This Holiday Season, Find Your Happy Place
What is supposed to be a joyous time spent reconnecting with family and friends often turns into a whirlwind of menu planning, late night parties, and mad dashes for those last few presents. The revelry, of course, isn’t a bad thing. But the chaos can take its toll on your body—and your stress levels. So this holiday season, make it a point to set aside some time for yourself.
When I lived in New York City, I always scheduled a post-Christmas shopping water circuit at Great Jones Spa ($50, three hours). After a day of lugging heavy bags, it felt so good to soak in the 100-degree Jacuzzi and strategically position my aching back on the water jet. That water lounge was my happy place—a calming retreat where I could forget about everything I had to do, even for just a little while. (Now that I live in the East Bay, my new happy place is Piedmont Springs, where I can soak in an outdoor hot tub and stare at the stars for a mere $15 an hour.)
Your happy place doesn’t have to involve hot tubs or water jets, but it should be somewhere quiet that you can escape to easily. We spend most of the holidays giving gifts to others, it seems only fair to give some peace to ourselves.
—Maria Wakem, senior editor
Image: Great Jones Spa
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Spa Deal! Peace, Love & Shop at the James Hotel in Chicago
If shopping and getting to the spa are both high on your list of priorities this holiday season, you might want to consider The James Hotel’s Peace, Love & Shop package. You’ll get to shop ’til you drop in Chicago (and even get rides to and from your shopping destinations), have a massage or facial, and receive all sorts of other fun perks.
The Deal: Peace, Love & Shop
The Details: Purchase the Peace, Love & Shop package and get $50 gift to The 900 Shops, car service in The James Hotel’s Audi to and from your shopping destinations, a massage or facial at the Spa by ASHA, a 900 Shops mug and beverage, exclusive gift bag from the 900 Shops, and in-room breakfast for two.
The Cost: Rates start at $329
The Deadline: Book by December 30, 2009, for stays now through December 31, 2009
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Moon Therapy: November 30 – December 6
Today’s post is from Lori B. Rosen, who writes Spa’s Zodiac Therapy each month.
Monday 11/30: Moon in Taurus—Utilize this practical energy for scheduling, visualizing, and orchestrating upcoming projects/events. Be mindful of frayed nerves and lack of cooperation from yourself and others.
Tuesday 12/1-12/2: Gemini Full moon + Uranus turning direct= clarity and fresh insights. Take “full” advantage of Gemini’s masterful energy in the areas of multitasking, networking, and positive communication skills.
Friday 12/4: Cancer moon sets the mood for organizing your calender of upcoming projects/events that need your attention.
Sunday 12/6: Leo’s moon gets a double dose of sizzle thanks to a Sagittarius Sun and Mars combo. Think: fun, adventure, and recreational activities. Be mindful of reckless behavior and emotional flare ups.
It is impossible to put chains on a moonbeam, sun rays or the human spirit
–The Zodiac Diva
Lori is an astrologer and certified life coach life coach based in southern California. For zodiac reports and consultations, find her online on Zodiac Therapy’s Facebook Fan Page or her
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Win a Copy of “GET REAL” and STOP Dieting!
With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, I’m starting to get worried about all the eating that’s ahead of me—the pies, the holiday cookies, the candy canes, the fudge, etc.
Eating healthy during the holiday season can be tough, but it will be a lot easier if you have a copy of Brett Blumenthal’s new book, “GET REAL” and STOP Dieting, in your hands. The book is full of practical advice, easy recipes, and even shopping lists. I don’t usually love diet books, but this book isn’t some get-thin-quick scam—it’s simple advice that makes sense.
Just leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered to win in a random drawing.
Available: 1 print copy of “GET REAL” and STOP Dieting, and 2 eBook copies
Retail value: Print copy – $19.95, eBook copy – $14.95
Deadline to enter: December 16, 2009
Please see complete rules for details.
Get more healthy holiday eating advice from Blumenthal here.
—Stephanie Kinnear, web editor
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Hot Spa Deal! Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania
Looking for a way to unwind with family (or alone) during this lull before the holiday season? Try the “Eleventh Hour Escape Package” at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Besides enjoying luxury accommodations, you’ll also get a resort credit so you can customize your experience.
WHAT IT IS: Eleventh Hour Escape Package
WHAT YOU GET: Travelers can save over 40% and receive a $200 resort amenity credit.
COST: doubles from $339 per night*
GOOD THROUGH: November 19 – 22, 2009, December 10 – 13, 2009, January 7 – 10, 2010
* Prices subject to change.
In the photo: Woodlands Spa at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
—Natalie Rios, editorial assistant/research editor
