Over the next month or so, I will be working on updating the spa web site. Enough little changes have come and spawned other little changes that it can no longer be put off. This is also the perfect time to codify new and refined policies. And how about a Frequently Asked Questions page? After 3 and a half years, we definitely have questions that get asked over and over. Admittedly, those questions are what made me realize that we needed a web update.
The testimonial page needs some new blood, too. If you have a story about your visit to the Little Red Day Spa that you would like to share with the world, please email Sophia@HengstStudio.com and I will add it to the web page.
Showing posts with label sessions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sessions. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sculptueral Clay + Creative Movement
I never know what will come out of a session. When you read about the various spa sessions on the Little Red day Spa web site, it gives you a framework, but not a detailed description. That really is on purpose. I want my practitioners to have the freedom to create something new each time they do a session. I want my guests to fill in the spaces with their wants and needs.
A while back, a guest wanted to combine a Sculptural Clay session with a Creative Movement Session. This guest was what Cody, the practitioner who developed the Creative Movement, would call a natural mover. It was a delightful combination that was relaxing and invigoration.
And inspiring. At the Little Red Studio there is a tradition of "mud man" performances that are usually very primal. I took the light-hearted playfulness of the clay the way it is used in the spa and combined it with Contact Improv Dance.I am very proud to have art directed a performance piece that came out of a spa session! Here are a few photos. Please note that while the people are covered in clay, these photos may not be work safe.
Photo by Jim Duvall. The dancers have asked to not be identified. You'll have to come to a Little Red Studio show to see this dance in action.
A while back, a guest wanted to combine a Sculptural Clay session with a Creative Movement Session. This guest was what Cody, the practitioner who developed the Creative Movement, would call a natural mover. It was a delightful combination that was relaxing and invigoration.
And inspiring. At the Little Red Studio there is a tradition of "mud man" performances that are usually very primal. I took the light-hearted playfulness of the clay the way it is used in the spa and combined it with Contact Improv Dance.I am very proud to have art directed a performance piece that came out of a spa session! Here are a few photos. Please note that while the people are covered in clay, these photos may not be work safe.
Photo by Jim Duvall. The dancers have asked to not be identified. You'll have to come to a Little Red Studio show to see this dance in action.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Summer is practically here.
And with the sunny days comes the unpredictable schedule.
Around here, it seems that no one wants to be inside when the sun finally comes out. the spa always gets a little quieter, on average. We get more private rentals and more people with sore muscles from hiking and gardening as opposed the to the sessions where nurturing and pampering are called for. We haven't done it yet, as the weather is still too volatile, but soon, I will turn the hot tub down just a degree or two to compensate for the warmth outside.
For those of you who have schedules that make it difficult for you to make appointments in advance, this is the week to call for last minute appointments. Tomorrow, Wednesday May 27th, has quite a few openings still in the late morning and late afternoon. Thursday has early appointment times available and Friday is wide open. Give me a call at (206) 963-0772 or email Sophia@HengstStudio.com to get your appointment reserved!
Around here, it seems that no one wants to be inside when the sun finally comes out. the spa always gets a little quieter, on average. We get more private rentals and more people with sore muscles from hiking and gardening as opposed the to the sessions where nurturing and pampering are called for. We haven't done it yet, as the weather is still too volatile, but soon, I will turn the hot tub down just a degree or two to compensate for the warmth outside.
For those of you who have schedules that make it difficult for you to make appointments in advance, this is the week to call for last minute appointments. Tomorrow, Wednesday May 27th, has quite a few openings still in the late morning and late afternoon. Thursday has early appointment times available and Friday is wide open. Give me a call at (206) 963-0772 or email Sophia@HengstStudio.com to get your appointment reserved!
Monday, May 18, 2009
New Summer Session available!
I finally got the next salt scrub recipe worked out and fully tested. Last week, during Ladies' Night, I put out my newest salt scrub: Fresh limes and avocados with peppermint essential oil. I was a bit worried that the limes would be overwhelming, but the consensus was that there was a good balance between the limes and peppermint.
Summer Breeze Spa Session
Feel yourself uplifted by the light scent of Peppermint while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. A quick shower to get you ready to be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub. All your stress and worries are drained away by the swirling water and your attentive practitioner. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll enjoy a hot oil body treatment, breezily scented with Rosemary,Ginger and Lemon. Fresh Lime and Avocado Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated.
Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Busy! Busy!
This week has been full of bodywork and art! I have barely had time to even think about posting.
I have a few new anatomy and massage books I want to gush about, so look for that post soon.
As always, when we are busy, make sure to call in advance for a spa or massage session. Same day appointments are unlikely, but occasionally you can get lucky. I had a 5:30pm scheduled for today that canceled, and then someone who called this morning got lucky and took that spot.
This weekend is the Little Red Studio's 24 hour Art-a-Thon. I will be there working on new aromatherapy blends and spa products, as well as a clay and dance performance that came out of a spa session! Feel free to come by and see what all us wacky artists are up to.
I hope you are getting a chance to get out in the sunshine. Remember to take care of yourself and stretch when you go play outdoors!
I have a few new anatomy and massage books I want to gush about, so look for that post soon.
As always, when we are busy, make sure to call in advance for a spa or massage session. Same day appointments are unlikely, but occasionally you can get lucky. I had a 5:30pm scheduled for today that canceled, and then someone who called this morning got lucky and took that spot.
This weekend is the Little Red Studio's 24 hour Art-a-Thon. I will be there working on new aromatherapy blends and spa products, as well as a clay and dance performance that came out of a spa session! Feel free to come by and see what all us wacky artists are up to.
I hope you are getting a chance to get out in the sunshine. Remember to take care of yourself and stretch when you go play outdoors!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Spring is here!
I need to get moving on a new seasonal session!
Last year we had the Spring Cleansing Spa Session and I think I will reconfigure and polish that one up. I want to come up with a new salt scrub, though. I have been rotating through the same four recipes for the last year and a half, and while they are quite yummy, it's time for something new. One of my Ladies' Night regulars suggested limes as a main ingredient.
I'll keep you posted as soon as I decide. And, if you have a request, let me know. I might be making the next salt scrub in your honor.
Last year we had the Spring Cleansing Spa Session and I think I will reconfigure and polish that one up. I want to come up with a new salt scrub, though. I have been rotating through the same four recipes for the last year and a half, and while they are quite yummy, it's time for something new. One of my Ladies' Night regulars suggested limes as a main ingredient.
I'll keep you posted as soon as I decide. And, if you have a request, let me know. I might be making the next salt scrub in your honor.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dolphin Swim - Or Contact Dance under water.
Jens, who holds an incredible dance and movement class called Soul Motion, recently told me about an experience he had that combined dance and water.
A group of people set the intention of moving with each other in a small pool. Everyone had nose plugs and was prepared for full immersion, as well as a lot of body contact. The rules were simple: move slowly and gently and in ways that feel good to your body, keep hands open and relaxed, (no grabbing) eyes closed, come up for air any time you want/need to. They started with a breathing exercise to settle everyone. After everyone was relaxed, the facilitator urged them to start moving around the pool with heads above water before diving underneath the surface. His descriptions were luscious and interesting. We set a date to try it out in the Little Red Day Spa.
We followed the formula above and I was blown away. There were only four of us in the hot tub, and we could have fit 4 more in there! We tended to whirl and curl around each other. Amazingly enough, even with eyes closed, none of us bumped into anything other than each other, and that really felt more like sliding and caressing. After about twenty minutes, I was tired and winded from holding my breath so much, as I found that I preferred to stay under water. Jens said with larger groups of people, you occasionally end up on top of the pile and that gives you a chance to catch your breath. Since there were so few of us, we didn't make enough of a pile to end up out of the water by chance movement.
I am currently trying to figure out how this could be done at the spa. It reminded me a little of ecstatic dance in that it was a fluid coming together of bodies without agenda or plan. Just pure movement and joy in engaging in that movement. I am guessing that it would work best as a group session. 6-8 people could move around quite nicely in the tub. Maybe it could be spa night, where there would be more people allowed than can fit in the tub, knowing that people would not be in the tub the whole time.
Lots to think about. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please email me, Sophia@HengstStudio.com and I will put you on the list of people who would like to be my testers! Experimenting can be fun.
A group of people set the intention of moving with each other in a small pool. Everyone had nose plugs and was prepared for full immersion, as well as a lot of body contact. The rules were simple: move slowly and gently and in ways that feel good to your body, keep hands open and relaxed, (no grabbing) eyes closed, come up for air any time you want/need to. They started with a breathing exercise to settle everyone. After everyone was relaxed, the facilitator urged them to start moving around the pool with heads above water before diving underneath the surface. His descriptions were luscious and interesting. We set a date to try it out in the Little Red Day Spa.
We followed the formula above and I was blown away. There were only four of us in the hot tub, and we could have fit 4 more in there! We tended to whirl and curl around each other. Amazingly enough, even with eyes closed, none of us bumped into anything other than each other, and that really felt more like sliding and caressing. After about twenty minutes, I was tired and winded from holding my breath so much, as I found that I preferred to stay under water. Jens said with larger groups of people, you occasionally end up on top of the pile and that gives you a chance to catch your breath. Since there were so few of us, we didn't make enough of a pile to end up out of the water by chance movement.
I am currently trying to figure out how this could be done at the spa. It reminded me a little of ecstatic dance in that it was a fluid coming together of bodies without agenda or plan. Just pure movement and joy in engaging in that movement. I am guessing that it would work best as a group session. 6-8 people could move around quite nicely in the tub. Maybe it could be spa night, where there would be more people allowed than can fit in the tub, knowing that people would not be in the tub the whole time.
Lots to think about. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please email me, Sophia@HengstStudio.com and I will put you on the list of people who would like to be my testers! Experimenting can be fun.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Creative Movement Workshop
Cody, one of the practitioners from when we first started the spa, came in last week to teach the Spa's current practitioners how facilitate a Creative Movement Spa Session. We spent the time doing floor work and the next session will revolve around incorporating movement into watsu.
It was a profound experience for me. This work can be deeply moving, in the emotional sense, even though the movements your body makes can be subtle and gentle. Perhaps that is exactly why it was such an emotional experience for me. Movement unlocks more than just physical tensions and Cody gave space for emotions to come out and encouraged us to let whatever was there have expression. I had been hit with 2 days of bad news so I had grief. Others were giggly, another was languid and sleepy. Cody made equal room for all reactions and expressions.
One of the skills I pride myself on is giving my attention my guest and focusing on creating a nurturing atmosphere. I learned that sometimes letting the atmosphere drift until all participants settle where they need to be, emotionally and physically, is better than having a strict agenda of what happens when. It was a good lesson in fluidity.
I am happy to say that there are now multiple practitioners who can do this session now. The Creative Movement session is now much more avilable than it was before.
It was a profound experience for me. This work can be deeply moving, in the emotional sense, even though the movements your body makes can be subtle and gentle. Perhaps that is exactly why it was such an emotional experience for me. Movement unlocks more than just physical tensions and Cody gave space for emotions to come out and encouraged us to let whatever was there have expression. I had been hit with 2 days of bad news so I had grief. Others were giggly, another was languid and sleepy. Cody made equal room for all reactions and expressions.
One of the skills I pride myself on is giving my attention my guest and focusing on creating a nurturing atmosphere. I learned that sometimes letting the atmosphere drift until all participants settle where they need to be, emotionally and physically, is better than having a strict agenda of what happens when. It was a good lesson in fluidity.
I am happy to say that there are now multiple practitioners who can do this session now. The Creative Movement session is now much more avilable than it was before.
Monday, December 29, 2008
New Seasonal Spa Session.
Now that we are officially past the solstice, I give you the The Winter Warming Spa Session!
Imagine rolling your feet over and around smooth, heated river rocks while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm, scented foot bath. Next, you'll be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub by your attentive practitioner until all your stress has been drained away by the swirling water. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll be given warm stones to hold during your hot oil body treatment. A Pomegranate Tangerine Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated.
Imagine rolling your feet over and around smooth, heated river rocks while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm, scented foot bath. Next, you'll be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub by your attentive practitioner until all your stress has been drained away by the swirling water. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll be given warm stones to hold during your hot oil body treatment. A Pomegranate Tangerine Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Holiday Gift Certificates
If you want to give a lovely gift for the holidays, consider giving the relaxing and blissful experience of a trip to the Little Red Day Spa.
One of the great things about giving your sweetie a gift certificate to the Little Red Day Spa is that you can join them in redeeming it! Whether you come in by yourself or as a couple, the price is the same. (Pricing is based on time and number of practitioners.)
You can purchase a specific spa session or the dollar amount of your choosing. A gift certificate can be applied toward as more expensive session, as well. The recipient can choose from all the available services or create their own session!
Spa Session Fee list:
Any session with 1 practitioner -
$150 for 90 minutes, $200 for 120 minutes.
Any session with 2 practitioners -
$160 for 60 minutes, $225 for 90 minutes, $300 for 120 minutes.
Therapeutic massage and Watsu sessions -
$80 for a 50-minute session.
Private rental rates:
$75 for the first hour and $50 each additional hour.
$50 per hour in conjunction with a spa session or massage.
Call me at (206) 963-0772 or Kerry at (206) 328-4758 to purchase gift certificates over the phone. (We will mail the gift certificate at no extra charge.) Drop by our main office in what will soon be the LRS cafe at 400 Dexter Ave. N between 10am and 6pm if you prefer to purchase your gift certificates in person. All gift certificates come with a card you can write a personalized note in and a bar of hand-crafted soap from Suzanne. (While supplies last on the soap.)
One of the great things about giving your sweetie a gift certificate to the Little Red Day Spa is that you can join them in redeeming it! Whether you come in by yourself or as a couple, the price is the same. (Pricing is based on time and number of practitioners.)
You can purchase a specific spa session or the dollar amount of your choosing. A gift certificate can be applied toward as more expensive session, as well. The recipient can choose from all the available services or create their own session!
Spa Session Fee list:
Any session with 1 practitioner -
$150 for 90 minutes, $200 for 120 minutes.
Any session with 2 practitioners -
$160 for 60 minutes, $225 for 90 minutes, $300 for 120 minutes.
Therapeutic massage and Watsu sessions -
$80 for a 50-minute session.
Private rental rates:
$75 for the first hour and $50 each additional hour.
$50 per hour in conjunction with a spa session or massage.
Call me at (206) 963-0772 or Kerry at (206) 328-4758 to purchase gift certificates over the phone. (We will mail the gift certificate at no extra charge.) Drop by our main office in what will soon be the LRS cafe at 400 Dexter Ave. N between 10am and 6pm if you prefer to purchase your gift certificates in person. All gift certificates come with a card you can write a personalized note in and a bar of hand-crafted soap from Suzanne. (While supplies last on the soap.)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Practitioner changes.
David & Adele, the Tandem Bliss practitioners are no longer doing spa sessions at the Little Red Day Spa. Life has changed for them and I will miss the sweet energy they brought to the spa. I wish them well and will leave the door ajar for them to return, should they so desire. We will still offer the Tandem Bliss spa session, with a few minor adjustments, so if 2 practitioners working on you sounds like the luxury you would like to indulge in, you can give us a call at (206)963-0772 or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com
Coming into the fold is Dion, a wonderful massage therapist who has recently passed his Esthetics. He and I are working closely on designing a new spa session that will incorporate his skills in skin care. Perhaps a spa session that starts with a foot bath and foot massage, progresses to the hot tub for water contact massage, then back to land for a facial and finishing with a fully body salt scrub. More info soon!
Coming into the fold is Dion, a wonderful massage therapist who has recently passed his Esthetics. He and I are working closely on designing a new spa session that will incorporate his skills in skin care. Perhaps a spa session that starts with a foot bath and foot massage, progresses to the hot tub for water contact massage, then back to land for a facial and finishing with a fully body salt scrub. More info soon!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I'm happy now.
During a quiet Ladies' Night yesterday, I made a new batch of salt scrub. I adjusted the amount of Lemon Juice down 1/10th of what I used in the first batch. Now I needed to keep the Lemon because without the citric acid, the pears would oxidize and turn brown. While that would not have changed their smell or texture, it was unacceptable aesthetically.
It has been thoroughly tested by Ladies' Night regulars and been given the thumbs up. I am using a finer grade of sea salt that provides for a more pleasing consistency, too. Schedule an Autumn Colors Spa Session and try it out!
It has been thoroughly tested by Ladies' Night regulars and been given the thumbs up. I am using a finer grade of sea salt that provides for a more pleasing consistency, too. Schedule an Autumn Colors Spa Session and try it out!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
New Fall Spa session!
The rains are here and the leaves are turning colors and falling. It's time to change out our seasonal spa offering.
Autumn Colors Spa Session
Feel yourself uplifted by the scent of Basil essential oil while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. Be delighted by the textures of a Roman Body Brushing, dried leaves and silk cloth in a brief ritual that honors the changing of the seasons. A quick shower prepares you to be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub. All your worries and stress will be drained away by the swirling water and your attentive practitioner. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll enjoy a hot oil body treatment, accented with Rosewood, Lavender and Cypress natural essential oils. Fresh Pear Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated. Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.
Autumn Colors Spa Session
Feel yourself uplifted by the scent of Basil essential oil while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. Be delighted by the textures of a Roman Body Brushing, dried leaves and silk cloth in a brief ritual that honors the changing of the seasons. A quick shower prepares you to be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub. All your worries and stress will be drained away by the swirling water and your attentive practitioner. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll enjoy a hot oil body treatment, accented with Rosewood, Lavender and Cypress natural essential oils. Fresh Pear Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated. Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
new session?
I have a friend who is a certified hypnotherapist come in for a watsu session. He was impressed with how comforting and relaxing an experience it was, despite him not being much of a "water person." He likened it to the deep state of relaxation that he had only ever been able to achieve via hypnosis.
We had a brief discussion about how well the two therapies, watsu and hypnosis, could work together. The idea of being able to get someone into a more advanced state of relaxation is interesting to me, to say the least. While he is excited about being able to do accelerate subconscious work with the added benefit of the person already being relaxed via floating in warm water. Perhaps there will be a collaboration in the future.
We had a brief discussion about how well the two therapies, watsu and hypnosis, could work together. The idea of being able to get someone into a more advanced state of relaxation is interesting to me, to say the least. While he is excited about being able to do accelerate subconscious work with the added benefit of the person already being relaxed via floating in warm water. Perhaps there will be a collaboration in the future.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Creative Movement
I had a session with Cody last week, the practitioner who developed the Creative Movement Spa Session.
We ended up spending the whole time in the hot tub engaging in an aquatic dance with her mostly orchestrating my movements. At the beginning she explained to me that I should let my body decide what movements to do, including being completely passive and allowing the movements that she or the water generated. It was deeply relaxing and freeing, especially the part where I could move or not move. Sometimes during a bodywork I have urges to stretch a limb during a massage stroke that I don't feel comfortable acting on.
At the end of the session, I was quiet for a long time. An odd state, as I am normally chatty when feeling that good. I was so absorbed in being. I was reveling in the feeling of integration. It wasn't that my emotions/psyche were in tune with my body and vice versa. I was whole.
Having an emotional goal, rather than a physical one, is not uncommon for body work. But it is also not common enough. Cody and I had a solemn discussion about the work she has been doing with one of our guest's grief in their sessions. It was moving and wonderful. We talked of making this type of work more available, or rather, making people aware that it is available at the Spa. I think it is a wonderful fit with Watsu.
Looks like we will have to come up with another name for what we do in the hot tub, though. We seem to be moving farther away from classical Watsu as we edge into incorporating Cody's emotional work and use of Contact Dance Improv*. I am looking forward to learning more so as to be able to do these sessions, as well, and share similarly trans formative experiences.
We ended up spending the whole time in the hot tub engaging in an aquatic dance with her mostly orchestrating my movements. At the beginning she explained to me that I should let my body decide what movements to do, including being completely passive and allowing the movements that she or the water generated. It was deeply relaxing and freeing, especially the part where I could move or not move. Sometimes during a bodywork I have urges to stretch a limb during a massage stroke that I don't feel comfortable acting on.
At the end of the session, I was quiet for a long time. An odd state, as I am normally chatty when feeling that good. I was so absorbed in being. I was reveling in the feeling of integration. It wasn't that my emotions/psyche were in tune with my body and vice versa. I was whole.
Having an emotional goal, rather than a physical one, is not uncommon for body work. But it is also not common enough. Cody and I had a solemn discussion about the work she has been doing with one of our guest's grief in their sessions. It was moving and wonderful. We talked of making this type of work more available, or rather, making people aware that it is available at the Spa. I think it is a wonderful fit with Watsu.
Looks like we will have to come up with another name for what we do in the hot tub, though. We seem to be moving farther away from classical Watsu as we edge into incorporating Cody's emotional work and use of Contact Dance Improv*. I am looking forward to learning more so as to be able to do these sessions, as well, and share similarly trans formative experiences.
*What is Contact Improvisation?
Contact Improvisation is a moving massage. It is a dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. If you could do Aikido, surf, wrestle and dance at the same time, you would have an idea of what Contact Improvisation feels like. What makes Contact different from other dance is that partners are often moving in and out of physical contact while rolling, spiraling, springing and falling. They find ways to "enjoy the ride" and improvise while mutually supporting and following each others movements. The dancing is unpredictable and inspired by the physical and energetic contact the partners share. -- Ernie Adams, Berkeley, CA, (found here.)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New Seasonal Spa Session
We've turned down the heat in the hot tub to a pleasant 97 degrees, and made the spa into an adaptable oasis, suitable for Seattle summers. Even on the hottest days, the Spa stays cool and it's amazing how refreshing floating in the hot tub is when the water is just a few degrees cooler than body temperature.
I present our new seasonal offering!
Summer Breeze Spa Session
Feel yourself uplifted by the light scent of Peppermint while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. A quick shower to get you ready to be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub. All your stress and worries are drained away by the swirling water and your attentive practitioner. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll enjoy a hot oil body treatment, breezily scented with Rosemary, Lavender and Sage. Fresh Pineapple Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated.
Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.
I present our new seasonal offering!
Summer Breeze Spa Session
Feel yourself uplifted by the light scent of Peppermint while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. A quick shower to get you ready to be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub. All your stress and worries are drained away by the swirling water and your attentive practitioner. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll enjoy a hot oil body treatment, breezily scented with Rosemary, Lavender and Sage. Fresh Pineapple Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated.
Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Mud Bath Vs. Mud Treatments
Our Mud Body Treatment goes by the name Sculptural Clay Spa Session. There is no pool of mud in the Spa. Sorry. It's a very decadent treatment, but a pool of hot mud, bubbling ceaselessly, while person after person gets in and out of the it is not going to happen until Jeff gives me a Spa Lackey.
The biggest reason we do out mud sessions the way we do is because of the premise that art and the creative process are healing and rejuvenating. When a couple comes in and chooses a session with clay, I always encourage them to apply the clay to each other. (As opposed to having the clay massaged in my a practitioner separately.) We get the shower set up with the warm, scented clay is close at hand. A few painter's tarps and then let them go at it! It has an amazingly gentle texture and feels wonderful when you embrace and slide over another clay covered person. Yes, I have tried it. I love that I have to do so much product testing here at the spa.
The clay we use is bought from Seattle Pottery Supply and we blend in our own essential oils. Since we began the Sculptural Clay sessions, we have tried a few different types and styles of clay and slip, looking for that perfect texture. Engaging the staff at Seattle Pottery Supply usually made the selection process much more interesting. Every time I get a new staff person helping me, we always have to go through the same conversation that starts "You're going to do *what* with it?!" It's quite fun to explain and I always end up getting more information of different styles to try. At the moment, we have settled on using the Sun Ya casting slip, which is a soft gray color with smooth texture.
The biggest reason we do out mud sessions the way we do is because of the premise that art and the creative process are healing and rejuvenating. When a couple comes in and chooses a session with clay, I always encourage them to apply the clay to each other. (As opposed to having the clay massaged in my a practitioner separately.) We get the shower set up with the warm, scented clay is close at hand. A few painter's tarps and then let them go at it! It has an amazingly gentle texture and feels wonderful when you embrace and slide over another clay covered person. Yes, I have tried it. I love that I have to do so much product testing here at the spa.
The clay we use is bought from Seattle Pottery Supply and we blend in our own essential oils. Since we began the Sculptural Clay sessions, we have tried a few different types and styles of clay and slip, looking for that perfect texture. Engaging the staff at Seattle Pottery Supply usually made the selection process much more interesting. Every time I get a new staff person helping me, we always have to go through the same conversation that starts "You're going to do *what* with it?!" It's quite fun to explain and I always end up getting more information of different styles to try. At the moment, we have settled on using the Sun Ya casting slip, which is a soft gray color with smooth texture.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Our first Catered Spa Session!
Was a success!
Last week, a couple came in to celebrate a birthday. The woman was a "foodie," her sweetie told me, and wanted to include her taste buds in the pampering. I checked with Chef Kim, and even though 3 days was short notice, he assured me he could come up with something. Because of the surprise nature of the session, Kim set up the food before the start of the session. Everything would be in place so that the birthday girl could have her pick of what she wanted to do first: lunch, Watsu or massage.
The food was beautiful and delicious. (I consider myself very lucky to have been invited to partake.) Kim had arranged on a slab of marble an array of savory and sweet nibbles, most of which that could be eaten by hand. The couple took great delight in feeding each other.
Here is what they feasted on:
Asparagus slightly blanched and then marinated in olive oil & a herb blend, along with artichoke hearts.
Baby onion that had been soaked in a sweet balsamic syrup and then roasted.
A variety of olives and a gorgonzola boursin that tasted wonderful when combined with the dates.
Hand made bread that could be slathered with triple cream blue cheese nested in apricot jam.
Blackened salmon, with a Cajun flair to it, rested on a generous portion of fresh hummus.
A non-dairy, semi-sweet chocolate sauce in a martini glass with strawberries, mango and kiwi for dipping.
Lavender soda water was a raved about finishing touch.
I am so impressed that all of this wonderful food was what he could whip up on short notice. Not that I am surprised, just very pleased with the elegance of presentation and quality of the food. The quantity was notable, as well. The birthday girl gleefully wrapped up and took home enough for a snack.
If you would like to add catering to your spa session or private spa rental, please note that for an optimum culinary experience Chef Kim asks for 7 days notice. The menu will change to reflect what is in seasonal, and any dietary restrictions you may have. Basic catering, as described above, is $50 for a light meal. You can choose savory, sweet, or a combination of the two.
Last week, a couple came in to celebrate a birthday. The woman was a "foodie," her sweetie told me, and wanted to include her taste buds in the pampering. I checked with Chef Kim, and even though 3 days was short notice, he assured me he could come up with something. Because of the surprise nature of the session, Kim set up the food before the start of the session. Everything would be in place so that the birthday girl could have her pick of what she wanted to do first: lunch, Watsu or massage.
The food was beautiful and delicious. (I consider myself very lucky to have been invited to partake.) Kim had arranged on a slab of marble an array of savory and sweet nibbles, most of which that could be eaten by hand. The couple took great delight in feeding each other.
Here is what they feasted on:
Asparagus slightly blanched and then marinated in olive oil & a herb blend, along with artichoke hearts.
Baby onion that had been soaked in a sweet balsamic syrup and then roasted.
A variety of olives and a gorgonzola boursin that tasted wonderful when combined with the dates.
Hand made bread that could be slathered with triple cream blue cheese nested in apricot jam.
Blackened salmon, with a Cajun flair to it, rested on a generous portion of fresh hummus.
A non-dairy, semi-sweet chocolate sauce in a martini glass with strawberries, mango and kiwi for dipping.
Lavender soda water was a raved about finishing touch.
I am so impressed that all of this wonderful food was what he could whip up on short notice. Not that I am surprised, just very pleased with the elegance of presentation and quality of the food. The quantity was notable, as well. The birthday girl gleefully wrapped up and took home enough for a snack.
If you would like to add catering to your spa session or private spa rental, please note that for an optimum culinary experience Chef Kim asks for 7 days notice. The menu will change to reflect what is in seasonal, and any dietary restrictions you may have. Basic catering, as described above, is $50 for a light meal. You can choose savory, sweet, or a combination of the two.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Spring Forward!
In honor of changing to Daylight Savings Time, and the maturation of the Strawberry Ginger Salt Scrub, I offer you the Little Red Day Spa's Seasonal Offering for Spring:
*insert fan fare here*
Spring Thaw Spa Session
Feel yourself uplifted by the light scent of Peppermint while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. After a light Roman Body Brushing, you'll be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub by your attentive practitioner until all your stress is drained away by the swirling water. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll bask under radiant heat while enjoying your hot oil body treatment with specially scented oil. Fresh Strawberry Ginger Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated. Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.
Call (206)963-0772 for questions and appointments!
*insert fan fare here*
Spring Thaw Spa Session
Feel yourself uplifted by the light scent of Peppermint while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. After a light Roman Body Brushing, you'll be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub by your attentive practitioner until all your stress is drained away by the swirling water. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll bask under radiant heat while enjoying your hot oil body treatment with specially scented oil. Fresh Strawberry Ginger Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated. Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.
Call (206)963-0772 for questions and appointments!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Comfort Touch
There are many different reasons people get massage. Pain relief or management, rehabilitation for injuries, relaxation from physical, mental and/or emotional stress, just to name the most listed reasons. However, I think the more common reason to get a massage is the basic need for touch. In America, we don't get touched enough in our daily lives on a casual basis. Sure, if we have a sweetie or family that we live with there are varying amounts of touch available. But when we get sick, or are having a stressful time, our need for touch increases.
One of the questions I like to ask people is if they have any "comfort touch" places. (I generally save this for those who mention getting over an illness or don't have a specific focus for the massage.) You know the spots, usually the ones that you instinctively rub when you are tired or stressed out. Or maybe it is harkens back to when you were young and a parent would rub your temples or your low back when you didn't feel well.
On these areas, I don't go looking for knots or do any fancy techniques. Soft, yet firm, full hand contact to really illicit that feeling of care and comfort. Often times, I will rest a hand on that area while using my other hand to work loose a tight muscle elsewhere. It's amazing how having that resting touch can be so relaxing and comforting.
Ultimately, there is no wrong reason to want a massage. Wanting touch is a basic human need and should be satiated.
One of the questions I like to ask people is if they have any "comfort touch" places. (I generally save this for those who mention getting over an illness or don't have a specific focus for the massage.) You know the spots, usually the ones that you instinctively rub when you are tired or stressed out. Or maybe it is harkens back to when you were young and a parent would rub your temples or your low back when you didn't feel well.
On these areas, I don't go looking for knots or do any fancy techniques. Soft, yet firm, full hand contact to really illicit that feeling of care and comfort. Often times, I will rest a hand on that area while using my other hand to work loose a tight muscle elsewhere. It's amazing how having that resting touch can be so relaxing and comforting.
Ultimately, there is no wrong reason to want a massage. Wanting touch is a basic human need and should be satiated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)