It’s finally …….. SPA…. RING!!!!

The sun is shining, the temperature is above freezing and I just checked the calendar and yes, it really is spring.

I can finally start working on those front gardens I put in last fall.

Let me just take a look at how the cedar rails and wood structures have made it through the winter.

AGH>>>>>>>>>>I can’t even see them, there is still 3 feet of snow covering the front lawn………….I have had enough!!!!!

Ok, calm down, lots of other spring projects to do… I could clean my house--doesn’t sound like much fun;

take the vehicle in for spring maintenance--that just sounds expensive;

do my income tax--how boring;

get out the patio furniture--oh yea, that three feet of snow thing again; …let me rethink this……..

I will be shedding these winter clothes soon (I hope), and showing more skin……..

OH MY!!!!....looks like it belongs on a reptile!

That’s it…..a SPA DAY….I’m really liking this idea!

There is nothing quite as soothing and relaxing as a leisurely soak in a hot tub.

The amazing virtues of water have been sung throughout the ages. Balneotherapy is the art of water therapy.

Although the Romans may not have invented the bath, they certainly raised it to a high art. Roman citizens would linger for hours in communal hot baths, where they socialized, conducted courtship and even sealed business deals. They built lavish baths wherever they found natural hot springs. The Roman reverence for bathing has survived in Turkey, where patrons still visit public baths to be soaped, steamed and scrubbed clean by attendants. Meanwhile, a highly ritualized bathing culture has evolved in Japan as well. Whole towns exist as destination resorts around Japanese natural hot springs. They make annual visits to these springs, and in between find time for frequent visits to the “Sento”-the local communal hot-tub house.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, bathing fell out of favor in Europe. For the next few centuries the practice was considered suspect and unhealthy. Immersion was a frightening and distasteful experience. Washing was an unpleasant and infrequent necessity that was carried out quickly and furtively, with a basin of cold water.

Water therapy, as practiced today, was introduced in Austria in the 19^th century by the Reverend Father Sebastian Kneipp. Father Kneipp believed in the healing properties of water and prescribed treatments that included drinking mineral water, soaking in hot springs, taking cold showers, and walking barefoot in the early morning dew. Healing spas that subscribed to Father Kneipp’s philosophy sprang up all over Europe, and “taking the waters” became a popular social pastime for the rich and privileged.

Thalassotherapy is water therapy with the addition of elements from the sea, mainly seawater and algae. The theories of thalssotherapy are based on the premise that there exists a physiological similarity between the ocean and our blood plasma. Our blood does contain certain minerals, notably potassium, sodium and chorine in the same proportions as seawater. It is believed that by warming seawater to body temperature, negative ions are activated; these penetrate the body bringing the vital elements of the sea to our every organ.

The re-mineralizing benefits of Thalassotherapy are considered especially effective in restoring elasticity to sagging skin due to aging or sudden weight loss, or following pregnancy. Thalassotherapy treatments can also be undertaken in your home spa by soaking in a bath to which 60 to 120ml of algae powder has been added. Besides restoring healthy skin texture, algae soaks promote healthy blood circulation, reduce cellulite and water retention, and soothe sore muscles.

As water is the biggest component of these types of therapies-, perhaps a few words about it.........

Drinking and bathing in high quality water is the most natural way to hydrate your body to preserve and promote good health. Most tap water from public water supplies is loaded with chlorine and other chemicals-some, however controversial, are intentional like fluoride, but often other chemicals slip through as traces of environmental pollution. If your skin is dry or irritated after bathing and particularly if you notice a white residue on your skin, you might want to consider some type of water filtration system.

Today health spas abound throughout the world. Modern spas have evolved beyond mere mineral water treatments to offer many complimentary therapies as well as physical fitness, relaxation training and nutritional counseling. There is also an increasing awareness among men as to the benefits of spa treatments, both esthetic and for their overall health.

However, one issue remains constant, it is still rather expensive and not something that easily fits into most budgets on a regular basis. But never fear....with a few basic ingredients, a bathtub and a few hours to yourself.....you can create your own spa experience for a fraction of the price!

Here is my SPA DAY menu:

1. Grains Face Cleanser- This treatment gently removes any dead skin, improves circulation and smoothes skin. Can be done daily. Mix a couple of teaspoons of our ‘Grains Plus’ (or make your own gentle exfoliator with a combination of equal parts of oatmeal, cornmeal, ground almonds) with warm water to make a thick paste. Gently scrub your face and neck using circular strokes. Allow the grains to sit on your face for a few minutes prior to rinsing off with warm water.

2. Facial Steam-This procedure opens up the pores and helps to draw out toxins. In a large basin or bowl place a handful of our Icelandic Facial Steam blend or choose other suitable herbs like calendula, lemon balm, lavender, fennel etc. Then pour 2-3 cups of boiling over the herbs. Lean your face over the steaming water and drape a bath towel over the back of your head, forming a tent. Be careful not to burn yourself! Relax and let the fragrant steam engulf your head for 5 to 10 minutes, then pat dry. Steams can be used weekly. **Facial Steams are not recommended if you have Rosaceae or are susceptible to fragile facial capillaries.

3. Facial Massage-ok, now your face is clean and your pours are open, time for a massage! This improves circulation, firm’s skin and introduces balancing and healing oils. Using a suitable facial oil, I use what I call 3R’s Facial Oil-this is my personal blend with essential oils of Sage, Rose Geranium, Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils in a Marshmallow infused almond oil base. I call it “ 3R’s “ because it supports cell Regeneration, helps Repair damage and assists in precious moisture Retention. You can use an oil of your own preference, almond oil or grape seed oil are good bases perhaps with some added essential oils-lavender is suitable for all skin types or check a reliable source for other options. Facial oils are important components of a facial massage, by reducing friction; they prevent stretching and wrinkling of the skin. Place a few drops on the palms of your hands and lightly massage starting at the base of your neck, using the palms of your hands, massage up your throat in a sweeping motion to your chin. From the corners of your nose, sweep under your cheekbones and up to your temples. Smoothing across your forehead, continue around your ears to the back of your neck, then down over your neck, shoulders and chest area.

4. Facial Mask- Clay is one of the oldest of all skin treatments. Clay contains an abundance of silica and other mineral salts. It is a balancer and revitalizer. When applied to the skin as a mask, oxidation and circulation are accelerated, defensive functions are stimulated and body temperature is raised. It draws out impurities and nourishes the skin. Try on our herb/clay blends-Lemon Balm, Chamomile or Peppermint or create your own-Green Clay for all skin types, Fullers Earth is highly absorbent, so it is excellent for oily skin, white clay is very light and pure and good for normal to dry skin types. In a glass or ceramic bowl, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of clay with room temperature water. Mix well with a chopstick or small wooden spoon to make a soft paste (you can add a few drops of suitable essential oils if desired). Smooth evenly over face and neck avoiding eye area and lips. Apply thickly to any areas congested with pimples or blackheads. Relax, preferably with you feet elevated, and leave on for 20 minutes. Remove with a tepid water or a moistened washcloth. Can be done weekly if desired. *Use pure healing clays, ceramic clay is not advised.

5. Herbal Toner-.Astringents and toners are an essential component of any successful facial-cleansing routine. They invigorate the complexion, remove any traces of soap, close up the pores and quickly restore the skin’s proper pH level. Try our ‘F- Tones’ face toner or make your own by placing ½ cup total of your favourite skin loving herbs in a suitable pot and covering with 1 cup apple cider vinegar or witch hazel or a combination of both. Heat to simmering point-do not boil, remove from heat, cover and let steep for at least 20 minutes. Then strain through cheesecloth to remove herbs. You can now add a maximum of 20 drops of your favourite essential oils or other suitable ingredients if desired. Mix well and store in a dark glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. Will keep well for several months. Apply to the face and neck, using a cotton ball or pad after cleaning or after a facial mask treatment.

6. Moisture Layer of Oil-Top off your facial treatments with a light application of Calendula Oil, facial oil blend or moisturizer. In a few hours, your face will be glowing with health and vitality.

7. Dry Body Brushing -Now, this is something I have just started doing, and I love it! Dry skin brushing is one of the best ways to care for your skin. It helps break down deposits, aids in lymphatic drainage and detoxification and stimulates circulation on top of the basic exfoliation. Some of the benefits of Dry Brushing include; stimulates blood flow to increase nutrient delivery to cells; improves lymph flow to carry toxins and waste products out of the body; removes dry, dead skins cells; encourages cells to regenerate; results in smooth glowing skin; stimulates production of sebum (oil) to nourish dry skin; helps combat cellulite and fatty deposits; increases energy and stimulates the body and lastly but not least....feels great! Very inexpensive too!...a natural bristle brush costs under $10.00, available at most health food stores, and the benefits are amazing. Best to do this before showering/bathing at least once a day...twice would be better. Once you start doing this, you will wonder what took you so long to start. Use a natural bristle brush, start out with a soft bristle type and get one with a long handle for those hard to reach places. Beginning at the soles of your feet-the nerve endings here affect your whole body, brush using brisk upward strokes up your entire legs, then more gently across your abdomen and stomach. Continue with the buttocks and lower back and up your entire back to the shoulders. Next brush your arms starting at the hand and stroking briskly towards to the shoulder. The neck and chest are sensitive areas so brush more gently and it is recommended to avoid the nipples. Remember to always brush towards the heart. You can also do your face, but make sure to use a small soft brush and be very gentle-vigorous rubbing will stretch or otherwise damages the facial skin. This should take approx. 5 minutes. For extra oomph, I put a light spray of our new ‘Friction Spritz’ onto my brush a few times a week to energize and tone *Wash brush at least weekly in water and allow to dry.

8. Salt Scrub- Body scrubs rid you of skin that’s dry, scaly, and flaky, often the result of either heat or cold. Scrubs can be done once a week, however for sensitive or mature skin perhaps 1 per month would be sufficient. Keep in mind that if you have rashes, acne, sunburned skin or spider veins, avoid scrubs, as they might make the condition worse, instead just stick to the body brushing above. There are three main ingredients in a body scrub; exfoliates, carrier oils and essential oils. Exfoliates can be sea salt, sugar-which is more gentle, ground almonds etc., the best carrier oils to use are almond, grape-seed or hazelnut-these all penetrate the skin readily and supply fatty acids to the skin, leading to increased elasticity and a soft shine. The range of essential oils is wide depending on associated benefits and fragrance. Grapefruit essential oil gently stimulates and refreshes; juniper oil is useful for water retention, stress and fatigue; lavender is suitable for all skin types and helps to heal minor inflammations and relieve day-to-day stress. Try our ‘Grub Scrub’ or make your own. Using 1 cup of an exfoliate of your choice, ½ cup carrier oil and 10-12 drops (total) of essential oil. To Make: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir thoroughly. This can be a slightly messy procedure, so best to stand in the shower or sit on the edge of the tub. To Use: Apply to dry body skin using circular strokes to exfoliate the skin. Start on your feet and legs and work your way up. *Do not use on neck, face or any other delicate area or if you have any cuts. When finished, follow with a quick rinse in the shower.

9. Deep Relaxing Soak-The numerous benefits have been outline above and there are many bath additives to chose from-sea salts, Epsom salts; bath vinegars; essential oils; milk; oatmeal; honey; algae; baking soda (to soften water) and herbs (approx. ½ cup dried herbs/bath) either as strong teas, sachets or loosely added to the bath to mention a few. Most bath enhancers should be added to the tub while filling with the exception of Essential Oils, which should be added just before entering the tub. Try our new Spa Day Salts blend which is a Lavender scented combination of sea salts and Epsom salts-add about ½ cup to your bath along with 1 to 2 cups of a strong herbal bath tea. I pour 2 cups of boiling water over one of our ‘Nature’s Escape’ bath sachets -filled with skin loving herbs, in a small glass/stainless pot along with 2-3 tablespoon of powdered kelp, cover and allow to steep for at least 20 minutes. Remove sachet and strain to remove kelp residue. You can also add 2 tablespoons of pure honey, stir well to dissolve. Now add this infused liquid to the bath while filling. (Less mess to clean up!) For the total effect, I sprinkle a handful of lavender flowers onto the water, dim the lights, put on my ‘IL Divo’ CD and light a beeswax candle! Relax and soak for at least 20 minutes. Dry off with a clean towel by patting the body not rubbing, starting at your feet and moving upward.

10. Body Toner Spray Coat –As with our face, it is important to also use a body toner for the same reason. Due to the larger area I find a spray most effective. Any vinegar or witch hazel based formula will work effectively and you can customize it to your specific needs with either herbs or essential oils. In the summer I use our ‘Summer Breeze Spritzer’ for this. It is cooling and refreshing and effectively removes any soap residue, closes the pores and restores the skins pH level.

11. Oil Top Coat-The finish coat....Enjoy a full body massage with Calendula Oil or one of your choice. Always starting at your feet and go slowly, using gentle, long, smooth strokes. Always stroke in the direction of the heart. Pay attention to muscle knots and take note of painful as well as pleasurable sites. Your skin will be smooth, healthy and glowing...............even better if you can find someone to massage this in for you!

12. Green Tea Soul Soother and Spinach Salad……….. All that works builds up an appetite! Enjoy a couple of cups of Green Tea during your spa session and drink water!

Think I will just curl up with a book or maybe take a nap!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and the above article has been ‘in-SPA-rational’

in putting together the perfect gift for the women in your life!

‘SPA Day’

Gift Collection!

ENOUGH FOR TWO SPA DAYS AND MORE!

INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS- NO ARTIFICAL INGREDIENTS; PRESERVATIVES OR FRAGRANCES!

GRAINS PLUS

ICELANDIC FACIAL STEAM

FACE MASK

3R’S FACIAL OIL BLEND

F-TONES – HERBAL FACE TONER

CALENDULA OIL

FRICTION SPRITZ

GRUB SCRUB

SPA DAY SALTS BLEND

NATURE’S ESCAPE BATH SACHETS

ORGANIC KELP

ORGANIC LAVENDER FLOWERS

SUMMER BREEZE SPRITZER

GREEN TEA (JAPAN)

INFORMATIONAL/INSTRUCTION HANDOUT

All wrapped up in a clay coloured window box planter complete with sizzle and ribbon!

(SEE ATTACHED PHOTO)

**YOU ONLY NEED TO PROVIDE THE BODY BRUSH AND A FEW HOURS OF PEACE & QUIET!**

REGULAR PRICE: $70.00

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE:

**$50.00** UNTIL MAY 15, 2008

PLUS APPLICABLE TAXES, HANDLING AND SHIPPING PRODUCT CODE: BGP014

ORDER ON-LINE AT: www.kettlebyherbfarms.com

OR CALL TOLL FREE: 1-877-727-8344

OR FAX YOUR ORDER TO: 613-475-0230

***ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 15, 2008 TO QUALIFY FOR THIS INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL PRICING OFFER

& YOU WILL NEED TO ORDER BY MAY 1^st TO ENSURE DELIVERY WITHIN CANADA IN TIME FOR ‘MOTHER’S DAY**

So what’s happening at Kettleby Herb Farms?

· It has been a very, very, very long winter and I’m sure we are all happy to see spring arrive! I have started a number of plants in anticipation of filling up my new gardens that were dug last fall. They are coming along but could sure use some warmer days to give them a push. Just put some grass seed down-well, at least where I can finally see some hint of green out there, to hopefully help my struggling lawn. I am trying a new ‘Enviro’ variety that is suppose to be more drought tolerant and requires less cutting…we will wait and see! On a more positive note I can see the bulbs I planted last fall poking up and the thick blanket of snow should have been great for the perennials.

· I did manage to get in two trips to Venezuela this winter…that certainly helped break up the long season. My Spanish is improving….but still a long way to go. Have just signed up for another course. I am waiting for that magic moment when it just all makes sense!

· Make sure to check out our Web Site: www.kettlebyherbfarms.com for great Mother’s Day gift ideas, our Seed Combo’s are very popular and make a great gift for the gardeners on your list and of course, every women enjoys a little pampering, try out some of our NEW Bath/Skin care products: 3R’S Facial Oil; F-Tones; Friction Spritz; Grub Scrub, Spa Day Salts Blend and check out the new ‘SPA DAY ’ Gift Pack with a special introductory price! **We would be happy to customize a gift pack for you and we can ship it directly too!

· Our Dried Botanical list has expanded again with the addition of two types of Green Tea, one from China and the other a premium quality from Japan. Organic Atlantic Kelp powder and Gentian Root have also been added.

· For those of you located near Bradford, Ontario a new store has recently opened called ‘Herbal Thymes Emporium’ located at 25 Holland Street East, near the ‘four corners’. They are carrying a wide assortment of Kettleby Herb Farm products as well as a great selection of our dried botanicals. It is an interesting place with lots of ‘Green’ products…even pens made from corn……if you get a chance, check it out…….the owners name is Marion! The stores phone number is 905-778-1900

Wishing for warm sunny days!

Sue