salonfly.com diary

My First Facial, by Guest SalonSpy Carla Jean Whitley

2008-08-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Service: Elemental Nature Facial
The Place: Richard Joseph SalonSpa, English Village

I'll confess, I'm not much good at relaxing. I'm a Type A, high-strung kind of girl, and I don't really know when or how to turn that off. It's so bad, in fact, that my last spa visit ended with me mentally reviewing my to do list—DURING my massage. So you'll have to forgive me for my Saturday agenda. Work, work, facial, errands, work, work. I was a woman on a mission. That is, until I spent a little time at Richard Joseph SalonSpa.

True to my mission-minded personality, I showed up 20 minutes before my Elemental Nature Facial. It was my first visit to the Mountain Brook spa, and I'd been advised to arrive early for a little tour. The Richard Joseph staff met me at the salon door, guiding me from the beautiful displays to the check-in desk. Then the tour began.

I had no idea how much you could tuck into what, from the outside, seems like a little space in English Village. The main floor is the salon, featuring two stylist stations for haircuts, a coloring room and a cafe where chef April offers delectable treats throughout the day. (I sampled an olive tapenade on my way out of the salon, and it was delicious.) It's an elegant space set at a fun pace—but slide over to the elevator and you'll find yourself in another world.

The spa is serene, immediately transporting you out of a busy schedule and into another time. And it's not that any spa I've visited elsewhere wasn't soothing. But those spas didn't have Jennifer. Jennifer is one of Richard Joseph's aestheticians, and she is a wonder worker.

The tour led me past massage tables, steam rooms and to Jennifer, who met me outside the room where my facial would take place. I changed into my wrap while she graciously grabbed me a bottle of water, and the magic began.

The Elemental Nature Facial is great for first timers like me! While Jennifer began my foot treatment (there's a foot treatment? With my facial?! I'm sorry, no one told me this was heaven...), I filled out a short survey about my skin's needs at that moment. Adding up the answers, it was clear that I needed the fire nature facial, which promises it "cools and soothes sensitive, irritated skin." That's me—bring it on!

Ah, but how quickly that spunky "bring it on" attitude slipped away. Jennifer selected three oils and asked me to blindly smell them, selecting the one that stood out most to me to incorporate into my treatment. Then she began moving through the steps of the facial, applying exfoliating treatments, masks, extracting clogged pores and incorporating a foot, hand, scalp and shoulder massage.

Massages? Yep. Remember when I said I once left a massage with a full mental to do list? Not so this time. I started composing it early in the facial—run to the library, stop by the coffee shop—but it quickly fell away. At the end of the hour-long facial, I was on the verge of sleep.

And did I mention the difference in my skin? Though I obviously wasn't wearing a stitch of makeup, my skin felt hydrated, exfoliated and in shape. That might be the best it's been since puberty set in!

I was so relaxed, in fact, that all of my work-minded goals fell away. I drove home and climbed into a bubble bath. I was eager to get dolled up and show my friends how great I felt—but not so eager as to burst that well-earned bubble of relaxation. Who knew that it only took an hour, some peppermint oil and a facial to knock the Type A right out of this control queen?

Quing Massage at Richard Joseph SalonSpa

2007-11-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

I’ve seen the “couples massage” on the addictive, yet horrible reality tv show, The Bachelor. Yes I watch it, yes I feel badly for most of the rejects, and yes I always shed a tear at the most shocking proposal ceremony ever AND two months later over the most shocking magazine cover proclaiming the break up of this dream couple who most definitely had a connection. ahhhh.....Breathe. Ok.

All that aside and back to the couples massage...so, I’ve only ever seen it on TV and it is most intriguing. Lovey little chatter and holding hands while being rubbed down under a gauzy tent on the beach, a slight breeze and maybe a RumRunner with a really long straw... my God! who wouldn’t want that?! Jason and I made an appointment... in hopes of finding out that we had a connection. Figuring no one could do it better than Richard Joseph SalonSpa in Mountain Brook, that is exactly where we headed.

So, yeah I’m going to have to burst that pretty TV bubble. *Pop!* (Sorry- take a tissue.) A couple’s massage at Richard Joseph is nothing like a TV couples massage...it’s BETTER!!! Fireworks, cheering, whistles. Yes. It is so very wonderful.

They start you off with a wonderful complimentary nutritious lunch in their cafe (you must arrive before 2:30 for this treat - lunch at Richard Joseph ends at 3pm). From there, we headed upstairs to the spa area, which was really quite dreamy. At the entrance was the largest bouquet of pink lillies I’d ever seen. I had to take a picture of it. Jason whispered “they’ve got to be fake” in my ear - my cue to approach and caress them. Yes, real. The receptionist didn’t necessarily say, “hands off, crazy lady”, but she did show us to the cozy relaxation/waiting area. There we nibbled on some fruit and cheese and chocolates, and when I say “WE” here, I mean “I” because Jason would have no part in pre-massage noshing. He simply stated it wasn’t good for his digestion - I think he read an article or something. I believe he is right about that, you really shouldn't eat immediately before a massage, but I couldn't resist. I am only human (Jason is super-human).

While enjoying treats destined for doomed digestion in my tummy, we were greeting warmly by two massage therapists, Kay and Sally. They led us back to a room with two single massage beds. There was no gossamer drapery, no Rum Runners, no camera crew! I wan’t sure what we had gotten ourselves into, I mean... no camera crew? There’s always a camera crew. Decor was classy, music was soft, lights were warm and dim. Kay informed us that she would be my therapist and Sally would be Jason’s. I was to take the bed on the left (which was a cushy water-type bed) and Jason had a traditional massage bed (no water cushion). There was a bit of questioning on Jason’ s part, wondering where his water was, but we all were able to calm him down enough to proceed. Kay and Sally left us so we could “get naked” - they informed us we could leave our underwear on or go without, whatever made us comfortable. Oh? You’re wondering which we chose?

The massages started and I asked if we were supposed to talk to each other or hold hands or something. Kay said we could do what we liked. Shew! We did none of that. Jason enjoyed his massage and I enjoyed my massage - together.

This brings me to the real reason getting a couples massage is SO much better than getting one by yourself... no - it’s not that you might get to see your partner almost naked for a split second. It’s before, when you can anticipate this wonderful experience together, it’s during when you know your partner (or sister, or mother, or best friend) is getting what they deserve - much needed pampering and a feeling of well being - and you’re there to share that. And it’s especially afterward, when you get to talk about how amazing you feel and how you wished the massage would’ve lasted another four hours or that you could somehow lure your massage therapist home to live with you forever (they won’t, and don’t try too hard or they will take legal action and never massage you again).

Notice how no one is enthusiastic or even really cares to listen to you describe your last massage? If you take them WITH you, you can talk about it for days - they're just as excited as you. Jason and I still bring it up. And sometimes, when I catch him looking off into the distance with a glaze, I know what he’s thinking about. Wait... that’s not what he’s thinking about? Really?

Well, anyway, as a couple, Jason and I HIGHLY endorse the couple’s massage at Richard Joseph. (They actually call it Quing Massage). Kay has been a massage therapist for 22 years and really knows what she’s doing. I’d been having some lower back and wrist issues and she knew to work those areas without me even telling her (well, not verbally, I guess the huge knots did the talking). Sally has been practicing for 11 years and from what Jason tells me, she has some wonderfully strong and intuitive hands as well.

A Quing Massage would make a great gift for the holidays or for Valentines Day or a “just because” or especially an “I’m sorry.” Send your partner a link to this review with a “hint hint” in the subject line!

Salon Mop (Homewood)

2007-09-24T14:25:00.001-07:00

I'm going to go on record and say Mop is the most glamorous salon in Birmingham. There I said it and I'm not going to take it back... I don't care if you try and tickle my armpits...you can't make me take it back. Wait.. what are you doing? DON'T touch my armpits!

I had to check out the newest salon in Homewood, it is my business, after all. I set an appointment with Melisa (pronounced muh-lisa, not Melissa, get it right or go home, schmucko!), the owner of Mop. She has worked at the former Salon Raymond Barry and the fabulous Richard Joseph SalonSpa, so I was confident she could handle me and my mop (see what I did there?).

Right away upon entering this hip, sexy, old-Hollywood-feeling salon, I felt a little under dressed. The stylists were decked out, complete with four-inch heels and I applaud them. They looked amazing, and not in pain at all! I vowed to throw my flip flops away as soon as I got home.

I sat down in Melisa's chair and was handed my yummy signature drink (water WITH lemon, if you haven't had it you should try it, it's fabulously refreshing) and we got to discussing. I did my apologizing, saying I didn't know what I wanted and what did she think, any suggestions... I don't know if stylists hate this or like it. I guess we'll have to ask the Style Guy. Melisa decided to bring in a couple different shades of blonde with a full foil. I don't think I've ever had that many foils on my head before. I nearly fell over from the shear weight. It was cool. The color turned out gorgeous. I wish you could see it. I bet you wish you could see it too. Someone should invent something...

For the cut I wanted something I could easily style and perhaps stretch back into a ponytail. She suggested more layers and I gave her the old thumbs up. Layer me, Melisa, layer me.

I left Mop just as gorgeous as the Mop stylists! My hair is so fabulous I decided I can afford to keep my flip flops (with hair like this no one's looking at my FEET, for crying out loud).

unibrow

2007-03-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

We get a lot of distress calls here at salonfly. Most of them are easy to handle – once we understand the problem, it’s just a simple referral to the stylist, massage therapist or esthetician that can put things right. It’s a service we’re happy to provide. But sometimes, we come across a special case. Someone who has been so neglected that we must divert all of our resources toward saving. And we never turn anyone away.

It was just this Valentines 2007 that we last received such a call. It was late in the afternoon. Amy answered the phone. I couldn’t hear what the caller was saying, but Amy’s face said it all…this one was serious.

His name was Bert. He just got home from a blind date…one that ended before it'd begun, actually. Bert met her at a local coffee shop. He dressed conservatively – turtle neck under sweater, both tucked neatly into slacks. His date wasn’t yet there when he arrived, so he ordered a small coffee, black, waited by the door and watched the pigeons. He saw her coming. She was exactly how his roommate described – a beautiful shade of blue with a large, red nose and long, yellow hair. He started to get nervous. Under his breath he whispered “keep it cool, Bert, keep it cool”. She walked in and immediately he introduced himself. His handshake was casual yet confident, if not a little moist. He looked directly into her eyes and said, “Hi, I’m Bert. It’s great to meet you”. She appeared startled and struggled to meet his gaze, visibly pained . Instead her eyes remained fixed on what he initially thought was his hair. She managed to stammer out a few words, “Yes…nice to meet you too. I…have to go…Yes! I... I have to the bathroom…be right back”. She disappeared into the back of the shop.

In a very sad voice, Bert told Amy he waited for over two hours for her to appear from that bathroom...

On his way home, Bert walked past a newsstand. The latest issue of GQ caught his eye. One of the headlines read “What a Girl Doesn't Want - Top 10 Turn Offs”. He picked it up and flipped to the article. Turn off #1 – the unibrow.

Bert dialed our Hotty Hotline for help right away. In order to assess the severity of his case, we asked him to email us a photo. Once we got over the initial shock, we called the only person who could possibly help – Danielle George, Birmingham’s Brow Expert.

Danielle met with Bert immediately. The following is her summary of the appointment…

"When I fist saw Bert, I was shocked. How could anyone sport a unibrow in this day and age? I had dealt with this kind of thing before, but Bert was clearly, CLEARLY a very special case. Obviously we were going to carefully separate the unibrow and give him two distinct man -brows, but if he was going to get a second chance with that little blue hottie, I was going to have to work a miracle."

"I told Bert to relax on the heated bed and enjoy the relaxing spa music while I worked my magic. I assessed the oblong shape of Bert's head and used his facial features to guide me as I applied the wax.
After a few quick pulls of the wax and some precise tweezing I knew we had the look Bert needed. I placed a cooling compress over the brow area to calm his skin. Then I handed Bert the mirror..."

"There in the mirror were two perfectly groomed brows. I think I saw Bert shed a tear of joy. He expressed his gratitude and then lept off the table and was out the door in a flash. My guess is he was going to get that second chance at love."

I feel like Fabio! - Bert

For over a decade, Danielle George has built a reputation for stellar waxing experiences. Using the highest quality product, she combines speed and efficiency with an artistic eye to give every client that perfect brow. With an education in Fine Art and 10 years experience as an esthetician, Danielle applies artistic principles while analyzing the structure and shape of the face. Her technical abilities allow her to provide waxing services in a fraction of the time and with minimal discomfort.

Danielle George is available for appointments (Mon & Tues 10-5 and Thurs & Fri 10-6) at Fusion Spa at Soho Square in Homewood.

The perfect color...Blue Velvet

2007-01-25T13:37:00.000-08:00

Yay! The first hair cut of the new year is like seeing the first tulips in spring - gives you hope and fills you with love. Isn't 2007 supposed to be the Chinese Year of Good Hair? Hmm. I think so...

yech...I need a new "Blue" do!
On a balmy January afternoon (the first tulips are up in our yard already, yeah, what's up with that, global warming - recycle!), I waved to my neighbors as I took off from my driveway with something new (pic of great-year-starting hair cut), something borrowed (husband's credit card! he he he) and something Blue (an appointment at Blue Velvet Salon). Those neighbors were in for such a treat when I got home - maybe they wouldn't even recognize me - or maybe this new haircut would make me look so young again that I could sell them Girl Scout Cookies?

I've gotten many comments from Supaflys singing the praises of Blue Velvet Salon, so I thought I'd check it out and see if these Supaflys could be trusted in their judgement. (You know they'll let anyone be a Supafly these days.)

I arrived at the Blue Velvet in Mountain Brook Village (right across from Daniel George restaurant) right on time, fyi. A very adorable Stacey greeted me. The salon is spacious and they've got a very relaxed, fun vibe going - atypical of what I normally think of Mtn. Brook establishments. There's not a stitch of intimidaton and I didn't get one "what are YOU doing HERE" kind of look.

My appointment was with the owner, Rachelle Perrin, who has owned Blue Velvet for the last ten years. She had recently taken a hiatus from being on the floor, but she's back and ready for the cuttin' now. (Word on the street: it was my hair that inspired her to get back to styling.... hey, it's just what I heard...) I was so very excited to get started with her - I'd never had an owner do my hair before. She brought me my beverage of choice - a tall glass of water with just a splash of water - refreshing. I noticed right off that Rachelle was different than my perecption of how most salon owners are. She is approachable, easy-going, nice and humble. Other owners may well be all these things, but I only know what I see on tv, folks.

I started off by asking her - if you could do anything to my hair, what would you do? She said, Well...are you up for something different? It was at that moment I knew this was going to work out. We discussed the course of action for about 15 minutes - then she said the words that made my heart skip - why don't we do all over more platinum-like color?

Now, why this made me so happy is a long story. This is what I've been wanting to do for a very long time, but most stylists talk me into highlights - with good reason. All over color is a lot more upkeep, being the main one. (scary sidenote: The last time I asked a stylist to make me platinum (two years ago), I PAID for it. She turned my hair Betty White WHITE and it was FRIED. I went to different places and tried different serums, potions, lotions and dances to get my hair back. I had to chop it all off - terrible, terrible ahhhh terrible. I wish I could name names and salons, but sadly, I cannot. And I'm not one to normally freak out about a hair mishap - I always say, it'll grow back, it's JUST hair. This incident was beyond horrifying. I've got emotional scars.)

Back to Blue Velvet! I really wanted to do this all over color because that's what I used to do when I lived in Chicago years ago and I actually like the way I look in pictures from that era.

So sassy! Thanks, Rachelle. Love it!
So, by the end of the appointment, I was calling Rachelle my 'psychic stylist'. She would say exactly what I was thinking often - can they start teaching that in beauty school (and marriage counseling)? I left Blue Velvet that day with curly brilliant blonde locks - the color is gorgeous! People will stop me on the sidewalk and compliment it, which is sweet (I'm sure you've seen me walking about town by now - why no compliment from you? Jealous? Don't be that way). Oh, and yes, I did say curly. My hair has always been the anti-curl (except, of course for the 80s-early 90s poodle home perms - thanks mom). Rachelle styled it with just a little Bumble and Bumble product, some scrunching and a good old fashioned diffuser. I felt so damn sassy.

I've always got to include a little bit about what the hubby thinks - he's the one that has to look at me all day. When I walked through the door after my hair make over, he had that look on his face. That look. My Burrito of Good Feelings look. I love that look. Dim the lights please.

- Amy O

The Fly heard it first - hot tip!: Blue Velvet is looking for hair models... they need all types of people with all types of hair for continuing education classes. You get a free hair cut out of the deal and now you won't be lying when you tell people you're a model. Email Rachelle (www.rachelle@bluevelvetsalon.com) for more detail.

No more grey days

2006-12-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

Service date: 12/20/06

I have no recollection of my first gray hair (or of the introduction of the hundreds that followed). I can’t even remember who first told me I was “going grey” – but thank you to the many so bold (and occasionally, tactful) who have pointed it out. It was these courteous folks who delivered me to the crossroad: color it or keep it?Publish

Before shot - may or may not be author.

A friend of mine pushed me over the edge with this comment: "Dude, you drive a minivan, you're planning a vacation to Orlando, and you have a chiropractor on speed dial...what have you got left?"

Before I go any further, I should disclose the fact that I had previously colored my hair. This was long before any grey hair (or better judgment) and was a do-it-yourself-from-a-box-you- bought-at-the-grocery-store job. Let me be clear that this is not an approach I’m recommending (especially for people with jobs, responsibilities, etc). Trust me, you will look weird and people will point. Despite whatever it may say on the box, you really can’t be sure what color you will end up with. Plus, it’s messy and it burns your scalp.

Armed with that wisdom, I decided to take my greys to a professional - specifically, Jeanine Brast at The Salon at Parisian. First, a quick word about the salon…yes, there is a salon at Parisian (at least the one in Brookwood). And it’s an upscale, full-service establishment (to see some photos and a service menu click here).

Jeanine Brast, stylist, The Salon at Parisian
Okay, that being said, back to the appointment…Jeanine greeted me within just a few minutes of arriving and took me back to a very nice dressing room where I could put on an apron (yes, I put it on backwards…apparently, only hospital gowns are meant to open in the back…now we know). Once properly attired, Jeanine and I discussed my color expectations. Of course, I really didn’t know what I wanted…no more grey would be nice…something subtle so that most would still believe it to be my natural color…then again, something rich and bold would be fun. Basically, just read my mind and make it perfect. What’s with all the questions?

Jeanine decided on a natural brown from Wella’s Koleston Perfect® line. Sounds impressive, but it just looks like brown paste to me. The whole process of carefully brushing the color into my hair (literally with a small paintbrush-looking thing) took about 20 minutes. And unlike my previous do-it-yourself experience, no stinging scalp or eye pain (just a slight tingle). Once the color was finished, I spent about 15 minutes with my head under a steamer (to speed up the color-bonding process). Sure, it’s a little weird with a large punch-bowl on your head, but it takes a lot longer for the color to set without it (and how many times can you read People magazine in one day?). After my head was adequately “cooked”, it was off to the shampoo bowl for some hair therapy and an unanticipated (but unfortunately desperately needed) brow wax. No ever thinks they have a uni-brow, yet they still exist – thank you, Jeanine, for caring.

Dramatic action shot
After the color process, we discussed my hair style (which now had more to consider than my typical preference). For example, my penchant for short-clipped sides would mean new greys in no time. Accordingly, she recommended keeping a little more length and we abandoned using the clippers altogether. And, oh man, Jeanine is a careful cutter. I can honestly say that I have never had that much attention paid to my hair before. From what little I know, I understand that a good stylist is shaping your hair over a period of cuts. That means you really shouldn’t be expecting a show-stopper until a few visits down the road (note to those “hair hoppers” who bounce from stylist to stylist claiming no one can cut them properly). Jeanine really gave the impression of long-term strategy for my hair and I really appreciated her expertise. And, for a nice bonus, it turns out that I really did like the first cut. And this was a cut right before the holidays, people – so we’re talking about big pressure.

A completely different guy - younger, more handsome, right?
Wrong! It's me...after Jeanine annihilated my greys!
Overall, the visit took about two hours. For those really stingy with their time, it could have gone quicker, but I tend to ask a lot of questions (basically, I don’t have much else going on). And I am definitely happy that I colored. Jeanine did an expert job of finding a color that blended naturally, but had enough rich tone to make me feel re-energized.

Jeanine Brast is a fully-licensed, junior stylist at the Salon at Parisian (where she apprenticed for 2½ years). She is a very talented (and patient) professional who currently cites a preference for coloring. For access to some great promotions at the Salon at Parisian (some of which feature Jeanine’s services), visit salonfly.com.

- Jason O

Microderm

2006-11-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

So, I finally decided to find out what all this "microderm" buzz is about. I've been hearing "microderm this" and "microderm that" for years now - it was time this chickie got hip to the 'derm , yo.

I made an appointment with Marsia Applegate at Gates of Pearl Day Spa & Salon in Inverness. I have to admit, my palms were a little moist as I drove there... I really didn't know anything about microdermabrasion. And even though the spa was gorgeous (very warm and welcoming), I was still a bit wary. Marsia greeted me, had me fill out a health / skin care history form, and took me back to where "it" would happen. Gulp.

Ok. Basically, I was worried about pain. Let's get to it, Marsia. Is this going to hurt or what? Marsia told me that there are two types of microderm; one that distributes crystals across your skin which are removed by a little vacuum. This type feels like sand paper and you will most likely have redness afterward (aka "downtime"). The second (the kind Gates of Pearl has) uses a "diamond-encrusted wand to vacuum the skin, so you get a more even abrasion without the gritty residue of the sodium bicarbonate crystals". (Sounds so fancy, huh?) Marsia assured me this kind does not hurt and there is no downtime. That's all I needed to hear. Let's get to it.

Marsia invited me to lay down on a heated massage-like table, she put blankets over me and I relaxed into the warmth immediately. Lights were dimmed...ahhhhh. She then cleansed my face and performed a skin analysis with a black light. You can see where your skin is dry or sun damaged by the different colors that show up. FYI, I had some dryness around the eyes and minor sun damage. (I blame mom for not putting sunblock on me as a child. I guess I should save that rant for my OTHER diary, huh?) She then prepped and toned my face and neck. The microdermabrasion was next - it felt like a tiny vacuum extracting impurities, dead cells, eradicating fine lines - oh what a feeling! (I could feel myself looking like Joan Rivers already!) No pain whatsoever.

I then received a mask chosen for my skin type (based on the black light analysis), an eye treatment, hand massage, moisturizer, sunscreen and Marsia's signature lip moisture therapy. The whole facial took about an hour. I would recommend bringing a hair brush, because I didn't and your hair gets all discumbobulated - not pretty. Gates of Pearl does offer complimentary make up touch-up, which was very nice. Hayley Daniel is their make up master. I had never used mineral make up before, and it was wonderful. They carry the Jane Iredale line. I was also introduced to the "kiss me" line of mascara (silly name, I know). I ended up going back and buying a tube later because it is awesome. I have had problems finding a mascara that will stay on my lashes and this stuff does not budge, even if you take your finger and rub, even if you cry (but don't rub and cry, that will take it off, especially if you're crying because you're so happy you finally found a mascara that works!) And, the second best part is, it's EASY to get off when you want it off. Yes, I am sure it causes cancer or something, because everything that's good does, eh? For once in my life, I don't care! I love this product!!! (but if you hear something let me know, ok?)

Anyway, both Hayley and Marsia were excellent on educating me about what they were doing and what products would be good with my skin. My face glowed and was extrememly soft after my microderm. I did notice some small lines were harder to see, but they are back now. It is recommended that people with normal skin get microderm about once a month, people with specific skin conditions should go twice/month.

I am getting older every day and I laugh and smile and cry and I do use my face for all sorts of expressions. It's good to know there are simple things I can do to help keep looking as spry and sexy as the day I graduated high school. sigh.

- Amy O

Do men get massages?

2006-11-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Do men get massages? Seriously, is this something I’m supposed to keep to myself? I don’t recall ever hearing another guy talk about his massage therapist…and my dad certainly never sat me down to give the “massage talk” (although he did give the “rub some dirt on it / walk it off” speech quite often).

My wife set-up my first massage appointment (probably four years ago), and I was not excited to go. Aches and pains were just a part of life, right? Maybe you need a few aspirin or an ice pack, but a trip to the spa? It just didn’t seem right.

I was a poor fool.

Deep tissue massage. Oh yeah, it will change your life. I can’t recall any of the details of that first appointment. I’m sure it started with me saying something about “low back pain” or a “crick in my neck”, but the rest is at best foggy. How did I even get home after the appointment? No clue. I was in a daze – I had never felt so…good!! I guess my body was in some sort of euphoric shock.

I couldn’t wait to feel like crap again so I could go back. I thought about playing basketball again – lot’s of injuries in that sport. Unfortunately, it was a while before I was in enough pain to warrant another appointment – damn my youthful resilience!

My original massage therapist was no longer practicing. No big deal, I thought. Deep tissue massage is deep tissue massage, right?

Once again, I was the poor fool.

So angry...this guy really needs a massage!

That massage was crap. It was all ham-handed and random. And my next massage (several months later at a different place) was even worse! I thought it was all over. That first massage was just some sort of magical discovery – never to be found again. Maybe my dad was right...maybe I was supposed to just “walk it off”.

Still…I felt hope. And it was with that meager scrap of hope that I gave it one more try. I made an appointment with Amanda at the Gates of Pearl Salon and Day Spa in Inverness. You didn’t think I’d make you read all of this without a happy ending did you? That’s right, she was awesome!

So, okay, let’s take a minute to talk about the Gates of Pearl and that great restorer of faith – Amanda…

I came to my appointment dejected, prepared to be disappointed. Mother Nature captured the mood perfectly - it was gloomy and pouring rain, which encouraged traffic jams and made me 15 minutes late for my appointment. And then everything changed…I walked into the Gates of Pearl and immediately felt like this time might be different. It was beautiful – beginning with a huge welcoming area, centered by large and gently bubbling fountain. The atmosphere was immediately warm and calming – and the staff, starting with front desk, was exceedingly nice. I was 15 minutes late, remember, but it felt as if they were happy to see me.

Amanda (my massage therapist) came out to greet me immediately. She took me back to the massage room – which was definitely designed for relaxation (unlike some massage rooms I’ve been to that feel more like a doctor’s office). She asked me about my previous experiences with massage and my current complaints. By-the-way, these questions are not “small talk” - a good massage therapist has an army of techniques at her disposal, and your responses to these questions help her tailor an approach to your needs. If your massage therapist appears to be listening - you know, making eye contact, nodding her head, asking follow-up questions (as opposed to lighting candles, folding towels, or looking for a cd) - that’s a sign you’re in for some good treatment. Yes, Amanda was a good listener.

For the first few minutes of the massage (I was scheduled for one hour), I think she was exploring for areas in need of particular attention – probably finalizing the attack plan. And then just about when I was going to ask what she planned to do, it started. From then forward, it’s difficult for me to remember specifics. I’m pretty sure I passed out a few times. You know, you’re lying there thinking “wow, that feels phenomenal. I can total feel my shoulder loosening up” and then BAM! - you’re asleep. Some time later you sort of crawl back into consciousness to having your palm massaged and you think “My God! I never thought my hands needed to be massaged, but…” and then you’re back asleep. This cycle continues for what feels like five, maybe ten minutes at the most, and then you find out a whole hour has passed.

A far more relaxed, and yes, contemplative man...after the massage.

Amanda described my massage (after the fact) as a collage of Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology and acupressure. I would describe it as focused, attentive, and just-plain-incredibly-wonderful feeling. She was also very articulate and informative regarding why she chose that particular approach. At least she gave the impression she was articulate and informative…honestly, I was probably enjoying the post-massage “foggy-headed” euphoria a bit too much. And I was mostly concerned with how soon I could convince my wife I needed to schedule another massage.

Just a few facts about Amanda…she graduated from the Red Mountain Institute (Homewood, Al) about 4 years ago. She is a fully licensed massage therapist with additional certifications in Integrative Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy and Reflexology. She works with clients from kids (for example, a child with a sports-related injury) to grandparents. And she is undoubtedly a professional who cares about helping people.

- Jason O

a new you...Sanctuary

2006-11-11T14:47:00.000-08:00

I know many people are intimidated, stressed out or frightened to try a new salon or spa... especially when it comes to changing a style you've had for two years too many ( i hear big hair is coming back. We must Revolt! Dear God... don't let your children see you that way! ) I love to change it up... trying new places & services. This will be my space to share good salon & spa experiences with those who care to learn more about beauty & pampering in Birmingham... so hopefully they'll have good experiences too.

This time, I chose Sanctuary. I have to admit, I've always been curious about the place, but was a bit apprehensive... I thought it would be out of my price range. I've seen all the ads & their impressive website (click here if you haven't yet seen it). My curiosity finally bubbled over, like a poured-too-fast beer. Last week, I flung those big wooden doors open and came at those Sanctuary folk with the massive challenge - make me hot!

What a pleasant pleasant experience! The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the salon is... not beautiful in a prissy-faced model way, but more like a beautiful I-hope-to-create-in-my- home one day. Very cozy and warm... with nice things that I wouldn't have to move to the top shelf from grabby toddler hands and swooshy dog tails. It will happen one day, dear diary, it will.

The second thing I noticed were the smiles. Holly and Celia at the front desk were just the beginning... those dames were quite charming and very approachable. My stylist du'jour, Heather Freeman, also came to greet me with a friendly smile and I noticed all the other stylists and staff constantly in a good mood... smiling at clients that weren't theirs... people they had no possible way of getting a good tip out of! Unheard of, but Brilliant! The place has a warm feel.

Heather did a great job on my hair ( see pic and I do think you'll agree...). She made sure we were on the same page by showing me some pictures of what she thought I meant by "Oh, I don't really know what I want." ( I always say that because I'm indecisive... some stylists handle it well, others just kind of melt away into a puddle of hair products on the floor. Heather handled my cluelessness wonderfully.) We decided to do a cute bob with some highlights and lowlights. "Pump up the blonde," she said. "Fabulous!" said I. Jason ( my hunky hubby) couldn't stop singing the praises of my beauty all night long. I believe him (although he also used to say I was beautiful when I was 9-months preggo, and I have seen the pictures... ).

A few things I'd like to mention about my Sanctuary experience... Heather is quite a steal for the talent. She's still an apprentice, which makes her (female) haircuts only about 35 dollars!! Holy crap. I need to make my next appointment before she books up. ( I was very wrong about Sanctuary being too pricey... they've got several levels of quite fantastic stylists that fit all budgets ). Also, I was impressed to learn that Sanctuary offers a complimentary cellophane wrap with all color services ( a "cellophane" locks in the color and gives super shine! I'd never had one before.) Just make sure to request it. Blankets. Oh, what a nice touch! There were soft chenille blankets on the backs of near every chair. I got comfie under a blanket whilst being shampoo'ed ( by "amazing" April) and owner Todd Cargo, while on the shortest of breaks between clients, felt a "chill in the air" and placed said blankets on all clients getting their hairs cut. Fun.

The last thing I will mention (promise) was that I noticed, when I signed in, I was the only one having to give my address as a new client. What that means to me is that people who try Sanctuary love & stay with Sanctuary. Whether it's for the hot talent they've found, the "we're family, you're family" feel, or just the great products they use/offer... what I got was quality, style and maybe a little extra love from the husband. wink wink... nudge.

- Amy O