Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Mother's Day

It was two days after the birth of my son that I received my first Mother's Day card from him (with a little help from his thoughtful grandmother, of course). It was then that it hit me that I was actually a mom. This brand new life was mine to nurture, protect, guide and cherish. No priority seemed more important, and no love could be deemed greater. The task at hand seemed daunting. I immediately gained a tremendous appreciation for my own mother, who was happy to show me the ropes and support me.

Then 13 years later, he became a teenager. The nurturing was seen as over controlling, the protecting was seen as confining, and the guiding was seen as overbearing. I can't remember the word cherish in the vocabulary during that era much, but I do recall that unconditional love was really important as he and my daughter, who arrived 6 and half years later, struggled to secure their independence and identities during their teen years. Once again my own mom was in the wings, supporting my efforts and reassuring me that I was right to stick to my guns on more than one occasion and that things would eventually smooth out. During this time, I really, really, appreciated her!

I am happy to share that we all survived the journey. Today I have two great young adult children, and I am so grateful to have lived this life as their mom. Our relationship is very close and full of mutual support. On recent Mother's Days I've reveled in their cards, calls, visits, gifts, and Mother's Day wishes.  As I pass on the same to my mother, I can’t help but reflect on the circle of life, and I can’t wait to be there for my son and daughter when they decide it is their time to become parents.

On May 9th, of this year, we will all pass on our gratitude to our mothers for all those beautiful moments (and OK sometimes not so beautiful moments) that we've shared together. At Gene Juarez we are honored to be a part of that recognition for so many women, and we strive to make their loved one’s gift a very special experience. Thanks to all of you who allow us this valuable privilege, and happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

Posted by: Janet Denyer, CEO of Gene Juarez

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Style Yourself!

 

You don’t have to be a Gene Juarez Artist to have fabulous hair 24/7. Our incredible team has come up with 3 easy styles that will have you looking your best in just 5 simple steps. Go curly, style yourself straight, or perfect your ponytail – these printable tutorials will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

Curly     Straight     Ponytail

Posted by: The Gene Juarez Team

Monday, April 19, 2010

The Barbie French

Once upon a time…Heather one of our Bellevue Galleria Nail artists polished my toes with a color combination that I had never seen before.
I fell instantly in love!
I gave it a name, BARBIE FRENCH, and decided that anything that ranks this high on the “I LOVE THIS” meter deserves to have it’s own set of rules. 

BARBIE FRENCH RULES

1. Must have had two consecutive days of “where in the heck are my sunglasses” sun to wear the BARBIE FRENCH
2. Must only use CND Girlie Pink and Brilliant White polish to create BARBIE FRENCH (any other color combo just isn't Barbie)
3. Must have a fresh pedicure before wearing BARBIE FRENCH (extra points for having a Gene Juarez pedicure)
4. Must have a new pedicure every three to four weeks when wearing a BARBIE FRENCH (again, extra points for having a GJ pedicure)
5. Must loudly exclaim “FANTASTIQUE” (extra points if you say it with a French accent) upon completion of your BARBIE FRENCH
6. Must never wear BARBIE FRENCH after Labor Day unless of course you are going on a vacation (refer back to rule number one)

YIPEE! YAHOO! We just had two consecutive days of SUN, so run, don’t walk to any of our Gene Juarez locations and ask for your BARBIE FRENCH!

Posted by: Vicki Williamson, Director of Nail Department

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Spa Month at Gene Juarez

It's Spa Month and the start of Spring—time for new beginnings and time to celebrate! It is also tax time, yes, that time of the year that tends to create extra stress and worries for many of us. At Gene Juarez, we understand that this is a time when we are more aware of where and how we spend our money, but also that we need to take extra care of ourselves. During Spa Month we have created an enjoyable and affordable escape within the Gene Juarez Spas.

As a Therapist, I am asked quite often which massage would be best for overall relaxation and I am always excited to recommend our Gene Juarez Signature Serenity Massage because it is truly luxurious and is specifically customized for your well-being. Not only is it one of our most popular massage services, but it is a true "full body" massage and our guests are always surprised at how, in just one hour, they can quiet their minds, focus on and reconnect with their bodies.
 
I recall when I first received this service and the experience I had…the inhalation of the oils was so incredible that even today the rose, cardamom and orange scent is my favorite in the spa. The massage started with the legs and feet, and by the time Brynn at Downtown Seattle had started to massage my second leg, I was floating in and out of total relaxation…I think I even added a few loud zZZZzzzz's in between the occasional ahhhhhhh to the spa music! The hardest thing for me was finding the energy to turn over, but oh my goodness, things just got better and better during the massage. Those incredible strokes across the décolletage and up the back of the neck, and the warm towels that enveloped my face transported me to another world. By the end of the service I was totally relaxed, any tension I had, had melted away and my skin, which is usually so dry, felt so soft and hydrated!
 
Saying that, when I perform the service for my guests at University Village and they express how they feel, which can be anything from—"That was AMAZING...AAAAAMAZING!!" to "I don't remember ever being so relaxed, I feel so energized and balanced"—it always makes me smile because the service is THAT memorable.
 
So with Spa Month upon us, why not treat yourself to our Signature Serenity Massage? What better way to reduce any stress, increase your immunity and promote healing! I can honestly say, you will not be disappointed!
 

Posted by: Tania, Massage Therapist at University Village

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Spring Skin Care

Spring has sprung, but I can’t say much for the sun! We'll have to go with the saying "April showers brings May flowers" and hopefully a little sun to go with it. Born and raised in the Northwest, I know how my fellow Seattleites and myself included all go a tad bit crazy with just the hint of sun. I see convertibles in full bloom along with the fall/winter North Face attire turning to spring and summer clothing. One thing I don't always see as a part of changing with the seasons is sunscreen protection. With the first full beautiful weekend of sun there are a lot of lobsters walking around Seattle come Monday morning. I know sunscreen was the furthest thing from their minds, but we have to remember, that SPF is critical on a daily basis. Whether the sun is out or it’s cloudy, we still have to watch for those UVA (aging) rays. Even though the UVB (burning) aren't a challenge on a cloudy day, those UVA rays are the bad guys that penetrate through the clouds and can still cause the damage to our cells which in turn leads to:

1) premature aging (fine lines/wrinkle)
2) hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun spots, whatever you want to call them)
3) uneven/rough texture
4) loss of elasticity or firmness to the skin prematurely
5) skin cancer – tanning is not worth the risk!!
 
That is why SPF or Sun Protection Factor is needed every day.  This is the best "anti aging treatment" that anyone and everyone should be doing. On a daily basis, SPF 15 is enough to get you to and from work or driving around in the car. If you are going to spend longer hours in the sun, a higher SPF is needed - SPF 30 is sufficient. The key to sun protection is REAPPLY. You can choose an SPF of 45, 50 or higher, but it doesn't make a difference. Reapplying is the key. Also, make sure you apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun.
 
Please don't forget the wee ones! Hats and protective clothing are also extremely important for kids.  I'm not saying go crazy and wrap them up with just their eyes showing through, but take a moment to put some sunscreen on their arms and face and top of ears - add a hat and they are good to go.
 
For the ladies out there that want to stay looking young with anti-aging treatments or prevent premature aging (you all know who you are 20 something's) with microdermabrasions or professional resurfacing treatments, try to limit those during the summer. This is the time to hydrate and protect the skin. Save the deep resurfacing for fall and winter. Do more treatments that give back to the skin - that will hydrate and replenish. For example, topical antioxidants, peptides and mild exfoliants are ideal for home use. At the professional level, Ultrasound/Ultrasonic treatments are a nice option. This will still help with the initiating of collagen production to help firm the skin, but is also a great tool for an effective, gentle, non-invasive exfoliation. Consider a treatment that includes the use of professional enzyme treatments. Enzymes are great because they don't act as bullies like some major resurface treatments can be. They remove several layers of dead skin—which is awesome!! Be gone with the dead skin! But for a more gentle approach, enzymes are selective and remove only what's ready to be removed—A kinder, gentler way of doing things during the summer :)  Finally, gentle facials that include organic or biodynamic products will help you achieve that fresh spring glow—our newly created Biodynamic Facial is a great option and is quickly becoming one of our most popular offerings.
 

Posted by: Roberta Nolin, Skin Care Educator