One important choice in gearing up for winter is snow boots.  I know, I know…they are cumbersome and messy, but necessary.  Once trick I have learned over the years is to keep a pair of neutral colored shoes at work…that way I can head out the door in my boots and not worry about grabbing another pair of shoes to change in to.  Hats and gloves are also important when gearing up for winter.  90% of our body heat escapes through our head and extremities.  Keeping our head, feet, and hands covered is crucial.  These items will allow your body to retain that ‘lost’ heat.  Your body won’t have to work as hard to keep you warm.  I have also found that in harsh weather, messy hair is acceptable…so long as it is due to “hat head”.

My favorite winter accessory…scarves.  I love scarves!  Keep a variety of scarves on hand to perk up a drab winter outfit…and still keep warm!  Use a heavy weight scarf on a really cold day.  Wrap it snug around your neck…just not too tight!  Tuck the remainder of the scarf into any gaps that could let that dangerous cold air in, and body heat out.  A brightly colored scarf can also help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Scarves are an inexpensive way to dress up that boring black or gray coat.

Cold and flu viruses are usually caught when our bodies primary function switches to keeping us warm, rather than fighting off potential ‘bugs’.  Our immune systems then become compromised and we get sick.  Most trips to the Dr. will reveal swollen lymph nodes in the neck region.  When we go out in the cold and are not properly bundled, our shoulders will rise up to help the body retain heat.  If we take care to properly tuck and bundle…our shoulders can stay in their natural relaxed position.  This should allow proper drainage of the lymph nodes, and hopefully less illness.

The fact is…we live in a harsh weather state.  But since Nebraska weather loves to change and keep us on our toes, it is really easy to forget the basics.  Hopefully we’ll have a mild winter, but if not…I hope that now you will be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way!

I find myself trying to do that little something extra for people, especially around the Holidays.  Those I know, some I don’t…even a Grinch!  Random acts of kindness can really go far.  You may not get to see the result of those acts the moment at the time, but they do make a difference! 

Some ‘Random Acts’ ideas could be:  If a workmate is having a bad time due to an aching back…leave a 30-minute massage Gift Certificate on their desk with a note letting them know that someone is thinking of them.  If you know someone that has a difficult time with the lack of sunshine, give them an air-brush tan session…you always feel better when you look better!  Do you know someone who’s fighting an illness?  A Gift Certificate for a Foot Detox Bath can be that gentle touch that says “Hey, I want you to feel better…take some time at the spa and get one of these detoxifying treatments.”

I encourage everyone who’s reading this segment to make it a point to share a random act of kindness with at least one person each day!  I would LOVE to hear the different “random acts of kindness” you have all done this Holiday season!  Comment on this blog post and let us know…or send us an email to askkimberly@kimberlyspa.com and we will post them for you anonymously!

“Don’t be concerned for your own good, but for the good of others.” 1Corinthians 10:24

I get it!  I make it a priority to understand the value of flexibility when it comes to our clients.

I’ve thought long and hard about what clients have told me they want in their skincare and massage services! I’ve taken it to heart…and here are just a few of the flexible options that we offer:

- the flexibility of the services we offer! We are able to accommodate a multitude of skin issues, budgets and lifestyles!

-on-line booking… gives you a chance to book at your convenience!

-reminder calls the day before appointments…allows you to reschedule your appointment if “life” has gotten in the way again, and you are unable to make it.

-being able to purchase your products on-line and have them shipped directly to your home in-between appointments.

-ability to choose their form of payment…cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.

-the flexibility to prepare for the rest of their day after a treatment, via our comfy Ladies Lounge.

I want you to know that even though schedules can sometimes be rigid and unyielding…we here at Kimberly Spa understand, and we’re ready whenever your schedule allows!

My own father was very reluctant to get spa treatments when I became an esthetician 15 years ago.   He is an “old-school” kind of guy…raised in an era when men never got these types of treatments.   At first, I had to talk him in to it…but now he is not only comfortable getting treatments, he actually looks forward to them!   He leaves feeling refreshed, with unclogged pores and with  younger, healthier looking skin.

A first-time male client (age 50+) who had never been into a spa before describes his experience…”I had a good feeling as soon as I walked in to Kimberly Spa.   It was luxurious, and comfortable…while still being clinically professional.   They earned my trust.”

Ladies, if you have a boyfriend, brother, father, spouse or just a good male friend who is curious about what a “spa experience” is all about…share our “Look Good~Feel Good” secret and send them to Kimberly Spa!   They will love it just as much as you do, and it will be an experience they’ll never forget!

So…How long of a massage should you get?  As a massage fanatic myself, I can honestly say that a half hour has never been long enough.  However, a half hour massage, if you are in a serious time crunch, have a specific issue, or scheduled at the end of a long day…may be just right for you.  The one hour massage is about right for relieving the “everyday” stresses.  In that time frame, your therapist should be able to get your whole body relaxed.  A ninety minute treatment is great for relieving those everyday stresses plus allowing a little more time for work on one or more specific areas.  Clients that have increased or intensified work out schedules are great candidates for the ninety minute Therapeutic Sports Massage.   Your therapist can also adjust the intensity of your massage based on your bodies response to the treatment, so make sure to let them know.

Want to add a little ‘boost’ to your massage? Make it an Aromatherapy Massage and choose from the Aroma ‘Mood’ that suits you best…Stress Relief (for relaxation and balance), Enlightening (for meditation and clarity), Energizing (for cleansing and uplifting) or Clearing (for respiratory and muscle relief).

Once you have committed to spending the time with us, help us to help you receive your best massage ever!!

Hyperpigmentation-  Darkening of the skin in areas due to sun exposure, a wound, inflammation, acne or injury.  Hyperpigmentation can be temporary or permanent. Also known as sun spots, age spots, liver spots, or  larger areas of hyperpigmentation can occur during pregnancy, known as melasma.  Common Treatments: Skin lightening serum or cream like Visual Changes Lightening Serum daily and facial treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and Photo Rejuvenation based on your esthetician’s advice.

Broken Capillaries-  Small red or pink threads under the skin’s surface commonly found on the cheeks or nose area.   These occur when capillary walls narrow and widen too quickly causing the muscles in the walls to tear allowing blood to seep within the skin. Common Treatments:  Daily use of a redness reducing products like Visual Changes Lactic Nutrient Cream and Advanced Calming Serum, as well as Photo Rejuvenation spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Rosacea-  A chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, red lines, swelling or pimples across the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose. Rosacea most often affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and individuals with fair skin.  Common Treatments: Specially designed home regimen like Pevonia RS2, and Pevonia RS2 spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Congestion- A skin care term used to describe dull skin, uneven skin, skin with blocked pores, blackheads and whiteheads.  Congestion can be a result of a pore buildup of oil, sebum, dead skin cells, toxins, pollution, make up and dirt. Common Treatments: Weekly exfoliating home treatments like Visual Changes Double Enzyme Mask and monthly spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Acne-  A skin condition that can occur in people of all ages — teens, adults and women going through menopause and is identified by pimples, cysts, blackheads or whiteheads.  Common Treatments: Specially designed home regimen like the Agera Acne Relief Kit and Acne Relief spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Milia-  A tiny cyst on the surface of the skin caused by a buildup of dead skin cells that have not sloughed off normally.  Common Treatments: Weekly home exfoliation with Agera Microderma Crystal C System and spa facial treatments like the Ultrasonic Express.

This is a scenario I put together from the many different clients that have come to me with this typical summer skin problem. The answer is skin treatments and nutrition. I’ve done a lot of research pertaining to irritated skin and I can tell you with great certainty that the Pevonia RS2 Facial Treatment will calm down, sooth and cool off your hot, swollen, aching, acne skin. I’ve seen it a hundred times! This treatment really excites me because you can see the difference in just one treatment. So imagine what regular treatments every 2 to 3 weeks could do!

We’ll make sure you’re facial bed is comfortable, the music is soothing and you’ll realize that this treatment isn’t about putting “stuff” on your skin. Your esthetician’s excellently trained hands will help transform your skin and calm your mind. We have some sensible Pevonia Skincare products that are completely botanically derived and are of the highest quality to help facilitate a quicker recovery. Your skin health will be in caring, knowledgeable hands. Caring because we hear the pain in your voice. Knowledgeable because we care and want to help!

In my next blog, I’ll tell you how nutrition can really make a difference to those with this condition.

What is your summer skin complaint?

A dream of ours at Kimberly Spa has been to offer an exceptional solution to our clients that want a gorgeous tan without compromising their health and beauty.  We’ve spent two years of research and planning to finally bring you a truly fantastic sunless airbrush tanning system!

St. Tropez is an unparalleled sunless tanning system that can only be found at top salons and spas in Europe and the U.S..  You’ve seen the beautiful results of this system on your favorite celebrities, red carpets, fashion runways, and even on Dancing With the Stars! 

What makes St. Tropez so superior is it’s comfort and quality results.  No more orange and blotchy color.  No more stickey and stinky feeling after.

Our professionaly trained Airbrush Tanning Artisits will customize your tan to perfection and even suggest a home-care regimen to make the most of your results, like exfoliators and optimizers. 

The high-tech St. Tropez Extraction Booth has a built-filtration system that keeps you comfortable, relieving you from breathing in the tan solution.  It’s pod-shaped design also offers clients a “cocoon” feeling for privacy and modesty.

Our Grand Opening for tanning appointments is scheduled for Monday, August 2.  Don’t miss out on what is sure to be Omaha’s premier sunless tanning treatment!

What do you think about sunless tanning?  Take our survey and save $10 on your next appointment! Click HERE!  (Not valid with any other discount, not valid on Gift Certificates, retail items, or Teeth Whitening treatments. One per customer please.)

If you’d like to book a “spa day,” here are some great things to consider:

1. What is your budget? We offer a number of packages that range from about $70 for a Foot Detox Package, all the way up to $845 Day Spa Retreat including Teeth Whitening. We have many packages in between that will fit your budget plan.
2. How long would you or the gift recipient like to be here? If you want to buy yourself or a loved one a spa treat, but sure that the amount of time spent in the spa works into their schedule. Some of our packages can take hours and not everyone is willing to part with that much of their personal time.
3. What kinds of spa treatments will fit into these parameters? Keeping in mind your budget and time limitations, you can now narrow down the packages that are right for you. You can also hand pick the spa treatments you’d like, or give us an idea of what you’re expecting so that we can guide you through it. We are here to help!
4. How far in advance can you book your appointment? If you are trying to book a package on a Saturday afternoon the week-of, chances are, we won’t be able to fit in a very large package. Saturdays are the spa’s busiest days and it’s best to book far in advance if this day works best for you.
5. Will you be expecting another spa guest to come with you? This can be a very strenuous task of coordinating your personal schedule with someone else’s and hoping that those schedules fit into the Kimberly Spa appointment schedule! Keep in mind that our spa is set up for individuals with private treatment rooms, so lining up all of your bridesmaids for pedicures is not something we can do. If you need to book multiple people for an event, we can stagger your appointments so that you are all here together getting personal attention. We love to be part of special days! Please let us know as soon as possible if your event falls on a weekend so that we can bring in staff for you. These types of events will require a 50% deposit at the time of booking that is refundable up to 2 weeks before your appointments.

With all the wonderful treatment options we offer, we are sure to find a great spa package perfect for you or your loved one. See our complete spa package menu at http://kimberlyspaomaha.com/spa-packages/, or call us at 402-614-8400 and one of our professionals will help you custom fit a spa package to your needs.

Settle down guys, women don’t go to their waxing appointments for the sole purpose of your happiness!  Women who wax say they feel more comfortable and clean.  It also beats out the competition for ease and convenience on a daily basis.  You’re not left with sandpaper stubble, nicks and cuts, and you don’t need to worry about it EVERY day!  Waxing is usually done every 4-6 weeks depending on the rate of an individual’s hair growth.  When your re-growth starts to appear, you notice that it’s softer and less noticeable!  Regular waxing clients usually see a gradual regression in the amount of hair they have in the area.  So if you start waxing now, by next summer, you might just see a little “barely-there” hair! 

Ok, so let’s address the “ouch” factor to Brazilian waxing.  Your initial wax will be uncomfortable, we can’t lie.  Here are some tips that will help with your first visit:  

#1 Try to relax.  If you are tense the experience will be made even more uncomfortable.

#2  Make sure you have about 2-3 weeks of hair growth.  You should be able to grab the hair with your fingers.  This helps the wax grab all the hair on the first try, rather than having to wax the same spot over and over.

#3  Exfoliate the area before and after waxing.  This will safe guard against ingrown hairs and wax trauma.

#4  Don’t plan on tanning before or after your appointment.   

#5  Don’t do a vigorous workout right after your first waxing. 

#6  Some clients find it more comfortable to skip the panties after their appointment to avoid rubbing. 

Our service providers are here for you and will be as accommodating as possible to get you through it.  You can always focus on the fact that next time will be MUCH easier! 

It’s important that our clients understand what makes our Brazilian wax better quality than other salons and spas.  The quality waxing treatment we provide is directly related to the comfort of our clients.  We use the most effective hard wax on the market that offers less discomfort during and after the wax treatment.  In fact, all of our professional products used during our waxing treatments are selected because they are the BEST out there, not the most cost effective for our bottom line. 

A huge part of finding a quality Brazilian waxis finding a knowledgeable and professional esthetician.  Our staff is extremely well trained in all aspects of their careers, including waxing.  We believe our estheticians are the most knowledgeable, talented and successful in the industry.  Which is why you can always trust Kimberly Spa to deliver your first, second, third… Brazilian wax comfortably, professionally, and effectively.