We’re proud to carry local jewelry designer Amy Burgess here at the spa. Did you know that she recycles all of her scrap metals and buys materials from local Portland-area businesses? Come in and check out her latest selection, crafted uniquely for The Moon!

Summer is almost here!  The past week has been filled with beautiful sunny days–which us Portlanders lap up in large quantities. But as we coooo and ahhh while basking in the warm sunlight, we must remember the sun’s rays can cause harm too!

Most of us know by now that SPF must be worn daily, because UV rays are the number one cause of premature aging, skin damage and skin cancer. Sunscreen is no longer something you only put on when you are at the pool–SPF has to be part of your daily regiment.

Portlanders!! –Gray skies don’t shield us from the sun’s UV beams. Yes, the UV rays reaching us through the clouds is less, however we are still receiving some sun. To be safe SPF should be worn daily to block those cancer-causing rays.

For less sunny, normal Portland weather, your daily make-up with an SPF 15 or 20 should keep those UV beams off your delicate skin–keeping you looking young forever.

 DAILY WEAR:
Alima Pure locally made, mineral foundation has an SPF 15 and Epicuren’s tea tree lip balm has an SPF 15 (this is the BEST lip balm you will ever use).These are some quick and easy ways to be sure you are protected AND they can all be found right here, at “the moon”

SUNSCREEN SHOPPING:
When finding the perfect sunscreen, look for something with broad-spectrum protection. This means something that wards off both UVA & UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for skin cancer and premature aging and UVB rays cause sunburns.

Epicuren’s Active Sport Sunscreen SPF 30: Non-greasy, Broad-Spectrum Protection. Water resistant. Also has moisturizers and antioxidants to counteract sun damage.
Epicuren’s X-Treme Cream SPF 45: Anti-inflammatory sunscreen helps protect the skin from the harsh outdoor elements like; windburn and sunburn.
Epicuren’s Zinc Oxide SPF 20: Contains the natural mineral, micronized zinc oxide, which naturally combats UVA and UVB rays. Epicuren also added protein enzymes and moisturizers to protect your skin from sun damage.
Epicurens Lip Balm SPF 15–just try it –you will love it!

WHAT IS SPF?:
SPF tells you two things: how long you can stay in the sun and how well the sunscreen filters the sun.

SPF 2 blocks about 50% of UVB rays.

SPF 10 blocks about 85% of UVB rays.

SPF 15 blocks about 95% of UVB rays.

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.

SPF 30+ the % protection is minimal.

–APPLY EVERY TWO HOURS regardless of SPF.

Find out more ….http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunscreen.pdf

Did you know our award-winning pedicure/manicure, massage and facial services all come with a complimentary beverage? No hidden charges or fees, unlike other day spas in our area! Our over-21 crowd can enjoy a sampling of the latest-and-greatest wine offerings courtesy of our next-door neighbor, The Hop and Vine. Red wine- recommended in small to moderate doses only- contains antioxidants called polyphenols which may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. Resveratrol, another ingredient in red wine, has been shown to reduce “bad” cholesterol and prevent blood clots in studies, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In April, we’re excited to be adding a new, custom herbal tea to our complimentary beverage menu. The Blooming Moon signature tea blend includes both organic lavender and chamomile, two well-known cancer-fighting and stress-reducing agents. The ingredients, handpicked with love from our own in-house Health & Nutrition Counselor Lindsay Harland, are the perfect compliment to your spa treatment for achieving total body wellness, inside and out.

Of course, the best way to hydrate before or after any service is- you guessed it- with water! Our bodies are estimated to be composed of between 50-75% water. Even a 2% drop in water levels can trigger noticeable dehydration symptoms such as dry skin and headaches. Don’t forget to drink a few extra glasses on the days before and after your treatment at Blooming Moon Wellness Spa to achieve maximum health results.

For appointments, please call us at 971.279.2757. We’re open Wednesday through Sunday, located in North Portland’s Overlook Village district.

Ugh, it’s that time of year many of us dread! The itchy eyes, the stuffy nose, the sneezing, the scratchy throat… Yep, there is nothing fun about allergies, that’s for sure! And while it is easy to grab some over the counter medications, there is actually some promising relief in natural approaches. Here are my top 7 ways to alleviate allergies naturally:

1. Essential Oil Steam:
   Boil some water in a saucepan or tea kettle. Turn off the heat and add some essential oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, myrtle, or tea tree oil. Take a few deep breaths of the oil-steam mixture for a few minutes to help alleviate nasal congestion.

2. Stinging Nettle Tea:
   Stinging nettle is a natural antihistamine. 1-2 cups a day will offer the same alleviating effects that over the counter medicine may offer. In a double-blind study -58% of people reported it to be effective and 48% said 300mg of freeze-dried herb was equally or more effective as other allergy medications.

3. Get Your Healthy Bacteria:
   Eating foods with plenty of probiotics is essential for keeping your immune system healthy. Look for products with probiotics such as Lactobaccilus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, all of which help keep allergies in check. Supplementing with a probiotic is also a great idea.

4. Swedish Massage:
   Sounds tough, huh? ; ) Among many other great things, massage promotes a calming effect through the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the body’s level of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) that are often found responsible for an allergic response.

5. Minimize Sugar, Wheat & Dairy Consumption:
   All three are known to excess produce mucus in the body. Reducing the amount may help relieve nasal congestion and irritation. A 7 day elimination diet is the best way to find out if taking these foods out of your diet can help.

6. Bee Pollen:
   Sounds confusing, right? It is actually thought that ingesting pollens will help the body to build resistance to these potential allergens and, in turn, reduce allergy symptoms. A teaspoon of bee pollen sprinkled on a spoonful of almond butter is a great way to get it down the hatch! For those of you who have severe allergies, starting with 1 teaspoon a day and working your way up is the best way to know your tolerance.

7. Homemade Nasal Rinse:
   One of my favorite Chinese Medicine doctors, Dr. Maoshing Ni suggests that you use a drop each of wintergreen and oregano oil and mix with one teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water. Fill a small squeeze bottle with the solution, and squirt it into each nostril, one at a time. Blow your nose each time and repeat until you finish the solution. This procedure can be repeated daily.

Hoping you find a bit of relief this season!

Until next time…

Lindsay- Your Blooming Moon Nutritionist : )

Spring Cleanse + Nutrition Workshop

When: March 27^th, at 6:30pm

Where: Blooming Moon Spa – 1920 North Killingsworth Portland, OR 97217

Cost: $50 per person

Giving your body a break from common food allergens and processed food is one of the best things we can do for our health. By simplifying our food intake we give our body exactly what it needs-a break! Cleansing is ideal for slight detoxification, identifying food sensitivities, and weight loss. Expect to recharge, renew, and rejuvenate!

Workshop includes:

-A one hour group consultation where Lindsay will explain the benefits of cleansing, the key steps to a healthy diet, her “top 10” nutrition tips, and explain the cleanse “how-to.” She will also be answering any questions you have about health & nutrition, so come ready to ask away!

Oh, and come ready to sip some of our homemade beauty cocktails!  It’s going to be a FUN night.

-A “Nourish foods-approved” goodie bag

-7 Day’s worth of menus and recipes (can accommodate vegan/vegetarian diets)

-Full email/text support with Lindsay for the full week

Call and reserve your spot before March 23rd and we look forward to getting healthy with you! 

(971) 279-2757

Blooming Moon Wellness Spa in Portland is seeking one of the best licensed/insured massage therapists in Portland for an employee opportunity. We are busy and need your help ASAP!

We offer high quality treatments, impeccable customer service and a lovely, supportive work environment with highly competitive pay. Our current massage staff performs treatment as well as relaxation massage. We are looking for an LMT who takes pride in their profession and is dedicated to the growth and development of their skills and the spa. Blooming Moon even offers workshops & training for LMTs for credit hours.

In short, we want another passionate, positive, fun-loving and loyal soul, who has what it takes to succeed!

Requirements:
Current Oregon Massage License
Current Massage Insurance
Customer Service Work History
Team Player
Professional/Articulate, Dependable
Detail Oriented
Values Cleanliness
Desire to Grow and Continue Education
Positive & Calming Personality
Available to Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays shifts & also Sundays (on-call) –  Flexible Schedule a MUST!

Please send your resume and cover letter to: info@bloomingmoonspa.com

No phone calls or walk-ins will be accepted as treatments are constantly in progress.

Blooming Moon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Chinese New Year February 10, 2013 marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake.

The sixth sign in the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents wisdom, intelligence and self control. The snake also represents the ability to strike at will, quickly and powerfully. This year promises some of the biggest challenges and yet, the best opportunities you’ve seen in a long time. If you really make an effort this could be YOUR YEAR to take gigantic leaps forward.

The snake often represents deep transformation and healing of the physical body…shedding of old skin and starting anew. You may also experience a shift to a more spiritual outlook in life.

Since the New Year, I have heard many of you discuss transformation, ‘endings’ and ‘beginnings’ of your life and striking when opportunity is revealed. Many of you have begun looking internally to examine your diet, health and wellness.
Thankfully NOW is the time for such transformation! Because this year, we can all expect the snake to help us with true release of any past blockages.

Blooming Moon is here to support your new ‘beginnings’, approach this year with a clear mind, healthy body and peaceful spirit. Blooming Moon is now offering Memberships, starting as low as $59, for your monthly personal care.

Blooming Moon Memberships are so easy!
- no commitment (only month to month contract) you can cancel any time
- no sign up fees
- discounts on product and other spa services

STRIKE to begin your TRANSFORMATION!

Blooming Moon Wellness Spa’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for EVERYONE!

When we say our spa has something for everyone, we mean everyone…

For singles:

Book a Champagne & Chocolates pedi for you and your best friend! Enjoy our current special for just $109 which includes a private spa pedicure for two, aromatherapy foot soaks, a glass of bubbly and delicious chocolate truffles. *ahem*…Did we mention we partner with The Hop & Vine bottleshop [1914 N. Killingsworth] to bring you the most delicious champagne in Portland?

For couples:

Is it too late to take a personal day off work next week? Sleep in late then head to Blooming Moon for a spa day– choose from a long list of massage, facials, body scrubs, and spa pedicure services. (Score bonus points by getting your sweetheart a Ten Thousand Waves body lotion or candle gift before you leave the spa.) After your Valentine’s Day spa pampering, walk to any of our neighboring North Killingsworth restaurants for a drink or dinner date.

For the low-on-cash:

Have you tried Epicuren Discovery’s Tea Tree Oil SPF 15 Lip Balm? Otherwise known here at Blooming Moon as “The Cadillac-of-All-Lip-Balms-No-Seriously-You’ll-Never-Use-Another-Chapstick-Ever-Again-in-Your-Life”? Get silky, smoochable lips for Valentine’s Day! One lip balm tube lasts forever!! Because it’s so good you don’t have to reapply it every 20 minutes like yucky drugstore chapsticks that have yucky toxic stuff in them!!! And it’s priced under $10!!!!! Once your lips are silky smooth, head a few blocks down the street to Blend Coffee Lounge [2710 N. Killingsworth] for a less-than-$5 silky smooth cup of Stumptown. Their super sweet and attentive staff will hook you up with the Cadillac-of-All-Coffee-No-Seriously-You’ll-Never-Go-Back-To-Maxwell-House-Ever-Again.

For those who love spending their tax return before it even comes in the mail:

Check out our Glow From Head to Toe treatment package for the ultimate spa day experience!

For last-minute gift giving procrastinators: 

Get to our online spa gift certifcate page ASAP. [You're welcome.]

At Blooming Moon Wellness Spa North Portland, we believe wellness is the balance of the mind, body and environment. You will be treated with ingredients and products that are natural, fresh and therapeutic. 100% organic and cruelty-free vegan product options and spa treatments are available. Please advise our reception staff of any known skin or food allergies when booking your appointments.

Call to book your Valentine’s week appointments at 971.279.2757. Same-day and last-minute appointment availability can not be guaranteed. 

INTRODUCING OUR FEBRUARY SPECIALS:

Sweetheart Special…………………………$139

(1) 60 min. Custom Massage for him + (1) 60 min. Custom Facial for her plus champagne & chocolates

Champagne & Chocolates For Two!………..$109

Luxurious Spa Pedis for two in a private room complete with chocolate truffles & champagne

Call and get your appointment booked for you and your sweetie- 971.279.2757.

Call to schedule an appointment with our Professional “Green” Makeup Artists at 971.279.2757.

 Blooming Moon Wellness Spa, located in North Portland, offers therapeutic massage, organic facials, Zoya pedicures and body waxing services featuring nontoxic skin care products.