Tips from Redken and FB Spa for happy hair services

Good communication with your stylist is essential for getting the color and cut you want. A few minutes of pre-salon prep can help you explain your goals, and ensure that your stylist understands your desired result. 

Things to know before you go:

1. Try to walk into the salon with your everyday "look," so your stylist can get a feel for what you're comfortable with. ~ And accustomed to.
   
2. If you have the time, do a little research into color science. Knowing the difference between terms like demi-permanent and permanent color can help you and your stylist communicate more efficiently. Study up with Redken's glossary.
   
3. Your stylist is there to work with you to achieve beautiful color. The more you can explain what you want, the better the collaboration will be.
4. If you are going in for "corrective color"—to correct color results you are unhappy with from a prior coloring experience—be prepared for a longer visit, as your stylist may need to remove old color and then recolor your hair. Depending on what is being corrected, it may take a few tries to get it just right.

Salon Prep Check List

Bring your inspiration: Photographs and examples of haircolor you love will help you and your stylist explore your color options—and ensure that you both mean the same thing when you say, "honey blonde," or "scarlet red." 
Sometimes, you and your new stylist connect and communicate perfectly from the moment you meet and it's like magic :)   But realistically the languages you speak are not exactly the same and it can take time for them to know what you mean by certain preferences you have.  They may interpret something differently than what you mean.  This is why pictures are like the translator and stylists best friend.  Bring pictures of when you love your hair and or who's hair you love.  It will help them understand and deliver what you want.

Know your history: Be prepared to tell your stylist about any prior color services, whether it was highlights last year or a color gloss last month.  What you have or had on your hair can impact the results of new treatments/color.

Trust Your Stylist: Listen to your stylist's expert opinion. During your color consultation, he or she will consider your desired result, then evaluate your hair's condition and look at your skin tone and coloring in order to create your custom color formulation. 
But your stylist can't read your mind ~ don't move forward without being 100% sure you understand and agree with what they plan on doing. You have to live with it and they want you to LOVE it.
 
Ask questions: If you hear a color term you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask your stylist for an explanation. Remember to inquire about maintenance—how often you'll need to return to the salon for touchups, and how to best maintain your color at home between visits with Redken haircare products. 

Who doesn't love day dreaming?

The following information in italics has been copied from massage therapy 101 website. 

The raindrop technique involves the amazing power of essential oils, mixed with a variety of massage techniques  including back massage, vita flex massage and heat application. The technique is designed to bring the body  back into structural and electrical alignment.
Often many types of spinal problems and misalignments are caused by toxins that lie dormant within the spine. The use of essential oils helps to dispose of these viruses within the spine, helping its structure return to normal. The raindrop technique can be used as a tool to provide a healthy balance to the body. Essential oils also stimulate the nerves and the re-growth of tissue. 
Just like how blood gives our body life, essential oils are the life of plants. They can have healing effects on the body, especially the ones that are specifically chosen for this technique. When applied to the body, the oils are absorbed into the skin and travel down through the dermis levels into the interstitial fluids. They are helpful in fighting bacteria and viruses that travel through the body. Essential oils have also been known to improve the immune system.

For years, I have been boosting my health, especially during flu season, by receiving Raindrop Therapy.  The added bonus to its detoxifying qualities, is how relaxing the treatment is.  It makes me feel as if I have been day dreaming, cuddled up to some cozy little fireplace, with my favorite cup of tea.    <3

We may be rushing fall...

We love spring and summer, but we really love fall scents, so we are getting a head start with fragrances like Candy Corn, Autumn Harvest and Mandarin Clove.  Whether you love the delightful aromas of fall or want to cling to summer, our new Spa Element Soy Candles and Diffusers will do the trick!

Our Diffusers are made to order and available within seconds of selecting your scent.  We also have an assortment of hand poured soy candles on the shelves OR you can special order any aroma combination, we'll hand pour them and the candle's scent will be filling your home as soon as 2 days later!

Keep this in mind when you are holiday shopping (yes, I said holiday).  Need a special inexpensive gift? All you need to know is their favorite scent and we'll take care of the rest - 

we'll even provide the gift bag and tissue :)

The Re-awakening of Yardley Borough

It has been over 9 years since my passion for Yardley convinced me to move FB Spa back in town.  Since then, many have invested time and a lot of energy to rebuild ... These years of hard work, dreaming and wishful thinking -  is turning this hope into reality.
A lot of people say "What's in Yardley?" 
I'm going to give you a little sample:

Everyone likes eating....
Millie's, Charcoal Steaks and Things, Wawa and Starbucks help us start our day with pep.
Landolfi's and their signature sandwiches make the midday doldrums disappear.  Vince's and Yardley Pizza right across the street from each other, yet so different from one another, provide great lunch and dinner options (as well as some of the best pizza in Bucks). For years places like Yardley Inn and Canal Street Grille enticed people to dine in the borough.  Then when Continental Tavern and Charcoal Steak and Things completed their renovations, options for dinner doubled. 
Award winning, Yardley Ice House has provided years of bursting taste buds and treats; the simple thought of makes your mouth water.  Cramer's Bakery is the perfect place to pop in and pick up a cupcake or two and I hear a petite bakery called Cake House is opening next to Vince's.
Now, with the new self serve, open all year, Yogurt shop, we'll be able to have our icy fix 12 months of the year!

Great variety of shops:
We liked to think that The Face & Body Spa is the perfect place to shop.  Not only do we offer a friendly atmosphere and exceptional spa and salon services, but our boutique is a great place to discover beautiful treasures: candles, robes, handbags, scarves, jewelry, cosmetics, skin, body and hair care. 
But we understood more places for retail therapy were necessary. 
Pose Boutique has filled that void - the most current clothing fashions and priced affordably.
Tree House Children's Consignment offers the same concept but for kids - so now everyone can be happy :)
Fire House Cycles has livened up our main street with their colorful display of bikes along the store front and happy cyclists enjoying their test drives.
Petals and Paper Boutique has also freshened up Main Street with their buckets of fresh flower bouquets on the sidewalk. 
Fun Matters, with its colorful assortment of fun, light hearted gifts and custom framing is the perfect place to grab a hostess gift. 
T Foster and Co.'s classic and elegant window displays and immaculate front porch and garden are just a slight sample of the quality and service you can expect when designing jewelry with them.

You'll find quite a few more places worthy of the visit to Yardley -  you should come explore for yourself :)
And know this, when you support a local business you are also supporting your community.  It is proven, local business owners give back more than big companies will and certainly more than any online company will do.  Also, the more you support them, the more desirable Yardley will become for other businesses to open.  It's a Win / Win for everyone :)

Creating a One Of A Kind Experience

It has been a goal, from the start of FB Spa, to create an environment that everyone feels right at home.  Finding different ways to accommodate every type or person and every mood is our favorite thing.  And thanks to the loyalty of our community we have the opportunity to continue to grow and expand on what we offer.

If you are a follower of this blog, you're probably already a client and have received our emails about the Custom Blend and the Creation Station.  If not, welcome and thank you very much for reading :)

We have two new-er additions to FB Spa, which we are very proud of.  Each one giving you the experience of creating exactly what you like and showing the world who you are.  Whether it be a sugar scrub, body lotion or linen mist or a necklace or bracelet; you have the opportunity to be you in your most unique way!

With over 70 aromas to mix with 6 different products or 300 charms to combine with over 30 different types of chains, there is no way you can't find your perfect fit.

Hope you enjoy it all as much as we do because our most enjoyable days are the ones filled with  guests/friends creating their favorite blends or accessories at FB Spa.

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The Controversy about Deodorant

Maintaining good health and steering clear of disease is everyone's desire.  While there are so many steps to achieve this...  Today's post is about something we do every day without much thought at all:
Deodorant.

What do you think about the studies linking deodorant with breast cancer?
When I search online, hundreds of articles come up, each one challenging the other.  Some are certain aluminum and parabins are the culprit, while some show medical studies have proven nothing.
Check out these articles:
http://www.downwithbasics.com/deodorant.html
http://www.education.com/reference/article/potential-dangers-mainstream-deodorants/
http://www.controlyourimpact.com/articles/deodorants-antiperspirants-and-your-health/
I'm not saying I know which is right or wrong, but what I do know is when thinking about how to reduce the risk of disease, I think about reducing stress.  When I think of natural remedies to reduce stress without changing your lifestyle or routines, I think Aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy has gained approval from doctors, big cosmetic companies and individuals alike.  Everyone has heard of the connections Lavender and Chamomile have with calming.  Did you know Peppermint is thought to reduce headaches, Tea Tree is anti bacterial and Citrus has antidepressant qualities?
Many products containing natural ingredients and essential oils with healing properties can replace our drug store/ convenience store bought toiletries, like deodorant.

FB Spa carries a variety of natural deodorants: Organic Deodorant Sprays full of anti bacterial essential oils that kill odor causing bacteria before it starts.  We also offer all natural salt crystal deodorants like the one pictured below.
So even if you don't believe the talk about deodorant being linked to cancer, would it be so bad to try a natural option that will make you smile each time you apply?  Plus you'd contributing to companies that are looking for natural alternatives, making smaller batches, rather than big business mixing up bigger batches to make more profit. :)

Acupuncture and what it is doing for me..

My first experience with Acupuncture was years ago and came about because I was looking for a unique Valentine gift for my husband.  My understanding was that not only is it great for general health but for specific ailments as well.  What great way to say I Love You, improving his well being.  Since our first experience of side by side treatments, we both have visited a number of different Acupuncturists.  It seems each one has had their own style, expertise and training.
Although, we thought it was interesting we didn't necessarily see huge results from the treatments.  Eventually, we stopped experimenting with receiving Acupuncture.

Now a few years have passed and a few months ago I was approached by Laila Wah, asking if we would like her to begin offering Acupuncture to our clients.   I had heard good things about Laila. even met her once years back, but still needed to experience first hand before introducing her to our clients.  Laila graciously agreed.  During the consultation, I felt so many different things; like I was with a doctor since her questions were so in depth and thorough and part of me felt like I was with the most caring friend in the world and as if that isn't good enough, I also felt comfort and confidence in her, like she was the most non judgmental therapist seeing clearly into me to help teach me what I need to do for myself to be healthier, happier and calmer.  You could say I was impressed immediately, but as a business owner, I needed to be skeptical to be sure her treatments are going to wow our clients as much as Laila's disposition was wowing me.

After assessing how she would treat me, Laila also introduced breathing exercises for me to practice while I relaxed in one of the spa's cozy, candle lit escapes.  These techniques really helped enhance my calm state of mind. 

My first treatment with Laila had a profound effect my body and emotional state.  Things were different immediately.  The insomnia I suffer from for months was gone, my monthly cycle was almost a pleasure to have and my ability to hear my body when it is asking me to slow down was much keener. 

I started to wonder if it was me that was different then when I had treatments before and that is why the results were so great.  I decided to do some more research and had a treatment with other therapist.  Turns out it wasn't the years that had passed that made the experience so different - it was Laila. 

If you are looking for ways to improve your health, reduce your stress level, fix issues like teeth grinding/tmj, back problems, you name it  - I recommend paying Laila a visit.  She is available by appointment every Monday and some Tuesdays and Sundays.

Our Acupunture Menu

A Zen Life

10 tips for creating a Zen Life:

1. When you wake up in the morning -  

Smile and spend a few minutes visualizing your day, the way you'd like it to be  - the way it will be..   

2. Spend a moment  enjoying the aroma of your am coffee, tea or orange juice. 

3. Each day, as often as possible, reflect on at least 5 things you are grateful for.  You'll find many more reasons to be grateful, the longer you practice this. 

4. Take mini-breaks throughout the day - studies show this significantly increases productivity. 

5. Smile often

6. Be thankful often

7. Whatever you are doing consider it the most important thing in the world, even if just for that moment.  How lucky you are to be able to do the things you do, even if it is the dishes :) 

8. Be generous and considerate to each person you meet throughout your day.  Generosity is contagious and is proven to keep the givers spirits high. 

9. Before falling asleep, allow your body to relax.  Each part of it.  Stretch and lengthen your back and legs.  Your body will reward you with a more restful sleep and a refreshed feeling in the morning.  

10. Repeat steps 1-9.

Acupuncture 101

About Acupuncture

The term "acupuncture" describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
Practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects.  According to TCM, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state"; disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians.  In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. Sources vary on the number of meridians, with numbers ranging from 14 to 20. One commonly cited source describes meridians as 14 main channels "connecting the body in a weblike interconnecting matrix" of at least 2,000 acupuncture points.
Acupuncture became better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries.

What To Expect from Acupuncture Visits

During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

Please contact us with any questions, to schedule a consultation or treatment.

Data was copied from: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm

How often do you think about the little things that make you smile?

3 new things I am determined to do:

1. Spend at least 5 minutes each evening reflecting on the things that made me smile throughout the day
After a few weeks of this, I hope to need more time to go through the list :)
2. Finish more projects then I start - give my mind a rest so it can be more energized and effective.
3. Learn more about the interests of people around me.

What makes you smile?

Another batch of lip balm..

Determined to create the perfect lip treatments and lip balms.

-blog