Weekly Spa Envy: Exhale Santa Monica

So last week I highlighted a spa that I will probably never go to. This week I decided to get realistic and pick out a spa I might actually visit on an upcoming trip.

I am going to Santa Monica in March for a conference. I am hoping to fit in a quick spa visit to Exhale. This is a chain of of 15 spas found primarily in big U.S. cities. Their spa philosophy is "merging the paths of mind and body wellbeing and fulfilling the need for an experience that improves and transforms lives in one environment." I'm up for that.

The spa is located at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, which unfortunately is not where I'm staying. Bu if I manage to sneak in a visit, I will report back.

Daily Randomness: Check out this great blog on Mindful Eating. I'm not very good at it, but maybe if I keep reading this blog I'll get better.

Wednesday Wellness: To Travel or Not to Travel

Image via Wikipedia

We all know that it's important to take time away from work. And many people love to travel. I usde to love to travel. But with small kids and a tight budget, we don't travel much. And I find that the less I travel the less I miss it.

The New York Times article How Vacations Affect Your Happiness may explain why. According to the article, a Dutch study about happiness and vacations showed that most of the happiness comes from the anticipation of the trip. And after the trip happiness levels drop quickly.

In the comments for the article many people mentioned they just like some time off to putter around the house. I'm pretty much that way too. In our family we also try to take short trips. We've lived quite a few places, so it's always nice to see the stuff that's close by. A lot of people never do the cool things in their own city or state. And you don't have to get on a plane, which I think is probably the worst thing about traveling.

I haven't completely given up on vacations. Especially not spa trips if I ever get a chance! We're planning a long weekend trip to Chicago (hence the photo) soon. And we hope to get to Disney World in the fall (the things I do for my children). But I'm not going to get too hung up on the fact that I don't get to travel much these days. I will just plan some pretend trips if I'm feeling down!

Daily Randomness: Sticking with the New York Times, check out this interesting article about salt. Is it good or bad? Turns out, they don't really know.

Comfy Duds Update

So I finally ordered a pair of Athleta Bettona jeans. The bad news is that they were too small, so I am having a hard time deciding if I like them are not. I have to say they are not overwhelming me. The fabric is 88% supplex nylon and 12% lycra spandex. I was hoping for a fabric that was a little more like the knit ponte that I recently bought from J. Jill. (Love!)

Also, the back patch pockets are a little small, and I don't love the metal rivet trim that is supposed to make these look like real jeans (I guess?). OK, so the more I am writing the less I am liking them. I still like the idea of something for the weekends that is dressier than sweats but more comfy jeans. I guess leggings serves that purpose anyway. But let me know if you have any suggestions.

Daily Randomness: So excited to find someone with my same philosophy about food. It seems like most people in this country have gone completely wacko on the subject.

Weekly Spa Envy: One & Only Resort

Okay, this is a little bit of a stretch. But I may as well dream big. And the never ending cold and snowy weather is doing things to my head. So the spa I'm dreaming about this week, is the spa at the One & Only Resort in Cape Town. (See, I told you it was a stretch.)

This spa is located on its "very own lushly landscaped private island." I have nothing more to say.




Daily Randomness: Has anyone been playing around with Google Buzz? I haven't figured it out yet. Let me know if you think it's worth figuring out.

Wellness Wednesday: PT to the Rescue, I Hope

Image by otisarchives4 via Flickr

So despite all of my yoga and my occasional foray into Pilates, my lower back has been killing me. My husband got sick of hearing about it, so I went to the doctor. He sent me to the physical therapist, which is what I was hoping for.

So far, so good. She gave me some very specific target stretches and strengthening exercises, which really do seem to be helping (although I'm still early in the process). Even though my back pain was probably pretty minor compared to what many people go through, it was really getting to be an annoyance. I really didn't like the idea of not being able to do things because of my back. I may be middle-aged, but I'm too young to just give up. And I have small children I need to keep up with.

Several people have expressed skepticism that there is much you can do for back pain or that physical therapists really work, but my experience has been positive so far. Do any of you have experience with physical therapy? What about pack pain? Do you think it's possible to ever get rid of it? Here's hoping that I'll be back in fighting shape soon.

Daily Randomness: Check out the blog Unhappy Hipsters: It's Lonely in the Modern World. Hilarious!

In My Humble Opinion: Hip Tranquil Chick

I'm a little behind on writing about Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat, since the author Kimberly Wilson is currently on tour for her second book, Tranquilista. (Review coming soon.)

But I really wanted to write a little about this book, because it is such a nice combination of yoga, wellness, creativity, style and a little bit of business advice. This book really made me realize that you can combine all of those things. In fact, we do combine all of these things in real life. But often self-help books have a pretty narrow focus.

Kimberly is self-described as a "teacher, writer, do-gooder, entrepreneur, and eco-fashion designer." You can learn more about what she's up to on her blog Tranquility du Jour.

Even though I don't have the same style as Kimberly, I love that she seems so enthusiastic about her life and the things she loves and she makes no apologies. On her blog, she has mentioned several times that her favorite restaurant is Olive Garden. Not a very cool, or yoga-ish, thing to admit.

So go check out this book if you want a light (but serious) read that will get you inspired to take better care of yourself.

Daily randomness: Have you been watching the Olympics? I am loving the skiing and figure skating. Not so much the luge. I am now totally freaked out by it, plus it's a little boring to watch. What is your favorite Winter Olympics sport?