supplements are supposed to supplement. Many of the studies that failed to show a convincing-enough effect of vitamins against cancer (they do decrease this for men over age 50 and in offspring of mothers who take prenal multis—by 60% or more up to age 6), heart disease and cognitive decline were done in populations of people who have healthy diets, in fact much healthier than the average American's diet, and who smoke less and exercise more than most people. Vitamin and mineral supplements are intended to make up for nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it’s people with nutritional deficiencies who stand to benefit the most from taking them. Diet is always the go-to source for what your body needs; supplements are a great way to help provide nutrients you’re not getting enough of. Examples include vitamin D3, which comes from the sun and is in especially short supply in the winter; DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid from ocean sources that is important for brain and eye function; and folic acid or other substances (vitamins or minerals or essential fats, such as DHA) commonly found in prenatal vitamins that are important for women who are or may become pregnant.
If you want them to work, you actually have to take them. This seems pretty obvious to us, but somehow people seem to be missing this important point. In at least two of the studies commonly referenced lately, and in many considered in the meta-analysis report, a large portion of participants stopped taking their vitamins or didn’t take them consistently. Unless you take your supplements every day, they’re not going to work. (Duh.)
Vitamins generally don’t hurt you. There are some supplements that you need to be careful about, such as fat-soluble A and E, overloaded megavitamins, and iron (if you are not iron-deficient. But overall, daily value vitamin and mineral supplements (taken daily) didn’t do harm. So if they don’t do harm and they might help you a lot, why oh why wouldn’t you take them? Critics say they might hurt your wallet, but the price tags are manageable for most, and it’s a small price to pay for better health—and much less than a doctor’s visit or long-term medical care!
The bottom line: Take half a multi, twice a day. The right multivitamin can make your RealAge more than six years younger. Our recommendation is to find a multivitamin that has close to the daily recommended levels of magnesium, calcium, vitamin D3 and C, plus folate if you are or could become pregnant. (No iron unless you are deficient, and no megavitamins!) Take half in the morning and half in the evening to help your body process it efficiently for you. Think of it as a health insurance policy that is inexpensive and easy to swallow.
Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!
Purchase additional products from our online store HERE
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HEREaricle source-youbeauty.com
Friday, January 17, 2014
8 Natural Headache Remedies
How to Stop Headaches Without Taking Medicine
If you’re suffering from migraines, which internist Dr. Andrea Ruman describes as “severe, recurring, intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head that can be very debilitating” and last 4 to 72 hours, it’s best to consult with your primary care physician. However, common headaches are a great candidate for natural remedies.
These headaches range from a dull, aching sensation to a sharp, throbbing pain, located on either side or radiating to both sides of the head. They’re often caused by stress, sleep deprivation (or oversleeping), caffeine withdrawal, alcohol, poor posture, dehydration, skipping meals, and dietary influences. More so than headaches caused by preexisting health conditions or migraines, common headaches are more easily managed through natural remedies, such as these.
Dietary Changes
“Some food additives, nitrates and food colorings are common headache triggers,” explains registered nutritionist and health coach Princess Carey. “Additives often increase blood flow to the brain causing headaches.”
She recommends avoiding substitute or artificial sweeteners, canned, processed or smoked foods--especially processed meats, sodium packed foods and foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG). Also steer clear of foods such as chocolate and cheese, which contain headache trigger phenylethylamine, and tyramine found in some nuts, meats and cheeses. Instead, opt for magnesium-rich choices like spinach and sweet potatoes, and foods contained essential fatty acids such as olives, beans, fish and flaxseed oil, and look into adding supplements containing vitamin B2 and CoQ10 to your vitamin routine and making sure you get your daily intake of vitamin D (2000 mg/day).
Hydration
Dehydration is one of the most common headache causes that often gets overlooked. If you’re not thirsty, it doesn’t mean dehydration isn’t causing your pounding head--oftentimes thirst isn’t even a primary symptom of being low on your H2O needs. If you think that dehydration may be causing your headache, alternate glasses of water with an electrolyte-rich sports drink such as Gatorade until you feel an improvement; then make sure you’re getting around 64 to 72 oz. of water a day to ward off any future water-related aches.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, meaning sipping on a cup of ginger tea will reduce the inflammation that is leading to your headache. Even better? It’s fast acting. Add crushed fresh ginger root to boiling water for a few minutes and then sip like you would regular tea. Ginger tea is also a great remedy for hangovers.
Feverfew
Possessing similar benefits as ginger, feverfew is an herb made from drying the leaves of a small flowering feverfew plant. The herb is used commonly in supplements for its anti-inflammatory benefits. The best way to take feverfew if you feel a headache coming in is in an over-the-counter supplement that also contains ginger. The good thing is that there are very few side effects to feverfew; however, if you are pregnant you should not take this supplement as it may cause uterine contractions.
Hot & Cold Compresses
If you’re in a pinch, apply a warm compress to the back of your neck toward the base of your head to help with headaches brought on by poor posture. Go for a cold compress at the temples, however, if you are experiencing a throbbing headache. The cold will help to lower inflammation by reducing the temperature of the blood that is being pumped through the lining of the brain, meaning a bit of the throbbing will be reduced.
Take a Breather
If you are in a position where you can, take a break from whatever you are doing and try to rest for 20 minutes. You don’t have to nap, just quieting your mind and relaxing the muscles in your body can be a huge step toward reducing headache tension and pain. Taking the moment to simply relax will help to interrupt the pain cycle and likely relieve or at least lessen the headache.
Unfortunately, most of the time headaches attack in environments that aren’t exactly conducive to adult naptime. Instead, try to take a few moments to perform breathing exercises like those found here to help get you centered and hopefully alleviate some of the tension in your head and body.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
If your go-to headache relief is to pop ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen, be sure not to double up on the caffeine afterward. Most pain relief medications already have caffeine in them as a way to speed up their metabolism and get them working faster in your blood. So why not drink more caffeine after taking a pain-killer to speed it up? It seems logical, but unfortunately that’s not how the body responds to caffeine. If you take in too much your body is going to respond with an even more intense headache than you were initially trying to treat.
Even if you’re not taking pain medication, be mindful of how much caffeine you’re drinking daily as simply drinking too much can bring on pounding headaches and light sensitivity.
Find Your Headache Triggers
The best way to treat your headache effectively is to figure out what is actually causing it. Clinical pharmacist Stacey McCoy recommends keeping what she calls “A Headache Diary,” and jotting down the answers to the following questions:
1. Usual time of onset
2. What you were doing when it started?
3. How long the headache lasted?
4. Time of onset until the headache peaked
5. How often you're having headaches?
6. Where the headache is located?
7. Is there nausea or vomiting associated with the headache?
8. Are there any food triggers?
9. How many hours of sleep are you getting?
10. Which medications you're using to treat your headache and the amount of medication you're using
Answering these questions will help you establish a pattern of behavior in relation to the headache. Are you getting the same dull headache an hour after indulging in your favorite Thai food or after a late night out? Chances are those lifestyle choices are bringing on the headaches, and at least this way you’ll be able to track down the culprit, whatever it may be.
Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com! Let us help you get rid of that headache with a relaxing massage!
Purchase products from our online store HERE
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HEREArticle source: chixrx.com
Thursday, January 16, 2014
4 Home Remedies to Whiten Teeth
DIY Recipes and Tips for a Bright White Smile
Proper Brushing: What You Might Not Have Known
It doesn’t matter how many whitening treatments you apply, if you’re not following proper dental hygiene you’re wasting your time.
“The recommended brushing time is between 2 to 3 minutes per session with a minimum of two brushing sessions per day,” says Dentist Marielaina Perrone, DDS.
Family Dentist Mark Burhenne, DDS stresses that proper technique is also necessary so you don’t wear down your enamel. “Brush after meals and use a gentle, small, circular motion while tilting the bristles at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line,” he explains. “And remember that no matter how long you brush, it doesn’t replace flossing.” Do that at least once a day.
DIY Strawberry Whitening Paste
Ingredients:
1 strawberry
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
In a small bowl, mash a strawberry well. Mix in the baking soda. Using a damp toothbrush, brush the mix onto your teeth. Leave on your teeth for five minutes, rinse your mouth and then brush and floss as normal.
Try doing this twice a week until you achieve your desired results.
DIY Hydrogen Peroxide + Baking Soda Paste
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
2 tablespoons baking soda
In a small jar or other airtight container, combine the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix them together to form a smooth, thick paste. (You can keep this paste stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks).
After brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would, wet your toothbrush and apply a small amount of this paste (cover the bristles). Then brush your teeth for two minutes, avoiding the gums, as this can lighten them as well. Now rinse the toothbrush and brush your teeth with clean water for two more minutes. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Do this one to two times per week, until you reach your desired shade. Then reduce usage, and do this only one to three times per month.
Simple Baking Soda Super-Charge
This one’s great because it doesn’t require almost any additional effort outside of your normal brushing routine.
Ingredients:
Toothpaste
Small pinch of baking soda
Spread toothpaste on your toothbrush. (Bonus trivia: that little swipe of toothpaste on your brush has a name: nurdle. Kind of cute.) Then sprinkle a pinch of baking soda onto the toothpaste and brush your teeth as normal.
Repeat once per day for about a week and then do only once per week as maintenance.
Banana Peel Rub
Ingredients:
Banana peel
Simply rub the inside of a banana peel all over your teeth for two minutes. Then brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste.
You can do this everyday until you’re satisfied with the shade of your pearly whites.
Tricks to Prevent Staining
In addition to trying these whitening recipes, also take these measures to help prevent teeth staining.
Things we commonly ingest that stain our teeth: coffee, tea, sodas, wine, acidic foods and beverages, blueberries.
When possible, try consuming these drinks through a straw so that they bypass your teeth, having less of a chance to stain them. (Blueberries through a straw, you’re wondering? Think smoothies).
But when straws are out of the question (we know you’d get weird looks drinking wine through a straw), Dr. Burhenne says that you can also reduce the staining effects of these foods by brushing and floss after consuming them.
Note that if you’ve just had acidic food or drinks, rinse your mouth out with water, but wait an hour or so before brushing your teeth as this could accelerate the wearing down of tooth enamel and staining.
But if you’ve consumed teeth staining foods or drinks and it’s going to be a long while before you get your hands on a toothbrush, just make sure that you rinse your mouth out with water (swish it around your teeth thoroughly).
Also, “Eating cheese or sipping water while you enjoy your wine can neutralize the acidic effects of the wine,” says Dr. Burhenne. An excuse to eat more cheese? Yes, please.
Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!
Purchase products from our online store HERE
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HEREArticle source: chixrx.com
Friday, January 3, 2014
January Winter Special
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Healthy Living: 8 Ways to Stop Sugar Cravings
The Secret to Controlling Cravings
While sugar cravings may seem uncontrollable, there actually is a science to them and clear-cut ways you can get them in check. So, to prevent ruining all that good work you’ve done at the gym or opting for that salad, follow these eight expert tips to squash those beastly sugar cravings.
De-Stress You can thank stress for a huge chunk of those sugar cravings. These cravings begin in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of your brain, which fires up when you’re stressed or coping with a busy lifestyle. “This HPA axis on overdrive makes your body actually crave more sugar because it thinks it’s constantly in ‘acute danger’ and needs more sugar to help you react quicker and survive,” explains Dr. Dani Gordon, an integrative medicine specialist and family physician.
So to get to the root cause of many sugar cravings, you’ve got to de-stress. Dr. Dani recommends taking up yoga, get a massage, mediate or do breathing exercises to calm the HPA axis before it sends you into a sugar fit. (Indeed, whether your stressed or not, trying some calming breathing exercises can help you control a sugar craving.)
Get Your Eight Hours When you’re not getting enough quality sleep, the hormone serotonin—the one that affects mood and appetite—dips below what the body needs to keep you happy and motivated. “The body knows that simple sugars will increase serotonin levels and hence the food cravings,” explains triathlon, fitness and nutrition coach Dr. Rick Kattouf.
Try a Sugar Detox
While “everything in moderation” is the crux of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, sometimes even moderate amounts of sugar can send a girl careening down a slippery slope of sugar, sugar and more sugar.
So to better control your desire for sugary foods, it can be helpful to simply avoid all processed, sugary foods and eat clean for a couple of weeks (clean out your kitchen so that you don’t get tempted!). Or, if you want to be more hardcore about it, you could try a detox or juice cleanse.
As your body becomes used to not eating these sugary, processed foods, it will gradually stop craving them. Think of it as sugar rehab.
Treat Yourself to Fruit
Once you start avoiding processed food and sugary snacks, you’ll be surprised at how easily a sugar craving can be tackled with a few sweet strawberries, a banana or a cup of watermelon. Remember, fruits have natural sugars, but we sometimes aren’t attuned to their sweetness because our taste buds are so intoxicated by ridiculously sugary, processed foods.
So if you’re having a sugar craving after a meal, try satisfying it with a sweet piece of fruit. Fruit is jam-packed with vital nutrients, unlike Oreos. Don’t overdo it with the fruit, though. Because it’s high in sugar (fructose), certified holistic and clinical nutritionist Pamela Warren and registered dietitian Anita Mirchandani both recommend eating no more than 3 servings of fruit a day.
Meal Timing
Sleep isn’t the only thing that affects those serotonin levels. Properly timing when your body gets nutrients is key to curbing serotonin-responsible sugar cravings as well. Dr. Kattouf recommends fueling the body as soon as you wake—just have something small if you don’t have much of an appetite first thing in the morning. After breakfast, Dr. Kattouf recommends eating every 2.5 to 3.5 hours to keep your blood sugars (and serotonin levels) stabilized. Another good rule of thumb is to shoot for three meals a day plus two snacks, or five small meals a day.
Balance Macronutrients It’s not just how often you eat, but also what you eat that can help combat cravings.
To properly balance your blood sugar and seratonin levels, it’s important to eat a combination of carbs, protein and fat with each meal. (The worst thing you can do is to start your day with a sugary or starchy meal for breakfast.) Although amounts vary depending on your fitness goals, weight, and health needs, Dr. Kattouf says a simple rule of thumb for caloric breakdown is 40 to 55 percent carbohydrates, 15 to 30 percent protein and 15 to 30 percent fat. Keeping a food diary can help you to track your levels throughout the day, as can planning your meals ahead of time. Be sure to opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates (like whole grains), fats (like olive oil and avocados) and protein (like lean meats, Greek yogurt).
And of course, drink plenty of water with and between meals. Sometimes being thirsty can trigger what we perceive to be a food craving.
Exercise
Your body can crave sugar to combat an energy slump, so stay energized. Getting enough sleep, combating stress, eating frequently and balancing nutrients are all important components of that, but so too is exercise.
Recognize Boredom & Emotional Issues
Many of us start thinking about, and craving, sweets when we get bored or are feeling down. Make a concerted effort to recognize if you fall into either or both of these patterns.
If you’re eating as a response to boredom, make a concerted effort to find other ways to stimulate yourself. Cravings generally last for 10 to 20 minutes max, so go engage yourself with something else and let the craving pass.
Some ideas for you: get a manicure, go for a walk or run, call a friend/family member, organize your drawers, etc. If you get antsy while watching TV, grab a couple of hand weights and do a few bicep curls while you watch.
Just like boredom can trigger a sugar flare up, so too can emotional problems. While that cupcake may help you feel warmer and fuzzier, the pick up from it is only temporary. If you’re going through a tough time, acknowledge that food is not a solution, and consciously make an effort to find support through friends, family, or therapy if you need.
Call today to schedule your appointment at 831-373-2273. Or book online at www.montereydayspa.com
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HERE***Don't forget that Monterey Day Spa gift certificates make perfect gifts for the holidays!***
Article source: chixrx.com
Monday, October 7, 2013
Spa Wellness: Seeking Silence
Amidst the static and noise of daily life, the healthiest habit we can adopt involves keeping quiet.
But regardless of where it comes from, noise pollution is proving to have some seriously negative effects. Among them: disrupted sleep; damaged hearing; compromised cognition in children; compromised heart function; reduced productivity; and even an increase in accidents. Moreover, its impact on the natural soundscapes by which land and sea animals communicate is affecting their ability to thrive.
“It’s like this unrecognized tsunami of potential impacts; we are growing louder and louder and no one is noticing,” says Dr. Mike Webster, director of Cornell University’s archive of biodiversity audio and video recordings, Macaulay Library.
Although it’s unlikely that we can put the noise genie back in the bottle, it is still possible to reduce its effect on our lives and the lives of the people around us by minimizing our own unnecessary hums and beeps—turn off electronics when they aren’t in use, for example. Affected individuals can wear earplugs or sound-blocking headphones for an occasional break from the racket (not while driving, cycling or walking near traffic, though!). And visit quiet places, like unpopulated beaches, libraries and, of course, spas.
To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 831-373-2273. You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HERE
Article source: dayspamagazine.com
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Simplest Nighttime Bathroom Routine Needed to Get By
Bare Minimum Beauty & Hygiene Routine for Lazy Nights
So for the days when you’re feeling particularly lazy, we’ve pared down that nighttime routine list to the bare minimum experts recommend you should be doing to stay in proper form, based on your specific issues and needs.
Facial Cleansing Whether you’re wearing makeup or not, it’s important to wash your face to remove the dirt and germs you pick up in day-to-day life and whenever you touch your face. Washing your face gives your face a clean slate, so to speak, so your skin can embark on its natural exfoliating and rejuvenation process while you sleep. This is probably why some research has shown that cleansing before bed can give keep your skin more youthful.
But for those tired, lazy nights, just how diligent you need to be with your face washing depends on your skin type.
Dry Skin (or Normal)
For dry skin, you have a little leeway when it comes to your facial cleansing. Opt for a creamy (non-soap) cleanser, which has moisturizing properties. Wet your face with warm water, work the cleanser into your skin using your fingers and then rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Make sure the water is not too hot as this can make your skin feel tight and dry it out even more. Though your skin needs extra moisture, you can skip it every now and then if you’ve used a moisturizing cleanser.
Absolute worst case, in the laziest of scenarios, with dry skin you’re more able to get away with just splashing your face with water and rubbing it off with a clean towel. This will remove a basic layer of makeup, dirt, etc. that’s on your skin before bed.
If you’ve missed a little makeup residue on your skin from your quick cleansing routine, just know that the makeup may slightly dehydrate your skin, licensed esthetician Daniela Ferri explains. She says that leaving makeup on overnight will not cause you to have more wrinkles, but if you have dry skin and it becomes drier from sleeping in your makeup, the dehydration will make your skin appear dull, lackluster and can magnify existing wrinkles.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s particularly important to make sure you cleanse before bed to remove makeup, excess oils and dirt so you don’t wake up to a breakout. Licensed esthetician Daniela Ferri explains that foundation and powder create a barrier on your skin, and if you’re also producing excessive oil, your pores will quickly get clogged. This leads to blackheads and breakouts.
To remove makeup and grime, dampen your face with warm water and lightly apply a cleanser formulated for oily or acne-prone skin with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Or, for a faster approach, simply scrub your face with facial wipes or pads that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (likely the same ingredients in your cleanser)—keep the wipes by your bed if you’re feeling extra lazy.
Eye Makeup Removal
Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to wash off your eye makeup most nights. Keeping your eye makeup on can lead to eye infections and clogged pores in your eyelids, which can lead to those painful little styes and puffy red eyes.
You can quickly remove eye makeup with makeup remover pads (keep them next to your bed if it means you’re more likely to use them). If you skip the eye makeup removal now and then, it’s not likely to lead to problems, but try to avoid making a habit of it—your skin and pillowcases will thank you.
Moisturizers & Eye Creams
One of the best things you can do to prevent wrinkles from forming is not to apply moisturizer, but to protect your skin from the sun. Because of this, if you’re tired, go ahead and skip your moisturizers and eye cream without feeling guilty. In the morning, you can apply a daily moisturizer and, of course, make sure to apply sunscreen.
(For dry skin, make sure you’ve read the section above on using a moisturizing facial cleanser.)
If you have aging skin, and it’s dry to normal (not oily or acne-prone), you may want to be more vigilant with your night creams. So if you’ve skipped a thorough facial cleansing on a lazy night, you can still apply your anti-aging moisturizer before you hit the sheets—it may be more difficult for it to penetrate your skin, but you’ll still derive benefits from it.
Dental Hygiene “The recommended brushing time is between 2 to 3 minutes per session with a minimum of two brushing sessions per day,” says dentist Marielaina Perrone, DDS. That being said, we get it, you don’t always want to brush when you’re exhausted—but you really should. So, to cut corners, instead of waiting until bedtime to brush those pearly whites, do it just after you’ve finished dinner. This might also help deter after-dinner munchies (double bonus!).
When it comes to flossing, doing it twice a day would be great, but you really just need to make sure you’re getting it done once a day to fight gum disease. This once-a-day floss can be done when you brush after dinner or even at another time, when you have more motivation, during the day.
As for mouthwash, you don’t really need it. Properly brushing and flossing are enough to do the trick, so unless you just can’t sleep without the minty aftertaste of mouthwash, you can skip it.
Hair Washing If you’re debating washing and styling your hair before bed because you know you won’t have time in the morning, just go ahead and skip it. Skipping washes is actually beneficial for the health, color preservation and shine of your hair. Washing too frequently depletes the healthy oils from your hair leaving it lackluster and even frizzy.
In the morning, if your hair is looking oily, spritz on dry shampoo (or even baby powder) and style as usual. Worst case, you can always rock the low, chic bun look.
Eye Health
In an ideal world, you would only wear your contacts maximum eight hours per day, but we all slip up on that. If you do wear contacts, though, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and remove your lenses before bed (or earlier, if you can). Contact lens overuse can cause serious, painful damage to your eyes by blocking oxygen from reaching your cornea amongst other things.
Schedule your appointment with us today by calling 831-373-2273 You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HERE
Article source: ChickRX
Monday, September 9, 2013
Tips to Get Smooth Results Shaving the Bikini Area
How to Shave the Bikini Area & Prevent Bumps & Irritation
Shaving down there is convenient, no doubt, but even the best of us could use some help with our technique. Between the potential to cut or nick your skin, or get irritation or ingrown hairs (those little red ant-bite like bumps that can pop up), shaving your bikini area can be a dangerous job. But if you’re going to do it, do it right. With the help of our ChickRx experts, we’ve put together an awesome list of dos and don’ts for how to shave the bikini area to maximize your chances of getting smooth results and minimize the likelihood of ingrown hairs and rough skin. Your lady parts will thank us.
Exfoliate
You know by now that exfoliation is key to maintaining youthful, radiant skin on your face and body, but did you also know it’s a crucial step to preventing shaving irritation?
Before you shave, you need to exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells to give you a clean surface to shave. Certified holistic health coach Heather Vargas recommends a mix of sugar with jojoba or almond oil as a great exfoliation product. Bonus: this scrub can be used to exfoliate the underarm area before shaving to reduce bumps and irritation there as well.
Or, dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman explains that a simply gently rubbing the area with a warm washcloth may do the trick.
Soak in Warm Water
You want to shave at the end of your shower so that your skin has time to soak up the steam from the shower. Or, if you shaving outside of the shower or bath, try first covering the area to be shaved with warm washcloths, Dr. Jaliman recommends. She explains, "Warm water opens the pores around the hair follicles so they are more easily released when shaving.”
Sharp Razor
Now you’ll need a clean, sharp razor. Shaving with a dull blade is an invitation for irritation and bumps to come party on your skin. To ensure your razor is sharp, you could go for a disposable razor and ditch it after one or two shaves. You could also consider trying a man’s razor, which we personally find to work best (love the Gillette Mach3 Turbo—yeah it’s not normal looking for a woman, necessarily, but we find it stays sharp for a lot longer than women’s razors and gives a nice close shave!).
Soothing, Protective Shave Gel
Apply a shave gel to the area. Dr. Jaliman recommends Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel with natural colloidal oatmeal, particularly for shavers with sensitive skin prone to ingrown hairs. Dr. Jaliman explains that the product's oatmeal formula "really seems to help the inflammation patients experience during shaving." She explains, "Colloidal oatmeal has been used for centuries to sooth irritated, dry skin, rashes and even poison ivy. It has the ability to bind water to the skin and act as a barrier to outside elements. Also, the protein components in colloidal oatmeal can offer long-lasting moisture protection." Apply a generous amount of shave gel to the skin before taking out your razor.
Or, Vargas likes using coconut oil as an alternative to store bought shave gel. She recommends applying a thin layer of coconut oil to the skin immediately before shaving for a moisturizing, protective layer. Note, though, that some people find that coconut oil may aggravate acne for people with acne-prone skin—so if that describes you, perhaps avoid the oil.
Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
With your protective shave gel or coconut oil on your skin, and a fresh, sharp razor, Dr. Jaliman recommends that you shave moving slowly and stroking the blade in the direction of your hair growth (so if your hair grows downwards, start at the top and shave downwards). Note that if your hair is longer than about a quarter of an inch, you’ll want to first trim it down before shaving.
Though the hair down there is coarser, you may be tempted to press harder against the skin with the razor, but don’t. This will just cause more trouble and pulling on the sensitive area and may even lead to cuts and infection. Be careful and go slowly. It’s a task that can test your patience, but one you want to make sure you do right.
After You Shave: Prevent Red Bumps & Irritation
What you do after you shave also plays a big part in determining if you’ll experience irritation and red bumps.
After you’ve shaved, dry the area completely. Do not rub too hard with the towel as this can lead to rough, dry skin or irritation.
Once dry, to help prevent irritation, you can try applying baby powder, tea tree oil or coconut oil. Or, if you’re looking for solutions specifically designed to help prevent and combat red bumps, you can try physician Dr. Darria Gillespie’s recommendations: Tendskin or MiN New York Solution 2. Or, licensed esthetician Daniela Ferri loves FerroRosa FrictionFixTM. She recommends applying the powder to the shaved area each morning before getting dressed, before working out or before sitting for long periods that could put extra pressure on the delicate skin. This will reduce inflammation and irritation while absorbing moisture and oil, and preventing friction and pressure.
The Right Undies
Pressure and friction are common causes of irritation, which can prevent hair from growing back properly, and can lead to red bumps and ingrown hairs. One important way to minimize friction and irritation down there is by wearing the right underwear to protect your skin. “Prevention comes in the form of properly cushioning the skin,” Ferri explains. “This means—hate to be the barer of bad news, ladies—no thong when wearing denim, tweed, twill or any other type of textured material. It also means no lace and no mesh underwear. Ever.”
So save those perfect little lacy pair of underwear for when they won’t be on for long (wink wink) and just go with more basic, protective pairs for day-to-day wear. Ferri recommends smooth, non-textured cotton underwear that will cover the entire area to prevent rubbing against your clothes: “Many of my clients have enjoyed a great deal of relief from their ingrown problems just by changing completely to boy cut or boy short 100 percent cotton underwear.”
Note that if you’re currently dealing with a bout of irritation and ingrown hairs from your last shave, it’s best to wait until it clears to shave again. Shaving over an already inflamed area could lead to a serious skin infection and scarring. If your skin is warm to the touch and painful beyond what is normal for you, book an appointment with your doctor to as it could be the sign of a skin infection.
Not wanting to deal with it? Call Monterey Day Spa to schedule your wax appointment!! 831-373-2273 You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com
Like our Facebook page HERE
Follow us on Twitter HERE
Visit our website HERE
View our pins on Pinterest HERE
Article source: ChickRX
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)