Spanista » Self Care Rituals, Reflections & Resources for Joyful Living by Ginny Shiverdecker

  • Spa Style & Self Care Reflections, Rituals and Resources for Joyful Living

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  • About Spanista

    Ginny Shiverdecker, Creator of Spanista is Spa Wellness Enthusiast, Adventurer Seeker and Brand Builder.
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Friday-Wellness-Tip:-Strawberry-Kale-Salad.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Friday Wellness Tip: Strawberry Kale Salad Yummy & Refreshing is a smart alternative (not to mention healthy) to conventional salad fare. It is especially yummy during the holidays when rich foods abound at the office, at social events and at home. Last but not least, kale salads are perfect for when you’re in the mood for a big meal but don’t want to feel weighed down afterward. They’re especially great if you just want a hearty option to offer vegetarians, kale salad is the answer.

Friday-Wellness-Tip:-Strawberry-Kale-Health-Benefits.jpegPINIMAGEKale landed on the mainstream food scene as a STAR from out of the blue. Personally, I started to discover it on Manhattan restaurant menus focused on edgy organics. Then I read about it’s amazing health properties. As you can see my local market is a big believer by this sign boasting its power with potent antioxidants. However it was not easy to find it fresh unless you looked for a Whole Foods Store. Then one day things changed. I saw kale in the fresh greens section of my favorite neighborhood Amish Market that focuses on healthy fresh prepared foods as a regular on the salad bar positioned next to quena.  It is so delicious. Best yet is it is really easy to prepare while customizing it to your own tastes.

There is an art to making a great kale salad, one that I picked up from Kate Taylor of Cookie and Kate.com. Following is her tutorial for getting the most taste and benefits out of kale with a personal touch – MASSAGE. Yes, I said MASSAGE which makes it the perfect Spanista healthy green choice! It is where meditative meets magical nutrients packed with rich A,C & K.

Here are Kate’s tips to making a great kale salad:

  • Remove the ribs: Regardless of which variety of kale you choose (I love them all), you’ll first want to remove the tough ribs from the leaves. Use a chef’s knife to slice out the stems or just pull the leaves from the ribs with my fingers. The ribs are too chewy and distracting to include in the salad, but you can chop them and sauté them later (or feed them to your dog. 😉
  • Chop the kale: Then, you’ll want to chop the kale into pretty small, bite-sized pieces. Eating kale salads made with pieces of giant kale is mighty awkward.
  • Sprinkle with salt: Next, transfer the kale to a serving bowl and sprinkle it lightly with sea salt (salt helps cut the bitter flavor of kale).
  • Massage the kale: Yes, this step sounds ridiculous, but it makes all the difference. Reach into the bowl with (clean) hands and start grabbing handfuls of kale. Scrunch, release, scrunch, release. Repeat until the kale is fragrant and dark green. This makes the kale less poky and more palatable. Kale is tough, so don’t worry about damaging the leaves! This step should take 30 seconds or less.
  • Dress the kale: Drizzle in a bold dressing and massage that into the leaves so the kale is lightly and evenly coated with dressing (this is important!). Kale does particularly well with zippy dressings. If you’ve always followed the standard vinaigrette formula (one part vinegar to three parts oil), you’ll probably want to up the ratio of vinegar for kale salads. I tend to add a little more dressing to kale salads than other green salads.

My Favorite Spin: Simple Strawberry Kale Salad Yummy & Refreshing takes the same preparation steps noted above. Then add slices of fresh strawberry’s, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese to your taste dressed with a creamy light raspberry vinaigrette mixed with feta cheese to give it a creamy white consistency. It is so yummy it is addictive.

Toss well: Now is the time to toss in additions like toasted nuts, grated/crumbled cheese and/or chopped raw fruits and veggies. If you have time, let the salad marinate for ten minutes before serving.  Present in a stylish manner on lovely china serving pieces. Add a glass of raspberry cran juice spritzer to add a celebratory note. Serve as a meal – lunch or as lite dinner. Now serving the best kale salad ever! But note – You will feel the positive effects the next day with a boost of positive energy.

Happy a Healthy Holiday and May Your Self Care Journey To Joy Be Merry & Bright,

Ginny

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Spanista-Tableau:-Tokyo-Milk-PINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spanista Tableau: Tokyo Milk French Kiss Paris Holiday is so spa chic. As a Spa Enthusiast who loves home spa self-care in between professional spa treatments, luxurious body care collections are my fetish – I love enchanting scents that transport me to another place – like this Tokyo Milk Collection called French Kiss. Spending a spa holiday in Paris is something I love dreaming about.

Remember the movie “Something Has Gotta Give” scene where Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves are celebrating her birthday at a romantic French bistro until they close the restaurant. They are so chic laughing, having deep conversation about life, kissing – ah yes kissing frequently between courses – all while sipping the best French wines. Then they stroll in the fresh snowfall in late evening after enjoying pink champagne at yet another late night cafe, along the River Seine on The Left Bank where streets spark with twinkling while lights. Now that is my idea of heaven on earth. (The movie and her book are available on Amazon just click links.)

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Gardenia In Bloom Tim’s Garden in Melbourne, Australia

These kinds of French Kiss moments are triggered by the enchanting fragrance by Tokyo Milk titled French Kiss. The scent is a sophisticated blend of Mandarin, Tuberose, Gardenia and Vetiver created from crushed and distilled essences. It is one of several unique scents. Gardena’s are so delicate and etherial. My dear friend just sent me a pic of one blooming in Melbourne, Australia. Thank goodness it is late spring somewhere!

You will see my choice is ready for a two-part experience:

1. A relaxing Self Care Home Spa experience to me relax and transition from career to romantic wife.

2. To present myself in an irresistable fashion that makes my husband want to have a night on the town together. I will start the night with a kiss to build a dream on immediately when I see him to warm things up.

Tokyo Milk Fragrance Collections are so Spa Chic they comes in 

Eau de Parfum, Bon Bon Shea Butter Lotion, Fine Soaps, Bubble Baths, Shower Gels and Travel Candles as well as Stationery, Cosmetic Bags.

As we create romantic moments during the holiday lets consider the value of The French Kiss as a crucial practice in your Journey to Joy. Knowing a bit of its history may help us appreciate its role in our romantic lives. Wikipedia has a short and simple story I will share here: “In English informal speech, French kiss, also known as a deep kiss, refers to an amorous kiss in which the participants’ tongues extend to touch the other participant’s lips or tongue. The implication is of a slow, passionate kiss which is considered intimate, romantic, erotic or sexual. A “kiss with the tongue” stimulates the partner’s lips, tongue and mouth, which are sensitive to the touch. The practice is usually considered a source of pleasure. The oral zone is one of the principal erogenous zones of the body.

Anthropologists are divided into two schools on the origins of kissing, one believing that it is instinctual and intuitive and the other that it evolved from what is known as kiss feeding, a process used by mothers to feed their infants.” Hmm….seems to me like it might be a blend of both?

Hope you enjoyed this Spanista Tableau: Tokyo Milk French Kiss Paris Holiday adventure. Go ahead indulge yourself in Tokyo Milk French Kiss – you are worth it and you will adore it and so will he. BTW – it comes from my favorite boutique Design In the City.

May Your Self Care Journey To Joy Be Romantic, Merry & Bright,

Ginny

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Splish Splash Bathtub with Marilyn ManroePINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Hump Day? Try Spanista Self Care Comfort, Joy & Baubles. The holidays season is in full swing so today’s message is a reminder to pause and take stock in your holiday experience . How are you feeling?  Take time for refuge and rest in the LOVE OF SPIRIT, KNOWING ALL IS WELL.

A loving hug from a friend, a crackling fire, a soft blanket, soothing candlelight, a hot bath, beautiful music … all of these bring me comfort. Spanista knows how to create a nurturing environment for my body, mind, and soul. I take good care of myself with gentleness and love.

In my ongoing quest to find inspiration for Self Care Rituals, I discovered a wonderful boutique called ‘Lil Pink Bubbles’. For a Spanista it is a little piece of heaven on earth. It  brings to life The Fabulous 50’s Boudoir from a glamorous woman’s perspective. This pic shows one example of the playful atmosphere with fantastic photos of movie stars of the time like Marilyn Monroe.

When I stopped to reflect on her beautiful black and white photos I could not help but think about her story through the eyes of Spanista. A Marilyn Monroe quote reveals the connection : “I restore myself when I’m alone.”

Imagine  – she had a life filled with so much publicity and so few private moments must have been taxing to the system – especially emotionally. The quote reveals that during the times she spent alone she would recharge her batteries and get ready for the next day or the next movie. We all need a little “me time” and perhaps she never had enough of it. Being a celebrity has its disadvantages, and one of them is that you don’t’ know when a camera is on you. You always have to be “on” and that can be draining. We can take a page from her notebook and use alone time to recharge and refresh.

Soap Baubles - Bow of Gems to EnjoyPINIMAGE

At Lil Pink Bubbles Boutique, I discovered just the thing to make my day!  Noted artist and fabric designer Jennifer Hoar-McBride announced the release of “Soap Baubles® Jewelry For Your Bath®,” her striking new line of uniquely designed jeweled soap and bath products in spring of 2012.

As stated in her press release – ‘Ms. McBride’s inspiration for Soap Baubles draws from the artist/designer’s 20 years of experience conceiving and executing textiles and couture beading and embroideries for many renowned design industry icons, among them: Oscar de la Renta, Giorgio Armani, Carolina Herrera and Valentino. “These hand-crafted soaps are really works of art that will make any bath look glamorous,” Ms. McBride says of her new product. Soap Baubles come gift-boxed and exquisitely wrapped, making them perfect for hostess gifts, special occasions, or simply to accent one’s own bath decor.

Soap Baubles-Mini Soap GemsPINIMAGEThe products can be used effectively in many ways, Ms. McBride explains. “Hang a Soap Bauble soap necklace in your shower and let the fragrances wash over you, she says. “They can transform your bath experience, making it luxurious and tranquil.” She adds that the soaps create a creamy lather that gently cleanses skin, leaving it feeling silky and refreshed.

Ms. McBride designs and creates Soap Baubles soaps and bath products in her studio on her 45-acre farm, the Brook Farms National Historic Trust Sites Mansion, in Vermont which was built in 1894. Many of Jennifer McBride’s Soap Baubles scents are inspired by the formal gardens and vineyard on her Brook Farms estate .’

Spanista Takeaway: I know that just as important as what I do for Spanista Self Care Comfort, Joy & Baubles is the consciousness with which I do it. If I am conscious of the eternal love of Spirit, I am more deeply soothed by each activity of well-being. My awareness of Spirit is the most fulfilling and lasting comfort of all. However I choose to soothe myself in body, mind, and soul, I do so knowing that I am eternally loved. And in the everlasting love of Spirit, all is truly well.

When you think you do not have time – think of Marilyn!

May Your Self Care Journey To Joy Be Merry & Bright,

Ginny

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Spanista-Holiday-Collection-Idea-#9:-Leatherock-Cuff.jpegPINIMAGEDear Wellness Seekers,

Holiday Collection Idea #9: Leatherock Cuff Speaks Fearless Conviction. Are you bold enough to express your conviction outloud? 

Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth that can become the heart of our lifestyle if we are self aware. Spanista believes Wellness can define the quality of our journey on earth if we get our priorities straight. Recently, I was in a deep conversation with my hair stylist about values and self esteem. She said her Mother had a mantra she repeated to her daughters – “Girls, if you know how to love yourself, you will know how to love others. It starts with you.” Spansita agrees. Now that is wisdom for us to take to heart.

This was not something I recognized as valuable growing up.  I was taught to please others first. The good coming from this was it led me to a career in service to others. By contrast the painful learning was it came at great sacrifice to my wellbeing. I needed to be awakened.

Once I understood this was the key to joyful living it took exercising new mental and emotional muscles to leave behind the old ways and replace them with the new ways. Identifying a SYMBOL to remind me my new priority is SELF CARE FIRST became an essential part of my daily routine.

I have a bracelet I purchased and wore for a long time. It is something that is visible to me and with me constantly. It reminds me countless times to put Self Care First with Fearless Conviction. 

These LEATHEROCK cuffs are great choices as stylish symbols to the world that you speak Fearless Conviction Chic. Mindy, Owner of Design In The City Boutique and I agree these exquisite handcrafted pieces have a bold yet feminine quality that is not for the faint of heart. The attention to detail is the result of watchful eyes of master artisans who use only the finest leathers adding embelishments with genuine stones like Swarovski Crystals and jade. The result is cutting edge designs that make every piece a work of art with a modern chic twist. Leatherock’s objective is to attract a clientele that is upbeat and energetic about fashion, unafraid to make a statement by what they wear. That is why our collaboration lead these cuffs landing on The Spanista Top 10 Holiday Collection List.

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Spanista also values an adventuresome spirit which is in sync with LEATHEROCK. It was established in 1983 by Laurence and Rahleen Bloch, originally from South Africa, and it is their eclectic sensibility that makes LEATHEROCK products so unique. Quoting  the founders: “We love to travel the world, immersing ourselves in different cultures and gaining insight into the art they produce. We search for interesting leathers, metals, woods, stones and other unusual embellishments. This is what truly inspires our collections.” 

Spanista loves this as a gift idea for a Spa Enthusiast or someone who is looking to adopt our Self Care Philosophy. It will serve as a great Spanista Ritual and reminder to LOVE yorself first.

You can reach me at [email protected] if you want me to do some personal shopping for you from this collection at Design In The City. Look forward to hearing from you.

May Your Self Care Journey To Joy Be Merry & Bright,

Ginny

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Good-News-Monday:-American-In-Paris-Musical-Premiers.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: American In Paris Musical Premiers Wednesday and comes to Broadway this spring is holiday happiness personified. I just had to share the good news.

Paging through the NYTimes Sunday Arts & Leisure Section, I came upon this brilliantly graphic ad announcing the resurrection of one of my favorite stories. If you are a classic movie fan the news of the treasured movie “An American In Paris” directed by Vincent Minnelli with music by infamous George & Ira Gershwin being recreated for the stage is more than good news. It is nothing less than fabulous! After all it won 6 Oscars including Best Picture. If you want to see it again over the holidays it would make a great stocking stuffer. Amazon is an easy source for the TCM version – “American In Paris.”

I have not found a person young or old that is not fascinated by Gene Kelly’s masterful interpretive dance abilities. Every routine he performed seemed to emanate from his heart and soul. No two were alike. Each was uniquely stylized choreography driven by a deep understanding of his own athletic abilities. He captivate us from ‘Singing in the Rain’ to ‘American In Paris’. The story’s backdrop is romantic Paris in the early 50’s. Three friends struggle to make a livelihood when two of them, one of which is starving artist Gene Kelly, fall in love with a beautiful and urban chic French maiden played by Leslie Caron. Kelly and Leslie dance modern interpretations of ballet, enchanting us from one musical scene to the next. There are many routines that transport one to another world with the magical forces of colorful settings, music and dance in sync to create high art. I adore this film because it has such a positive effect on me – it inspires me to hold tight to my romantic dreams. Having the opportunity to experience it LIVE on the Broadway stage is  a must.

How did this come about? It seems brilliant theatre minds think alike. The back story is when Jean-Luc Choplin the general director of The Theatre du Chatele in Paris, approached the Gershwin estate about obtaining rights, he learned that the veteran Broadway producers Van Kaplan and Stuart Oken had the same idea. In an unusual collaboration they decided to work together hiring star choreographer Christopher Wheeldon to direct. The lead performers are Robert Fairchild, principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, who takes on the role of Jerry (Mr. Kelly) is paired with his Parisian love interest Lise (Ms. Caron) who will be played by Leanne Cope of the Royal Ballet in London. They certainly have big dance shoes to fill!

Thankfully this production will go on tour:

~ The ‘American In Paris’ Theatre production debuts at The Theatre du Chatele, in Paris this WEDNESDAY!

~ It will then travel to The London Theatre,  if you are going there this spring.

~ Then make the journey to the Broadway Palace Theatre, New York City with previews beginning March 13th. Tickets are on sale now.  If you are in NY C or have a chance to visit in 2015, it would be worth seeing. What a fabulous gift tickets would make?! (I hope my hubby reads this post!)

Spanista Takeaway: Spanista believes taking time to enjoy world-class entertainment is a priority for personal happiness. In ‘The 7 Dimensions of Wellness’ created by the doctorial staff at Longwood University – the ability to balance work with leisure pleasure is one of the important tenants of Wellness. Spanista Self Care Philosophy professes participating in the Arts is not an indulgence – it is a necessity for happiness. The Arts lift the spirits and feeds the soul. The Arts stimulate the right brain in ways that sustains positive impact of joy emotionally and physically for weeks while enhancing the relationship you have with the one who attend with you. Enjoy!

May Your Self Care Journey To Joy Be Merry & Bright,

Ginny

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