Summer is in full swing so it's time to get out there and have some fun!

July 4th is Independence Day, a time to celebrate with barbeques, the beach, and fireworks! Declare your independence this month and experience special values that are too electrifying to ignore! Look for "the Power of 4" special values in July!

We know you will be spending lots of time outdoors so swing by the Spa Essence Retreat and pick up some sunscreen that will protect you from the sun while keeping your skin hydrated. So lather up, throw on a hat, and enjoy!

We invite you to stop in and visit us in July.

We'll see you at the spa!

Juicing

Juicing is an easy way to consume vast amounts of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants, boost your energy, enhance your immune system, and more.

Benefits of Juicing:

• Juicing offers a more efficient way to absorb immune-boosting nutrients naturally found in fruits and vegetables.
• Juicing helps in detoxifying the body.
• Juicing provides you with extra energy. Vegetable and fruit juices have plenty of nutrients, which help in strengthening the body's immunity and giving it extra energy.
• Juicing may aid in weight loss.

Need we say more?? Drink up!

Q: I workout with weights and run several times a week. I have very tight, sore muscles and find myself taking a lot of pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Will incorporating a massage regimen into my current program alleviate my problems and allow me to get off the meds?

A: Researchers found that massage sets off a series of molecular events in muscles that help reverse discomfort related to exercise. Massage dampened the activity of proteins known as inflammatory cytokines, which cause inflammation and pain. It also increased levels of proteins that signal the muscles to produce more mitochondria, the cell structures that produce energy and help muscles recover from activity.

Massage basically has the same pain-relieving effect as drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). Known as NSAIDS, for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these medications work by reducing levels of substances called prostaglandins that increase levels of inflammatory cytokines. By reducing the inflammation - or the pro-inflammatory cytokines, to be specific - you would reduce pain.

Summer is here and we just know that you are planning to sneak off on a fun getaway. Whether you're hitting the beach or taking an exotic cruise, it's sure to be an unforgettable adventure! The best way to really enjoy your vacation is to plan and prepare for your trip efficiently. Here are a few tips to assist you in organizing the perfect escape.

Packing is the biggest chore on your TO DO list. It can make or break your vacation. You want to keep it simple, but still include all of the essentials. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Make a List. This is the best way to guarantee you don't forget anything. Those last minute runs to the store while on vacation can be costly and time consuming. Plan ahead so you can relax on your trip.
2. Pack Classic Colors. Black, white, and khaki shorts or skirts are ideal clothing items for vacation. These are classic colors that can be worn with just about anything and can easily be recycled. This will limit the bulk in your suitcase and make packing an easy task.
3. Travel-size it! Using travel-sized face cream, lotions, sunblock, etc., makes going through security a breeze and it's a great way to reduce the bulk in your accessories bag. Stop by Spa Essence Retreat to stock up on all of your travel-sized personal items.

Your summer vacation will be a success with just a little planning. So, dust off those travel brochures and start dreaming. Your adventure awaits!