The lights are up, tree is decorated, and stockings are hung (with care, of course)…and now to figure out what to put in those stockings! We thought we would make holiday shopping a little easier on you this year so we created a list of our favorite stocking stuffers for every budget:

Stocking Stuffers Under $5.00:

• Glen Ivy Logo Ornament $4.00
• Bissingers Chocolate Covered Cranberries $4.99
• Twist and Pout Peppermint Lip Balm $4.99
• Soapbox Soaps $5.00 (Buy 1 bar of this soap and another bar is donated to a child in need)
• Lavender Butterfly Bath Fizzie $4.00

Stocking Stuffers Under $20.00:

• Tweezerman Merry Manicure Set $15
• Glen Ivy Logo Tumbler $16
• Glen Ivy Signature Body Care Products (Buy 2 get 1 free promotion going on till end of December)$16 to $18 per piece.
• Small MoroccanOil Treatment $18
• Purple flower Sleep Mask $18
• Primavera Starter Kits $20
• Whish Gift Sets $20 and under

 Extra Special Stocking Stuffers:

• Kai eau de parfum $72
• Arm Candy Bracelets $38
• Toms Shoes $44 and up
• Glen Ivy Gift Cards (available in any amount!)

All items are available for purchase at the Spa Lifestyle Store at the Hot Springs.

Happy Holidays!

It’s day #4 of our 5 Days of Giveaways! Yesterday our featured products were the Club Mud Red Clay and Grotto Body Moisturizing Masks (two key components to any Glen Ivy Hot Springs visit!). We asked you to share what is the one feature you never miss during your visit to Glen Ivy and received some great responses. The winner of the masks (and a 2-for-1 Taking the Water Admission Pass) is Tanya A. who shared “I never miss the grotto. I love they way it makes my skin feel and I love the setting of the grotto so relaxing and peaceful. The apples and tea are also a bonus! ” Congratulations Tanya!

Today we have a treat for your nails! We have the perfect stocking stuffer for that special someone who likes to add a little sparkle to their life — China Glaze Keepin’ Cozy Nail Polish Gift Set. This cute little set features three holiday nail polishes and a pair of fingerless gloves (so you can show off your oh-s0-cute nails!). Included in this set are holiday reds Merry Berry and Cranberry Splash along with Glistening Snow which adds the perfect amount of sparkle to your holiday season. This set is definitely a must-have for your favorite polish lover!

Enter for a Chance to WIN China Glaze Keepin’ Cozy Nail Polish Gift Sets PLUS a 2-For-1 Admission Pass

What we love the most about the China Glaze Keepin’ Cozy Nail Polish Gift Set  is that it is a simple way to add some holiday cheer to your life. We want to know:

What is something that always puts you in the holiday spirit?

Leave a comment below and you will be entered for a chance to WIN two China Glaze Keepin’ Cozy Nail Polish Gift Sets AND a 2-for-1 Taking the Waters Admission Pass.

Comments for this post have been closed. Check back for the next product and your chance to win.

P.S. Check back on Monday, December 17 for our 5th day of giveaways! HINT: It’s the perfect way to warm up on chilly day!

Saturday, December 8
Throughout the Day

Sure, you love the holiday season – but not the stress that goes with it! Creating a meaningful and memorable holiday doesn’t need to drain you…Join Glen Ivy Hot Springs on Saturday, December 8th for a Stress Free Spaliday! Glen Ivy’s Personal Shoppers will help you select the perfect gifts at the perfect price – all retail items are 10% off for this event only! Enjoy live holiday music provided by Tini Grey, and holiday treats from renowned Spa Chef Bill Wavrin. Relax and renew with a special holiday Crystal Bowl Meditation lead by Sound Healer Debbie Durrough. Pick up a $100 Glen Ivy gift card for only $75! Unwind in the warm, natural thermal mineral waters of Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Special Taking the Waters Admission for the day is only $34. Add a 50 minute or longer service and Take the Waters for only $18.60! Say goodbye to holiday jitters and make it a happy, healthy Spaliday with Glen Ivy Hot Springs!

Holiday news flash! The National Institutes of Health estimates that the average American will gain between 0.8 and 1.4 pounds in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years. That may not sound alarming to you–unless you’re still working off the extra pounds from last year’s holiday feeding frenzy!

I’m just like many of you, though. I hate to put eating restrictions on myself at this time of year. Honestly, I’ve tried to be the conscientious wellness coach, leading by example by switching up low-fat alternatives for some of my favorite holiday foods. Last year I even went to a “Raw Thanksgiving” cooking class where we learned how to substitute dehydrated sage infused nut patties for roast turkey, and cauliflower whizzed on high in a Vitamix, for my favorite side dish, mashed potatoes. Sorry to say, Raw Food enthusiasts–definitely not worth the possibility of a few extra years on the planet in my book.

For most of us, there are far too many heart warming foods that come around only once a year to surround them with painful judgement and negativity. And for the mere mortal, obsessing about strategies to avoid them usually leads to just the opposite–unhealthy overindulgence followed by stressful shame and guilt. Who wants to face the holiday shouldering that kind of burden? So, let me help you out this year. Here are my top 5 tips for heading holiday weight gain off at the pass, while still enjoying your favorite gatherings with friends and family.

Tip #1: Eat Food!
I actually stole this one from author, Michael Pollan, who cautions us to stay away from “edible food like substances,” in his book, “Food Rules.” Why waste your precious holiday calorie allotment munching mindlessly on white chocolate peppermint Pringles out of a can? Instead, pass on the junk food from the grocery store, and savor real food your great-grandmother would have cooked, like homemade pumpkin pie, warm cornbread stuffing, or even mashed potatoes and gravy–all in moderation, of course.

Tip #2: The old smaller plate trick.
Okay, not too original. But what could be more simple? Studies suggest that, because we eat with our eyes instead of our stomachs, we tend to serve ourselves more food when we are shoveling it onto a bigger plate. Stack salad plates on the buffet instead of dinner plates. (Your whole family could benefit from this strategy) And don’t give me that, “But I’ll just go back for seconds!” line. You know you’ll go back for seconds regardless of plate size. If you’re suffering from “portion distortion,” there’s a great tutorial on healthy portion sizes at theportionplate.com.

Tip #3: ADD to your diet.
This may sound a bit crazy, but research shows that people are more successful losing weight and keeping it off when they begin by ADDING healthy foods into their diet instead of taking food items away. Make your plate look as colorful as the lights on your Christmas tree: red (peppers), green (dark leafy greens), orange (sweet potatoes), and purple (red cabbage). You get the idea. Once you have those on board, use the leftover space for the higher calorie comfort foods.

Tip #4: Start an exercise program.
What? Are you kidding? I know, this may seem like the worst time of year to do something drastic like starting an exercise program. But keeping holiday calories in check comes down to simple math–calories in vs. calories out. If you manage a walk or workout earlier in the day, you’re banking calories for a relaxed and festive evening later on with friends. You’ll also be gifted with the positive side-effects of exercise: improved mood, increased energy, and the ability to handle busy highways and long checkout lines with a smile! Well, that last one might be a bit of a stretch.

Tip #5: Watch your alcohol intake carefully.
Alcohol and the holidays can be a particularly perilous combination. Not only are holiday spirits high in calories, one drink can melt your “all things in moderation” approach to the buffet table, like a blow torch aimed directly at an ice sculpture. A couple of drinking tips to help you avoid the holiday alcohol trap: don’t arrive at a party on an empty stomach, sip a sparkling water through the cocktail hour, and if you want the egg nog or hot buttered rum, swap it out for the dessert.

Okay. So, what’s a couple of extra holiday pounds over the next few weeks? After all, January 1st is just around the corner, and a perfect time to make a clean break from old habits and a fresh start with the new healthier you. If you ask me though, I say, “What are you waiting for?” Practicing moderation, and allowing yourself the freedom to enjoy family, friends, and long standing traditions, sets you up for a happier and more sustainable wellness path in the New Year.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers! Do you have any inspired strategies for avoiding holiday weight gain? How do you manage your wellness, from eating, to fitness, to stress reduction, during the busy season? We’re always looking for great ideas to share with visitors to our blog, so please share!

Meg Root is an ACE Certified Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist. She teaches aqua fitness classes at Glen Ivy, and also enjoys writing and speaking on wellness topics. Check the Hot Springs activities schedule for her upcoming holiday wellness workshop, “Inspired Resolutions: Your Year to Live Well!” You can also follow her on Facebook.

How did it get to be August?

I know that this time of year is often referred to as the “dog days” of summer. The temperature has been over 100 degrees for the last few weeks, and the humidity reminds me of my childhood growing up in New Jersey. But I don’t care how much hot weather is still ahead. For me, August signals the downhill slide into my favorite time of year–autumn.

While many fitness professionals save their “fresh start for fitness” speech for the New Year, I say, why wait four more months to turn up the volume on your wellness efforts? I can’t think of a better time of year to make the positive lifestyle changes you’ve been thinking about. In spite of the heavy air and dry brittle hillsides, the end of summer can actually be the perfect beginning for your wellness efforts. So, here are my 5 hottest reasons NOT to wait one more day to focus in on your wellness efforts:

• Woo! Hoo! The kids are back in school! (Sorry, did I say that too loud?) Don’t get me wrong, I love having my kids home on vacation. It gives me a chance to take some time off from the “nagging mom” role. But when the car door closes behind them in the school drop-off line, there’s a moment of blissful silence that allows me to take a deep breath and hear myself think. Real or not (most of us still need to head off to work or a pile of laundry), there is a sense of spaciousness and opening that can be an opportunity to take a short walk, plan a healthy meal or workout for later in the day, or just breathe in the silence as you move into the day.

• Cooler weather is on the way. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch right now. But at the very least, the early morning and evening hours will begin to cool off soon. And with longer days still our friend, it can be a chance to get an early morning exercise routine in place before the winter months set in, or head out after dinner for a short walk.

• Fresh produce everywhere! Farmer’s markets, like the Glen Ivy Local Growers and Artisan Market on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, are brimming with the summer’s bounty. What a great opportunity to venture out of your meat and potatoes comfort zone and strive to get more fresh veggies onto your plate. Even if you can’t do the organic local garden thing right now, big box grocery stores also have their best selection and lowest prices of the year. One of my favorite food blogs, “Naturally Ella,” just posted an amazing recipe for Roasted Veg Tacos with Avocado Cream and Feta. If that doesn’t make you want to be a vegetarian for at least one meal, I don’t know what would!

• Less people at your favorite places for wellness. We love our busy season, but 50 people in the 11am aqua class? Talk about close quarters! The autumn and winter months are a wonderful time to experience the contemplative side of Glen Ivy. Plan a wellness day for yourself. Arrive early and find a quiet corner of the spa. Bring a journal and take some time to reflect on your wellness path. Explore new wellness avenues with a couple of workshops or fitness classes (watch our activities calendar for new aqua classes and wellness workshops coming this fall). Eat a healthy meal and pamper yourself with your favorite body treatment. Head home to the “real world” with a new outlook and plan of action.

• Holiday madness is just around the corner. We know it’s coming–holiday stress along with food temptations around every corner. Why not use the next few months to get the new you into place–that person who continues to schedule exercise and healthy eating into their life regardless of the holiday craziness.

I’ve studied enough yoga and meditation to know that I should “live in the moment” and enjoy each day. I agree . . . most of the time. But when my car thermometer reaches 91 degrees at 9:01 in the morning (no joke–that happened last week), I say, “bring on the pumpkins!” I’m looking forward to my favorite time of year to get moving again, and I hope I’ve convinced you to do the same.

Does anyone else love this time of year for fitness as much as I do? What do you plan to do in the coming months to get your wellness on track? You never know when your story will inspire someone else to make a positive lifestyle change. We’d love to hear your comments.

Meg Root is an ACE Certified Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist. She teaches aqua fitness classes at Glen Ivy, and also enjoys writing on wellness topics. Look for her new workshop, “Write Your Own Wellness Story,” coming to Glen Ivy in September. You can follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WriteYourOwnWellnessStory

Mothers teach us all a variety of lessons throughout the course of our lives and we truly enjoyed reading all of the touching memories that you have shared with your mothers. In fact, we loved reading their words of wisdom so much that not only are we giving our grand prize winner (2) Spa Day Admission Passes and (2) $50 Glen Ivy gift cards, we’re also giving 10 lucky runner-up entries (2) Mid-Week Spa Day Admission Passes!

And the winners are……..

Grand Prize Winner:

“Life is all about love. Life is all about finding peace with every decision you make. Life is about enjoying yourself,” my mother always tells me. And now, as I tell my mother that I am about to become a mother myself, I realize how important these lessons are. Life can be stressful, but I have learned that how we treat ourselves and others has the biggest effect of all. I can’t wait to share these life lessons with my own children.” — Carrie P.

Runner-Up Winners:

“All I have to thank for my success in doing art in college is what my mother always told me when I wanted something but could not afford it. To clothes or decorations, to food out or home goods she would say “We can do (make) that.” She taught me to believe I can make anything, even if most of my attempts failed to replicate the item, but we often found we made something unique together. This saved our family money and instilled creativity and determination within me that I am ever grateful for.” — Sorelle F.

“Making something out of nothing is the most precious things my mom installed in me. Making an ordinary day something to cherish and remember simply by going the long way home, stopping for a picnic of strawberries, and smelling the flowers. No matter who you are, no matter what you have, you can make the most of the moment simply by perceiving it a little bit differently. This is Glen Ivy to us… A magical place that is more than just pools and vistas… An experience that transcends the ordinary.” — Dana W.

“Approaching my first Mother’s Day without my mom I’ve been using one of the best lessons she taught me to help me shoulder my grief.  My mother, who died last year at the age of 66 from early onset Alzheimer’s disease, taught me the lesson of doing small things well.  Making the bed in the morning, washing the dishes, watering the plants… Each small task, done well, giving that little feeling of having accomplished something, and giving the strength to go on to another and another task until I’ve make it through the day. For this, I am forever grateful.” – Jennifer D. 

“My mom taught me that my inner voice is more important to listen to than any other.  The more you listen to that voice in the quiet of the morning, the more peaceful you will be throughout the day.  When things get tough and times are hard, it only takes a few deep breaths to find that voice again.  It is always there for you if you take time to hear it.  My voice calms me, centers my thoughts, and guides me to being a better person for myself and my family.  Thank you, Mom.” — Kelly & Rachel

“My mother always said education is the key to success. Knowledge is powerful and no one can take it away but it can take you far. She always supported me in my educational goal as she came from a very “Machista” background and women were not allow to get a higher education degrees. She was right! My divorce and division of assets could not take away my college diplomas. I am an independent woman that can take on life’s challenges. I will continue to excel as I recently got admitted to a USC graduate program. Thanks mom!” — Yadi C.

“Life lesson: Believe in the beauty of your dreams! My mother was the first to graduate college in her family and she was a single mother of three children. She sacrificed everything for us and she emphasized the power that education brings. My brothers are both in college and I am completing grad school, a true testament to her work. She suffered a stroke a few years ago and during this time she also lost her job. She did not let that these events deter her, she worked hard to get healthy and is now also in grad school!” — Bethany H.

“Before starting 1st grade at a new school, my mom told me: “Smile at everyone, whoever smiles back – that’s who you will be friends with.” Her advice worked that first day of school and it still serves me today. I find that smiling at everyone not only brightens other people’s day, but it truly puts me in a better mood too. It’s become a motto of mine and has helped me to keep a bright and optimistic perspective growing up. My mother is a wise woman with a beautiful smile, and a big heart.” — Krysten S.

“My mother taught me that anything is possible in life. If you want it you need to earn it and keep it. Life is about making mistakes and moving forward but also striving to be better and feeling that your life is well worth earning and having fun for. Keep doing the best you can and you will succeed!” — Jennifer C.

The most important life lesson my mom has taught me is to “be you”.  She always taught me never to compare myself to others or try to be anyone but myself.  This lesson has helped me so much during my first two years in college, where you are pressured to be someone different.  I have always been true to myself and never letting other influence me because I can always hear my mom’s voice saying “BE YOU!”  I will teach this to my children because why be someone else when you can be yourself? — Katie F.

“My mom taught me a lesson that is not unique but should be within all of us. To always give back. She is someone who puts others before herself. That was her later husband (my dad) when he was sick, helping out older people and still doing what she can for me and my daughter. She is someone who is truly amazing and special in my life and others that she meets.” — Stephanie P.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry. We will be contacting all winners via email and will send you your prize. From all us here at Glen Ivy, we wish all of you a memorable, meaningful and enjoyable Mother’s Day weekend. 

Go green this Easter by making your own naturally colored Easter eggs! Making your own egg coloring is fun, easy and economical – nearly any vegetable or herbal tea can be used to make beautifully colored Easter eggs, and kids will enjoy making the dyes just as much as coloring the eggs!

Here are some tips and what you’ll need to create different colors of natural egg dye at home:

After hard-cooking (boiling) your eggs, simply place the eggs in a bowl with the desired natural dye.

The longer you let the eggs soak, the deeper and more vibrant the color will be.

To give your Easter eggs some extra flair, try drawing designs or writing inspiring words on the eggs with a crayon before playing them into the dye mixture.

Red

Boil the skins of a red onion in water
Pomegranate juice
Boil beets in water

Orange
Boil the skins of a yellow onion in water
Boil carrots in water

Yellow
Boil ground tumeric in water
Boil lemon or orange skins in water
Chamomile tea

Brown
Coffee
Green
Boil spinach leaves in water

Blue
Canned blueberries (with juice)
Violet
Diluted purple grape juice
Red Zinger Tea

Pink
Juice from canned beets
Cranberry juice
Red grape juice

The Irish leprechaun’s secret hiding place for his pot of gold is said to be at the end of a rainbow, and though it’s often sought after, nearly impossible to reach.  With a variety of vibrant colors and a fresh, delicious taste, you’ll consider this Rainbow Salsa Cruda your very own pot of gold – and well within reach!

Rainbow Salsa Cruda

by Executive Chef Bill Wavrin

Yield: 12 cups

Ingredients:

6 medium tomatoes, small chop

4 Yellow tomatoes, small chop

1cup finely chopped red onion

4 scallions finely chopped

¼ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped

3 tablespoons oregano finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced

1 jalapeño, finely chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

sea salt to taste

Method:

In a medium mixing, combine all ingredients.  Season to taste.  If you like hot salsa, add extra jalapeño.

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons

Don’t let the busy holidays stress you out! Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day and enjoy the season. With just 12 Days till Christmas, we are counting down the days with ways to SAVE…. and have found a Spa Special for YOU every day until Christmas!

Available at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona. Reservations are required, please call 888-GLEN IVY to reserve your spa treatments now. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
December 13, 14, 15

$18.60 Admission

Your Spa Admission is only $18.60 to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona when you reserve any 50 minute spa treatment. Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays thru December. Call 888-GLEN IVY to reserve your spa treatment.

Friday, December 16

$39 Weekday Admission

Friday only, visit Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona and pay the weekday Spa Admission rate of  $39 (regular $59) when you reserve a 50 minute spa treatment. Call 888-GLEN IVY to reserve your spa treatment.

Saturday, December 17

Holiday Detox Package

Our most popular package this time of year! Enjoy a Sugar Scrub, Eucalyptus Body Wrap, and a 30 minute Swedish Massage combination (80 minutes of service) plus the Grotto Body Moisturizing Treatment. $145 (SAVE almost $20!)

Sunday, December 18

Relax Package

Now is the time! A perfect day in paradise includes Spa admission and your choice of TWO of the following treatments: a 50 minute Swedish Massage, 50 minute Glen Ivy Facial, OR a 50 minute Body Treatment. $220

Monday, December 19

SAVE 20% on any Spa Treatment (50 min or more)

Receive 20% off your full length spa treatment (50 minutes or longer). Choose from massages, body treatments and facials.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
December 20, 21, 22

Glen Ivy Getaway Package

Pick any day Monday thru Thursday and enjoy a mini vacation, just what you need! Includes Spa admission, your choice of a 50 minute Swedish Massage, 50 minute Glen Ivy Facial, OR 50 minute Body Treatment, Grotto Admission, and lunch. $160

Friday December 23

Youth Infusion Facial

Start the New Year with your most beautiful face!  This rejuvenating facial featuring Primavera Skin Care boasts the antioxidant power of organic Argan Seed Oil and organic Rose Hip Seed Oil to nourish and revitalize skin. Includes a cooling, mineral-rich eye mask which will assist in minimizing dark circles, puffiness and fine lines, leaving skin with a healthy, radiant and youthful glow! (50 minute) $99

Saturday December 24

Last Chance! $100 Gift Cards on SALE for $75 each

Our best deal ever can’t last forever, and your last chance to purchase Glen Ivy $100 Gift Cards for $75 ends December 24, 2011. Buy now online!

Sunday December 25

Happy Holidays!

Please note that we will be closed on this day to celebrate our families and friends, and wish you the very best of the season! We will open again to welcome you on Monday, December 26.

The air is crisp and clean as it rolls off the Santa Ana Mountains and through the Spa, chasing Coldwater Creek on its pilgrimage to the ocean. The mountainous backdrop is framed by palm trees and softened by the steam rising from our mineral waters, and in this moment, I can’t imagine a scene more beautiful in Southern California that we have the gift of experiencing for these winter months at the Hot Springs.

The creative hands that deliver the beauty and celebratory touches this time of year (and all year, really) have done so with the theme of our Glen Ivy Wheel of Wellness and the earth’s elements of Water, Sun, and Earth in mind. Through the New Year, guests at the Hot Springs may view our three Yuletide trees which have each been decorated to represent one these three elements with a slice or two of the wellness pie included. Connecting with nature, good food, a healthy lifestyle, and nurturing our relationships are embodied in the designs and inspire deep self reflection, therapeutic experiences and the inspiration to expand our knowledge.

We encourage you not to let the stress that so often accompanies the season get to you, and invite you to come visit our trees, soak in the unique and wonderful Glen Ivy winter experience, and especially, to celebrate the season in a way that reminds us that when taking time to enjoy the details and the magic is how to celebrate each day—and how we do all year long at the Hot Springs.

Warm Water Wishes,
Patrick Mitchell
Director of Landscapes & Sustainability
Glen Ivy Hot Springs