Yes, it is time to reveal of little secrets and defend our guilty pleasures. A sinful chocolate brownie, Asian buffets, a terrible pop tune, romantic-comedies or the reality show Jersey Shore, are all certifiable guilty pleasures. A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilty for enjoying it. If every Monday night you have your television programmed to tape The Bachelor or every time in the car you find yourself belting out a cheesy 80s song, don’t feel embarrassed.

A recent conversation with my boyfriend got me questioning why I love reality television so much. He had trouble understanding why I revelled in the drama of others and despite my efforts at trying to explain it to him, all I could really say is “it’s so bad, it’s good”. It sounds absurd but in fact is so true.

I firmly believe that the juicy drama on television these days can help get your mind off the little dramas in your own life. I admit that much of what is on television is outrageously ridiculous but it is undoubtedly entertaining. If it is pleasurable and gets your mind off the stresses in your life for a moment, be it the three minutes of a song, the delectable bites of a piece of pie or the hour of drama on television, then so be it. You are entitled to some pleasures, no matter how embarrassing they may be.

After a long day, feeding our little guilty pleasures can be the best thing we can do for ourselves as they help us laugh and unwind. People flooded with their busy lives tend to turn to prescriptions and pills to help manage high stress levels, which is where guilty pleasures can swoop in and act as your best friend. We need to take care of ourselves and despite how shameful our pleasures may be, it is how they make us feel that is of priority. It seems so easy to get lost in the anxieties of a job, school, family and friends but we must make a conscious effort to take a little time to do indulge in our pleasures, even though we may feel a wee-bit embarrassed. The reward of feeling good is like no other.

Sabrina Giancioppi
Concordia University Student
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

“Self-help” has become a popular motto in the last decade that has sparked thousands of books to emerge advising us on how to improve our lives economically, intellectually, and emotionally. Let’s face it; we can always use a little know-how or positive thinking from published professionals. But with all this “self-help” advice around, I can’t help ask myself: “when did living become so difficult?”

Self-help books can sometimes be stereotyped as corny psycho-babble books that cater only to middle aged women. However, self-help and self-improvement books suggest that there are loads of issues like self esteem, anger, anxiety, stress, time management, marriage, love, relationships, family, and happiness that we all deal with on a day-to-day basis. I, myself was always a little hesitant to pick up a “self-help” book because I was skeptical of the information, assuming it to be a little ridiculous and redundant. I was not impressed! Even the hype built up around Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret or Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now could not get me to pick up a copy.

All this changed when I was introduced to Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. Having sold almost 4 million copies, been featured on Oprah, and been on the New York Times Bestsellers list for four years, this tiny little book packs quite a punch. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the book offers four agreements that are simple and can transform our lives into a new experience of effectiveness, balance and self-supporting behaviour.

The four agreements are:

1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.

The following is a review written on Accomplishlife.com by Mark Machaalani which I truly agree with, “The agreements themselves may indeed seem basic and some what common knowledge, yet it is the way that Miguel energetically conveys to us the meanings behind these agreements, which is indeed outstanding. He is able to transform four basic concepts of life into a foundation on which we should build upon in search of happiness. It’s the how and why one should do these things that make The Four Agreements worth reading and remembering.”

The next time you find yourself at a bookstore, pick up a copy of Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, I promise it will change your perspective on self-help books, and on life.

Sabrina Giancioppi
Concordia University Student
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

Who really feels like hitting the gym or going for a run after a long day at work or school? What if there were a way to incorporate exercise and relaxation?  Taking time out of our hyper schedules seems impossible and working out often comes in last place on the to-do list. However, I believe there is an alternate solution that will turn the dreaded idea of exercising into a number one priority!

Taking an Introduction to Hinduism class in my first semester at Concordia, I acquired an in-depth understanding of the traditional practices of Yoga, and at that moment realized that every woman should do yoga exercise. The word “yoga” has many different meanings such as “to control” and “to unite” which is exactly what happens during yoga exercise. The yoga class that I attended exposed exercise in a new light. I must admit, I was a little nervous. I felt like I would look silly doing the movements because flexibility is not my friend. However, I was determined to go with the flow and within the first couple of minutes, I felt comfortable.  I quickly realized it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are because yoga stretches adjust to your body’s capabilities. I remember letting out a huge sigh of relief as both my physical body and my inner self/soul relaxed in unison. In an instant, the built up stress from a day of school, work and traffic had disappeared.

Exercising should not be looked at as a chore. Yoga redefines exercise and turns it into a more meaningful experience. It is less strenuous and involves more than just sweating and calorie burning. Yoga is a two in one exercise. You focus on your breathing and become more conscious of your posture while simultaneously stretching and burning fat .The chance it gives to women to just be alone, them and their bodies, is so necessary especially is our busy stricken lives where there exists so much disconnection with our inner selves. You do not have to be flexible to do and enjoy yoga and if you do not feel comfortable joining a class, you can bring yoga exercise into the comfort of your own home. Find the time to do some yoga and regain control of your body. No matter how busy your lifestyle gets, know that you have an activity that is just for you; no paper deadlines, no schedules, no stress…just you and your body.

The benefits of yoga can be felt at work through reduced stress, anxiety and tension; as well as increased focus, concentration and efficiency. Yoga also works wonders on personal relationships by improving self-esteem and confidence. Let’s not forget the benefits of yoga to our body. Overall, yoga is a great way to enhance physical health, improve the immune system and counter the effects of aging. For more information, Yoga Montréal.com is a great website detailing the different types of yoga exercise and providing information on local yoga classes.

Imagine the lifestyle you could lead by making yoga exercise part of your daily lives!

Sabrina Giancioppi
Concordia University Student
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

Don’t give me that look! We all make them… and we all break them! But every once and a while, some of us actually succeed and make ourselves very proud. Most recently, I achieved a new year’s resolution that I have been setting for myself for the past 10 years: to stop biting my nails. Hey, better late than never, right?

And if we can do something, anything, to make ourselves lead healthier lives, so be it!

So, in the spirit of the new year, I have adressed a list of the most common health related new year’s resolutions, as well as some reasons why this year should be “the” year! (Just to help you get motivated).

1- Quit smoking: Besides the obvious health reasons, you’ll also save tons of money, enjoy a more restful sleep, have more fun in bed (I’m not referring to the sleep part here, if you know what I mean), have brighter looking teeth, enjoy a heightened sense of taste and smell, be more productive at work, and avoid getting wrinkly fast! Wooooof, now that’s alot of reasons…and I’ve barely gotten started!

2- Loose weight: Now here’s a funny thought – Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year’s resolution. That may be the clever opinion of comedian Jay Leno, but something tells me it’s not quite that simple. If you are overweight based on your height and age, and you want to lose weight, then stick to it! Getting to your healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases and other serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, varicose veins, breast, endometrial, prostate, and colon cancers, arthritis, gallbladder disease, rashes and other skin abnormalities such as warts.

3- Get fit: It’s no wonder gyms get a spike in sales in January. This is one of our favorite new year’s resolutions. But most of us get bored and stop going once we’ve lost the few extra pounds put on by Christmas over-indulgance. My only advice here is to remember that the gym is not the only way to stay fit. Try regular sports with friends, yoga, thai chi or even ballroom dancing. Anything that keeps you active, keeps you healthy.

4- Eat healthier: This one is not brain surgery. Don’t waste your time with those “crash” diets. Just throw out the pop, chips, candy and excessive desserts. Stick to the 5 food groups recommended by Health Canada – and remember, coffee and a pack of smokes is NOT a food group!

5- Enjoy life more: Now here is a resolution for your spiritual health. Rekindle past friendships, think positively, choose books instead of TV, build snowmen instead of hibernating, etc. Simply put – If it’s good for your mind, it’s good for your body. Yuuup.

For those of you who will break your new year’s resolutions this year, hey that’s ok, don’t bring yourself down. But for those of you who have the courage and determination to stick it through, kudos to you…please write to us next year and teach us how it’s done!

I will end this blogpost with some words of wisdom from a gal we all know (Oprah Winfrey – not to name names): “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right!”

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- The tea kettle, although up to its neck in hot water, continues to sing.

Rigorously conducted research at the Institute of HeartMath shows that the heart receives and responds to intuitive information before the brain does. Their research shows that the heart first receives an intuitive signal then sends it to the brain, and lastly the body responds (the gut). This heart-brain system allows the heart to process information and make complex decisions independent of the brain and central nervous system. Their research also shows that the heart has access to a field of information not bound by space or time. Fascinating.  In my recent conversation with Dr. McCraty on Heart Beat he explained that the heart is our ” primary access point to our larger selves ” (also referred to as higher self/soul/spirit/ greater consciousness), known as our heart intelligence.  He went on to explain that  ” we perceive what we attend to” and made the crucial point that it is important to notice where our attention is going, suggesting that if we pay attention to our heart we will notice the intuitive signals it is receiving. When we pay attention to our heart  we will be able to connect with this heart intelligence that is available to each one of us.   How this month can you pay more attention to your heart and listen to its signals? What might you do to hear the intuitive messages being received in your heart?   This month you can start to take notice of your heart by taking the following steps:

1. First and most importantly acknowledge your heart as the access point for your unique own intelligence (beyond your mental intelligence) and knowing.

2. Put your hand on your heart and connect with your heart by placing your attention there.

3. Invite a feeling a positive emotion into your being, love or gratitude or appreciation (through a memory or thought of a person, animal, place or thing)

4. Feel the resonance of this heart vibration you are generating through this positive emotion and notice how it feels in your body and around your heart.

5. Take this state of being with you into your day for as long as it feels genuine and come back to this practice whenever you like.

Julie L. Cusmariu
Intuitive Consultant, Certified Life Coach, Creator & Host of Heart Beat internet radio
Using your intuition to live an inspired life
www.juliecusmariu.com
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/heart-beat
(514)849-5761

Tune in to Heart Beat each Wednesday at 4pm EDT or listen through the archives http://www.juliecusmariu.com/blog/radio-show-archives/ and listen to conversations with guests such as Bruce Lipton, Ph.D, Byron Katie, Dr. Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, Dr. Judith Orloff and more..

Want to connect to your intuition? Check out my new audio meditations for download

Day spa treatments and Resort spas are quite simply a great escape! Spas are more than just luxurious treatments. Pampering yourself is a means to a better life, a more positive attitude and a healthier body and mind.

Spas are more popular than ever before, but even more interesting is that people are making visits to the spa a regular part of their weekly routine. What’s so beneficial about it all and why do people love spas so much? Lets take a look.

Facial Treatments

Probably one of the more popular treatments, people love to make their way to a spa and have facial therapy. With current day to day life things can get very strenuous, as well as this a huge range of factors such as sun, smoke and alcohol all make the skin look frail and old. Facial treatment allows your pores to be cleaned and opened so that you can effectively have a clearer complexion.

Massages

The art of massage is really a philosophy of how to center your life and put it in balance. You never want a massage to end. There are so many different benefits that can come from a massage such as loosening muscles or getting rid of pains and most importantly it helps the body circulate and function better.

Wraps

After a nice massage what can be better than having a fabulous body wrap? Just as you would get benefits from a facial, you would also get the same if not better from a body wrap and you may also feel other benefits such as weight loss and a more clear mentality in your psyche because of that.

If you haven’t already had your spa break this week, then you are missing out. Do not wait any longer! Visit the Findsalonspa.com online store today to check out our fabulous spa promotions and save 50% off on gift certificates to spas and salons in your area.

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

The Swedish massage is the most common type of massage in North America and is considered to be the foundation for many other types of massages such as Deep Tissue massage, Sports Therapy massage, and Aromatherapy massage. The Swedish massage uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and promote relaxation.

But with the words SWEDISH MASSAGE plastered in spas and massage therapy clinics throughout North America, I could not help but wonder: Why is it called the Swedish massage? And what is so Swedish about this massage?

My research quickly pointed to Psychologist Pehr Henrik Ling (1776-1839) who is thought to have pioneered this type of therapy at the University of Stockholm in 1812.

It seemed to be a simple answer to a simple question – until I started finding articles from researchers and comments from Swedish bloggers discrediting Pehr Henrik Ling as the creator of the Swedish massage. I quickly realized that there is much debate as to the history and development of Swedish massage therapy.

Pehr Henrik Ling founded the Royal Central Gymnastic Institute where he taught what he coined as the “Swedish Movement System”. Massage was only a small portion of the physical therapy techniques he promoted. Some say that Pehr Henrik Ling mistakenly received credit because somehow his teachings were later misunderstood as the “Swedish Massage System”. However, the French terms – effleurage, pétrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration that are used in Swedish Massage Therapy were never used by Pehr Henrik Ling or by any of his successors. Instead, the Dutch Physician, Johann Mezger (1838-1909) is generally credited as the person who adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes used in Swedish massage therapy today.

In reality, “Swedish massage” is an American expression. In Europe, this same technique is known as “Classic massage”. This difference evolved after Dr. George Taylor and Dr. Charles Taylor, two brothers who had studied in Sweden, brought this technique to the United States in 1854. The technique was very popular and spread quickly, with the term “Swedish massage” sticking.

This said, some believe that the origins of the Swedish massage date back as early as four thousand years ago. With writings on massage traced back to ancient China, Japan, India, Egypt, Greece and Rome, one sole person can not be coined as the inventor of the Swedish massage. In other words, the Swedish massage practiced today is based on massage techniques from around the world that have evolved throughout the years.

So is the Swedish massage really from Sweden? Who cares!  All I know is that after a stressful week at the office, there is nothing that makes me unwind better than a Swedish massage.

The information in this article has been collected from various sources. Given the heated debate on the history of the Swedish massage, many contradictions exist in different sources. While this article is meant to be an introduction to the origins of the Swedish massage, it is in no way meant to be taken as a scholarly source.

Maggie Richardson
FindSalonSpa.com Blogger

- The tea kettle, although up to its neck in hot water, continues to sing.