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Spring clean your body!

5/5/2016

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As we roll into May, spring seems to be behaving itself better here in the mountains.  A little bit, anyway.

In so many ways, those of us here in Steamboat are fortunate to be living so close to Nature.  Our slow spring mud season, especially with the weather moving in fits and starts, parallels our bodies' shift as we prepare for warmer weather.  As much as we may want to get out in that beautiful sunshine and fresh air, our bodies--and the weather around us!--can be phlegmatic and slow to respond to our demands.

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They say that summer bodies are made in the winter, but winter is traditionally a time of rest and hibernation.  Granted, this is not always so in Steamboat with all our winter activities, but our metabolism may slow with the darkening of the days, overloaded with holidays and accompanying alcohol, sugar, and refined carbs.  No matter how much we exercise and take care of ourselves, winter has a way of hanging on:  extra belly/thigh bulge, dull skin, or just feeling sluggish.  It's no wonder that this time of year, "spring cleaning" is all around us, whether it's your house or your body. 

As such, we've decided that this is the perfect time of year to launch a new treatment--with a very special introductory rate!

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We are delighted to kick off spring with our new Body Contouring series:  a package of eight treatments combining lymphatic drainage with essential oils for a regimen that will leave you feeling "spring fresh" and renewed.

How it works

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Okay--time for a quick and easy, down and dirty introduction to your lymphatic system.  Like the circulatory system, the lymphatic system runs throughout your entire body.  Unlike the circulatory system, it has no central pump (aka, your heart); instead, it relies on muscular contraction to move the lymphatic fluid around.  This is why your ankles and feet get swollen on long flights; you're trapped in your seat with no way to move the lymphatic fluid, so it winds up pooling in your lower limbs due to gravity.

Lymph channels are close to the surface of the skin. Lymphatic fluid can be moved by a highly trained massage therapist via a technique that uses very light pressure called manual lymphatic drainage.  Effleurage, the light strokes used in Swedish massage, can also move lymph.  Light pressure is crucial; a heavier touch will close down the lymph channels and restrict its movement.​

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A perfect example of this restricted movement can be seen in the "lunch lady arms" look that frustrates so many women.  Due to the pressure of bra straps around our rib cages, lymphatic fluid cannot drain from the axillary (armpit) nodes to the inguinal (groin) ones.  Instead, the channels back up with stagnant fluid and increase the "fluffiness" of the breasts, upper ribs, and upper arms.

When using cups, we are utilizing vacuum.  Not only do channels stay open, they are often open wider than with MLD.  This means we can move more fluid to lymph nodes that aren't backed up so the body can process it. By clearing out such backlog, cupping also preps the lymphatic and circulatory systems and increases the skin's absorption rate.
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The treatment

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We start off with dry brushing, using a soft, natural-fiber bristle brush over the entire body.  Body brushing helps exfoliate dead skin and increases circulation and lymphatic drainage.  When the series is over, your body brush is yours to keep.

After the dry brushing comes massage cupping.  Rather than leaving the cups parked in one place, we use a gliding technique to pull stuck fluid from backed-up areas to the lymph nodes.  It is also highly sedating to the nervous system, leaving the client in a state of deep relaxation.

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Next is application of essential oils: after each part of the body is cupped, we administer a round of essential oils.  For this treatment, we use only organic essential oils with organic coconut oil as the carrier.  Normally, I don't worry too much about organic vs non-organic topicals, but as the skin has now been prepped and is ready to receive, we want to reduce the toxin load, not add to it.

After the oils have been applied, we crank up the table warmer and add a space blanket.  We don't need the client to get really hot, as circulation has already been prepped.  Additionally, we want the client to absorb the oils, not sweat them out.  Each treatment has a different blend of oils, from anti-cellulite to diuretic and so on.

The results

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Speaking of cellulite, this treatment will temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite but not the cellulite itself.  Cellulite is nothing more than fat; the textured "orange peel" look is a result of adipose tissue pressing up against a webbing of connective tissue.  Cellulite shows up on a lot of people, no matter how skinny they are otherwise.  There's really no "cure" for it, and any improvements made on how it looks are always temporary.
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However!  Sometimes, temporary is Just. Fine.  Got a special event coming up and want to look your best?  A wedding?  Reunion?  A beach-based vacation?  Maybe you've been busting your butt exercising and eating right, the damn pudge still isn't coming off, and you'd just like a wee bit of validation for all your hard work and is that too much to ask, dammit?!

Ahem.  Not that I have ever had a horse in that particular race at all.

I will say this:  because I never offer anything to my clients that I haven't experienced myself, I had Chelsea do this series on me this spring.  And holy crap did I see a difference!

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I misjudged the amount of carrier oil vs essential oils I would need, so I went through the process with the oils at about half-strength.  Even so, the results were noticeable.  My waist slimmed down dramatically, I lost half an inch off of each upper arm, and a good 1.5 inches off my hips.  It felt great, I loved what I saw in the mirror, and I felt motivated to continue to work out and eat better.

. . . Of course, immediately after all of that, I went on vacation.  This had the charming effect of undoing everything, because a) I bloat and retain water like a hippopotamus when I travel, and b) hello, VACATION!

The dirty deets

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As mentioned above, this is a package series of eight.  In order for it to work, sessions must be held at least twice a week; in my experiment, Chelsea and I were a bit pinched for time, so we ramped it up to three sessions a week.  Each session runs about 2.5 hours.  These treatments are not available on an a la carte basis, so please make sure that you have the time to commit to the series prior to purchase.

Total cost for the series is normally $1600.  Payment may be made once at the start of the treatment or split into two halves, with one payment due at the beginning of the series and one halfway through.

But I mentioned a special intro rate, didn't I?  Yep, you're correct.  Start your series any time between now and May 31 and receive25% off the total price, dropping it down to $1200.

Love to have some of the benefits here and there but not up to committing to the entire series?  Never fear, add-on spot treatments will be available soon, along with a non-surgical lymph drainage facial

One final note

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I learned how to do this series a couple of years ago, but have resisted adding it to my menu until recently.  The main reason behind my reticence is the amount of pressure women in particular are under to look fabulous and perfect and nineteen forever.

Okay, maybe twenty-nine, but you get the point.

I am a firm believer in loving your body unconditionally.  As a massage therapist, I hear a lot of people expressing fears and insecurities about how they look.  As a human being, I share those fears and insecurities from time to time.  But no matter what we look like, we are all deserving of love--especially from ourselves.

Sometimes, though, it can be a little difficult.  I know how looking like a million bucks on occasion can make you feel like a million bucks, especially at a fancy shindig.  I debated long and hard about adding this service, but I know the difference it made in how I looked at myself.  I know what a difference it made for the mother of a two young children, struggling with stress weight and water retention.

I know what a difference it can make, but I don't want anyone to rely upon it for their self-esteem.  As a result, I have decided to limit this series to three times a year per person.  There's no medical reason for it, but I don't want to exacerbate the idea that people must be slim and firm at all times and feeling bad about themselves when they're not.

We're only human, after all, in all our glorious shapes and colors and sizes.  Love yourself for who you are, but if you need a little help, we'll do what we can.

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Spring is here! Welcome all the new beginnings!

3/23/2016

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It's the start of a whole new season of growth

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Tolstoy said, "Spring is a time of plants and projects."  Here and elsewhere around town, there's been a ton of project-making and metaphorical seed-planting.
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New services soon!

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A few years ago, when I took my cupping class, I learned a couple of nifty lymph drainage wraps--including a body contouring one.  I've been training Chelsea on how to do them, using myself as the experimental body.  We're halfway through the series, and I have to say . . . I'm really, really pleased at the results thus far.

More information next month, including details of the wrap, final outcome, pricing, and all that.

Other new services . . . well, not quite so soon!

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Something else I've wanted to do for years is get my yoga teacher certification.  But the scheduling never worked out, and none of the teachers were the right fit for me.

All of that, it seems, is getting ready to change.

I'm not going to get into too much detail right now, as nothing has been finalized, but I've been in conversation with a teacher I highly respect about doing a training next year.  She's looking at doing something spread over several months--from spring mud season through fall--in order to allow students to really absorb the information and get some practical experience with it before graduation.

She needs a minimum of ten students to do the training, so if any of y'all are interested, drop me a line and I'll pass your information on to her.
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Put some spring (ha ha) into your step!

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The days are getting longer.  The weather is getting warmer.  The snow is starting to disappear (with, admittedly, the usual spring-in-the-mountains refills from Mother Nature).  Summer is right around the corner.

For those of you who put "get in shape" on your new year's resolution list (or even if you didn't), there's two fantastic new opportunities in town to help you better your health and support your body.


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First up!  As many of you know, I have been working with Brady Worster as my personal trainer.  Ever-inspirational, she has been lovingly kicking my ass and listening to me kvetch about it for the last three years.
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All of this makes me extremely proud to announce that Brady has taken the next step and gone out on her own.  Welcome to Fhysical Elements!  Located at 9th and Oak in the old pawn shop building, her space is clean, bright, and private--without any gym membership fees on top of her training contract.

If you're looking to take the next step into health and fitness, I highly recommend Brady as guide, cheerleader, and guru.

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The other new local venture I'd like to give serious props to is Yoga Lila.  Located near the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe bridge on the west side of town, Yoga Lila has a wide variety of classes, with both drop-in and unlimited punch cards.  They also offer tailored therapeutic series and an early morning "open studio."

So check 'em out.  They have an online schedule available here, and their digs are just beautiful.

Winter season winding down

As the ski season comes to a close, my Best Beloved and I will be celebrating by taking a little trip out of town.  We'll be gone March 31st-April 11th, but Chelsea will be around and covering some of my time in the office.

Besides, I expect half of y'all to run off to Moab at the first opportunity next month.  Enjoy the start of spring!.
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I appreciate YOU!

12/10/2015

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It's party time!

Yes, it's that time of year again!  The time where I throw a little bash to show my appreciation of YOU GUYS, my awesomesauce clients!

Goodie bags.  Discounted gift certificates.  Noshes and sips.  Free chair massage!  All the things that make life worth living!

Okay, maybe not all the things.  But I do what I can.

TONIGHT ONLY!
Come check out our swanky new digs and let me say thank you for all your support!

Where:  410 S. Lincoln
Located in Steamboat Square next to the gas station on Lincoln Ave and Hilltop Drive
When:  5:00-7:30pm


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On the menu
Fresh from Fireside Catering:
  • Mediterranean bruschetta
  • Bacon-wrapped scallops
  • Cucumber crostinis topped with roasted beets and goat cheese
  • Teriyaki meatballs
There will be wine for those that want it and sparkling cider for those who don't.

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Tell me about those gift certificates
This gift certificate deal is available for one day only--and is the best deal I offer all year--so act now to take advantage of it!

Buy two gift certificates of the same denomination, get the third half off!

Gift certificates may go to different recipients, including the purchaser.  Certificates are good for one year after purchase.

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And even more gift certificate deals!
I've teamed up with my favorite aesthetician and best colleague ever, Nikki Edinger from Spa Ooh La La, for an extra-special bonus offering this year!  Save $20 when you combine a facial and massage for a blissful spa day you're sure to remember.  Choose between a classic, gentleman's, or teen facial; upgrades to other facials are available for an extra fee.

But what if you can't make it to the party?
Have no fear--we gotcha covered.  Gift certificates are available online, for one day only--and the link is live now!

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So come by and say hi!
Pick up a goodie bag.  Snag a gift certificate or three.  Take a gander at the new office before your next appointment.  Have a wee nosh on your way home.  Get a free chair massage to unwind the knots of the day.  We'll be here, so drop on in when it's good for you.





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Strike that, reverse it

11/4/2015

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​Lots of news this month!  Lots of changes, both big and small.  Mostly big, though, so we'll lead with that.

If you can't say something nice about someone . . .
". . . don't say anything at all," right?

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​Although my mother (and my lawyer!) would both agree on that one, I'm going to go for the Alice Roosevelt Longworth route:

. . . sit right here by me.


My ***-*******, *****, ********* landlord, after stringing us along for several months and giving evasive answers to direct questions, finally announced a few weeks ago that he was kicking us out in favor of new tenants.  (Despite repeated requests for a lease, we've only ever been month-to-month.)

I managed to negotiate until November 30th, but he timed this particular bombshell to drop right before I went on vacation for two weeks, and I'm leaving again this Saturday for a week.  It looks like we have a new space lined up--right across the street, in fact.  However, with all of the crazy, I decided not to add another layer of stress, so I am rescheduling my client appreciation party.

Rescheduling, ahoy!
When:  Thursday, Dec 10, 5-7:30pm
Where:  New office!  I'll, um, share the details when I have them.

So--those are the two big things.  New office, rescheduled party.

But, so as not to leave you on a down note, I will share the results of another party--one from last week.

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Yes!  The Best of the Boat awards ceremony was last Thursday, and I was completely chuffed to bring home 2nd place.  Ali Boehm, a dear friend and an awesome MT in her own right, was nipping at my heels in third place, so color me very pleased indeed.

For those who want to know how a woman who doesn't really do massage (so I've been told) managed to get first again, I don't know.  Of course, I have my suspicions, but I can see my lawyer giving me the stinkeye from here, so I'm just going to zip it.

My mother would be so . . . proud?  Well, at least she wouldn't roll her eyes and say "Oh, Erica!" in that exasperated tone I might have heard once or twice.

​In my absence, I expect all of you to be on your best behavior.
. . . Stop laughing.

Buuuuut . . . if any of you either a) figure out what the blanked-out asterisks stood for, or b) come up with something different that makes me laugh until I snort, then you'll get something nice.  Maybe a hug, maybe a high-five, maybe a few extra minutes on the table--maybe immortalized in a clever anecdote!  I'll come up with something.

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Your vote counts

9/2/2015

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Living one's truth

The magic of time-delayed posting means that while I am out at Burning Man, roasting my tuchus off and possibly getting swarmed by bugs (although reports are that they've just about disappeared by now), I can also be here.  With you.

Well, sort  of, anyway.  I'll take what I can get.

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Cast your virtual vote!
Voting for Best of the Boat is going on RIGHT NOW!  But you only have a few more days--voting closes at midnight on September 4th!  I'm eligible for two categories:  best massage therapist and best spa. 

People wonder if these polls make a difference.  I'm here to say that they do.  Winning Best of the Boat in 2011 was just the boost my business needed.  It gave me enough visibility to keep the lights on, and then flourish and thrive.  Because of people like you, I've been able to follow my dreams and do what I love.

Now I'm here, to ask for your vote again.  It's not just me, this time.  This spring, I took a leap of faith and doubled my overhead to help two splendid young therapists gain some traction, get more hands-on experience, and hopefully be able to follow their dreams of a successful private practice some day.

Pay it forward, they say.  Be the change you want to see in the world.

I'm putting my money where my mouth is and stepping up to the plate.  Every single spa I've worked for in town has Done Things Wrong, from deliberate misclassification as an independent contractor to violating labor laws.  I aim to do things better than they were done by me, but I need your help.  We need that visibility again. 
  
 So cast your vote.  You don't have to live here in Steamboat to make a big difference in three people's lives.  Pass it on.

PictureChelsea rockin' it at the Lake Catamount triathlon
In my absence
I may be out of commission in the Big Dusty, but Mr. Kelly and Chelsea are still here, keeping the lights on and the tables warm.

My first day back in the office is Friday, September 11th, but I'm currently booked up for the next few days.  I don't really get going until about the 16th or so, and then I've got a few weekends where I'm back out of town again.

PLEASE NOTE:  I expect to be out of cell range and internet access until I get back to Boulder on the 10th.  If you need anything, please contact Mr. Kelly at 970.819.6403 or Chelsea at 970.215.5736.

Dusty hugs to all.

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Coming atcha like a dark horse

8/15/2015

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Let the shameless begging begin!
First and foremost, it's that time of year again.

Yep, you got that right:  time for the annual Best of the Boat survey!  This is the 5th year of the survey's incarnation, and boy, do I have a horse in the race.  I've taken the first place slot twice (including the inaugural year!), second place once, and hit third last year, even while grief-stricken and overcome with the impending loss of my little dog, my beloved companion for 16 years.

And now?  Now I'm back, from outer space, and I will survive.  (With apologies to Gloria Gaynor for making such a hash out of her song lyrics.)

But I need your help.  So, please, go here and vote for me in the "Professionals" section.

Pretty please?

(And here's a first!  Heartfire Massage is even listed as a spa in the community section.  Wouldn't that be cool to place in?)

Okay, okay, enough with that for now. Expect more in the future.

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Tri, tri again!
It may be hard to remember with the Pro Challenge bearing down on us, but Sunday is the Steamboat Triathlon at Lake Catamount.

Once again, Chelsea and Mr. Kelly will be providing free massage to the participants, and once again, we'll have some nifty swag for the racers.

So if you would like more exercise (and perhaps a little less competition!) than fighting the Pro Challenge crowds, c'mon out and get your tri on!

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Truly transcendent monks
A couple of months ago, my friend the impeccable Jennie Lay sent out a call, asking for people to come feed the Drepung Loseling monks a meal when they came to the library to do the sand painting.  I volunteered to take care of lunch their last day, and as a special surprise, I even brought in my massage chair!  I figured that what with being bent over all week, their backs could use a little work.  Boy, was I right!

It was delightful how pleased they were.  I may even have stored up a little karma in my favor.  One can hope, right?


Speaking of good karma . . .

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In a fairly recent and definitely unexpected turn of events, I'll be heading off to Burning Man at the end of August and gone for a couple of weeks.  For those not familiar with it, Burning Man is a week-long arts festival held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, outside the small town of Gerlach.  All kinds of art are there:  music, dance, sculpture--and some things that people may not first consider when they think of when think of art, like cooking, massage, and so on.

It's been ten years since I've been, and the population has doubled in size.  I expect to be doing a lot of "back in my day" or "the last time I went," as well as waving a stick and telling those damn kids to get off my playa.

That's okay.  They'd probably think it was performance art.

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Adieu for now!
The time has come for me to bid you fond farewell, as I finish cooking and getting ready to haul my gear to Boulder this weekend so it can be trucked out to the desert in time.  

Unsurprisingly, this is pretty much what I've looked like over the last week.

So, yeah.  Getting on that right now.

Be well, and I hope to see you soon.


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New surprises unveiled!  And a mud season discount!

5/21/2015

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The abundance of spring
Tolstoy said, "Spring is a time of plans and projects."  As spring is a time typically associated with renewal and growth, I'm just keep on rolling right on there with it.

Those of you who have been on my website or booked a massage online lately may have picked up on the surprises I alluded to last month:  two new therapists joining the ranks, and a couple of new treatment options.

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My cup runneth over
I have been overjoyed and delighted at the amazing response that has come since I started focusing solely on my own practice just a handful of years ago.  However, there are only so many hours in a day--and I only have two hands! When my friend Jenn said she was moving out of her office at the end of our suite, I carpe'd the hell out of that diem and hired on two independent contractors.

Don't worry--I'm still doing plenty of massage, and you won't end up in a session with someone else unless that's what you want.  But!  This does open up the opportunity to do group/couples massages at the same time or get a massage from someone whose work I recommend if I'm not available--and I do highly recommend them both!

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Meet Mr. Kelly and Chelsea

Mr. Kelly comes to us from Greeley.  He attended the Academy of Natural Therapy's 1000 hour program and graduated in 2011.  He's a big dude, but surprisingly gentle when needed.  Mr. Kelly specializes in therapeutic work and pain management, and loves fixing up cars almost as much as he loves fixing up bodies.

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Some of you may recognize Chelsea from our building or around town.  Another 2011 Front Range graduate, Chelsea attended the Institute of Business and Medical Careers in Ft. Collins.  She graduated with honors, receiving a degree in Occupational Studies of Allied Health and Therapeutic Massage.  Chelsea's work is very similar to mine, combining long, smooth strokes with focused spot work.

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A brand new market 
Speaking of seizing the day, my other big announcement is my expansion into a pioneer market:  cannabis massage.

In short, this is massage utilizing a cannabis-infused lotion.  It won't get you high (I can hear some of you out there asking, "what's the point, then?"), but it can help reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, and heighten the sense of relaxation a massage brings.  (More information will be over on my Steamboat Cannabis Massage website as I build it, but figured I'd get the big 'uns out of the way right now.)

Anecdotally, it does not seem to show up in UA tests, but if your career or custody of your kids rests on you not pissing hot . . . well, I wouldn't select that particular upgrade.  Just to be safe.


And what are these upgrades?
If you want to add a little 420 into your massage, I have two options available thus far (non-cannabis lotions available as well):
           Fire & Ice - a spot treatment with moist heat, followed by a chilled analgesic lotion
           Colorado 14K - a full-body treatment with warm towels and an infused lotion

Please note:  these upgrades are an option in addition to my regular work.  If you don't want a massage with cannabis lotion, I still offer all of my normal treatment options.

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However.

If you are interested in trying a cannabis massage, this is totally the place to be.  I'm just sayin'.

And for those curious locals . . .
As a little thank-you for all y'all sticking around, I have an end-of-mud-season special for you.

Normally, the Colorado 14K upgrade is $25.  Right now, it's 20% off for all appointments between now and June 1st, dropping the upgrade price down to a mere double sawbuck.


"Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June." - Al Bernstein
Whether you're out hiking, biking, gardening, or golfing, I hope you're doing something to celebrate spring.  Summer will be here before you know it.

Be well, and I hope to see you soon.
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With apologies to "Wayne's World"

11/3/2014

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Party time! Excellent!
Just a quick reminder that this Thursday is my annual client appreciation party.  We'll have wine, delicious noshes from Fireside Catering, door prizes, goodie bags, and discounted gift certificates.
     Date:  Thursday, Nov. 6
     Time:  5-7:30 pm
     Location:  my office, 405 S. Lincoln Ave

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About those gift certificates . . .
My long-time clients know that this is the best deal I offer all year:  buy two, get the third half off!  This gift certificate deal is available for one day only--the day of my client appreciation party.  My rates will be going up on December 1st, so this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of them before they do.

However!  If you cannot make it to the party, the Powers of The Internet can bring the discount to you.  Simply click here on November 6th, and you will be taken to a special page where you can purchase your gift certificates.

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New car, caviar, four star daydream. 
Or maybe not.

I've had a number of people ask about my upcoming increase in pricing.  Don't worry, it's not like I'm preparing for an imminent move to Vail and practicing by raising my rates.  Here's the skinny:  half-hour and hour-long sessions will be going up by $5, hour and a half and two hour sessions will go up by $10.

My new pricing will go into effect on December 1st, so get in (or get your gift certificates!) while the gettin' is good.

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Do you feel lucky?
It appears our building has sold to new owners, who are hellbent-for-leather in remodeling the first floor.  This means that life in our building has suddenly gotten very noisy at some rather unexpected moments.

Enter Renovation Roulette.

If noise from construction significantly impacts your session, you get to draw a number out of a hat afterwards.  As a result, you will get 10, 15, or 20% off the cost of your session, or an extra 10, 15, or 20 minutes of hands-on time at your next massage.

Fortunately, the downstairs renovations should finish up this month.  There are some upcoming plans for the bathrooms and to replace the carpeting in the common area, but I'm not sure what the timeline will be on that.  Rest assured, I'll keep the luck of the draw going as long as the remodeling lasts.

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Winner, winner, chicken dinner
For those of you who haven't seen the results yet, the Best of the Boat awards were a week and a half ago.  Once again, I was in the top three, taking third place right behind my dear friend Ali Boehm of Kneading Hands.

Due the timing and dealing with personal business, I didn't have the oomph I normally devote to this event.  I was pleased and humbled to have made it back in the top three for my fourth year in a row, and I owe all of my voters a debt of gratitude.

Next year, though?  I'm gunning for first place again.  You have all been warned. :)

Speaking of gratitude
I'm off to put together goodie bags for Thursday.  I like changing things up from year to year, so we'll see what fun new giveaways I have in store.  Hope to see you there!

Best,

E.


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Crack open your calendars!

10/7/2014

1 Comment

 
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The first termination dust has shown up on the mountain, reminding us that winter is right around the corner.  Although this is supposed to be a slow time of year, there's several notable dates coming up. 

Grab your calendar and a pen, because these events you don't want to miss out on.

In a nutshell, here's the skinny:
Oct 11:  Foam roller workshop
Oct 12:  Beyond the Bust
Oct 23:  Best of the Boat awards
Nov 6:   Client appreciation party
Nov 30:  Last day at current rates

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Saturday, October 11:  Foam roller workshop     
     Yoga Center of Steamboat
     3:30 - 5 pm
     $15 pre-register (by 10/9) /$20 day of
     5 person minimum signed up by 10/9

Learn to use the foam roller as a tool to essentially give yourself a full-body deep tissue massage.  Use the foam roller to massage the body, lengthen the muscles, and create space. Excellent for those with specific aliments, as well as anyone with everyday aches or pains.

I often recommend foam rollers for self-care, but I get a lot of questions on how best to use them.  I took Ashley's workshop last quarter and learned a lot of really good information and would highly recommend this class to anyone who want to pick up some excellent pointers.  Even though I've already taken it once, I plan on attending again.

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Sunday, October 12:  Beyond the Bust
     Steamboat Independent Spa
     9 am - 6 pm
     Book online
    
The women in the building I work in formed a loose co-op a few years ago called the Steamboat Independent Spa.  This is our second year holding our annual BEYOND THE BUST fundraiser, benefitting the Yampa Valley Breast Cancer Awareness Project.

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The other ladies and I will be providing discounted mini-services to the public, ranging from half-hour massages and mini facials to hot oil scalp treatments and reflexology.  Scheduling is available via online booking only.  So come and relax, snack (delicious, uber-healthy refreshments provided by Joose!), and donate for a good cause, all while getting pampered.

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Thursday, October 23:  Best of the Boat awards
     Steamboat Grand
     5 - 8:30 pm
     $20

Okay, most of y'all know that I've been voted best massage therapist in Steamboat's Best of the Boat poll (THANK YOU!!) for the last three years.

Well, looks like I'm back on the podium again this year, somewhere in the top three.  We won't find out until the awards party--which is open to the public!  Tickets run $20, I think, although there doesn't seem to be anywhere to buy them yet.  But if you feel like joining me, I'd be delighted.

If you've got your introvert on, never fear--I'll be announcing the results on my Facebook page the moment I stop cheering my head off.

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Thursday, November 6:  Client appreciation party
     My office (405 S. Lincoln Ave)
     5 - 7:30 pm
     Food and wine, goodie bags, gift certificates, and more!
     RSVP, 'cause you're awesome like that.

You guys rock.  Because of you, I get to make my living doing the thing I love the most.  And I adore being able to show how much I appreciate you all.

If you're in town, swing on by, no matter how many years it's been.  As per usual, I'll have wine and yummy hors d'oevers from Fireside Catering, goodie bags, door prizes, and the ever-popular discounted gift certificate deal:  buy two, get the third half-off.

Sunday, November 30:  Last day at current rates
Just a quick heads-up for y'all . . . as of December 1st, my rates will be increasing slightly.  So if you're thinking about getting any gift certificates for the holidays, you might want to plan accordingly.

Or, really, go big on November 6th; for those who can't make it to the party, I'll have the gift certificates for sale online for one day only.

Whew.
Mud season hasn't really even started, and I'm already tired. O.o

Be well, and I hope to see you soon.

Best,

E.

1 Comment

"The leaves are falling from the trees like burning tears - the wind howls"

9/15/2014

8 Comments

 
“And now, my poor old woman, why are you crying so bitterly? It is autumn. The leaves are falling from the trees like burning tears - the wind howls. Why must you mimic them?”
                                              ― Mervyn Peake, Titus Groan

So early as the leaves do fall

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This has been a summer of loss.

A dear client passed away from cancer.  Another received a diagnosis of the same disease, as did a friend of mine from high school--her third in less than a year.  A different client lost her four-month-old grandchild.  I am near to losing my beloved canine companion of over sixteen years.  One of my dearest friends failed in her first IVF attempt.  Robin Williams, one of the most brilliant comics of our lifetime, remains only in memory and film. 

I have, quite honestly, lost track of the number of grieving, suffering people in my life.

~*~
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Years ago, I took a two-week yoga intensive.  One day, near the end of the series, we were watching a video, and the speaker started talking about how, every autumn, thousands of people make their way to the East Coast to watch the leaves turn.

What they never think of is that they are there to watch the leaves die.

As morbid as that sounds, there is a quiet elegance in it as well.  For it is at this time that the leaves are their most authentic selves, at their most individual and most beautiful.

I try to remember this . . .                                                                 
                                                                                 . . . but it is not always easy.

~*~
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Grief is one of those times when we must make sure we are taking care of ourselves--moreso than usual.  We all cope in different ways:  some healthier, some that are more self-destructive.  Some days we're good at taking care of ourselves.  Some days, not so much.

For those of you who choose massage as a self-care tool during times of grief, be aware that you may benefit from changing your usual modality.  If you generally prefer to receive deep, specific work, try instead a more nurturing massage, with long, flowing strokes.  These relaxing techniques are designed to calm and sedate the nervous system, helping to provide respite from stress.

There's plenty of time to get beat up later.  For once, let someone else take care of you.  And if you can't turn off the tears or stop your brain from making lists, it's okay.

Be well, and I hope to see you soon.

Best,

E.

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    When not doing massage, Erica can often be found doing yoga, chasing goats, or puttering in the kitchen.  On occasion, these activities have been known to overlap.

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