Make Mom a Tasty Treat this Mother's Day

For all that she's done, treat your Mom to a delicious Mother' Day brunch courtesy of Glen Ivy's own Chef Bill. She's sure to enjoy it since it will be made with the best ingredients---cheese and love!

Three Cheese Vegetable Quesadillas

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon crumbled jack cheese
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 seeded and diced chile poblano or pasilla
1 seeded and diced jalapeno
1 garlic clove minced
1/2 tomato, diced
1 chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped zucchini
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3 large wrap tortillas (12 inch)
1/2 cup Edamole Broccomole--click here for recipe
1/2 cup Three Chili Salsa--click here for recipe

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the three cheeses, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Heat a saute pan over medium heat and lightly coat the bottom of the pan with the olive oil. Add the poblano, jalapeno, garlic, tomato, green onion, zucchini and oregano. Saute for 2 minutes. Fold in the cilantro. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Heat a large saute pan over medium high heat and add 1 tortilla. Cook 5 seconds, turn over, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the mixed cheeses and 2 tablespoons of sauteed vegetables on one side of the tortilla (in a half moon). Fold the tortilla over the filling and toast on each side for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Remove the pas and repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step #4: Cut each quesadilla into 8 pieces. Serve with Edamole Broccomole and Three Chili Salsa. BUEN PROVECHO!


From all of us here at Glen Ivy, we wish everyone a lovely Mother's day!

Healing Through Loving-Kindness Practice: A Visit From Bhante Sujatha

On May 6 Bhante Sujatha, a Buddhist monk from the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock, IL, will be visiting Glen Ivy Hot Springs to teach guests a yoga and meditation class. Sujatha, a Buddhist monk for over 30 years, has taught around the globe to those wishing to learn the art of happiness and contentment through meditation. The teaching is centered around the cultivation of self love and the activities include: "What is Loving-Kindness?" and how to practice it.

Some other benefits of this beautiful workshop include:

• Reduced stress, anxiety, worry, and depression
• Healing and enhancing relationships with others
• Gaining a sense of empowerment over challenging issues in your life
• Insights into your life purpose
• Awakening to the blessings of the present moment
• Attaining unshakable inner peace

Make sure you join Bhante Sujatha for a Yoga class at 10am followed by a meditation class at 11am on May 6 at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Bhante believes his purpose is to not only teach Meditation but also to "teach people how to be happy." For more information on Bhante and the Blue Lotus Temple click here.

A Delicious Cinco De Mayo Salsa Recipe

Looking for a salsa this Cinco De Mayo that's not only delicious but healthy too? Well look no further! Glen Ivy's own Chef Bill provided us with his Three Chili Salsa which lends a delicious and zesty jump to your menu this 5th of May. So break open that bag of chips and whip up this festive salsa! It's sure to put you in the fiesta mood!

Three Chili Salsa

Makes: 10 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

1 chile del arbol

2 chile anchos, seeded and stemmed

1 chile negra, seeded and stemmed

10 tomatillos, husks removed

1/2 cup water

2 garlic cloves

1/4 teaspoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Sea salt to taste

Step 1: Heat a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Add the onion and chilies. Cook to toast the chilies, about 3 minutes. Remove chilies from pan and add the tomatillos, water and garlic. Cook for 15 minutes to soften the tomatillos.

Step 2: Place the tomatillos, chilies, cumin and cilantro into a blender. Pulse 10 seconds until salsa is chunky. Season to taste with salt.

10 Easy Ways to Go Green

It's the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and here at Glen Ivy we try and go green whenever possible. Going green helps to reduce your impact on the environment and if you aren't already doing your part, today is the perfect day to start! Here are some little ways to go green but that will make a big change!

Paperless Bills. Do all of your billing online. Just check with your bill companies to sign up!

Turn Off Lights When You Leave a Room. Try opening up those blinds or curtains to let natural light in.

Fix Leaky Faucets. You would be surprised how much water gets wasted by a leaky faucet. Another way to conserve water--turn off water while you brush your teeth.

Get a Reusable Water Bottle. Grab an inexpensive reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic disposable bottles. Just purchase a water filter for your refrigerator or sink and you'll be set! Check out The Story of Bottled Water for some interesting facts!

Unplug Unused Appliances/Electronics. Try plugging all electronics into a power strip and switch the whole thing off when they aren't in use. This helps prevent "phantom" energy use and can save you up to $200 a year!

Take Shorter Showers. Not only will this lower your water bill, but it will lower your heating bill too!

Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances. Even just switching to one helps! Just look for the "energy star" label.

Install Compact Fluorescent Bulbs. CFL's consume 75% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer!

Use Reusable Bags. Pick some up bags you can use over and over again for shopping trips.

Recycle Electronics. Donate or recycle when it's time to say bye-bye to your electronics. E-waste contains mercury and other toxins that are hazardous to the Earth.

Remember, even the smallest actions can have lasting environmental effects.

Tell us how you've gone green!

Glen Ivy Poetry Contest Winners

Congratulations to Erin S. who sent in her poem and is our winner for the "Glen Ivy Poetry Contest." For her creativity, Erin will be receiving two complimentary admission passes and lunch for two! Here is her winning poem along with the 2nd and 3rd place entries! Enjoy!

1st Place:

Glen Ivy
By Erin S.

The Grotto is green,
Club Mud is brown,
At my favorite Glen Ivy,
There's so much to be found.

Get a massage or facial,
Let the stress melt away,
Bring all of your friends,
For a memorable day.

So pack on the mud,
Float in the pool,
Laugh and relax,
Forget work or school.

You'll be so pampered,
From your head to toe,
And at the end of the day,
Never want to go!

It's life at the spa,
Part of my motto,
Enjoy the poem,
If I win, see you in the Grotto!

2nd Place:

My Favorite Things
Mrs. Shane H.

Lavender sugar scrub and luscious facials
Eucalyptus wraps and polished toenails
Glen Ivy gift cards tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Steam room and spa rooms and crystalline pools
Mud baths and mineral baths enchant like jewels
Stress floats away on dragonfly wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Nibbling and noshing at Cafe Sole
Field greens and dressing prepared by gourmets
Birds of paradise burst bright blossoms of springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the job bites
When the kids whine
When I'm feeling sad
I simply mend myself at Glen Ivy Spa
And then I don't feel so bad.

3rd Place:

Untitled
Crystal C.

I look out the window and it's that time of year, the time to bring out bathing suits cause Glen Ivy is here!
I'll book a nice facial or even a back massage, time to put my stress aside cause ladies were off to the spa!
No more yelling, screaming, or pitter patter of little feet, it's the end of my work week and lemme tell ya I'M BEAT!
I'm ready to get pampered now & covered in piles of mud, close my eyes and reminisce of times when I was young!
Here at Glen Ivy I can always count on one thing--To close my eyes, relax & remember here I'm always STRESS FREE!

Thank you to all who sent in their amazing Glen Ivy poems! I hope that you all had as much fun writing them as I did reading them!

5 Stress Relieving Strategies to Help You Enjoy Life

Everyone can use a little less stress in their life, but reducing stress always seems easier said then done--until now! Here are our top five ways to relieve stress and help you enjoy life. Whether you try just one or all five, we're sure you'll notice a more relaxed body and mind:

Meditate.When practicing meditation, your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, you use oxygen more efficiently, you sweat less, your mind clears, and your creativity increases. People who meditate regularly find it easier to give up life-damaging like smoking, drinking and drugs.

Yoga. Virtually everyone can see physical benefits from yoga, but its practice also has some psychological benefits such as stress reduction and a sense of well being. Certain poses can be done just about anywhere and a yoga program can go for hours or minutes depending on your schedule.

Get a Dog or Cat. Recent research shows that, when conducting a task that's stressful, people actually experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present!

Take a Cheap Vacation. Here are come creative ideas:

• Take a Quiet Day: Take a full day without answering your phone or connecting to the Internet. This will help you disconnect from the stresses and demands from your daily life, allowing you to relax.


• Be a Hotel Guest: It can be surprisingly relaxing to stay in a nearby hotel. Basically, you are escaping from the constant reminder of the work that needs to be done at home. Turn off that cell phone, close those thick drapes, and sleep in as late as you want!


• Visit a Day Spa: If you can't afford the time or money that it would cost you to go on a traditional vacation, you can spend a fraction of the money a few hours at a day spa getting a heavenly massage that will leave your body relaxed and your mind clear.
  

Good Nutrition. Here's how to combat stress with good nutrition.

• Eat Breakfast-Skipping breakfast makes it harder to maintain stable blood sugar levels and effective functioning during your busy morning; you need it!


• Opt for Green Tea-You can reduce your stress levels and improve mental performance by weaning yourself off of caffeine. An easy way to do this is to replace coffee with decaffeinated Green Tea.


• Try Sparkling Juice or Perrier-Both are a more healthful alternative to coffee. You'll still get a refreshing treat but you'll be adding water to your system!

What do you do to help relieve stress? Please share your stress-relieving tips with us!

Glen Ivy Poetry Contest

April is not only Stress Awareness Month, but also National Poetry Month! How is Glen Ivy celebrating you ask? Since writing helps to reduce stress and allows for better sleep, we thought we would combine the two while giving you a chance to win some passes to Glen Ivy Hot Springs!

Whether you choose to write a haiku, couplet, acrostic, or limerick, we're giving you creative freedom! The only requirements are that your poem must:

-be 100 words or less
-contain ALL of the following words: Spa, Stress, and Glen Ivy

Submit all entries to meghann.pracanica@glenivy.com by 10:00 a.m on Friday, April 16. The winner, and their poem, will be announced that afternoon. The winning poet will receive two complimentary spa admissions and lunch for two!

So grab a pen or pencil, tap into your creativity, and start writing! Who knows, maybe you're a poet and you just don't know it!!

Lymphatic Drainage & Organ Detox

Do the words "drainage" and "organ detox" make you feel a little uneasy? Well you aren't alone because I felt the same way. But after having heard the wonderful, healthful benefits of lymphatic drainage and organ detox, I sat down with Glen Ivy's Primary Massage Therapist Mariah Villalobos to learn more.

Q: What does a lymphatic drainage massage do?
A: Lymphatic drainage is a light massage with a powerful body-wide response. This slow, methodical massage kicks in your parasympathetic nervous system, boosts the immune system, and moves toxins and debris out of your body, promoting regularity.

Q: What is the lymph system?
A: The lymph system is a special component of the circulatory system that is responsible for waste disposal and immune response.

Q: Why is lymphatic drainage massage beneficial?
A: The lymph system does not have a pumping system like our heart, instead lymph (tissue fluid) moves purely from muscular contraction and respiratory movement. Stagnation in the lymph system can result in a variety of health issues including edema, weight gain, poor bowel movements, and disease.

Q: What is Organ Detox?
A: Organ detox is a fabulous addition to lymph drainage, creating the ultimate body cleanse. It is a light massage, similar to lymph drainage, where the abdomen is massaged in a clockwise motion which begins the natural flow of fluids and relaxation.

Q: Who benefits from these types of massages?
A: It's a very positive experience to improve overall health. I'd recommend it for those looking to cleanse the body, promote weight loss, and boost the immune system, and also for those that have just started a new diet or exercise routine, for those experiencing poor bowel movements or suffering from chronic illness.

Q: What Glen Ivy services would you recommend?
A: You would want to book an 80 minute Custom Massage. Make sure that you communicate when making the reservation that you would like Lymphatic Drainage so we can place you with the appropriate therapist and also continue the open communication with your therapist regarding your current health situation and goals.

Make sure and stop by the Winter Lounge at the Hot Springs on Saturday, February 27 at 1:00pm to listen to Mariah go more in depth about improving health and wellness through massage .

Q&A with Author Phyllis Pilgrim

Author Phyllis Pilgrim will be joining us at Glen Ivy Hot Springs on Thursday, February 25. Join us at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Winter Lounge as Phyllis shares her amazing story. Until then, here's a little bit more about our friend Phyllis including her philosophy on life and three things she can't live without...

Q: What made you decide to write a book about your experience?
A: To better understand my adult choices and behaviors infuenced by the war years and to leave a legacy for my son and granddaughter.....it's a verbal history and memoir.

Q: What is your philosophy on life?
A: To have my doingness come out of my beingness that in turn comes from a place of love; to know who I am and live positively.

AWhat are 3 things that you can’t live without?
A: Love, friendship and positive work.

Q: Have you always been interested in Yoga and the spa atmosphere?
A: Yes since the age of 15 when my mother introduced me to yoga back in 1951, and the Rancho la Puerta experience for the spa experience since 1981, although I lived a wholistic life before that in both London and Barbados.

Q: What is it that draws you to yoga?
A: The completeness of the overall practices of body, mind and spirit interwoven into one harmonious whole.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A: "To do what I love" given to me by a doctor friend of my parents when I was 14 years old.

Q: Do you have a personal motto to live by or a favorite quote?
A: "May the beauty that you love be the beauty that you do, there are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth" - Rumi.

Q: What inspires you?
A: When ordinary people do extraordinary things ....and also The Dalai Lama inspires me.

Meet Phyllis Pilgrim

Author Phyllis Pilgrim will be joining us at Glen Ivy Hot Springs on Thursday, February 25 to share her compelling story about her childhood experiences as a prisoner of war during WWII in Java with her mother and brother in Japanese internment camps for women and children. Join us at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Winter Lounge as Phyllis shares her story of survival and courage, answers questions, and tells how her early experiences provided the insight to shape her adult life and career choices.

Glen Ivy will be featuring Phyllis' book The Hidden Passport, My Childhood Journey Through Japanese Concentration Camps in Java for sale in our retail store. Be sure to stop by to meet Phyllis and hear her amazing story.

Phyllis is currently a yoga instructor at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, where she also teaches and directs the "Specialty and Spirit Week" programs. For more information about Phyllis and her book, please visit her website at http://www.phyllispilgrim.com/.

Reasons to Visit Glen Ivy During Winter

It's officially the first day of winter, Christmas is just days away and the New Year is right around the corner. As the chillier winter weather begins to settle in here in Southern California, I often find myself struggling to leave the warm comfort of my home but many of our guests claim that now is the best time to be at the spa. Here are a few of our favorite reasons to visit the spa in the winter:

-With the cool weather, the hot spas feel even more relaxing

-There are fewer people than in the summer

-A massage and a soak is the best way to beat the stress of the holiday

-The Grotto body treatment is perfect with dry winter skin

-Things seem to move a little slower here, making it the perfect escape from everyday stress

So whether you are trying to unwind after the holidays, getting ready for the New Year, or simply treating yourself to a day of relaxation, we hope to see you soaking in one of our spas during this fabulous winter season!

A Deeper Look into Your Skin

Join us this Friday, September 4th at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona for a complimentary skin scan! If you aren’t familiar with skin scan technology, check out this video from Oprah’s show:



The process is really as easy as taking a picture and gives you a print out of your skin that shows a more in-depth look at your skin’s health than what can be seen by the naked eye. Using your skin scan print out, our estheticians will be able to create a personalized skincare regimen to fit your skin’s needs. So make sure you stop by our Spa Salon on Friday or any of the dates below so you can protect the most important skin in the world—yours!

Friday, Sept. 4, 10-5
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 10-5
Friday, Sept. 11, 10-5

Glen Ivy Introduces...Primavera!

Today Jennifer and I took a walk over to our Spa Lifestyle Store at the Hot Springs to check out the new products (one of our favorite things to do!). Our goal today: experience Primavera, a new product line of organic skincare and aromatherapy products.

The first thing that caught our eyes while we browsed the testers was the beautiful packaging and display - and that was only the beginning. We could hardly contain ourselves as we opened all of the testers to smell the different scents. Being a bit obsessed with nail care, it didn’t take long for Jennifer to shout “I found my favorite!” There she stood, grinning ear to ear with a bottle of Primavera’s Hand and Nail Cream. Shortly after, I found Primavera’s Lip Balm – a sure addition to my ever-growing lip balm collection. Needless to say, we spent quite some time perusing the entire line!


Next time you’re in our Spa Lifestyle Store, be sure to stop, smell and try – it’s amazing!

Stay tuned, we’ll have more information about Primavera from an expert.

#1 Reason to Daycation at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa Contest Winner

Our winner for the #1 Reason to Daycation at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa contest is Beatrice! We invited our guests to the Blog to leave their #1 reason to visit Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa and we got over 120 comments! Thank you to everyone who participated!

“My number one reason to visit Glen Ivy is to receive healing for my soul (mind, will, & emotions), which translates into a healthier, happier me, inside and out.” --Beatrice S.

What's Your #1 Reason to Daycation at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa?

Share your #1 reason by leaving a comment below for a chance to win 2 complimentary spa admission passes! Whether you visit because it’s cheaper than Cabo or because you love covering yourself from head to toe in our famous Red Clay Mud, any reason is a good reason!

Here are our favorite reasons:

5. A Fun Place to Be – Celebrate Birthdays, Brides, Babies, Best friends or just Because!

4. Every Body Loves Glen Ivy – Great spa treatments, fabulous food, garden surroundings, and water everywhere– there’s so much for everyone!

3. Easy and Carefree – A quick drive from home, and no need to bring a lot– just a bathing suit or two, sunscreen, sandals, and you’re ready to go!

2. Real Value – The most affordable "2 Week Vacation in a Day" in Southern California.

1. It’s All About YOU! – What’s your #1 reason for going to Glen Ivy?

We’ve shared our favorite reasons to visit Glen Ivy and now we want to hear from you!

Comment below with your top reason for visiting Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa by Monday, July 13. Please also e-mail Kristen at kristen.koman @ glenivy.com with your full name and a contact e-mail or phone number along with your response so we know how to find you if you win!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Father's Day Contest Finalists

Congratulations to the Glen Ivy Father's Day Contest finalists! Be sure to read each story before voting! The winning father will be awarded with a "Day in Paradise," which will include admission and lunch for two, a custom massage and a hot towel facial at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa! We can't think of a better way to say, "Happy Father's Day Dad!"

Here we go:

Finalist #1 Here is our nomination written by me BUT told by our 5 year old Coby!! "My Dad is the super funniest guy cause when he gets home from work he takes his work clothes off and puts on his sweats and he pulls them up super high to his boobs and says 'Did I do that?' like Erkel does. It is so funny I can't stop laughing and my brother too! You should pick him for dads day because he is the funniest one I know and he always cracks me up and my brother Collin!" Thanks so much. --Coby (5), Collin (4) & Lori

Finalist #2 The funny story that exemplifies him [Dad] most is the "Goat Incident". My dad willingly took part in a school charity auction where the person who raised the most money had to kiss a goat in front of the entire elementary school and parents. My dad, thinking he would never win in a million years, agrees to participate and ends up getting the most donations. So here goes this lifer Marine with his crew cut hair and Semper Fi attitude infront of the whole school planted a big, smelly, smooch right on the goat's lips. Needless to say the entire school erupted in laughter and the parents taunted him. Later he got his revenging chasing my mom around trying to kiss her with his goat germ lips! --Maggie

Finalist #3 At a family reunion a few years ago everyone got a little too ... let's just say carried away. All of the adults were having a great time hanging out then they busted out the karaoke machine, that's when it all started. To my suprise some of my family members were actually good or even better at singing while being intoxicated. Then it was my dad's turn. He stepped up to the plate and began singing "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" to my Uncle Aaron in possibly the highest pitch I've ever heard come out of him. He even had a special dance he made up to go along with it. What made it even better was that he had on his sunglasses and a hat to make him seem cool. He thought he was actually good because everyone was laughing and clapping. The only thing was they were laughing at him, not with him. It was completely embarrassing but it's my dad and I can't help but love him even more when he makes me laugh. To this day we still have incriminating photos of him dancing around the living room with his microphone, a sunburn, and his hat. I love my whacky daddy. --Shana

Finalist #4 Right before Valentine's Day my brother took my diary and read it. My Dad knew I was upset and decided to get me a new diary as a gift for Valentine's Day. He went to the Sanrio Store to get me a Keroppi diary, since that was my favorite character at the time. My Dad was born in Mexico and English is his second language. When he arrived at Sanrio he asked the sales girl if they sold "diarrheas". He couldn't think of the word and kept saying he needed to buy a "diarrhea". He said the sales girl kept looking at him as if he were crazy until finally he explained that he needed a book where people write in it, the sales girl was then able to catch on and he was finally able to buy me a diary for Valentine's Day. --Vanessa

Finalist #5 It started out a regular day and ended as a memorably funny one. My mom told me we were going to Mervyn’s to look for a bra for me. I was excited; it would be my first bra. My family isn’t shy. I was not embarrassed at all that my dad was coming with us. That would soon change. As we walked into the store, we went straight to the panty and bra section. A sales woman walked up to us and asked if we needed any help. My dad answered “we need an over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder please!” I was mortified! I hid behind my mom as she sent him to another section of the store. Needless to say he never went with us again and this is something we will never forget. Yet I love him for giving me moments like this to share with people as it makes my life more fun. --Tonia

Vote now for the funniest father!

You're Invited

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, Corona
Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26





We are excited to announce glō skincare as our source for professional treatment and personal skincare products, now featured at all Glen Ivy Spa locations!

glōtherapeutics are:

• Blended with Superior Ingredients
• Chirally correct
• Pharmaceutical grade
• Free of dyes and parabens
• Potent Concentrations
• High level of active ingredients
• Results driven clinical formulations
• Customized to Specific Skin Conditions
• Made to Simplify your Skincare Regimen

Visit us this weekend at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa for:

• FREE Product Samples & Event Exclusive SALES
• Skincare Tips from glō Professionals
• Complimentary Individual Skin Consultation & Scan
• Product Demonstration & Personalized Product Recommendations
• Workshops on Optimal Aging and Repairing Sun Damage
• Free Gift with Minimum Purchase
• Refreshments provided by Hansen’s® Self Beauty Elixir™

Want your skin to glō? Call 888-GLEN IVY to book your appointment today or click here to buy glō products online!

More Stress-reducing Tips from Glen Ivy Professionals

We hope everyone is having a stress-free April! Here are a few more stress-reducing tips for you to use in your daily life:

Take a mental break. Sometimes a minute of peace and quiet will do the trick. If you are getting stressed and overwhelmed, stop what you are doing and go outside. Often times a change of scenery will calm you down.

Turn on some tunes. It is said that the right music can lower blood pressure, relax your body and calm your mind. So if your stress level is reaching its high point, find some music that will put you at ease.

Laugh with a friend. Smiling can sometimes make us feel happy and relaxed. So call that friend that you know can put a smile across your face!

Create a mantra. Coming up with a short, positive statement can help you to center yourself. For example, when your life seems to be a catastrophe, saying “I am strong,” ten times might put you at ease.

Read a good book. Putting your mind into an activity as peaceful as reading a good book can help you to reduce your stress level. Grab that book and a nice blanket, and give yourself that much needed 20 minute break!

Hope you all enjoyed these stress-reducing tips! Please share your tips with us-- we want to know how you reduce stress in your every day life!

Always remember, take time out of your day ... FOR YOU! You deserve it!

Stress-reducing tips from Glen Ivy Professionals

At Glen Ivy we know that adopting a spa lifestyle offers many ways to reduce stress everyday, at home, at work, and of course, at the SPA! Try some of these stress-reducing tips from Glen Ivy Professionals:

- Aromatherapy. Soothe your senses with scents that put you at ease. Use candles, lotions, or oils in your bath. Also, keep your favorite scented hand lotion in your bag for a quick pick me up, wherever, whenever.

- Take a bath. The warmth and floating sensation is a relaxing way to wash your stresses away.

- Exercise. And when you can’t break away, take 5 minutes to really stretch out your body. You’d be surprised how much tension is released!

- Eat lunch away from your desk. Lunch should be a micro-vacation from your work day. It should be relaxing and enjoyable. So when your lunch hour comes, enjoy a nice salad or sandwich and don't work!

- Bring elements of the spa into your home. Keep Glen Ivy's Lavender and Eucalyptus Body Products around your house to infuse your day with the rejuvenating moments of a spa experience!

Hope you enjoyed these first few tips - check back next week for more!

Simple Suggestions for Stress Awareness Month

This month I will be doing my best to not bite my nails (and I mean chomp my poor nails, so bad), to not continuously check the locks on my doors when I know they have been locked (can someone say OCD?), to not re-check my phone to make sure my alarm is set at all hours of the night (I set an alarm to make sure my alarm is on, no joke) and to not remind myself of things happening in my Blackberry, AOL calender, planner AND notebook (I thought just purchasing the blackberry would keep me a line but it didn't). If anyone stresses, it's me.

April is Stress Awareness Month– a time when healthcare professionals, health promotion experts, and caregivers across the country join forces to raise public awareness about the cause and cures for our modern stress epidemic.

Here are some great tips for you (and me) to reduce our stress level this month from Jennifer Riley, a reporter at the Christian Post:

• Provide a listening ear. Often, those who are going through stressful times simply need someone to talk to. Make an extra phone call or meet a friend for coffee and offer the opportunity for them to talk.

• Send an encouraging note. Words are powerful. In the age of emails and text messages, handwritten notes show that you took time and effort to show you care.

• Say “thank you.” Offer your gratitude for people. Thank a coworker for his or her hard work or a waiter for serving you dinner. Everyone wants to feel appreciated.

• Laugh with someone. A good hearty laugh can relax you both and mentally lighten your load. Tell a joke or rent a funny movie with a friend.

• Perform a random act of kindness. Surprise someone with the unexpected. It can be as simple as paying for a friend’s coffee or offering to watch the kids so a mom or dad can have time to relax.

• Get a massage. It is said that an hour of professional massage can be as restful as 3-4 hours of sleep.

• Help someone organize. When the places and things around us are in order, we feel a little more put together. Take time to help a friend clean out a closet or scrub the bathtub.

• Take a walk. Exercise releases endorphins and makes us feel better all around. Walk around the mall with a coworker on your lunch break or meet a friend at a park after work and enjoy the fresh air.

• Share a smile. This contagious act can easily brighten someone’s day. Smile to a passing stranger; it may make a big difference in his or her day.

• Get away. Get away from the everyday circumstances that may be causing stress. Plan a weekend getaway or a day trip with a friend.

• Pray. Say a quick prayer for your friend and put his or her stress in the hands of the Ultimate Provider and Healer.

National Stress Awareness Day is April 16.

To your health & happiness- and a stress-free month!