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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WW II Army Special Forces Member, Bill Shiverdecker – We Remember

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Powerful Poppies Salute Fearless Military Sacrifice is a dedication to our Military – past, present and future.

Spanista values Gratitude as a Self Care TituaulTraveling around the world I have come to love and respect the symbol our allies of WWII have embraced as a tribute to our fallen soldiers – the POPPY. In Canada, in Australia and throughout Europe the humble POPPY has become on a timeless heartfelt expression of appreciation.  Top of mind is the Anniversary of WWII where the artful nature of the POPPY has received modern express interpretations of this historic symbol.

But is made me stop to wonder – Where are the POPPIES in America? Are they treated with the reverence same reverence and love as symbols of  OUR SOLDIERS?

It especially hit home when I saw this incredible story in the London Telegraph –

Don’t Visit ThePoppies At The Towers of London

But is made me stop to wonder – Where are the POWERFUL POPPIES in America? Are they treated with the reverence same reverence and love as symbols of  OUR SOLDIERS?  What do your think of the symbol of the POPPY?

In places where I have lived over my career there is a Military base near by, weather coastal cities or midwest cities. With the amount of global stress over that past 15 years we have called upon the American Soldier to defend our way of life. I have quietly observed them with great admiration women and men – crisply dressed, smart, looking clear-eyed, strong and prepared. I have seen them in on the street, restaurants, airports and just flew back with a returning Army Officer returning from Afghanistan. They serve selflessly to protect the liberties of our country far from home while relieving societies of oppression and worse anilation.

There is a personal story of an American Soldier in WWII- a man who joined the Army to find himself part of the first Special Services – 1000 American’s and 100 Canadian’s paired up to inflict pain on Hitler’s war strategies. This group operated well behind the scenes disrupting many activities and plans.

As a result, Hitler called The Devils Brigade. Both the book and movie were written about them.

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Bill and Buddies June 6, 1943

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WW II Army Special Forces Member, Bill Shiverdecker – We Remember

He accomplishments were astounding – the medals pictured here show the many battle theatres he served and survived. He lived to 92 and left an impression on us all. For me I never met a man of more courageous inner spirit – He is an Everyday Hero I admired and miss more than I ever knew. Love you Bill.

On this Veteran’s Day May I offer a heartfelt Thank You Bill Shiverdecker and Thank You to ALL Soldiers – American and those who unite with us for freedom from other countries.

We celebrated the one year Anniversary of his passing on October 31. His strong legacy is carried forward in the spirit of his three sons and daughter. One of the sons Bob is my husband.

Please if you can – take a moment to pray for our Soldiers today – past, present and future. We owe them so much – like the freedom to express ourselves via  the internet.Let’s not take it for granted. And let’s bring back a celebration of the  POWERFUL POPPIES in America.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spirit of Giving Fires Oprah/NYTimes With Best Intentions and inspires Spanista to share a personal Self Care discovery of joy that giving back generates.

As Thanksgiving approaches it is natural to reflect on what we have accomplished so far this year – Where did the nine months go? How did we spend our time? Do memories of rich moments of happiness play in your mind? Or do you see a seamless montage of repeated routines day after day? Are you stuck in your comfort zone, but yearning for something more?

This weekend I read a NYTimes Special Section, titled GIVING.  The lead story is “Doing Good In Harms Way” Relief work in Ebola Zone Is Fraught With Risk by John Schwartz. It tells the story of medical care workers who devote their lives to caring for the neediest in the most remotes areas – especially Africa. Dr. Rick Sacra almost gave his life as a result of Ebola.

I am struck by the generosity of spirit that seems to be born in some individuals from an early age.  They have a calling to give of themselves by serve people one to one. This is emotional joy of for them – so loving, intimate and admirable – a Giving Spirit moves them forward.

There are many studies conducted over the past few years about the nature adopting a Giving Spirit, you know by now Spanista feels that giving to oneself by nurturing our hearts first is of paramount importance. But that does not mean we become narcissistic. It means if we take care of ourselves well we suddenly discover we have an open heart to serve others. This may seem paradoxical at first but it is not. It is a Spansita Truism.

This exact thing happened to me. I grew up without the family influences to donate time and energy to causes. This came to my awareness on my personal journey of self-awareness and discovery. You heard the saying “When the student is ready the teacher arrives.” When I was working in New York as an Executive at an influential Global Marketing Company I began to feel my gratitude for the blessings of my career on Madison Avenue. An introduction by a professional friend to a professional friend beckoned me. And I knew the calling was from a Higher Power. I could not walk away. My heart was open. That was six years ago and today I find myself on a trip to see a notable person to share our story about AbodShelters.com. While my calling came later in my career but it is no less a heart-felt commitment.

I share this with you not to seek faint praise but to inspire you to discover the Giving Spirit within you. From personal experience I can offer It brings you a different kind of happiness – one that makes you feel your true role on Earth is being expressed in a greater ways. There can be a happiness that comes with others who do mission work together. There can be the type of happiness that comes with writing a check at the holidays to make a difference for locals families that need your support. It all counts and it will make your heart soar with joy after you do it.

Spirit-Of-Giving-Fires-Oprah-NYTimes.jpegPINIMAGEOprah Magazine’s Holiday Issue is full of great advice on how to cultivate a Giving Spirit. I was surprised to discover the articles because the cover did not feature the theme only the famous “Oprah’s Favorite Things”, which is why I picked up the issue as the airport. I suggest taking a look as it emphasizes ways approach giving that you can adopt to fit your ambition. My favorite article is the one I picture here: “Holiday Time and The Giving Is Easy” by Catherine Newman. A lighthearted yet very insightful story about the impact of the Giving Spirit on her and her family.

 

Spirit-Of-Giving-Fires-Oprah-NYTimes-Inside.jpegPINIMAGENo matter if you contribute money or your time, may you begin your Giving Spirit Self Care Journey to Joy by making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.

Closing with this quote: “To those who have been given much – much is expected.” Will share more on my cause related adventures soon.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spanista Friday Wellness Tip Discover Neighborhood Shopping is a call to action to go local. You will love to know, it is so exciting to experience a new, interesting and stylish area of San Francisco where shops cater to a tasteful clientel. Exploring fashion from a Spanista perspective is an upcoming feature I am shaping for future release called – Spa Chic Style. Stay tuned as something fun is coming.

Arriving at this Neighborhood Shopping Destination, we are welcomed by this happy chalk board message – “Get healthy. Shopping is the best medicine.” I loved this and just had to share it with you. (Loads of pics below.)

If you are anything like me – when Autumn arrives and with it changes in air, do you yearn for a unique shopping experience?  A kind that provides retail therapy encouraging you and a sister/friend to escape to someplace with style and individual character?  A destination offering something special and unexpected – A place where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch over a glass of wine and a heart to heart chat at a charming cafe then shop some more for irresistible treasures? Where you are sad to see the day come to an end as you walk away inspired with sweet memories as well a treat of two to warm you up as the temps get chillier? When was the last time you did this?

Having spent a fair amount of time in many cities in the US and beyond there is at least ONE UNIQUE SPOT in each major city. A quaint neighborhood place that celebrates more tasteful class and less mass. Spanista suggests finding a friend and plan a day to seek it out. Get off the couch surfing websites.Take a walk outdoors and a joyful day will unfold.

As promised, here is a spot that fills the bill – Union Street in Russian Hill. This place is really focused on serving the locals. A rare tourist is seen. Exactly what i hoped for. I wish you could have joined me to experience the street scene here. But maybe offering 12 highlights in this slideshow will tell the story of our excursion. This type of play was especially welcomed on a cloudy cool day. We sauntered form one shop to the next, lunched at Perry’s Cafe, shopped more and found time for a late afternoon refreshment to round out the day.

While in this one of a kind city, I so wanted to go off the grid of shopping chain stores that appear in every mall everywhere to enjoy the voices of the creative shop owner – with a one of a kind point of view. Union Street Shopping District is small but so worth the trip. It delivered that in spades.

Spanista Takeaway: This week’s Friday Wellness Tip shows us Self Care Rituals take on many different forms. Neighborhood Shopping with a dear friend is a beloved Ritual that feeds my soul and makes me happy for all sorts of reasons. How about you? This weekend, call a friend to steal away for a few hours to your neighborhood shopping destination  – the one where the stylish shop owner will look you in the eye and greet you when you walk in and who will happily share ideas, stories and advice. You may all find it enriching. Remember the message board above: “Get healthy. Shopping is the best medicine.”

I look forward to hearing your story. Happy weekend.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Laline San Francisco Spanista In Touch Tableau Feature This Week. This is a fantastic Bath and Body Care find that I came upon along Fisherman’s Wharf while in San Francisco. In a previous post I included it as one of Spanista’s 10 Most Loved Spots in The Wharf District. ( See Spanista Travel Diary.)

Spanista is always in search of the next new Spa Lifestyle products to inspire your Self Care Time so you enjoy quality time nurturing yourself physically and emotionally. This caught my attention.

Firstly, when coming upon the store front it was like a sudden breath of fresh air. Secondly, the colorful water front with its eclectic mix of shops, fresh foods and restaurants can overload the senses. The contemporary, clean, fresh white palate provided a canvas for many enticing presentations of personal care products that were so compelling.

The collection is Laline Bath & Body Care – When Body Meets Soul. 

The origins are in the Middle East where this special formulation and brand was born.

I could not resist the intoxicating aromas so I began to happily explore the range from one corner to the next while becoming more excited by what I was experiencing with each new discovery.  I realized time had flown by so made note to come back myself for some personal time to take my exploration to the next level. The ambition to gift myself with a Laline Experience as a part of the Spanista In Touch Tableau Series. I was thinking of what you might enjoy!

When I returned for further indulgence, the Manager Amanda, approached me. How fortunate she was there this visit.  She was so patient and most kind as I sampled one thing after another. I must admit it was hard to choose. They all were yummy and very affordable so anyone can indulge. I finally selected a scent and a few products to send home. There I could put them to my Spanista test. What is it about Bath and Body Care that lights the heart so much?

My favorite scent of the moment: Musk – luscious perfect earthiness aroma for late Autumn.

The package arrived  in protective see through wrap with a golden ribbon as you see here. They  also sell round hat box styled packing which make for fun gifting themes. When it came to the door I was thrilled. Spanista Note: I have come to practice sending myself packages from my shopping when traveling – their arrival at the door makes for a fun way to relive the joys of the discovery of something special you had to have and remind one of the Self Care Agenda that way a joyful part of the trip.

In my delightful personal Laline Gift Hat Box is:

~ Lalinya 001 Body Soap in Musk

~ Laline Body Meets Soul Scrub in Musk

~ Laline Body Souffle ala Cream in Musk – their claim to fame

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Spanista Lovers – if you visit the site at Lalineusa.com or call Amanda at 275 Jefferson Street, at Fisherman’s Wharf  for her personal advice on selections, please tell her Spanista sent you.

Hope you enjoy Laline as much as I do. My Thursday In Touch Tableau, Spanista Self Care Ritual will be relaxing and fun tonight as I spend quality time in quiet reflection while enjoying my leisurely bath and after care with Laline. Cannot wait for tonight!

Let me know what you think after you try it. Love to hear from you!

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

P.S. Amanda, thank you for taking such good care of me that day. I LOVE my Laline Bath and Body Care Collection and plan to return come holiday gift giving time.  

 

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Dear Wellness Seeker,

Winding Iowa Road Leads Spanista To Madison County Winery. What a surprise!

On my quest to visit the Bridges of Madison County I came upon a luscious hilly range that went on and on. It framed cultivated farm land that looked to be well-tended grounds of vineyards. Yes as I drove further up the road I discovered it was true. Vineyards in Iowa? Who Knew? It was a flashback to Sonoma County, California where the grapes of deep indigo blue clustered close to the leaves awaiting their next purpose. Well, locked in my day-dream, I suddenly came to realizing I had driven past the entrance and a road sign that seemed to say Open to the Public. I put the brakes on while a little voice inside said  – “This is no coincidence. This vineyard in the middle of Iowa is calling to you . Turn around girl. See if it is open an enjoy a bit of Self Care by exploring what you love. You may never come this way again.”

I spun my Audi All Road ( no longer white, more like a dusty grey from the dirt roads) around and found myself singing a happy tune as I drove up to the reception build planted amidst the Vineyard perimeter. There were a couple of cars parked indicating visitors and the sign said it was open so I ventured to the welcoming front door. I arrived at the Madison County Winery! The property looked relatively new and designed in keeping with California Wine Country styling. Welcoming, cozy yet spacious enough to hold a good-sized party, with a fire place, seating and small tables about. The guests were at the wine bar enjoying laughter and conversation. ( Wine does that – brings out our happiness.) There was a charm in the place I really liked – so surprised to find this gem here. What fun. I was open to what ever the proprietor had in to share with his guests. As I waited my turn for service I relaxed and walked about looking at the art collection. I liked the multi colored portrait and asked about it. (See pic)  Alas, I meet Douglas Bakker, happy to know he is the Owner and Winemaker. He too is the Artist of the portrait that is a montage portrait of each family member. It was clever and vibrant. I liked it.  Douglas then took me on a tour of his Signature Wine Collection. I asked if I could have a small taste of three of his finest efforts.

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Douglas honored me by choosing three wines he thought I would enjoy from those you see in theWinding-Iowa-Road-Leads-Spansita-Logo.jpegPINIMAGEpicture:

~ Gold Chardonnay

~ Petite Sarah

~ Phat Man Port

I absolutely love the light-hearted label of Phat Man Port. Douglas humbly mentioned he designed the label and it has generated critical acclaim. You know he is on to something – some wines should focus on having a sense of humor. Its is something we all enjoy – laughter.

The range of wines is casually delightful – each with their own character that made this Autumn day shine a bit brighter. I was impressed. So much so I asked Douglas for one bottle each. They are affordable for everyday enjoyment.  I wanted to take the memory home, revisit this delightful Madison County Winery and encourage others to check it out too. I LOVE supporting the independent artisan following their passion. this is what makes our country distinctive and great – freedom and the ability to follow your dreams. I also learned I was IN Iowa Wine Country. A small spot int he middle of the state that has the right climate and soil to produce a competitive wine. There are 4 wineries around the Bridges making for an off the highway excursion to take advantage of. Unlike anything else you will ever do.

Suddenly the Bridges of Madison County became even more enchanting thanks to the Madison County Winery in Urbandale, Iowa and Douglas.  Thank you Douglas for your hospitality. I will be back.

Spanista Takeaway:  Ah yes…Spontinaiety gives you an adrenaline boost. It is fun and adventuresome. If something unplanned calls to you to explore then take the road less traveled. It makes you feel fully alive and it may offer you a special Self Care Moment to remember always.

To Your Journey To Self Care,

Ginny

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