Some of you have had quite a bit of challenges to overcome, and I am constantly reminded that we all are given full plates to deal with. Some of us suffer from more stress than others, and it was suggested that it also may be the way in which we view stress, or our perspective about it, that causes us the most stress of all.

I was so inspired by one woman from NY who was a RN for years until she was stricken with an acute chronic disease that caused her days of fun physical activities to be over, fulfilling job that she loved to be gone, and her quality of life as she knew it a distant memory. She suffered from pain daily and became financially distraught and had to change her life dramatically in order to survive. Yet, from her letter, it was clear that her perspective on life has remained rosy. She appreciates the little things in life - such as a beautiful day, a warm bath with candles, a good book - and is especially grateful for her pet cat that she loves and those days when her pain isn't so bad. It seems to me that she is still a light in the eyes of those she comes in contact with, just as she was when she was a RN at the hospital during her career. I found her incredibly inspirational.

I am constantly inspired by you. I, too, suffer from stress and its occasional fallout and try to handle it the best that I can: a spa appointment to balance me and recharge my batteries, time with my partner Robert (who has proven to me that great men are still out there), phone calls or time with friends, and I'm still trying to get in that moderate exercise.

Sometimes a life that is more simple, less hectic, more serene seems really attractive, less stressful. And I guess that's one of the reasons why I started Spa-Addicts.com. So people like us, with our stresses and all of our imperfections, can enjoy a little bit of the good life, and hopefully a bit more easily. Write me to let me know how you're doing with the stress in your life.

What I really liked about it was the quality of the treatments. The ambiance of the inn was very charming - in the old manor kind of style. Historical type of setting, antiques, conservative decor, but with a warmth and coziness that really was admirable. The spa was bigger than I thought it would be, and I liked the indoor pool. Especially because it was freezing outside and this put a really nice touch on the spa itself.

The food was awesome. And, for those of you who may be calorie counting, they even provided the caloric count on the meals. I wanted to not think about it too much, but it was helpful to know where I was realy splurging! And, I must admit that I did.

I had an astrology reading that was so thorough I coulldn't believe it. My chart was created in advance, my tarot cards read on the spot and information provided for me so I'd know what the year ahead would bring me. Now, let's just see what comes true!

I have personally met and known Betty, the Spa Director, and I have to say I just adore her. Her heart is in the right place and she truly embodies what you think a spa is and should be about. If you go, say hello to Betty. She'll love to talk to you about what you are hoping to get out of your spa experience.

Only downside for me was it took a lot longer drive from NYC than I'd anticipated. But, it's not so bad, because there are great outlets for roadside shopping.

 They said it was like doing 300 sit-ups, lunges and squats. I felt a little loopy when it was done, and I wasn't sure if it worked or not. However, people swear by this. Love to hear from you all if you've tried it.

I have also tried Endermologie, and I just filmed a company called Cellulite Endermologie Center in NYC that offers it. This seemed pretty cool, a little less dramatic than the Ionithermie, and results-oriented. I know that this works, too. I have tried it myself and was a little suprised at how it "sucks' the skin. It didn't leave me loopy when I tried it, as I felt from the Ionithermie just felt like it was working. Anyone try this? What do you think?

All I know is that it is harder and harder to combat cellulite. We wrote some awesome tips for cellulite control in this month's "Be Kind to Your Behind" section, in The Scoop. So, check that out if you're having issues like I am!

Now I realize that I have to make it a priority, a daily task of incorporating me-time moments, pampering of some kind and something that fills my soul.

Health is often something that we say we'll take care of "later." But, the problem is later never comes. Nor does balance. So, I love how I've been restructuring my life. It is really teriffic, and I feel more inspired than I ever have.

I'm working on my nutrition and eating more healthily, not to lose weight necessarily but to eat for my body's health. I also am working on health and tackling things like supplements, holistic approaches, as well as more regular check-ups with doctors (mammogram is next)!

I have made time for the man in my life... fun dinners and breakfasts in bed on a Sunday morning, reading the newspaper together. Maybe boring to some, but purely blissful for me.

And, then of course, work. And, luckily, it is work that I love. It fills my soul, it inspires me. And it gives me the chance to learn from women who tackle the same struggles as I have. I'd really love to learn how the heck you may have balanced your life when dealing with whatever tugs at you that seems to get in the way. Please advise .... as I am constantly a work in progress!

But, you never know what life has in store for you, and occasionally there is magic. Which reminds me of what happened last year ...

This exact scenario is how I met one of my best girlfriends, Naomi, she's amazing. Super smart, so down to earth, sweet to everyone she meets, gracious and kind and such a fun and magnetic personality. And, I met her through this kind of madness at Sundance last year.  We both bonded while bopping around saying hello to mutual acquaintances. And that meeting turned into a social friendship and then a significant one that becomes a best friend that is there through the good times and bad. I've felt like we've been friends forever.

So sometimes it's all worth it. And maybe that's why I found myself back at Sundance this year with "bff" Naomi, standing in that long cold line with almost frostbitten fingers, hoping to get in to some "it" party, despite knowing better. (And I do know better!)

It's amazing how sometimes when you least expect it, something so special can come out of a less than wonderful situation. And sometimes I guess it is better to get out of the condo, go right into the cold, and put your best smile on in hope of little miracles that can shape your life.

Anything wonderful come to you lately? Meeting a new best friend? A signficant other? Someone utterly special to you?

 What I discovered is that there's so much that's given to all of these people. It's absolutely amazing and I'll share more on SpaTube.TV, but the thing is that the celebrities that I met and spoke with couldn't have been more supportive of sharing the goods - as well as what it I was (am) doing.

 When I would say that I'm trying to bring a little glamour and access to real women as well, they were more than supportive. In fact, down right enthusiastic. I think a lot of the stars today are really down to earth, much more so than you'd think, and truly into things like the environment, sustainability, and going "green." Perhaps you may think that it's because it's fashionable, but I don't think so.

In fact, I was in a very small room with John Paul DeJoria and Woody Harrelson, in support of FIELDS OF FUEL, as well as the writer. I miraculously got in this small VIP area because the sponsor had been interviewed earlier by me for their eco-friendly products. Anyway, the celebs were being interviewed by the press and I couldn't have been more in awe of their message.

Woody had apparently been a huge proponent of this bio-diesel / sustainbility / green movement for years upon years. With solar power for his house, using bio-diesel fuel and being an avid green pushing guy. He was really impressive, and inspiring.

John Paul DeJoria was the same way, and what a nice man, and has been green for longer than I ever realized. He's pushing "green" on corporate America - to start being more responsible, and he's crossed the line from being just enthusiastic to avid proponent in all areas.

I'll write more about the green movement at Sundance, because it was huge. But I just flew in and am exhausted. I did 31 video interviews in 3 days with my team - and they'll be on the sister SpaTube.TV site soon.

I'd love to know if you're interested in going green. And, if you are how long have you been so?  And doing so?? Thanks for sharing ...

In my mind, I expected it to be larger than life, since I'd read about it so much in the celeb mags and on TV about the stars who were always spotted there. Plus every time I passed by I saw paparazzi. So, I always got a bit stressed out about going there as I felt like I'd have to be on my most A game of A games, and I just never got around to "trying" it when friends suggested it. Maybe it was my being insecure, surely. But the funny thing is that this is where my brother wanted to go, so I made plans for us and frantically tried to figure out what was the coolest outfit that I had.

So surprisingly to me, when we arrived it was just wonderful. Once there, I realized that there was nothing about it that overwhelmed me, or made me feel insecure, and I realized that I'd made it out to be something more than what it was. Being with my family and Robert put me at ease and I felt absolutely more comfortable than I thought I would. And, rather silly for feeling for so long that I'd be out of place.

I realize that in your mind it's always more of a big deal than what it really is. You stress over something that doesn't even exist. Even Robert said that to me this weekend that the things I often worried about in the future were probably not be as bad as I thought that they would be. 

So, I realized that I don't need to let myself be overwhelmed or insecure or feeling like I won't fit in now or in the future, because it's really never "there" that I don't fit in, it's only within myself. And, I really think I get it now. And, I am going to remember this next time I find myself feeling like this again. Silly me....  and I hope that 2008 is going to be filled with places that stretch my horizons.

Have you ever experienced this? Letting your insecurities or something you fear stop you from enjoying life and doing something that you probably would enjoy if you allowed yourself to relax about it? Or have I been the only knuckle-head???

I had the sincere privilege of hearing her speak at the annual ISPA conference held this year in Florida, and she was so inspiring to us all! She read some of her poems, and one that epsecially moved me was the one that she was commissioned to write for United Nations. Not a dry eye in the house. What a gift she is, and how priviliged I felt to listen to her as she read this amazing piece of work!

Inspiration is such a gift, and women like Oprah and Maya touch so many souls. Does anyone move you? What women inspire you the most? I'd love to know ...

I find aromatherapy to be a great and simple energizer. Scents, especially essential oils canreally awaken the senses and pick my spirit right up. Especially as it gets colder, even having some eucalyptus is on hand when you feel lethargic (or even when a cold may be coming on!) is just what you may need to revive.

There are so many great candles that are filled with essential oils and have great aromatic scents that can awaken your senses and feel that you have a few more hours left in the day (or night!) to get the most out of every day. Juniper berry, lavender, lemon-grass and jasmine , ylang-ylang, rose, vanilla, brown sugar, sweet orange.... oh the list goes on! Each scent has different healing properties, so let the aroma wander through your home, encapsulate your senses, and revive your system to beat the darkness....

And enjoy the rest of your evening without feeling like you want to put your head in the pillow.

Do you find that scents can have a deep and powerful effect on your mind, body and soul? What products other than oils have you tried and found effective?

I'm glad that people recognize from time to time the efforts we at Spa-Addicts.com make to give everyone of us regular people the red carpet to the spa lifestyle! Just like the celebs have!Hope you're joining the bandwagon, too! And, if you haven't yet, you can start today!

I continue to be amazed and inspired as to how the spa industry is evolving and changing to better accommodate what you want and need in order to be pampered and healthy, inside and out. Even the resorts and spas across the US are striving to provide better facilities, be more sustainable, and provide services as well as amenities to give you the value and luxury that you seek.

I am always so proud to be a part of this industry, and I'm here to serve your interests in whatever way I can to help you achieve all that it is you want from a balanced, healthy and relaxed lifestyle. If there are any interests or comments that you have that you'd like to share, I'd love to know. I am here for you...

I wonder why so many of us try to squeeze in everything and try to do too much. I think women, in particular, overstretch themselves to try to people please - whether it's your boss, friends, colleagues, family, etc. We really want to do it all, but in the end we're left feeling like we have put ourselves last.

I told a girlfriend this recently, and now I realize that I need to remind myself. It's like being on an airplane, and how you're supposed to put on the oxygen mask first before passing it to your child or person next to you. You really do have to take care of yourself, first, in order to take care of those you love.

Next time in NYC, as tempted as I'll be to pack it all in, I'm going to reserve a few hours for "nothing time." And maybe then I can appreciate all of the wonderful people I've seen and things I've been able to accomplish in my limited time while there. I think that is going to be a part of all of my trips from now on out. Because heaven knows what wonderful  moments await in those times "in between."  

The great benefits of wine can also be applied to vinotherapy, which incorporates the antioxidant properties of the grape and grapeseed into its ingredients. All of these are beneficial for anti-aging, but also stimulate collagen growth and simply fight free radical damage. I have seen chardonnay baths, sauvignon blanc serums, grapeseed scrubs and the like. There are many spas that are now incorporating these treatments into their offerings, and some that specialize in this entirely!

I was away this weekend to La Costa Resort & Spa, which was a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, and I just had some R&R by the pool. I needed it. I've been traveling and working so much, and I needed to destress and recharge. Their spa is really gorgeous. Somewhat private in the spa's pool area, tons of flowers surrounding you, beautiful spa with quality treatments that you love, and great relaxation.

Just to share, I'm wearing a SPF 30 by NUTRA BISSE, daily - I like that for now. I also use a Kerstin Florian one from time to time as well. I love the sun care body spray from COMFORT ZONE, because all of my friends tell me that I smell great and can't believe that it's a SPF! I also like the YONKA PARIS lip SPF as it tastes great and comes in colors and even a shimmer. Then, I love Jane Iredale's mineral make-up and love to dust my face with a light powder, which also protects my skin even more (and looks natural). I'm trying a "fake tan" with this new product called Aqua Tan, and I actually look pretty natural and tan. I spray it on every few mornings, and now I have a nice base color.  I'm using a couple of cool nail shades right now. I always love OPI,'s trend-setting colors / styles, and I've recently tried Spa Rituals, which is pretty luxe. Wearing a shimmery pink, which I think looks pretty chic yet feminine. Good for summer with a tan.

 And what are your summer tips??

So, I'm in Atlanta right now and called one of the local spa partners here to see what they had that could help me detox and rid some of this excess water I'm carrying around! An aromatherapy / mud wrap was just what I needed.

So, I had a sea salt body scrub first, with a Vichy shower. If you've never had a Vichy shower, it's basically a combination of shower heads that is transportable and glides across you with streams of warm water. Nice!

So, after the scrub, the Vichy shower rinsed it all of, and it feels vey relaxing and even massaging to the body.

Then, I had a warm mud wrap "painted" across the body, which felt like heaven, and then was wrapped up like a coccoon. This coccoon is heated, so that it pulls out the toxins and de-toxes you, allowing you also to lose extra water retention. I stayed there for about 20 minutes.

After a light massage on my neck and head, I was instructed to shower off in a state-of-the-art multi-jet shower, which was followed by a moisturizing light massage.

That's enough for me to start the detox process and think twice about what I put in my body. Highly recommend doing this type of treatment when you need a kick-start to your routine, craving some relaxation and some extra TLC. NOTE: You'll have to turn over a few times, which can be kind of a pain, but it's part of the thorough process. Enjoy.

If you don't know what gifting suites are, it's basically a set-up in a suite or large area of a hot hotel. They invite the celebs, speakers and trendsetters to come in and see the latest and greatest products geared to the event. So, in this case, beauty, fashion and hi-tech items were featured at the suite.

My personal favorites were these really cool flasks, attached to a garter belt believe it or not, because they were gorgeous, feminine and fun designs that would be perfect for a bridal party - Bootleggers Hip Flask is their names. Of course, I only recommend filling them with Pure Inventions mixed with water in order to have healthy cocktails!!!

I also loved this bag made for computers that were so organized inside for your laptop, your cellphone, your biz cards, your whatever you must have with you at all times! The styles were really classic and they're quite chic. The owner was really a sweetheart and she's designed something that is really helpful for us biz women who carry everything but the kitchen sink with us at all times!! The company is MOONSUS. Check them out.

I think the idea of gifting is amazing, and I just wish that we could all experience the concept of "swag." I guess that's what FREQUENT SPA MILES aims to do, give everyone some "swag" of hot products that they would love to have - for NOTHING! So, consider our products with Frequent Spa Miles my gifting to YOU! After all, I really want to take care of all of us spa-addicts. So, I'm going to work on getting you all more cool products to get.

Make sure you check out all of the hot products that we're offering. Let me know what else you'd like to see in exchange for your Spa Miles, and I'll do my best to get on it ASAP.

Equally, I'm also concerned with what I'm putting on my face. The new organic lines are launching for those who are interested in the more purist ingredients for skincare - and they're boasting incredible results as well. Also, the new Organic Spa Magazine was there, which caters to those interested in this market.

I personally love talking to the great skincare brands that exhibit there - like Murad, Yonka Paris, Olavie (vinotheraphy product line) and Pevonia, always a major player on the scene.

Speaking of being "on the scene," I'm always impressed with the founder Philippe, who I had lunch with. In fact, Philippe and his team at Pevonia ran an entire celeb event / spa event at CANNES, hosting celebs like Demi Moore and her beau, and was there hobnobbing with the likes of hotties Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. Must admit tha tI tried to keep up with Philippe at Cannes, but was unable to as he was on the go with the party circuit, cutting a rug on every dance floor till dawn! What a character!

AMERICAN SPA Magazine is associated with the event, and Joyce Jamison continues to be an enthusiastic voice of the spa world and industry, and I'm such a fan of hers. Although the spa publication is trade-oriented, it really is a great resource for spa-goers to learn about the spa world. An amazing resource for us all.

I also got amazing Extensions at the Hair Show, and some awesome hair curling iron featuring IONIC currents so I won't fry my hair as much! They showed me some tips to get "clip-on" extensions and wrap them together with my real hair and do "ringlet" type of curls. Seriously good look! I bought the Paris Hilton ones, because they were real hair and felt awesome. So I guess I've contributed to the bail money! Oh well, I pity the girl really.

 Anyway, the VEGAS IECSC show was great and informative. Let me know if you've any questions on some of the hot new products. I've got too much to tell without your wanting to know!

 I sat and watched TV in the middle of the afternoon while they put their special potion on my teeth and lightened them with their lasers. It was painless, didn't last so long - they did it in increments of twenty minutes, and it was done before I knew it. I got caught up on my celeb gossip and left with a really changed smile!

The next day I felt some sensitivity but it's dissipated and it's been really awesome. People have said that I look really great and healthy. I know that they can't tell, but they just think that I look good overall.

My favorite accessory has always been a smile. So, it makes sense to make it as bright as possible. The good thing about Brite SMile is that they're everywhere! So, they have great specials and I found it to be worth it.

Do you use a serum at all? What's your favorite one?  

Have you had any treatments that are geared for chakra cleansing? Or for enhancing one's spirtiuality? Do you add include this in your own spiritual practice?

Do you travel to Canada? Have you had any Canadian spa experiences that you'd like to share? Our friends would love to know your thoughts, and I'd be happy to share them!  So, send us some, eh?

We'd love to know what it is that you're looking for most when you select a spa. Can you share with me what matters to you, when picking a spa?

Also, what motivates you to go to a spa? Thank you - we'd really love to know!

I think everyone should use this extra  time to do something good for yourself. Whether it is extra playtime with the kids or a quick hike outside, bask in the arrival of spring.. out with the cold and in with the new!!!

 How do you plan to spend your extra hour of sun? Let me know

 I'll admit it. I like the sun, but I know I have to be smarter about it. I used to love my freckles, but now it seems that these freckles have become more like sun spots. Not so good!

There are many treatments for sun spots, and I'm looking into a few of them myself. Yesterday I went to a dermatologist to make sure that I don't have anything alarming (cancerous) with my sun spots. And, as soon as I get the thumbs-up, I'm going to go the next route and undergo some laser treatments that will make my sun spots fade away.

I'm probably going to have the IPL treatments (intense pulsed light), which will help me get rid of at least a good amount of the brown spots. I know what to expect, as I've had it once before and it really worked well, but that was years ago and I've had plenty of time to accrue more sun damage since then. Ugh!

They'll numb my face with something really cold, and then put a light treatment across my face - and that is really hot! But it doesn't hurt, although I found it rather uncomfortable.

Last time, my dark spots got darker and then literally, like they said they would, they faded away. I had some of my freckles left (which I still want), but some of my darker sun spots really were gone.

So, once I know there's nothing more serious going on with these sun spots, I think I'm going to do a few of these treatments and get these sun spots off once and for all. I've had it!

Am I the only one who is sick of the sun spots?

In fact, I signed up for the thing that scared me the most, and I got right in the water to play with the dolphins. I was the last one in and then called to be the first one to go, and despite the fear I had, I ended up having a bonding experience that I'll never forget! Well, that may be a bit generous to claim, but it was really amazing. The mammals were big, but my friend told me to think of them as "puppies," which ended up being a visual that really helped me out when they came swimming so fast towards me and looked as if they may not stop! 

The dolphins pushed me across the water, by pressing on my feet, as well as gave me a cozy kiss on the cheek. I held hands with their fins, and even got pulled around by hanging on to them. It really was not as scary as I thought, and it could not have been more safe and protected.

I felt so victorious that I later snorkeled a few hundred feet away from the beach by using a propeller underwater, and had encounters with some of the most beautiful fish that I had ever seen! Neon purple, turquoise blue, angel fish and schools of sparkling tiny fish surrounded me. It was absolutely amazing.

Just shows you that sometimes if you push yourself beyond your perceived capabilities, you're reminded how beautiful and fulfilling the reward can be. And, sometimes a risk worth taking despite the anxiety you may feel at first.

Have you pushed yourself lately? What was the outcome?

However, I always find it amusing (ridiculous??) that I have found one of the most difficult things to do is to make sure that I actually "relax". To me this is so ironic since I am so dedicated to making sure that others do! But don't we always find that there's something that we're so adamant about for others, and yet we have difficulty doing it ourselves?? 

Let's be honest. What do you find yourself preaching, but you're not quite doing yourself?  Tell us - we'll all feel better!

Sienna Miller had one of the most bubbly personalities and couldn't seem more happy. Perhaps because she had just gotten some make-up tips from Susan Posnick, who looked positively radiant herself! 

Heather Graham looked absolutely ravishing - so tall and thin and just gorgeous. My friend Terry threw an awesome dinner party for her at her home. Simply divine and delicious and fun for all.

Met another Southern gal from Louisiana like myself, Parker Posey. So genuine and interested in other people, her fun personality and zest for life could not be more apparent. She happens to be a fan of yoga - perhaps that is how she keeps her svelte figure, and she really does look fantastic!

Louis Lombardi, the beloved but "killed off" best friend of Chloe on 24, was as lovable as one would imagine. Celebrating his directorial debut, Louis and a host of great Italian actors were throwing a party for the film Doughboys, which focuses on group of grown men running a bakery shop in the Bronx. In fact, custom cookies were actually flown in from the actual bakery for their party - and they were out of this world!

Star sightings were everywhere - and it seems that I had something in common with most everyone. What would that be, you ask? Being a spa-addict, of course!

Had any star sightings you'd like to share?? Oh, do tell...

Luckily I am in an industry where I am always in on the latest and greatest fads; however, a lot of my friends aren't necessarily privvy to the inner workings of the spa / beauty world. So, we at Spa-Addicts.com have created a way to change that!

We have just launched and are proud to introduce the Spa-Addicts Community - located in the Spa Lounge! Now you, too, have access to the best spas, products and secrets, and you can share yours with the rest of us as well, too!

Does your grandmother have a secret recipe that makes your skin glow? Did you have the best massage ever at one of our spas? Want to let us know what it's like to have a body wrap? Well, I want to hear about it, and so do other spa-addicts.  

So, relax with a cup of tea, make new friends, share your favorite treatments and tips, and ENJOY!

It's not that I don't think that I could use some improvement, because I know that I always can. It's just that I realized that I have chosen to make my resolutions as I go along, throughout the year, rather than waiting for one day to make them all.

I have made some major "resolutions" that I've stuck to, major life changing commitments regarding the way I live my life, like losing a handful of clothing sizes and quitting smoking. Those both are pretty major. And, neither were made on New Year's, but during times when I've known that it was now or never. And I've stuck to both.

I feel that now I'm in the process of changing as well. I'm becoming more of the woman I always wanted to be. I think I am valuing things differently, and I am more in touch with who I want to be, as well as who I know I can be to others. If I had to put a "resolution" on it, in the "spirit" of the New Year, however,  I guess I'd say it's to be more "present" to others. And, I guess the old standby -  hit the gym more often.

 And you???

 In fact, I found myself today trying to do probably twenty things in the span of thirty minutes, over and over again today. This reminds me that this is exactly what makes me crazy - trying to do too much.  If I can slow down and concentrate on one thing at one time and give it my full attention, then it always works out best and has the best result.

 I hope that you don't get too crazy with the busy-ness of the season. And let's try to slow down a moment to savor it. It goes by so quickly regardless, so really make moments that will give you great memories down the road. Sound like a plan? Yes, I agree! But let's get real, life is not perfect. What is making you crazy this holiday?

I love the holidays and am making a lot of the cookies that I grew up with. Not having any children, I don't really need to make all of them, but I like to think I'm keeping up with a tradition. Or at least that's my excuse.

Having a spa lifestyle is about having balance, having quality of life, peace. And that is attained through "living" as much as it is through going to spas, and anything else for that matter. And for me, right now, living is baking cookies. And, for pete's sake, that's what I'm going to do!

What are some of the things that "living" means to you?

 I've learned that your favorite treatments are typically massages and facials, respectively, and through our Harris Poll Survey '06 I discovered that most of you don't try "exotic" treatments. Ironically, the "exotic" treatments really aren't that exotic! In fact, many of you consider body scrubs and wraps "exotic," but trust me, truly they are divine! If you haven't tried them, I invite you to go to a spa that you love and try something new!  

 I've set out to experience new "firsts" myself and just had one this past weekend. I've heard about the "hammam" but wasn't sure what exactly to expect. So, I went to Argyle Spa & Salon, located in W. Hollywood, where I indulged myself like a diva. The "hammam" was a gorgeous marble steam room, with a waterfall that would stream over you while lounging and cool you off when you start to get too warm. It wasn't like a steam room at the gym, however, as it was much more spa oriented than "steam" oriented. You had all of these fabulous little "extras" to occupy your time - decadent scrubs, cool cloths, and a rainfall shower head that could cool you and rinse off the scrub, as often as you liked. It was very luxurious, beautiful, and hardly exotic, but certainly decadent. And, I'm proud to admit, that this was my "first!"

Do you have a "first?" Tell me about it - I would love to learn about any unique experiences.

What are your winter secrets to keep your skin glowing? Any tips or products you swear by?

I don't have much face time with my family, so I'm going to Louisiana to spend time with them. My Dad and his wife, my Brother and his fiance, some of my friends and their children. It won't be a "Healthy" one necessarily - this is true, but it will be a "happy" one.

Same to you, dear spa-addicts!

My girlfriend has explained it all due to Mercury being in retrograde. Apparently, the planet Mercury governs objective thinking, communication, electronics, commercial enterprise, etc...and when in retrograde it throws everybody's life out of whack. Does this sound familiar?

Did you experience the effects of Mercury in retrograde? How do you feel about astrology in general? I'd like to know your thoughts!

The real world to me, needs some healing - and so do we. Most of us are out of balance, out of whack, out of order. War, work, government woes, people working too hard, families who don't get to see each other. It can be a mess! That's why I feel it's important to try to stay balanced, in tune, "whole." I don't necessarily have all the answers, but I am searching - and that's my own individual process. What about you? Are you in the process of healing? How are you doing it? Or, have you not yet started? I'd really like to know...

I am learning about a healthier lifestyle from the spas, and trying to be smarter and lose the bad habits of eating so much sugar. This is a process, and I realize that I’ve got to do it - now.

What are some things that you want to give up, and know you should, but one that is hard for you?

I never gained any weight, as I found a great healthy habit to replace it - SPAS!  Are you still smoking? No judgment here, just let me know for how long and if you have wanted to stop, how you stopped and if you think you'll ever smoke again ...

It's a deeply personal experience. One can get out of it whatever is needed; but without a doubt, you'll be better educated, enlightened, inspired, motivated, reconnected with one's self, pampered, and more healthy as a direct result. At least everyone I know has been - and me included. There are endless classes on nutrition, stress, pain, healing, spirituality, physical fitness, meditation and more. Spa treatments are available to help you in the areas that need the most attention.

You can even take one-on-one classes with experts to help you. I've taken one-on-one stress management, pain management, nutrition, new age spirituality and physical fitness. I've made changes and learned that breathing - deeply - can help me remember what to do when I tend to forget.

There's no judgment at a place like this. Whether you have one hundred pounds to lose or need to gain ten, whether you're battling disease or trying to ward one off, whether you're going through a terrible divorce or celebrating a marriage, dealing with a loss and/or just regrouping with yourself, you can find exactly what you need.

It's all your choice, and it's all for you. Just say "ahhh...." I have and plan to again. Have you? Tell me, I want to know if you have and what you've found.

You probably agree with me that one treatment is never enough! So, now, through Spa-Addicts, I hope you're able to go more often. Have you incorporated spas into your life? Or are you new to spa-going? What treatments do you love? How often do you go?