The Dangers of Birth Control. Period.

Good Afternoon Darlings!!
I have some sweet tea if you're interested? A wedge of lemon will go nicely I think :)
I grew up spending time in North Carolina so I've got some southern roots that pop out here an there.

Some good news on the product (Yon-Ka Paris) front at the spa.....

They currently have parabens and will be paraben free come May of this year!
I'm thrilled!!!
 These little suckers mess with your hormones and since they are designed to help the product go deeper (for maximum effect) those awful ingredients are sinking directly into our bodies cause issues we might have never thought of. Hormone disruption being a biggie!!
So to say the least I'm super excited and can't wait to try me some Yon-Ka,
esp since they're upgrading their line by doing this. Truly fantastic. :)

My topic as you can see isn't parabens though I should prob write a blog on those too, however this one is on birth control. Please excuse the pun in the title hehe ;)

As some of you know I decided to try birth control a few months before I got married.
It's what I heard you "need to do" and what most of my girl friends were/are on.
However.
I was noticing another trend too of them saying it made them feel psycho, moody, emotional, messed with their eating and weight, how they had to switch brands and find one that fit them best ect...
Heck a couple ended up in the ER their side effects got so bad.
haha Yeah, I still tried the goofy stuff.

I made an apt with my Dr and talked with her and she said there was a low hormone pill ( Lo Seasonique) I could take and the step below the was the Nuvaring. She claimed it was much safer and the risks were cut in half if I lived a healthy lifestyle (Which I do).

Off I went with a free 3 month trial....

Did I do some research?
Yes.
Did I do enough?
Nope.

My side effects were so incredibly awful I seriously thought I was going insane.

My side effects were as follows:
Severe mood swings
Personality change
Anger and frustration over retarded issues
Ooooooverly Emotional
Going from insanely hot to freezing cold
Breast tenderness to the point of refusing hugs
Lack of desire to be touched or cuddled by my (at the time) fiance
Lack of desire to eat
Always tired
Muscle pain
Anxiety
Severe cramping that increased weekly
A never ending cycle that got worse the longer I was one the pill
Constant upset tummy at night
Trouble sleeping
Acne all month long vs just the slight freak out once a month
(However minor it still drove me mad haha)
And the list goes on...

After research I've learned birth control is still in a testing phase to see how safe it is for us lady folk. (FDA approved doesn't mean anything)
After all, the pill has only been around since the 1960's and that's really not long enough to know anything long term.

But there are many who are speaking out about how BC has messed with their bodies/hormone levels...

My husband read an article that stated the pharmaceutical companies haven't filled Dr's in on the risks BC may have on a woman's body long term. (I could kick myself for not having him send me the link!)

Also the little things they slip into some types of BC....

Such as a self abort chemical if you do get pregnant.
I'm pro life and don't believe in "The morning after pill" or anything like that.
But I'm also not of the mindset "However many children God decides to give us..."
I believe in being a responsible adult woman.
As do many.

This is my developed opinion as well as many others I'm finding.
However it's not a strong enough opinion to spread widely and get the medical community thinking. I have personally noticed my body hasn't been the same since I dropped my BC.
And this is me only using it for a month and feeling the way I did /still do.

I see questions drifting out there asking,
"Am I the only one who has felt off since I dropped my BC??!!"

Lots of ladies are coming forward about their bodies still feeling off, worse or just as bad.
And here I thought I was going crazy. Nope.

I know my body very well, esp since the BC. And I can tell that something just hasn't been right.
I've also noticed it's not the same yuck I feel on occasion with regards to my TBI I had 8 years back.
No, this is veeeeery different!

My husband had come to me about it after I had a slight meltdown on him. He has put puzzle pc's together over the last 4 months. I am blessed to have married such and observant man!! He's noticed things have been better yet still off since I stopped taking the pill.

My current side effects had me going bonkers!
Come to learn BC can either mess with or damage progesterone levels.
It offered relief to say the least, because I now know what's been going on :)

HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) isn't on my options list seeing as there's a whole other side of ugliness from that alone and no thank you! I am seeking natural ways to kick my butt in gear.

So far I've found the following:
1. **Chasteberry,
An herb that stimulates the pituitary gland to send messages to the ovaries to make more progesterone. It's great for women who are trying to become pregnant, need relief from PMS symptoms or needs to have a more regular cycle.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-968-CHASTEBERRY.aspx?activeIngredientId=968&activeIngredientName=CHASTEBERRY

(Which is to be taken before a pregnancy not during as it could fuss with the hormone Prolactin.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolactin

Are there potential symptoms?
Yes, it's an herb and sometimes things like that happens.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/444652-chasteberry-and-menstrual-cramps/


2. Avoiding certain cosmetics, soaps, nail polish ect.. with false estrogen (xenohormones) or parabens.

3. Foods such as...Turmeric, Thyme, Oregano, Whole grains, B-6 vitamin foods,
and of course a B-6 vitamin(s).

Here's and article that really helped me out!
http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/increase-low-progesterone-levels.html

**As always, if you have concerns or have certain illnesses or are on the pill PLEASE consult your Dr before trying anything like this!! 

I have yet to even try this herb and will be asking more questions before I go out and buy some.

I felt the need to get something out there to say you're not alone if you're feeling anything like I have and still do. Cause up until my research I was feeling very lost. 

Also, to get the danger of taking BC out there.... 

I'm now a firm believer that it's not the way to go and it's going against everything God designed a woman's body to do. We're messing with His design and at what cost? 

We don't fully know and I've talked to enough people who have horror stories that convince me all the more, this is far from safe. 

If I've offended anybody, it wasn't my intension!! 

This is a serious issue and it needs to be exposed for what it is.

Esp with ladies coming forward with concerns like mine.

I am but one small voice, but in that small voice I want to make an impact and offer hope to those who feel like they're lost, confused or simply want to know they're not alone. 

Hoping this sunny day finds you all happy and healthy.

Warmly,

Shannon <3

Tip of the session:

Come visit my Facebook page!!!

You'll see more little tips and tricks and learn when an a blog is just around the corner...

Click "Like" You won't regret it ;) 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon-P-Aesthetician-Professional-Makeup-Artist/135714456464011

Dementia. A different type of blog...

My Gram, Mom's mom was diagnosed with dementia.

Not recently it's been known for awhile even before the Dr said those exact words.

We saw signs and started wondering…

There are 7 stages and we are seeing a rapid downhill decline, watching everything wiz by like trees in a fast moving vehicle. It's a whirlwind of a ride so far and we're often still caught up from one blast of wind and fixing our hair before the next one comes whipping around the bend. 

There's a new thing going down I like to call her "playing blind act" 

Gram sits in the chair in the living room and closes her eyes while she moves her head back and forth following sounds and conversation. She's trying to make it look like she's asleep but we all know she's not. This is usually followed by rambling in self-conversation and none of it making sense. 

She will bring up random conversation (Like just now, I got asked why I had clean feet because I was just out in the mud. Or asked about an Asian lady who comes (??) and if she’s the cook (We don’t have a cook). Little things and questions like that. Daily.), and speak of facts that you can tell aren’t from a sound mind or that happened years ago and she thinks it happened last week. If she can in fact remember last week. Even yesterday.

She will fixate on somebody in our home, the dog or even a child/baby that doesn’t exist and worry about them… And when I say worry, I mean WORRY. Today it’s the dog.

There is an obsession with children and babies; I’ve learned that this is common for dementia patients. She will insist she hears a baby crying or a child crying and or laughing. And if we don’t get up and tend to the “baby” we are bad people. It’s getting to the point where we’re starting to say things like, “The baby’s fine just let them be.” Or “The children are prob just outside playing and they are safe.” 

It’s become useless in telling her they don’t exist.

All though when she’s harping on me about my “baby” and when am I due or when did I have said baby I will try to tell her there’s no baby and I’m not pregnant. It never works and I’m trying to figure out a creative way to deal with it. I guess being a newlywed has her confused as to why I’m not in the child having mindset yet.

She has lived off Soaps since they came on TV and now her perception of reality is messed up. The poor dear believes the TV is real and tries to pour it out onto her daily life… Mom and Dad are always “arguing” or mom’s always “crying” 

My sister is always out “partying” (And if you knew my sister you’d laugh at that.) 

and I’m always “dying” My husband is the “golden child” which she at least grasps in her short time knowing him that he’s a good man!

How do you spell relief?

All though in her seeing him being good she developed a “crush” if you will? 

Disturbing but oh so funny haha It’s never dull when you’re with my family!

Gram is an adult but you find more and more it’s like dealing with and overgrown toddler. The way she moves her food around on her plate, the reactions to being told no and not understanding what she’s saying ect…

She used to hide in her room like a hermit and we’d have to pull her by the teeth. Now she’s taking to sitting in odd places that aren’t so odd when we’ve pulled her out of her room but it’s odd when she’s always hiding and now she’s almost sulking around and or getting up to do something or follow us.

This is not for lack of stimulation once again. She has an event place that we take her to, church functions and we try to encourage her to read, play cards ect… 

But loosing interest is all part of this monstrous disorder.

Today she’s in rare form, insanely restless and following us around. It’s easy to get a little frustrated but there’s compassion inside still and you are able to go with the flow. You try to deal with directness then tenderness.

Even if it’s moment by moment…

It's heartbreaking. 

But we continue to seek God and continue to find ways to keep up with a somewhat “normal” routine. What helps is there are 5 of us to do it and we take a lot off each other.

I know this is a different blog and there will be others like this. 

After all, this portion of my blog is our heart to heart conversations isn’t it? 

Why not tackle life issues as well as skin? 

This is part of not only my world but it might be part of yours or somebody you know. Therefore you understand why and how it effects your energy levels some days, with your family, friends or even job. 

Some days you’re bushed and can’t figure out why and then you remember.

My prayers are with you if this is part of your life!

Blessings dear friends, you are in my heart, always.

Warmly,

Shannon <3

8 Myths & Facts you need to know!!

Hello Dear Readers!!

The following are 8 myths & facts on the safety (or lack there of) your cosmetics and skin care products... Thanks to the Environmental Working Group!!

Myth – If it’s for sale at a supermarket, drugstore, or department store cosmetics counter, it must be safe.
Fact – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to test products for safety. FDA does not review or approve the vast majority of products or ingredients before they go on the market. The agency conducts pre-market reviews only for certain color additives and active ingredients in cosmetics classified as over-the-counter drugs (FDA 2005, 2010).

Myth – The cosmetics industry effectively polices itself, making sure all ingredients meet a strict standard of safety.
Fact – In its more than 30-year history, the industry’s safety panel (the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, or CIR) has assessed fewer than 20 percent of cosmetics ingredients and found only 11 ingredients or chemical groups to be unsafe (FDA 2007, CIR 2009, Houlihan 2008). Its recommendations are not binding on companies (Houlihan 2008).

Myth – The government prohibits dangerous chemicals in personal care products, and companies wouldn’t risk using them.
Fact – Cosmetics companies may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, without government review or approval (FDA 2005, FDA 2000).

• More than 500 products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada or the European Union (EWG 2007b).
• Nearly 100 products contain ingredients considered unsafe by the International Fragrance Association (EWG 2007c).
• A wide range of nanomaterials whose safety is in question may be common in personal care products (EWG 2006).
• 22% of all personal care products may be contaminated with the cancer-causing impurity 1,4-dioxane, including many children’s products (EWG 2007d, CDC 2009).
• 60% of sunscreens contain the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone that readily penetrates the skin and contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans (EWG 2010, Calafat et al 2008).
• 61% of tested lipstick brands contain residues of lead (CSC 2007).

Myth – Cosmetic ingredients are applied to the skin and rarely get into the body. When they do, levels are too low to matter.
Fact – People are exposed by breathing in sprays and powders, swallowing chemicals on the lips or hands or absorbing them through the skin. Studies find evidence of health risks. Biomonitoring studies have found cosmetics ingredients – like phthalate plasticizers, paraben preservatives, the pesticide triclosan, synthetic musks, and sunscreens – as common pollutants in men, women and children. Many of these chemicals are potential hormone disruptors (Gray et al. 1986, Schreurs et al. 2004, Gomez et al. 2005, Veldhoen et al. 2006). Products commonly contain penetration enhancers to drive ingredients deeper into the skin. Studies find health problems in people exposed to common fragrance and sunscreen ingredients, including elevated risk for sperm damage, feminization of the male reproductive system, and low birth weight in girls (Duty et al. 2003, Hauser et al. 2007, Swan et al. 2005, Wolff et al. 2008).

Myth – Products made for children or bearing claims like “hypoallergenic” are safer choices.
Fact – Most cosmetic marketing claims are unregulated, and companies are rarely if ever required to back them up, even for children’s products. A company can use a claim like “hypoallergenic” or “natural” “to mean anything or nothing at all,” and while “[m]ost of the terms have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers,… dermatologists say they have very little medical meaning” (FDA 1998). An investigation of more than 1,700 children’s body care products found that 81 percent of those marked “gentle” or “hypoallergenic” contained allergens or skin and eye irritants (EWG 2007a).

Myth – Natural and organic products are always safer.
Fact – Products labeled natural or organic often contain synthetic chemicals, and even truly natural or organic ingredients are not necessarily risk-free. The global, plant-based pharmaceutical market, valued at $19.5 billion in 2008, relies on the ability of “natural” chemicals – like those used in some natural cosmetics – to significantly alter body functions, a far cry from innocuous (BCC Research 2006, 2009). On the other hand, products labeled “organic” or “natural” can contain petrochemicals and no certified organic or natural ingredients whatsoever. Products certified as organic can contain as little as 10% organic ingredients by weight or volume (Certech 2008). FDA tried establishing an official definition for the term “natural,” but these protections were overturned in court (FDA 1998). Research shows that 35 percent of children’s products marketed as “natural” contain artificial preservatives (EWG 2007a).

Myth – FDA would promptly recall any product that injures people.
Fact – FDA has no authority to require recalls of harmful cosmetics. Furthermore, manufacturers are not required to report cosmetics-related injuries to the agency. FDA relies on companies to report injuries voluntarily (FDA 2005).

Myth – Consumers can read ingredient labels and avoid products with hazardous chemicals.
Fact – Federal law allows companies to leave many chemicals off labels, including nanomaterials, ingredients considered trade secrets, and components of fragrance (Houlihan 2008). Fragrance may include any of 3,163 different chemicals (IFRA 2010), none of which are required to be listed on labels. Fragrance tests reveal an average of 14 hidden compounds per formulation, including potential hormone disruptors and diethyl phthalate, a compound linked to sperm damage (EWG &amp; CSC, 2010).

Myth – Cosmetics safety is a concern for women only.
Fact – Surveys show that on average, women use 12 products containing 168 ingredients every day, men use 6 products with 85 ingredients (EWG 2004), and children are exposed to an average of 61 ingredients daily (EWG 2007a). The industry-funded CIR safety panel incorrectly assumes that consumers are exposed to just one chemical at a time, and personal care products are the only source of exposure (EWG 2004).

Authors: Jason Rano, Legislative Analyst, and Jane Houlihan, Senior Vice President for Research.

Scary huh?

Gives you something to chew on.

Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Shannon <3

Wonderfulness!!+Thoughts on Acne meds & Acidophilus.

Good Morning!!

I caved and decided to have some coffee this morning with hazelnut, care to join me?

We have some cloud coverage but the prediction is low 80's! 

This time last year it was ridiculously cold so this change is rather nice :)

Well, to make a long story short my prayers have been answered in a way I didn't see coming...

God put on my bosses heart the understanding of how doing more work than what I'm contracted to do would indeed put me under more stress than needed. She informed me Saturday that all she'd be needing is me to maybe open and close here and there, that she saw it was going to stress me and she wants me happy and in my element where I thrive!!

Praise God :)

I left there with such a weight lifted it was amazing!

So, now that I've kind veered away from how I started to post on here I think it's time to bounce back into things don't you? It's been a crazy month and a half but I think I can see the ocean waves coming to a steadiness that is overdue and a blessing to be sure.

I will resume my regular postings asap and will try to get something out every Monday if possible!

(Seeing as it's my only week day off usually)

So keep an eye out and I will be talking with you very soon!!

Blessings,

Shannon <3

Tip of the session:

Have you ever been curious about the acne on your forehead?

Have you tried numerous topical treatments and still no relief?

Tried drinking more water, even putting lemon in it?

Have you even considered using medication to tame your annoying little friends up there?

Dr.'s I have found and am very disgusted with I might add, are very prescription happy.

Did you know many acne medications are detrimental to your health?

Some side effects might be:

 Intense photo sensitivity

Hair loss or sever thinning

Leg cramps

Tumors

Weight change

Behavior changes

Suicidal tendencies

Tooth discoloration

Fluid retention

Impaired liver function

Ect...

I went to school with a girl who took Accutane and her hair is forever altered now because of it...

Blonds are known for having thick gorgeous locks, it's part of their genetics.

(But not every blond will have thick hair due to blond line differences ect)

Anyway.

She said her hair used to grow fast and long, was thick and something she loved!

Post Accutane it can't grow past her shoulders, 

is thinner, finer and breaks off once it reaches a certain length. 

Eugh, not fun!

Now, there are some cases where the acne is so intense that you do need a Dr.'s help.

Please don't hear me telling you to ditch your physician all together.

I haven't had many clients with upper grade acne but I have had my fair share in treating various types and there are many reasons acne is found on the human body.

Tho I still say check into more natural alternatives first!

Talk to your Dr. and see, some are trying to lean more towards a healthier rout vs artificial. 

Coming back around to forehead acne...

It usually means your digestive track is crying out for help!

If you have found that this is the case you may want to talk with your nutritionist about Acidophilus.

This little guy helps promote healthy digestive function and keeps your friendly bacteria count normal. 

If you friendly or microflora balance is being disrupted that may be a case for forehead breakouts.

Not 100% cause hormones and stress can play a key there too but the forehead is a signal that your digestive track may need some TLC.

Some things it may help with:

Female health with properly balanced bacteria for vaginal yeast infections

Cancer prevention

Helps lower serum cholesterol levels

Will help prenatal vitamins function at it's highest

May help calm the side effects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease 

Ect...

Just be aware,

 If your super sensitive it may cause things to be a little more free than you're used to ;) 

But if you're on a prenatal (or suffer from IBS Irritable bowel syndrome) this may not be such a bad thing seeing as prenatal vitamins can cause the opposite. 

Just be sure to consult a nutritionist and/or your Dr.

Be Healthy and don't forget to check out  and like my facebook page!!!

I give updates on blogs I'm posting, random research findings on your favorite cosmetics, fitness tips and more :)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon-P-Aesthetician-Professional-Makeup-Artist/135714456464011?ref=tn_tnmn

Tween & Teen skincare!! An article of sorts for work...

The Educating of our youth on skincare!

Tweens & Teens

The raising of a Tween or Teen in today’s culture isn’t always easy with the media trying to “inform” us what they should look like and put on their precious skin. A heartbreaking reality has been hitting us for many years and that is our Tween/Teen culture needs grow up before their time. This involves the improper use of cosmetics and skincare. The media uses brilliant techniques to lure them into trying things that in the end will be harmful and possibly cause later irremovable damage. The actual education isn’t difficult but rather a joy!

We at Flying Horse desire to show you how simple and wonderful it is to shed light on this sometimes tricky area in your child’s daily and nightly routine. This is us trying to show our passion for you!!

We are here to serve, educate and bring you a peace of mind that we are here and deeply care for you and your family’s wellbeing.

A budding young adult should delight in learning how to preserve their outer youth understanding it really isn’t that hard, let’s explore a few ways…

Tweens should have the basic understanding that their skin is still like that of a baby but is needing the start of an adult skin care routine as their hormones are about to go on a wild ride and take their skin with it!

Their needs aren’t very big as of yet but they do need to start showing attention in the area of skincare.

Basic Needs:

A mild cleanser to clean and protect their still uniquely delicate condition

A hydrating toner to maintain the balance of their skin’s PH

An oil-free moisturizer to start the preservation and habit of moisturizing

A safe SPF that has low levels of chemicals no higher than 30

A powdered SPF will be safest in the long run if they are showing early signs of troubled skin.

At this point a scrub and mask may be too overwhelming and can be used in times of slumber parties and experimental fun!

Teenagers are by this point coming into their own, hungering for independence and the need to be more responsible for their skin as it is changing at a rapid rate.  At this point doing the wrong thing with their skin could have some serious consequences, the type that in 20 years they’ll be looking to change things that may never be able to be changed. Another thing for them to understand is one thing may be okay for their friend “Jane” but not good for them. A more detailed regimen is to be expected and the desire to do more should be blossoming! 

Basic and Growing Needs:

A cleanser for their skin type
A scrub to exfoliate 3 times a week
A toner and maybe astringent to balance oil and PH
A moisturizer and still likely to be oil-free 
Simple eye treatment to keep their skin hydrated
And as before a proper SPF.
Serums would be a help for some skin types but may also be too much and slightly overwhelming. 
Could start to suggest doing a mask once a week at least.


In all of this there will most likely be talks about makeup for girls and what's appropriate. I don't think experimenting is a bad thing and it can be fun when the occasion calls for it! However, I am a firm believer that less is more even when it comes to concealing things we don't care for such as blemishes and dark circles. All of which can be done tastefully bringing out the natural beauty starting on the inside. If there's a desire to try new things and see how different looks may appear encouragement of the right kind may produce talents far beyond anything you've ever seen...


Your children are precious to us and we value their development!
Thank you


Shannon P.

A true spa experience!

Good Afternoon Darling Readers!!!

It's a little nippy here in the Springs so I've made us some more tea if that's alright with you?

I've been working on kicking a silly cold so I figured some green tea with pomegranate would be nice...

It's a simple tasting tea, I rather like it. Esp since the antioxidants are amazing!!

If you want some honey to give the flavoring more zing I have some right over here on the counter.

Shall we take a seat?

After my last blog I figured it's time to point out some wonderful perks a spa should be offering you during your visit! These little things can make a world of difference in your choice of wanting to go back or run away.

When you walk in the front door the spa should have a soul warming atmosphere and the smiles from the employees should come quickly and genuinely. By soul warming I'm not saying any one particular look is THE LOOK. Everybody has their own taste and what feels good to them.

My personal favorite is earth tones, wood, choice tile or marble, scented candles filling the air with a delectable aroma. The product (s) are neatly displayed on shelves with a mirror in back and a light overhead giving you a clear view of what the spa has to offer...

Either way, it should feel like you can trust the environment as soon as you walk in the door!

You should be checked in quickly and treated like a king or queen.

Any notifications of the spa running behind should be told to you so you're not wondering if you've been forgotten. 

One of two things can be offered next.

They can offer you a place to safely store your things and you will be given a robe and slippers.

Or they will show you directly to a sitting area that should be cozy and inviting. There they will most likely have you fill out any paperwork so your therapist or Aesty can give you a proper consult.

The paperwork should be detailed to help them serve your needs to the best of their skills and knowledge.

You shouldn't have to wait long before you are greeted and asked if you need anymore time on your paperwork or if they'll be a few more minuets. 

If you are already in a robe you will be shown to your room and given a few minuets to climb under the covers and get comfortable. The room should have lower lighting, soft music playing (or a sound machine), it should look clean and smell delightful (or at least clean)!

If you have yet to undress you should be offered a place to store your things and given time to get ready w/out feeling rushed.

The consultation should feel like an easy conversation and not an interrogation.

You should feel like you can trust this person, that they know what they're doing and are concerned about you and your feelings. The consultation should also be through yet not feel like you're a cadaver ready for an autopsy. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask! They should be able to openly answer and give you a clean reply leaving you feel even more confident in your treatment.

The treatment should be nothing short of bliss!!

And any extractions should be sensitive to you and your tolerance to such a thing. 

If you have fallen asleep they should rouse your gently and let your clear the cobwebs.

Offer you some water or tea and then let you get up and dressed or back into the robe.

You should be escorted back to the waiting area and told you can feel free to sit and relax while you sip on water, tea or coffee. If you have any questions you should be allowed to ask and offered to do so.

Once ready to leave you should have a clear understanding of where you need to go, and the desire to return should be singing a song in your head. You feel like you got your money's worth and have been treated like no other place has ever treated you before. A refreshed and renewed sense of self should be washing over you in waves of pleasure. If you need to be somewhere make sure to ask ahead of time if they can help you with a light makeup application and see if it's with the treatment or an extra cost. 

I'm thrilled to be offering my services at a spa near you soon!! 

Whereas out of my home is delightful, I can't have all the perks I want with my current setup.

I have taste that doesn't fit my budget currently and I hunger to offer only but the best and very soon I shall :)

As always I enjoyed our talk and will be eager to speak with you again!

Have a wonderful evening.

Blessings,

Shannon <3

Tip of the session:

I'm sure you know taking vitamins is good for your skin's health.

But do you know how Acai benefits your body?

It's a fruit still under study but it's looking to show high signs of amazing antioxidants!

I'm currently taking some Acai to see if I notice any added difference with the other vitamins I'm taking.

WebMD has a nice little article I think you should read:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/acai-berries-and-acai-berry-juice-what-are-the-health-benefits

Here's another from the Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acai/AN01836

As you can see they are still gathering information on this curious little fruit...

I am eager to see what they find :)

Some things to check before you make an apt!

Hello again!!

Are you as tired as me?

Let's enjoy some crisp lemon water tonight next to a fire with some fresh soup!

I've been looking forward to our visit all day. :)

 

I wanted to give you some advice on what to look out for when you're thinking of visiting a spa for services or maybe buying somebody a gift certificate.

In the interesting locations I've worked I've gained some priceless knowledge that you don't have a good chance to understand let alone fully wrap your head around while in school. 

I've worked in 3 different locations (when I wasn't working from home) and each had some lessons to be learned! Little did I know what I'd see, hear, touch and maybe even smell...

Sanitation is my biggest issue in this industry! 

You are dealing with people's health here and a level of cleanliness is to be expected from us the Aesthetician's. One of the biggest parts of our job is to keep you our clientele safe! 

I advise in taking notice of the following before getting a facial or body treatment:

1. Crust on the product bottles along with on the shelves they could be sitting on

2.  *Barbicide tray littered with floating debris,that they in fact have a barbicide tub

3. Little hairs left on the tweezers and other equipment

4. Clean multifunction machines, no crust or sticky residue ect...

5. Clean water in the steamer

6. Gloves being used when the occasion calls for it,esp if the Aesthetician has a bandage on their hand!

7. Fresh blanket, sheets and towels on the bed and around the room

8. Nothing looks cracked or old.

9. The floors are swept and free of gunk, your bare feet don't feel any gritty bits and your feet are the same color as when you first got there.

10. Are they using professional products?

(My first job I had the head Aesty bringing in stuff from the dollar store to compensate for lack of product on the back bar.)

Those are basic things to keep an eye out for and really isn't as long of a list as it seems once you think about it. It's common sense in what's safe for you as the client. 

If you're going in for a wax here are a few more things to observe:

1. Are the wax pots clean

2. The wax station isn't covered in sticky and dust

3. There's a spray bottle  of *70% Isopropyl Alcohol

4. They don't double dip the sticks when performing a service

5. Gloves are present and being used

Having your makeup done:

Observe and look through their makeup station!!

Pull out the drawers and take a peek. 

You can ask first of course but please for your own sake, take a look about.

1. Look to see if there's a bottle of brush cleaner/sanitizer in view or ask if they keep one up there.

2. Check if there's a full bottle of Pur'el present,

3. Ask to see them sanitize their hands before they touch anything or you. 

4. Open their sample lip glosses, liquid eyeliner and or mascara to check  and see if they snipped all the wands off. If they haven't there's a chance they have been used via first hand potentially spreading something like pinkeye or strep your way.  

5. Check for fingerprints in their creme based products.

6. Look over the brushes and make sure they're clean! Ask if they've been sanitized properly. I.E. Shampooed and conditioned at the end of each day and sprayed with the cleaner in between each client.  

7. Make sure the eyeliner pencil's are freshly sharpened.

8. And final, make sure the location is clean and littler free inside and out.

These are little details you as the client may miss during your visit.

 So please do me the favor of asking to look around the room/spa before booking an apt!

If they have nothing to hide they will openly and willingly show you what you're potentially concerned about. And if they think you're crazy, who cares, at least you know you'll be safe.

ESP If you have that room/s being shared/used by more than one person!!

My brain is swirling now as this took my last bit of mental energy.

If I didn't cover a concern or answer a question you might have email me or contact me via face book!!

Hope you enjoyed our little chat as it was one giant tip :)

Please come see me again,I love our times together.

Blessings,

Shannon <3 

P.S.

*Barbice

&

*70% Isopropyl Alcohol

Are two ways to sanitize and disinfect.

Did you know it takes 10 min to kill something potentially harmful?

Yup. Thus we soak our items for 10 min at a pop, then rinse if need be.

Cavicide is another strong weapon we Aesty's use!