Products, Stuff I Love & More...

Since I am not planning a trek for a while, I thought I'd let you in on some of my favorite spa-related goodies. Things I use when on the road, stuff I use when I'm home, and some things that are simply fun for travel. Or home. Or for traveling home. You get the idea.

Ever get stuck between flights or have an unexpectedly long lay-over between connections? Now, what if you're not a "special member" of those lounges available to certain clientele in airports and feel like your hair is gonna walk off by itself, it's that dirty or yucky-feeling?

You can't take a shower (don't even think of going for a "half-bath" in an airport sink!). Bathrooms and airports are kind of dicey, as is well-known by a certain footsie-playing politician. So what to do?

Never fear! Pretty Fly is here!

Besides having a catchy name, Pretty Fly is a very cool company that turned a home-grown concept into a smart little business venture. This little-engine-that-can, offers some relief to wallowing in your own crapulence, at least until your next shower.

Each little packet includes an "S.O.S." (single-servings of sanity) that includes a tiny square filled with an organic soap that contains organic extracts of aloe vera and orange oil, a restorative grapefruit-based dry shampoo (not like those old crappy ones), a delicious-smelling lime lip balm and a lemon zest lotion.

Now, the soap packet needs water for rinse-off, otherwise, everything else is self-explanatory and self-contained. Little packets, all are under the "magic" 3 oz. rule and terrific for quick clean-ups and refreshing tonics for your trip.

Check out the website and learn the great story about Pretty-Fly's creation. It's very inspirational. You're welcome.

Another great product is for those of us who like to ditch the shoes en-route, and relax in comfy socks. Well, I was just sent the most comfortable, slip-resistant "Bamboo ExerSocks" that are about ankle-high and eco-friendly! Win/Win!

Made from eco-friendly and sustainable bamboo (this stuff lasts forever!) these sox are the best thing that ever hit the yoga mat. Except those big balls. I like those. They're pretty.

And if you check the website for Crescent Moon Yoga, you will be happily surprised by the range and variety of casual things, great and small.

But I digress. These sox are so cozy I'm considering wearing them to bed (I get cold feet, sorry, it's one of those things) and probably whenever I don't feel like getting shod in the morning. This company has the greatest stuff for Yoga-lovers and even Yoga-likers. All their products can be used by "non-practioners" and personally, I'm into soft clothes, so this is my secret addiction.

Happy to share it. Just don't blame me if you over-spend. It's hard not to, this stuff is so cool, even the yoga mats!

Another favorite of mine is a company called Cactus & Ivy, and it has so many wonderful creams and lotions and moisturizers, you'll soon be awash in good-smelling notions and potions if you're at all like me. And it's cruelty-free, meaning NO animals were harmed in the production of the goods. That's very important to me, and I hope for you, too.

So there's a smattering of products that go along with me on my treks, and come home with me as well. This stuff is gooooood.

Especially if you like feeling clean, exfoliated and moisturized but can't afford a facial....

Native, Indigenous Treatments, Oh My!

Why am I so fascinated by the various Massage techniques floating around the world?

Maybe because it's my humble belief that the incredible power of touch transcends race, time, cultural history and theory.

Indians "discovered" Ayurvedic techniques, 5,000 years back, merely because it was a way of life. You don't feel good? Come here and let Gramma rub your tension away. Family members understood compassionate care before we even had a name for it. Touch therapy, kindness classes, re-connection, etc...all mean the same thing.

Touch makes us feel good, and educated touch leaves you in a relaxed state whose benefits may extend beyond the sauna and into the board room when you have to defend that unpopular proposal. Just stay centered with a good, cleansing breath.

Chakra, meridian, energy fields, whatever you deign to call them, they all mean the same thing: the interconnectedness of the physical and the spiritual can not be denied.

It's always been about melding the two into one peaceful entity. Feeling good, feeling centered and balanced...isn't that what it's all about? And if you stumble onto, or are led, to an amazing treatment or technique, keep going to that practitioner or have that same treatment somewhere else, then compare.

I know times are tight (believe me, I know) but there are ways around the dilemma of treating yourself and splurging on "unnecessary" treats. To me, massage is one of the most important aspects of living. Therefore, like a haircut, massage is a necessary part of my life that keeps me sane (or purports to!). Other ways around the expensive spas wil be revealed....next post....

Something about the human touch just undoes me, even if I'm having a less-than-perfect experience, as happened recently when a fantastic session was marred by a too-long thumbnail.

It was still a wonderful session, and I will rave about it (after quietly mentioning the nail to a manager) to whomever will listen.

But first, in my quest to discover Native American treatments, I must again refer to
Bishop's Lodge, an historic site with indigenous treatments amid a gorgeous setting. In fact, I may report some specials to take advantage of, including that site's Valentine's Specials (check the website).

New Mexico has been in my dreams lately, as it remains one state I have always wanted to visit. Santa Fe is a no-brainer to me, and one of my favorite musical plays, "Rent," actually pays homage to in the line, "....let's open up a restaurant in.....Santa Fe...."
as if Santa Fe represents the last gasp of indivual freedom, creativity and passion. Hmm...does it? Or is that just an artist's pipe dream, so to speak?

But maybe not...for how to explain that light, those mountains, those ineffable moments of "other-worldliness" that has been documented. You think the mind-blowing sunsets and dramatic colors hanging in the sky are figments of a collective imagination?
I think not. Nor do all the artists who flock to this area feel this is a sham community, cynically based on gently removing tourists from their credit cards.

Want an explanation why Georgia O'Keefe and others of her ilk, were drawn to this stunning locale? Attracting tourism was more than likely the last thing on their minds when settling here.
But good things wil be spread, and fortunately, you don't have to be rich and famous to enjoy nature. My theory is that once artists were shown the light, so to speak, they had to stay.

I've seen pictures too, but can't wait to report on the actual Albuquerque and Santa Fe. What I can tell you about are some other wonderful places I've read and heard about and plan (ne day) to report fully on my experiences there.

In the meantime, scroll around for some off-season, terrific rates around town. I would start with the Santa Fe tourism agency in town, a repository of the great spas and the discounts therein.

In fact, check out their Santa Fe Spas Page for thorough details and websites of said properties and you're sure to find something within your budget (check the specials or ASK about them) and after all, you deserve it.

Now make some plans and maybe I'll see you in New Mexico.

My chakras are out of whack.