Wednesday, February 18, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
With the economy in the shape it is in right now, people are looking for different types of experiences when they go to a spa. Whether it be maximizing their time there or new type s of relaxation, 2009 looks to be a little different than 2008. Below are the top trends the International SPA Association forecasts for 2009. According to the ISPA, we’ll see the folowing: - Customized treatments: ISPA references shorter treatments, which we can assume cost less, as well as combination treatments and tailored treatments. In tough economic times, spa owners need to really meet the needs of their customers.
- Mind, body and spirit: With consumers looking to rejuvenate both the mind and the body these days, ISPA gives the examples of spas increasing self-discovery services such as ropes courses, art classes, along with traditional treatments.
- Family-friendly resort spas: Turn spa time into family time. Some spsa are featuring with family-yoga and other family-oriented courses to make it relaxing for everyone.
- Organic spas: ISPA notes “many feature outdoor treatments and eco-friendly facilities, as well as treatments that highlight indigenous plants and the environment in which the spa is located (i.e., seashell body treatment and blueberry body wrap).”
- Spa credits: Hotels are using spas as a bonus for people staying with them. They could offer discounts, credits or free services.
- Spa memberships: Almost like a gym membership, a spa membership could go for 12 months. These memberships may offer discounted services, free treatments and more.
- Half-day spa vacations: An easy way to get away without breaking the bank. These half-day sap vacations can usually be tailored to your needs and, in most cases, are less than full day(s) at the spa.
- Dental spas: Sounds like an oxymoron, right? According to ISPA “The American Dental Association says about 50% of U.S. dentists are providing spa amenities at no additional charge. With hand massages, paraffin wax dips and reflexology, you'll never dread the drill again.”
- Tried and true: With less to spend, consumers are taking fewer risks with trendy treatments. Back in style are the old favorites, including deep tissue massage and clarifying facials.
- Increased spa amenities: Many spas have beautiful amenities, including well-appointed waiting rooms with soothing music and lemon-water or luxurious pools. They want you to relax and enjoy these facilities, so don’t feel like you need to head home ASAP after you massage. Relax and stay awhile!
Thanks ISPA for these great ideas of what 2009 has in store for us!
Labels: 2009 Spa Industry Landscape
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Monday, February 9, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
 Nobody likes roots, right? The hardest part about coloring your hair is the way it starts to look about 3 weeks after you have it done. That is when the roots start to show and keeping up with them can be time-consuming and expensive. I used to get so mad that I paid so much for highlights and/or low lights and my hair looked bad after just a few weeks. It took everything in my power not to run to the store and just dye it myself. I didn’t and now I do not have to because I just got my hands on a great product that is simple to use and covers roots nicely. MimicColor (above) is a cosmetic you select in the shade you want your hair to be and apply it to your roots with a brush. It is water resistant and has a bit of a non-greasy clay-like consistency. You cover your roots with it and it washes out very easily. It is a great way to lengthen the time between your trips to the salon. My hair is highlight to be dark blonde, but really grows in brown and I was surprised how easily and well the blonde shade of MimicColor covered it. I can only imagine it would be great for covering gray roots if it worked so well to lighten my hair. It doesn’t seem to wipe off easily so it is a product men could use to touch up their facial hair or eyebrow as well. Of the new types of products I have tried recently this is one of my favorites. I think you could probably have a little fun with this too if you wanted to add a little lightness or darkness to your hair. It is easy to use, not messy at all and looks pretty natural. While $48 may seem a little steep this is a product that looks like it will last a long time (at least for coverage of roots). MimicColor $48, is available at select salons and online. Labels: A great (temporary) way to cover roots
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Monday, February 2, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
 Is it a belt or isn’t it a belt? Yes, “ isABelt” is indeed, a clear plastic belt. It is nearly invisible and works great if you are wearing a long shirt and do not want the bulk that comes a long with having a belt. Or, if you just like the looks of your jeans and do not want to wear a traditional belt this works great. Some company-supplied photos of isABelt (right) in use. While I thought it seemed like an odd product, I tested it out and discovered some cool things about isABelt: - It is adjustable so if you are losing/gaining weight- or just love to eat big meals- you’re are always comfortable.
- Great for traveling! The makers of isABelt recommend it as an easy way to get through airport security (there is no metal on it). It is also comfortable to wear while sitting for a while.
- Keeps you covered. The belt holds your pants snugly to your body and keeps your pants up so you are not exposing anything unnecessary.
- Available for men too. Men may not want a bulky belt either!
- It seems flimsy at first, but this 1/2 –inch belt is really strong. I have been wearing one for a few days to test it our and it has not lost any strength or stretch at all.
Win an isABelt Do you want to give isABelt a try? You are in luck! Indulge is giving away 2 isABelts (1 medium, 1 large). Just send an email with your name, age, preferred belt size and mailing address, along with your No. 1 fashion tip (to be posted on Indulge) to Indulge@Captivate.com Contest rules are below.
 GENERAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.2. ELIGIBILITY: Each promotion is open to legal residents of the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) who are 18 years or older at the time of entry unless otherwise stated. Employees of Captivate Network (“Sponsor”), Gannett Co., Inc., and each of their subsidiaries and affiliated companies, advertising and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of, or any person domiciled with, any such employees are not eligible to enter or win. You are not a winner until you have been notified as a potential winner, your eligibility has been verified, and you have complied with all terms of these rules.3. HOW TO ENTER: [Send an email to Indulge@Captivate.com with your fashion tips and tricks, along with your name, age and address where prize can be shipped. Contest opens February 4th 2009 at 3pm EST and ends February 8th 2009 at midnight EST. THE FIRST NAME, CITY AND FASHION TIP OF WINNERS WILL BE POSTED ON INDULGE, PERMISSION IS GRANTED BY THE WINNERS BY SENDING IN THE EMAIL ENTRY. The Sponsor is not responsible for incomplete, lost, late, postage-due, misdirected or illegible entries, or for failure to receive entries due to transmission failures or technical failures of any kind, including, without limitation, malfunctioning of any network, hardware or software, whether originating with sender or Sponsor. All entries become property of Sponsor and none will be returned4. SWEEPSTAKES WINNER SELECTION & ODDS: Sweepstakes winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received by Sweepstakes deadline. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.5. PRIZES: [2 IsABelts, retail value of $16.95)6. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND ACCEPTANCE: Winners will be notified at the email address and/or U.S. mail address provided on winner’s entry form. Email or mail notification: Sponsor will email or mail notification and affidavit/release forms at the address provided. Return of prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Winners are required to confirm acceptance of the prize, complete an affidavit of eligibility/liability and publicity release which must be returned within the time period specified. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner’s disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to a substitute winner.7. PRIZE TERMS: PRIZES WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE WINNERS DELET HIGHLIGHTED Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are non-assignable and nontransferable. No substitutions allowed by winner. Prizes and individual components of prize packages are subject to availability and Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. If the prize involves travel or other benefits for a companion in addition to the winner, persons traveling as guest of the winner must also sign any affidavit or release as Sponsor may require. Acceptance of any prize constitutes winner’s consent to the publication of his or her name, biographical information and likeness in any media for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not won and claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsor.8. PARTICIPATION: By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsor. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by a virus, non-authorized human intervention, tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the promotion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate any promotion at any time. Should a promotion be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsor reserves the right to award prizes based on the eligible entries received before the termination date.9. CONSTRUCTION: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was not contained therein.10. The decisions of Sponsor regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of a promotion shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the promotion. If you have questions on a specific sweepstakes, contact: [Jacqui Pini 978-845-5042], or for a list of winners: send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Jacqui Pini Captivate Network 2 Executive Drive, Suite 301, Chelmsford, MA 01824]. Labels: A nearly invisible belt, Win an isABelt
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by Jacqui Pini
 We get it... these days it is not always the easiest thing to drop $200 on a massage when you are not really sure if you are going to have a job next week. Anytime you treat yourself well, you are indulging, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a ton of money to do so. Our friends at ShopSmart magazine have compiled an awesome list of ways to save money at the spa. If you are looking for more great information on spa savings and other money-saving tips, checkout ShopSmart's March 2009 edition. - Call spas and ask, ‘What specials are you offering?’ Inquire about off-season deals, cost-cutting packages, specials for new clients and whether certain days or times are cheaper than others. And don’t be afraid to admit that you’re looking for a deal.
- Try chain massage stores. The décor usually isn’t too fancy and chains are prone to staffing turnover, but the savings can be big. Massage Envy, for example, has more than 500 storefront locations nationwide and employs only certified therapists. As a member, you get one monthly massage for $49 to $59 per month (depending on location) with additional massages that month costing $39 to $49 each.
- Go to school. Most cosmetology and massage therapy schools offer a student spa/salon or clinic where treatments are done under the supervision of instructors at a fraction of the price. Search the Web sites of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools or the American Massage Therapy Association.
- Consider Costco. The discount warehouse sells two $50 SpaFinder gift certificates for $79.99, a 20 percent savings, which can be used for treatments (including discounted ones) at any spa in the SpaFinder network.
- Search the Web. Sites like Spafinder.com, Spamagazine.com, Lifebooker.com, SpaWeek.org and Spa-addicts.com post special deals. At Google, type in your city name and “spa discount” to find promotions, or sign up for your favorite spa’s e-mail alerts on specials.
- Buy in bulk. You might be able to purchase a series of treatments—say, six for the price of five—to be used within a specified amount of time. Some spas offer a frequent-user card and the 10th visit is free.
- Ask about product deals. As spas make the transition from one season to another or change product lines, they often offer specials. These types of specials are here one day and gone the next, and they aren’t posted online, so call the front desk to ask.
Labels: Tips to save money at the spa
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Jacqui Pini has had her nails manicured once a week since the fourth grade. Her obsession is your gain as she has discovered some of the most indulgent spa treatments, beauty fads and relaxation techniques for both men and women and can’t wait to tell you all about them. And even the smallest of budgets can absorb this punch … and afford a hot stone massage afterwards. … And she'll be the first to tell you, nothing’s more relaxing than that.
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