Solano Beauty Buzz

New Blog Address

2011-02-15T10:40:00.001-08:00

Please note that we are merging our two blogs, www.BeautyBuzzInTheCity.com and www.SolanoBeautyBuzz.com.

Please continue to follow us at our new blog address, www.BeautyBuzzIntheCity.com.

Get in the Mood for Love–Valentine’s Day is 4 Days Away!

2011-02-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Still looking for a gift for your Valentine?

Stop by Green Valley Salon and Spa and check out our display of Valentine’s Day gifts by Kama Sutra. These sultry products include:

Lover’s Body Paint in Milk Chocolate, Rich Caramel or Dark Chocolate Raspberry
Honey Dust Body Powder
Strawberry Sweet Heart Box
Cupid’s Collection

Gift your Valentine with these products and add some spark to your Valentine’s Day celebration!

Easy Ways to Make Your Home Healthier

2011-02-09T10:13:00.001-08:00

Take off your shoes – Reduce the amount of dust, pollen and pesticides in your home by adopting a “no shoes” policy in your home.
Switch to all natural household cleaners – from dish soap to floor polish there is a vast selection of non-toxic cleansing products available for your home and clothing
Redecorate with low or no-VOC paints – Water based paints and stains come in an array of colors and are non-toxic
Upgrade your HVAC filters – High performance and HEPA rated filters are available for return vents. This helps reduce indoor pollutants by filtering dust, pollen and other undesirables from the air.
Avoid plastics – By banning vinyl and other PVCs, you will keep dioxins out of the air and plastics out of the landfill. It will also reduce your family’s exposure to the toxic substances in plastic.

New Product Alert–OPI Katy Perry Collection

2011-02-09T09:58:00.001-08:00

Katy Perry has teamed with OPI for her very own collection of fabulous lacquer shades, inspired by her newest album, Teenage Dream. These four shades combine amazing color with Katy's own fashion sense for nails that pop! Wear with OPI Black Shatter for the ultimate pop-arazzi magnet! Go ahead -- live the dream.

This collection includes:

The One That Got Away
Not Like the Movies
Last Friday Night
Teenage Dream
Black Shatter

February Special - Chocolate Valentine

2011-02-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Valentine

Choose any 2 Enticing Chocolate-Inspired Services

ONLY $140

Chocolate Signature Facial (60 minutes)

Chocolate Oil Massage (60 minutes)

Chocolate Manicure & Pedicure (90 minutes)

Couple’s Special

Choose 1 of the following services for

ONLY $150

Couples Chocolate Massage (60 minutes)

Couples Chocolate Facial (60 minutes)

Choose BOTH Couples Chocolate services and
receive All FOUR services for

ONLY $299!

Enjoy complimentary refreshments when booking your services between February 11-14^th!

And as a bonus for you...
Receive a gift with any $100.00 Gift Card Purchase.

Please note other products options are available if you do not prefer the chocolate scent.

CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT!
707.425.6100

1630 Gateway Blvd. Suite E. Fairfield, Ca 94534
Offer expires 2/28/11

The 411 on Sunscreen

2011-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Whether the sun is shining brightly on you or hiding behind a thick layer of clouds, its rays are still present and can run havoc on your skin.

Make sunscreen a part of your daily morning regiment and protect your skin from the harshness of the sun.

Below are some facts to help you learn more about sunscreen and why it should be your best friend.

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What Are Sunscreens?

Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. The ingredients in sunscreen protect the skin by absorbing, blocking or scattering UV radiation.UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of photo aging. They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.

Who Should Use Sunscreen?

Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day. Also, UVA is not blocked by most windows.

Children under the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun.

What Is SPF?

SPF — or Sun Protection Factor — is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here's how it works: If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours.

Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. They may seem like negligible differences, but if you are light-sensitive, or have a history of skin cancer, those extra percentages will make a difference.

But there are problems with the SPF model: First, no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Second, "reddening" of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone and tells you little about what UVA damage you may be getting. Plenty of damage can be done without the red flag of sunburn being raised.

What is PA?

Newer sunscreens in the market also contain UVA-filters and their protective effect against UVA is measured with PA. PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA. The U.S. FDA currently does not offer a rating system for UVA. PA is a designation that originated in Asia and is used globally.

There are three grades, namely PA+, PA++ and PA+++.The more +, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UVA. PA+++ offers the most protection.

UVA is long wavelength (320-400 mm) UV. UVA radiation can penetrate glass and clouds and can be 30 to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays. UVA rays can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and cause skin aging, wrinkles, and skin cancers.

UVB is middle-range (290-320 mm) UV. UVB rays do not penetrate glass. Although UVB is less penetrative than UVA, UVB is more intense. UVB causes burning, tanning, acceleration of skin aging and the development of skin cancer.

Benefits of Sunscreen

- Minimize the effects of UVA and UVB.

- Shield important proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin.

- Protect skin from developing too high concentration of melanin which causes age spots and freckles.

- Help prevent skin from developing skin cancers.

How to Choose Sunscreen?

Select a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, UVA/UVB protection. Look for sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are insoluble particles which absorb and reflect UV away from the skin.

How to Apply Sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be the last step of skin care regimen so that it can shield your skin and block UV rays. Apply sunscreen after applying moisturizer.

Green Valley Salon & Spa proudly retails Obagi products, including their Nu-Derm Sunscreen SPF 50.

Feature of the Month–Clarisonic

2011-01-31T13:18:00.000-08:00

This month’s Education Event and Special features the CLARISONIC cleansing system.

Join Green Valley Salon and Spa on

February 5, 2011
between
10 am to 4 pm

to learn about the benefits of the Clarisonic Cleansing System.

Green Valley Salon and Spa utilizes the Clarisonic during facials. It is a useful tool that

Removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing
Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
Cleansing helps products work more effectively
Gentle enough to use twice a day
Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
Minimizes the appearance of visible pores

Please stop by during our event to experience the Clarisonic difference and further learn about its benefits. Personnel will also be available to answer your questions regarding Clarisonic.

SPECIAL OFFER

Coupon must be printed and presented at time of purchase to redeem the discount.

New Product–UNITE GO365 Hairspray

2011-01-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

3 Hairsprays all in one? Impossible… or maybe not! Just turn the nozzle to the desired strength. It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Simplify your life with a soft, medium or strong hold hairspray all in one can!

• 100% Vegan

• Paraben Free

• Sodium Chloride (Salt) Free

• Gluten Free

FOR BEST RESULTS: Turn the nozzle to desired strength setting. Hold 6 to 8 inches away. Need more? Need less? Just turn the nozzle!

Lip Tips

2011-01-27T10:32:00.001-08:00

Some people say the first thing they notice about another person is their eyes…though some find the lips the first place their eyes go to.

So…why not wow them with your lips??

Here are some easy lip tips to help you get your pout on!

* To keep lips going all day, first pencil all over lips with a soft lip pencil. Apply lipstick over and blot.

* To make lips look fuller, line lips with a pencil and then blend the edges with a sponge applicator. Cover with gloss or petroleum jelly.

* To keep lipstick off teeth, pucker lips into an extreme "O". Cover your finger with tissue, and put it into your mouth. Slowly twist it out of your mouth, eliminating any excess color.

* To achieve a pouty, sexy mouth, emphasize your top lip by dabbing just a touch of gloss in the center.

* Highlight your lips with a very light eye shadow color that coordinates with your lip color tones. Place it right in the center of your upper and lower lips.

* To balance unevenly shaped lips, use a lighter colored lipstick on the smaller-sized lip.

* To keep lipstick in place while dining, keep lips off utensils. Use your lower teeth and tongue to do the work.

* Gently rub with washcloth over lips before applying lipstick to smooth out lips.

* Apply foundation around the lips give a precise look without lip liner.

For Full Lips:

* You really don't need lip liner, but if you like the look, soften edge with your finger or a Q-tip.

* Don't wear any lip color that is too glossy or shiny.

For Thin Lips:

* Draw slightly beyond the lip with a neutral-colored lip pencil. Then apply lipstick. Your lipstick will "catch" onto the liner.

* Apply white shadow on center of lips over lipstick and spread slightly.

* Don't wear a very dark shade of lipstick. It makes lips more smaller.

Natural Cures for Dry Skin

2011-01-19T06:21:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret that cold weather and dry skin have are good friends. During the winter months sometimes it seems your skin just can’t retain enough moisture.

Try these tips if this winter weather has your skin looking like a lizard in the middle of shedding.

Dab on olive oil. Olive oil grooms dry cuticles, works wonders on hands and elbows, removes makeup and soothes and conditions itchy, dry skin all over the body. Just add a thin layer of organic extra virgin olive oil to your troubled area for a good-for-your-body home remedy.
Try natural exfoliants. Plain Greek yogurt will remove dry skin and leave you feeling refreshed. It is a fairly safe exfoliant for dry skin because it exfoliates using lactic acid, not scrubbing granules.
Use the healing power of honey. Honey is a time-tested cure for chapped, cracked lips. Apply a little organic honey in the evening to your chapped lips and you will wake up with smooth, yummy lips. Also try this on cracked elbows and heels!
Treat your skin from the inside out. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Also, a diet rich in magnesium, essential fatty acids, vitamin C and beta carotene naturally feeds your skin from the inside out and makes it less prone to dryness.

OPI Color of the Week–Diva of Geneva

2011-01-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

“A vibrant pink-red that’s anything but neutral”

2011 East Bay Women’s Conference–Embrace Strength–Imagine Success

2011-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Green Valley Salon & Spa is excited to be participating at the East Bay Women’s Conference on March 7th!

We hope you can join us for an evening of education, socializing, fun, and empowerment!

East Bay Women's Conference 2011 - Attendee Registration
03/07/11
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
San Ramon Marriott
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The 2011 East Bay Women’s Conference, Embrace Strength–Imagine Success, presented by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Chevron Corporation, convenes Monday, March 7, 2011, 8am–5pm, at the San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA. This year’s keynote speaker is award-winning playwright, activist, and author Eve Ensler.

Now in it sixth year, the EBWC is the only conference of its kind in San Francisco’s East Bay that provides women opportunities to come together and participate in programs of personal and professional enrichment and development. Recognized by the community for programming excellence, the EBWC has enjoyed sold out attendance of 525+ since its 2006 inaugural event.

The distinctive conference blends premier keynote and featured speaker presentations; breakout sessions focused on contemporary issues; exhibitor booths; and a fully stocked bookstore and author signings. On board are industry experts in business leadership; volunteerism; finance; health and nutrition; and effective relationships, among other topics.
Cost: $165.00 per person | $1650.00 per table of 10.

Click here to register for this event...

Tips to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

2011-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

New Year’s Resolution season is in full gear and unfortunately, for many, their resolutions will not last longer than, well, January.

Here are some tips to help you stick with your resolutions. These tips will also help you if you haven’t created your resolutions yet and want to get started. It’s never too late to make a change, right?

1. Be realistic in your expectations of your outcome. Make your goals attainable to keep you motivated. Don’t set yourself up for failure. You aren’t going to lose 50 lbs by Valentine’s Day so don’t pressure yourself to.

2. Get a plan together – write down the steps you have to take to achieve your goal and stick with your plan. If it needs modification, modify it as needed.

3. Tell everyone who will listen about your goals. They will then be inclined to ask you how you are doing and you won’t want to lie and tell them you cheated, right?

4. Reward yourself for the little successes. Instead, treat yourself to something that has nothing to do with your goal, but is still fun and enjoyable for you. For instance, don’t treat yourself to an entire box of chocolates when you lose those first 10 pounds. Instead, treat yourself to a movie that you’ve been wanting to see or a mini vacation that you have been dying to go on.

5. Track your progress throughout the year. Keep track of all the small successes that lead up to your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep and small accomplishments will keep you motivated.

6. Don’t beat yourself up if you occasional slip on your road to your goal. It is all about baby steps.

7. Stick to it – experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity or routine to become a habit. Give it time and your new habits will become second nature in no time.

8. Keep trying, don’t give up. If you find yourself losing site of your resolution by February, don’t give up. Start over again. No one says that resolutions HAVE TO start on January 1st of every year.

OPI Color of the Week–Glitzerland

2011-01-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

“Swiss gold in the cold”

Glitzerland is a champagne gold color with a metallic finish. When you step into the sunlight, you will be treated to a display of mutli-colored micro-glitter!

OPI Color of the Week–Ski Teal We Drop (Swiss Collection)

2011-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Allure magazine selected Teal as the Fall Color of the Moment. It may be January, but this color is still a must-have in your arsenal of nail colors!

Ski Teal We Drop is a gorgeous dusty blue/teal crème.

"This rich shade is a refreshing change from fall's traditional berries and eggplants, and it looks equally good on fair or dark skin, on hands or feet," raves Allure magazine.

Tips to Help You De-Stress

2011-01-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are over, the kids are going back to school and you are probably trying to maintain your resolutions.

You should be your number one priority and take the time to de-stress this year! Below are some steps to help you find your “calm”.

1. Exercise – Exercise is a great way to manage stress and can be easy on the pocket. Take a walk around your neighborhood, go out dancing or grab your favorite exercise video. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something you enjoy to keep you motivated.

2. Laugh – Laughter truly is the best medicine. It is proven to lower tension and improves blood flow and the health of your heart. Rent a comedic movie, hang out with your favorite friends that keep you laughing or enjoy some “forget your adult” time with your kids. It will surely lighten your mood in no time!

3. Write – Spend a few minutes every day writing about your day. Release yourself of your frustrations by writing about it or jot down the best things about your day. Maybe start a gratitude journal to remind you of all the great things in your life and re-read them when life seems to be throwing road blocks at you.

4. Socialize – Friends and family that love you and appreciate you may provide all the stress relief you need.

5. Get Some Fresh Air – Have cabin fever? Get outside even for just a few minutes. It can improve your mood and help you relax.

6. Be Kind to Yourself – Thinking negative thoughts only brings you down and increases stress. Remind yourself of your good qualities and the positives in your life.

7. Meditate – Practice deep breathing and meditation and exercises daily. Try to also meditate when you feel stressful or tense.

8. Make a Change – Sometimes the best way to reduce stress is to take yourself away from the situation causing stress.

January Monthly Specials–Botox and Zerona

2011-01-04T10:12:00.001-08:00

To honor Norcal Medical Spa’s recent collaboration with Green Valley Salon and Spa, this month’s specials are for Botox and Zerona Laser Liposuction Treatments.

Dr. Moshe Lewis and Michelle Toon, RN, of Norcal Medical Spa will be available at Green Valley Salon & Spa on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 10 am to 4 pm to answer questions regarding their services. Please feel free to stop by anytime between 10 am and 4 pm to receive answers to your questions about their weight loss program, Botox, Zerona Laser Liposuction and their numerous other services.

Services will be provided at Green Valley Salon & Spa beginning on January 11, 2011 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Please contact Norcal Medical Spa to schedule a consultation or appointment.

1-800-MY-BOTOX
(1-800-692-6869)

Botox Special

Receive 10% off your Botox treatment

(Regular price is $10/unit)

Zerona Laser Liposuction Special

Receive Two Zerona Fat Dissolving Treatments for the Price of One - 1 for You, 1 for Your Friend

Guaranteed to lose at least 1 dress size. NO pain. NO downtime.

Offers end January 31, 2011

Don’t forget to check out our Promotional Calendar for more specials!

Shellac– Hottest Trend in Nail Fashion!

2010-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

The hottest trend in nail fashion is Shellac and Green Valley Salon & Spa is excited to offer this new service to you!

Shellac was recently voted the Best New Product of 2010 and received the Nails Readers’ Choice Award!

Top fashion designers around the world consider nails one of the hottest accessory must-haves! Having beautiful nails to show off is a requirement for any true fashionista. With Shellac’s revolutionary new color products nobody should have to sacrifice fashion & style. There is something for everyone and for every lifestyle.

These amazing colors will last up to TWO WEEKS without chipping or fading AND there is zero dry time so there is no worry of scraping your nail in your purse while digging for your wallet or keys.

In a rush? The Shellac nail service last approximately 20 minutes so you will be in and out with DRY nails in no time.

Want a little more pampering? Enjoy the Shellac nail service with a manicure.

Call us today to schedule your Shellac nail service today! 707.425.6100

Green Valley Salon & Spa Soon to Offer Services by Norcal Medical Spa!

2010-12-27T09:37:00.001-08:00

We are happy to announce that beginning January 3rd, 2011, NorCal Medical Spa is collaborating with Green Valley Salon and Spa!

We are excited about this adventure because it allows us to provide you new services that will enable you to build yourself from the inside out!
In addition to our already existing services, Green Valley Salon & Spa will now have the capability, through NorCal Medical Spa, to offer Botox, a Weight Loss Program and Zerona Laser Liposuction, just to name a few.

The Following Services Will Be Available Beginning January 3rd:

Botox
Restylane
Perlane
Juvederm
Radiesse
Zerona Fat Burning Laser Treatment
Weight Loss Program

ZERONA laser liposuction was featured on Extra! See the footage below.
To learn more about Zerona, visit http://www.myzerona.com

Quick and Easy Results with Botox and Filler

We look forward to this collaboration with Norcal Medical Spa!

Egg Nog Recipe

2010-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing says Happy Holidays like a glass filled with Egg Nog!

Here are some recipes – both with and with alcohol – to share this Holiday Season.

Ingredients

4 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1 pint whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 ounces bourbon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 egg whites*

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.

Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.

Cook's Note: For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture.

Makes 6-7 cups.

Non-Alcoholic Egg Nog

Ingredients

6 fresh eggs*
1 cup granulated sugar, divided use
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Freshly grated nutmeg for sprinkling

Directions

In large bowl, beat whites until fluffy; add 1/2 cup sugar.

In an another larger bowl beat yolks until creamy; add 1/2 cup sugar. Fold egg whites into beaten yolks. Carefully stir in the cream, milk and nutmeg. Pour into a large punch bowl.

To serve, ladle into cups and sprinkle top with nutmeg, as desired.

Makes 6 servings.

*RAW EGG WARNING
Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs due to the slight risk of salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly refrigerated, clean grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

Buy One, Get One Gift Card Special

2010-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

“Countdown to Christmas” Specials–10 Days of Specials at i Bar and Green Valley Salon & Spa

2010-12-14T15:02:00.001-08:00

There are only 10 shopping days left before Christmas!

To help you finish shopping for those on your list, we are kicking off Countdown to Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas will provide you a daily deal for the next 10 days via Facebook. If you have not already, become a fan of your favorite i Bar location or Green Valley Salon & Spa (links below) and you will not only find out about the current deal of the day, but also receive special Facebook only announcements as well as have the opportunity to be our Facebook Fan of the Week and win prizes!

Hop on over to Facebook now to find out about today’s deal of the day!

Each daily deal is only available for ONE day so don’t wait - get shopping once you find a deal you like!

I Bar Fresno

I Bar Palo Alto

I Bar Walnut Creek

I Bar Emeryville

Green Valley Salon and Spa

Support the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

2010-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

This December, Green Valley Salon & Spa will be taking food donations that will help families across Contra Costa and Solano counties through the holiday season. We ask that you donate healthy Non-Perishable Food Items.

Let's make a difference in our communities by helping our neighbors and ensuring that No One Should Go Hungry!

Please consider donating and help out those in need this Holiday Season.

Top 10 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

2010-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

These great tips were recently shared by NorthBay Women's Health Coach Suzanne Goodwin, RN, BSN, and they were just too helpful to not share with all of you!

Visit NorthBay’s Spirit of Women website for more great articles - http://womenshealth.northbay.org

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Before you become a victim of holiday stress overload, try implementing some of Suzanne's top 10 ways to reduce winter stress and lighten up so that you can walk on sunshine once again.

1. Laughter/humor

Children laugh on the average of at least 300 times per day and adults laugh about 15 times per day. Multiple studies over many years have proven that humor, and laughter, heals. Laughter decreases pain, brings lowers cortisol levels, increases immune system and relaxes the muscles, nerves and mind. Smiling is the easiest way to instantly relax and a daily smile at each other can change a situation from negative to positive for both the giver and the receiver. Smile often and watch the world change and your perception change along with it, while your stress level subtly subsides.

2. Self care

Taking care of yourself during the holiday season will decrease stress. How often do you take a long and luxurious bath, or go for a spa treatment or massage? Pamper yourself this holiday season! Don't put yourself at the bottom of the list. You must first take care of you before you can take care of others effectively. Take yourself lightly and learn to laugh at yourself often!

3. Love friends and family

Love is patient and kind, and is the first and foremost emotion we share. Love is also a choice that we can make towards others. Spend time with those you love, and allow those you love to love you in return. Surround yourself with friends and family during the holidays and do not isolate yourself. Use humor and laughter often in your loving relationships

4. Exercise

Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. Studies have shown that daily exercise, even if broken into 10 minute segments, three times daily will benefit your overall health. Check with your physician before beginning any type of exercise program, especially if you have health issues or are overweight.

5. Maintain a healthy diet

With food and beverage temptations lurking around every corner, this can be one of the most difficult seasons to maintain a healthy diet. Try to emphasize the basics; drinking adequate water, avoiding excessive calorie consumption, excessive fat and sugar intake, and try keeping a daily journal of your food intake if overeating is a problem.

6. Reframe situation

When stress and activities overwhelm you like a dark storm, step back and look at each situation individually with a new perspective. Keeping the previously mentioned principles in mind such as humor, love and self-care, look at each negative situation and try to reframe or rename it in a positive way. Try to find the humor in what would otherwise be a bad situation.

7. Reorganize priorities

Take a look at everything you do on a daily basis and ask yourself what is important to you in the grand plan of your life. Does this really matter if it is not accomplished today, tomorrow or ever? Look at the items of top importance to you and organize your activities in that order. Do not let the urgent interruptions of your daily routine crowd out the important priorities in your life.

8. Simplify

Once your schedule has been organized with priorities set by what is most important, it's time to simplify. What you can simplify in your life to ease stress and anxiety? Frequently things, whether material or minor activities, can contribute to stress. Extra possessions and activities can begin to dictate and control your life, urgently interrupting what is really important.

9. List/notebook

If you have multiple lists of activities and priorities on your daily schedule, it's helpful to keep a notebook of your priorities. It is also helpful to keep a small notebook handy beside your bed at night to jot down ideas that are keeping you from sleep. Another handy tool is a calendar to keep track of appointments and activities.

10. Meditation/prayer/quite time

Last but not least, take time to meditate, pray, or make some quite time to reflect or reenergize your spiritual side. As you give to others on a daily basis it is imperative that you receive a renewal and nourishing of your spiritual side.

Green Valley Salon & Spa is NorthBay’s Spirit of Women Retail Partner of the Month

2010-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Green Valley Salon & Spa is proud to be among the local businesses partnered with NorthBay Spirit of Women. At the NorthBay Center for Women’s Health they believe “in making healthcare more comfortable, respectful experience, one that’s tailored especially for your life".

Even more exciting is that we are their Retail Partner of the Month! We are proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with Sprit of Women and help honor women and make them feel beautiful – from the inside out.

NorthBay Spirit of Women Members receive
15% OFF ALL SERVICES

If you want to be a part of this wonderful organization, visit their website to learn more about them and the wonderful things they do for women!

Butter London Color of the Week–Pink Ribbon

2010-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

“A modern icon that symbolizes breast cancer awareness. “

Pink Ribbon Lacquer is a pale pink with some white and dove gray in it, as far as I can tell. The brand describes it as "a classic "French" pink. Wear it with pride.”

i Bar Emeryville Grand Opening Celebration This Weekend–FREE EYEBROW THREADING!

2010-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Stop by the newest member of the iBar Family – i Bar Emeryville!

i Bar Emeryville is located at the Bay Street Center below the AMC Movie Theater.

If you have never been to i Bar or just want to show your support then please stop by this weekend to say hello!

i Bar is open 7 days a week. No appointments necessary for threading.

We hope to see you there!!!

Give Your Skin a Younger, Fresh Look

2010-12-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

A Younger Look Is Top Priority

When it comes to skin care, most women focus on reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Although you might not be able to completely cover your already present wrinkles, there are a few things you can do to make them less noticeable. The most important thing to remember is to keep it light!

Fresh, clean skin always appears full of youth. While you might be tempted to pile on concealer and foundation, be warned. Adding layers of makeup on top of these fine lines can be a mistake! Instead, choose a light weight oil free beauty products to give your skin a slight tint. It will give you just enough coverage, without caking in your wrinkle areas. Natural makeup with added moisture is most important when it comes to concealing fine lines. In addition, the extra moisture can help you prevent more lines from appearing in the future.

Hints for Using Concealer Under The Eyes

Another area of concern when trying to look more youthful is the under-eye area. The skin under your eyes is some of the most delicate skin on your body. Therefore, it can easily show wear and tear from stress and skin-abuse. To brighten up the eye area, consider using a small amount of concealer directly under your eye. This can help you with under-eye circles. Use a tint one-shade lighter than your foundation and blend it well. To apply the concealer (or any other product to this area of your face) be sure to use your ring finger and pat the product on. Your ring finger will apply the least amount of pressure. Other fingers can be too rough and actually damage the delicate skin in the area.

After applying the concealer and a light dusting of powder, use a light colored eye shadow all over your lid. Dab a bit of the shadow in the corner area of your eye (next to the bridge of your nose) and a bit under your bottom eye lashes as well. This will help your eyes look bright and youthful. Finish with a bit of mascara and you’re ready to go!

Secrets for Lips & Cheeks

Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you should pile on the red lipstick! Sure, it may be appropriate in some instances but not for everyday wear. You may not be dealing with blemishes (like a teenager) but you may be dealing with a lipstick crisis! To look younger, choose a dewy lipstick-gloss combination. It gives you a hint of color, without going matte. The shiny or “dew” of this lip choice instantly adds youth to your face.

For the cheeks, stick with a natural and light blush. Mineral blushes are often fool-proof and natural in color. Apply a bit to the apples of your cheeks and go! Remember, it’s easier to start with a little bit of blush and add more rather than adding too much blush and trying to tone it down. A quick hint: If you add too much blush, use your powder to lightly dust the area, toning down the intensity of the color.

The Natural Way to a Younger Look

Overall, there’s no steadfast advice or answers when it comes to looking younger. While a facial or a microdermabrasion session might help you on a monthly basis, choosing the right makeup can help you daily! So, remember to keep it light and dewy for the youngest look possible.

http://www.freebeautytips.org

December Special–Cranberry Holiday Special

2010-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Treat yourself or a loved one to a Holiday Cranberry Treat – and I don’t mean the edible kind!

Cranberry Holiday Package

Facial, Massage, Manicure and Pedicure: (3.5 hrs)
ONLY $190

Cranberry Peel: Cranberries aren't just for Thanksgiving; they can be used year round in a relaxing facial. The enzymes in cranberries act as exfoliants and will leave your skin healthy and silky smooth. Cranberry helps give your skin a boost and promotes healthier skin, as well as a far firmer, smoother and younger looking complexion.

Cranberry Moisture Mask: The omega oils contained in cranberry help to moisturize the skin, while at the same time, reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin. Apart from nourishing the skin, cranberry helps to improve moisture retention and increases skin smoothness. Skin elasticity and suppleness are improved as well.

Cranberry Body Butter: The ultimate hydrating treatment for hands, feet & body. This is a rich, creamy, sweetly scented moisturizer to leave your skin fragranced and beautifully soft. Let our sweet, refreshing cranberry scent create a festive holiday mood.

Cranberry Scrub: A blend of cranberry and fig exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells leaving only soft, glowing youthful skin. Fresh cranberry scent invigorates as you cleanse and buff. This treatment finishes with a generous application of our cranberry body butter.

Cranberry Massage Oil: A delicious treatment, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated and youthful. It polishes and refines your skin, leaving it in a smooth, flawlessly even glow.

CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

1630 Gateway Blvd. Suite E. Fairfield, CA 94534
707.425.6100
www.greenvalleyspa.net

Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday Sale – 20% OFF RETAIL PRODUCTS

2010-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

The staff at Green Valley Salon and Spa would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the special time with family and friends!

Get a head start on your Holiday shopping and stop by Green Valley Salon & Spa on Saturday and Sunday (November 26 and 27) and enjoy

20% off Retail products
(excluding Holiday merchandise)

This is a great opportunity to purchase gifts and/or stocking stuffers for yourself or those on your gift list.

Select from a wide array of beauty products, hair products, jewelry and accessories. Popular lines such as Clarisonic, Obagi and Unite are also included in this special. Stock up on your favorite products!!

Stock up on Fashionable Jewelry

Holiday and New Year Parties are just around the corner and there is no better way to make a statement with your Holiday attire than to accent it with a beautiful piece of fashionable jewelry.

Be sure to check out our collection of beautiful jewelry. They will make a great addition to your Holiday Attire!

10 Minutes to Gorgeousness!

2010-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Don’t have an hour to spend pampering your nails? Do you apply your makeup on the go? A morning shower just wasn’t on the schedule?

Try these 10 instant-gratification beauty to look fab on those days when you’ve only got a minute to spare.

Shine Them Strands – When you hair needs a quick fix, spray and liquid serums add an instant shine. They also help to tame the frizzies and eliminate static electricity. Leave the electrocuted look to Mrs. Frankenstein.
Curl Your Lashes – A little curl goes a long way. Have you ever noticed what a dramatic difference curling your lashes can do to your appearance? For curl staying power, apply mascara after curling your lashes.
Add Some Pretty To Your Pout - They may take a bit longer to apply than lipstick or gloss, but lip stains keep your pout looking rosy for hours (even through eating and drinking) and can easily make up for the lack of other makeup.
Get that Faux Glow - Bronzer is possibly the best secret beauty weapon to come around in years: It gives anyone an instant healthy glow. Stay away from those with shimmer, though, because they can make you look over shimmery and may also add an orangey glow (think Willy Wonka’s Oompa Loompa's).
Give Yourself a Quick Mani - Right after you get out of the shower, gently push your cuticles back using a hand towel. Then paint your dry nails with clear polish.Natural is in, right?
Buns Can Be Fun – Hair buns, that is. (What were you thinking???) When you don’t have time to mess with your hair and don’t want to wear a ponytail, then create a ballerina bun.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - The one-minute way to fake 10 hours of sleep: Take a flesh-colored eye pencil and use it to trace inside your lower lashline, covering up the area that normally looks pink. Then use a pale, shimmery eyeshadow or pencil in more of a whitish hue to make a little “V” at the innermost corner of each eye; this deflects from dark circles and draws light into the entire eye area, leaving you looking alert and bright-eyed.
Prime It Up! – Primers are not just for under foundations anymore. Try using it with just a little translucent powder. If you have acne or problem skin, try a primer with a greenish hue to combat those problems.
Fake the Flush – Working out can give you that nice rosy cheek complexion, but if you missed your date at the gym don’t fret. Apply a peachy blush and fake the workout.
VA VA VA OOMPH – When you are in that morning rush and don’t have time to curl or flat-iron your hair, but still want some style then just add some OOMPH to your hair. Flip your head upside down and blow dry your roots for about a minute then mist with light-hold hairspray. This will add volume to your hair and fake out the "I didn’t have time to take a shower yet” moments.

Butter London Color of the Week–Blowing Raspberries

2010-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

“This term refers to the noise made when sticking ones tongue out and blowing, usually as a rude gesture to another person.”

This rich berry red crème is a one-coat wonder red and gives off a smooth appearance.

OPI Nail Polish Line–Burlesque

2010-11-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

This holiday, you can shimmy and shine with Burlesque by OPI Nail Lacquers in 12 off-the-scale shimmery and glittery shades. Make a statement with your nail color and go Burlesque!

Get glittered up with

Bring on the Bling
Glow Up Already!
Extra-va-vaganza!
Simmer & Shimmer
Show It & Glow It!
Sparkle-icious

Or shimmy the Shimmer with

Rising Star
Take the Stage
The Show Must Go On!
Let Me Entertain You
Ali's Big Break
Tease-y Does It

These colors come just in time for the opening of Cher and Christina’s upcoming movie Burlesque (in theaters Nov 24). Check out the trailer below.

Winter Weather Skin Care

2010-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

The snow is already falling in Tahoe and the brisk cold breezes greet us as we wake up to our new days. The changing temperature also means a change of routine. Tweaking a few habits, can make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and glowing radiance.

Start the day with a hot shower... but before you get out switch to cold water for about fifteen seconds. Then turn up the heat a little, and down again to repeat the process for about two minutes. This is a simple hydrotherapy technique which revitalizes the skin by stimulating the flow of blood through the body. It is both invigorating and highly beneficial to the skin.
Use a good moisturizer. Choose a highly protective day cream that provides SPF30 protection to form a barrier against the elements. Creamier, water-in-oil emulsions are best. Don’t forget about your lips. Chapped lips are often the most noticeable problem in the winter. Use a highly moisturizing lip balm which provides a protective barrier, with vitamin E for good elasticity.
Exfoliate at least twice a week. This will remove dead cells and allow the skin to absorb extra moisture. The oil which we all complain about in the Summer is no longer being produced because of cooler winter temperatures and central heating. Therefore the skin looses the water which should be retained in the lower dermis of the skin. This can lead to premature aging of the skin and fine lines and your skin can appear puffy and grey.
Drink a glass of hot water with lemon. This Chinese herbal remedy is a sure-fire method of energizing your body. It will de-tox your entire system, including the liver and gall bladder. This means that your body will be able to clean the blood faster to get rid of toxins responsible for bad skin.
Simply sleep! Money can’t buy the benefits of a good nights’ rest. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don’t get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly. This is when degenerative skin aging sets in. Try to get seven, if not eight or nine hours of rest a night to achieve absolutely painless benefits.

http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/skinwinter.html

Butter London Color of the Week–Knee’s Up

2010-11-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

This in in-your-face metallic red color from Butter London is called Knees Up.

Yup, Knees Up. Brit slang for a rowdy dance party or getting drunk, it seems.

Pumpkin Pancake Recipe

2010-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween has passed us by, but pumpkins are still in season. Try a twist on your morning breakfast routine and try this Pumpkin Pancake Recipe.

2 cups all purpose flour

3 tablespoons. packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups milk

3 eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 cup canned pumpkin

1/4 cup cooking oil

1. In a large bowl combine flour and other dry ingredients. In a second bowl combine eggs and remaining ingredients. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture until slightly lumpy.

2. Heat a lightly greased griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat. For each pancake pour 1 quarter cup batter onto griddle. Cook until golden; turn when tops are bubbly and edges are slightly dry (1 to 2 minutes per side).

Makes 16 pancakes.

Butter London Color of the Week–Perfect Prezzie

2010-11-03T07:13:00.001-07:00

This week’s Butter London color of the week is Perfect Prezzie from the 2009 Christmas Collection.

“Say “Happy Holidays” to your fashionable friends with a rich, dark burgundy lacquer streaked with gold.”

Butter London Color of the Week - Perfect Prezzy

2010-11-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

This week’s Butter London color of the week is Perfect Prezzy from the 2009 Christmas Collection.

“Say “Happy Holidays” to your fashionable friends with a rich, dark burgundy lacquer streaked with gold.”

Butter London Color of the Week–Aston

2010-11-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week’s Butter London color of the week is Aston - as in Aston-Martin, the British super car made famous by James Bond in the 1964 film ‘Goldfinger’.

It has a delicate shimmer in a nice, sultry toffee color and is warm despite some pink undertones.

SF Giants Victory Special – 25% Off All Services

2010-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Do you hear that???

That’s the sound of the entire Bay Area celebrating the Orange and Black’s victory last night!!! What an amazing and well-deserved win!

To keep the celebration going, Green Valley Salon & Spa is offering 25% Off All Services. This special is for today only so hurry in!

Print the below coupon and bring it in to receive 25% off your services.

Current Specials - Show Some GIANTS Love! and Halloween Specials

2010-10-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

In honor of the SF Giants making it to the World Series, anyone that stops by Green Valley Salon & Spa wearing Giants apparel will receive

10% OFF ALL SERVICES

Show your love for the Orange and Black (just in time for Halloween, huh?) and get special pricing on your services.

It is our treat to you during this Trick O’ Treatin’, Giants lovin’ season!

Offer expires November 5, 2010. No other promotions or discounts may be used in conjunction with this special.

-----------------------

Halloween is just a few days away!

Show us your Halloween spirit and stop by Green Valley Salon & Spa wearing your Halloween costume and receive

10% OFF ALL SERVICES

Offer expires October 31, 2010. No other promotions or discounts may be used in conjunction with this special.

Join us for Halloween Trick-or-Treating; Halloween Safety Tips

2010-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of the year when pumpkins are carved into fun or spooky characters and children are frantically looking for just the right costume. We know how much kids love to wear their costumes and that they love to show them off.

Join us at the following locations for some fun and safe trick-or-treating on October 31st. We look forward to seeing your goblins, princesses, superheroes and rock stars!

Green Valley Salon and Spa in Fairfield
The children can enjoy trick-or-treating at Green Valley Salon and Spa between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on Halloween.

i Bar Walnut Creek
Don’t miss out on Broadway Plaza’s annual Community Trick or Treat event on Halloween between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. This popular trick-or-treat site has welcomed up to 1,000 Trick or Treaters in the past.

i Bar Palo Alto
Join the Stanford Shopping Center for spooktacular Halloween fun, games, and mall-wide trick-or-treating between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

i Bar Fresno
The darling children of Bullard TALENT School will be dressing as their favorite literary characters and walking in a parade throughout Fig Garden Village on October 29th from 9:45 am to 11:00 am. Come to the center to enjoy the creativity of the children. You may even see your favorite character strolling by!

Children are welcome to visit i Bar Fresno on Halloween between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm for a Halloween treat.

---------------------------------------

Halloween Safety Tips

Ghost, ghouls and monsters aren't the only things to be afraid of on Halloween. Accidents and mishaps increase dramatically when children trick-or-treat.

To avoid the many dangers children face while trick or treating, use common sense. Be aware of potential Halloween hazards and take precautions to eliminate them. Consider heading for an indoor Halloween party and bypass any chaos or danger.

Halloween Costume Safety

Wear flame retardant costumes.
Make sure your Halloween costume is colorfast so the color doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains.
Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering.
Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.
Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead.
Use only hypoallergenic and non-toxic makeup.
Wear comfortable, practical shoes.
Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
Keep your costume and wig away from candles.
Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

Plan your route ahead of time.
Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
Take along money for a phone call.
Wear identification that's easy to read.
Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
Walk. No running.
Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.
Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.
Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
Never accept rides from strangers.
Respect other people and their property.
Be polite and say "thank you."
Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.
Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.

Safety tips from http://www.halloween-website.com/safety.htm

Halloween Treats – Halloween-Themed Jewelry

2010-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are not sure if you want to dress up in costume this Halloween, but still want to get into the spirit of the day, why not throw on a Halloween-themed shirt and dress it up with some jewelry?

These little spider earrings sport a little bling were introduced at Green Valley Salon and Spa last week and within hours we were sold out! These 6-legged blinged-out insects are a hit with both moms and kids!

To add a little more dramatics into your Halloween attire, sparkle up with spider….

…or a snake.

Since animal jewelry is still on the fashion radar, you can continue to wear these pieces long after Halloween.

Join us for Halloween Trick-or-Treating; Halloween Safety Tips

2010-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Join us at the following locations for some fun and safe trick-or-treating on October 31st. We look forward to seeing your goblins, princesses, superheroes and rock stars!

Green Valley Salon and Spa in Fairfield
The children can enjoy trick-or-treating at Green Valley Salon and Spa between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on Halloween.

i Bar Palo Alto
Join the Stanford Shopping Center for spooktacular Halloween fun, games, and mall-wide trick-or-treating between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Children are welcome to visit i Bar Fresno on Halloween between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm for a Halloween treat.

---------------------------------------

Halloween Safety Tips

Ghost, ghouls and monsters aren't the only things to be afraid of on Halloween. Accidents and mishaps increase dramatically when children trick-or-treat.

Halloween Costume Safety

Wear flame retardant costumes.
Make sure your Halloween costume is colorfast so the color doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains.
Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering.
Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.
Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead.
Use only hypoallergenic and non-toxic makeup.
Wear comfortable, practical shoes.
Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
Keep your costume and wig away from candles.
Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

Plan your route ahead of time.
Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
Take along money for a phone call.
Wear identification that's easy to read.
Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
Walk. No running.
Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.
Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.
Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
Never accept rides from strangers.
Respect other people and their property.
Be polite and say "thank you."
Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.
Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.

Safety tips from http://www.halloween-website.com/safety.htm

New Product – Jewelry!

2010-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you have been into Green Valley Salon and Spa lately, you may have noticed new sparkly additions to our product shelves.

Because we all want to feel a little glamorous now and then, we felt it was a perfect fit to bring a little bling into the salon. You are already getting primped and pampered during your visit with us so why not treat yourself to a little piece of glamour, too?

Each piece of jewelry is hand picked by the keen, fashionable eye of our Sales Manager.

Many of the pieces she selects can also be found gracing the counters at fashionable icons like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. The benefit to our guests is that you are able to make your fashion statement with these gorgeous jewelry designs without the designer price tag.

If you walk into Niemen Marcus, you will find this simple, yet elegant bracelet displayed.

This gorgeous bracelet has the nod from Nordstrom. Can you see yourself wearing this bracelet with jeans and a white fitted shirt during the day, then fancying it up with that little black dress at night?

Stop on by Green Valley Salon and Spa to see the full selection of jewelry now available!

Butter London Color of the Week – British Racing Green

2010-10-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

This dark, deep green color has a solid color with hints of shimmer. Fall is all about dark, deep colors and British Racing Green is sure to be a hit this Fall Season!

NEW PRODUCT – Tokyo Milk

2010-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous product that Green Valley Salon & Spa is happy to make available to our guest is a hot new line from Tokyo Milk.

Tokyo Milk is a small company with a delightfully inventive and surprisingly affordable line of fragrances. These tinctures are crafted with wit and sophistication and offer notes of spice, sweetness, woods, musk scents and herbs. The graphics and labels on each fragrance are dazzling and delightful.

With names like “Let Them Eat Cake”, “Cherry Bomb”, “Dead Sexy”, “Kabuki” and “Honey Blossom”, you can’t go wrong!

(Check out the adorable labeling for “Let Them Eat Cake”)

From the spicy mixed with sweet of “Cherry Bomb” to the exoticness of Kabuki, there is a variety of scents to appeal to everyone’s fragrance preference.

Natural raw materials and oils are used to make these alluring scents.

Also available is a line of lip balms made with all natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Imagine….matching your lip balm “flavor'” to your perfume? GENIUS!

Easy as….well, Apple Pie! - Easy Apple Pie Recipe

2010-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cooking and baking are passions that a number of us share so we wanted to try something new and share some of our favorite recipes with you. If you have favorite Fall recipes, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email michelle@ibarthreading.com to share your favorite Fall or Holiday recipes and we will happily share them on Beauty Buzz in the City!

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It is fall and that means it is the season of PIES!

Nothing says comfort like a slice of warm apple pie with a side of vanilla ice cream. (Is anyone else hungry now?)

Here is a quick, easy recipe for Apple Pie to start your Fall season!

Ingredients

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.
Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work of crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.

5 Spices That Can Help You Lose Weight

2010-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that some of the tools to weight-loss success are already on your spice rack! We know there are countless diets and meal plans out there to help you lose weight, but did you ever think to look into your spice rack for your weight loss endeavors?

Here are five ingredients that not only add flavor to your favorite dishes but can you battle the bulge.

1. Cinnamon
A 2003 study published in Diabetes Care showed that as little as one teaspoon of cinnamon per day can boost the body’s weight-loss ability by reducing blood sugar and promoting healthier processing of carbohydrates. It also lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by seven to 27% and total cholesterol by 12 to 26%. But before you go on piling the spice by spoonful, note that cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin, which can lead to liver damage if consumed in very large amounts.

2. Cayenne
The main ingredient in spicy cayenne—capsaicin, which is also found in other hot peppers—has long been studied for its fat-burning abilities and thermogenic properties (the stimulating of the central nervous system to produce heat in the body, leading to an increase in calorie burning). In fact, capsaicin acts as an appetite suppressant. Recent studies have found that spice increases fat oxidation. It “ramps up energy expenditure, and stimulates activity by the sympathetic nervous system”—all which help the body to shed excess weight. Even if you aren’t a fan of spicy cuisine, you can still take advantage of capsaicin’s benefits. Research has found that cayenne’s ability to reduce appetite is equally effective whether ingested as food or in capsule form.

3. Black Pepper
Among the dozens of health benefits of this common household ingredient is its ability to improve digestion and promote the absorption of nutrients in tissues all over the body. Plus, its main component—piperine (which gives pepper its pungent taste)—boosts fat metabolism by as much as 8% for several hours after ingesting it. If you want your pepper to pack the most punch, use freshly ground pepper, which has the most concentrated amounts of piperine.

4. Mustard Seed
Like the other hot ingredients on this list, spicy mustard helps boost metabolism and allows you to burn fat more quickly, thanks in part to its thermogenic properties. Scientists at England’s Oxford Polytechnic Institute recently found that eating just one teaspoon of hot mustard can “boost metabolism 20 to 25% for several hours after eating, resulting in an additional burn of about 45 calories if a 700-calorie meal is consumed.”

5. Ginger
Long used for its medicinal properties, ginger is also an effective diuretic (a substance that increases the elimination of urine). It improves gastric mobility (i.e. it pushes food and waste through the digestive system) and hinders the absorption of cholesterol. Although according to the Mayo Clinic, more study is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that this versatile spice helps to increase metabolism.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-spices-that-can-help-you-lose-weight-2392858/

Newly Renovated Green Valley Salon & Spa Pictures

2010-10-12T15:14:00.001-07:00

If you haven’t stopped by Green Valley Salon & Spa yet, then here is a sneak peek at our new look!

From the moment you walk into the Salon, you will notice and feel the change in theme. Gone are the shades of green, brown and cream.

The once neutral-color painted walls are now dressed up in white and silver brocade.

The chairs are elegant, yet casual and inviting.

New products can be found throughout the reception area, including beautiful jewelry that has already been a huge hit with guests.

When you enter the service area for Threading, you are greeted with chandeliers, full length decorative mirrors and new, comfortable chairs to relax in while receiving your threading services.

Just beyond the new Threading and Hair Service areas is the updated Manicure station.

A few steps away, enclosed in a curtained cove is the beautiful Pedicure Bench with two stations. This area has been well-received by guests and guests are in awe of the new, modern design.

Even the restroom was not safe from our remodel! It now features an elegant purple and silver zebra print wallpaper.

If you want to see more, then you need to stop by Green Valley Salon & Spa and we will be more than happy to give you a tour of our newly renovated facility.

Don’t forget to also check out our updated website, www.GreenValleySpa.net, and while you are there, print out the coupon for 10% off your services during the month of October!

Butter London Color of the Week – Fairy Lights

2010-10-11T11:20:00.001-07:00

To help you get better acquainted with our new Butter London Nail Lacquer line and their fashionable colors, each week we will be featuring a “Butter London Color of the Week”.

This week’s Butter London Color of the Week is Fairly Lights.

Fairy Lights are what the English call small white Christmas tree lights. Be the life of the party in dazzling “liquid metal” rose pink.

In the bottle, this looks like a shimmery pearly pink. What comes out of the bottle, however, is an exquisite chrome pink.

Stop by Green Valley Salon & Spa to check out Fairly Lights and all the other hot new colors for Fall!

New Product – Butter London Natural Nail Polish

2010-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of the new products that Green Valley Salon & Spa is excited to introduce is the HOT, new natural nail polish line out of Great Britain called Butter London.

High fashion meets health with the natural products used for these stylish nail colors.

Butter LONDON products contain NO Formaldehyde, NO Toluene, NO DBP, and NEVER have. “On moving to the United States founder, She-Brit Sasha Muir, was shocked at the number of toxic ingredients in cosmetic products. She saw the need for a new brand of hand and nail care products that combined high fashion and health and set about building what is today, a premier British fashion brand.”

Butter London offers a stunning range of lacquers based on the season's catwalk shows. They are frequently seen on the pages of all the leading fashion magazines and took this years NYC Fashion Week by storm! It was featured exclusively with Betsy Johnson! It is already gaining international press and excitement from the world's top beauty editors. W magazine, Marie Claire, Lucky magazine, and Tatler magazine UK are all fans of their products and people around the world are now seeking them out. With clients like Vogue, H&M and Jimmy Choo, they understand how to bring fashion to the brand and to your nail.

Butter London’s exciting colors are heavily pigmented, which allows them to appear richer, deeper and more vibrant on the nail. Color goes on and DOES NOT fade over time. With their trendy colors and unique names, you will fall in love the Butter London line!

To help you get to know the colors, each week a new color will be featured on our blog as well as Facebook!

This is a VERY exclusive product that only the finest salons in the Bay Area offer. We are very proud to have the opportunity to bring it to YOU.

October Special

2010-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

For the month of October, enjoy

10% Off Your Service

Please print the below coupon and present at time of service to receive discount.

Green Valley Salon & Spa Re-Opens TOMORROW (Wed, Oct 6) at 9:00 am

2010-10-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

Renovation is complete and our doors will be opening tomorrow, Wednesday, October 6th at 9:00 am.

We are VERY VERY excited to share our new look with you and hope you love it as much as we do!

Thank you for your patience during our renovation. We greatly appreciate your patience and loyalty and look forward to introducing our new appearance to you.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our October Special. Throughout the month of October, guests are treated to 10% off their services. Click on the "Monthly Special" tab on our website to print your coupon.

1630 Gateway Blvd, Ste E Fairfield, CA 94534
707-425-6100

Visit Our Website

Green Valley Salon & Spa Re-Opens its Doors on Wed, October 6 at 9:00 am

2010-10-04T16:06:00.001-07:00

Thank you for your patience and continued patronage during our renovation of Green Valley Salon & Spa.

We are excited to announce that renovation is complete and our doors will be opening on Wednesday, October 6th at 9:00 am.

From the moment you walk into the Salon, you will notice dramatic changes in architecture, ambiance as well as decor. We hope you share our excitement for the new changes and would love to hear your feedback!

Our new theme exudes sophistication and elegance while still providing a relaxing and refreshing environment for our guests.

Another new element introduced in our decor is subtle hints of elegance from India. From Treatment Room names to decorative accents, you will be treated to little treasures that represent India.

Although our appearance has changed, our pricing has not. Our guests will enjoy familiar packages and pricing with the added bonus of a luxurious environment during their visit.

With the merging of Green Valley Salon & Spa and Green Valley Spa, we are excited to bring additional services to our guests. HydraFacials, Body Wraps as well as the popular Obagi products are now available at Green Valley Salon & Spa.

We are currently updating our website so it has the same look and feel as the Salon and Spa's new look. Visit the website in a week or so to check out our newly renovated website. www.GreenValleySpa.net .

Thank you, again, for your patience during our renovation. We greatly appreciate your patience and loyalty and look forward to introducing our new appearance to you.

Lastly, don't forget our October Special. Throughout the month of October, guests are treated to 10% off their services. Click on the "Monthly Special" tab on our website to print your coupon.

1630 Gateway Blvd, Ste E Fairfield, CA 94534
707-425-6100

Visit Our Website

It’s Your Turn Men – Grooming Tips for Men

2010-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of the key successes to looking younger is good grooming. An increasing number of men are making grooming a priority because they want to maintain a youthful appearance. Statistics show that men in the United States are spending more than $4 billion a year on grooming products, such as hair color and facial scrubs, driven by their desire to look and feel their best.
It is never too late to start so if you do not have a grooming regimen in place yet it is a good time to start and here are a few tips:
Get Rid of Gray Hair
The fastest way to take years off of your look is to get rid of gray hair. It's less noticeable and more natural to begin coloring your hair when you first begin to go gray. An easy-to-use product formulated specifically for men can be used at home to cover gray hair with natural looking results.
Go Short if You’re Balding
Balding is a common problem among men. Opting for a comb-over just dates your look. Get comfortable with your changing look and opt for a modern short haircut.
When men begin to lose the hair on their heads, they may begin to notice unwanted hair in other places, like their nose, ears or back. Be sure to trim or wax unwanted hair for a clean, contemporary look.
Protect and Pamper Your Skin
The best way to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer is to protect your skin from sun damage by using a daily moisturizer with sunscreen.
A good daily skin care routine includes cleansing, followed by a gentle facial exfoliant scrub, which also enhances shaving ease and comfort. Follow with a moisturizer containing sunscreen for day and at night a moisturizer with AHAs to encourage skin regeneration.
Pay Attention to Hands and Feet
Don’t forget to include your hands and feet in your grooming routine. Well-manicured nails and toes contribute to good hygiene and grooming habits. Make time to clip and file your nails at home.
Foot odor is a common problem among many men, and is relatively easy to treat. Scrub your feet daily and dry them completely. Insert a pair of Odor-Eaters Insoles into your shoes, which will absorb wetness and odor.
Quick Grooming Tips

If you don't iron your clothes, remove them immediately from the dryer so wrinkles don't set.
In hot weather, wear light-colored, cotton clothing and socks. This will absorb less heat and "sweat stains" will be less visible.
Consider trimming your arm pit hairs in warm weather. Less hairs, less bacteria, less smell. Think about it.
Don't be reluctant to trim or tweeze any stray eyebrow hairs.
Good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile.
Open your eyes. If hair is the frame for your face, the eyes are the windows. Use eye drops to whiten the whites of your eyes for a fresher, younger look.

Article found on http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/grooming-tips-men.html

Updated Renovation Pictures

2010-09-20T08:06:00.001-07:00

Construction is moving along quickly and in just one week, the new Service rooms are taking form. These two rooms are replacing the previous hair stations.

The door to the hair stations is now closed up and will be a flush wall in the reception area.

The arch indentations above the service area doors are gone,too.

Stay tuned for more updates!

The Makeup Shake-Up – Reinvent Yourself with Subtle Changes

2010-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tips to help you refresh your look with subtle changes to your makeup habits. Some habits are hard to break, but give these tips a chance and you may just like them enough to add the to your daily makeup routine.

If You Love Brown Or Black Eyeliner...

Try plum or navy
"The hint of color makes your irises more vivid without being over the top," says New York City makeup artist Carmindy, who's always up on all of the best beauty products out there. Draw a thin line along the roots of the upper lashes, then gently smudge the color with a brush or your finger to soften the look and make it smokier.

If You Love Buff Or Baby-pink Polish...

Try griege polish
The love child of gray and beige, griege is the shade of the season. Paint two coats onto short, rounded tips for a cool look that won't raise eyebrows at work. Check out this week’s Butter London Color of the Week, Yummy Mummy!

If You Love Bronzer...

Try a tawny peach cream blush
The rosy-cheek thing is in—and it looks more natural than bronzer when temperatures drop. Plus, a cream formula hydrates dry fall/winter skin. Blend the cream high on the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion to draw attention to your cheekbones.

If You Love Red Lipstick...

Try a burgundy lip stain
Think of burgundy as red's hipper younger sister. Use a lip stain because it will last longer.

Reminder – GV Salon and Spa Services are Temporarily Provided at the GV Spa Location

2010-09-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Our Green Valley Salon and Spa renovations are under way and we cannot wait for the unveiling in early October!

Please note that services will be provided at the Green Valley Spa location during the renovation 2288 Rockville Road, Suite D.

Contact (707) 864-0397 to schedule your services.

Please also note a change in hours. We will be open Tuesday through Saturday fm 9 am to 8 pm.

We look forward to introducing our new appearance to you in early October and invite you to view the progress of the renovation as we share it with you on the blog.

2288 Rockville Rd Ste. D

Fairfield, Ca 94534

www.greenvalleyspa.net

Directions

Right on Travis Blvd

I-80 West to San Francisco

Exit Abernathy Rd toward CA-12 E/Rio Vista

Turn right on Abernathy Rd

Turn left on Rockville Rd

Located next to the Tower Market Gas Station

Sneak Peek at Our Renovations

2010-09-14T10:20:00.001-07:00

Renovations are under way and here is a sneak peek at the first day of construction. The crew is working fast and have already made headway in construction.

What was formerly the Hair Services area is renovating into service rooms. The framing is already up and the walls will be done soon.

The Serenity room has been stripped down!

The tile in the lobby has been removed to make way for new, luxurious tiling!

Stay tuned for more pictures to hopefully come up later this week!

Thank You for Your Patience During our Renovation

2010-09-09T11:14:00.001-07:00

Our Green Valley Salon and Spa renovations are under way and we cannot wait for the unveiling in early October!

Thank you for your patience during our early closure on Sunday. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for our renovation!

Please note that services will be provided at the Green Valley Spa location during the renovation 2288 Rockville Road, Suite D.

Contact (707) 864-0397 to schedule your services.

Please also note a change in hours. We will be open Tuesday through Saturday fm 9 am to 8 pm.

We look forward to introducing our new appearance to you in early October and invite you to view the progress of the renovation as we share it with you on the blog.

2288 Rockville Rd Ste. D

Fairfield, Ca 94534

www.greenvalleyspa.net

Directions

Right on Travis Blvd

I-80 West to San Francisco

Exit Abernathy Rd toward CA-12 E/Rio Vista

Turn right on Abernathy Rd

Turn left on Rockville Rd

Located next to the Towermart Gas Station

OPI Summer Flutter

2010-09-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to a close soon, but that doesn’t mean you have to tone down those nail colors! The sun is still shining and it is almost always sandal season in California so rock those hot summer colors as long as you can!

If you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to check out the Summer Flutter color line! This cool as a summer breeze colors include:

Wing It!

Catch Me In Your Net

Flower-to-Flower

Flit a Bit

The Do’s and Don’ts of Hair Brushing

2010-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you find that each hair brushing endeavor results in the birth of a half dollar size ball of hair. It is a wonder I am not bald yet.

Here are a few tips to help you maintain those precious locks and keep your hair healthy (and on your head).

1. Before washing the hair, use a wide-toothed comb. If you have a long hair, start from the tips and move gently to the top of the hair. Do not pull the hair or comb too energetically, or you will lose healthy and mature hairs that hold firmly in your scalp. If your hair style is short just move brush through the hair from roots to the tips to eliminate frizz and arrange your hair before washing;

2. After washing DO NOT brush the hair while it is still wet. The hair should be at least damp when you start to detangle it, or you are sure to lose more healthy hairs. Do not be afraid to see hairs on the brush as long as you don’t feel any pain from their pulling off. It is a natural process of hair growth when up to 100 hairs are falling out every day to spare the place for new and young hair.

3. If you are using blow dryer quite often, you should use round brushes of 100 per cent boar bristle for styling of the short hair, and ceramic round brushes for styling of the long hair. Such brushes will make it easier for you to style the hair, add shine to your hair, and help you to arrange the hair into any style from spikes to soft waves.

4. If you are using a flat iron, you should start straightening from the bottom of the hair. Separate the bottom layer of the hair from the top layers, and pin up the top layers using tail of the fine-toothed comb. Straighten the bottom layer of the hair, and proceed with the upper layers until you are finished. Every time you apply flat iron to the separate tresses follow the flat iron with the comb to make sure that there are no tangles left.

5. Before going to bed, apply massaging brush. Detangle the hair first, and then gently brush the hair, especially the root area to improve blood circulation and allow your head to relax after the long day of styled hair. You will see positive results of such technique just after a couple of months. Your hair will look healthier and shinier, your scalp will receive more nourishment through improved blood circulation, and if you have problems with hair falling out, they will be diminished.

The state of your hair health will improve dramatically and your hairstyle will have a natural shine and smoothness that your friends will envy.

Healthy Skin Begins with Clarisonic

2010-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Open the pages of any beauty magazine and you are bound to see an advertisement for Clarisonic or read an article about its benefits. Clarisonic has received rave reviews from magazines like Glamour, Vogue Essence, inStyle, Women’s Health, and many more magazines.

It was even one of InStyle Magazine’s 2009 Best Buys.

Why are so many people singing its praises?

Skin cleansing is the essential first step in any skin care ritual, yet it’s often overlooked. Without proper cleansing, pollutants, oil and bacteria accumulate on the skin, clogging pores and causing blackheads, blemishes and dullness. This prevents serums and moisturizers from performing to their fullest potential.

Clarisonic developed the sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. The Sonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just 60 seconds a day, the micro-massage action cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing.

By cleansing daily with a Sonic Skin Cleansing System, you’ll remove dirt and oil better than with traditional manual washing. Even makeup is removed six times better than standard cleansing. And skin is left so clean it actually absorbs products like serums and moisturizers better.

Just look at the difference….

Here are some of the benefits of using Clarisonic:

· 2X more effective than manual cleansing

· 6X more make-up removal than manual cleansing

· 61% greater absorption of Vitamin C

· Works with all skin types

· Reduces oily areas and blemishes

· Minimizes pores, & fine lines and wrinkles

Clarisonic is available at both Green Valley Salon and Green Valley Spa. Stop by to learn more about Clarisonic.

Tame Those Brows - Eyebrow Gel

2010-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just like the head on our hair, eyebrows sometimes have a mind of their own and refuse to be tamed! One little secret not too many people know about is the availability of EYEBROW GEL!

Show those brows who’s boss by brushing on a little bit of eyebrow gel. With its mascara-style brush it is easy to gel the entire brow at one time or use the tip of the brush to focus on smaller areas. Accent your arch by brushing up or lower your arch by brushing the eyebrow hair along your arch down. Want that Grouchy Marx look – brush all your hair up and send us a picture because I would love to see that! =)

If your eyebrows are constantly going in different directions, then use these gels to help create conformity in their eyebrows. This is a clear gel so you don’t have to worry about getting the right color for your gel. For easy removal, use makeup remover.

Eyebrow gel is available at all i Bar locations.

Determining the Best Eyebrow Shape for Your Face Type

2010-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that certain hair styles go great with your facial type while other hair styles are all wrong for you. Did you realize that the same rule may apply for your eyebrows? Eyebrows are not a one shape fits all feature and determining the best eyebrow shape for your facial type can make a difference in your appearance.

Here are some tips to help you determine which shape is best for your facial type:

A round face looks best with a stronger, straighter eyebrow which can add needed angles to a round face.

An oval face looks best with a medium fullness and classic arch.

A long face looks best with a stronger, higher arch.

A square face looks best with a slightly rounder arch to add needed softness.

Other factors to consider when determining your eyebrow shape include:

How thick or thin your eyebrows are – avoid over-reducing your eyebrow line if you have thin eyebrows
The size and shape of your eyes
Distance between your eyes – are your eyes close set or far apart?
Your age – Again, not all eyebrow shapes are created equal

Having a hard time determining what shape best suits your facial type? Consider asking one of our eyebrow threaders for a consultation.

Butter London Color of the Week – Scoundrel

2010-08-16T11:07:00.001-07:00

Nothing rotten about this Scoundrel! In fact this weeks Butter London color of the week is far from rotten! This lovely shade of purple is still the hot color choice of the year! Though it may be “back to school” time and the fall clothes are hitting the stores, there is still plenty of summer weather left. Because this medium tone purplish-mauve can appear darker or lighter depending on what clothing you are wearing, it is perfect for the transition through the seasons.

Want to purchase this awesome color, but don’t live near the Walnut Creek i Bar? Call us at 1-800-908-iBar or email us at sales@ibarthreading.com to order any of the products featured on Beauty Buzz in the City.

Tokyo Milk – French Kiss

2010-08-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

Oui oui, mademoiselle. Vous odeur merveilleuse.

French Kiss provides the sweetest kiss with hints of Mandarin, Tuberose, Gardenia & Vetiver.

This scent was one of the most popular scents at the Walnut Creek Trunk Show.

Want to experience French Kiss for yourself, but don't live near i Bar Walnut Creek? Call us at 1-800-908-iBar or email us at sales@ibarthreading.com to place your order.

More Summer Beauty Tips

2010-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Fortunately, the weather has not been overly hot in Northern California, but that doesn’t mean your skin couldn’t still use some pampering! Even overcast weather tends to be harsh on your skin and cause sunburns so take precaution when going out even on the gloomy looking days.

Take care of yourself during the remainder of the summer by doing the following:

1. Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of heat stroke. Drinking water will help you hydrate your skin from within.

2. Use Sunscreen – just like the old American Express commercials say – never leave home without it! One of the most convenient tips for anti-aging is to use sunscreen daily. The harsh UV rays not only can cause cancer, but can accelerate aging. Combat the UV rays with sunscreen on your face and body to help prolong those signs of aging.

3. Protect your eyes with large sunglasses. Sun exposure increases the risk of cataracts so put on those shades.

4. Switch to water-based skin care products. Summer is the time when skin tends to get oilier and that can cause to more pimples. Changing to water-based products can reduce the oiliness and thus, reducing pimples.

5. Wear a hat to protect your hair and for more shade from the blazing summer sun.

7. Opt for lip gloss instead of lipstick. (The new Tokyo Milk lip balms are light weight and smell WONDERFUL!)

6. Arm yourself with a tube of aloe vera gel. It is wonderful for healing sunburns. On top of that, it is a great oil-free moisturizer for face and body.

i Bar Walnut Creek Trunk Show VIP Party is This Week!

2010-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Is it on your calendars? Did you tell your friends about the special event? Are you ready to check out some new products????

This Thursday is iBar Walnut Creek’s Trunk Show VIP Event!

Some have been anticipating it and we are excited to introduce the Butter London Nail Polish line to to you! This natural line of nail lacquer is sure to be a hot item. Only a select few boutiques offer this line and we are ecstatic to be among the few!

Don’t forget to check out Tokyo Milk fragrances and lip balm while at the Trunk Show! Their stylish packaging is eye catching!

August Special

2010-08-02T09:17:00.001-07:00

CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

Green Valley Salon and Spa
1630 Gateway Blvd. Suite E. Fairfield, Ca 94534
707.425.6100

Green Valley Spa
2288 Rockville Rd, Suite D. Fairfield, Ca 94534
707.864.0397

Beauty Tips for the Bride

2010-07-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is in full swing and here are some tips to keep you wedding day gorgeous (not that you need help, though, because you will be BEAMING on your wedding day!)

Facial Care
Right before your wedding is a perfect time to treat yourself to a facial. Not only will your skin look and feel great, but you will give off a beautiful, natural glow! It is also a great way to rid yourself of some last minute wedding stresses and spend some time relaxing. Make a day of it and grab your Maid of Honor and/or Bridesmaids and have a spa day enjoying facials with your favorite gals.

If you have a tendency to breakout, be sure to have your facial done three to six weeks before your wedding day.

Foot Care
Don’t forget to pamper your feet before AND after the wedding! Between the ceremony, picture time, the reception and especially when you hit the dance floor your feet will spend all your time on your feet and probably while wearing brand new, not-broken-in-yet shoes.

Days before your wedding, pamper your feet with a good spa pedicure. Your toenails will look fabulous in those sexy, strappy sandals or peep toe heels you will be flaunting on your wedding day!

After your wedding, don’t forget to soak your feet in a warm, sea salt bath. Your feet will thank you!

Body Massage
Nothing will relax you more than a full body massage. Wedding planning shouldn’t be, but can be stressful. Take advantage of multiple massages during the planning stages to keep your body and mind relaxed and stress free.

Take advantage of some quality time with your soon-to-be-spouse and schedule a couple’s massage or spend more girl time with your Maid of Honor and/or Bridesmaids and have a spa day of facials and massages!

Don’t forget to take time for yourself before the wedding. Give yourself a “wedding planning time out” to help you keep your focus and stay stress free!

Coming Soon - i Bar Walnut Creek Trunk Show

2010-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Want to get the inside scoop on some of the hottest beauty and fashion trends right now? Take a trip out to i Bar Walnut Creek for their first Trunk Show to get exclusive viewing of the HOT new products!

------------------

i Bar Walnut Creek is going to have a Trunk Show and you are all invited! This is a great opportunity to see some of hottest new items in fashion and beauty before they hit our stores!

Stop by our VIP Event on Thursday, August 5th if you want to be the FIRST to see our products.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Baring it All – Tricks to Keep Summer Skin Beautiful

2010-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here (weather wise) and the East Bay has been getting 3-digit temps. I am envying those of you in the Peninsula and surrounding areas! =)

With the temperature rising many of us are opting for less clothing to battle the heat, which means every inch of dull skin on our bodies is on display. Here are a few tips to help scrub away the dullness!

Exfoliate: Rubbing your skin with sugar is gentle enough on your skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth while exfoliating dead skin cells. If you have the ingredients available in your kitchen try mixing a cup of sugar with a half cup of olive oil and rub into damp skin in a circular motion. If you don’t feel like concocting your own scrub, check out our Body Sugar scrub.

Be Gentle: Gently buff the sensitive areas (neck, chest, and stomach) of your skin with a soft hand towel and cleanser.

Soften Rough Spots with Citrus: Elbows, heels and knees sometimes call for the “big guns” to soften them up. By cutting a lemon in half, pouring coarse sea salt on both halves, and grinding them into the areas you can help break down the tough skin and reveal the softer you. :)

Introducing Sandi – Green Valley’s Newest Esthetician

2010-07-19T13:54:00.001-07:00

Green Valley Salon & Spa would like to introduce our newest team member, Sandi Cicornio. Sandi is an esthetician who currently works at Silverado Spa and Resort in Napa, CA and is now employed by Green Valley Salon & Spa. Sandi has been in the skin care industry for over 10 years working with over five skin care product lines. Sandi has also had extensive training with chemical peels and other skin care treatments working along side a Plastic Surgeon for several years. Recently, Sandi has been trained with Green Valley Salon & Spa's skin care line Visual Changes. Call and book your skin care or waxing service with Sandi today!

In honor of Sandi’s arrival, visitors experiencing our skin services for the first time can enjoy 20% off any waxing or facial treatment with Sandi! Please print the below coupon and redeem it at Green Valley Salon and Spa.

What is Threading?

2010-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you been wondering what threading is? I am sure you know of people that get it done on a regular basis and you have probably wondered why and what sets it apart from waxing.

I first decided to have threading done a few months ago. I was previously a plucker and a waxer. Now, I am neither! I religiously go to the shop to get my eyebrows threaded. My preference is threading because it is less painful for me and my skin does not have the irritable reactions as it does with waxing (AKA I can walk out in public right after a threading without looking like I put too much red “eyeshadow” on).

Here is Wikipedia’s definition of threading:

Threading is an ancient method of hair removal practiced in many Asian countries, including Iran, India, Vietnam, China and some Arabic nations. It is popular in Persian culture where it is called Bande Abru ("Abru" means eyebrow, and "Band" is the thread). Threading the entire face is widely spread amongst Iranians, but it was originally practiced when a woman was getting married or during special occasions. In ancient Persia, threading was a sign that a girl had reached adulthood and become a woman. It has also gained popularity in Western countries.

Practitioners use a pure, thin, twisted cotton thread which is rolled over untidy hairlines, moustaches and so on, plucking the hair at the follicle level. Unlike tweezing where a single hair is pulled out each time, threading can remove an entire row of hair, resulting in a straighter line. However, due to a larger area of hair being removed at once, it can be quite painful for some.

Stop by Green Valley Salon and Spa to try out threading.

Natural Beauty Secrets

2010-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine how cave women took care of themselves? They didn’t have the moisturizers, beauty products and plastic surgery that we have now. How did they do it???

Okay, so maybe I am reaching pretty far there using the analogy of cave women, but it seemed to work as a good lead way into talking about natural beauty secrets! Don’t you think so?? :)

If your like me, you will pay for the greatest products to keep your skin and hair looking youthful and beautiful. Did you know there are also inexpensive, daily steps you can take to ensure your body is well taken care of?

Here are few tips that you can do daily:

Drink 8 glasses of water per day – water will give you a beautiful, youthful complexion. If you find it hard to monitor your daily water intake then plan ahead. Fill a 64 oz container with water and keep it with you at the office, at home, etc. This will be your reminder to polish off that water daily.
Avoid make-up – TABOO, right? I know what you are thinking - “leave the house without makeup? WOMAN, are you crazy???”. I have to admit that I don’t hit the gym without at least lipstick. Many makeups contain harmful toxins and they can clog your skin. Read the labels on your makeup carefully to ensure it is safe for your skin. It is best for your skin to not wear makeup, but because I am “tad bit” vain, I will have a hard time with this one myself! :)
Moisturize your skin with food – you’re looking at your monitor with a puzzled look, aren’t you? The food we eat makes the best moisturizers. Raw organic foods are natural and full of nutrients that can replenish the skin. Plus, if you get hungry…
SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP – Remember when we were kids and our parents (and teachers) always told us to get 8 hours of sleep? Sleeping early and getting at least 8 hours of sleep will not only keep you relaxed, but you will wake up with clear skin and sparkling eyes.
An Apple a Day – Rinsing your hair in apple cider vinegar will leave your hair beautiful and shiny. Dilute 1 tablespoon of ACV in 2 cups of water. Use as a final hair rinse and leave it in your hair.
Wear colors that suit your skin tone – By wearing colors that suit your skin tone, you can further enhance your beauty. Consult with a color consultant to find out what colors best go with your skin tone and hair color.
Exercise - You knew this one was coming, didn’t you? Even a little bit of exercise daily can stimulate your body’s metabolism. Exercise can also provide you a more youthful complexion and body shape. Who doesn’t want that???

By taking all or some of these steps daily, you can further enhance your body’s natural beauty.

So to some it all up - drink water, don’t wear makeup, play with your food, sleep, wear complimenting colors and get out there and move!

Benefits of Permanent Makeup

2010-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how some women get their eye liner or mascara so perfect EVERY time you see them? Their secret may be permanent makeup! I don’t know about you, but more often than not I find myself analyzing and measuring just to get my eyeliner even on both eyes. It may be subtle and no one will notice, but I will notice so I can only assume others do, too. :)

Permanent makeup allows you the convenience of time. With permanent makeup you do not have to spend extra precious minutes drawing eyebrows in, painting those lips or lining your eye.

Additional benefits of permanent makeup include:

For Eyes

Permanent eyeliner can enhance sparse lashes or give more definition to light or faded lashes. Because it doesn’t smear, it is ideal for athletes, contact lens wearers, women who are plagued by make-up that always smudges, and especially for those who have a visual impairment or unsteady hands due to a medical condition.

For Eyebrows

Beautifully shaped eyebrows are like a lovely frame on a painting, bringing out the beauty of the eyes. Anyone who desires more fullness of the brows or reshaped brows will love this procedure. Light hair-like strokes of color can transform sparse, uneven, or non-existent eyebrows into natural-looking ones. Go swimming, play tennis…wipe your forehead without worrying that your eyebrows are going to disappear!

For Lips

With this procedure, thin or uneven lips can be defined or corrected and poorly-shaped lips can be reshaped.

Permanent Cosmetics can address certain medical conditions

Difficulties in normal make-up application because of visual impairment, unsteady hands resulting from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or other degenerative diseases.
Alopecia (absence of hair)
Cleft lip
Camouflage of scars
Vitilago (absence of pigment)
Areola pigmentation after breast reconstruction.

Permanent makeup is offered at both Green Valley Salon and Spa and Green Valley Salon. Contact your favorite Green Valley location to inquire about Permanent Makeup.

Beauty Tip – Food For Thought – Beauty Foods for Younger Looking Skin

2010-07-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

“You are what you eat”. I know you have heard that term numerous times, but did you know that what you eat can also enhance (or affect) your skin? Certain foods have attributes that can help beautify your skin.

Protect your skin from the inside out with these 4 foods:

Strawberries: Eating more vitamin C-rich foods, such as strawberries, may help to ward off wrinkles and age-related dryness, suggests research from 2007 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vitamin C’s skin-smoothing effects may be due to its ability to mop up free radicals produced from ultraviolet rays and also its role in collagen synthesis. (Vitamin C is essential for collagen production.) You can find vitamin C in a multitude of cosmetics—of which some have been shown to be effective in protecting skin—but why not go straight to the source for a tasty boost of C: red bell peppers, papaya, broccoli and oranges are other excellent sources.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes get their red hue from lycopene, a carotenoid that may help to keep your skin smooth. In a study published in 2008 in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, researchers found that of the 20 individuals studied, those who had higher skin concentrations of lycopene had smoother skin. Boost your lycopene intake with fresh summer produce like watermelon and carrots too.

Tofu: Tofu and other soyfoods, such as edamame and soymilk, may help to preserve skin-firming collagen because they are rich in isoflavones. In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, mice fed isoflavones and exposed to ultraviolet radiation had fewer wrinkles and smoother skin than mice that were exposed to UV light but didn’t get isoflavones. The researchers believe that isoflavones help prevent collagen breakdown.

Tuna: Eating tuna—and other omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon, sardines and trout—may help keep your skin looking youthful thanks to the omega-3 fat EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA has been shown to preserve collagen.

Green Valley Spa Monthly Special

2010-07-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

For the entire month of July, book a One Hour Signature Facial for $65 and receive 20% OFF ALL Skin Products (including Obagi!)

Our signature facial is a monthly must for healthy, vibrant skin! Everyone’s skin care needs are different. We begin every facial with a complete skin analysis and design each treatment to combat dehydration, sensitivity, stress and occasional breakouts. All facials include deep pore cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, customized treatment mask, toning, moisturizing and a therapeutic neck and shoulder massage.

Call today to reserve your appointment! Your face will thank you! :)

2288 Rockville Rd, Suite D, Fairfield, CA 94534

707-864-0397

Happy 4th of July! Green Valley Salon and Spa July Monthly Special

2010-07-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

For the entire month of July, book any 90 minute Specialty Massage (Includes Hot Stone, Body Glow and Deep Tissue) for only $99!!!

Not sure which specialty massage is best for you? Learn more about each one below:

Hot Stone

The heat of the stones warms and relaxes the muscles at a greater extent than with the hands alone.

Body Glow

This invigorating treatment increases circulation to let skin breathe while removing accumulated residue and skin impurities.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue. This type of massage is best for patients who have sustained physical injury or individuals who experience consistent pain.

Call Today to reserve your appointment!

1630 Gateway Blvd, Suite E, Fairfield, CA 94534
707-425-6100

Product Feature – Sugar Flavored Hemp Lotion

2010-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you hear these words?

Strawberry Cheesecake

Sugar Lemon Square

Orange Dream

Vanilla Crème Brulee

You probably feel like you just gained 10 pounds reading those scrumptious names. The scent alone of each of these treats is enough to make my mouth drool and my waistline expand!

Savor the aroma without the after-indulgence guilt with Hempz Treats Body Lotion!

Not only do these body lotions smell wonderful, but did you know that Hemp Seed Oil has a number of benefits?

For instance, Hemp Seed Oil is the MOST beneficial product in Tanning oils. It helps move the Melanoma (pigment in the skin that tans) to the surface of the skin and it helps preserve and protect your tan so that your tan will last longer and stay darker for longer.

Hemp Seed Oil is also an excellent long-term moisturizer. It pulls moisture from the air and traps it in the skin.

Treats Body Lotion will be your best friend during the summer months by enhancing your tan naturally, moisturizing your skin and most importantly, leaving you smelling YUMMY while running around town.

The Hempz Treats Body Lotion line is also paraben free and gluten free.

Get a head start on your summer-licious skin and stop by Green Valley Salon and Spa to pick up your sugar-tastic products!

Beauty Secrets From Around the World

2010-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever fantasized about having long, luxurious, glossy hair like the beautiful Japanese women? Or wondered how Greek women keep their olive-toned complexions luminous? Believe it or not, their secrets are neither expensive nor hard to find products!

We did our homework and found some of these secrets online and want to share them with you!

Read on about how you can do these beauty tricks at home!

Chile

Chilean women credit the antioxidant powers of red grapes for their luminous skin. They create a paste by mashing up a handful of the fruit and adding 2 tablespoons of white flour. They then apply the mask to their face and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off. “It wakes up the appearance of tired and fatigued skin to give you an amazing glow,” says Shalini Vadhera, author of Passport to Beauty.

Dominican Republic

“If you ever meet a Dominican woman, look at her nails––chances are they’re super-strong,” says Vadhera. What’s their secret? Women in the Dominican Republic swear by garlic to keep their nails tough as…well, nails. They chop up fresh garlic, add it to a bottle of clear nail polish and let it stew for 7 to 10 days. “There will be an initial smell, so if you want to ward off vampires this is a great way to do it,” jokes Vadhera. “But the scent goes away. Garlic has so many strengthening properties and is naturally antibacterial as well.”

Egypt

According to Vadhera, Cleopatra’s beauty secret was taking milk baths to soften her skin and remove dead cells. To try the treatment at home, Vadhera recommends adding 2 cups of powdered milk to your bath. “It will make your skin look absolutely gorgeous and feel so smooth, silky and soft.”

France

“The French woman sticks to a scrupulous and preventive skin and body care routine,” says Shannon Gallogly, lead aesthetician for French beauty brands Decleor and Carita. “This means she has weekly facials, regular massages and religiously takes her makeup off each night.” Gallogly’s recipe for an at-home facial without the price tag of a spa version: Mash up cherries and pomegranate seeds and apply as a mask to the skin for about 6 minutes. “This mask will help brighten skin with natural enzymes while firming at the same time.” Remove the mixture with a warm towel to help boost circulation.

Greece

“Greek women are blessed with Mediterranean skin, which is light in color but has enough melanin to shield and absorb harmful UV rays,” says New York City dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, who is half Greek. But even if you aren’t genetically blessed, you can still take a cue from the women of Greece. “There are other factors that contribute to their glowing complexion: They eat a Mediterranean diet high in fish, which provides skin-rejuvenating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as fruits and vegetables, which provide antioxidants and vitamins. They also believe their intake of olive oil contributes to their great skin." So, start reaching for the olive oil instead of butter for better skin.

Israel

Cygalle Dias, owner of New York City’s Cygalle Healing Spa, was born in Israel and believes in the healing powers of sea salt. “When you swim in the Dead Sea, all of the salt helps your body rid itself of toxins, and it has also been known to help cure skin diseases.” To get the detoxifying benefits of sea salt at home, Dias shares her spa’s Lavender Sea Salt Scrub recipe: Mix together ¼ cup sea salt, 1 pinch seaweed powder, ½ cup massage oil and 10 to 15 drops lavender oil. Apply to skin to gently exfoliate.

Italy

How do Italian women maintain their glossy locks? According to Fabio Scalia, Italian hairstylist and owner of Fabio Scalia salon in Brooklyn, New York, the answer is right in your kitchen. Italian women keep their hair shiny by combining yogurt and olive oil and using the mixture as a conditioner. “The protein in the yogurt gently nourishes and conditions.” To whip up the rich treatment at home, Scalia recommends mixing 1 cup of plain whole-milk yogurt with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Then apply the mixture to washed hair, let it sit for 5 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Japan

Titi Branch, the half-Japanese cofounder of Miss Jessie’s hair care line, credits seaweed for Japanese women’s long, silky hair. Nori is a rich source of the trace mineral iodine, which is essential for healthy hair growth. (According to Branch, the iodine added to table salt isn’t the right kind to nourish your hair because your body doesn’t easily absorb it.) Seaweed is also a rich source of other mane-strengthening minerals—including iron, zinc, selenium and copper. “Japanese women either eat nori seaweed or boil it and apply it to dry hair as a nourishing paste.” Head to your local Asian grocer or health food store to pick up sheets of nori. “It’s traditionally used to wrap sushi, but you can use it like a tortilla to wrap up veggies with a dash of soy sauce, or crumble the sheets and sprinkle them on a salad, rice or stir-fry,” advises Branch.

Spain

Spanish women bring out natural, subtle highlights in their hair by rinsing it with cranberry juice, says Vadhera. Try mixing ¼ cup pure juice (not cocktail blends) with ¼ cup water and doing a final rinse with it in the shower. “If you’re going to be in the sun, the cranberry juice brings out the rich hues in your hair,” she says. “It works amazingly on brunettes, but if you’re blonde you’ll want to use lemon juice instead to avoid ending up with pink hair.”

Sweden

Swedish women attribute their glowing, healthy skin to their diet of antioxidant-packed fresh berries and grilled fish, says Petra Strand, Swedish makeup artist and creator of makeup line Pixi, now available at Target. Give yourself a hit of antioxidants by trying Strand’s at-home treatment: Boil mineral water with a green tea or white tea bag, let the tea infuse the water and then freeze it into ice cubes to use instead of a toner. “Saunas are also a big part of Swedish culture,” says Strand. “The dry, clean heat rids your body of toxins.” To get the effect of a sauna at home, Strand says to take a handful of rock salt and add a dash of olive oil and about 10 drops of pure eucalyptus oil. Rub it all over your body and rinse with a blast of cold water.

Green Valley Salon and Spa is on Facebook and Twitter!

2010-06-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

Did you know that Green Valley Salon and Spa is on Facebook and Twitter???

Stop by our Facebook page to become a fan. This is yet another great way to stay informed on what is going on at Green Valley Salon and Spa.

While you are there, please feel free to leave a review on your experience(s) at the salon and/or spa. We would love to hear from you!

We are also on Twitter!

Stay tuned on both Facebook and Twitter for “Facebook Only” and “Twitter Only” Specials!!!

Glimmer Bar Intro Party – Today and Tomorrow ONLY!

2010-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Heading out to the Palo Alto or its surrounding areas this weekend? Then please be sure to stop by i Bar Palo Alto!

We told you about the Glimmer Bar and now you can stop by and see what the hype is all about for yourself!

Today and tomorrow only, stop by i Bar Palo Alto to help us kick off the i Bar’s Glimmer Bar’s launch!

Meet our new Glimmer Artist, check out i Bar and receive a complimentary “sample” of Body Art.

We hope to see you there!!!

Glimmer Bar Intro Party

Friday, June 25 – 12 pm to 8 pm

Saturday, June 26 – 10 am to 7 pm

Stanford Mall
180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94304

650.473.1112

Beauty Tip – The Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Daily

2010-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

You constantly hear that drinking green tea can be beneficial to you, but you probably do not know why. If drank daily, green tea offers many health benefits. Green tea contains a potent plant nutrient known as epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG.

Here are few reasons to start drinking green tea. If you already drink it, keep it up and continue enjoying the added benefits of this delicious drink!

EGCG makes green tea an ideal daily drink because it:

is a superb fat fighter because EGCG increases the fat burning rate in your body
targets belly fat (EGCG activates fat-burning genes in the abdomen to speed weight loss by 77% (I don’t know about you, but this benefit has me sold!)
stabilizes energy because insulin use is improved (thanks to EGCG) and prevents the blood sugar spikes that leave us ready for a nap in the middle of a work day
may prevent skin damage and wrinkling. EGCG appears to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free radicals. Free radicals react with healthy cells in the body, causing damage, so lessening their numbers may help reduce wrinkling and other signs of aging.

Lastly, green tea tastes good! So put that soda away and sip on Green Tea throughout your day to reap the benefits of EGCG.

Also, an added benefit is that green tea has less caffeine than coffee or black tea.

Not a tea drinker? Add some sweetener, honey, or lemon to enhance the flavor of the green tea. Pour it over ice or drink it hot. You will still receive the benefits even with the added flavoring.

Want to Glimmer? Check out the Glimmer Bar in Palo Alto

2010-06-21T10:27:00.001-07:00

Palo Alto is just a jump, skip and hop away from Solano so why not stop by the Glimmer Bar Intro Party this weekend at i Bar Palo Alto (our sister salon). Find out what the Glimmer Bar is all about as well as get a little glam for your weekend excursions. Check out the details below!

i Bar Palo Alto is ecstatic to introduce the Glimmer Bar - where Ancient Henna meets Glam and Glitz!

What is Glimmer Bar?
Glimmer Bar is a new service at i Bar Palo Alto that features both Henna and fashionable body art. The ancient art of Henna is combined with glitter, body paint, and Swarovski crystals to create fashionable body art that perfectly accessorizes any outfit – especially for a night out on the town or as an accent to your bridal party’s attire.

Help us kick off the Glimmer Bar this weekend at our Glimmer Bar Intro Party to see what all the hype is and meet our Glimmer Artist. If you are going out this weekend for a night out clubbing or want to spice up that swimwear for these gorgeous days out on the beach, then stop by i Bar Palo Alto this weekend to receive a complimentary “sample” of body art. The complimentary body art is only available THIS WEEKEND so mark it on your calendar to swing by and check it out!

Glimmer Bar Intro Party

Friday, June 25 – 12 pm to 8 pm

Saturday, June 26 – 10 am to 7 pm

Stanford Mall
180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94304

650.473.1112

Hope to see you there!

Healthy Skin Begins with Clarisonic

2010-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Benefits of using Clarisonic:

· 2X more effective than manual cleansing

· 6X more make-up removal than manual cleansing

· 61% greater absorption of Vitamin C

· Works with all skin types

· Reduces oily areas and blemishes

· Minimizes pores, & fine lines and wrinkles

What celebrities use Clarisonic? see for yourself… www.clarisonic.com/us/clarisonic/media-raves.php

For more information about Clarisonic visit: www.clarisonic.com

Print the below coupon and bring it into any of our i Bar locations (Fresno, Palo Alto or Walnut Creek) and receive 10% off the Sonic Skin Cleansing System.

Beauty Tip – Eyebrow Tinting

2010-06-17T15:40:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of Eyebrow Tinting? Whether you are trying to match your eyebrow color to your latest hair color or wanting to make your eyebrows stand out more from their natural light color, eyebrow tinting can enhance the appearance of your brow line.

Eyebrow tinting will enhance the general appearance of your eyes and is particularly beneficial for people who participate in sporting activities, especially swimming.

Benefits of eyebrow tinting
• Enhance general appearance of eyes
• Great for people with known sensitivity to make-up
• Good for sporting activities, especially swimming
• Good for people with no time to apply make-up daily
• Will benefit contact lens wearers
• Good for people with fine eyebrows

Eyebrow Tinting is available at both Green Valley Spa locations.

Father’s Day (June) Special - Green Valley Salon and Spa

2010-06-17T15:39:00.001-07:00

Three cheers for dad!

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Have you started thinking about what to get for dad? Instead of another tie, coffee mug, or framed picture of the puppy, why not treat dad to alone time and relaxation. He deserves it, right? RIGHT???

Send dad to Green Valley Salon and Spa anytime throughout the month of June and treat him to a day of manly pampering. Why is it manly? Because he can choose from either two or three of the following manly services (based on the package you select for him):

60 Minute Therapeutic Sports Massage
60 Minute Gentlemen’s Facial
60 Minute Sports Manicure/Pedicure

AND as if a massage, facial and/or mani/pedi were not enough, you can hook dad up with a Golf voucher for Paradise Valley or Rancho Solano Golf Course.

AND if you schedule dad’s session to occur during the Father’s Day Weekend, Green Valley Salon and Spa will provide him with complimentary refreshments during his visit.

Don’t you think dad deserves ALL this???? CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

1630 Gateway Blvd. Suite E. Fairfield, Ca 94534
707.425.6100

Solano County, Fairfield, Green Valley, Massage, Father’s Day, Special, Facial, Manicure, Pedicure, Mani, Pedi, Sports, therapeutic sports massage, Vacaville, Dixon, Vallejo

Product Feature – OPI Nail Color - Shrek Forever After Line

2010-06-17T15:38:00.003-07:00

I know everyone is all fired up about Sex and the City 2 and rightly so. (After all, they made us wait TWO WHOLE YEARS for the sequel!)

The girls…the fashion…the accessories…the story line…

If you have already watched the movie then SHHH…Don’t tell me what happens! :)

BUT can we take a moment to acknowledge the GENIUS that is OPI Nail Color with their Shrek Forever After line. How cute is this????

In partnership with the DreamWorks Animation movie, OPI has launched 6 limited edition colors inspired by the film’s characters:

Funky Dunky - Dark purple
Rumples Wiggin- Lavender
What’s the Cattitude? – Light blue
Ogre the Top – Bright blue
Who the Shrek Are You? – Bright green
Fiercely Fiona – Light green (my personal favorite!)

I don’t know about you, but I want to own these just based on their names. Can you just hear the conversation?

“That is a cool shade of light green you are wearing,” your friend says.

“Thanks,” you reply, “It’s Fiercely Fiona. I think you look like a Funky Dunky kind of person.”

So maybe the conversation wouldn’t go quite like that, but you get the point – you will rock these colors! :)

“Funky Dunky” with its dark purple is universally flattering.

While the lavender of “Rumples Wiggin” looks fantastic on tan hands. It also ties in nicely with the new rage of pastel colored hair streaks as seen on the heads of several models and at least on one of the Olsen Twins (I know they’re not identical but I can never tell them apart - can you?). Of course, if you want to get a little outrageous with your personal style, maybe nail polish (rather than dramatic hair dye) is a good place to start.

According to OPI executive vice president and artistic director, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, “The Shrek Forever After colors were inspired by characters living in a fantasy world unlike any other fairy tale that is unapologetically vivid, bold and unique in every sense.” Sounds a bit like the girls on SATC…

Beauty Tips – Getting the Most out of Your Products

2010-06-17T15:38:00.001-07:00

Did you know that some beauty ingredients do not work in combination with others? Or that they lose their effectiveness when they are exposed to elements such as heat, air or moisture?

To get the most out of your products, follow these six beauty boosting tips:

Always apply retinoid at night. Never apply your retinoid in the morning because when it exposed to sunlight the retinol is inactivated.
If a product contains Vitamin C, always ensure that you keep the product’s lid on. When it is dissolved in water, as it usually is when added to cosmetic products, Vitamin C reacts with the air and loses its antioxidant and collagen promoting properties. When this happens, Vitamin C can damage your skin's proteins and DNA by promoting the formation of free radicals. Only buy vitamin C products that have been formulated with proper stabilization methods.
Do not leave your sunscreen in the car. Heat degrades the SPF ingredients, which leaves you vulnerable to burns.
Do not mix glycolic or salicylic acid with hydroquinone, retinol or vitamin C. Acid breaks down these ingredients and renders them useless.
Dandruff shampoos and hydroquinone stop working as the body gets used to them and increases enzyme production to overcome the action of the ingredients (the medical term for this is "tachyphylaxis"). To ensure the continued effectiveness of these products on your hair, take a one-month holiday every three to four months.
Never leave cosmetic products in the shower. Moisture can cause bacteria to grow within your products. Instead, store products in a cool, dark place.

Wishing you great skin!

Beauty Tip - Lips Age, Too

2010-06-17T15:37:00.001-07:00

Like the rest of our skin, our lips change as we grow older. Since Lips are basically skin, they need to be cared for, too.

Lips are moisturized by tiny oil glands. As the years go by, these glands stop functioning optimally so it is important to look for lipsticks and lip balm that contain petrolatum, dimethicone, and glycerine to help retain moisture.

Just as you care for your face with facial moisturizers containing SPF, be sure to use lip products that contain broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVA- and UVB-blocking ingredients. Aesthetically, this will help to minimize scaling, which is a huge plus. More importantly, it can help prevent precancerous lesions and even skin cancer.

Stop by Green Valley Salon and Spa to check out Twist and Pout, the “one of a kind lip moisturizer that is equal parts fashion statement and sun protection confection”.

Online Product Store Now Available!

2010-06-17T15:36:00.001-07:00

Do you have favorite products in our Green Valley Salon or Spa that you wish you could purchase without having to leave your home? If you said yes, then you will love this!

Green Valley Salon and Spa has now implemented an Online Store for your favorite products!

The Product Store can be accessed by clicking on the purple “GV Product Store” button on the bottom right of the web page.

You will then see a listing of products available at the Green Valley Salon and Spa. (NOTE: Currently, the Visual Changes product line is the only product line active. Please stay tuned for more product availability soon.)

Upon selecting the product logo, a listing of available products will be displayed.

Our Product Store utilizes a PayPal checkout system. However, a PayPal account is not required to checkout if paying by credit card.

No more having to get dressed, hop in the car and run to the Salon or Spa to grab your favorite product. You can now shop online from your home or on-the-go on your Smartphone! Happy shopping!!!

Check Out Our Updated Websites!

2010-06-17T15:35:00.001-07:00

We have made some updates to our websites and we hope you stop by and check them out!

When you enter our Green Valley Salon and Spa website, you will notice a toolbar on the bottom containing links to our upcoming Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, and YouTube profiles. We invite you to check out the links and explore.

A new link to “Receive Coupons &Special Offers” is also available on each of our websites. This is another great source for keeping up to date on location events, specials and coupons. (Note: If you would like updates on our various locations, you will need to complete this sign up process on each location’s website.)

We have also made it easier for you to find us! Within each site you will find links to visit our other locations. For instance, on our Green Valley Salon website, you will not only find a link to visit the Green Valley Spa, but also a link to our I Bar locations.

We invite you to explore the new changes on our websites and feel free to leave comments here to tell us what you think.

Welcome to Solano Beauty Buzz!

2010-06-17T15:33:00.001-07:00

Solano Beauty Buzz is your source for beauty tips and secrets.

We will also share specials and announcements for our Green Valley Salon and Spa locations.

Visit our Facebook Fan Page, follow us on Twitter and stop by our websites to learn more about us and our services.

We look forward to hearing from you (we love comments!) and hope you enjoy learning from Solano Beauty Buzz!