A Mountainside Spa Retreat #Utah

 Last week I was so excited to go to Mountainside Spa, a new spa in the Holladay/Cottonwood Heights area, for an amazing facial and body wrap! This was my first visit and being relatively unfamiliar to that area since my move north, I pulled out my navigator and headed out. I was easily supposed to be there within 10 minutes, when things took a turn. Apparently, my route was blocked because of a power transformer explosion, causing a wild fire in the middle of a residential area. 

 My detour apparently caused my navigator to get confused and the pleasant woman's voice led me half-way up a mountain to an ancient, gated building. "Wow, strange place for a spa, rather rustic!" I thought. Turns out it was an old, abandoned, delapidated, padlocked, electric power plant. I turned around, made my way down the mountain and parked in a parking lot. By this time instead of being 10 minutes early to the appointment, I was 15 minutes late. I was torn between cancelling and soldiering on. 

The pleasant gal at the desk made me want to keep moving on. She was very kind and became my human navigator, so I continued my journey with her guidance. Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding at a crucial time, and I found myself in the middle of an intersection with a red light. I was not in the left turning lane, where I needed to be BUT if I went straight, it looked like the entrance to a freeway, where I definitely didn't want to go. So I did the only logical thing in my mind--always questionable. I made an illegal left turn, on a red light. I didn't get very far because right behind me was a cop. It took quite awhile for me to get out of that situation, but I must say I'm glad he stopped me because he alerted me to another very problematic situation I was driving with, since corrected, which I won't go into right now! I am so appreciative of his kindness because he seemed to understand that none of this was my fault!!!! Needless to say, I was extremely stressed out and harried by the time I reached the spa about 45 minutes late!!

Still managing to smile upon arrival to Mountainside Spa

When I walked in, I was not the mildly stressed person I was when I left my house. I was now beyond stressed, uncomfortable, overheated, and shaken...oh wait, that's called a hot mess! But walking into that spa was like walking into another world. It was so calming and so comforting. I can tell you right now that staff is so important in a place of relaxation. Staff can make or break your experience. I'm happy to say that the staff at Mountainside Spa is wonderful! I  was taken in and pampered beyond what I expected!  

Trio of products I walked out with after my treatment. Body Butters and Salt Scrub-Thank you so much!

I was treated to a hungarian facial and an exfoliating, blueberry body wrap. It was zen-like and when I was finished, I had practically forgotten any stress I was feeling when I arrived. I appreciated my considerate esthetician, Amanda, who bent over backwards with every consideration for me.
I came away with a list of things you might want to look for when you go to the spa:
 1) When you walk in, is the staff welcoming and polite? 
2) Is your esthetician both considerate and professional? 
3) Does the atmosphere lend itself to relaxation in every way?  
4) Is there an array of high-quality products to choose from that they also use in your treatment? 
5) Do you walk out feeling totally relaxed?
Mountainside Spa is having a Grand Opening on September 10, 11 - 7 p.m. They will be giving mini-facials, having drawings, and lots of other fun things! Let's welcome them to their permanent home and show them we appreciate them! 

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The World Of Figure Competition - One Mom's Journey Part II

Here is the 2nd part of Lei's first figure competition experience. You can read the 1st part of her journey here!

Now that the hard part, the training, was done, it was time for the competition prep. Lei was committed and ready to put her all into it, even though the fear of failure loomed ever present in her mind. But she had confidence that she could succeed because of her  initial  twelve weeks with Maria, her trainer. She had met her goals and it gave her hope and confidence.  Now she was on a more disciplined program, if you can imagine, and didn't want to let Maria or herself down.  Maria told her that she was a stellar client - "I am continuously impressed with your hard work, and consistency. KILLING. IT."   

The next obstacle to overcome was to perfect her posing skills.  Posing is so vitally important that, if lacking, women with great physique's have not placed because it.  Since she had never done it before, she had no idea of how to do correct posing. Lei completed six practices with Maria to feel somewhat confidant.  "She is a beautiful poser so I was taught by a great teacher. "  

Peak Week Each week Lei consistently followed her program - nutrition and workouts.  She did not miss any.  Her cardio increased from 25 mins to 30 mins of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and she continuously lifted heavier and heavier.  Finally the week of her competition arrived.  Peak Week was a little more rigorous.  By the end of the week she needed to drop water weight, so her water intake decreased from 150 oz. on Mon-Wed to 80 oz on Thurs, and 20 oz. on Fri and only sips on Sat.  Also,  the day before competition, you have a carb day and one on competition morning, to fill up the muscles.  Taking water out of the body shows off the muscles, and the carbs fill out those muscles so they are fuller.  "It was not as difficult as I expected.  I was not grouchy or irritable as some people get.  I just lacked energy." 

Tanning Appointment  Friday night was her tanning appointment and a meeting with the other women competitors.  Tanning was quite the experience.  She had never done spray tan before.  The hotel was filled with contestants--men and women all tanned, or soon to be.  It was quite the thrill for Lei to be with all those young people. 
   

             
No one knew my age, so I pretended to just be one of the girls, when I could have easily been a mother to many of them!!  The tanning company had individual tents up and we all had to strip down to nothing.  Each girl got into the tent and they sprayed us down the row.  We couldn't see each other, but you gotta let go of insecurities and shyness at this point.  A woman sprayed tanned us, so it was fine.  

Pre-Judging  Early Sat morning I had my hair and makeup appt.  It was fun to be pampered.  Then I headed to pre-judging.  All this happened at Cottonwood High School.  Figure girls were the first group after the men's pre-judging.  So at 11:30 we were ready to go.  My number was 301.  Because of my last name I was first.  Funny story:  So all during our line up the leaders were telling us, "ok walk to this X, do your poses, walk to this side"  "Don't worry, just follow the girl before you or the first girl"  So I was like ok, that works, I will just do what she does.  Then they called out number #301 you are here, meaning first in the line!  I was like "WHAT?" I am suppose to follow the girl before me......now I AM the first girl.  Boy was that stressful.  But I just said to myself, just do it and have fun, I have been taught well,  just be confidant!!....So I went out there and smiled at the judges and did my posing.  

The judges took the longest with our group and we had to stand in our poses for what seemed like a very long time.  I entered three categories: Figure A (up to and including 5'4") Figure Masters 35 & older, and True Novice A (Never competed & up to 5'4")  Pre-judging is where the winners are selected.  The Final is the show in the evening. At the evening show, all participants are showcased, whether you placed or not.  Everyone walks out and poses.  However, you are called to stand on stage as a group only if you placed and earned a trophy.  I figured since I had not heard anything in between pre judging and finals that I didn't place.  I told myself that it was OK because I transformed my body and had a great experience.  But I didn't know that they don't let you know if you placed, it is a surprise. 

The Final  After going home to rest and then driving back up to Cottonwood HS, I planned to just enjoy my evening.  Figure Competitors were called to gather on one side of the stage.  The leaders called out the numbers of the gals who placed, to line up to walk on stage.  I didn't hear my number for Figure A, which I kinda expected.  However, when they lined up Masters A, I thought I could of had a chance.  But they didn't call my number.  Lastly they lined up the True Novice winners. I thought I heard my number, but I didn't want to assume, so I never  lined up.  All the four other gals did.  Finally the leader said I need number 301, I was like....so happy...ME?  I am 301!!  So funny!  Of course I was first in line cuz 301, 302, 303...etc.  So all five of us walked out and stood waiting to hear our placing.  For fifth place #301.  I waved and walked to the fifth place trophy.  I was SOOO happy! 

It was a very fun evening.  Many of my friends wanted to come, but just a few made it.  My family was screaming for me when I was on stage.  After the placing, I walked out to the foyer and was met by my friends and family with leis they ordered from Hawaii.  It was a magical time.  We went back into the auditorium to watch the rest of the show.  Then we all went out to eat at Smash Burger.  I had the works and a shake (which I normally don't have, but deserved!) It was so much fun and I was not as nervous as I thought I would be.  It took a lot of confidence for me because I am more of an introvert, but maturity does something to you and you decide, "I don't care what people may think.  I am doing this for me and because I want to."

I planned to compete again but did not know which show...Aug, Oct, or Mar `16.  When I looked at the schedule, I noticed that the Aug show is on my 52 birthday!  To me there is no better way to spend my birthday than doing something I love.  What is even better, is my sister and her family are coming up to Utah the night before the show Aug 14.  I asked her if she wouldn't mind seeing me compete.  She said it would be great.  So now not only will i celebrate my 52 birthday, but my sister and her family will be there too. 

I have been working hard on building up my back more and getting my legs more cut.  My trainer is working me good right now.  I will call Maria soon to be accountable to her as well 12 weeks out to Aug 15th.  I love having new challenges.  First dropping body fat, then competing, and now building more muscle and competing for the second time.  It is great to be where I am right now!!  The fifties are AWESOME!!

SANITY VS. VANITY

Are you crazy about being tan? If you are, you're not alone. Women, especially under the age of 35 and even men are very captivated by the bronze glow that laying in a tanning bed brings!  Over the past 20 years tanning beds have become ever more popular, casting ultraviolet light on a person's body in as little as 10-minute increments and provide a bronze glow - the quintessential Western image of beauty.  However, there has been a debate going on between tanning professionals and concerned researchers, citizens and parents about the danger of tanning booths.  Many scientists are now saying that tanning booths may be even more harmful than direct exposure to sunlight, a point which is strongly contested by the tanning professionals!  They say that indoor UV light is a better option because it limits sun exposure and helps the body protect against too much sun by building up a melanin layer at the top of the skin.  The melanin fliters out the UVA and UVB rays. 

Regardless of the rhetoric, if I knew that I was at a higher risk of melanoma because I had a certain gene mutation,CDKN2A, of which 67 percent of all melanomas result from its presence, I think I'd avoid tanning beds AND sun exposure, even if it meant no bronzed glow for me!  That is what the advocates of genetic testing for children and adolescents are saying - that kids would make wiser choices if they knew for a fact what their genetics said about it!  The down side would be that screening at such a young age might compromise their freedom of choice and maybe bring on worries and fears about their increased risk of getting cancer.  It can also be an expensive procedure and is not always covered by insurance! 

For Maryann Gerber, the choice is a no-brainer.  She began using tanning beds at age 20.  For 4 years, she went almost weekly. She noticed that she had a mole on her cheek and fortunately the same vanity that led her to the booths, led her to a plastic surgeon to have the mole removed.  She got a call a day later,informing her that she had melanoma.  10 years later, many scars on her face and back and multiple mole removals have changed her philosophy about wanting to be tan. 

Maryann immediately after surgery

She now speaks around the state of Utah, urging youth to always wear sunblock and get regular check-ups to catch any indications of melanoma early enough to treat it.  When she has children of her own, she definitely plans to use all the precautions with them, as well as genetic testing so that they will be fully armed with knowledge for prevention.

Maryann in the healing stages

She has been through too much to see it again in someone she loves...

Maryann 10 years after surgery

This was taken from several articles in The Deseret News, and is not a sponsored post.

#AntiAging Supplements That Work! NeoCell #Giveaway ($52 RV)

I am happy to be a brand advocate for this great line of nutritional supplements.  NeoCell has paid attention to science that has been around for awhile and has created products that address the health and beauty concerns of 21st century women and men (I mention men here because health and beauty is reflected in good looks and vitality. Men definitely want that too!).

NeoCell has the tagline 'Nutrients You Can Trust' and that is certainly the case!  They don't cut quality to cut costs, like a lot of companies do.  They are easily accessible--buy them locally or online.  And most of all they work!  These claims come with plenty of awards to show for it, including  an Olympic Gold Medal for NeoCell brand ambassador, Kayla Harrison, becoming the first American ever to win a gold medal in Judo; Winner of 2012 Responsible Packaging Award for their committment to switch to 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Packaging; The Better Nutrition 2012 Best of Natural Beauty Award, to name a few.

NeoCell has been developing and manufacturing all natural, premium anti-aging formulas for over 20 years and is the leading Collagen brand in the world. Our products are naturally based, not synthetic, and are designed to promote youthful health, beauty and total body wellness. We manufacture our own products using carefully sourced food-grade raw materials and our facility exceeds all GMP standards.We strive to continuously bring the best to our customers– products that we and our own families are proud to use, made with Nutrients You Can Trust®.

Collagen +C Pomegranate Liquid (16 oz.)    

Elixir for Youthful Vitality and Vigor:
Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid is a youth enhancing elixir that combines the potent antioxidants Pomegranate, Green Tea, Elderberry and Cranberry with the anti-aging benefits of Collagen+C™ in a delicious liquid form. Ionic Minerals are added for further absorption benefits and the blend is sweet- ened with low glycemic index Agave nectar. This complex formulation makes for an easy-to-take, revitalizing anti-aging supplement.
Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid:
Pomegranate's ellagic acid and green tea polyphenols (EGCG) provide a strong combination of antioxidants for protection against free radical damage. With the absorption benefits of ionic minerals, Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid provides the latest in total body health.
Benefits:*

• Radiant and resilient skin
• Thicker hair and stronger nails
• Provides building blocks for collagen synthesis
• Healthy and strong ligaments and tendons
• Potent antioxidant*

Resveratrol AntiOxidant     

The health benefits of Muscadine grape, red wine, red grapes, pomegranate and grape seed extracts have been known for many years. Now modern science and research reveals that regular consumption of these amazing fruits containing natural polyphenol nutrients contributes to a healthy lifestyle.*

Recent clinical Studies show that Reservatrol stimulates and activates the SIRT1 enzyme that is theorized to be part of the anti-aging process. Laboratory studies reveal that reducing cell oxidation and repairing DNA damage may have a substantial impact on cellular health.*

Neocell Resveratrol Antioxidant uses only the finest red wine grapes, grape vine and seeds from the Bordeaux region in France. The addition of Muscadine grapes, French Grape Seed extract, and Pomegranate extract make these amazing fruits a unique blend containing natural and powerful antioxidants which contributes to a healthy lifestyle.*

• Helps prevent free radical damage to cells
• Heps support the immune system and liver functions
• A powerful antioxidant
• Promotes heart health

As I mentioned in my review, NeoCell is sponsoring a giveaway for the two antioxidant supplements above.  The giveaway is open to both U.S. and Canada! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Open to U.S. and Canada.  I received product for this giveaway for review purposes. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.  A GAL NEEDS...is not responsible for non-delivery of product or services by any featured companies.  Only 1 entrant per household.  Double entries will be disqualified.  Winner will be contacted after 3/12/13 by e-mail.  Must respond within 48 hours.  Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.