BE NURTURED

NURTURE YOUR RITUAL

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:17:00 +0000

A ritual is so much more than a mundane morning, evening, and even lunch time routine. Rituals are about creating an energy and invoking a feeling around something you enjoy and taking the time for something important to you.In Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play author Kimberly Wilson offers ideas for creating a morning ritual, along with a plethora of tranquil musings.

Now, I am not a morning person, not even on my best day, so I choose to create an evening ritual. The morning rituals sound marvelous in theory, but I know myself well enough to know they would soon become a chore. With an evening ritual, on the other hand, I seek to create a soothing energy and invoke a restful feeling by soaking in a lavender scented bath before delving into a few simple Yoga poses.

Whether you choose a morning, afternoon, or evening ritual make it a time you look forward to every day. It can be as simple as lighting a soy candle before you savor writing in your journal or a moment of meditation to set your intention for the day. Pick up Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Playfor more pearls on how you can create your ritual.

Namaste

BE NURTURED IS BACK

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:09:00 +0000

I am reinstating the Be Nurtured Blog. It will no longer be as closely tied to Nurture Day Spa & Yoga Studio, but nurturing nonetheless.

My intention is to post a weekly dose of all things nurturing.

I hope you will join moi once again in a journey towards nurturing ourelves, others, and the world around us.

Namaste.

NURTURE FAREWELL

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:36:00 +0000

It is time for moi to bid a final farewell to Nurture, including the dissolution of the Be Nurtured blog. As much as I would love to continue bringing you nurturing posts, my finger will no longer be on the pulse of Nurture Day Spa & Yoga Studio. You are sure to receive Nurture News and Hip Happenings via the Nurture Day Spa & Yoga Studio newsletter which you can easily sign up for at www.nurturedayspa.com. Up to the minute updates will also be available at www.twitter.com/nurturedayspa, just give Momma Jane a little time to figure out how to post her tweets. It's so fun and easy I know she will love keeping all the Nurture Neighbors in the know.

Thank you for all of your support of Nurture and for following our little blog. A big hug to all of you that made it out to wish me well on my new adventure. I miss everyone already and look forward to visiting home, hopefully for the holidays. As sad as it is to be away from a place I poured my heart and soul into, I am excited about Nurture's continued growth. New teachers, new classes, new ideas are abound and nurturing is always in abundance.

One last news flash before I go, September is National Yoga Month and in celebration Nurture Yoga Studio will be offering FREE yoga classes for first time students every Saturday throughout the month. what a great time to experience Yoga in a nurturing atmosphere, be sure to check out the online schedule for class times and teachers.

I am sending lots of love and light to all of our Nurture Neighbors, Staff, and to every single beautiful heart that walks through our doors. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

Remember to always Nurture yourself, others, and the world around you and simply Be Nurtured.

Toodles and Namaste.

I HEART SATURDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Today was bitter sweet as it was my last Saturday at Nurture , and if you check in from time to time, you know how much I Heart Saturdays. As luck would have it, we began our day with 6 lovely ladies followed by lovely couples. I am always overjoyed to be a part of celebrating all things worth celebrating, anniversaries, brithdays, engagements, and why not celebrate because you deserve it no matter what the occassion.

I felt like we were all a well oiled machine today and having Janette back in action along with Momma Jane's return from New Mexico made it quite a day. I was even able to squeeze in a little one on one time with Momma Jane over Central Park Fusion's fabulous lunch selection. Looking forward to more fun filled moments with Momma Jane, time that is not consumed by work. Nurture is a labor of love, but when I lived away before, Momma Jane and I were always able to relax and just have fun when we were visiting each other. Life seems to be leading us back to that dynamic and we are both open to exploring it once again.

So glad I was able to attend last night's 2 Hour Restorative Yoga Session, my last one before I leave, it was much needed, enjoyed, and appreciated. I want to send a heart felt Thank You to Linda M. for greeting me with a precious hug while assuring me she will look out for Momma Jane when I am away. Linda, you have no idea how much that means to me.

Momma Jane and I are very close and while it may not seem like it when we are bickering over work stuff, sometimes we are all we have. We lean on eachother and I am fortunate to say my mom is my best friend. I am going to miss my Momma Jane and my new life's journey will be a big transisiton for her as well. We had gotten used to the idea of being just across town from eachother, creating and working together everyday, so this move will be a shock to both our systems. No worries though, Momma Jane is the strongest woman I know and I aspire for her strength everyday. We will get used to a new idea in no time.

I raise my herbal tea mug to all of you facing new and exciting adventures, unexpected twists on your life's road, and making it home from the grocery store without forgetting anything on your list, everyday is truly a journey. . . CHEERS TO YOU and remember to always celebrate!!!

Namaste

NURTURE NEWS

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:42:00 +0000

2 HOUR RESTORATIVE YOGA SESSION W/ KAREN SMITH
FRIDAY JULY 17th, 2009 5-7p.m.

40% OFF Mineral Makeup, Hylunia & PCA Skincare, Earth Mama Angel Baby
If you have had your eye on a product now is the time to grab one, or two.

Nurture's latest breaking news is moi's departure. I will be moving to Chicago the first week in August. It has been a whirl wind. I am sad to be leaving such a cherished treasure. I have been next to Momma Jane in every step of the way from the brewing idea to the bubbling place Nurture is today. At the same time, I am also ecstatic to be embarking on a new and adventurous journey with the Hubs.

Andrew, the hubs, lived in Chicago a few years before moving back to Hot Springs, when we reconnected and fell in love. I have known for some time that returning to Chicago was in his heart, so when the opportunity arrived we had to take it. He will be back on his old stomping grounds at the Board of Trade and I will be, well, I will keep you posted. As for now, I am going with the flow. Which is not usually my strong suit, but I am ready for something new and exciting and I know life always has a way of working out, even if it is not what we expected.

As for Nurture, there is no need to worry, it will continue to build and grow and fly on it's own. You can still expect your usual Yoga, Zumba, and Spa Services. However, we will be making some small changes to the Spa, we will no longer offer PCA Peels, Facial & Body Sculpting, Detox Facials, or waxing services. I will continue to keep you updated on Nurture's Hip Happenings through Twitter, Be Nurtured Blog, and our E-Newsletter.

I have put a lot of time, energy, and heart into Nurture and have enjoyed meeting all of you, working with a fabulous staff (including Momma Jane of course), and watching it flourish. I plan to visit as often as possible, because I miss it already.

Keep Andrew and I in your thoughts and meditaions as we pack, load, travel, unpack, unload, and begin a new life together. We will need plenty of positive energy sent our way as transitions are never as easy as one would like.

Hope to see you before we set out on our life's latest journey.

Namaste

I HEART SATURDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:23:00 +0000

I haven't posted one of these in awhile and quite frankly it is because the past few Saturdays have been rather frenzied. Not to say that all of our students and guests are not fantastic because they totally rock, just miscommunications here and there on our end. True to form, when I was mentally prepared for a crisis yesterday, everything ran smoothly. Once again, I can honestly say I Heart Saturdays!!

Have you ever stopped to truly ponder the idea of expecting the unexpected? If and when you do you will probably come to the same conclusion, that it is one big circle of tail chasing. Unfortunately, we all operate under expectations at some point or another which makes it quite impossible. And if you are a bit of a control freak like moi, then you operate under expectations all the time. I think there is a lesson behind the idea though, like "the only constant is change" and when we can accept that idea expecting the unexpected is likely to follow suit. However, there is no true way to ever be prepared for the unexpected, that's what makes it unexpected, right.

Momma Jane has been speaking of gratitude a lot lately. I can see the change in her overall person when her focus is on being grateful, so I am trying to follow in her footsteps. Instead of melting down in the face of the unexpected I want to be grateful for the lesson, for the people beside me, and if necessary just plain grateful for the meltdown that was probably a long time coming anyway.

So may I please say THANK YOU!!! Thank you to all of our delightful yogis that always have a smile and the occassional pat on the back or hug, you never know how much we really need it sometimes. Thank you to our wonderful Nurture staff who have to put up with me when I am cranky, hungry, and snappy. Thank you for always being willing to learn and to go over and above. Thank you to my Momma Jane who has presented me with such an awesome experience. She has gifted me with being a part of Nurture which is a constant learning process and such a beautiful journey. I am grateful for all of you!!!!

I recommend taking a few moments to be grateful for the good things, for lessons you have learned from the bad things, for the people and the places that are always there for you. It is easy to get caught up in the negative and therefore draw more negative energy toward you. Let us all focus on the positive and draw more positive energy toward us. Being in gratitude, if only for a few moments, creates tremendous positive energy and will always bring smiles to our faces!!

Namaste

NURTURE YOUR NAME

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Since I refer to my mom and Nurture owner, Karen Smith, as Momma Jane I thought it would be nice to tell the story behind it. Here goes. . .

My wonderful stepdad, Richard, has been in our lives for almost twenty years now. I am not sure what I did to deserve such a fantastic and supportive step family, but they are all fabulous, especially Richy. He began calling me Kristin Jane when I was younger, not sure where it came from, but it stuck. My mom caught on and started calling me Kristin Jane as well, and in return I began calling her Momma Jane. Now even a few of my close friends call me Jane or Janie and all of my friends know my mom as Momma Jane. It is certainly a term of endearment.

What is truly hilarious is that when Momma Jane and I are out and about, we simply refer to eachother as Jane. I am sure people are wondering if we have the exact same name, which cracks me up. Especially because Jane does not have anything to do with either of our names.

My favorite was when my hubs, then bf, booked us a flight to Atlanta and when I looked down at my ticket in the airport my name read Kristin Jane Goslee. He had literally heard Jane so much he thought it was my real middle name. I still get a kick out of that one.

Anyhoo, that is a little insight into how we became Jane & Jane. If you have nickname, we would love to hear your back story. They seem to take on a growth cycle of their own.

Namaste.

HIP HAPPENINGS @ NURTURE

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:24:00 +0000

Wow, it has been awhile since my last post and I have realized that while Momma Jane is away, I have no time to play. Nurture founder and my Momma Jane, Karen Smith, took a little much needed vaca time last month. Momma Jane certainly works hard and deserves her time away whenever she can get it, but a lot tends to fall on my shoulders when she is gone. Fortunately she is always refreshed and rejuvenated when she comes back home, although I am not sure how much relaxation she accomplishes when we are constantly on the phone chatting about Nurture. Anyhoo, I am so glad to have her back and to have some time to play catch up. We have so many fabulous events, specials, and workshops going on and coming up so I will begin with those.

4 Week Beginner Yoga w/ Kathryn Smyly
Begins Monday June 1st, 2009 7-8:15p.m.

Learn the basics and enjoy a session at an hour suitable for night owls like myself.

$40

2 Hour Restorative Yoga Session w/ Karen Smith
Friday June 19th, 2009 5-7p.m.

One of my faves because it takes me a full hour to begin to unwind and I always leave restored and totally rejuvenated. I always think I will come home and soak in a bubble bath, but end up with this burst of energy and wash dishes and do laundry instead, then sleep like a rock. It's more than fabulous.

$20 (members $15)

The 7 Spiritual Laws of Yoga w/ Kathryn Smyly
Begins Wed. July 1st, 2009 7-8:15p.m.

Delve into one law per week for seven weeks. All of the Nurture crew is looking forward to a deeper exploration into Deepak Chopra's "The 7 Spiritual Laws of Yoga", a branch from his highly popular book "The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success." Much Loving Kindness to Kathryn Smyly for her evening classes, most of which I can attend.

$70 (members $60)

Be sure not to miss out on the JUNE SPA SPECIAL:

SAVE $25
Schedule a Detox Herbal Body Wrap & Receive a Foot Detox for ONLY $10 (reg. $35) Flush out those sluggish toxins and feel great for Summer fun in the sun.

Alright Nurture Neighbors, that should catch you up for now and I look forward to getting back into my regular posting routine.

Namaste

NURTURE YOUR FAVORITE

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Nurture Day Spa & Yoga Studio is proud to announce the addition of full time massage therapist, Janette Favorite. Licensed Massage therapist, Janette Favorite, attended Jean’s School of Massage in Hot Springs, AR and received her license in December 1992. Janette specializes in Swedish, Hot Stone, and Deep Tissue Massage. She recently added Reflexology to her list of services offerred at Nurture. Janette enjoys the atmosphere at Nurture Day Spa & Yoga Studio’s historic building as well as working with their friendly staff. “Guests are always expressing how much they enjoy their treatments with Janette, saying she has a knack for finding exactly where they have issues,” raves owner Karen Smith. As a deaf massage therapist, Janette appreciates the universal language of touch. Schedule an appointment with Janette Favorite today by calling 501-623-9642 (YOGA). Nurture Day Spa & Yoga Studio is located on the corner of Ouachita and Hickory in the beautiful historic district of Hot Springs, AR. Visit www.nurturedayspa.com for full spa menu and pricing.

Thought I would post a rendition of what will be appearing soon in the Sentinel Record. Janette has been with us almost a year now and is an absolute delight. We are so grateful to have her as part of our team at Nurture. She truly is an excellent Massage Therapist and does have a knack for going straight to where you need the most work.

Namaste

NURTURE YOUR MOTHER

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:12:00 +0000

I have been fortunate to live a life submerged in an abundance of strong women. Beginning with my Grandmothers, Mom, immediate family, and on into the last few years of building new friendships along with the addition of a fabulous Mother in Law, I am one lucky girl.

All of my Grandmothers, including Paternal, Maternal, and Step Grandmother, are all brilliant, yet in very different ways. Each one possesses a beauty and strength that my generation is nothing short of blessed to behold.

My Sister is SuperMom. with more creative visions in life and on paper than anyone I know. She has come out on the other side of a great loss shining. And she does shine, from the tips of her toes to her gorgeous smile. One’s heart cannot help but be warmed in her presence. She radiates kindness and even though she has more creativity in her pinky finger than I do in my entire being, she never makes me feel anything less than brilliant.

My Stepmom is the epitome of the modern women. She can do it all and when she is done with that you wouldn’t even know she had broken a sweat. She exudes a classic style and has an insatiable appetite for adventure.

From musical talent to book smarts to street smarts, my Aunts have it all in spades. They work hard, raise kiddos, and dote on grandkiddos. And of course, no one could ever replace my late Aunt Kathy.

I cannot think of any way possible to be surrounded by more fabulous girlfriends. Some of which have recently become mothers and have taken to motherhood with ease. My girls are my style icons, life coaches, comedians, and shoulders to cry on. From longtime friends to new ones, they are always there for me and I hope they know I am always here for them too.

Strong women just keep on coming into my life and I could not be more grateful for the best mom in law anyone could ever ask for. People may toss around the idea of a ‘heart of Gold,’ but if you ever want to see it in real life, she is who you want to meet. Beautiful from the inside out and she gives excellent advice to boot. It's an honor to be a part of her family.

None are more inspiring to me than my Momma Jane. She possesses an inner beauty that permeates her entire being and shines onto everyone she meets. Her uncanny natural beauty is a mere reflection of the goodness in her heart. The things that sometimes drive me crazy about my mom are inevitably those things I admire about her the most. She is always herself and what you see is what you get. She does not have a pretentious bone in her body, and even though she has the beauty and the brains to be that way, it would never even occur to her. She is strong enough to move forward after loss and heartbreak and become even better than before. When most people would shut down after being hurt, she keeps opening her heart and continues giving to others.

Her entrepreneurial spirit always leads her to building up others. From clothing boutiques to a Yoga Studio, her goal is always to make others feel comfortable in their own skin, to look good and more importantly feel good about themselves. She never tires of learning and trying to better herself. She owns the rare combinations of an open heart and an open mind. Honest and true to herself, Momma Jane beholds the qualities as a Mother, Sister, Daughter, Wife, Friend, and Entrepreneur that I aspire to nurture within myself. As the eldest girl in a family of eight she was born to be a mother, and I am blessed to have her as mine.

Maybe it is because she is my mom or just because she is an incredible human being, but I feel like she rarely gets the credit she deserves. Guess that is one of the downfalls of being selfless with ease, not everyone knows your good intentions when you are comfortable enough with yourself not to have to voice it. I hope this post will let her know how much she means to me and that she is my hero and my inspiration.

Happy Mother’s Day Momma Jane!!! May you continue to grow in light while never changing who you truly are and keep passing along your strength and beauty to all who are lucky enough to be in your presence. I love you with all of my heart, you are my rock.

NURTURE NEWS

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:36:00 +0000

HIP HAPPENINGS @ NURTURE DAY SPA & YOGA STUDIO

2nd Annual Mother & Daughter Workshop
Saturday May 9th, 2009 12-4:30p.m.
Hosted By: Nurture's Mother & Daughter Team, Karen Smith & Kristin Akins

Celebrate Mother's Day together bonding over all things fun, girly, and healthy. Ditch the workout with Revitalizing Zumba fitness, Indulge in a delicious Organic lunch, enjoy a Restrorative Yoga session, and wind down with Stress Relieving Meditation. Sip Hot Yogi Tea while enjoying a women to women discussion on everything from the benefits of Yoga to Going Green. Have a Journal and pen handy to jot down any interesting tid bits. Dress in your most comfortable and stylish workout gear and bring along your Yoga Mat if you have one. If not, no worries, Mats, Blocks, and straps will be available.

$45/ea (Members: $40)

Trust me, I am well versed in the perils of finding the Perfect Gift for Mom in honor of Mother's Day, not to mention Momma Jane's birthday is just days following, on May 16th. It is difficult to shop for Mom and it is easy to get in a rut of the same thing year after year, flowers, bath stuff, etc. Even if you are fortunate to spend a lot of time together, it is still nice to set aside a Saturday afternoon for just the two of you. The gift of spending time together is the best gift we can give our Mommas.

Momma Jane and I are super pumped about this annual event and have some new ideas in mind for 2009. Hope to see you there.

Namaste

NURTURE NATURE

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:20:00 +0000

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than bringing an end to a two day camping adventure. The Hubs and I loaded up Monday afternoon and headed to Lake Ouachita for campfires, veggie dogs, and good times with good friends. I had not realized how much I was missing good ole Mother Nature until we arrived at our campsite and attempted to ahem, pitch a tent. Save the thick yellow film of pollen everywhere, the setting was beautiful and serene. Trees as far as you could see in every direction, calm and immaculately clear Lake Ouachita at our fingertips, and more sunshine than should be humanly possible to soak up in one day, in a word, Nature.

I know what you are thinking, mostly because I heard it from all the ladies in my life, "You are camping? You like camping?" Yes and Yes, even the girliest of girly girls can appreciate the Great Outdoors. Now, I am more appreciative when an indoor restroom is available, but still, Nature is Nurturing, plain and simple.

The best part of our adventure was driving the Hubs crazy by my need to be uber prepared for the occasion. "Just roll with it" he kept telling me. So we rolled right onto our campsite, rolled out the tent bag, rolled out the gear, began setting up shop, and after a few minutes of rolling with it we realized there was no tent in the bag, just the tent cover. Needless to say, we all got a deep belly laugh out of that one. Not to worry, we were able to keep 'rolling with it' and slept in the back of my car.

Oh, I take that back, the best part was a solo hike on the Nature Trail which led me to what felt like a private beach on the ocean. Listening to the waves crash against the shore, the wind blowing through the trees, and gazing at newly bloomed dogwoods which possess an exotic beauty, their white flowers out of place yet oddly fitting against a sea of green trees, I was suddenly compelled to bow. Momma Jane's yogic instructions fill my mind and body, "Mountain pose, Arms high to the Heavens, Swan dive to the Earth, feel your feet firmly planted in the earth." I repeated these motions until I realized I was on a slight hill and it may not be the safest place to practice. I yearned to find a flat patch of dirt and provide Sun Salutes to Mother Nature, but alas I had to head back to camp.

It was a much needed reconnection to Nature. I will no longer go years before venturing to the Great Outdoors for camping. It is necessary for me to be reminded of the overpowering beauty of Nature and why I should be more and more aware of my impact on this Earth. It is humbling to feel my smallness amongst a vast Earth and yet also empowering to feel that every small step on this vast Earth matters.

If you can find a moment, step outside on your deck, hike a nature trail, meditate, journal, read. If you can find a series of available moments, drive to your nearest campground and sleep in a tent, er, car, either way, let Nature Nurture you, your mind, body, and soul. Quietly reconnect to the Earth. I hope you find it as healing as I did.

Happy Earth Day and Namaste.

NURTURE YOUR MILESTONE

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Today marks one full year of being OFF the sauce. I am now successfully able to drink alcoholic beverages only on occassion and only in moderation. YAY!!!

If you have given up an unhealthy habit or stuck with a healthy one, I salute you.

I raise my faux tot (O'douls) to your milestone, CHEERS!!!

Namaste.

I HEART SATURDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:04:00 +0000

Nurture wishes Lacey a very Happy Birthday and hope she and her cousin enjoyed their first Spa experience today. We always love first timers at Nurture. Another 'new to the Nurture Neighborhood' couple, Rhonda & Jay, made their way to us today. What a delight the two of them were, they brightened our day. They have one of those unbelievable romantic love stories. Rhonda & Jay were junior high through high school sweethearts, parted ways, then reunited thirty years later. Doesn't that give you goose bumps. Life has a way of bringing people that are meant to be together back to eachother. Mine and the Hubs story is similar, but on a much smaller scale. We were friends in high school, parted ways, then both moved back to our home town within a few weeks of eachother. We picked back up where we left off as just friends and shortly after realized we were crazy about eachother, and have been happily trucking along ever since.

The Nurture Neighborhood never ceases to amaze me. It is funny how I leave work feeling as though I was the one getting pampered all day, simply because I had the opportunity to meet such wonderful new people. It is just as wonderful to see familiar faces as well. I was able to take a few moments between treatments to catch up with a friend from way back in the day, Jeannie. She is as beautiful as always and shares the same classic style and genuine spirit as her mom.

Now, I am off to assess the havoc wreaked on my personal style. Contrary to popular belief, sitting under a steamer all day does not do wonders for a curly head of hair.

Namaste.

NURTURE YOUR TANK

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:02:00 +0000

After a task filled Friday that felt like a Monday, I am settling in this evening ashamed of the unusual gas glutton I was today. If you do not live in a small Big City, then you do not have the luxury of "going green" by walking everywhere. Which means, small town gals, like myself, have to be more conscious of how we spend our gas money. Driving a hybrid is an environmental plus and for those who think that the extra cost of going hybrid will never equal the amount saved on gas, remember to look into a tax credit . But I digress.

For some reason, today was one of those days that I needed a post it note duct taped to my forehead to remember all of my errands. I am beginning to think I need one of those dash board notepads, circa not even sure they make them anymore, but my Stepdad seems to have an endless supply. Yeah one of those or maybe it's time to add Gingko Biloba to my daily supplements. We all have those days, or at least it makes me feel better to think so anyway.

However, when I happen to be on my toes I utilize a few quick tips to keep my gas guzzling to a minimum...

*Pen your To Do list in the geographical order of stops to be made
*Hit all your stops on the right side of the road
*Then when you head back home, hit the places on your left
*Park in the first available space (may tack on a few extra steps, which is a bonus)
*Get all the way back home only to realize you forgot that key ingredient needed for tonight's dinner, no need to run back to the store, just check out All Recipes for common kitchen substitutes
*Brown bag it to lunch & save on driving back & forth (work, home, work, home)
*When it's time to fill up or top 'er off, cruise Gas Buddy before cruising the streets to find the lowest gas prices in your area

The moral of the story today is Gingko for the think tank and think before burning your gas tank. Happy conscious cruising to all.

Namaste

NURTURE YOUR DOWNTIME

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:15:00 +0000

As we all know and some may be even painfully aware, yesterday was Tax Day. Maybe you are relieved that it is over or maybe you are well on your way to next month's payroll taxes, either way I find Pop's perspective the most interesting. My dad is a CPA, and while I always thought he lived for April 16th, it seems I have been wrong all along.

Poor Pops was moping around the house today wondering what to do with all this new found time on his hands. After months of working nights and weekends on top of his regular schedule, he was at a loss for what to do with himself once tax season came to an end. Of course he pulled it together, ran errands, and hit some golf balls at the driving range, but I am left pondering...does our work consume all of us in this same way?

Tonight's episode of Thirty Rock hit on the same chord, as Liz Lemons struggled with what to do on her 'human resource leave' from the office. When she let go and embraced the opposite extreme, it uh, did not turn out to be quite what she thought.

Again, I am brought back to Moderation and the Middle Way. I expend a lot of heart, energy, and time in my work and take plenty of pride in it. My work fulfills me and gives me purpose, but I also have to take my time to myself or I will fizzle and burn out. I happen to be one of those people that requires downtime as much as food and water to function. But lately, I have noticed that not everybody takes their time to themselves, time to regroup and refuel.

We are constantly bombarded with deadlines, e-mails, appointments, etc. We are go, go, go so much it's no wonder we do not know what to do when the stress of work momentarily subsides. My hope is that we can all find joy in a little time to ourselves, even if it was forced upon us by bidding farewell to Tax Season or just a scheduled day off. The next time you stumble upon some free time, revel in it.

*Turn off your cell
*Put off checking your e-mail (one day couldn't hurt)
*Write down your brilliant biz idea then put it aside (perfect it the next day)
*Relax with that Restorative Yoga session you have been wanting to check out
*Hit the driving range
*Finish the latest read you have been working on for weeks
*Take a walk & soak up nature's Spring pallete
*Have yourself a mid-afternoon bubble bath (nothing wrong with that)
*Catch up with an old friend over lunch or phone convo (sans facebook chat)
*Turn your online albums into a scrapbook or actual photo album (remember those)
*Indulge in ME time (there is always time for work, work, work, just not today)

Cheers to Nurturing ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Namaste.

APRIL EXTRAVAGANZA

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Well, maybe not an EXTRAVAGANZA, but we do have a rocking special going on.

$10 OFF all Premium Spa Treatments (this includes almost everything)

April 16-25, 2009

Check out our full Spa Menu at Nurture and start saving today.

Hip Happenings:

Friday April 17th, 2009 5-7 p.m.

2 Hour Candlelight Restorative Yoga

Revel in a 2 hour Restorative Yoga Session focusing on holding postures for longer breaths to ease body and mind deeper into relaxation and restoration. Look forward to a good night's rest following this session. $20 (Members $15)

I can't wait for Friday evening, I look forward to Restorative Yoga every month for some much needed restoration and relaxation.

Happy Tax Day, I know Pops is happy Tax Season is over!!!

Namaste.

I HEART SATURDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Last Saturday was the Annual Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn here in Hot Springs. While I am not one for betting the ponies and could easily be persuaded by an argument that it is not the most animal friendly of festivities, I must admit that it is always a good time. I love the prospect of running into unexpected friends and family while cruising from the Paddock to the Infield. We may be a far cry from the Kentucky Derby, our Mint Juleps may be Track Beer and our High Fashion may be a sun dress, but we make it our own. And you are sure to spot lovely Southern Belles in their best hats, among them a few of my brave gals, Pris and Erin, who both looked stunning in their Derby Day attire. Lacking the bravery to don a hat, I settled for a head scarf instead. Between standing in the beer line and chatting it up with folks you haven't seen in awhile, I mean is anybody really paying that much attention to Post time. Not me, I revelled in hours of people watching, catching up with old friends, soaking up some sun, and consoling the Hubs who sadly did not cash a ticket all day. It could not have been a more beautiful and sunny day topped off with the Hubs and I enjoying a Saturday off together, Matt popping in from New York, and much needed gab session with Pris. All in all a perfect Saturday. I hope yours was just as lovely.

Namaste

NURTURE FINDING MEANING

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:17:00 +0000

I recently had a delightful and hilarious convo with my 'ray of sunshine' friend Jessica and I realized that not everybody is hip on the meaning of 'Namaste'. It's one of those small things that has become such a staple in my life, as it is commonly used before and after a Yoga session, that I have taken it for granted.

With so many definitions, ranging from the typical 'greeting or parting' term, think Alohoa, accompanied with a gesture to my simple explanation of 'the highest in me greets the highest in you' it can be difficult to fully understand the meaning. Namaste, pronounced [nuhm-uh-stey], is more than just a definition, it is a quiet meditation and way of expressing respect and honor to yourself and others.

It is commonly used in Yoga because, "For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom." Aadil Palkhivala's on YogaJournal.com.

I also enjoy Kimberly Wilson's definition in Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat. "It (namaste) is a gesture acknowledging the divine spark within each of us that tranlates as 'I honor the divine witin you from the divine within me'. Place your hands in prayer position, feel the thumbs connect to your heart center, close your eyes, and bow your head. The modern yoga girl approaches others, who are all her teachers, with respect and honor-from her fave barista to a respected mentor."

You can find more great info on the meaning of Namaste on Yoga Journal and Wikipedia . Enjoy delving into the deeper meaning behind the word and Namaste.

NURTURE A NEW ATTITUDE

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:32:00 +0000

It is time for this little lady to take hold of a New Attitude. I am not sure if it's the wacky weather or just a serious 'case of the Mondays' but I have just been out of it lately. Seeing as how I have exhausted every excuse in the book as to why I have not been making it to Yoga, I gotta get it together. Going to shake it up a bit and hit the morning Yoga session tomorrow, not a morning person AT ALL, so this should be interesting. Have to get out of my funk and Yoga is just the ticket. Isn't it funny how there is always a way to weasle out of what you know you need the most?

Pretty Pedis, New TranquiliT togs in bright hues (coming soon), Deck sitting, Derby Day @ Oaklawn, Fresh & Fun Hip Happenings @ Nurture...Spring may be hedging, but I am ready to Bloom.

What is almost Spring inspiring you to do?

NURTURE THE MIDDLE WAY

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:41:00 +0000

"To those who choose the path that leads to Enlightenment, there are two extremes that should be carefully avoided. First, there is the extreme of indulgence in the desires of the body. Second, there is the opposite extreme of ascetic dicipline, torturing one's body and mind unreasonably.

The Noble Path, that transcends these two extremes and leads to Enlightenment and wisdom and peace of mind, may be called the Middle Way."

Excerpt from The Teaching of the Buddha Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, Tokyo

While this quote is clearly of a Buddha Nature, the age old principle of 'all things in moderation' holds true.

I cannot help but think of Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesiaby the brilliant Elizabeth Gilbert. If we look deeper into her journey we find that she is ultimately searching for the 'Middle Way'. I had an absolute love affair with Eat, Pray, Love and am looking forward to delving into it again this year.

Are you depriving yourself? Are you over indulging? How will you find your Middle Way in life?

Namaste

A PERSONAL RESPONSE TO NY TIMES ARTICLE

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:36:00 +0000

An interesting article was brought to my attention from a LinkedIn discussion posted by Anne Dimon of Travel To Wellness . The New York Times article by Catherine St. Louis, essentially pitts Dermatologists against Aestheticians in a battle of which field knows best and are facials really worth it. It is clear there are unfortunate extremes on both sides of the spectrum. Spas that offer hyped up menus full of services that do not provide results as well as Dermatologist's that are just happy to write a prescription before even asking a single quesion. The key is finding your personal preference of one over the other or a good balance between the two.

The article hits close to home not only from a business perspective because I am a Licensed Aesthetican at Nurture , but more importantly from a personal perspective because I have struggled with problem skin for over a decade. Aside from sampling nearly every skincare product on the market, I have been to numerous Dermatologists and Aestheticians. Here is my personal opinion in response to the article.

My skin troubles began when I was a sophmore in high school and became full blown acne by the time I was a senior. At first it seemed to be categorized as normal hormonal fluctuations that I would "grow out of", but once my parents realized the negative effect it was having on my self-esteem, they were willing to try anything, as was I. And try anything and everything has been my mantra ever since.

I visited Dermatologist after Dermatologist, in every state I lived in. Each one all too eager to write me a prescription and send me on my way. I was discouraged and disappointed by the fact that not only did the meds not work, but nobody ever seemed interested in asking me questions or trying to explain what was going on.

Aestheticians, on the other hand, seemed to truly care about what I was going through, physically and emotionally. At a Spa, I found the bedside manner that had been lacking at the Dermatologist's offices. Finally, I was being asked questions about my diet, exercise routine, and which products I was using. The aestheticians I visited took the time to explain the importance of a skin care routine and which ingredients to look for and why. Aestheticians were able to point out that my skin was not necessarily oily, which is common with problem skin, but sensitive. I was able to learn that the drying ingredients in acne products were doing more harm than good.

Not every single treatment I tried worked, but some of them did. There were times that I left the Spa feeling like I could take on the world, my blemishes had been reduced and my skin tone was more even. Other times I would leave in a panic to hurry home, with a streaked and red face. Microdermabrasion did not work for me and seemed to irritate my sensitive skin even. Chemical peels did work for me and without the streaky red downtime of microdermabrasion. Wading through the trial and error process with my local Aesthetician was much more bearable than at a Dermatologist's office. Every penny spent was worth it, even if it was just to know someone was in my corner.

When my skin care journey began I was young and impatient. I wanted to see immediate results and did not fully understand the inner workings of the skin as the body's largest organ. Now I realize what I was looking for more than anything was someone to hold my hand and to be understanding. Which is what I found through my experiences with Aestheticians.

I have since found a wonderful place in the Dermatology Clinic in Hot Springs, and would recommend anyone to the absolutely fabulous Rebecca Gartner. I keep up with a strenuous skin care regimen and am fortunate to be able to administer my own chemical peels. I schedule facials anytime I can, especially when on vacation, which I refer to as Triple R & D, Rest, Relaxation, Research, and Development. While I will always be baffled by women that never wash their face yet never have a blemish, I have accepted I will never be one of those women that can leave the house without a stitch of makeup.

It may seem silly, but my problem skin has been a blessing and a curse. My small personal struggle peaked my interest in learning everything I could about skin care, skin treatments, and makeup. I continue to pour over books and magazines looking for any helpful tidbits and have learned my way around a makeup brush to cover blemishes without a 'caked on' look. Not only is it the reason I wanted to become an Aesthetician but also the reason I can relate to what my clients are going through. I have chosen to offer products and treatments that I can stand behind because they have worked for me. I can honestly say that if it weren't for those pesky bills I would do my job for free and that makes me feel extremely grateful.

I truly enjoyed reading Anne Dimon's response to the New York Times article as well.

The Be Nurtured URL is now "http://www.nurturedayspa.blogspot.com"

Namaste

Nurture New Tech Advances

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:55:00 +0000

This is my first post from my iphone . Going to keep it brief, but had to try it out. I am so behind on these technological times. It is all so exciting to me, like I said, behind the times.

Thank you for all the feedback on laptops. Went with a Toshiba , will keep you posted on how it works out. Energy star, YAY. Now have to get better about shutting it off when it's not in use to save even more energy.

Still playing around with looks for Be Nurtured. Find something new everday and having way too much fun playing around with it. If I change layouts as much as I rearrange furniture, it may never stay the same.

I hope learning new things is as much fun for you as it is for me!!!

Namaste

I HEART SATURDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 23:25:00 +0000

What another wonderful day at Nurture . A Saturday filled with couples Celebrating Romance with our Couples Massage and the Gals getting together for some much needed R&R with our Be Nurtured Package.

We all had so much fun with the 'Two Jens' today. A couple of Gal Pals that live in different states and decided to meet in the middle, Hot Springs, AR, for a Girl's weekend. We are overly delighted that they found our little Day Spa & Yoga Studio and hope they enjoyed their day of pampering before hitting the pavement to discover more fun activities in the Spa City.

Do you have a friend that you remain close to even though you are not close in proximity? Meeting in the middle is such a fabulous idea. When two of my dearest friends Matt (NYC) and Jessica (TX) come in town it is usually a holiday and everyone has sooooo much going on. It is difficult to find the quality time you have been craving. When you visit a friend, even a very close friend, he/she may end up feeling like more of a host/ess or tour guide than a buddy. Why not meet in the middle, or in the Dominican Republic. Okay, that was a random star crossed vacation where Matt, Pris, and I were all able to vacation together.

Thank You to Jen and Jen for reminding us that taking the time to Nurture our friendships is always fabulous.

Do you have a friend that you remain close to even though you are not close in proximity? How do you maintain your long distance frienship?

Namaste

NEED SOME HELP

noreply@blogger.com (BE NURTURED) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:37:00 +0000

The Nurture Gals hit the new Best Buy today to look for a much needed work laptop for yours truly. Momma Jane and I computer shopping goes like this: "this one is cute". We are clearly not the most computer literate people out there and the salesman can probably smell 'easy prey' when we walk in the door. Of course the 'cute' comments surely do not help our efforts.

The Hubs loves his Toshiba and would never buy anything else again. Our computer guru buddy says he would go with Dell . And Momma Jane and I think the Sony's are well, cute.

We are not looking for anything too fancy, do not need a lot of bells and whistles and would prefer to keep the price down without sacrificing effeciency. Is that even a computer term? Not sure. If you fellow bloggers have any suggestions, we would sure appreciate any input.

Namaste.

p.s. HI TAMMYKINS!!!