Merry Christmas from Spa Utopia

Another Christmas season is upon us and everyone is busy with holiday parties and events, baking cookies and other festive treats, and shopping for presents for under the tree. With all of the preparations and planning that goes into this season, it is sometimes easy to forget the reason we do all of it for - and that reason is always for family.

Today, while the turkey is in the oven, and all the wrapping paper and bows are undone, we hope that you take a moment to enjoy all the happiness that this season brings to you and yours. A time to be together, with family and friends, and enjoy so much love, laughter and joy.

For those of you who may still need a last minute gift, remember that you can still purchase instant certificates online! Click on the link below and be transported to a classic gift instantly. Choose a holiday themed certificate or personalize it by uploading a photo of your own. Simply follow the purchase procedure and in minutes you will be printing a certificate straight from your home computer.

Instant Certificate:
 http://spautopia.ca/spaonlineappwa/order_an_instant_gift_card_options.aspx

For all of our spa guests, please note that we will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Yes, New Years Eve is right around the corner and we are open until 3:00 PM for all your health & wellness needs. Don't forget to book your hair and makeup reservation today so that you can ring in the New Year in style.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~Spa Utopia  Health &  Wellness Center

Giving Back and Giving Thanks

All the year through we strive to be mindful of the blessings in our life, but it is at this time of year that we are reminded especially to give thanks. This Thanksgiving, you may have similar reflections on our collective fortunes and encourage your family to express all the things in their life that they are thankful for. It is in this tradition of giving thanks that we are reminded that so many others in the world are not as privileged as us.

At Spa Utopia, we believe in the importance of helping others and it is in that spirit that we created The Utopia Foundation in 2007. Since that time, The Utopia Foundation has raised over $250,000 for global and local charities. As part of our contributions, The Utopia Foundation teamed up with The Ben Sawatzky Foundation to help build houses in the Dominican Republic.  

In total, The Utopia Foundation was able to build 11 houses in Paradise Village and in doing so helped to change the lives of 11 deserving families. In 2012, two of the Utopia Foundation Administrators (including yours truly) traveled to the Dominican Republic, alongside four of Spa Utopia’s owners, to see the results of our employees’ generous donation of time, money and energy. And what an experience it was!

Paradise Village is a thriving community in the Dominican Republic and a welcome refuge for so many families. Families are offered a house at no cost, access to a medical center, an opportunity to send their kids to school, and a chance to learn a new trade such as hair design, sewing or wood work. On the day of our visit, the village was in full celebration welcoming us and other sponsors as their guests while a number of families received the keys to their new homes for the first time. 

We were embraced by the community and especially by the children, who wanted to show us their village, learn our names, share our candies and braid our hair. After the ceremony was complete, the children led us through the village to find the homes that we helped to build. One by one, we were introduced to the families living in these homes and learned their stories. Some families had only one parent, some families had lots of children, but all families had a common thread – genuine gratitude. Although we were there to give to them, it was truly us who received the gift, as it is undeniable how fortunate we were to experience something so significant.

The families that make up this community meet several requirements before a house is granted. First, they must show that they are in need; secondly, that they are a family (one or two parents with kids); and thirdly that they will be a productive part of the community by not engaging in criminal activity. The family is given the home rent-free, and after several years as community members, the mother receives the deed to the house. As you may not know (we didn't)  people have to actually pay rent to stay in the shacks that are scattered across the landscape. This takes a sizable amount of money from their meager earnings and makes it nearly impossible for families to move forward. 

We heard many inspiring stories during our visit, but one of the most impressive is that of a man who was given a house 20 years ago. At that time he was living in a shack with his wife and barely surviving. After being given his new home rent free he was able to use his earnings to buy a cab, and then another. As he prospered, he added a second level to his home and turned the entry level into a grocery store. With this opportunity he was able to provide for his family and send both his children to university where one of them is studying today to become a doctor. The gift of that home literally changed his life and that of his family which is truly inspiring.

On another day in the Dominican Republic, we visited the shacks (pictured above) where so many people spend their lives. On this day, we watched as a family packed up their few belongings and prepared to make the journey to their new home in Paradise Village. These shacks are little more than a few walls, made from different materials, and bundled together to make a structure, with a cold dirt floor and few comforts of home. It was heart warming to see these people receive a home, complete with four cement walls and a tin roof, and reminded us of how lucky we were to have our own homes with all the modern day luxuries of indoor plumbing and hot water heating. 

On our return to the village we received the first glimpse of the soon-to-be completed Paradise Garden. With the help of donations, families will receive a plot of land on which they can grow their own herbs and vegetables. On that same day, the sewing school had its first session (with so many applicants that their next class is already full), we took a tour of the soon-to-be opened Utopia Academy where students will learn hair design, and we learnt about all the children in the village who run home after school and pass on what they have learned to their mothers who relish the opportunity for knowledge.

All of these experiences and opportunities are possible because people cared enough to help. The employees and owners at Spa Utopia who helped to make this project possible are grateful that they had the opportunity to truly make a difference in someone else’s life. And as we gather around the dinner table this weekend, dressing the table with autumn decorations and carving the turkey, we remember the importance of giving thanks and giving back.

Introducing Jane Iredale BB Cream

We are pleased to present a guest blogger this week: Rebecca - a Makeup Artist form our Langley location. She is here to tell you all about the new arrival from our Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup Collection.

BREAKING BEAUTY NEWS: Jane Iredale Cosmetics launches new Glow Time^™ Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream!

 

Spa Utopia Makeup Artists recently had the opportunity to preview the new BB creams and are loving the full coverage and smooth finish. In keeping with Jane Iredale’s “the Skin Care Makeup^®” tag line, these BB creams nourish and treat your skin while covering imperfections. But what is a BB cream and how do you know if it’s right for you?

 

The formulation for BB cream was originally developed by a German dermatologist for use by clients having laser procedures. Years later it became the biggest beauty trend in Southeast Asia and started gaining attention world wide. The acronym B.B. stands for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm as it is known for helping to brighten the complexion and smooth the surface of the skin. 

 

Jane Iredale Cosmetics, Spa Utopia’s makeup of choice, is now offering a full range of BB creams. This product, like all of Jane’s cosmetics, is all-natural, mineral based, and never tested on animals. It also offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with SPF 25 and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes. Natural anti-aging ingredients such as white tea leaf, green tea leaf, grapefruit, and other extracts, help control oil and minimize environmental damage to your skin.

 

Compared to the sheer finish of the Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals foundation, the new BB creams offer full coverage of redness and blemishes and help to minimize pores and wrinkles. Despite their powerful coverage ability, these creams are hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Each of the six shades, from BB1 (fair) to BB11 (very dark), adjusts to your unique skin tone.

 

Jane Iredale Glow Time^™ Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream might be right for your makeup bag if:

• you want full coverage from your makeup
• you prefer a cream texture rather than a powder
• you are concerned about enlarged pores or fine lines/wrinkles

Even if you love your current Jane Iredale foundation and aren't looking for a change, there’s exciting news for you too! Along with the new BB creams, Jane is also introducing Smooth Affair Facial Primer and Brightener. This primer can be used under any foundation for a smoothing and brightening effect that gets better every time you use it. 

These much anticipated new products are now beginning to arrive at all Spa Utopia locations. Feel free to ask any Spa Utopia Makeup Artist for details. We will be happy to help you find the perfect shade for your skin tone and show you exactly how to use it. 

Back-to-School Survival Guide

There is something nostalgic about this time of year when the leaves begin to turn, the sun seems to set earlier and earlier, and we begin to feel that old familiar chill in the air. For many of us, old and young alike, we are reminded that this time of year heralds in the autumn and with it a return to classes. 

As the long lazy days of summer come to a close, we cling to the few precious days remaining, and begin to make plans for the academic year ahead. We repeat the same rituals each year at this time – from shopping for school supplies to picking out a new fall wardrobe – and in doing so we begin to dream of all the possibilities of the year ahead. 

In many homes, beach mats and camping gear is pushed aside to make way for lunch bags and backpacks. All the back-to-school essentials are at the ready: the papers and binders are neatly organized, a tote is stuffed full of new pens and pencils, and the outfit for the first day of school is carefully selected.

Parents and teenagers everywhere are beginning to plan for a year of activities – complete with school dances, soccer games, study sessions and sweet sixteens. But beyond the bagged lunches, car rides, and guidance and support, there is something else we can do to help our teens put their best foot forward this coming year. Why not book her for a Utopia Teens Package? 

A series of treatments specially designed for teens, this package includes a Designed For U Facial, Classic Essential Manicure and Brow Shape. As teenagers grow and develop, the fluctuation of hormones affects their skin which makes them in need of customized attention. A facial carefully designed for her unique skin type and needs will help to brighten and clarify the skin allowing her to step forward with confidence. To further enhance her beautiful features, the Skin Care Therapist will perform an expert Brow Shape. Well groomed brows make such a difference in how the face is framed and many teens make the mistake of over plucking or not following the natural arch of the brow. 

To finish, your teen will be treated to a professional manicure session in which the Skin Care Therapist will groom and clean her cuticles, file her nails uniformly, exfoliate and moisturize the skin and complete the treatment with an exquisite polish from our vegan SpaRituals line of lacquers. Just imagine that as she looks down at her manicured hands on the first day of school she will feel confident in herself and exude that feeling to others.

Another area that teenagers experiment with is makeup. It is as a teen that we begin to play with our look and learn how we can express ourselves through our style. At Spa Utopia Health and Wellness Center, our Makeup Artists offer Makeup Lessons in which they provide customized colour matching, expert makeup application tips and tricks, and demonstrate how to achieve different day and evening makeup looks. 

This session is ideal for all age groups – for teenagers who are learning the basic essentials to experienced makeup users who know it’s never too late to learn new techniques to highlight their favourite features. Parents can also rest assured when their teens use our Jane Iredale makeup because it is a mineral makeup that is recommended by Dermatologists and the Skin Cancer Foundation, won’t clog pores and provides a polished look every time.

With all the routines and rituals that we share this time of year, why not start a new one and book your teenager in for this package before the big day? Better yet, share the experience together by enjoying in suite facials or side-by-side manicures. Then every year, you will look forward to the special time you spend together as you reflect on all the goals and dreams of the year ahead.

At Spa Utopia, we wish you and your family a successful and happy back to school season.

Love Your Skin

For all that we put our skin through in a day it’s important that we remember to take care of it – and to do that we need more than a little soap and water. Every day our skin is burdened with the damaging effects of dirt, oil, pollution, and free radicals. All these factors, combined with stress and aging, means that our skin needs the right products to help look after it. So whether you are busy with business meetings, looking after the kids, or studying inschool, using a great skin care regimen morning and night will help to give back to your skin all that it gives to you – luminosity and protection. And we can help you to do just that.

At Spa Utopia Health & Wellness Center we use a variety of professional skin care products including Comfort Zone – a product line from Italy that we have used since the inception of our spa. We are proud to use Comfort Zone’sexquisite products in our treatments and offer it to purchase for home care use because we are confident in its innovative approach to skin care and commitment to health and beauty.

Perhaps you have never tried Comfort Zone products, or maybe you have been a loyal fan for years, but either way now is a great time to stop by and take advantage of a fantastic promotion. Twice a year, Comfort Zone releases a super-sized duo set of their Everyday Cleanser & Tonic and Active Pureness Cleanser & Tonic. Our guests and spa partners alike get excited when they see the beautiful duo packs displayed proudly on our retail stands. That’s because each duo pack includes a 400ml size of both the cleanser and tonic for a total of $88. Regularly, each item is 200ml and each sell separately for $45 & 46 respectively. That is more than double the savings!

 

Both the Everyday and Active Pureness series help to address different skin needs and offer an array of health benefits. The Everyday series is ideal for dry, sensitive and mature skin and has excellent softening properties. The Active Pureness series is great for deep cleansing and oil control and offers superior balancing effects. Not sure which one is right for you? Just visit any of our Spa Utopia Health & Wellness Centers and one of our Skin Care Therapists or Makeup Artists would be happy to assist you in finding the product that is best suited for your skin. We also offer complimentary consultations if you are seeking advice for your skin care routine or perhaps are considering a facial treatment. Comfort Zone also offers extensive product information on their website at http://www.comfortzone.it/en/home to find out more.

What’s more, when you stop in to pick up a set for yourself why not get a second one for a friend or family member? The duo comes in a beautifully decorated bag which makes it ideal for gift giving. Hard as it is to imagine given the beautiful sunshine outside, the holiday season is only months away which makes now a great time to start stocking up, especially when you can take advantage of of such a great offer. Imagine what a wonderful gift the duo will make under the tree – but if it ends up being unwrapped early in your own bathroom, that’s okay to0! Whatever you decide, don’t wait too long because this offer is only good for as long as the stock stays on the shelves – which won’t be long!

Our Langley Lounge: Reimagined

At Spa Utopia Health & Wellness Center, we love to welcome you to our spa just as we would welcome a friend into our home. It is with that spirit that we designed our relaxation lounges for you to enjoy before and after your treatment. Enjoy a cool glass of cucumber water or a warm Spa Utopia Signature beverage (a guest favourite) while you relax. Each location includes one of our beautifully designed lounges, complete with burning candles, magazines and fresh snacks, all which are sure to entice you to stay awhile.

We invite you to arrive early to enjoy time in our lounge as part of your spa experience. For our guests who enjoy our Langley location, we are very pleased to showcase our newly redesigned lounge - complete with new luxurious furnishings and decor.

We look forward to your next visit with us.

The Beauty of Water

Water: it is 60% of what we are made of and covers 70% of the world’s surface. It has many therapeutic properties, a plethora of uses, and is paramount to our survival. It is clean, pure, and refreshing – but it might not be depending on your water bottle.

As we all know, it is important to drink water every day, but it is just as important to ensure you are getting it from the right source. All of the plastic bottles, and even many of the reusable containers, contain dangerous chemicals that can leach into our water and lead to health conditions. The term BPA has now become common place in our social dialogue and many people are concerned about its effects on themselves and their families.  This has led many people to forgo the plastic bottles which do harm to our bodies and the earth. But how does one get water on the go? Green enthusiasts everywhere can now rejoice: the bkr® bottle is here.

No more plastic water bottles, no more environmental damage, the bkr® bottle is made of one of the earth’s most remarkable materials – glass. These beautiful and ergonomic glass water bottles are chemical free and great for the environment as the glass and its protective silicone sleeve are both 100% recyclable. Not to be outdone, these stylish bottles come in an array of eye catching colours. Check out the new summer colours at any of our spa locations: yellow, neon coral, bright purple, apple green and tropical blue. You will want to proudly display the bkr® bottle in your kitchen, mount it on your bike, or carry it with you on your next walk.

These lovely bottles might be made of glass but that doesn’t mean they are too fragile for daily use! Just listen to the story from our beloved Marketing Director: she loves her bkr® bottle and takes it with her everywhere. Recently, after enjoying an afternoon of cycling with her husband, the couple mounted their bicycles on their truck for the return trip home. As they did, she rested her trusty companion, the bkr® bottle, on the truck’s bumper. 

Satisfied from the bike ride, they set about their drive home by traversing ten minutes across the freeway and then climbing the long, steep hill up to their mountain side house. Quenched, she reached for her bkr® bottle and immediately realized she had left it on the bumper. She turned to her husband, and hoping it had somehow found a soft landing in the grass, asked him to drive back to the park to retrieve it. As the devoted husband he is, he turned around, patiently as ever, and began to drive but then suggested to her that maybe she should check the bumper, to which she exclaimed “seriously, there is no way it will still be there!” But just to appease him, she hopped out of the truck and ran back to the bumper – and there it was! Her husband was likely just as surprised as she was when she returned to the passenger seat drinking from her bottle.

Of course, her story doesn't end there. As any creature of habit will do, she returned her bkr® bottle to the bumper as she unloaded the bikes from the bike rack. As she lifted the truck’s hatch to retrieve their helmets, the door knocked her bkr® bottle to the sloped, paved driveway and it was all she could do to watch her bkr® roll away from her...and then stop, perfectly intact, at the driveway’s edge. Not only had her bkr® bottle managed to stay glued to the bumper for their drive home but it then survived a fall in the end. Even though she could rest assured that her bkr® would be replaced if it should break, she grew even more fond of her treasured, and remarkable, bkr®.

Come to Spa Utopia Health & Wellness Center today and choose a bkr® bottle for your own adventure! Because whether it is at your desk, in your car, or out in nature’s playground, it is always important to stay hydrated. Remember to be kind to your body and yourself by drinking lots of water from a clean and chemical free source. We only have one body, and one earth, and we need to be good to both!

BC Long Weekend!

Spa Utopia Health & Wellness Center 

will be closed on 

Monday August 6th. 

Enjoy the long weekend everyone... be safe, protect your skin and stay hydrated...it's going to be a hot one!