Finishing Touches: The Bad and the Good

Last week, I walked into the locker room of one of the gyms that I work with and was immediately accosted with this:

Really? WTF?

In case you're wondering, the women's locker room was absolutely decorated with posters and laminated signs (which is what I stole to bring you this image, you're very welcome!) promoting a Natomas (oops, now I don't even need to tell you that the gym's name rhymes with the possessive form of "cold") plastic surgeon.

Most of us are working really hard to maintain what we have and it just seems to me that this is inappropriate, especially in a gym setting. If I could have taken all the signage, I would have. And I still might. But in the meantime...

Here is something that will cost you less than plastic surgery and is far less invasive:

This beautiful blush, made by Benefit, is called Coralista and it's the prettiest item in my make-up bag (which isn't saying much because I'm so darn basic (read: boring) when it comes to make-up. Truth be told, the price point is a little (well, a lot, actually) higher than what you might find at Rite Aid but it's worth every penny. And I can't tell you how much it is because my mother reads this blog and I'm sure that if she knew what I spent on this, she would be appalled and would wonder how I can afford a blush like this when I have a mortgage payment that's THIS BIG.

Nonetheless, I get lots of compliments on my blush. Several people have asked if I've had a facial recently, which the answer is always "no" because I have that BIG mortgage payment and I would rather spend my money on Linsey's hands (see below).

The moral of the story is that you can spend a lot on your body and look completely fake or you can put something really flattering on your face that makes you feel fantastic and continue working hard, with the rest of us, on your body.

Now, who's up for a raid in Natomas?

Lovin' Linsey!

One of my students, who is a massage therapist, just gave me a massage last night and I had to post today to let you all know that SHE ROCKS!

I've had less than a dozen massages in my life and my issue with massage in the past has been that the therapist's technique is either too light or too deep. After a massage, I generally feel the same as when I walk in (that's when the pressure is way too light) or I feel completely beaten up (some therapists have honestly made me wince with pain).

What I like about Linsey is that she has a great balance of deep tissue work and relaxation. I felt my back crack, pop, and release in so many spots that I committed on the spot to having a massage every month. I think it's the least I can do for myself, when I demand so much out of my body on a daily basis.

Linsey has a fabulous space in her home with low lighting, lots of candles and a good mix of Enya-type tunes. She'll come to your home but I highly recommend going to hers because of the distraction-free environment.

For a one hour massage, Linsey charges $45.00 and she will customize the session in any way you like. She is available late afternoons, evenings and weekends. Here is her email address: linseydegen@yahoo.com

When I got home last night, I felt really good. Calm, steady, grounded. I could use a little more of that in my life. Thank you, Linsey!