Spanista » Self Care Rituals, Reflections & Resources for Joyful Living by Ginny Shiverdecker

  • Spa Style & Self Care Reflections, Rituals and Resources for Joyful Living

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  • About Spanista

    Ginny Shiverdecker, Creator of Spanista is Spa Wellness Enthusiast, Adventurer Seeker and Brand Builder.
    Ginny is……Read more

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Library of Flowers Perfumery by Margot Elena – The Linden Collection

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Library of Flowers Perfumery by Margot Elena

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spanista In Touch Tableau Returns Featuring Library of Flowers Collection. Spansita is looking forward to returning to a Thursday In Touch Self Care Home Spa Ritual. This is devoted evening private time with fragrance infused bath, setting the right atmosphere and reflection time to restore. With the new year, I am always on the look out for new products to share to encourage you to join me in this establishing this weekly Self Care Ritual in your life especially in the winter season. It will change your life for the better.

Spanista delights in discovering this charming approach to bath and body bottled by Margot Elena  while staying at the Marriott Grand Hotel. I am immediately attracted its stylized packaging. So delicate, feminine and colorful, the specialized scents are inspired by a vast array of nature’s flowers thus the name ‘Library of Flowers‘.  It sees the world through a perfumery creator’s lens, formulating unique blends of fragrances from ‘the essences’ to bring each collection to life. The themes are fresh and so luscious in capturing the senses.

For example – Themed around the glory of books, writing and story, product bundles are particularly inspired – bringing together combinations of things like paper, cotton and string that includes three fragrances in roller ball form, a pencil and an adorable notebook all within a stylish tin box .  This offers a solution should the aromas inspire a story or spark ideas. The tools are readily at hand to capture the moment and never let it go.

Pictured here are two of the ‘Field of Flowers’ collections – ‘Field & Flowers’ and ‘Linden’. Margot Elena is located in Denver, Colorado. She is building a successful brand based as an American Small Batch Perfumery that benefited from Oprah’s feature in O Magazine – ‘O Beautiful’ editorial in April 2013.

Tonight, I will enjoy a Spanista Self Care Home Spa Ritual with the goodies I picked up at he Grand Hotel Spa Gift Shop and ponder what 2015 will be for me. This weekly ritual will help me stay on track.

Spanista In Touch Tableau Returns Featuring Library of Flowers Collection wants you to know Margot’s great products are available on her website libraryoflowers.com. There you will find categories like Shop by Chapter where scent collections are organized by Chapters. It is a fun easy experience to explore.

To Your 2015 Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

10 Favorite Things: Marriott’s Grand Hotel Wellness Seeker’s Delight highlights the experience Spanista enjoyed at this one of a kind hotel resort. It can be summed up in two words – Grand Traditions.

Wink, wink – Obviously this is not an original expression for this historic place as you can see by the title of the retrospective book pictured here. How could I ever come up with a richer description than this to describe the authenticity of this historical resort? It is perfect because it encapsulates the essence of how one feels at every turn – tradition is expressed and honored with deep reverence. As a result you feel you are part of something bigger – it permeates your soul. If you close your eyes you can image people, culture and social events unfolding of times gone past. A Spanista will feel charmed with self care I am sure!

I was so taken by our short holiday time here I had to take a copy of this book home to relive again through the beautiful photography and story. Marriott’s Grand Hotel, Point Clear Alabama has been a respite for some grand figures like Margaret Thatcher.

After I purchased it at the well-appointed gift shop I checked out Amazon.com and sure enough – there it is so you can buy “Grand Traditions” photo story book online too.

Here is hoping this photo essay will tell the story of my 10 Favorite Things: Marriott’s Grand Hotel Wellness Seeker’s Delight that I have not yet shared  – yes, there is so much to do here.

Top 10 Photo Summary: 1. Yacht Marina View from Suite; 2. Official Alabama Historical Story Marker; 3. Civil War Cannon Fires Everyday at 4 pm Ceremony; 4. Grand Spa Quiet Room; 5. Bucky Legendary Host, Signature Libation Signals the Large Bar and Patio Overlooking the Waterfront; 6. Hospitality Lounge Central Christmas Tree; 7. Mystic and Magical Gardens Around the Pond; 8. Personal Rockers On Your Balcony;  9. Harbor Front Yard Arm Historical Restaurant; 10. Village of Fair Hope, Just Minutes Away.

And for the true sports lover there are great golf courses, tennis courts, running paths, free bikes and a substantial indoor and outdoor pools along with a work out room overlooking the water.

I do hope you have an opportunity to visit this resort sometime – this is a Spanista Paradise. Experiencing Grand Traditions feeds the soul in such a grand way. Now it is time to say good-bye to it and I hope Spanista can return again to enrich my soul in the Spanista Winter Self Care Lifestyle way.

Do you have a favorite hotel or resort you feel deeply connected to? If not. maybe this is the year to find your Spanista Winter Spa Paradise on earth.

To Your 2015 Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Misty Alabama Garden Magical First 2015 Reflection Walk delights in a mystical way given the grey atmosphere that hugged the coastline framed the garden in a magical glow.

I do hope these photos give you a sense of the mood of this precious garden surrounded by a sizeable pond – so unexpected when we woke to the light of day at the Marriott Grand Hotel, Point Clear Alabama.

I was immediately drawn to it – hungry to spend quality time strolling the pathways around the perimeter and discovering the varieties of plants, trees, flowers and vegetation. Not to mention the discovery of a few breeds of  water fowl too. They never minded my presence – observing me with  sideways glances just hinting at suspicion but never fearful enough to act upon it. They eventually glide along the still waters enjoying the arrival of the New Year too.

It was a welcome way to escape for while – getting lost in natures winter treasures of our southern climate  – a feast for the eyes, interesting to observe, even in the dormant nature of the seasonal cycle it encouraged daydreaming and just feeling alive in the moment. Not on any schedule due to the holiday break, I relished the time alone. I found myself breathing in the fresh damp air and getting a natural high with no comprehension of how much time had gone by. This Misty Alabama Garden Magical First 2015 Reflection Walk is a precious charm of the Grand Hotel – one can imagine how it changes from season to season a it celebrates the rhythm of nature. No matter it is a feast 365 days a year for sure.

I had been away so long my hubby came to find me – I was reluctant to leave – suddenly a break in the clouds let rays of sun through to sparkle on the water’s surface but just for a few moments then just a quickly as it arrived the rays disappeared behind the clouds. It was as if a greater power was leaving me a magical delight to remember the great spot before leaving it – giving me permission to leave and thanking me for coming.

 

For real Garden Lovers – I want to share this book of poems called “The Magic Garden Poems of Hope” by Jan Lancelotte-Heard. You can find it on Amazon.com.

Even if you are in cold weather right now, a book like this can help you escape in your mind while you are all cuddled up by a fireplace with loads of snow outdoors. Treat your mind to a wellness escape.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: 2015 Inspires Daily Happiness Journal with hopes of bringing new light to each day of the coming year. Here we stand on Monday facing the first full work week of the year. The holidays officially behind us, we are bright with hope about what the year ahead has in store for us. Perhaps donning the new tawny heeled boots, or stylish backpack we got as gifts as we step out to face the day.

Spanista is hoping you were able to devote some time for personal Self Care to shake out the holiday tensions and toxins you may have built up during the holiday season. But never fear, if you have not yet done so, the month of January is a great time to take stock – to “collect and organize yourself” for the year ahead. As January unfolds I will offer thoughts and suggestions to help you commit to putting your Self Care first.

But let’s step back for a moment. I have a question for you. When you look back on the year what stands out in your memory? Do your remember mostly the vacations you took with loved ones, the goal you reached that was illusive for so long, the quite summer weekends at the lake? What is the common theme?

When taking  time to reflect, one realizes there are so many macro and micro factors that impact the mood of our daily lives. They can cloud our memories or worse yet, distract us from what is recalling what should be most important that is to enjoy what we have day by day.

While the stand out memories are significant to recall, may I ask, are there long gaps of time between them? If you are like me you are asking yourself, ‘What about the other 325 plus days of the year?” What happened to them? Can you recall good things from any of them? Well frankly neither can I! What a shame that is, right?

What if you looked at 2015 through a different lens?

With this insight at the forefront, let’s start this week with a simple notion. What if we pick a themed mantra for the year?  This mantra can be an overarching intention the hovers above everything else but remember it must be focused on your inner life and needs. To give you an idea, I will share mine:

My personal 2015 Spanista Mantra is “Happiness Is, As Happiness Does”.

After this epiphany, I decided I wanted to set the right tone EVERYDAY and  keep a record of 2015 so that I could look back with more recollection of the value of each day and how they strung together to give my life more meaning and richness.  So I am keeping a Spanista Happiness Journal – everyday I will capture the one thing that brought me joy. Especially those centered on my Self Care. If I just have time to write a quick sentence about  the event that will suffice. Or if I have time to write a short narrative – all the better. I want to see this unfold and experience the feelings it gives me. Perhaps it will help me see the glass half full and help me remember to count my blessings? Who knows but I am keen to see where the exercise takes me intentionally. Journal writing is a sure way to to find out.

Good News Monday: 2015 Inspires Daily Happiness Journal will light the way for me in 2015. It has long been said by Dr. Wayne Dyer, “What we focus on matters and manifests”. Dr. Dyer’s books have been a great inspiration to me for years. I recommend them. Find them easily on Amazon.com.

I want 2015 to be joyful. Yes, we can choose happiness and that is the lens through which I will see my world. How about you – what mantra will you choose?

To Your Self Care Journey to Joy in 2015,

Ginny

 

 

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Friday Wellness Tip: Grand Hotel Spa Time New Year’s Priority is devoted to getting  your heart, mind and body aligned after the stress and go, go nature of the holidays comes to a close. So I want yo share my Spanista Travel Diary trip to the Grand Hotel Resort Spa with you.  You can easily do this same thing in your own city – no travel needed.

Why not steal away for some down time during this long weekend to visit your favorite Spa to enjoy Self Care Time? Schedule a massage and surround it with quality pre – intention time and post reflective time!  Give your body the tender therapuetic touch it deserves to relieve the tension build up while cleansing your mind releasing any toxic thoughts.

Part of the plan to stay at Marriott’s Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama for a few days is to enjoy the Spa Experience which has a reputation for its attentive staff and therapists as well as its relaxing, upscale environment. I booked my annual start of the new year massage ritual when I booked the hotel dates to be sure I would not miss the opportunity to take advantage of this great Spa Salon.

After a long catty, brunch with my husband, our bike ride and Bucky’s Punch on the Patio it was Spa Time. My hubby headed off to our room to watch football and headed to the Spa.

I expected it to be a busy place this time of year but perhaps the time I choose worked in my favor as there were a few guests coming and going but not crowded. I checked in am escorted quickly into the locker room, given a quick tour and shown the changing room. The space is comfortable with many quality amenities. I especially liked the light weight fabric of the robe – it is super soft on the skin. There is both a wet and dry sauna for preparing your body for better treatment results.

As you can see, the Quite Room was exotically appointed with intimate seating that allowed comfortable spacing and privacy. The lighting was dim and the music of the far east influences a meditative state. The hot steam pool offered ample room to relax and have your own space. A table of fruit infused water, light healthy snacks within easy reach. I settled into a chase lounge chair and preceded to get my mind, body and heart ready for to optimize my massage.

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My prep time went by quickly as I was called for my treatment. Frankly, I could have used more time to settle my active state of mind. The deep tissue massage was good but I wished for ‘more’ in the therapist’s technique. However, I realized I failed to communicate my particular needs this time, so the therapist did not know. Spansita Tip: Reminder to take control of your experience – communicating special wants for your therapy can make all the difference. After the massage i did feel better. I returned to the Quiet Room to reflect, finding my mind settled down into a more positive calm state letting my body take in the goodness of therapy.

Spanista Rating on Quality Experience rates Grand Hotel Spa, Point Clear in the top 25% – Excellent, affordable luxury. Atmosphere is cut above. Plus, there is a large boutique offering great selection of skin care and beauty products, fashion, loungewear and jewelry for the shopper who loves to find unique treasures while traveling. It extends the enjoyment.

Friday Wellness Tip: Grand Hotel Spa Time New Year’s Priority message is to encourage you to start the year with Self Care Spa Time this weekend. You deserve it.

Love to hear about your experience!

May 2015 Enhance Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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