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

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

    photo Bloglovin_zps72269c6c.png

  • About Spanista

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

Good-News-Monday:-Welcome-Summer-With-Trending-Healthy-Cocktails.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: Welcome Summer With Trending Healthy Cocktails makes me smile with anticipation in more ways than one.  Especially because I get to share it with you. With Summer comes lazy weekend afternoons where the backyard patio beacons you to relax in a chaise lounge, with a good book, and a favorite libation. A yes to lovely, blessed summer.

As we move into this great time of year, I see a lot more chatter across the country amongst cocktail masters and those of us who enjoy the new mixology of these creative souls about the movement toward new cocktail ingredients. They are not only fresh to the taste but also fresh from your local organic market.  Several months ago while I was staying at the Fashion Island Good-News-Monday:-Welcome-Summer-With-Trending-Healthy-Cocktails-2.jpegPINIMAGEHotel in New Port Beach California, I was introduced to my first twist on this notion with a pomegranate infused champagne. Yummy. I was reminded when flying American Airlines while dipping into American Way Magazine. It was in the Food & Drink Feature titled – “Happy Hour Health Kick”.  I soon discovered the trend has gone to another level with ‘eat your drink’ concoctions really coming into a new realm.

Yes, this trend did start in Los Angles where healthy eating was born. Modern legend has it barkeeper Matthew Biancaniello pioneered the trend seven years ago, when he set up the first healthy spin bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Now he seeks to mimic the local farmers markets he haunts in search of fresh, organic ingredients. His bar looks more like a buffet with all the fresh foods beautifully lined up waiting for their culinary cocktail calling.  Biancaiello’s passion for delicious, good for you drinks led to his new book, Eat Your Drink: Culinary Cocktails, featuring more than 50 recipes that follow the structure of a meal.

The real goal says Biancaniello is, “Not to experience the typical hangover because the antioxidants protect your cells and Good-News-Monday:-Welcome-Summer-With-Trending-Healthy-Cocktails-1.jpegPINIMAGEmakes the alcohol less harsh on your body.” Spanista says Amen to that.

The theory seems palatable but it is yet to be scientifically proven, however there are doctors embracing the direction and one has actually designed a cleansing cocktail. No matter, I feel like it is a smart way to go for those of us who still want to have some fun but want to minimize the down sides. After all a cocktail infused summer soiree or two is part of a well lived season. So this Memorial Day Weekend if you are hosting a gathering, why not offer your guests an opportunity to try something new with healthy inspiration from Matthew’s Cocktail menu?

Good News Monday: Welcome Summer With Trending Healthy Cocktails opens up a conversation about your favorite take not this idea. I experimented with one this weekend by stirring up something simple. I want to grow into this new style. How about you? Do you believe it is possible to offset the impact of alcohol with a mix of additives like antioxidants that may have you feeling better than you might usually? Happy Healthy Cocktails to you!

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

 Good-News-Monday:-Dalia-Lama-Explores-Atlas-of-Emtions-1.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: Dalai Lama Project Explores Atlas of Emotions is welcome news for all of humanity. You may have read one of my previous posts about my fascination with the inspiring philosophy of the Dalia Lama.

As an avid student of the magical place where physiology meets psychology – the intersection where rational drivers meet emotional drivers and how they affect on our bodies, hearts and mind, I believe understanding the effects of this collision can help us conduct ourselves better through life’s journey. But to this point we know so little. Therefore we may not realize the potential for a happier life left untapped because we do not know what we do not know. His mission is simple: he sees his role as helping to turn secular audiences into more self-aware, compassionate human beings.

I had a privilege to see the Dalia Lama in person a few years ago and to briefly meet him. He exudes a calmness of spirit Friday-Wellness-Tip:-Compassion-Inspires-Joy-Encourages-Dalai-Lama.jpegPINIMAGEunlike anyone I have ever met any where in the world. When I discovered this article in the New York Times, ” A Dalai Lama Website Explores Feelings (without Emoticons)” reported by Kevin Randall on his project called ‘Atlas of Emotions’, I was immediately drawn in. It seems a few years ago the Dalai Lama reached out to psychologist Dr. Paul Edman who recently helped advise the creators of Pixar’s “Inside Out” an animated film which is set inside a girls head ( BTW, I also wrote about after seeing it ) – to map out the range of human emotions depicted in the movie, from anger to enjoyment. The Dalai Lama paid Dr. Ekman at least $750,000 to develop the project, which started several years ago.

The Dalai Lama says it is his duty to publish such work like the Atlas of Emotions. “We have, by nature or biologically, this destructive emotion, also constructive emotion. This innerness, people should pay more attention to, from kindergarten level up to university level, in order to create a happy human being. Happy family, happy community and, finally happy humanity.”

Dr. Ekmans shares in the article his conclusion after much research amongst other scientists is there were five broad categories of emotions – anger fear, disgust, sadness and enjoyment and each has a subset of elaborate states, triggers, actions and moods. But there is not consensus in this field of science on the exact emotions. There is a section in the website that outlines 9 other emotions being explores – from love to guilt.

When I visited the AtlasofEmotions.com website, I got lost in it for hours – it is so interesting and applicable to life right now! Do check it out.

Good News Monday: Dalai Lama Project Explores Atlas of Emotions focuses on something we should all be obsessed with. I love this subject of scientific exploratory. There is so much we do not know and should be more curious about especially in line with the pursuit of happiness as this is what our country was founded upon.   Yet our priorities in America are far from this based upon recently reported  surveys – for us the priority is ‘financial security’. By comparison in Australia the priority is a ‘happy life’. Certainly something worth pondering. Which do you think is more important?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

Good-News-Monday:-SpringPINIMAGEGood-News-Monday:-SpringPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: Spring’s Spiritual Awakening Blooms In Color right before my very eyes. I just have to open them and see with a clear heart to realize natures seasonal gifts are speaking to me if I take time to notice.

As the year unfolds with the arrival of Spring in glorious spring colors, I take time for reflection. Spring is traditionally a time to release old thoughts and beliefs, refresh your home, launch new projects, and change old patterns.Good-News-Monday:-SpringPINIMAGE

I ask myself: What troubles from the past am I ready to release? What hurts am I ready to forgive? What experiences and relationships do I want to manifest and flourish? The beauty that springs from the earth in the forms of tulips and daffodils reminds me of how fragile life is. We have such limited time here on earth. Why not make it the best experience it can be?

So I become still and turn within, opening my heart and mind to answers from the Spirit within me. I prayerfully consider which steps are mine to take and remember to be patient with myself as I bravely try something new. Change happens one step at a time. Spring’s amazing flowers remind me that my attitude toward my daily life can be my choice. I can choose each day forward to be full of a rainbow of vibrant colors  or full of grey clouds that limit my views and my potential to live my life to the fullest while on this great place called Earth.

Good-News-Monday:-SpringPINIMAGEWith a new mindset I am guided to an amazing future in the months ahead – starting with today.

I am about to create new heavens … a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered.  —Isaiah 65:17

Good News Monday: Spring’s Spiritual Awakening Blooms In Color is a story of springs arrival in Philadelphia while I was there this weekend to see a friend play baseball for the Phillies. The city are alive as Spring had sprung everywhere. My first real visit to the city was a brilliantly positive experience for my self-care.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

Good-News-Monday:-New-Porsche-911-Launch-2.jpegPINIMAGEGood-News-Monday:-New-Porsche-911-Launch-4.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: New Porsche 911 Launch Trump International Golf Club is a rare experience one does not want to pass up for three reasons. For one, the legendary car has not gone through a big update since for 5 years, and two, the venue for the launch not only has a reputation for being beautifully designed and elegant, but holds the name recognition of none other than presidential candidate Donald Trump. And three, my husband and I love race worthy cars with speed that triggers emotions beyond what words can express. And it’s just good fun.

Not matter his political story, I find Donald Trump such a curiosity after meeting him several years ago at a celebrity wedding in New York City which also by the way was the night I meet Hillary Clinton when she was Senator, as they both were in attendance. What an odd coincidence that they are now running against each other for the top spot The way he has directed his brand and his life is a reflection of not only his heart but what pop culture values. You can see the connections in many ways. But I digress.

The golf course was indeed spectacular especially at sunset but having it dotted with a range of fantastic Porsches including the new Porsche 911 pictured above – well that was beyond exciting! The event was held on the back veranda of the club house.Good-News-Monday:-New-Porsche-911-Launch-5.jpegPINIMAGE

Driving up to the course you find a green palm tree barrier around the course grounds. One that is so plush you can not see beyond. This is an invitation only event, so we needed to check in at the entrance and get our credentials. We then pulled to the valet in front of the stunning club house entrance where the Porsche Parade began.  Walking through the entrance made us feel like we had landed in Versailles! Crystal chandeliers adorned the rafters. The funniest adornment wasGood-News-Monday:-New-Porsche-911-Launch-3.jpegPINIMAGE there was the photos of Donald Trump all over the walls. They were everywhere you turned. Even in the ladies powder room!

The actual event was held on the back veranda of the club house. Braman Auto, Palm Beach hosted the event doing a splendid job making it feel special – the champagne and wines were excellent. The range of finger food first class. My favorite was the New Zealand lamb chops and coconut shrimp.  The entertainment was exotic with Hawaiian drummers and  a fire torch dance before the unveiling of the 911. We were treated very well throughout the evening.

But my favorite aspect was the cars – I love the new 911 in white of course!

Good-News-Monday:-New-Porsche-911-Launch-1.jpegPINIMAGE

Good News Monday: New Porsche 911 Launch Trump International Golf Club offers another dimension of self care. What is that? Enjoying ones passions! My love of cars was imbedded in me by my Father. It brings me joy to enjoy them, dive them own them. It is one of life’s best escapes and indulgences.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

Start-Spring-Fresh-With-Lush-Spa-Oxford-Street.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Start Spring Fresh With Lush Spa Oxford Street London puts the spotlight on the a healthful way to step into spring emotionally and physically. As many of us begin to think about warmer days outdoors and shedding layers of clothing along with inner layers of pains points and stress the winter months may have induced upon us. Its is time to indulge yourself in a few hours of deep self care.

Recently, while shopping I came upon a LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Boutique – it was so inviting, colorfully creative with alluring scents calling to me as I stopped to look into the Spring Collection Stories presented in the windows. I recall the very first time I came to experience LUSH. It was on one of my visits to Australia when working with Target Stores which took me exploring the realm of retail in this inspired country.  There are a select group of specialty stores that stood out amongst the crowd, and LUSH was one of them – so unique, clever and playfully exciting. I new then it would be a winner. Some six years later it has found its way into the hearts of many of all ages including Spa Lovers around the world.

There is a special addition that has brought it to another level all together and that is LUSH SPA on Oxford Street. Its menu of services invite you to be transported to another world – even if it is just for a short while. One of the best and newest therapies is THE PLANETS. But it is much more than a treatment, it is sensory experience that nurtures the body from tip to toe, leaving one to feel refreshed, revitalized, and remarkably stress-free.  Let’s begin. Your therapist greets you with calming words that tell the story of what the planets would exactly entail.

Start-Spring-Fresh-With-Lush-Spa-Oxford-Street-1.jpegPINIMAGE

Taking inspiration from The Planets the LUSH Spa treatment is comprised of three parts: The Past as a 90 minute massage; The Present as a 30 minute hand arms massage accompanied a palm reading; the future as a 60 minute facial. To begin you are handed a slim deck of cards and asked the shuffle them, then turn them over and spread them out. Next you are asked to pick a card that contains the word that stands out to you. Lets say you pick CONTROL, which is featured on the mars card. As you sip aromatic tea you are taken to you massage room. When you lie down you are looking up a lighted ceiling art scape where your word is projected on the ceiling. A way to help you focus on the issue that maybe causing the stress. The therapist talks through the pressure points to help your relieve the ‘CONTROL’ tension in your body. Together you release the tension for a much greater result – restoring your body to a natural rythm. Next  you move onto to realize tea cup is almost empty – at the bottom of the cup you discover the word CONTROL at the bottom of the cup. It is refilled and now we move into the arm and hand massage and the reading where the insight is unbelievably spot on and it is not hard to be impressed by this especially as this is a first visit. By now you feel like you have stepped into another way of life – so chilled out, yet oddly alert and focused.

And now The Future – The theme here is ‘It’s ok to let go.’ By now the soothing facial is allowing you to heal my mind, heart and soul.  A favorite part is the ending with a tingly head massage. It just seems to set ones head right to face the world again, clear minded and energized. After you areStart-Spring-Fresh-With-Lush-Spa-Oxford-Street-2.jpegPINIMAGE dressed you are presented with a cool glass of water and a goodie bag of the products you were treated with so you can enjoy them at home.

Start Spring Fresh With Lush Spa Oxford Street London allows you to feel magical and lost in yourself for a few hours so you can find yourself just in the time walk into spring with a fresh attitude. Why not check it out in your city and pick up their newsy Spring Catalog!

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe