Re-examining an old blog

I've been on a break from this blog. Every since I changed my spa booking database and changed my website that now includes it's own blog.

Since then this blog has sat quietly, waiting for me to revisit it. And here I am.

I've been wondering what to with this blog. I've proud of the work I put into it. Watching it become a more consistent work. But I don't need to use this as a business blog - since I have one connected to the biz site at www.tuscanyskinspa.com.  Wondering what to do with this one.

I've decided it's a great place to test out my ideas. Share ideas that aren't fully formed. Test out new styles. Or more importantly, a place to challenge myself to write daily. And to put it out in the universe.

What's going on today?

My staff and clients are still giving my side-eye glances when asking about my Christmas decorations. In the middle of a hot July day. It amuses me that we're celebrating Christmas in July just like our Australia friends. We've certainly gotten attention. But it makes me chuckle. And I'm not taking it down until the 30th.

So while I'm on vacation next week my spa team has to field the questions "why is your spa decorated for Christmas?" and "did you forget to take your decorations down?"

I'm off to my annual Comic Con San Diego trip with my hubby. Have been looking at the schedule of panels. Marking my choices. Fighting with the comic-con app...again. And writing up our shopping list.

We've learned from previous cons that a meal made up of water, beef jerky, cheese sticks and goldfish crackers is equivalent to injesting a cork. And it took another week to sort the body out.

Now we bring sliced apples, carrots, instant oatmeal (for early morning or late evening hunger pangs) and peanut butter sandwiches. A better balance when combined with the above "cork diet".

Haven't yet gone through my clothing. But Monday is set aside for that. And getting a body dip waxing  - full leg, high bikini and underarm, to be summer time smooth.

This year also going in for a lash lift and tint. The lift gives the lashes a longer, more dramatic look. The tint means I don't need mascara to make the eyes stand out. And as I've gotten older I'm finding *gasp* white lashes.

Already have by new running shoes - purchased and broken in. Nope, not running anywhere. I have no need to run. I have no natural predators. But running shoes are the right foot gear when you may do 20,000 steps in one day. (My feet were bruised the year I did THAT much walking. Going to plan better this year.)

This was a ramble. True. But I've gotta start somewhere. So I'm starting my old biz blog with my plans for vacation.


I see my client down the street. Gotta run and get back to work. Good thing I love my job. Makes the day go by faster. Have a lovely week.

Michelle of Tuscany Spa

Cheers

 

2 changes at Tuscany Spa for the best results

David Bowie's  "Cha - cha - cha - changes" trips through my head as I update this blog. I will be on a hiatus for  a bit. We are going through some exciting changes at Tuscany Spa. And, naturally, I am leading the charge.

Overhaul the existing Database

Our current spa database has served us well for more than a decade. At the time we implemented it was ahead of the curve. But they havent kept up with the changes. So now we need to move on.

Bringing in a new Spa Database system

The new database will serve you much better. Online booking will be simpler. You'll be able to repurchase your skin and body care produts online. This blog will be directly linked to our website. And it will make your spa experience smoother than ever with the simpler check out process. (That is after all of us learn and become familiar with it. Thank you in advance for your patience. I have faith we will be rocking on our new system pretty quickly. Go TEAM TUSCANY)


Getting a new website too

Thank you to Erin for all her work on setting up and updated the website. We are focused on making is simpler, straight-forward. When the new website goes live, Erin and I would like your feedback. So we can continue to make it better.

My staff is here to help

Since I am in charge of setting up the new database, my client hours will be reduced. It will make it harder to book with me for the next month. (I am hoping it wont take longer than that. Keep your fingers crossed for me.)

If you need skincare services, our newest team member Diana is an incredible and experienced esthetician. You will be in good hands. And Alison, our RN/Esthetician is also available.

In with the new

I am off to work with the onboarding team for our new database. Send me some positive energy. I am already fighting my perfectionist tendencies. Ugh. Had a call from the database rep, telling me "I am doing fine" and "the onboarding team is going to love me." Sweet of him to try to talk me off my perfectionist ledge.

2 Big Changes

With 2 new technologies in progress at the spa (website and spa database), there are a lot of changes. But we are excited that this will serve you better. And keeping you, my incredible client, happy is what it is all about.

What changes would you like us to make at Tuscany Spa? What would make your life easier? Are there any tricks you've seen at other spa and salons that you think we should consider? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.

I will be back to the blog as soon as possible. Have a great week.
Michelle

The WHAT!?! Facial trend

Why being on the latest trend is NOT the best skincare for you

(Note: if you have a sensitive stomach, do Not read this before or directly after a meal.)

Sometimes I can't believe what I hear. Say THAT again?

If it's the latest trend in facial does that mean YOU should do it?

Ok. That's a trick question. I have seen trends come and go. Some had the research and results to prove their worth. Others were just catchy titles or bizarre ideas that weren't worth the time or money.

What is the latest facial trend?


Semen facials.



Say WHAT?!?

That's right. This bizarre, and rather disgusting, idea by Tracy Kiss is that semen facials helps keep her skin young and soft.  Can I just say "yeuch".

There are some proteins and enzymes in semen.  But in such tiny amounts it doesn't do any good for your skin. Nada. Nothing.

On instagram Ms Kiss states she wants to " break down the taboos of society and embrace a more natural, organic and clean way of living." Clean? Organic? It certainly is natural but so is poison ivy and you don't see me putting THAT on my skin. 

You want proteins and enzymes in your skincare?

Then I agree with Rachel Kruse of Stylecaster - buy a skincare serum from the store. It will contain active ingredients and more of them, and will actually work to improve your skin. Big plus - it will be completely missing the gross-out factor. (I mean really, the ick-factor alone.)

There are a lot of trends in skincare. This is NOT one to follow.

Want to gross out your friends and family? Here is more Tracy Kiss' with Semen on her face.

(Hey, you and your sweetheart can do whatever kinky thing you want. I don't judge. And I'm happy not knowing about it either.)

If you want to find out what is the best treatment for your skin or tips on effective at-home facials, schedule your facial treatment at TuscanySkinSpa.com.

And for info on our Facials also check out Anti-Aging, O2 Brightening and Lunchtime Peel treatments.

What fad facial have you tried? Why did you try it? Was it helful? Would you do that fad facial again or recommend it? 

Have a great weekend,
Michelle G. Lathe, L.E. (still recovering from this video. Yuck. DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME)

How to improve relaxation with fascinating, unique sounds

Want Better Sleep and Relaxation? Try this. 

What sounds do you find soothing? What sounds help you sleep? 

The Best antiaging treatment that will leave you glowing

Anti-Aging Treatments, this is your 1st step.

Your 1st step in anti-aging facial treatments 

Oldie but a Goodie

Tidying up old brochures I picked up one I had created for our Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment.  Looking it over I realized that fancy laser treatments get more media attention these days but a Microdermabrasion still delivers immediate results without a scary healing stage.

Start your anti-aging HERE

Dr. H. Lancer recommends Microdermabrasion as the 1st step towards Anti-Aging & Recapturing your skins youth. Microdermabrasion followed by peels, are his top 2 got-to anti-aging treatments. He suggests having these treatments BEFORE getting Lasers and fillers.

Trained by leading Dermatologist

When Microdermabrasion launched onto the skincare scene, Hermina and I were trained by Dr. Moy. His specialty treatment was quite the rage and included a standard chemical peel after Microdermabrasion.

Nurse Debbie performed the Dr Moy method on me and we were impressed.  (But not so thrilled that the Moy method made me scary to small children for a week...I peeled like a snake.)

Created our own complete facial treatment

In creating our Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment we started with the Moy method then transformed it into our own:

4 Element Complete Microdermabrasion Facial

Our Tuscany Spa 4 element Microdermabrasion facial includes:

• Surface Exfoliation and smoothing with Microdermabrasion, 
• Deep Exfoliating Rejuvenation with custom chosen (non-scary) peel, 
• Deep pore cleansing to clearing out congestion and acne, 
• and Intense Hydrating Relaxation with a specialty mask and restorative massage.

The 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment is a 90 minute spa service that leaves your skin with a smoother, clearer, brighter appearance without irritation or excess redness.


You can go right back to work or pick up the kids, and everyone will comment on how good you look. We simply call it our MICRODERMABRASION FACIAL.

Tuscany Spa's Complete Facial Treatment. Unlike anything you've had before. You gotta try it

Your skin continues to improve over the next 3 to 5 days.

Another benefit of our 4 element microdermabrasion facial is that your skin will continue to rejuvenate over the next 3 days. This treatment stimulates the skins natural repair response. It helps your skin look firmer and nearly flawless by triggering the inflammatory cascade. This means the next 3 to 5 days the skins healing process continues to create additional improvement in your skins appearance.

"When you apply your makeup 3 days after our 4 element microdermabrasion treatment, you'll notice your foundation applies better and smoother. Seriously, you can see the difference in your skin for yourself." Michelle G. Lathe

After your 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial I recommend that you "treat your skin as if you've had a sunburn." Which means to me to be gentle and kind to your skin; avoiding anything that would inflame or irritate a sunburn such as heat, rubbing, exfoliation and especially, scrubs.

(Find out what happens when post-care explanation were NOT followed by Senseless Susie. Truth is stranger, and stupider, than fiction.) 

3 simple steps for best results after your microdermabrasion 

1. use a recommended gentle cleanser,

2. use the recommended moisturizer,

3. use sunscreen.

There are also 3 important things you need to avoid. Get details in the next post: "How to get the best results after your microdermabrasion".

Yes this is a great treatment! And yes,  I've seen outstanding results; especially with severe acne scarring, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles,including around the mouth.

Time to get YOUR 4 Element Microdermabrasion

If you are ready to get our 90 minute 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment make your appointment today online or by phone. Your skincare specialist will analyse your skin and determine the perfect treatment for you. 

Have you had a Microdermabrasion before? What did you like? What would have made it better? And have you had our 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment? I look forward your feedback.

Michelle G. Lathe, L. E.

PS: Looking for a laugh, then check out the absurd true-story about Senseless Susie. It is an estheticians tale of  "what NOT to do".  

How to NOT hurt your skin after awesome facials

Next weeks post is about one of my favorite services - our Microdermabrasion Facial treatment. There is so much to love about: Immediate Results; No Downtime; Can go right back to your life and work; And 1st step in an anti-aging arsenal. 

But as I was writing about the joys of Microderm I remembered one HORROR that I experienced: my run-in with "Senseless Susie." This is my cautionary tale of  how NOT to be a "Senseless Susie" and destroy your skin.

Perhaps it was my mistake all along. Read the tale and make up your own mind as to who REALLY made the error.

Friday Fun - Your fabulous 5 for a better TurkeyDay

Enjoy Your Entertaining Weekend Round-Up: 

Multi-tasking at work has been a bit hectic. Gearing up for our Thanksgiving week sale, working with (really wonderful) clients AND planning for a 5 day trip to the in-laws. 

I need a bit of down time - so this gal treated herself to some quiet reading. (Especially now that I have my little reading/writing nook in the dining room. Thanks to my awesome hubby for all his help.) 

Found some delightful tidbits you'll enjoy. Plus anything to help keep us sane this Thanksgiving week. 

Reduce Holiday Stress with Amazing Gifts of Affordable Luxury

Quick and Easy Gift Giving from Tuscany Spa

We recently had our pre- holiday spa brainstorm gathering. I am lucky to work with such wonderful people. Several great ideas came up that you will love including easy gift giving, an insanely good sale and easy online shopping. Plus our holiday hours are at the bottom of this post.

We will be updating this on our website. But YOU lucky reader get the deets first.

NEWS FLASH: Coffee addicts enabled at Tuscany Spa

Run for your lives, I've got NaBloPoMo...AGAIN

Started NaBloPoMo again. No, it's not a disease. Though I might be accused of insanity. It is a November daily writing challenge "National Blog Post Month" by BlogHer.com. 

Some of you may remember I tried this last year. It was interesting. Encouraged me to expand and share personal opinions. It didn't cause the blog, or spa, to implode. So I am up to my old tricks. 

Joy and struggles after 10 years of spa bliss

Flyer Tuscany Spa #10YrSpa event

ONLY 3 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE FESTIVITIES

Today, we were doing our last minute planning for this Saturdays 10 year anniversary party and fundraiser for our local chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities. At first I couldn't believe that much time had passed.

My sister and I went over the time line and realized she was not yet pregnant with my delightful 8 year old nephew when she helped set up our Grand Opening. We checked our grand opening invitation and sure enough we had our grand opening on Oct 8th 2005.

WE'VE BEEN IN MONTROSE FOR 10 YEARS!

Invitation To Tuscany Spa Grand Opening and fundraiser on Oct 8th 2005

Thanks for the great feedback

Your feedback helps us serve you better. Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement and helpful suggestions. Keep them coming.

Here are a couple of our most recent ones on Yelp. We are just tickled pink by your words.

• Cejae R.

8/27/2015 

I injured my back in July 2014 and had been undergoing chiropractic treatment.  I was also going regularly to a massage therapist for treatment.  In November 2014, I had to find a new massage therapist.  I found Tuscany Spa on the internet and called them.  I was able to get in the same day.  There was a question on the form that I needed to fill out which asked what was my long term goal in seeking massage therapy.  I sarcastically answered "no pain".  Well, after going for regular massages, I woke up one day in January 2015 with no pain.  Erin is the massage therapist there and really knows what she is doing.  She is very familiar with anatomy and finds the underlying issues as to what is causing the pain.  They now have a Zone Massage Program, which is perfect for people like me who have a chronic back problem and need to go regularly for massage therapy and to target certain areas that are causing pain.  Erin has been a lifesaver for me.  The staff are very courteous and the facilities are very clean, with a relaxing atmosphere.  I would highly recommend Erin at Tuscany Spa to anyone.

For more information on the ZONE MASSAGE PROGRAM check out this post.

• Ani E.

7/31/2015 

I found this little gem back in 2009 and I don't think I can convey enough how much I adore this place and the staff. Michelle is truthfully a delight to be around and when it comes to problematic skin issues, she is the most patient/caring/tentative/knowledgeable person you could go to! I have spent endless money on visits to the derm, only to have little to no results in comparison to spending a fraction of that with Michelle and having her stay late at night to accommodate my schedule to perform an emergency facial that I requested. She will take time to talk to you, listen to you and really find a solution to your problem. She isn't pushy with her products, but will suggest what you need based upon what you tell her and she will go the extra mile to do research on the products you currently are using and others that she may not even carry that could be beneficial to you. I honestly could go on for another ten paragraphs on how great this place is, but truthfully you would need to see it for yourself to really grasp the reality of it. All in all, I would give this place six stars if possible. Thank you Tuscany Spa!

Thanks Ani. I think you are rather awesome yourself.

To book your facial appointment call 818-248-5500 or book online at www.tuscanyskinspa.com

We would love to hear from you. Please let us know when you post a review.

Michelle Lathe 

What do YOU want to know? 9 Questions to get you brainstorming

Thanks for being a VIP and improving our blog with your ideas.

This past year I have blogged about skincare, bodycare and wellness topics that had come up at the spa. But I recently heard a criticism that I "didnt need to blog anymore about sunscreen". Although I may never completely stop blogging about SPF (my hubby continues to claim that I am addicted to sunscreen) I am interested in learning what topics are of interest to YOU.

Below are a few questions to get you started. Please answer those questions that interest you and share your ideas to improve and update this blog.

Moms 3 life lessons to be a better person

Our moms do so much for us and this mothers day is one day we set aside to recognize them. Mom gets to be pampered, take the day off and get showered with love. 

It's easy to #PamperMom when you buy a Tuscany Spa Gift card ONLINE

Some of us are lucky to have our moms be our mentors as well. When I became an esthetician, following in moms footsteps, she was my greatest supporter and wonderful mentor.

There were 3 important lessons I learned from my mom when I started out as an esthetican. These 3 lessons guided me well in my new career and are powerful lessons for life.

Be Brutally Honest

Of course we believe in honesty. But how many of you have refused to sell over $200 worth of products to a client because they were the wrong products for the clients skin. My mom does this frequently and everyone loves her for it. Having our clients use the right skincare products often translates into fewer, less expensive products for them with real results.

Trust Yourself

Giving a 100 % as an esthetician was always a given for me. But as a new graduate I was terrified I'd make a mistake like spilling a full bowl of cleansing water all over the floor, narrowly missing soaking my client. When I actually did that my mom was calm and supportive and the client and I got to laugh about that incident for years. The only way to get over newbie anxiety - trust myself and just give it a go because a part of learning is putting that knowledge into action

Can't Please Everyone

The old adage is you cant please all of the people all of the time. Mom told me even if I give 120% I am not going to connect with every potential client I meet. It is a hard truth that applies to the beauty industry and to life. So as long as I do my best, stay true to myself and be honest with others the only other thing to do is to wish them well as they go on their way. But the positive in this is I have formed amazing, inspiring and long-lasting relationships with some incredible people I am blessed to call "clients".

This mothers day remember all that mom has taught you and say "Thanks". But don't forget to give her a wonderful day off so she can pamper herself.

So how are YOU going to Pamper mom? Share your plans and ideas with the hashtag #PamperMom.

Michelle G. Lathe, L.E.

Buy mom a Tuscany Spa Gift Card of $100 or more and Get a $10 coupon to use on yourself. That is my mom in the photos, in case you were wondering. MGL

How do you celebrate St. Patricks day?

Today is St Patricks day and our founder Herminas' Birthday. While we are searching our closets for something green here are a few points about St. Patrick, plus a something about Hermina you may not have known.

Can you see your mom being a good journalist?

Women have exploded onto the blogosphere. According to a 2012 Forbes article there were 18.9 million women bloggers. Women have turned blogging into a career. Pioneer woman turned her blog to a successful foodnetwork show.  But the question put to me by Blogher's NaBloPoMo prompt is "Why (or why not)  do you think women make good journalists?"

4 ways to bring beautiful art into your life!

INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART

Saturday January 31st is "Inspire Your Heart with Art" day. This wonderful unofficial holiday celebrates art and its impact in your life. The great thing about art is that it comes in many forms. Here are 4 ways you can get involved and bring beautiful art in your life. 

Pompeii Jewelry Exhibit 12-31-14

CREATE, ADMIRE, INSPIRE AND SHARE.

1. Create 

You don't need to be an artist to have fun creating art. You can get your friends or the kids in your life involved too. Craft a card, make a sculpture, paint a picture or create beautiful photographs. 

2. Admire 

There are many types of art and we have a wide variety of museums, playhouses and musical venues in Los Angeles. I liked the Pompeii exhibit at California Science Center. Which ones are your favorite?

3. Inspire

Inspire someone else's heart. Share your art creations, have them join you at your favorite show or take a walk together around the neighbourhood and photograph the public art and architecture.

4. Share

We forget how much art exists in Los Angeles so lets share inspire each other. Share your pics on instagram this week and #inspireyourheartwithart. 

Local Montrose art near Tuscany Spa

All of us at #tuscanyskinspa are looking forward to seeing your pics.  Follow us on Instagram @tuscanyskinspa. 

So how did you Inspire your Heart with Art this Week? 
Michelle