Hot Date: Couples Massage

Looking for something nice to do with your partner?  Why not consider going for a couples massage?  There are many spas that have rooms large enough to provide a massage to two people at the same time.

My husband and I had an Aromatherapy Couples Massage at the Riverstone Spa, at Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  It was very relaxing and therapeutic.

Riverstone's lounge is very inviting.  It is very nature-orientated, and has running water, a fireplace, comfy reclining chairs, and a lot of healthy snacks.  They serve tea and fresh water with lemon.  The massage tables are very comfy, and they are heated.  They have nice soft sheets and big fluffy comforters.  It's hard not to get comfy and relaxed on their big, warm tables.  The tables are also electric, and maneuver similar to a hospital bed.  The tables can be adjusted to take the weight off your lower back, but raising your legs a bit.

We each had a one hour, full-body massage.  I chose a "Breathe" aroma and my husband chose "Muscles and Joints".  The essential oils contained eucalyptus, which is very earthy and "piney" smelling.  At some points, a hot, damp towel is placed on our backs, feet and around our necks.  They also use a Japanese Mint Oil on our back which feels really warm (much like Rub A535).   A warmed eye pillow was placed over our eyes when we were lying on our backs.  The massage ended with a head massage and a warm, damp towel under our necks.

The best part of this is that we can claim it on our Health Insurance (Manitoba Blue Cross).  Luckily for us, the $199.00 we spent (in total) is reimbursed 80% by Manitoba Blue Cross.

Ahhh...  We both feel rested and rejuvenated.  What a nice way to spend time together while looking after ourselves at the same time.

Check out this article from Mayo Clinic on the health benefits of massage:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082\

You may also like my other post on Massage and Energy Work: http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/08/massage-therapy-and-energy-work.html#comments

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Vino Bianco (White Wine)

Melini Orvieto, 2009
White Wine from Italy

When I was in Rome, I tried some really nice white wines.  When we got back home to Canada, I told my husband that my mission was to find a really nice white wine similar to the one I had when in Rome.  One day he went to the MLCC Liquor Mart and came back with a wine called, "Melini Orvieto".  It's a medium sweet Italian wine, and it's very affordable at $8.95.  It tasted very similar to what was served with my cannelloni dinner in Rome and it was perfect.  He said he had spent some time talking to the sales clerk in the store and learned about different white wines.  I had tried a "Pinot Grigio" from Italy, but I didn't like it as much.  This one was really good.

I enjoy a glass of wine with a meal, or sometimes on its own when I am relaxing.  It's also nice to have wine with cheese.  Wine is a great choice when socializing with friends and as a gift it is always appreciated.

Salute!

~ Angela Gentile

Meditation Technique

The September 2010 edition of the Oprah Magazine called "O" had an article on Meditation.  It was called, Learning to Exhale.  The article proclaims to help people slow down time, quiet the mental chatter and savor life's breezes.  The secret is to coax your mind into a state of "nondoing".  Mindfulness is a technique of meditation and Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist  Diane R. Gehart, Ph. D shares a lot of tips and techniques in the article and on her website so that you can learn how to meditate.  Gehart specializes in areas of stress, depression/anxiety, couples, parenting, and has sections on mindfulness and happiness.  I have checked out some of her resources, and audio files, and they are great.  Oprah knows an expert when she sees one.

Go to Gehart's website for more info on Mindfulness Meditation Techniques: http://www.dianegehart.com/page12/page12.html.

Have a wonderful, peaceful, day.

~ Angela Gentile

Practice Mindfulness

 

"Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz

Whenever I think of the term, "practicing  mindfulness", I think of washing dishes.  I think of feeling the warm, sudsy water on my hands and I think of how the soapy suds smell and how the dishes feel.  I think about the texture of the dish rag in my hand and the sound of the water running over the dishes as I rinse the soap off of them.  

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, and reflecting on all the sensations and thoughts you have regarding what you are doing at that very moment.  Instead of washing the dishes and thinking about what you have to do after you are done the dishes, mindfulness requires that we don't think about the past events or the future plans.  Mindfulness expects that we are living in that very moment, experiencing it in all it's glory.

I was watching The Oprah Show the other day, and she made a commitment to be fully present during each and every show (it's her last season of her TV program) and to be "with" each and every guest she has on her show.  What she in fact is talking about is mindfulness.  She is going to be mindful in terms of paying close attention to her guests and not letting her thoughts about other things get in the way of her fully experiencing the moment.  I was very impressed when Oprah said that.  I know the importance of being mindful and how much peace and joy it can bring.  

Check out the article called, "Mindfulness Exercises - Everyday Mindfulness Exercises for Stress Relief" to get some more ideas on things you can do to practice mindfulness: http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/a/exercises.htm

Practice being mindful today and see how it feels for you.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Comforts of Red Rose Tea

"If you are cold, tea will warm you.  If you are too heated, it will cool you.  

If you are depressed, it will cheer you.  

If you are excited, it will calm you." --Gladstone, 1865

I have been a tea drinker for a very long time.  My grandmother always had a pot of tea on the counter, with a little tea cozy around it to keep it warm.  I became familiar with the comforting taste and warmth at a very early age.  I started to notice that not all teas taste alike, and I soon realized that Red Rose Tea was the flavour I preferred the most.  When I was a young girl, I remember the little porcelain figurines that came in the box.  Little animals were my favourite.  I kept them displayed for a very long time.  I enjoyed opening up the box and seeing what figurine was in the box, and adding it to my collection.

I found an ad in a magazine I was reading (see photo above), and it read, "When sharing a cup means even more".  The ad went on to say that "By drinking a great-tasting cup of Red Rose Tea, which includes tea sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified tea gardens, you are helping to improve the conditions of tea workers, their children, and entire communities.  And that's making your cup mean even more."

I then went to the www.redrosetea.ca website, and found great information on what kinds of charity efforts the company is doing.  I also checked out the www.redrosetea.com website, and learned that Red Rose Tea is available in almost all states now (except a few like North and South Dakota).  It used to be said that Red Rose Tea was not available in the USA.  It's nice to see that it's catching on.  I also read that Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (second to water).  

There are many health benefits to drinking tea, and it's a beverage that is readily available in most stores and restaurants.  I have found another great tea, and it tastes very similar to my Red Rose. Tim Horton's Steeped Tea.  It's apparently their own unique blend of Orange Pekoe.  And I like it.

Here are the official websites for Red Rose Tea:   www.redrosetea.ca, www.redrosetea.com.

Go to this website to get more information on the Rainforest Alliance : http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Lovely Lavender

My usual weekend routine includes doing four or five loads of laundry.  I use fabric softener sheets in the dryer to help reduce static cling.  I like the ones that are lightly fragranced.  Sometimes I have to cut the sheets, as one sheet is sometimes too strong.  I know there are a lot of problems out there for people who have allergies and sensitivities to perfumes and fragrances, so I try to be mindful of that when I purchase household products.

My husband and I were checking out new and different fragrances for dryer sheets, and let me tell you - there are many!  We found one that was quite nice.  We found a relaxing aromatherapy lavender scent that seemed to be not too overpowering, and quite pleasant.  This is a President's Choice brand, and we had never tried it before.  The back of the box states, "These dryer sheets add a soothing and relaxing fragrance of lavender, vanilla, sandalwood and patchouli to your laundry".  I have used these dryer sheets and they work well and make your clothes and towels smell really good.

Simple pleasures can be added to your everyday routines.  A little change can make a big difference.  The calming scent of lavender is said to have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, aiding in relaxation.  I am feeling more relaxed already!

Have a great, relaxing day.

~ Angela Gentile

Ride in the Park

My son and husband went for a bike ride to the FortWhyte Alive Centre. It was a beautiful sunny, hot day, and my husband took some pictures. Here are my favourites I'd like to share with you.

Riding through the trails.

Two majestic pelicans on a sunny afternoon.

Chillin' by the lake.

For more information on FortWhyte Alive, go to their website: http://www.fortwhyte.org/. 

Cheers!

~ Angela Gentile

The Pleasure of Music

"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Confucius

Music is a very big part of our life.  Music can be used to help us relax, or it can help us get motivated.  There are many types of music, and such a variety of artists that there is something for everyone.  I hear music when I am waiting in the doctor's office.  I see people with their ear buds on at the gym.  Music is everywhere.
 
Both of my children take music lessons.  My daughter takes piano and my son takes piano and percussion (drums) lessons.  Our home is usually filled with some kind of music.  Whether it's my kids taking their lessons or practicing on the piano or drum set.  The radio is on oftentimes, and the music is a nice background when we are getting ready in the mornings.  I have an iPod docking station in my bedroom, and I can download hundreds of songs onto my iPod and play whatever music I am in the mood for.  I also have a lot of music on my BlackBerry.  I can listen to the music when I am in my car, or when I am on the go.  My daughter prefers top 40 tunes right now, and we often have the house full of uplifting, pop music.  The rhythm and melodies in our home are a pleasure to hear.   

TV also has some muscial programs and channels that are enjoyable to watch.  American Idol, Canadian Idol and Glee are fun programs to watch.  The talented artists practice and produce music that appeals to many people.  There are also TV channels devoted solely music and the artists, such as MuchMusic and MTV.
 
I have my own favourite music to listen to, depending on my mood.  I like a lot of the top 40 pop songs, and I enjoy it in the mornings when I am getting ready for my day because it puts me in a good mood for going to work.  If I want to wind down, relax or read, I'll put on some relaxing, soothing sounds. I enjoy jazz, classical and some of my favourite artists include Madonna, Michael Buble, Josh Groban and the Black Eyed Peas.  Whenever I have company over, I enjoy setting the mood with music.

No matter what kind of music you enjoy, there is always pleasure felt when you are able to listen to your favourite songs. 
 
Have a wonderful, music-filled day!
~Angela

Head Massages by Hairdressers are Awesome!

"Massage is an important part of customer care, inducing a sense of wellbeing, improving the health of hair and skin, and enhancing and intensifying the effect of a product." - ASK Education, Schwartzkopf Professional

I remember once I told my hairdresser that I had a headache, and she gave me the best head massage and my headache went away. I have had the best head massages by hairdressers.  Next time you have to get your hair cut, make sure you pay attention to the way they scrub your scalp.  They have been trained in how to give a really great scalp/head massage. 

The last time I had my hair done, I had my hair shampooed and the massage I received was outstanding!  I felt pampered, relaxed and rejuvenated.  We all need to get our hair cut, so make sure you treat yourself to a great shampoo/head massage and enjoy every minute of it!

Have a great day!
~Angela

Relaxing is Good for the Soul

"He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate."

Henry David Thoreau

 
I have a covered garden swing in the back yard, big enough for three people to sit on (four if we squish). I love to go out there when the weather is nice, and I love to look at the back yard, and listen to the birds. I especially like to lay down on my back, rock back and forth, and read a book. When I get tired of reading, I like to close my eyes and take some deep breaths and just be. Relax. Be still.   Yesterday I made a date with myself to do just that.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Where is your favourite spot to relax?
~Angela

A Big Bear Hug

Have you hugged yourself today?

Next time you get out of the pool, lake, ocean (or shower!) make sure you give yourself a big bear hug.  Put the big bath towel behind your back, and grasp both ends and wrap it around your shoulders.  Then take your arms, and cross them over your chest and make it really snug.  Take a moment and feel the sensation of a big bear hug.  Take a deep breath and smile!

“You must love yourself before you love another.

By accepting yourself and fully being what you are,

your simple presence can make others happy.”

Have a wonderful day!
~Angela

Sun, Glorious Sun

When it's sunny out, I get out my sunglasses and revel in the joy of the warmth of the sun. We get sun all year here in the north, but it's not always that warm that's for sure. Once I went on a trip down in Mexico, and I was truly enjoying the feeling of the sun on my face while I was sitting on a boat as we cruised across the water. Sheer pleasure and gratitude.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. " -- Anthony J. D'Angelo

~Angela

Free as a Bird

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." Chinese Proverb.

I really enjoy watching the birds that come to visit us. I come by it honestly, as my grandfather used to have a large birdfeeder just outside the front window up at the cottage. We'd spend many lazy afternoons watching the birds and squirrels fight over the nuts and seeds that he put out for them.

Just yesterday, I saw many birds outside in our backyard. I was pleased to see that the juncos are back. I also saw robins, grackles and finches. Juncos stay around for such a short period of time. They are small and have a grey and white coat. I can't wait to put out my bird bath. I have to wait until there's no risk of frost, as the first bird bath cracked in the cold and I had it replaced. We have a home-made wooden bird feeder, a hanging plastic feeder and two home-made wooden bird houses just off our kitchen. I can see the birds when I am sitting at my kitchen table. We get all kinds of visitors - including squirrels. The song birds are especially welcomed. We really look forward to the gold finches and the purple martins (we have a hotel for them - it will go up in a month or so).

Getting in tune with nature is very relaxing and birdwatching increases my awareness and appreciation of wildlife.

Angela