SPA Week: Massages, Energy Healings and Relaxation - Oh, My!

I’m running a marathon in less than a month, Gasp!, so when the lovely folks at Spa Week offered me the opportunity to indulge in a full body massage and energy healing I almost ran out the door - literally! Logging all these miles has been hard on my body and it definitely needs a little TLC.

Last week I visited The Steve Hightower Artists’ Salon in Buckhead, a luxury salon offering hair services; skin and body treatments; manicures and pedicures; laser hair therapy; extensions and more. I opted for a half-half deal - a 30 minute full body massage and a 30 minute energy healing.

David, my specialist, was phenomenal. I think he had magic in his hands. Seriously. He started with the massage and worked every kink out of my muscles. He paid extra attention to my feet, legs and hips - ahem - and refreshed them like I haven’t walked a mile.

Afterwards he started the energy healing - something I’ve never had before. If I wasn’t paying attention I might have mistaken it for a soft massage. It was subtle and equally relaxing. David told me he works with Chinese medicine, combining four different methodologies. He also likened it to acupuncture without the needles.

An hour later, I was sipping on a cool glass of water wishing I had a driver to take me home - yes, I was that relaxed! Fab-u-lous!

If you live in Atlanta Spa Week is taking place October 11-17. Not in the ATL? Spa Week is happening in several cities nationwide, you can learn more about it here.

Speaking of relaxing, I’m down in Miami this weekend at the Ritz-Carlton in Southbeach for The Blogalicious Weekend Conference. I’m speaking on The Chronicles of Fit Divas panel tomorrow with my BlogRollin’ partner, Christie, and the fabulous Barbara Gomez.

Yes, I’ve got my running shoes with me even though my foot’s still a little sore. A few miles on Southbeach just might be what the doctor ordered.

Winks & Smiles,

The massage and energy healing were complimentary, however my opinions and thoughts are all my own.

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My Escape to the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

After completing the longest run of my life, 14 miles, I was thrilled to head downtown to the Four Season Hotel Atlanta’s first Mommy Blogger Escape. From the moment I valet parked and was greeted by Spa Director Garth Mamicpic I instantly felt like I had been whisked-away on vacation. Garth breezed me through check-in and escorted me to the elevator so I could unwind for a few minutes in my room. I ended up here …



OK, so I got so relaxed that I didn’t take anymore videos, but I snapped lots of shots with my iPhone. Want to see?

My Room

It was divine. Spacious. Comfortable. Luxurious.

And, look! They left me goodies! A fabulous robe and other spa treats.

The view from my room

That evening me and seven other Atlanta bloggers were treated to drinks and appetizers in the kitchen at Park 75 while Sous Chef Tommy Greer showed us where all the magic happens. He even took us out to the roof to the restaurant’s organic garden and famous bee colonies. It was super special to see how they get it all done. Wait, did I just say super?

Look close! It's Husband's name

There's 120,000 Bees in there!

Next we were invited to taste “Savor The Summer,” Park 75’s new three-course menu featuring the three courses plus two glasses of wine. They’re so on top of everything. They gave us the opportunity to dine together or experience the meal in the comfort of our own room. We all choose to stay together and enjoy the atmosphere and good company.

I had House Made Lobster Ravioli, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank and, look, Stone Ground Park 75 Molten Lava Cake - Yum!

After dinner I couldn’t wait to try the Spa Bath they left for me.

Isn’t that fabulous? It had instructions and everything ... and, was a little slice of heaven – especially after 14 miles.

I also couldn’t wait to try out my new robe. Ahh …

The next morning we started off with a private, relaxing yoga session.

I’m soooo not flexible

Dawn our instructor was awesome

I definitely worked up an appetite and was happy to find myself sitting at Park 75 again. I’ve totally made friends with the chefs.

After breakfast I met my new best friend, Bertha, who tackled my toes. She had a huge task ahead of her and I wasn’t sure that 50 minutes would be enough time for a pedicure but let me tell you this woman was good. I’ve logged a lot of miles on my feet – on the road and the tennis court and she definitely hooked them up.

Before – Yikes

During – Whew!

After – Ahh!

For the rest of the morning we were given access to the fabulous spa and all of its amenities then wrapped up our escape with lunch by their indoor pool.

When it was time to go they sent us off with more treats including a gift for each of my children.

Candy and cookies

Personalized notes – they think of everything!

It took all I had not to leave kicking and screaming; I seriously considered hiding in the closet and staying another night but I’d like to be invited back one day. In fact, I plan on bringing Husband back one night soon to take part in this …

Thank you to the good folks at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta and everyone involved for this wonderful escape. If you're looking for your own getaway they have several specials including a "Mommy's Day Out Spa Package," you can learn more about here.

Now what in the world am I going to do after 15 miles?

Winks & Smiles,

The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta took care of my accomodations and provided special gifts however they did not pay for this post or my account of my stay. My thoughts and opinions are all mine.

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Pomaritas Anyone?

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey’s House

I like pomegranate juice. Who knew?

I didn’t. It’s always been one of those things I just assumed I didn’t like, so when the good folks at POM Wonderful offered to send me some I daringly said yes – and hoped that I would like it. And I did. Not just ‘cause I mixed it with tequila, ahem, but I drank it straight, too. And it was delightfully yummy.

Then I went to their website and saw a new study indicates the antioxidants found in Wonderful variety pomegranates can speed muscle recovery and reduce soreness after exercise and I was sold. It taste good and can help me in my quest to get fit and healthy – and it’s the bomb with tequila – yup, sounds like some super-juice to me.

Speaking of tequila, since it was Friday I decided to make a little drink for me and Husband with my new best friend POM Wonderful. I might as well be healthy while I’m indulging in a little weekend cocktail. Here’s how that went …



Husband liked it, too. I was really proud of my bartending skills because I normally stick to beer and wine, but this might be my new splurge-on-a-cheat-day specialty drink.

Here’s the Pomarita recipe I used from their website:

1 oz. freshly squeezed pomegranate juice* or POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
1 oz. tequila
1 oz. Cointreau (I used Triple Sec)
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
1/4 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved together in cold water)
Salt and lime for garnish (optional)

It was super easy. Just mix everything together with ice in a shaker and you’re good to go.

Thanks to lovely folks at POM Wonderful for introducing me to 100% pomegranate juice. I had no idea that I was missing out. Are you?

Winks & Smiles,

POM Wonderful sent me a case of 100% pomegranate juice but did not pay for this post or my opinion. My thoughts, likes and drink choices are all my own.

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While The Boys Are Away The Girls Will Play

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey’s House

After enjoying a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, and a much needed break the following day, we at Wifey’s House were up and into things again over the weekend. Yesterday, while Husband took Miles to see his first professional football game, Milan and I stayed behind to have a little Princess Tiana pamper party compliments of Carol’s Daughter.

Yes, I’m a football fanatic, too, but there were only two tickets to be had and Milan and I would rather pamper ourselves silly than scream at missed tackles and touchdowns. And that’s exactly what we did. Well, sort of. Milan got the best of this little spa day with some of the products from The Magical Beauty Collection by Carol’s Daughter celebrating Disney’s newest animated film, “The Princess and The Frog” and their first African American princess, Tiana.

Little girl was super excited to put on her new CD, “Disney The Princess and The Frog: Tiana and Her Princess Friends,” and get her hair washed and condition in a bubble bath using products with her favorite princess on the bottle. “I know her, Mommy,” she reminds me, and everyone else, that she and Princess Tiana are best buds.

I was super excited because of the natural ingredients and quality that’s synonymous with Carol’s Daughter products. And, I’m pleased to say The Magical Beauty Collection delivered. Each product features an inspirational message tying-in the values and lessons that Tiana learns in the movie. As a mom trying to instill high self-esteem and positive messages into the impressionable mind of a six year-old, I LOVE that. We tried the shampoo (The Beauty Within), the conditioner (Inner Shine) and the bubble bath (Sharing Means Caring). They all passed my little diva’s smell test (she won’t get near anything that is too fragrant or even mildly offensive) and mommy’s safe test (everything was natural, gentle and left her clean and happy).

Princess Milan after her day of pampering

We were having so much fun we decided to paint her nails ...

… and toes, too.

Miles at his first NFL football game

Husband and Miles at the Georgia Dome

Thanks to our good friend, Ron, for giving Husband and Miles the tickets to get out of the house so Milan and I could enjoy our princess time; and a special thanks to Carol’s Daughter for sending us The Magical Beauty Collection. Little girl is ready to make princess pampering part of her regular routine.

Winks & Smiles,

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The Secrets of Happy Families

I’m a sucker for a good self-help book. I love inspirational information that not only motivates me but is entertaining, too. So, when the good folks at Wiley offered to send me Dr. Scott Haltzman’s latest book, “The Secrets of Happy Families: Eight Keys to Building a Lifetime of Connection and Contentment,” I quickly said yes.

I first came across Dr. Haltzman when the title of one of his previous books jumped off the shelf at me in the bookstore – “The Secrets of Happily Married Women: How to Get More Out of Your Relationship by Doing Less.” Um, hello. Who doesn’t want that? I bought the book and reviewed it at Wifey’s House. Imagine my surprise when Dr. Haltzman left a comment on my blog after a positive but critical review. He was extremely gracious and since then has been very supportive of my book and writing endeavors.

Dr. Haltzman struck gold again with the “The Secrets of Happy Families.” The book offers Dr. Haltzman’s professional insight as well as results from a 1,266 person survey where men and women reveal their family secrets on topics from sex to childcare. One of the things that resonated with me the most in the book was in Secret 1: Happy Families … Stick Together where he discussed defining and setting your family values.

Values. We all have them, but how often do we actually think about them or more importantly live by them. Do we say one thing but do another? The chapter opens offering the dilemma of a 13 year-old child encouraging his mother to buy him a 12 and under ticket to save money. Hmm. Such a common situation that often seems harmless, but is it? If we save a few bucks are our children learning that money is more important than honesty? I’m not preaching folks and I plead the fifth about my first trip to the Georgia Aquarium – my daughter really was two, ahem – but I think the chapter raises interesting points that often go over looked. It’s spawned me to think about my family values and I challenge you to do the same.

Have you ever taken the time to define your family values? And, are you on the same page with your spouse? Wondering wives want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

"The Secrets of Happy Families" is available here and at local bookstores.

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America I AM ... Awesome

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey's House

Last Saturday I was invited by the fabulous Renee Ross from Cutie Booty Cakes and her friends at WalMart to experience America I AM: The African American Imprint, a touring exhibition presented by broadcaster Tavis Smiley that celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contributions to this country, and oh what an experience it was.



In one word it was awesome. In many it was educational, inspiring, beautiful, emotional, uplifting, breathtaking, eyeopening and impeccably produced.

The exhibition consists of twelve galleries encompassing about 15, 000 square feet that takes visitors through a journey from struggle to triumph to celebration. It includes a wide variety of more than 200 artifacts that are simply amazing to see including dungeon doors from Cape Coast Castle (where captive Africans were housed awaiting slave ships in Ghana), Rosa Parks' fingerprint card, Muhammad Ali's robe from his famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight and Prince's guitar he played during the half-time show of Super Bowl XLI.

I left the exhibition feeling proud, inspired and wanting to see more. America I AM is a must see for everyone. It's not only Black history, it's American history and offers a wonderful experience for adults and children of all races. Atlanta is the second stop on the exhibition's 10-city, four-year tour. Visit AmericaIAM.org to see when it comes to a city near you.

Winks & Smiles,

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