Ingredients

1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning (dry)
1 small pineapple, rind removed and pineapple cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions

• 1 Brush grill rack with vegetable oil. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat.
• 2 Brush chicken with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Place chicken and jerk seasoning in resealable plastic food-storage bag. Shake bag to coat chicken with seasoning. Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper and onion alternately on each of eight 12-inch metal skewers, leaving 1/4-inch space between each piece. Brush kabobs with remaining 2 tablespoons oil.
• 3 Cover and grill kabobs over medium heat 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink in center.

June 21st marks the first day of summer. Barbeques, vacations, and long days at the beach can officially begin! Summer is a season filled with lots of fun and plenty of activities for everyone. The kids are out of school and ready to get outside with their friends. Plan now to have an exciting summer that is both fun and safe for the whole family. Here are some ideas to guarantee a fun, safe summer for all.

Kick off summer with a day at the mall to make sure everyone in the family has the ideal clothing for the hot weather ahead. Be sure to find loose-fitting, breathable items that will allow you to be outside all day without feeling restricted by clothing. Tank tops, shorts, and flip flops are a must!

Spend a day at the beach with the family. Nothing says summer like a day at the beach. You can pack a cooler with lunch and plenty of water. It gets hot out there! It’s important to stay hydrated. Bring buckets to collect shells and a ball for a stimulating game of beach volleyball. Most importantly, don’t forget the hats and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Have fun, but stay safe!

Game night is an exceptional way to bring the family together for some summer fun. Pick a few of your family’s favorite board games or card games and head to the back porch during the early evening hours. Don’t forget the lemonade! It’s humid outside. Spend an hour or two competing and laughing with each other. By the end of the evening, the kids will be begging to do it again the next night!

Another innovative idea for summer is to have a family fit day. Plan meals for the whole family that consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water. Engage in activities like family kickball in the back yard, a day at the gym, or simply take a walk in the neighborhood one evening. Have fun with your family while getting healthy at the same time!

Everyone loves a summertime barbeque! Invite your friends over for food, fun, and games. Be sure to have lots of water on hand, as well as sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Ask your guests to bring one dish along with their favorite game to add to the festivities. Suggest a game of tag football or soccer. What a great way to bring families and friends together for summertime fun!
While spending time with friends and family is gratifying, it’s important to get some “me” time as well. Enjoy a day at the spa to relax and rejuvenate. Get a facial and a massage and top it off with a mani and pedi. You deserve a break from the summer fun to get refreshed and renewed by yourself or with a friend. Sit back, relax, and let your spa consultants pamper you!

Whether it’s a day at the beach with the family or a day at the spa with a friend, summer is a time for fun as well as relaxation. Soak it in and enjoy!

• Take some “me time” every day. This doesn’t have to be long and involved, but try to have a little time to yourself every day. It could be a cup of tea before bed time, a quick jog in the morning, or fifteen minutes to meditate on your lunch break. Whatever you choose, be sure that it is a peaceful, re-energizing time for you.

• Get some sleep. One of the biggest stressors in our lives is lack of sleep, and once you are sleep deprived and stressed, it can be even harder to get some rest. To counteract stress related insomnia, try rubbing a few drops of your favorite essential oil on your temples before bed combined with a breathing exercise. Consciously breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. If your mind is racing with things you need to accomplish, leave a notepad and pen by your bed where you can jot things down when they pop into your head. Writing them down will assure you that they won’t be forgotten, and get them off your mind so you can have a great night of sleep.

• Indulge. When stressed, we tend to take care of everyone and everything but ourselves and that is no good at all. Whether you come by the spa for a restful massage or mani/pedi, or you have a girl’s night out with one of your best friends, finding little ways to take care of yourself will make life more manageable.

• Get a move on. In the immortal words of Elle Woods, “Exercise creates endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!” Go for a hike or jog, pick up a yoga class, try rock climbing, or join a local sports league. Exercise doesn’t have to be something you dread; find something active that you love doing and enjoy yourself!

If stress is getting you down, call or stop by the spa. We are ready and waiting to help you de-stress and become your best self today and every day!

1)    Exfoliate! This is one of the best ways to help slough off old, dry skin cells. But, not just any exfoliating cleanser will do. Many over the counter brands contain walnut shells or apricot pits that are far too harsh for delicate skin. Those cleansers can cause microscopic tears that make skin look even worse than before. Your best bet when picking an exfoliator is to use one with alpha or beta hydroxy, or come into the spa and let us pick one just for you!

2)    Hydrate! One of the easiest ways to keep your skin healthy and looking flawless is from the inside out. Be sure that you are drinking enough water, especially as temperatures rise. A good rule is to divide your body weight in half and drink that many ounces of water every day. And, don’t forget to take your natural supplements to ensure inside-out wellness.

3)    Moisturize! Just because it is spring doesn’t mean your skin won’t need some added moisture. Pick a lightweight moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to apply under your make-up before heading out the door. It will help your skin look refreshed and protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

4)    Facial! If ever there was a time to get a facial, this is it! Your skin has been through a lot this past winter, and it deserves some tender loving care from a professional. Visit the spa and let our estheticians work their magic. While you’re at it, they can recommend some wonderful at home treatments and masks to keep your skin glowing and healthy.

5)    Scrub! Your face isn’t the only thing that needs some extra attention to get ready for spring; the rest of your body does, too! Maybe you are planning a trip or getting ready for bathing suit weather or just going to park. No matter what your plans are this spring, show off your skin with confidence! Stop by the spa for a body scrub and experience a safe tan to bear with confidence.

Whatever your winter skin woes may have been, the dedicated spa team is always here to help you erase all the imperfections, and look and feel your very best!

• 4 cups extra thick rolled oats
• 3/4 cup flax seeds
• 1 cup whole almonds (or 3/4 cup sliced)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 1/2 cups raisins or dates
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large mixing bowl (or two) combine all the dry ingredients (not sugar or dried fruit). In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, water, vanilla, and butter. Heat while stirring until sugar is dissolved. Then pour evenly over dry ingredients and stir to mix well.
Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper and spread oat mixture on top (if you don’t have parchment paper, spray with cooking spray and reduce cooking time by 10 minutes or it will burn). Bake for 10 minutes, stir to even out cooking, and then return to oven and cook for 15 more minutes.
Remove from oven. Sprinkle raisins and dates, then stir once more. Return to oven for 5 minutes. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container.

Ingredients:

1 (10 ounce) package fresh baby spinach
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 small purple onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped dried apricot
1 (4 ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans

Apricot Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. To make the vinaigrette: add all the vinaigrette ingredients to a small bowl; whisk until well blended; set aside.
2. To make salad: add all salad ingredients to a large bowl; toss to mix.
3. Drizzle apricot vinaigrette over salad; toss to coat.
4. Season to taste with salt/pepper if needed, and enjoy!

We all know or are related to a senior citizen, better known as a member of the “baby boomer” generation. Did you know that there are 70 million Baby Boomers (those who are born between 1946 and 1964) in the USA? That’s almost a quarter of our population! To help this generation, our spa has added specific treatments and trained our spa team to meet the added demand from this mature clientele.

Seniors at the Spa

So what can those over 65 expect on what might be their first trip to the spa? If you’re in a position to help, start by doing a little research into what they’re looking for and what the spa offers. You’ll ensure that their appointment is a successful one and that the spa becomes a regular part of a relaxing retirement.

1. What Are Their Needs? As a friend or a relative, you can start by find out what it is they’d like to achieve at the spa. Is it younger looking skin, relaxation, more flexibility, arthritis relief? Maybe it’s all of the above. Encourage them to reserve a consultation, and the spa team will be able to customize a program for them.

2. Research the Spa’s Menu Online. Go through the spa’s menu online, share the treatment options with them, and find out which ones they would prefer. Maybe they want to start out small with one or two. Or, they may want to jump in with both feet for an entire spa day. Let them decide what suits them best.

3. Making the Appointment. When they make the appointment, be sure to let the spa know of any ailments or medications as this may affect certain treatments. The spa will know how to best accommodate all of their needs, so be upfront with this information. Some spas even offer a discount for seniors, so be sure to ask about this during the call as well.

4. After the Spa. Take them out for a relaxing lunch after the spa to see how things went. Was it everything they expected? Are they excited to go back to try more treatments? Encourage them to keep taking care of themselves at this important stage of their life.

There is a lot to be said about the human touch. Encouraging our elderly to go to the spa will help them feel better and give them solutions to any concerning parts of the aging process that they may be experiencing.

But, times are changing! Most spas now welcome men with open arms, offering unisex environments and plenty of treatments to choose from.

Here’s a look at just a few of the ways that men across the country are now taking advantage of their neighborhood spa.

Massage Therapy

Massage has always been the favorite spa treatment for men. It gives them a chance to unwind, de-stress, and relax. Spas offer a wide range of massages, such as hot stone, sports massage, and deep tissue, which allows men to customize their massage according to their needs.

Manicures

Male nail grooming has become more important, as men regularly meet with clients, co-workers, and sales contacts. No one wants to close a deal with a guy who has dirt under his nails, unless he’s building you a house.

Waxing

The days of the uni-brow are over, which is evidenced by the fact that many electric trimmers now come standard with brow trimmers. An increasing number of men are visiting spas to remove the uni-brow, and then finding that a bit of brow grooming helps to polish the look. Why stop at brows? Many are signing up for a back wax, chest wax, or opting for laser hair removal.

Skincare

Most women will agree that men grow more handsome as they get older. However, many men would not agree, and they are always looking for ways to retain their youthful appearance. This is where the spa can help by offering skin treatments that improve hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, restore collagen, reduce the size of pores, and more!

Sauna

Few men visit the spa without going into the sauna. Before or after a treatment, the benefit of sweating out some toxins for a few minutes while breathing in the dry heat is a great addition to any trip to the spa.

Homecare

Shopping for personal care items can be confusing for a lot of men. A spa professional who is well trained will help both men and women to choose the correct products for their skin type. Men are usually overjoyed to learn that they can get all of their personal care items from one place, and with the help of an expert.

If the men in your life don’t go to spas, maybe now is the time to invite them to join you for your next visit. Start with a massage for two; that way, he will feel more comfortable, and enjoy the experience!

1. Smile More

Do more things that make you happy, whether it’s traveling, going for a monthly massage, having lunch with your friends, calling your mom, playing with your kids, horseback riding, or reading in the park on your lunch breaks. The point is to be more spontaneous with your time and enjoy life.

2. Make Your Own Diet Decisions

Start listening to your body and feeding it what it needs and wants. Drink more water, eat more vegetables, eat less meat, make more food at home. You’ll often find that when you stop focusing on losing weight and concentrate more on eating whole, natural foods, the weight will come off naturally.

3. Take More Naps

Research has shown that midday naps increase productivity and alertness. A 20- to 30-minute nap is ideal around 2:00 p.m. Just don’t forget to set an alarm!

4. Start Moving

Most people apply their makeup on the same way for years and some keep their makeup way too long thinking makeup has no expiration date. Instead you should update your look every season. Visit the spa, bring all your makeup and have them help you select a new look for you and decide which makeup items are good to keep and which to replace. Keep in mind that when you take care of your skin, your makeup will look much more natural! Get into the habit of receiving monthly facials and make sure you are always hydrating your skin with a great moisturizer.

5. Leave the Electronics at The Door

When was the last time you made it through a dinner without checking your cell phone? Discover how good you can make someone feel by turning off interruptions and giving them your complete attention. Treat yourself to the same thrill by powering down the phone for some quality “me time”.

6. Look Younger than Your Age

In addition to the high you get from accomplishing the above resolutions, regularly scheduled facials with your favorite esthetician will help boost your healthy glow and keep skin looking supple and youthful.

1. LBD Selection

A little black dress is a must for every woman’s wardrobe. Choosing one that can fit in at many different events over several years is easy if you know what to look for. Avoid trendy dresses that will go out of fashion in a couple of seasons; opt for more classic cuts and subtle fabrics that will last for years. Choose a style that flatters your body shape, whether that means a pencil skirt, a full skirt, a V-neck, etc. Avoid styles that you’re unlikely to wear in a few years or that aren’t as versatile, such as super-short dresses and strapless tops. Above all, choose a dress that makes you feel great; if it doesn’t, it will spend more time in your closet than out on the dance floor.

2. Pre-Party Skin Prep

Once you have your dress, you’ll want to make sure that your skin is looking its best when all of the cameras inevitably come out. A quick trip to the spa will get you party ready with a clarifying facial, body scrub and wrap. Remember to keep your skin moisturized throughout the season, paying special attention to hands and feet. Moisturizing manicures and pedicures with the addition of paraffin treatments go a long way in warding off dry, winter skin.

3. Eat First, Snack Less

It’s easy to find yourself overeating at a holiday party if you arrive hungry. Save yourself the empty calories by eating a healthy snack—or even dinner—before you leave the house. If you’re going to a potluck, be the person who brings a salad or fruit plate. If you must eat at the party, use small plates; fill up on vegetables; avoid dips and fried foods; and limit your desserts. Focus on socializing, not on hanging around the food table, and don’t feel guilty about saying no to a second helping.

4. Drink Moderately

Holiday parties are a festive atmosphere, usually with plenty of wine and spirits flowing freely. While it can be tempting to imbibe with reckless abandon when among friends and family, you usually feel a whole lot better in the morning if you monitor your alcohol intake—for both caloric and hangover reasons. If you’re watching calories, stay away from popular holiday drinks such as eggnog, hot buttered rum and white Russians. Stick with one to two glasses of wine or light beer and calorie-free beverages.

5. Stay Safe

It can’t be said enough that safety should be priority No. 1 year round, and especially around the holidays when so many people are traveling, celebrating and drinking more than usual. Always leave the house with a back-up plan in the event that you have too much to drink, whether it’s a designated driver, the number to a cab company, or a standing reservation on a friend’s couch.