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

“Go ahead! Eat whatever you want on Thanksgiving Day! Forget sticking to your diet. Pull up to the table and savor the delicious turkey feast with your family and friends.”

I know, this is not the typical holiday eating advice you might expect to hear from a certified wellness professional like myself. It may even border on being irresponsible–even reprehensible! But this month’s Glen Ivy Challenge, “Practicing Gratitude,” got me thinking: If people who practice gratitude on a regular basis are happier as studies suggest they are, does that mean they are healthier too? And if that’s the case, maybe the practice of gratitude during the upcoming holiday season is a better wellness strategy than depriving yourself of your favorite foods or counting the calories in a slice of pumpkin pie.

As it turns out, the answer to my question is, “Yes!”  According to Dr. Robert Emmonds, a psychology professor at University of California Davis and author of Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, practicing gratitude or “a felt sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life,” is not only good for your mental health, but also improves your physical health as well.  Participants in his gratitude studies showed improvements in their health status like sleeping longer hours and experiencing a better quality of sleep. They also had fewer symptoms of malaise such as headaches, nausea, and pain. The most exciting aspect of his research though, showed that these individuals also made better lifestyle choices. Emmonds explains, “Grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular physical examinations.”  In other words, people who recognize and feel appreciation for life’s gifts choose to take better care of themselves.

Finding the motivation to choose healthier behaviors is at the heart of lasting lifestyle change. That’s why the “gratitude approach” to better health makes sense to me. Many people I talk to about beginning an exercise program or eating a healthier diet say, “I know what I need to do, I just don’t do it!” They feel at a loss as to why they repeatedly sabotage their diets or can’t stick to their program. Moreover, their confusion is frequently laced with negative self talk that eventually becomes a barrier to their success.

By its very nature, gratitude practice requires you to perform an about face away from focusing on what isn’t working, to an appreciation for what is.  Feeling bad about not going to the gym because you were held up at work, turns into feeling good about the twenty minute walk you took when you got home. And as Emmonds points out, this mental shift gives you a positive framework for living life where you are able to take control over your happiness levels.

So, with the busy holiday season upon us, and those pesky New Years resolutions following close behind, why not take a different approach this year. Lay the foundation for a year of better choices by trying my gratitude practice with a “healthy twist” during the month ahead:

• Connect with the good in your day. Start a simple gratitude journal today with the tips we provided in our recent blog post, Creating a Gratitude Journal. Try including a few entries that recognize the healthy choices you have made during your day–no matter how small.
• Connect with a sense of appreciation and thankfulness for your health and your ability to move about and do all the things you love to do. Begin to think about the healthy choices you can make in the New Year to improve your health status.
• Connect with your support system. Who are the people around you–family, friends and co-workers–who can become part of your wellness team next year? Just think, if they are on your team, you are on their team. Two healthy people for the price of one!

OK, gratitude practice won’t eliminate all the calories on your Thanksgiving plate. But approaching life with a positive outlook and a spirit of thanksgiving could mean that taking better care of yourself in the New Year comes more naturally to you. So, while I did’t really mean “Eat whatever you what this Thanksgiving,” go ahead and enjoy the turkey dressing and sweet potato pie. Just make sure there is a healthy dose of gratitude served up in between.

Meg Root is an ACE certified Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist with over 25 years in the fitness and spa industry.

Glen Ivy Day Spa Brea and Valencia are celebrating the men and women who commit their lives to bettering ours. Throughout the month of July we’re  happy to offer a Complimentary Service Enhancement on any full spa treatment (50 minutes or longer) to Nurses, Firefighters, Police, Teachers, and Military Personnel. Simply show valid ID and work badge at check-in to receive your free upgrade.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs, Corona is jumping in on the festivities this 4th of July with the Stars and Stripes Package. This package (available on Monday, July 4, 2011 only) was specifically created for you and your friends to celebrate freedom and friendship together. Enjoy two for one admission at the weekday rate, two Grotto Body Treatments and lunch for two at award-winning Cafe Sole for just $126 (can’t beat a $56 savings!).  So grab a friend and head on over to the Hot Springs to celebrate your independence (who knows, maybe a trip to the spa will become a new 4th of July tradition)!

If you can’t make it on the 4th, don’t forget that the Hot Springs offers 15% off spa admission for military, police, firefighters, nurses and teachers with valid identification.

However you choose to celebrate Independence Day, all of us from Glen Ivy wish you a safe and fun holiday!

Celebrate Father’s Day Sunday, June 19

Does your dad deserve the title of “Silliest Father?” For all the reasons we love Dads, making us laugh and smile is one of our favorites. Taking the lead from our playful June Challenge, we want to hear about your father’s humorous ways and show stealing antics! In 30 words or less, tell us what makes Dad so silly. Does he dance around like a maniac just to make you smile or did he make up silly games to play with you as a kid? Whatever silly things your father does, post your entry right here on our blog. Just add a comment below by Wednesday, June 13 to be entered to win some great prizes.

The winners will be announced on Friday, June 17 right here on our blog and on the Glen Ivy  Facebook page.

Now for the good stuff..the prizes!

One grand prize winner will receive two admission, lunch, and Grotto passes to use at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, California. Our two runner-up winners will each receive a “2-for-1″ Admission voucher. There are plenty of chances to win so what are you waiting for?! Brag about dad!

It was a cool day for our third week of our MUDder’s Day photo contest but that didn’t stop some moms from getting muddy! This week’s winner goes to Diana and her group who all struck their fiercest pose!

There is still one more chance to win two Grotto passes and a $100 Glen Ivy gift card! We will be snapping photos on Wednesday, May 25 at 1pm in Club Mud! Voting for the best MUDder’s Day photo will start on our blog on Monday, May 30 so stay tuned!

For full contest details click here.

MOM is the word here at the Hot Springs and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate her ALL month long. Whether you celebrate Mother’s Day on, before, or after May 8, we want you and you mom to make the most out of your visit to the Hot Springs and participate in a few of the Mother & Daughter activities that we’re offering this month:

• Wednesday May 4, 11, 18 & 25: MUDder’s Day Admission. Buy one admission, get one half off!

• Wednesday May 4, 11, 18 & 25:  MUDder’s Day Photo Contest. Meet us in Club Mud at 1pm every Wednesday for a chance to win some great prizes! (Free)

• Friday May 6 & Wednesday, May 11: Mother & Daughter Prayer Arrow Class ($20 per Mother-Daughter Team)

• Friday, May 6 & Wednesday, May 11 :  Mother & Daughter Herbal Wreath Making Class  ($30 per Mother-Daughter Team)

• Thursday, May 12 & Thursday, May 26:  Mother-Daughter Floral Corsage Making Class  (Free)

• Friday, May 13:  Mother & Daughter At Home Spa  (Free)

• Friday, May 20:  Nourishing Yourself First with Farm House Fresh:  Mother-Daughter mini hand treatments  (Free)

Take a look at our full Events and Activity Schedule and descriptions. All classes require advanced registration so make sure you call 888-GLEN-IVY to reserve your spot now!

Other ways to spend time with Mom at the Spa? How about side by side pedicures,  a Together Massage or reserving a Cabaña? Before you and mom head over,  make sure you purchase $100 gift cards for $85 and spend them together. Check out our Spa Specials in May for some ideas on how you can use those gift cards to make it a perfect day with mom!