Staff Highlight: Dina LaFera

Dina has joined us on staff at Urban Sanctuary with 18 years of success in the field of esthetics under her belt. To name a few of Dina's gifts, she has a wonderful passion for skincare, a nice sense of community and a great love for people. We are thrilled to have Dina with us.

Dina gives facials, facial peels, waxing and microdermabrasion treatments at Urban Sanctuary during the week and weekends. Call us at 706-613-3947 to find out which available appointments suit your schedule and book yourself in for a great spa service.

Dina, tell us about your career background and your skincare philosophy.
I have come full circle with my skincare philosophy. I began working in esthetics 18 years ago at Natural Body in Buckhead and later grew into medical esthetics for a while.

I believe in balance. You must feed your skin, the largest organ in your body, the same as you would feed your body. Use whole and organic ingredients as much as possible and save the pharmaceuticals only for occasional use.

Where are you from and what brought you to Athens? 
I was born in Kingston, New York. I later moved to Athens from Atlanta to simplify my life with my children and escape Atlanta traffic. I am blessed with two angels, my daughter Gabrielle and my son Sasha.

How long have you lived here?  
7 years

Tell us what you love about Athens.  
There's an amazing sense of community here! I used to love WOW boot camp at 5:30 with my sister Andrea. (Andrea owns A LaFera salon here in town). I also really loved watching my son, Sasha (a musician), find his happiness with the help of Nuci's Space. Nuci's Space is amazing. Also, I've had the best clients in the world here! I have bonded differently with my clients in Athens than I have in any other city where I've worked. The relationships have been stronger.

What do you put your energy into when you're not at work?
I love cooking with my fiance, Martin, and cooking for friends. I love gardening and specialize in growing herbs and flowers. Fresh flowers in my house are a must!

You come from a big Italian family, right?
Yes, I am one of seven siblings. I love American Italian classic music and anything that reminds me of my family.

Anything else that you'd like to share?
I love people and food from all over the world. My dream would be to be able to speak every language and experience all cultures in my lifetime.

What a beautiful dream, the product of a lovely human being's imagination...

Read about the many services you can book with Dina and the other talented estheticians at Urban Sanctuary on our facials, facial ad-ons and microdermabrasion website pages. Microdermabrasion benefits, pumpkin and cherry facial benefits are listed on our blog, as well as the general benefits of getting facials regularly.

Urban Sanctuary is open seven days a week. Pick a day and come by for an hour. Smell the delicious soaps, try on a hot neck pillow and sample our vast array of eco-friendly, organic skincare products and gifts for the home. Some of our products can be viewed online. Gift certificates can be purchased online.

The Healing Powers of Ginger

Ginger tea has many healing properties.

Ginger is a wonderful and versatile healing agent. It has a spicy and sharp fragrance, which makes it especially nice for fall and wintertime. Ginger boosts circulation and warms the body, and it is both a stimulant and natural aphrodisiac. Ginger is very effective at relieving pain, especially for joint pain, stomach cramps and muscle aches. Ginger is also a great cold symptom remedy. Here is a list of the benefits of eating, drinking, and topically applying ginger:

• great anti-inflammatory
• treats colds
• fevers
• eases indigestion
• stomach cramps
• nausea
• heals joint pain
• muscle pain
• muscle fatigue
• muscle spasms
• head ache remedy
• good for lung infections
• throat infections
• increases energy
• increases stamina
• boosts circulation
• boosts immunity
• normalizes blood pressure

Ginger is a warming liniment which makes it a popular key ingredient in massage oil blends, muscle rubs, athletic creams, chest rubs and bath blends. It should always be blended with a carrier. Ginger alone could make the skin burn and cause great irritation.

At Urban Sanctuary we carry many products blended with ginger essential oil and ginger tea. These include Zum soap, EO bubbles, organic bath bombs, Ayurvedic teas, Gypsie Teas, handmade lotions, essential oil, organic lip balm and several other eco-friendly products. The most popular is Farmesthetics' Deep Lavender Rub. Blended with ginger, this muscle rub is a very effective warming liniment widely used in our Urban Neck Massage, Sports Massages and Deep Tissue Massage.

Stop in and sample some of our delicious ginger bath and body products. Urban Sanctuary is located at 810 North Chase Street in Athens, Georgia. View our menu of services online at www.urbansanctuaryspa.com or call us at 706-613-3947. We are open seven days a week.    

At Urban Sanctuary, we use Farmesthetics' warming lavender ginger rub for sports massage and deep tissue massage.

   

9 Reasons to Choose Urban Sanctuary

1 We Give Result-Producing Massages:

Bring us your headaches, your sciatica, your frozen shoulder. We'll work with your sports injuries, the crick in your neck and that hitch in your lower back. At Urban Sanctuary we have a strong track record of results producing massages that make a measurable difference in the chronic pain and stress ailments that you are dealing with. Ask for deep tissue, myofascial, sports massage, deep therapeutic foot massage or let us make a specific recommendation to address what ails you.

2 We Are An Award Winning Spa:

Urban Sanctuary won Best Day Spa in Athens. We’ve enjoyed a Beautiful Business Award and a Historic Preservation Award. The greatest honor of all has been to be voted Athens’ Favorite Day Spa by the readers of Flagpole Magazine for three consecutive years. 

3 We Specialize In Services For Men:

We are a Man-Friendly Spa. We had men in mind when we designed our space. We have a Men’s Service Menu, which includes Massage, Pedicures, Facials and Waxing. Men are welcome to unwind and to enjoy services designed specifically for them.

4 We Celebrate Relationships:

Unwind at Urban Sanctuary together. We have many offerings for groups and for pairs. Mother Daughter Spa Days, Birthday Parties, Spa Parties, Bridal Spa Services, Staff Parties and Services for Couples.

5 We Are Eco-Friendly:

We maintain eco-friendly practices in our day-to-day operations. We carry many eco-friendly product lines as well as organic products, natural, fair trade, handmade, free trade, cruelty free, chemical free, vegan and biodegradable products and gifts.

6 We Are a Sanctuary:

Unwind in this tranquil and serene space. Our clients do not have to compete with the hustle and bustle of a salon. The colors, the aromas and the music weave together naturally to create the perfect space to unwind.

7 WE ARE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK:

 That gives you plenty to choose from.

8 We Provide Skincare That Makes a Visible and Lasting Difference:

Our estheticians are passionate about skincare and give extraordinary customer service. Have a facial that addresses your unique skin type and learn how to best care for your face at home with wholesome, natural and effective products.

9 We Guarantee All of Our Services:

At Urban Sanctuary we are committed to excellent customer service. We stand firmly behind that with a money back guarantee. If you are not happy with your service, we will offer you a “do-over” to ensure that your experience meets your expectations--or you can have your money back. You deserve to feel happy and well taken care of and you will be, here at Urban Sanctuary.

810 N. Chase Street  Athens, Georgia 30601   •  706.613.3947

 www.urbansanctuaryspa.com  urbansanctuaryspablogspot.com

6 Beauty Enhancing Foods

 Urban Sanctuary was voted Best Day Spa in Athens. 

The beauty and health enhancing benefits of eating a variety of fresh foods are plentiful. Many fruits, grains, protein rich foods, herbs and vegetables are known for providing a healthy dose of energy, brain power and immune system support. In addition to healthy fats, fiber and Vitamin C, many foods contain vitamins and minerals which help repair the body, boost circulation, hydrate your skin and relieve pain. You are probably eating many of these wonderful health and beauty enhancing foods already! Here are details about six of them:

1. Avocado - is rich in healthy fats that improve your skin's luster, your joint health and cause your hair to shine.
2. Yogurt - contains healthy strains of bacteria, which restores intestinal health and strengthens immunity. A healthy gut creates a radiant face, vibrant energy and clear eyes.
3. Strawberries - help prevent wrinkles and hair breakage. They are rich in nutrients and vitamins that strengthen hair, skin, teeth and nails. Also, strawberries can boost elimination.
4. Blueberries - soften the skin and help build collagen, in turn creating a youthful glow. They are great for stabilizing blood sugar levels and balancing metabolism.
5. Greens - leafy greens contain vitamins and nutrients such as beta carotene and Vitamin C, which help prevent sun damage and produce collagen to keep skin, teeth, and hair healthy, strong and beautiful.
6. Purple Foods - such as cabbage, beets, red onions and grapes, contain a flavonoid rich pigment which improves circulation, heals inflammation and detoxes the body, creating a vibrant beauty.

In addition to the foods named above, there are many others that enhance over-all beauty and health. Spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, cayenne pepper, curry and ginger are great for circulation, immunity and for healing inflammation. Regular doses of these spices will help maintain a glowing complexion and clear eyes.

Please call 706-613-3947 or write candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com to add to our list of beauty enhancing foods.

Urban Sanctuary is open 7 days a week in Athens, Georgia.

Lemon Balm Remedy Oil: Great Sleep Aid with Many Benefits

Farmaesthetics remedy oils are available at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, Georgia.

Lemon Balm is a very effective sleep aid. Its medicinal oil has many healing properties. Ancient Greeks used Lemon Balm to cure a variety of physical ailments and nervous conditions. These included dog bites, nausea, anxiety, tooth aches, ear aches and depression. Here are some of the conditions that are well treated with Lemon Balm today:

• insomnia
• restlessness
• nervous exhaustion
• fever
• high blood pressure
• poor concentration
• upset stomach
• anxiety
• frayed nerves
• heart palpitations
• depression
• influenza
• toothache
• earache
• menstrual cramps

Lemon Balm has been known to improve attention span, learning, concentration, comprehension and ability to memorize images. Several studies have concluded that Lemon Balm strengthens mental capacities in numerous and measurable ways. Wonderful!

Use Lemon Balm for massage, foot soaks, baths and hot or cold compresses. Buy a bottle at Urban Sanctuary to take home for yourself. You may also purchase a bottle to incorporate into your foot massage, scalp massage or full body massage at Urban Sanctuary and take the left overs home. Just call ahead 706-613-3947 to be sure that we have it in stock. Be kind to yourself. When in Athens, Georgia, unwind at Urban Sanctuary.

Urban Sanctuary has been voted Best and Favorite Day Spa in Athens 7 times!!

Stress Tips for Students

Photo taken in the window of Urban Sanctuary's couples massage room in Athens, Georgia.

Stress levels amongst college students in the United States are at an all time high, according to surveys conducted in 2012 and 2013. Tons of caffeine, too little sleep, last minute studying and poor self-care habits are contributing factors. Here are a few healthy tips to reduce feeling overwhelmed and stressed:

1. Pace yourself. All nighters are usually less productive and more stress in the long run. Waiting until the last minute to do your work can wreak havoc on your nervous system. Do yourself justice. Make a time management plan.
2. Create a good sleep environment. A cool, dark and quiet space will help you to sleep deeper and more soundly. You will wake up more refreshed and clear headed than when you sleep in front of the television or with music and lights on.
3. Choose quiet places to study. Noisy crowded coffee shops and restaurants will cost you focus and productivity. Go to those places for breaks. Study in calm quiet places.
4. Take regularly scheduled breaks. Your brain and body will function much better and remain sharper. It has been proven that short incremental breaks increase productivity verses uninterrupted study marathons.  
5. Get massages. Scalp, neck and shoulder massages are ideal for reviving achy students while school is in session. Persistent knots, headaches and muscle aches can rob you of energy. Half hour foot massages are budget friendly and revive the entire nervous system.
6. Feed your brain. Greasy and sugary foods in excess can hurt attention span and memory. Nuts, bananas, greens, salmon, eggs, celery and snap peas will act as brain boosters. Foods rich in potassium, vitamin B, calcium, iron, protein and omega fatty acids will bolster your retention.
7. Boost your energy naturally. Avoid the anxiety, jitters and crash that comes with overdoing the caffeine! Fresh air, brisk walks, red and green teas, rosemary aromatherapy, peppermint oil and vitamin C will invigorate you.
8. Exercise. One of the best stress reducers in the world is to get moving. Good for your body, your emotions and your brain. Regular exercise actually improves confidence, clarity and time management for most people.
9. Keep good company. Tons could be said about this. Simply put, positive, grateful and happy energy is infectious. Surround yourself with kind people who keep your spirits up.
10. Keep things in perspective. Keep your goals in mind and let them be in the background motivating you to achieve. It is all too easy to cause extreme anxiety by constantly worrying about the future. It is not helpful. Be kind to yourself and remember to breathe...

Stress is a natural part of life--a life with no challenges whatsoever may not be worth living. A lot of excess stress is self-imposed and can be curbed with good time management and self-care habits. The way you take care of yourself affects every area of your life. Be kind to yourself. When in Athens, Georgia, carve out an hour to unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary is open 7 days a week in Athens, Georgia. Call 706-613-3947.

Massage for People Over Seventy

Urban Sanctuary carries Hyssop, Arnica and Lemon Balm which ease joint pain, insomnia and stiff muscles.

Massage therapy enhances well-being for people in all stages of life. One group in particular who enjoy great benefits are men and women over the age of seventy. Massage therapy can play a major role in a post surgery recovery plan or in revitalizing the system after major illness or major life changes. Massage can also be a key component in a good general health and fitness regimen. Whether serving as a recovery aid, an ounce of prevention, stress reduction or pain relief, massages offer great results and great health support. Here are some of the key benefits that many people over seventy enjoy and that massage therapy can help with:

• arthritis and joint pain
• insomnia or poor sleep
• balance and coordination
• stiff muscles
• numbness in the hands and feet
• recovery from hip or knee replacement surgery
• dry flakey skin
• circulation
• recovery from illness
• grief and loss
• atrophied muscles due to inactivity or bed rest
• recovery from cancer
• headaches
• poor body awareness
• stress

Massage services are very easy to customize to suit individual needs. Some clients may require some help getting on and off the massage table or with getting dressed and undressed. Fully clothed massage is an option for those with difficulty or discomfort with getting disrobed. Seated massage, propping and pillows can be employed to create the most comfortable experience possible for people in all stages of health. Issues with vertigo, immobility or difficulty laying down, can be accommodated with seated massage. Massage pressure and style can always be adjusted to suit each person's pain and sensitivity levels as well as likes and dislikes. People in the massage profession are usually more than happy to accommodate older clients' needs.

Call Urban Sanctuary with your questions and let us tell you about the many options available to you. If you are thinking about sending a parent, grandparent or friend in for a massage or spa service, we can advise you. Perhaps you are interested in having a massage yourself. You can put your faith in us! We are the best in our field. Urban Sanctuary has been voted Best Day Spa and Favorite Day Spa in town eight different times. We also stand behind all of our services with a money back guarantee, which is pretty hard to find these days. We are absolutely committed to making you happy. View our entire menu of services and gift certificates online. Or call us at 706-613-3947. Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary is open 7 days a week in the historic Boulevard district of Athens, Georgia.