You're Invited to Cielo Spa's Holiday Open House!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!

As the holiday season continues with jolly gatherings and busy festivities, don't forget to take some time to unwind...I'd like to invite you to come to our Holiday Open House this weekend!

Pamper yourself this December by coming into Cielo Spa on Saturday, December 5th from 2-5pm to our Holiday Open-House! Guests will enjoy:

-refreshments and snacks
-complimentary chair massage
-complimentary mini spa treatments
-Goodie Bags with product samples
-Great gift ideas/stocking stuffers (starting under $5)
-Hand made jewelry
-10% off gift certificate purchases of $100 or more

Our Holiday Open House guests will also receive a $10 gift certificate towards services in the month of January. Bring a friend and you will both receive a $15 gift certificate towards services in January!

Call (805) 687-8979 to RSVP Today!

Redeem Your Spa Finder Gift Certificate At Cielo Spa!

I have many clients who come in to redeem their Spa Finder Gift Certificates. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, these are a great way for you to treat someone special (or yourself) to a relaxing spa treatment at Cielo Spa!

Spa Finder Gift Certificates are truly convenient since there's no need for you to call the spa or come in to pick up a gift certificate when you can just pick them up from any retailer that sells them. I have seen them at Costco and I'm sure they're just accessible when you go grocery shopping in other retailers as well!

So save yourself some time and get a Spa Finder Gift to redeem at Cielo Spa today! If you're one of the loyal Cielo fans, you can also call in and get a Cielo Spa gift certificate: (805) 687-8979

Join Lori Cooper on Thursday, November 19th 7-9pm at White House/Black Market!

My very good friend Lori Cooper is going to be at the White House/Black Market store in Paseo Nuevo shopping center this Thursday, November 19th from 7-9pm to share some of her favorite holiday fashion tips!

Come join her and learn some tricks, check out the latest holiday styles, enjoy refreshments and get special discounts too! Mention that you read about this event from Cielo's blog and get 20% off!

Don't miss out this wonderful opportunity for you to kick off your holiday season with some of the hottest styles and most sophisticated looks.

Come in to Relax The Day After Thanksgiving

Attention to all of you out there who are busy gearing up for the Thanksgiving feast--Cielo Spa is now pre-booking for spa treatments for "the day after" the big turkey night!

For those who are hitting the stores for amazing deals, preparing to unwind after the big gathering, or simply looking to show a little appreciation for someone special--Cielo Spa is the perfect place to go to unwind!

Treat yourself and your family and friends to a relaxing massage to loosen up those muscles, get an organic facial to maintain your holiday glow, or come in for a wax! The ways to your personal sanctuary are endless--inhale, exhale, relax...we'll do the rest.

Cielo Spa treatments are perfect for the day after Thanksgiving. Call in today to pre-book your post-Thanksgiving private retreat! (805) 687-8979 or visit Cielo Spa's website for a menu of services.

Come Get Your Votivo "Holiday" Candles Today!

I am very excited to announce that Cielo Spa's Boutique now carries the Votivo holiday-edition candles for $30!

The new Votivo Holiday collection features five different signature Votivo fragrances in a special edition silver, etched glass and distinctive packaging. Inspired by the symmetry geometric shapes and coupled by the spirit of Charles Dickens “Christmas Carol,” this collector’s set warms even the coldest scrooge.

Burn time is approximately 50-60 hours. Enjoy the gentle, long-lasting fragrance.

Come in the spa today and get your very own Votivo Holiday-Edition candle to kick off the jolly season of festivities!

For any questions or to book a relaxing spa treatment, call (805) 687-8979 today!

Say Goodbye to Bumps! Lycon Anti Bump Foaming Gel Now Available

Time to bid farewell to bumps after your wax treatment!

Now available at the Cielo Spa Boutique! ($20)

Ingrown hairs, blemishes and congested pores are sometimes experienced after waxing. Anti-Bump Foaming gel will help alleviate these concerns, reduce redness and protect against irritation. A key ingredient that we love is the Lemon Tea-Tree--a natural antiseptic with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Other key ingredients include: Calendula, Panthenol, and Glycerin. Suggested usage: after treatment and at home

Call today for a waxing appointment and get your Anti Bump Gel to take home! (805) 687-8979

Coming Soon: Purchase Gift Certificates Online!

I am very excited to announce that you will SOON be able to purchase spa gift certificates for your loved ones on Cielo Spa's website!

We know that you get busy during these holiday months--in the next week or so, you can purchase a gift certificate with a click of your mouse! No need to drive to the spa or call!

The holiday season can get hectic and busy, which is why a spa treatment is the perfect gift for anyone who can use a few hours of guilt-free pampering! Buy one for yourself, buy one for family, or give that special someone in your life the relaxation they deserve!

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about Cielo Spa, call us! (805) 687-8979

Tell Us What You Love About Cielo Spa and Come Pick Up Your Free Lip Balm!

As November is rolling in just around the end of the week, Cielo Spa would like to thank all of our loyal supporters by giving away a free lip balm for the month of November! All you have to do is to become a fan of our Facebook Fan Page and write what you love about our spa on the wall!

A part of what I love about serving Santa Barbara busy working moms and stressed-out college students is that I am constantly looking for ways to optimize my spa services to cater your needs. So become a fan, tell us how Cielo rocks your world and come into the Cielo Spa boutique and pick up your free lip balm today!

Cielo Spa Brings the Spa to You

As a spa owner for seven years and having been an esthetician for nine, I understand how busy people can get. Over the years, I have come to notice that many people often do not have the time to go out to a spa for a massage or facial. This is why one of my services is in-home spa treatments.

Calling in-house spa service is great for those who cannot leave the house--you can have a massage while your kids are taking their afternoon nap in the next room! It is also convenient for those who want to host "ladies parties" or bachelorette parties. You can choose to have a bottle of champagne waiting for you after your massage or facial and pick your own ambiance to your liking.

In the past I have worked as a part of an elite team of in-house spa specialists that treated high-profile celebrities in the San Ysidro Ranch. As a part of my in-house service, I will bring the spa to you with soothing music, organic spa products, and anything you may need to make the comfort of your own home feel like a true spa experience. I also bring spa services to travelers who wish to stay in their vacation rentals while getting a massage. You can find me on the Concierge page of Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals.

Cielo Spa also offers group spa services in our beautiful boutique spa in Santa Barbara. You can arrange for your preference of party favors as a part of your package. The options are endless--so call me today (805) 687-8979 and let's get the party started!

Get Ready for Halloween with Cielo Spa!

Halloween is just around the corner and whether or not you've got a few party invitations in your hands, don't forget to drop by Cielo Spa for your own "special treat" before you transform into Little Red Riding Hood or the Wicked Witch of the West.

Cielo knows that this is the beginning of a very jolly time of the year--with Thanksgiving and Christmas just a few months away right after the trick or treaters count up their candies. This is why Cielo wants to remind all the busy moms and single ladies out there that a relaxing massage, a bikini wax, an exfoliating facial, or a full-body salt scrub can really bring out your best inner glow.

The holidays can get stressful--we're here to help! We can cater to whatever your preferences and needs are--so that you stay relaxed and look stunning at each holiday party you attend. Call today for your personal appointment: (805) 687-8979

What's the Yummy Smell at Cielo? 100% Soy Candle That Smells as Delicious as it Looks!

I am very excited to announce that the Cielo Spa Boutique now carries a new scent of Brazil Essentials 100% soy candles--Spiced Cocoa Mint!

I urge you to come into my day spa in Santa Barbara for a relaxing massage or exfoliating facial and then take a part of the spa home with you by choosing one of these deliciously smelling candles.

With the autumn weather upon us, it's a better time than ever to make this year's autumn scent: Spiced Cocoa Mint, a part of your lovely home! The warm and cozy undertones of cinnamon, clove, and a hint of peppermint combined with the rich smell of cocoa truly brings on the spirit of the holiday season! The candles are blended with only natural essential oils.

Come into Cielo Spa today and get your very own Brazil Essential candle today! (Just try not to be too tempted to eat it!) Call us for your personal appointment or any other products we carry at our boutique. (805) 687-8979

Join Lori Cooper on Wednesday, October 14 To Learn How to Find Treasures in Consignment Store!

I am very proud to announce that my personal friend, Lori Cooper of Wardrobe Wisdom will be hosting an event this Wednesday, October 14th from 7-9pm at the Renaissance Consignment Store to teach shoppers like you and me how to find treasures in consignment stores.

As a woman, I know that showing up at a party wearing the exact same dress as another woman is a major "No-No." That is why I love consignment stores because many pieces in these stores are unique and special in the "one-of-a-kind" sense of the word. There are many treasures waiting to be discovered at the Renaissance Consignment Store--don't miss out on this great opportunity to get fabulous tips from wardrobe expert Lori Cooper on how to discover your own treasure!

There will be refreshments at the event and the store will be open just for us!

Banish Stress With a Relaxing Massage From Cielo Spa!

We've all heard it: stress is bad. But just how bad?

According to physicians, stress causes your body to increase adrenaline which then slows your digestive process down. Many stressed people have higher heart rates and higher than normal blood pressures. In some severe cases, stress can cause blood flow to your heart to decrease (because your arteries are constricted), which could then lead to heart disease.

In today's world, it's a challenge to maintain a stress-free life. Our daily lives are filled with stressful things: meeting deadlines, maneuvering through traffic, picking up the kids from school then sending them off to soccer practice...whew!

Don't let stress get the best of you. Come in today for a relaxing one-hour or 90-minute massage that can be customized to fit your special needs. You will walk out refreshed, energized, and more ready than before to take on your day, week, or month!

Call (805) 687-8979 today to schedule your personal appointment.

October's Special: Pumpkin Enzyme Exfoliating Facial

October's strong winds has definitely brought in fall season in full swing! Protect your skin from the harsh cold temperatures by coming in today to enjoy our October special: pumpkin enzyme exfoliating facial. Join the Cielo Spa monthly newsletter list today and receive an exclusive subscribers only discount!

Pumpkin enzymes are a popular skin exfoliate because the enzymes help gently break down the outer layers of skin--leaving it feeling softer and looking fresher. The enzymes digest the dead skin and clears pores for a more natural glow that will take you through the holiday season!

Don't let the change of seasons change the way your skin looks. Come in for your facial today! Call (805) 687-8979 to book your personal appointment!

Check out Cielo Spa's other great spa services for more ways to pamper yourself before the holiday season!

Spa Treaments Are More Than Just Indulgences

Do you ever wonder why Europeans (especially the French women) look so naturally radiant and beautiful? While it is impossible to rule out the benefits of fortunate genetics, there is another factor at play here: regular and guilt-free personal maintenance.

Recently a client of mine professed her love for regular facials because she saw it as a necessary part of her skin care regime. While many people consider getting a massage and facial to be a rare indulgence fit for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, this client saw it as pure "maintenance."

"After all, you go to get your car tuned up at a shop, why not get your muscles massaged at a spa? It's not so much a personal indulgence as it is simply good personal maintenance."

Talk about healthy body=healthy mind.

As a spa owner, I have seen clients of all types--the ones who come in for a rare and special "treat" and the regulars who swear by spa treatments on a regular basis. The one constant that I see after every treatment is a happy face accompanied by a peacefully satisfied sigh--no one really gets up from the massage bed feeling more stressed.

In this contemporary multi-tasking, deadline-chasing, over-achieving pace of life, it makes my day to be able to send someone off after a relaxing massage or facial, knowing that I have helped someone take a break from all the noise.

Our society may hype up spa treatments to be purely "indulgent" and "luxurious" fit for something to get on a vacation. Wouldn't it also be great to bring a bit of that relaxation into your daily life? Why wait for a vacation when you can take a mini-vacation at Cielo Spa?

Experience has taught me that when we are happy and relaxed, we actually perform better at our jobs. Why wait to give your body the personal maintenance that it craves? Call today for your appointment. (805) 687-8979

Beautiful Skin at Every Age

The first thing people see is most often our face--and inevitably, our skin. As we age, our skin's regeneration cycle (old skin getting sloughed off and new skin emerging to the surface every 28 days) slows down. This requires that we change our skin care regime as we reach different ages so that we properly feed our skin's evolving needs.

In order to have glowy healthy skin that reflects your inner radiance, read on:

20s-35:
• Use a daytime moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF.
• Keep skin healthy by protecting it, and minimize the damage you’ll see later.
• Develop a daily skin care routine to assist the skin’s natural functions.
• Hydrate skin with a light, water-based moisturizer at night.
• Use a gentle exfoliating product–be careful not to overdo it.

36-49:
• Use a richer moisturizer.
• Always moisturize morning and night.
• Use products to boost cell regeneration.
• Hydrate and protect the delicate eye area.
• Use natural collagen-boosting products.

50s+:
• Provide extra moisturizers high in emollients and essential oils to help keep skin soft and smooth looking.
• Use hydrating masks to soothe and revitalize skin.
• Always avoid excessive exposure to the sun and wind. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from further damage.

Taking care of your skin is important in order to look better when you get older. After all, 60 is the new 50---not only can you live young, you can look younger too!

Read more about how your skin ages and how you can take better care of it.

Skin Toners: Are They Essential To a Healthy Skincare Regime?

I've been seeing a lot of debate over the past few years on the necessity for skin toners---some argue that the only things in need of toners are printers while others swear by religiously using them. So what's the deal with skin toners?

For one thing, skin toners are a great way to take off excess oil and grime from your face that a regular cleanser may not take off the first time around--this will ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned your face (which prevents acne, blackheads, and dullness).

On the other hand, if you have oily skin and are dependent on skin toners to strip away oil from your face, this could backfire. Many strong toners contain alcohol which dries out skin--but if you constantly dry off the oil from your face, your oil glands may go into hyper-overdrive and produce even more oil! For those of you who have oily skin or a shine problem, try oil blotting sheets or a moisturizer that is matte.

The bottom line is, skin toners can be beneficial if you don't go overboard. Don't think that the stronger the toner, the cleaner your skin will get and thus the better you will look. I'd advise you to use a gentle toner (without alcohol) in order to retain your skin's natural essential oils.

Similar to the dangers of over-exfoliation, over-cleaning your face will bring about opposite results from what you desire (skin irritation, redness or dryness of skin). Make sure you moisturize after each cleaning to keep your skin hydrated. (Try Babor Rose Toning Lotion, available at the Cielo Spa Boutique).

In addition to a good daily skincare routine, it's also a good idea for you to schedule regular facials. This will place you in the hands of a skin expert who can advise you on skincare techniques that will help you look younger for longer. Call (805) 687-8979 today to make your appointment today!

Get Ready For Fall Rush With Cielo Spa SB!

School is officially back in session at UCSB this Thursday, which means copious amounts of social activities--free concerts, Greek Life orientation, club mixers, and fun dance parties.

As the bike paths become more crowded and you find yourself invited to more events each night, don't forget to stop by Cielo Spa SB for your beauty treatment to get your skin and body ready for all the back-to-school festivities!

At Cielo Spa, we understand that nothing stresses your skin out more than a full week of rush--the themed parties, the endless meet-and-greets, the strict dress code. This is why we are offering students 10% on their first visit--so come in for a champagne facial, organic massage, or kick off your fall quarter with a great wax! (Offer ends October 31, 2009)

Allow us to help you make the best first impression you can--either on a sorority sister, esteemed professor, or that cute guy across the room. Start off the year with confidence and feel beautiful inside out!

Psst! You can pick up a Cielo coupon card at the Greek Office in the Student Resource Building or in the front lobby at San Nic Hall. Call to make your appointment today: 805. 687.8979.

Cielo Focuses More Than Muscle Relaxation For Your Massages

With the high-pressure demands of our busy lives, a nice and relaxing rub at the end of the week sounds like a pretty heavenly idea. What if I told you that at Cielo, we not only help relax your muscles in our massages, but we also focus on hydrating your skin with yummy smelling healthy products?

A recent client of mine emerged from her massage bed feeling relaxed and beyond. She exclaimed that she felt the massage not only focused on her tense muscle areas, but also felt smoother skin from the high-quality products we used during her massage.

For massage, I use Sombra, a natural pain relieving gel. Sombra has a "cooling effect" on muscle pains for my clients who have intense muscle tension (athletes, professionals who work at the desk for long hours). Depending on my client's needs (relaxation or muscle pain relief), I will use 100% organic Eucalyptus or Lavender massage oils. Eucalyptus is especially beneficial for muscle aches due to its anti-inflammatory nature while Lavender provides great aromatherapy for those who just need to unwind.

When you come in for an organic facial, I will use Talulah--an line of organic skincare products that target different skin types. Every person's skin needs are different (oily, dry, combination), so I conduct a personal skin evaluation under the lamp before choosing an appropriate Talulah product for each client.

I believe that the healthiness of your skin will be attributed by what you eat as well as what you put on it. At Cielo Spa, I strive to pamper my clients by relaxing their muscles as well as by keeping their skin healthy with organic products so that they feel and look better.

Come and experience how organic spa products can enhance your spa experience! For your personal appointment with Cielo Spa, call (805) 687-8979 today!

You Are What You Eat: Healthy Foods for Radiant Skin

A regular skincare routine (cleanse, moisturize, exfoliate) is important to naturally glowing skin. To ensure that your skincare routine is effective, it's important to know that how your skin looks is a reflection of the food you feed it.

Here are some healthy skin foods that will make you glow inside out:

1) Low-fat dairy products: The health of your skin depends on Vitamin A, which can be obtained through low-fat diary products such as low-fat yogurt. Yogurt also contains acidophilus, the "live culture" that helps intestinal health.

2) Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plum: the antioxidant component of these four fruits are the highest of any fruit--antioxidants help keep skin smooth and healthy instead of dull and lackluster.

3) Healthy oils: any oils that are "extra virgin", "cold pressed" or "expeller processed" are considered healthy oils because the essential nutrients in the oils are not lost like they would be in commercially processed oils. These oils will keep your skin lubricated (giving it that glowy look!) while also keeping your body healthy.

4) Whole-wheat bread, muffins, cereals: these are high in selenium, which is essential to the health of skin cells. Studies have shown that the consequences of sun damage is lesser with people whose selenium levels are high.

And of course, always remember to hydrate hydrate hydrate! Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin cells hydrated and to keep your body functioning at its best.

I am a Santa Barbara esthetician specializing in facials, massages, waxing and other beauty treatments. My Santa Barbara day spa, Cielo Spa, is a sanctuary for busy moms and the like to come in and be pampered with high-end spa products that are luxurious and therapeutic. Call in today for your appointment with Cielo! (805) 687-8979 or visit my spa boutique for more beauty products!

Ingrowns Getting in Your Way of Showing Off Beautiful Skin?

Ingrown hair can be a disheartening culprit of ruining beautiful-looking skin (especially right after a great waxing job.)

It is important to take good care of your skin in between each waxing appointment (this means no shaving!) to ensure that your skin stays healthy and smooth.

In response to many of my clients' needs, I sell a post-waxing product called the "Ingrown-X-it Spray". My clients love this product for its natural ingredients that reduces redness and minimizes irritability after a wax. This product visibly minimizes the appearances and discomforts of ingrown hairs while protecting the skin from any negative effects of hair removal.

Don't let ingrown hair prevent you from showing off your beautiful waxing jobs! Make sure your skin stays beautiful and smooth with Lycon's Ingrown-X-it Spray"! For more information about skincare products I carry, visit my Cielo Spa Boutique.

Waxing 101: How Your Wax Product Can Change Your Waxing Experience

Many people have a love/hate relationship with waxing--we love how our skin look and feel after a good wax but oftentimes we're afraid of the pain.

We've heard that regular waxing sessions will eventually thin out hair and diminish hair growth--giving us smoother skin (especially when we take proper care of our skin in between appointments). But did you also know that by choosing the type of wax to use, you can minimize your pain level too?

At Cielo Spa, I use Lycon Lycojet Lavender Hard Wax--a wax that minimizes skin irritation with its special blend of quality resins. Additionally, I apply Pre-Waxing Oil to the area which acts as a barrier between the skin and the wax. This allows the wax to shrink-wrap tightly around the hair and not stick to the skin, reducing client discomfort.

To ensure the comfort of my clients, after each waxing session, I apply Tee-Tree Soothe in order to prevent ingrown hairs as well as moisturize the skin to keep it healthy.

A waxing experience can be dramatically different depending on the skill level of your esthetician as well as the product he/she uses. Stay informed about your options and make sure that your skin needs are met based on whether you have sensitive skin or normal skin.

So before you go in and cringe about a wax, ask your esthetician what type of wax he/she is using to see what works for your skin type. Happy waxing!

The Four "Do's" of Skin Care

It's never too early to start getting into a good skincare habit--whether you are in your 20s, 40s, or 60s...a healthy skincare routine will make your skin glow more naturally, make you look more energetic, and ultimately make you happier because you'll look better!

To get started, there are four basic skincare DO's:

1. Cleansing. This may sound simple enough, but you'd be surprised at how many people go to sleep with make-up on after a holiday gathering, a company party, or a late movie date. You must resist! Wash your face every night with a good cleanser. Try Babor Cleansing Gel & Toner 2 in 1.

2. Exfoliate. Proper exfoliation (weekly or every 2 days) can yield visible results! Find a good scrub and start the habit of gently exfoliating the dead skin cells from your face--not only will your skin feel smoother, you will also help your skin glow naturally!

3. Moisturize. Achieve a good balance between keeping your skin hydrated and not over-moisturizing your skin (which can clog pores and cause acne). Understand your skin type (and if you don't know your skin type, you can always walk into a department store and get a free over-the-counter consultation), and find a moisturizer that best fits you.

4. Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen religiously! (Even when it's cloudy.) Protect your skin from sun damage by buying a high factor sunscreen and apply it under foundation before you walk out the door. Read more about picking a safe sunscreen.

There is no one and only formula for a great skincare routine. Everyone's schedule, budget, and needs are different so feel free to customize your own skincare habit to your specific situation. Not everyone will be able to afford getting weekly facials (though that does sound nice, doesn't it?) Instead of going out to buy the "latest revolution in facial moisturizer", you will need to pick the skincare product that best treats your skin type. Understand your skin's needs and take some time every day to take care of your skin! After all, it is your largest living body part!

Celebrate With a Private Party at Cielo!

Cielo is proud to announce that we accommodate private parties at our boutique day spa--whether it be a "bachelorette party" (at the spa) or a spontaneous "just because" ladies afternoon away from the kids, Cielo will see to your every need.

Come in for a truly sensual experience--take care of your body and skin (and have fun while you're at it)! We can accommodate your party perks (champagne, strawberries...etc.) that you fancy to bring into your spa party with you!

Enjoy a champagne facial and then have some champagne afterward! Kick off your heels and treat yourself to a relaxing deep tissue massage...feel free to make the day completely yours with Cielo at your service!

What better way to live your life than living in the moment and enjoying the little indulgent things? Give your Blackberrys a rest and call for an appointment today!

Cielo Spa Featured Product for August: Clary Sage Calming Mask

As summer draws to a close and the kids are going back to school, it's time for busy moms to take some time and rejuvenate dull skin left over from a busy season.

We recommend Talulah's organic and nutrient-packed Clary Sage Calming Mask to do the trick! Its certified organic ingredients make it the perfect "secret weapon" to soothe sunburns and to strengthen capillaries!

You can find this product at the Cielo Spa Boutique.

For other relaxing ways to wind down summer, you can indulge yourself and your friends in a weekend massage or take an afternoon off and come in for a facial. Our business is to help busy moms relax and recharge so that they can be even more fabulous!