A Dose of Inspiration: How can massage make a difference in YOUR life?

Some time ago, a client of mine from years past invited me to a Weight Watchers event that she was taking part in as a speaker. She had set a weight-loss goal and achieved it, attributing regular massages to her lack of stretch marks as well. She was featured in the Gresham Outlook newspaper, and I invite you to become inspired by her story here. 

Has massage made such an impact on your life, or that of someone you know? Please email rachelsheardlmt@gmail.com or call me at 503-318-9626 to share your story. I'd love to continue featuring personal stories here! 

Product & Service Spotlight: Buy in Bulk with Massage Packages & $1 Spa At-Home Samplers

Now that tax day is officially behind us, you will know now whether you can look forward to a tax return. If you do get one, no doubt you're already "spending" those dollars in your mind while you wait for the money to arrive in the mail or deposit itself nicely in your bank account--or am I the only one who dreams over and over how best to spend those dollars? 

Consider taking extra care of your body with that extra cash. Invest in your health--the body that moves you along each day while work, play, working out, stress, exploration, and even stretching can leave your body an achey mess. I've made it easy and even cheaper for you to invest in getting regular massage with massage packages. Packages are available in bulk, discounted quantities ranging from 7-52 massages and saving 15-30% off regular rates. The Silver Package with 13 sessions has been a popular choice, giving you a monthly massage plus one bonus session at 20% off regular rates. Not sure which package is best for you? Call me (503-318-9626), and I'll be happy to help you decide.

Buying in bulk doesn't suit your style or budget, but you still want to treat yourself to something, right? I've recently added Spa At-Home Products in $1 sample size containers, so you can try out several products easily. Samples available include: Aloe Milk Moisturizing--good for face and body moisturization; Aloe Heat Crème--soothes sore muscles and joints, reduces cellulite with daily application; Day-Night Emollients--extra-rich moisturizer for drier faces; Aloe Moisture Cream--versatile moisture for face and body, thick and creamy like a body butter; d'Aloe Gentle Gel--this stuff has a wide range of uses from baby skin, acne, foot irritation, sunburn, skin firming, and more; Cuticle Aid--protects cuticles and elbows; Aloe Facial Cleanser--rich, moisturizing lotion for normal and dry skin, cleans without water (think camping!); Aloe Enzyme Cleanser--gentle deep cleaning.

Stop by and pick up a few samples and let me know what you think of them. The ones you like can easily be ordered full size if I don't have it on hand already.

Picking Up the Pace; Recipe of the Month: Blueberry Sauce

Quick update: March was a hectic month. We were down to the wire on closing on our house, but were able to move in as planned on the 19th, nevermind the tendonitis flare-up in my left hand that hit me a few days before moving. It is 100% better now, thankfully! On the 26th, I taught my first workshop on, yes, injury prevention for massage therapists. Felt a little hypocritical about it, but I truly believe my tendonitis was caused by things OTHER than my work. Beyond that, I've just been trying to play catch up on things (such as this blog) that got pushed to the wayside during all that busyness. My blog will now be more structured, featuring a monthly stretch, recipe, inspiration/motivation/quote, business updates/upcoming events, and maybe some personal experience tidbits along the way. Try out this month's recipe: Blueberry Sauce. It is DE-LISH. 

Blueberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir gently, and bring to a boil.
2. In a cup or small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries so as not to mash the berries. Simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and cinnamon. Thin sauce with water if it is too thick for your liking.

This sauce is awesome over a New York Cheesecake, waffles, ice cream, etc. It was quite a hit when I made it with my traditional cheesecake for Christmas this past year, and I'll be making it again soon to enjoy with vanilla bean ice cream. Yes, I have a bit of a sweet tooth! Enjoy!