Please visit our new site.... Sama Ayurveda

My apologies for not updating this site. I have been busy evolving through education and implementing what I've learned into the deeper practices of well-being and whole health... of mind, body, spirit... through the traditional healing system rooted in India.

De-stress Essentials and Spahhh Talk also have evolved to support women on the path to re-connect with the radiance and energy within that gives us our vitality and creativity for the passion that is the spirit of our existence. Please visit Sama Ayurveda.

Sama Ayurveda is a tranquil space devoted to women's rejuvenation in downtown Santa Barbara, CA on the corner of Chapala and Haley, a block from State Street and 1/2 mi from the beach. Visit website for menu of services and programs and to learn about Ayurveda.

Thank you for all your past support by reading my posts.
Be Well. Be Vitality. Be loving. Be Passionate. All good things.

Win a Southern California Dream Spa Experience

Here's your chance to win a spa vacation! Oh don't we need it during these turbulent economic times. Here's the contest details offered by Spas of America. Good luck!

Pala Casino Spa & Resort and Spas of America Launch Spa Contest
Entering is free and easy. Click here to enter. You'll be taken to Spas of America website.

Pala, California- Southern California’s AAA Four Diamond Pala Casino Spa & Resort and the Spa-travel website, Spas of America, are giving away a Southern California Dream Spa Prize Package. The contest invites spa enthusiasts to enter for a chance to win three night’s accommodation, a Pala Spa couple’s package and dinner for two. The Grand Prize package is valued at over $1,000. Secondary prizes in the form of dinner and spa packages are also offered.

The Pala Spa is located one hour north of San Diego, against the tranquil backdrop of the Palomar Mountains. Pala Spa offers 14 treatment rooms including two Couples Suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service salon, and a retail boutique. The Pala Spa’s signature treatment is the Lavender Bliss Treatment. This Thai-inspired experience begins with an awakening toning body scrub, followed by a relaxing lavender bath. Lastly, guests enjoy a warm bolus massage using marine salt crystals and French lavender.

Laughter challenge

I saw a site that took me back to childhood. I was stopped at a light the other day and I noticed some girls laughing. They were laughing so hard they were almost doubled over. I was sitting in the car hoping the light wouldn't turn green so I could get some of what they had. It started with a smile then a laughter and I didn't know what they were laughing about! Laughter is certainly contagious.

The tension I was carrying around with me from adult responsibilities was lifted that day. It had some mesmerizing calming effect. It's a great reminder that life doesn't have to be so serious. Just watch children at play. They laugh for no reason. It's that child-like playfulness that we ought to bring back in our lives.

Throughout the day, give yourself a laugh challenge --- laugh with a friend, spouse, co-worker or your boss and feel the tension release. You don't need to find a reason to laugh. The source of laughter is within us, not outside of our bodies.

break the monotony

The best cure for me to stay fresh and passionate about life is to break the monotony of my routines and do something outrageous or out of the norm. I get too caught up in work that I have to remind myself there is more to life than working and relaxing.

It's far from taking sky diving lessons or bungee jumping, but this summer I left for mid-week silent retreat at a spiritual retreat center. The first few days were tough but by day 3, a peaceful calm took over me and suddenly those things I thought were important was just a blip in my life.

This weekend take a few hours to write a list of things you've always wanted to do. Then take bite sized steps to make it happen. Take a yoga retreat or class in another discipline, take a belly dancing class or climb that mountain. When our minds are open to new experiences, doors open to even better opportunities.

Are you a relax-aholic?

It's been a long while since I last posted Spahhh Talk readers. Thanks for your patience for those still with me. I'll be posting more regularly as I love to write about inspirations that come into my life that I want to share. Today that would be too much relaxation is not good for the soul.

Just like anything that we get too much of in life, it reverses its purpose. Spa too much, you get too spoiled in the luxury. Relaxing too much invites complacency. You'll know it's too much when you're spending more days pampering than to your life purpose. Relaxation is good for the soul but really we're much happier when we can work at what we love with doses of relaxation to keep us centered and balanced.

Give your cuticles a lift!

In my book of vanities, chipped nail polish and dry, cracked cuticles are a definite eyesore. Unless of course, you're going for the grunge look. That is why I'm so happy to have found Daniella's Body Care coconut cuticle oil which totally lives up to it's claims for "an uplifting fix for dry cuticles." I like to use it after removing nail polish, after my shower, or just before I go to bed. Honestly, I love the stuff and it has such a gentle smell. It comes in a convenient pump I can tote around in my purse so it's always with me. The oil absorbs quickly so there's never a greasy feeling. Just massage a small dollop onto your cuticles and you've got soft, beautiful fingertips to show the world.

Enough about vanity. Coconut oil has lots of benefits; most importantly, it's natural, does not contain toxins, and absorbs quickly into the skin. Coconut oil sooths dry skin and keeps the skin smooth and resilient. There's a whole line of coconut products at Daniella's Body Care Web site so don't stop at the cuticle oil. Get a full of list of benefits that coconut oil provides and other ingredients used in the Daniella line of products by selecting Learn on the Daniella Web site. Smooth, youthful skin...now who's not vain enough to want that?

Top 10 Spa Trends

Because I go through a lot of reading material, I love the snappy top 10 lists. Here is Spa Finder's prediction for their top spa trends in the new year:

1. The Star Therapist: Spas and spa-goers will learn to recognize and appreciate the really gifted therapists.
   
2. Wellness, Wellness, Wellness: Spas are not so much about pampering anymore as they are about wellness.
3. Luxury Detox and Luxury Bootcamps: There is nothing wrong with mixing comfort and luxury while detoxing and getting in shape.
4. Spa Real Estate Mania: There are many options now to buy a condo or home where the spa component is a key feature.
5. Taking Sleep Seriously…Especially if you want to Lose Weight: Research shows healthy sleep makes it easier to lose weight.
6. Fertility Tranquility: Relaxing at a spa is good for your body, mind, spirit…and conception.
7. Hydro and Thermal Super-Experiences: Explore the large variety of beautifully designed water and heat experiences at spas - hot saunas, steam grottos, ice caves, etc.
8. Urban Spa Explorer: Generation X, Y and others are discovering spa "gems" in the ethnic community of cities; Korean scrubs, Thai massages, Shiatsu, etc. often at no frills prices.
9. Plug-in or Unplug: It's up to You: Some spas don't allow you to use your phone or Blackberry yet other spas do. Some spas have sections for each.

Detoxing Body Scrub

Dry skin is a real issue with the indoor heat and outdoor chill. I tried a body scrub from Daniella Body Care that has solved the dryness caused by the season. The entire line of products are all natural, carefully selected ingredients, and made by hand. The Detoxing Salt Scrubs are wonderful for exfoliating and detoxing! The raw salt from the Dead Sea contains 21 minerals including magnesium, calcium, sulphur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. These minerals help maintain moisture, promote healing of skin tissue, and relieve stiffness and muscle cramps. The essential oils in the scrub nourishes the skin, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth for the rest of the day. The body scrub can also be used for soaking in a bath or as a foot scrub.

Visit the Daniella Body Care web site to see the complete line of body scrubs and essential oils. Check out the page “Learn” and find out about the ingredients and their benefits and uses. I loved reading this page and learning about the products that I’m applying to my body. Knowing that I’m using carefully selected natural ingredients that are beneficial to my mind and body reassures me that I’m treating my skin with lots of love.

Via Botanica handmade soap

My bathing products are pretty simple: a mesh scrub and drugstore soap. I’ve been quite content with it until I decided to change things up a little because my skin was feeling so dry now that the weather is colder. So I tried Via Botanica handmade soap in almond honey and totally loved the way it made my skin feel. None of that soapy residue on my skin and the subtle nut and honey smell made my shower that much more relaxing. The almond oil is similar to a baby’s sebum, the oil naturally produced to protect the skin, plus the almond oil is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, leaving my skin moist and smooth. It’s great for the dry winter months. The soap comes in a big bar so it lasts quite a while and it comes in mint, vanilla, and lavender. All of them handmade in small batches to ensure the best quality. You can find it on Sama Living, tranquil living essentials website.

Okay, so my bathing products are still pretty simple, but at least they're more nourishing now.

Sugar Scrub

I love the feeling after a strenuous run. It challenges me and brings me to a state of euphoria, keeping me mentally and emotionally balanced. I live in Bethesda, MD where I go to the gym and run I run twice a week. On those days I run and sweat, I've created a ritual to treat myself to Buddha Nose Sugar Scrub to cleanse away impurities.The gentle sugar grains sooth and nourish my dry skin especially in Maryland winters and the subtle ancient scent has a calming effect that carries over after my shower and through the day. Guys and gals, exfoliation is the key to keeping the body healthy and rejuvenated. It removes the dead skin cells and increases blood circulation leaving the skin glowing.

To exfoliate at home in the bath, wet skin first, apply the scrub using circular movements working towards your heart. Buddha Nose Sugar Scrub is my new secret to a pre-party energy boost during the holidays! You can find Buddha Nose at www.SamaLiving.com

New Site Launches!

To my beloved Spahhh Talk readers, seems I have just disappeared from blogging the past few months. Lots of changes going on around here and I am pleased to announce the new shopping site that incorporates De-Stress Essentials products with an expanded line for her and home! Check it out at Sama Living.

In the coming weeks Spahhh Talk too will take on a different role.... stay tuned for more!

A glorious Fall day to you...

Maria Carbonell Elliott

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live."

- Flora Whittemore

welcoming a new season

i've been doing alot of healthy cleaning out these day - cancelled my gym membership, cleared out clutter, bought incredible cookware, connecting with purposeful women, began the Artist's Way exercises and started a steady yoga practice (to help me focus!).

for me autumn is the time where i establish rituals that boost my spirit. try practicing awareness by looking at what you do daily to nourish your soul. take an afternoon walk, turn off the radio in the car, block out whatever time you can - 15 min, 5 min, 30 min to tune out life's noise. this Fall and Winter establish a routine - sign up for yoga classes, go on mini retreat, go to the museums and continue to make room to connect to others. the key is not to let your spirits dampen because of these shorter, darker days. as my laughter guru says 'motion creates emotion'. get up and do something if you start feeling depressed or down. you'll be better able to adapt to the wisdom these darker days can bring!

my splurge of the year

i splurged today on a new kitchen item. i purchased 2 all-clad stainless steel french skillets from williams-sonoma my favorite cooking store. they are my beautiful and shiny pieces of delights, at the moment at least. tonight, i sauteed fresh farmer's market veggies in the skillet and wild caught steelhead salmon. it's amazing how a simple object like a skillet inspired cooking and healthy eating. i think it's the change in season. i go through these strange inspirations. at least it's a healthy one and not related to shoes!

what's your splurging inspiration?

how many other people donate to their gym

today i finally cancelled my gym membership. well, cancelled my donation to the gym. huge relief it was to sign on the line. it's just one of those things that suited me uh maybe 15 yrs ago and for some reason hadn't let go of but had always wanted to. maybe because saying 'i go to the gym' made me feel healthy and fit. twisted isn't it. not anymore. today i celebrate.

when i lived on the east coast, had a corporate job and shoveled snow, the gym seemed to suit me and my schedule. not only do i live in santa barbara where I enjoy the outdoors all year round, but my lifestyle has changed, my needs have changed, and my interests have changed. likely so for someone who prefers being in nature with muse or on a yoga mat.

do you have something that maybe served you during the times you did it but your gut has been telling you that you no longer need it? a new season is a great time to take stock of what's working for you and what's not. take time to think what that is for you and remove that clutter in your life for better things to come!

herbal fix for your cold/sinuses

i'm offically over my cold! here's my secret weapon to help me get through it. put a dash of the tub tea infused with spearmint and eucalyptus into a pot of boiling water.

slowly breathe in the purifying steam for your sinuses and give yourself a steam facial at the same time!

Bath by Bettijo Tub Tea, $23

taking in the mineral baths at sycamore springs

yesterday my husband and i took a relaxing day driving up the coast. first stop 30 min north to firestone brewery (most known for their wines). i've always wanted to stop there along hwy 101. lemme just say that the game of darts was more appealing than the food and service.

another hour up the coast brought us to sycamore mineral springs resort. truly an oasis tucked between sycamore trees and the ocean at avila beach. my body being out of sorts with the flu the past week welcomed the hour mineral bath soak. we walked up the hill to the furthest tub called the shagri-la and the most private to a beautiful setting that couldn't be anymore perfect.

after just a 30 min soak i felt rejuvenated and my sinuses were clear. so many benefits of a mineral bath include... healing properties found in sulfur compounds. the hydrogen sulfide gas (that stinky smell) is known to be a powerful antibacterial agent, which stimulates the body's mucus membranes. Inhaling the sulfur is known to soothe the respiratory system and be calming to the skin not to mention the detoxification from the long soak. we're heading back at least once a month!

If you happen to be long the central ca coast, stop by for a mineral bath. no clothing required. it's a truly magical natural setting. don't forget to walk the labrynth for a calm to take you over the edge of tranquility!

are you this statistic?

Hello again Spahhh Talk readers!

I'm back after a blog break. Taking care of business you can say and got hit by the flu bug this past week. On the track to feeling great again though.

I heard on the radio tonight that 80% of employees don't like what they do. They dread going to work. I had a feeling it was high but wow that's huge. That's too many unhappy stressed people going through the motions for a paycheck. I used to be there and definitely know how that feels for 3 yrs of being employed at jobs that didn't feed my spirit. It was awful. The other years prior were great I'd have to say.

Now the good news is... Enthusiasm is contagious! So now that I have my newfound enthusiasm back after being on my own, i hope you're feeling the love i have for wanting to see you do what inspires you. Take that step to do what you've always wanted to do and find the way. Decide what it is and go for it. That'll make one less stressed out person creatively shaping and taking control of their lives.

All the best.

Maria

italian spa reviews

Going to Italy any time soon?

Read Melissa's first hand spa experiences around Italy and be inspired by her beautiful photos too!
Tres Mesi in Italia

spa reviews by spa defined

DE's Glow! writer, Melissa, reports on spas in the santa barbara area. don't forget to peek into her reviews esp if you're in the area. it's the perfect local spa resource.

Spa Defined

stock update - comfort essentials

a few changes in the coming month... we'll be phasing out part of our most popular comfort essentials line.

foot mules and body wraps will be retiring by mid-Oct. if you've been eyeing them for a while, pls plan on purchasing by mid-Oct.

we'll also have a limited fabric selection of eye pillows and neck wraps. if you mention this blog post, you'll receive 10% off but you must write in the comments section at checkout so we know to discount your purchase.

stay well.

laughter is great medicine

in middle school i got an award for the best giggler. i had so much to laugh about. then as i got older i laughed less. the good news is i still have it in me...did you know if you laugh for just 15 minutes a day it'll keep your blood going with the flow increasing oxygen throughout the body and brain thereby giving you more energy and increases circulation.

make it a point to laugh at least 15 min a day... laugh with friends, co-workers, your family or join a laughter club in your area. my husband sometimes finds me laughing with myself and muse!

go to the laughter yoga site to search for a teacher in your area...

Anita Rodick passes away

Anita Roddick, activist, entrepreneur, visionary and founder of the Body Shop, passed away Monday. I was so saddened to hear the news. What a full and inspiring life she's led!

She's important to me because she's a huge part of me launching De-Stress Essentials last year. I came across her book, Business As Unusual, and it moved me to action. Anita made many contributions... to the environment (sustainable organic body care), human rights, animal rights, self-esteem in women, community trade, her campaigning was endless and self-less. She worked with indegenous people to bring about community fair trade practices. She risked her life many time in the jungles. Wow what a trailblazer.

What I admire about her is that she founded a business with heart and passion, unheard of in the 70's, esp for women. Well, today I can't help but be reminded where my inpsirations come from. She is a unique spirit and she has left behind so much to be grateful for.

More books by Anita Roddick:
Body and Soul: Profits with Principles
Take it Personally
A Revolution in Kindness

for a restful nap while in nyc...

wow now you can buy a nap in 20-40 min segments in nyc (more cities in the works) on a YeloNap.

check it out... www.yelonyc.com

a fun quiz for yogis

I'm a Balanced Yogi!

A Balanced Yogi (Maria) You love your friends unconditionally and accept them for who they are no matter what their yoga style preference, religious beliefs, or spending habits. You focus on the good in people and would never try to change them. Almost everyone feels comfortable in your presence. You live your yoga. You are an inspiration to yoga students everywhere!

Take the Yoga Journal Yoga Snob Quiz!

a truffle of happiness

we were in walnut creek, ca a couple of weekends ago and my cousin took us to this incredible chocolate shop cafe called moonstruck. i love love love truffles so i can really appreciate a divine one or two. i chose a handful of truffles which to our surprise was on ted, the manager that day.

if you're in that part of town, visit moonstruck.

my other favorites:
In NYC MarieBelle
I buy their chocolates online when i make my own truffles. By far, the best for baking. Bernard Callebaut.

back in stock

Organic Fiji stock update:

Lotion: cucumber melon, lavender, tea tree spearmint (my fav for the morning).
Coconut oil: pineapple coconut

** the "breeze" scent has been retired in soaps, oils and lotions.

cocktail party politics

here's a cool website i learned about from my east coast sister... Polichicks Online

note for the sb locals who care that oprah and friends will be here sept 8 for barack fundraiser in our very own san ysidro ranch. not that i keep track of this stuff ;-)

beam me up scotty

I watched Star Trek last night. Not something alot of people know about me. My deeply hidden geeky side. I love the subtleties -- we create our own reality, our reality is an illusion based on our perception and love is stronger than force of will.

Life IS a mystery (ditto from Madonna) that we are here to explore, past, present, future.

Isn't all this in alignment with "The Secret"?

my thoughts today...

comfort essentials growing in popularity

i've noticed home spas are really expanding (yay for calming influences) and a surge in comfort essentials sales. grab yours now because in the Fall I'll focus only on the latest fabric trends by offering a reduced selection of eye pillow, neck wraps and mules. We're phasing out the body wraps. grab one now, they'll be gone in October!

If you've purchased a comfort essential, send me your feedback...
maria@destressEssentials.com

stay well,
maria

hula hooping for wellness

friday i got to hula hoop in the park on my lunch hour. I was asked to demo hula hooping to ucsb's eap wellness program. success! didn't take much demo'ing though. the very enthusiastic gals just picked up the hoops and got their hoop groove on. here are some photos from that fun afternoon.

Hula Hooping Health Benefits:
• Superb cardio and strength workout. Builds endurance.
• Blasts the fat from the belly! Strengthens the core muscles the way sit ups do.
• A whole-body experience similar to yoga.
• Promotes correct body alignment from the circular motions and proper posture in the upper body routines.
• Speeds weight loss by boosting metabolism
• Relieves stress with fun fitness which makes you feel happy
• Saturates your body with energy and a feeling of well-being


Hula Hooping Emotional Benefits:
• Calms the mind, clears the head
• Great boost for stirring up creativity in the workplace!
• Uplifts your spirit
• Builds confidence (to ask for that raise, to be proactive contributor in meetings)
• Banishes the blues
• Creates child-like playfulness, which is great in exercising the right brain which we tend to lose as adults.
• Creates community & cooperation in the workplace (co-workers who laugh together collaborate together)
• Allows you to appreciate your whole body and the perfect individual you are.
• Allows you to shift awareness and allow more expansion into your life, in and out of the hoop.

zaca fire in santa barbara county

have you heard about it? the zaca fire in santa barbara county's back country. in this tiny part of the world serious fires have been burning for a couple of months now. the fire dumped ashes and smoke on the area with evidence still seen on some cars. rancho osos animals, where sabrina herded sheep, were evacuated.

the fire is contained (meaning still burning but under control) now due to the thousands of hard working firemen on the front lines and off. Off line meaning, sometimes I forget about the crews communicating with the public about the fires. they're the ones holding town hall meetings, answering phones, coordinating with the red corss, and posting bulletins, all to prevent widespread panic and rumors.

feeling safe, such a thing i take for granted sometimes because it seems to come so easy here. i count my blessings.

News and how to support:
http://www.newspress.com/sbnp_zaca_2007/index.html

dear spahhh talk readers, i'm back to blogging after a short stint offline. truthfully, i've just not had content free flowing from my blogging mind, you know that whittiness. maybe it's the beautiful summers that has had me outside more than in front of the computer so yay for that. hope you're enjoying the summer too.

the store re-design planning is going well. thinking of getting some survey out for what customers might like to see in the new site. any thoughts on features you'd like to see or improvements, general comments? email me: maria@destressEssentials.com.