Celebrate This Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Couple's Massage!

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, it’s time to start planning how to spend this special day with your sweetheart!

Whether you're in a blooming young relationship or sailing steady with your companion, one of the sexiest ways to start off a romantic night is to book a heavenly couple's massage package. At Cielo, we offer a variety of couple's massages at our Santa Barbara day spa—giving you the option of making it everything you desire!

Our couple's massage package boasts a roomful of candle lights and aromatic oils that will surely set the perfect mood for your special day. (We also offer the option of customizing couple's massages so that you and your special someone can relax with a bottle of champagne and a light lunch to complete your divine experience.)

So get rejuvenated and book your couple's massage treatment today! Call us at (805) 687-8979 to reserve your spot!

Don't feel like getting a massage? We have a variety of romantic and delicious-smelling candles that make perfect Valentine’s Day presents. Feel free to browse our online boutique for more romantic inspirations!

Get Healthy with Oprah's Easy Green Drink!

As I was perusing my favorite blog posts the other day, I came across one of my favorite blogs that featured a great drink!

I wanted to share their latest post as it is a great way to stay healthy while drinking something quite yummy!

Oprah’s Easy Green Drink

Oprah has a simple green drink that she starts her mornings with:
• 3 stalks celery
• 2 cucumbers
• 1 small apple
• 1 chunk fresh ginger
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• Juice all ingredients till smooth; Makes 2-2.5 cups

If you're too busy to juice in the morning as most busy working moms are, but still want to try it out and feel the benefits, there is a great company in Santa Barbara who you can order from: Ascending Health Juicery.

So get up and make yourself a drink! Get healthy and stay happy.

Santa Barbara Medical Spa Recommendation - Evolutions Medical Spa

Taking time to have a relaxing, skin-replenishing, Santa Barbara Spa experience is imperative for health, wellness and beauty in Santa Barbara. I believe beauty comes from the inside out and a relaxing experience can take years off the face and body. However, there are some things that a massage and organic facial cannot fix...

When clients ask me where to go for laser hair removal, Botox in Santa Barbara or anything medical spa-related, I recommend Evolutions Medical Spa - hands-down.

Evolutions Medical Spa was founded by Terry Perkins, MD, a plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara. Dr. Perkins personally trains the staff, sees clients at his plastic surgery center and at the medical spa and brings so much medical insight to his practices.

Evolutions Medical Spa offers a suite of services including Botox, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, body countouring, skin lightening, acne treatments, teeth whitening and more.

It is critical to take time out for a healthy facial, massage and skin treatment, but when you need more than nature and nurture, and want any of the services above, I suggest you contact the #1 medical spa in the Tri-counties! http://www.evolutionsmedicalspa.com/contact-evolutions-spa.html

Stay Warm and Dry This January With Fuzzy Pajamas and Robes--On Sale!

I hope everyone is staying nice and dry this week with all the rain and wind!

If your plans involve staying in and getting cozy with a good movie or book, don't forget to wrap yourself in a soft and cuddly robe, wrap or pajama set from Cielo Spa! The Chenille Robes we have are so comfortable that they were featured on Oprah's "Favorite Things" a few years back! Find out for yourself why these robes are so perfect for staying warm and comfortable by getting one today!

As a part of my January promotion, I invite you to come into Cielo Spa and get 40% off all robes, wraps, and pajamas until 1/31/2010.

You can also call our spa at 805-687-8979 for more information. See you at the spa! And stay warm, safe, and dry.

Bring Out the Flirty Side: Try LiLash to Extend Your Eyelashes!

Are you tired of having fine and sparse eyelashes? I meet many clients who wish they were born with fuller eyelashes and are tired of constantly using fake eyelashes (as much fun as they can be!) Although it's difficult to go back and change genetics, there IS a solution that does not require any medical appointments!

LiLash Eyelash Stimulator can be applied directly to your eyelashes and within weeks you will get the appearance of dramatically longer and fuller eyelashes. This is the most powerful product for eyelash enhancement. (LiLash is also nonirritating.)

We've been in love with Lilash for ages! Find out for yourself why Lilash is a favorite among women who wish for fuller eyelashes!

As part of our special, you can get LiLash from our Santa Barbara Spa boutique for only $99 (Original retail: $139). Call today to learn more! (805) 687-8979

Resolve to Protect the Environment in 2010!

Happy New Year busy working moms of Santa Barbara!

I hope that you have all enjoyed a very lovely holiday break and spent some good quality time with loved ones!

In the spirit of a new year and fresh beginnings, I'd like to share with you about this upcoming FREE E-Waste Recycling event that will take place on Saturday, January 16th from 9am-4pm at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

Electronics need special recycling (you can't just throw away your electronics that have plugs on them!). This is a great opportunity to get rid of your unusable and old electronics while helping out the environment all at the same time!

So bring your computers, lap tops, printers, cell phones, TV's and more for FREE Disposal. Do your part to save the environment by disposing of your electronics correctly. You can also call 805 569-5595 for more information.

Hope to see you all there!

Get The Perfect Holiday Gift With A Click of the Mouse!

It's finally here! Cielo Spa is excited to announce that we are now selling online gift certificates. Whether it's for that special someone or yourself, gift purchasing has never been easier!

As a busy working mom, I know how overwhelming and stressful holiday shopping can be. That's why I've rushed to ensure that you can now purchase a wonderful gift online with a simple click of the mouse! Don't wait in long lines or fight through crowds at the mall, do your holiday gift shopping online at www.cielospasb.com.

Just visit our website at www.cielospasb.com and follow the gift certificate purchase link to give the gift of relaxation! You can even customize a sweet personal message with your certificate.

You can also visit our online boutique for more fabulous gift ideas!

A Big Thank You To All My Open House Guests!

Thank you to everyone who came this past Saturday to my Holiday Open House! Each of you have contributed to this year's great success and I am so pleased to have seen some old friends and meet many more new faces!

I was happy to see that many of our attendees enjoyed relaxing chair massages, explored the boutique for fabulous holiday gifts, and shared laughs over refreshments!

If you missed the chance to come in this Saturday, it's still not too late for you to grab a gift certificate in time for the holidays or come into the boutique and find that special present for your loved ones!

You can visit the Cielo website to order your gift certificate today!

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!