Portland Here I Come

So it looks like I really will be visiting this wonderful city next month!

I'm excited because it's been a while since I've been to a real city (well, Tucson is, uh, small) and the opportunities todiscover amazing spas, some great hotels (always a favorite activity) and cuisine that's not based on beans and rice (not that there's anything wrong with that) sounds pretty good after suffering through a punishing summer here.

Turns out there's a Spa Chakra in the Avalon Hotel & Spa that's supposed to be heavenly. Sounds like my kind of place. And another visit to something sounding very European, Hotel Provenance group, should satisfy my French-fix (even if it is Italian, close enough!). It's called Hotel de Luxe and sure looks like my kind of vacay place.

We'll see. Lately, I have been thinking about what a spa experience should be like. And I decided to share some simple ways you can create the "spa ambience" right in your own home. Starting with aural selectivity. Talking about music. There's something about soft, no-words music that always relaxes me.

Just lisening to my "spa music" collection soothes my anxieties and eases any tension. It's almost hypnotic. And if you feel like indulging (alone or not), a few drops of essential oils (lavender and tree oil are among my faves) in a hot bath will feel like a small miracle.

One we all deserve.

So if you can't make it to a spa this month, treat yourself at home. Take care of yourself. Be gentle and forgiving. You're only human. And humans need gentleness in their lives. And the more kindness you give.....you know....

Not sure why this turned into a philosophical discourse, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Especially since I haven't been to a spa in....I don't know how long!

How many days to Portland?