No Longer Waiting to Exhale

So, I just got back from a conference trip to Santa Monica, CA. It was good trip. Weather was pretty good. I learned a lot and got in a lot of good networking time. I spent an afternoon at the Getty, which I highly recommend.

But, of course, the highlight of my trip was a visit to the Exhale Spa. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Santa Monica version of Exhale is located at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, which was several blocks from where I was staying. As it turns out the LA Marathon's finishing line was in Santa Monica, and it was wrapping up right when I was trying to get to my spa appointment. There were a ton of people milling around and a lot of barricades up, but I managed to make it to the Fairmont. No rain, nor sleet, nor crazy marathoners will keep me from pampering myself. I did feel a little bad when the folks working at the spa asked me if I ran the marathon. Are you kidding? I woudn't run around the block unless someone was chasing me.

But anyway, I managed to get over my guilt and enjoy my spa visit. The facilities were very nice. The locker rooms included both a dry sauna and a steam room, plus showers and lots of complimentary shampoo, lotion, etc. My massage therapist did a great job. Her name was Sherrie, and she was very nice without being chatty. I hate a chatty massage therapist. I was kind of surprised that she didn't ask me more questions about what I wanted, but I certainly can't complain because she did a very good job. The massage included a heated massage bed, some great aromatherapy and some OK (but kind of weird music.)

All in all it was a good experience. I wish I had time to take in a yoga class and some more spa treatments. Maybe next time.

Have any of you visited an Exhale spa? What did you think? Does Exhale live up to the hype in your humble opinion?
Daily Randomness: It's allergy season here in the Midwest. Ugh! Here's some info from Dr. Weil about allergy tests.

Philosophy: The Fun Kind

I love philosophy! Not the kind that made your head hurt Freshman year in college. But the kind that you use in the bath and smells yummy! I got this sample box the other day from Sephora. It's called Classic Cookbook, and contains some of my favorite philosophy scents, including Cinnamon Buns.

Now I really should never buy this stuff because it has been known to make me crave things made out of butter and sugar. (Really, I crave that stuff most of the time anyway.) But I love the cute little 2 oz. size, and the fact that it's a three-in-one product that's great for traveling makes it worth it. Plus, it's on sale for $25 (under $6 a piece), a savings of $9. Now which one will I choose to take on my trip next week? What is your favorite philosophy scent?

And if you love philosophy too, you can enter their birthday party game. Enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree or an instant daily prize. I haven't won yet, but I'm going to keep trying.

Daily Randomness: I want to go to Morocco too! Check out these pictures on Elements of Style.

Meatless Monday

Thanks to my hubbie who redesigned my blog! Doesn't it look good?

At my place of employment, a group of us make vegetarian dishes for each other on Mondays as part of an attempt to be more healthy and nicer to the environment. It's a really good deal because I just cook one dish a month and all of the rest of the Mondays I get a free, home-cooked meal. I definitely recommend you try this idea at your workplace. You can find out more about the Meatless Monday movement here.


Today I made a spinach and feta bread pudding that was really, really yummy. Doesn't it look delicious! Despite the whole milk, heavy cream and egg yolks, I'd say it was pretty healthy because it had spinach in it We also enjoyed lentil/pasta soup, vegan chocolate cake and whole wheat sugar cookies. Not a bad Monday despite the stupid daylight savings thing.

Recessionista alert!!! Bliss Spa is offering their Triple Oxyen Facial Treatment, which is one of their most popular services, for $135 (normally $160) for two weeks only. I don't live anywhere near a Bliss Spa. But hopefully you do and can take advantage of this special offer.

Daily Randomness: I finally saw Definitely, Maybe this weekend. Very cute!