Aging Gracefully with Gratitude and Love...

After being in the Wellness industry for more than a decade, I know one thing to be sure...beauty comes from within.  Corny as it may sound, I have seen thousands of people walk through the doors of my various spas, many of whom have the means to maintain themselves physically.  Ultimately, it's always those who have a positive attitude and goodness of heart that wear this ‘glow’ that no amount of treatments or products can replicate.  After all wellbeing is mostly about the mind and the spirit manifesting what’s within.

College days

I like telling this story about a friend Brenda Strong.  Most of you will know her as the voice on Desperate Housewives.  I met her when she spoke on her Yoga 4 Fertility.  I still recall how she walked into our spa, and it was as if she had this ‘halo’ around her.  All of us stopped what we were doing especially as she smiled and greeted us.  We were mesmerized… Granted she is quite beautiful but at our spa, we saw quite a lot of physically gifted women.  She was different.  After an hour of listening to her, I knew she was special and ageless.  Another person who never seems to grow older is my dearest friend Joni.  Barely 70 and battling pains from 15 years of severe fibromyalgia, she still manages to be sweet and gracious and always generous of heart.

Joni and Jimi, her source of strength

Cousins/Aunts late 50's & 80's

In good company, late 50's-60's...

As I turn 47, I wonder why I’m not panicking that I’m three years to the big 50.  I know I don’t feel my age – at least in spirit.  In my blog ‘To My Speeps With Love’, I discuss my physical challenges, but except for that, I feel healthier and more fit in many respects than when I was a size 2-4 in my thirties.  Could it be that I am secure in my genetic disposition to have less wrinkles, as my mom and my aunts do?  Ot is it because I live in Palm Springs where a majority of the residents are in their 60’s and 70’s and still play golf, run marathons and do bikram yoga? I look at my friends and some of them have hardly aged so I think I haven’t either. I also have so many girlfriends who are in theirs 60’s and 70’s and when I’m with them, I don’t even notice the age difference.

Spa friends & College friends

Today my dear friends and family have started posting birthday wishes on my facebook wall, and I smile and realize that I am blessed with so much love and support.  That positive awareness can only help direct me towards everything positive and good.  In a compilation of blogs authored by Jeremy McCarthy, the Psychology of Wellbeing explores all the aspects of mental and spirituals sides of holistic wellness.  And it shows how positive thinking can help you be happy, healthy and more productive.

Mom & Dad at 78

Me at 18, mom at 50

From my first 23 years in Manila, to another 23+ years in the US, I may have had my share of turmoil and sadness but who hasn’t.  As I look back, all I can see is how much love and support has pulled me through the toughest times in my life.  I can only hope to share the countless blessings and good karma that come my way with others who need it most…

With husband Jeff who passed away 2 years later

Aging isn’t about growing old.  It’s about growing wiser and more humbled and looking back with gratitude and love at life’s many blessings…

Happy 30th to my Theresian Friends

Today, my high school friends in Manila will be celebrating our 30^th High School Reunion.  Having been the Yearbook & the Magazine editor, I was asked to compose the batch write up, which I am sharing on this blog.  Why?  Because all over the world, some people are celebrating their 30^th high school reunion just like us.  Those born in 1963 and 1964 are experiencing some type of milestone and can relate to what we went through.  So this is my tribute to all those in my generation…

To understand Batch 81 is to understand the years we were born, mainly 1963 and 1964.  In Chinese astrology, those would be the years of the Rabbit and the Dragon… yin and yang.  From the assassination of JFK, the ongoing Vietnam war, to the dawn of Beatle Mania and Cassius Clay (aka Mohammed Ali), we had no choice but to be thrust into a world of change, challenge and creativity. On the local front, not only was Ferdinand Marcos the president during most of our childhood and teen years until we turned 21, Martial Law was declared during our second grade and we lived during one of the most ‘Apolitical’ climates of the country’s history.

Our formative years occurred during the 70’s when the Peace Sign prevailed, skateboarding became a sport, and the culture of music and dancing peaked.  From polyester disco outfits & bellbottom pants inspired by Saturday Night Fever, and Farrah Fawcett & Wonder Woman style hairdos, we grooved and moonwalked our way through adolescent parties while Penthouse 7 taught us how to swing and salsa.  Tiger Beat was our bible and we swooned over Shaun Cassidy, Scott Baio, Patrick Duffy & Robert Urich.  90% of us had crushes on boys from Dulaang Sibol and Kundirana, aside from Hajji Alejandro.  We also lived through boxing’s glorious era and snuck in a portable TV to watch the Thrilla in Manila!

 

Amidst all the political and cultural highlights of our wonder years, we learned how to adopt and adapt, flow with the yin and yang and as a result championed some of the most memorable musical performances of Pippin, Sound of Music and West Side Story.  We were part of winning the WNCAA championships two years in a row while we cheered the team on with ‘Sunny Days…” from Sesame Street.  And who can forget winning three open field cheering competitions especially that of ‘Hangin’ in our sixth grade, as we blew with our very own force through all the adversity around us?

Yes, we definitely thrived on change and creativity.  Going with the flow was not an option for this group of young ladies who would ‘stir the pot’ just to make things more interesting.  How? Remember how we would drop a ruler and in unison look up to the ceiling – leaving our beloved teachers totally confused?   How about tying a firecracker to the door in 5^th grade to scare the teacher when she opened it?  We had so much creative energy that we were the only batch who stayed after classes to practice folk dancing, gymnastics or our musical performances. All that creative intellect eventually produced doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, executives, and wonderful homemakers... who would impact society and help shape our children's future.

It was a most memorable time not only for us but for the rest of the world.  And as we graduated from our life within the confines of STC QC, the Columbia Space Shuttle was first launched, the word INTERNET was first mentioned, MS-DOS and IBM PC were first introduced.  Prince Charles married Princess Diana in a fantasy wedding that the entire world stopped to watch.  How poetic!  We were born as the Camelot era of the Kennedy years ended.  And we graduated from our cloistered upbringing as the Windsor wedding of a commoner to a prince gave us hope that fairy tales did exist.

Yin & Yang…30 years after graduating, we have gone to all corners of the world, conquered our fears, challenged ourselves personally and professionally, and re-united through the social media of Facebook.  Most of us seem to have hardly aged in spite of the time that has passed but we are definitely gentler, mellower and more understanding of each other.  Most of us are mothers, some are grandmothers while others made their fame in their respective careers.  Through it all, we find that whenever we meet, we reconnect with the same young girls within ourselves who shared more than a decade of memories and all sorts of experiences… and some of the best times of our lives.

Happy 30^th to a dynamic and unique group of women…

12 Things a Philippine Balikbayan Should Remember…

This blog may only apply to Filipinos but even if you are not one, I would love for you to read it and get acquainted with the Philippine culture.  You may find it very entertaining and enlightening.  Special thanks to my Dad Norman, brothers Lee & Carl for taking the time to give us a personal taste of Philippine culture today.

On my recent holiday visit to the Philippines, I had the pleasure of meeting Francis Yulo, a lieutenant colonel of the Phil Marine Corps trained in Defense Strategy as a graduate of the Masters in National Security Administration (MNSA) at the National Defense of the Philippines. More important, his group Kabayanihan Foundation, inspired by the book 12 Little Things A Filipino Can Do To Help the Country, seeks to create a cultural revolution that will hopefully spur Philippine Nationalism and Economy in the right direction. Hence, the title for this blog, from the perspective of a Philippine Balikbayan…

1.     Refrain from Thinking $$$...

In many cases especially in the restaurant and hotel industry, there is a Philippine service charge added onto the cost of your bill.  Always remember to ask.  When tipping, 15%-20% is more than generous.  My husband had a haircut for 180 pesos ($3.50) and it was probably the most intricate detailed trim he had ever received.  Aside from utilizing 4 different kinds of styling scissors, the stylist used a straight razor to clean up the sideburns and edges.  In addition to light brushing his face to remove stray hairs, he powdered his neck and put a warm towel on his face.  At the end he received a neck and shoulder massage, and for that he tipped 300 pesos (180%).  Needless to say my father and my brothers gave him grief about it.  His point was that it was only a $6 tip but in the big scheme of things, it was too much.  He would have been just as happy with a 50 peso tip ($1.20). Jeff actually complains that on our travels, he sometimes feels that they give him a white man’s price… and what he did tends to encourage that ‘preferred pricing’.

2.     Appreciate the Respect & Courtesy from Everyone.

You will not find a happier and more polite group of people than the Filipinos.  As such, a generous smile and a very respectful demeanor are natural to their brand of service.  First time my husband arrived into a Philippine airport, he was nervous about being treated differently.  Instead, not only was he treated with so much courtesy, he truly felt that he was never made to feel different.  He loves staying in hotels and being catered to by everyone.   After all the ratio of employees to guests seems like 3 to 1.  Anywhere you go, people address you with a ‘sir’ or a ‘maam’ and they are so patient no matter how upset you are.  We’ve been to establishments where food was mediocre and service was slow, but couldn’t even really get upset because the staff was so kind and genuine.

 

3.     Filipinos are all about Family and Food.

FAMILY is at the top of the hierarchy of needs for every Filipino.  In my economics class in college, we were taught that if you take care of your Filipino employee so he can take care of his family, you will have an employee for life.  When returning to the Philippines, expect to visit your relatives and spend quality time with them.  Forewarn your non-Philippine spouse that they should be ready to hug and kiss everyone and indulge them with their questions.  Another core of the Philippine Lifestyle is FOOD.  Like most Asian cultures, there is a very extensive culinary tradition.  In addition to that, Filipinos love of all types of food from every part of the world.  As such, there is no need to worry if your palate is very selective especially when going to Manila or any big city in the Philippines.  You will be amazed at the very cosmopolitan array of restaurants including the most exotic cuisines of the world. In fact at every mall, at least 30% of the space is leased out to food establishments that are filled with people any time of the day.  You will find so many American chains as well.  And don’t forget, they eat 3 full meals a day, aside from merienda.  So take your TUMS.

4.     Filipinos take Pride in their Tradition of Hospitality.

Although Filipinos appreciate an offer to bring food to a party they are hosting, it is not necessary to bring ANYTHING at all.  In fact, it took me a while to get into the habit of taking something to every party I was invited to in the US.  When invited to stay at a Philippine home, a small token of appreciation is sufficient.  No need to offer to pay for your share of the food or the wine.  You can treat them to a meal.  But respect the pride they take in being your host.

5.     Stop Serving Yourself and Making your Bed!

Most Philippine homes have a staff of maids, driver and even a gardener.  Even a low middle income family will have some type of help.  Since most of us who live abroad are self-sufficient, we tend to forget that we need to relax and allow the staff to do their job which includes lifting the heavy luggage, or getting you a glass of water. That goes for driving as well.  Except for stoplights, there are no traffic controls on Philippine roads.  As my brother Carl likes to say, “lanes are only there for perspective” not to stay within them.  So if you think you’ll want to brave Philippine traffic where a 3 lane road has five lanes of cars, and cars come as close as a few inches to yours, good luck!  That’s why there’s a driver. And if you don't believe me, my husband will be happy to send you a video.

 

6.     Pasalubong is a Way of Life.

The bane of almost every Philippine balikbayan’s existence is pasalubong.  Yet it is a part of the culture that will never go away.  The tradition of gifting no matter how small when you visit with close friends or family does not go away in spite of how long you’ve lived away from the Philippines.  So always be ready to reciprocate with little gifts lest someone you least expect gives you one.  

7.     You can Buy Almost Everything in Manila.

Dogs are welcome in some malls

St. Luke's at the Fort

From Duty Free & high end shops to 168 in Divisoria, there is no lack of apparel, accessories, toiletries, gadgets and anything else you can imagine.  They even have the IPAD knockoff called the IPED.  Better yet, you can buy antibiotics over the counter and without a prescription at a fifth of the price.  And when it comes to buying medical/cosmetic services such as Botox, Braces, or Lasik, the price you pay is less than your co-pay with insurance.   Medical training in the Philippines is very good and facilities such as the new St. Luke’s at the Fort, are state of the art in terms of wellness facilities.

Public Bathroom Facilities at St. Luke's

Guest Room in the hotel wing of St Luke's

Waiting room w/food for family of patients

8.     Filipino Children Kiss & RESPECT their Elders.

With my parents

As children, we were taught to kiss all our elders.  So even as adults, you will see Filipino men kissing their dads and their uncles as a form of greeting.  My nieces and nephews kiss us when they see us even when we just wake up and are seated at the breakfast table.  At first my husband was taken aback.  But now, he is constantly amazed and touched by how natural it is to be part of their normal way of greeting people.  He loves it and finds it so endearing.  It is a precious tradition that will hopefully be kept alive by every Filipino parent.

9.     Filipinos Do Not Sue

Feeding an 18 mo old Siberian

Disclaimers and lawsuits are not typical in the Philippines.  The nature of assimilation is very inbred into the Philippine culture, that they always manage to work everything out.  You will not be asked to sign your life away before any of those risky adventure filled activities.  At the price they're asking, you should just take your chances.  We did...

10.  Airport Fees, Island Fee, Banca Fee…

When traveling within the Philippines, you need to know about airport fees and other miscellaneous charges.  Whenever you board a domestic flight, you are charged 150-200 pesos per person CASH.  The departure fee when leaving the Philippines is 750 pesos per person.  When booking boat trips, all-inclusive does NOT necessarily include fees for the island you are visiting, or the ‘banca’ you are riding to get to your boat.  So always be ready with cash.

Lapu-Lapu

11.  Relearn your History and Culture.

Unfortunately, most history classes were taught as if the history of the Philippines only started with Magellan’s landing.  More than that, our workbooks were created by the Americans and therefore taught from their perspective.  Take a Celdran tour, or a day trip to Corregidor.  Schedule at least one visit to a museum or even the American Cemetery by the Fort.  Better yet, read the latest book by Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, “Heroes & Villains”.  You’ll be treated to a view of our history & culture totally without bias from past colonizers.    

12.  Massage is Everywhere and as Cheap as $5 – so Take Advantage!

Massage Facility typical at every airport terminal

Chi Spa at Shangrila

A foot ritual at check in

Sure you can go to the resort spas such as the Chi Spa at the Shangrila Mactan or better yet the The Farm at San Benito, and you’ll receive a world class experience and pay accordingly.  But even at airports, you will find massage stations with services rendered by physical therapists in training.   In the Philippines, it is a five year course and most therapists are hired out of school.  On the other hand, those without formal schooling usually learn their trade from being taught by the traditional Philippine ‘hilot’ practitioners.  So either way, you get a great rubdown and if they do perform ‘hilot’ on you, then your meridiens are balanced as well.

Filipino children even know how to massage and they do it well!

To My Speeps With Love...

Barely 4 weeks to go before 2011, do you even remember what your New Year's resolution was?  2009 was quite traumatic for so many people, I'm not even sure we had the consciousness to celebrate the usual holiday traditions.  I know all of us were happy to say goodbye and were hoping with bated breath that 2010 would bring in some good news...

Finding time to play

For me personally, 2010 was initially a mixed bag of disappointments & heartache that eventually turned into triumphs and blessings in disguise.  The spa world continued to reel from the economic downturn and so many of us became 'casualties' of the 'new way of doing business' as most corporations like to put it.  Those of us who were fortunate enough to walk away and start anew, are reaping the benefits of rediscovering ourselves and in the process, reclaiming 'me-time' and rescuing our health from the long years of 'running on empty' in keeping up with the rapid growth of our industry.

Unfortunately, so many of my peers who have put in their time, experience and service as Spa Operators while assisting their corporate worlds develop their spa culture, are still entrenched in it. Why do I say unfortunate?  Because this generation of Directors who in the last decade were instrumental in keeping the spa culture alive while Corporate America was still in the learning curve, have given too much of their personal time and wellness to creating memorable experiences for guests while driving revenue and crunching numbers. So many of these same directors are the complete antithesis of what wellness means.

Hope for the new generation

The Industry's Future.

This blog is personal because at the age of 42, I already started to experience peri-menopausal symptoms.  At the time, my doctors in Tucson simply attributed it to stress since I was doing so much traveling for my company, opening spas and mentoring other directors, and commuting back and forth to my home in Palm Springs.  From the age of 44 to 45, I had trouble falling asleep and NEVER had a full 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep for a year and a half.  My staff at the time will tell you that they would never have guessed it since my adrenaline kept me going at a 100%.  Of course there was a 6 month period during that time that I would tear up about everything and I'm horrified to say it happened even at a high level executive meeting.  No wonder that by the time a more forward thinking doctor like Dr. Andrea Cole did my nutritional evaluation along with hormone panel tests last year, I was advised that at the age of 46, I was not only in menopause, but my adrenals were shot and my body was replete of almost all essential minerals and vitamins.

Happy w/new directions

Why am I sharing this?  Because like me, so many of my spa colleagues are going through the same battles.  Those still in the trenches, work weeks at a time before they can even take proper time off.  Some are refused time off even when they ask for it.  And sadly, there are those who have been physically pushed to the limit, that their health conditions have warranted medical intervention.

Speeps enjoying a well-deserved Carribean break

And all I can say is 'It's not worth it'.  We work so hard to keep ourselves at a certain position & level of income but we spend a lot of that on defensive health maintenance.  Last year alone, I spent $10k of my own money on lab tests that the insurance would not cover but I needed.  Those lab tests were my wake up call and I am still playing catch up with refueling my body with all the essentials it needs.

Rare moments 

My wise mentor

 So I am calling on all my Speeps (Spa Peeps) to walk the talk and resolve to create that balance in your life.  Because in the end, you are responsible for your health and if it fails you, no amount of accomplishments and work will save you.  My wise spa mentor once said to me, 'it doesn't matter how much revenue and profits you bring to the table, once you're gone, those accomplishments will be a distant memory'.

 Today, I live and work from my home with my 'boys' as my support, do bikram yoga at least three times a week when I'm not traveling, try to eat as organic and natural as I can, take a complete regimen of supplements tailored to meet my deficiencies, and am enjoying my new phase of womanhood - trying to 'be cool' in spite of the random 'power surges', learning how to love the changes in my body, and giving my heart and my spirit time to reflect in gratitude for small favors...

"Live in Wonder"

The last two weeks have been a flurry of activity from the recent annual convention of ISPA in DC to the Thanksgiving Holidays.  Through it all, I found myself constantly thinking about all the good things in my life.  Could it be that the holidays just tend to make people celebrate their blessings?  I’m sure that’s part of it.  But could it also be due to all those wonderful speakers we were treated to at ISPA?  Every day, the general conference featured Keynote speakers of very different styles and material – sharing one common thread – Inspiration.

Filmmaker Eric Saperston in tandem with multi-platinum recording artist Edwin McCain spoke on the first day.  I think most of us in the audience were skeptical.  The guy seemed entertaining enough but what was with the accompanying guitarist/singer?  Before we could even begin to analyze it, the duo engaged us with their unique story-telling performance about Eric’s journey: a cross-country adventure in a 1971 VW Bus along with his golden retriever and three other friends.  Although he initially set out to follow the Grateful Dead and work a ski season in Aspen, he ended up interviewing and having coffee with some of the most influential people in the world such as Jimmy Carter, Governor Ann Richards, Billy Crystal, Henry Winkler, Jerry Garcia and picking their brain on how to live a fulfilling and successful life.  In 90 minutes, he injected some powerful vignettes of wisdom that he picked up on his journey such as “ Your most important trip in life might be when you meet another halfway” or “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today”.  ”Many great ideas have been lost because the people who had them could not stand being laughed at”.  And one of my favorites: “To know the road ahead, ask those coming back”.

The second day was another pleasant surprise.  2009 CNN Hero Doc Hendley dreamt up the concept of raising money to support water projects around the world while he was bartending and playing music in Raleigh North Carolina.  The first fundraiser was held in 2004 and shortly after,  he lived in Darfur, Sudan to install water systems for the victims of the government supported genocide.  In 2007, after working two jobs and volunteering his time over three years, he founded ‘Wine To Water’.  This man whose only real world job experience came from bartending now heads a non-profit organization that focuses on providing clean water to needy people around the world.  Not to sound like a gushing fan, but can I even tell you how down to earth and sincere this man is?  On that stage, he echoed Saperston’s words “If you think you’re too small and insignificant to make a difference, you’ve never spent a night with a mosquito in a tent”.  And we took it to heart.  That evening, a few of us were having dinner when we spotted him at another table with his family.  My friend Jim Chenevey decided to pick up his tab.  He came over with his wife and two kids to thank Jim for the gesture   He was as real and as genuine as I imagined.  And Jim felt that he contributed in a small but significant way.

After two days of wisdom and inspiration, I wasn’t sure how Marcus Buckingham would compare.  I almost forgot that I was gifted with an autographed copy of his book as one of the first people to sign up for the conference.  Obviously, I had not read it yet and I’m glad I didn’t.  Watching this man in person will make me enjoy reading his book even more.  The English accent and the boyish looks definitely helped, but it was his quirky humor that totally won me over.  I’ve been to several leadership seminars but this is different because the concept is simple and realistic.  With a world that tends to focus on weaknesses, he suggests that we ‘play to our strengths’ and those of others as well.  He narrates how he used to stutter as a young teen, and one day was forced to speak in front of an entire audience at his school.  He readied himself for the laughing and the ridicule but to his amazement, as soon as he stood on stage and started speaking, his stuttering disappeared.  He realized that he LOVED speaking in front of big groups – the bigger, the better.  On the flipside, he ‘loathes’ the small talk at parties.  But he loves  interviewing people.  So instead of trying to build a weakness or avoiding parties, he imagines every person he talks to at a party as someone he’s interviewing.   Presto!  The key is to identify strengths, champion them and minimize occasions that you will need to utilize your weakest traits.  And more important, we need to do the same for those around us at work and in our personal lives. In Eric Saperston’s words, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.

Live in wonder...

Pinkwashing...

Two weeks ago, I wrote about GREENWASHING.  Then I realized that October, the month of Breast Cancer Awareness was coming to an end - which leads me to the topic of PINKWASHING. 

Look at all the companies and spas that are promoting their products and services in support of breast cancer research.  Are they practicing what they're preaching or are they just using Breast Cancer as a tool to generate more sales?

According the most recent statistics issued by the Susan G. Komen foundation, breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths.  Race is not considered a factor for increased risk of this disease, but differ among ethnic groups.  For instance, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  Among Hispanic/Latina women, it is the most common cancer.  Breast cancer in men is rare but it does happen. 

Unfortunately only a small fraction of breast cancer can be linked to genetics and we have yet to find a cure.  However, what we are sure of is that many cancers are linked to environmental exposure and chemicals present in items we use daily. 

What is within our control are the lifestyle choices we make beginning with the products we use.  My last blog In US, On Us, Around Us, clearly illustrates how everything we use on our body, feed our body and surround ourselves with has an effect on our health.  Cosmetics and skincare are the items that women utilize most on a daily basis.  In fact, even during a recession, women will scrimp on food and household items before they sacrifice their favorite toiletries. 

But how does the regular consumer begin to wade through they myriad of ingredients and false labeling that skincare giants have successfully masked?  At the recent Green Spa Network Conference, they gave us a few tips which I'd like to share...

The Dirty Dozen are ingredients to avoid in personal care products - Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Phthalates, Nanoparticles, DEA/TEA/MEA, Coal Tar Derivatives, Formaldehyde/Formaldehyde Donors, Hydroquinone, BHA, Octoxynols,  & Ethyl Acetate.  

Did you know that the Beauty Industry is not regulated by the FDA?  This means that companies must list ingredients in order of use but are not required to test their products.  I can't speak for you but I certainly don't feel like being a guinea pig.  So what is the alternative?

Familiarize yourself with this word - INCI... International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.  Many countries including the US, Australia, Japan and the members of the European Union, require manufacturers of cosmetic ingredients to submit all new ingredients for registration in the INCI system.  If you intend to sell your cosmetic products for LEGAL LABELING REQUIREMENTS, you need to use the official INCI name of the ingredients on the label.  This cosmetic regulation law is important for consumer safety.

How do we know whether an ingredient is bad for us?  A great source is the Safe Cosmetics Campaign Database.  What percentage of the ingredients are natural?  "Plant Derived" does not = natural.   How were they extracted?  That makes a difference too.  Do they use Fragrance Oils or Essential Oils?  Fragance oils are synthetic, so definitely watch out for those.  Also remember that unless a product is designed to be use within the next 48 hours, companies must utilize a minimum amount of synthetics to preserve the shelf life.

There are 3 basic rules - Avoid the ingredients that are not good for you.  Look for full disclosure ingredient listing, preferably INCI.  And when in doubt, select the product with a higher percentage of natural ingredients.

So back to Pinkwashing... just like Greenwashing, we need to concentrate on the issue and how we can resolve it rather than getting sucked into the hype and the marketing gimmicks that come with it.  As in any cause, make a conscious effort to support those who truly believe and are working towards the cause.  Personal and social responsibility is the key...

In Me, On Me, Around Me

The title refers to three basic mantras to follow when considering any lifestyle choice, according to Sustainability Strategist Lewis Perkins.  He and several other 'Green' advocates gave us an amazing amount of information to ponder on at the recent Green Spa Network Conference (http://www.greenspanetwork.org/).  For instance, did you know that the rise of autism and ADHT has a significant correlation to the increased usage of pesticides?  Am I surprised?  Not at all!  Growing up, I had 3 relatives who had autism and at the time (70's and 80's) no one knew anything about it.  And although Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of an austistic savante in the movie Rainman brought Autism into the spotlight, the Center for Disease and Prevention issued findings that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys.

In Us...According to Lohas (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) 90% of our main crops are genetically engineered so much so that pollen has drifted and tainted the native crops of Mexico.  Pesticides if you didn't know it yet, come from petroleum products.  Cloned animals are already in the food system.  And 25% of global warming is attributed to our food production system.  On the other hand, organic farming utilizes 30% less energy and organic food is 30% higher in antioxidants and 25% more in 11 essential nutrients.  Conventional milk contains 3 to 5 pesticides while organic milk provides 35% more in essential fatty acids.

On Us...what did you use this morning?  Studies show that the average person uses 10 cosmetic products (including hair care, skin care and perfume) which immediately exposes them to 126 different ingredients.  There are 85K synthetic chemicals in commerce.  Of the 12.5K that exist in cosmetics, 80% have not been assessed for safety.  If you don't believe that products on your skin can have that much of an effect on you, Beauty & Wellness Expert Rona Berg suggests that you cut a piece of garlic and tape it to the inside of your wrist for ten minutes.  You will notice that eventually, the taste of garlic will be in your mouth.

Around Us... Over 400 billion gallons of polluted chemically laden laundry detergent water are released into water systems that enter rivers, lakes and the oceans every year.  That same water feeds the fish we eat, seeps into the groundsoil where our plants take root, and it evaporates into the air we breathe. 

So why aren't we being more socially responsible and looking out for ourselves?  Is it because organic and natural tend to be more expensive?  But think about this, would you rather pay the farmer or the hospital?  If you haven't watched it yet, then you need to watch 11 year old Birke Baehr speak about 'What's Wrong with our Food System" on You Tube http://bit.ly/9FFavO.  If he gets it, then so should we.

Unfortunately, Greenwashing (the perception that the environment is being taken cared of) has made us less discerning of our choices.  Even more, each one of us wonders what we can do to make a difference.  Visionary Mineral Cosmetic Maven Jane Iredale who began in 1994 created this mission statement for her Green Team - "One person can't save everything, but every person can save one thing...".

Being "green" is no longer a trend.  It's a lifestyle...

Who am I?

I've been meaning to blog for the longest time.  Writing has always been a passion of mine but somewhere along life's way like everything else we believe in, we forget what really makes us happy.  My last ten years in the spa industry have been such a learning experience about wellness and lifestyle choices, and I've always wanted to find a way to share it.  So I came up with the Sprinkle of the Day - droplets of information that I can shower you with.  Sometimes it will be relaxing and refreshing just like a pacific rain shower and other times it might be deep enough to create puddles and pools of information that you can immerse yourself in.  But the inspiration will always be water - which happens to be the origin of the spa lifestyle but more important, it's about us and the world - both made up mostly of water.

Just like water, this blog will flow freely where life directs it.  For instance, I happen to have two beautiful dogs - a golden retriever and a chocolate lab.  Those two aim for the water and take so much joy in it and consequently, watching them gives me that inner sense of peace.  Animals can be an integral part of your wellness and they certainly are mine.  So at times, I may blog about my two 'boys' as I fondly refer to them, and hopefully share the same sense of well-being they bring to my life.

I've read so many tips on how to blog and how to tweet and most of them tell you to come up with ONE general direction.  Like water, I'll flow towards the spaces that need to be filled.  Now and then I may appear to digress, but like the water in a shallow river, I may slip through the rocks and even travel up the banks but I will always flow back to the source.

I hope to be part of your day's ritual and shower you with enough information to help cleanse your body, soul and mind.