6 New Ways to Look & Feel Gorgeous at The Hot Spa by Hot Spot Tanning

I bet when you all think of having a "spa day" you would never think having one at a tanning bed, right ? Yeah I wouldn't either, until now.  Hot Spot Tanning has always been my go to place if I ever need a last minute spray tan and where I have gone in the past years, when I tanned regularly.  Their locations are convenient because just about anywhere I've ever lived (yes, I'm a gypsy) there always seems to be a location nearby.  There are several in Murfreesboro(Memorial, Rutherford Blvd, Church Street, Rucker Lane) some in Smyrna (Almaville & Sam Ridley), even a Brentwood( Nolensville Road) and a Nashville( West End) location.  With my busy schedule, convenience is key!  I was lucky enough to get to try each of the new spa services yesterday & let me tell you, when I left, I felt ahhhh-mazing!  

Before I begin telling y'all about my experience with each of the spa services, I want to talk a little about the atmosphere of their location on Memorial Blvd. beside the Murfreesboro Athletic Club or the MAC.  This is their Hot Spa location but some of these services are offered at other locations too.  When you walk in, other than there being tanning lotion for sale behind the front desk, it doesn't have a tanning bed feeling at all.  Most tanning beds I've ever been to have been very bright and almost tropical feeling but this was very soothing.  Calming colors and the smell of essential oils were in the air.  I felt more relaxed as soon as I walked in the door. 

Here comes the fun stuff:

Blue Light Therapy:Acu-Clear 

This blue light therapy is Dermatologist recommended for people of any age with current acne breakouts or red spots.  It uses medical grade blue LED lights to kill bacteria that causes spots and helps to prevent new breakouts, regulates oil production , calms and relaxes you as well as minimizing any scarring you may have on your face.  I don't usually get breakouts too often but I tried this one so I could tell you all what it's like.  When you see the mask and put it on it looks like something out of a Black Eyed Peas video.  It was really futuristic and almost astronaut helmet feeling, but very lightweight.  They place it over your head and you sit in a massaging chair the entire time (20 minutes) , you even get to put your legs up and they get massaged too.  Very relaxing to say the least.  The room was also very comfortable, smells great and they even offered me a spa robe and shoes.  When I think about light therapy of any kind I would almost expect that it would hurt but it was completely painless and when I took the mask off it only made my face feel a little tingley and good. My favorite part was sending my friends snapchats, looking crazy.  None of them probably even realize it wasn't one of those crazy snapchat filters until now.  This service is $20 a visit.  

Lumiere Excel

 Anyone who is looking to slow down the aging process, correcting current aging effects such as minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes , evening out pigmentation or someone who wants a painless, non-invasive anti-aging regimen; this is for you.   The Lumiere is a twenty minute treatment and again completely painless.  You sit in the same massaging chair as in the blue light therapy.  You wear goggles and when they initially turn on the red light it's very bright, even with your eyes closed, but don't worry it goes away after about ten seconds so don't let it freak you out.  This treatment uses red light LED therapy to restore radiance back into the skin, detoxifies, stimulates collagen synthesis and can even smooth out dry or rough skin.  The red light therapy is able to penetrate deeper than just the surface.  I really loved this treatment!  I somehow have the wrinkles of a 90 year old so I will be back. This service is $20 per visit and they can discuss with you how many you may need. 

  

Kwik Fit 

 The first thing I will say about this machine is that you stand on it for just 10 minutes and it's the equivalent of doing 30 minutes of cardio.  How can you can really beat that? I personally hate doing cardio so I was sold !! It's perfect for anyone who has a very limited amount of time to work out or someone who has physical limitations to workouts at the gym. It has vibrating plates that help with arthritis relief, restoration of balance, strengthening bone, weight management, blood sugar balance, sleep improvement and a healthier heart.  You will most likely feel silly on this machine, but you will definitely feel the effects when you get off! This is $10 a visit.  

Believe Bed: Red Light Therapy Rejuvination ​

The Believe bed is perfect for anyone wanting to add hydration back into the skin, relax muscles or improve scarring and uneven skin tones.  This one looks like a tanning bed but it's actually your whole body getting the benefits of the red light therapy.  This is more of an over all skin ehancing machine!  I have some scars I want to get rid of so that was the most exciting part of this to me.  It can fade scars or stretch marks and can reduce spider veins or broken capillaries.  This also provides several benefits for people with injuries or pain by reducing inflammation and pain, increasing circulation, restoring range of motion and can speed up the healing of wounds.  Only takes 15 minutes and $10 a session.  

Cocoon Wellness Pod "The Pod"​

I don't know if there are enough good words to say about this one !  I've never experienced anything like it or felt so good as I did when I got out.  This would be great for anyone who wants a quick way to relax, relieve pain or muscle tension.  This detoxifies the body, alleviates stress, helps with water retention , bloating and even cramps !! It combines heat, massage and magnetic fields to create a SUPER relaxing, healing environment.  You put on a sweat suit (this will make you feel like you're in a Missy Elliot music video from the 90's), which is extremely comfortable, then lay in a bed which your body will absolutely melt into.  It is almost like being in sauna, without the almost suffocating feel that comes with it because your head remains outside of the heat.  Your neck and  down will only be inside the cocoon and you are able to adjust the intensity of the massage speed and intensity on both your upper and lower body.  There are even little holes that your hands come through if you need to make any adjustments.  Being in "the Pod" you will burn up to 300 calories in just 30 minutes.  The temperature inside by the time you will be done with your session gets up to 170 degrees, which sounds crazy but it's abslutely refreshing.  If you ever get too hot you are able to get   I don't think I have ever sweated that much in my entire life.  I normally don't like to sweat at all but I guess there's a first time for everything.  I think I fell asleep a couple times, which I think most people do in there, and when I left there I felt better than I do after getting an hour massage that I pay between seventy to one hundred dollars for!  When you get out you will want to drink plenty of water(room temperature so that your body doesn't go into shock) which The Hot Spa provides you. There will be a towel to dry off your body, a cool wet towel for your face, spray deodorant and body spray so that you can freshen up.  This was actually heavenly and really helped out with my super sore muscles from working out.  I've had a pretty crazy week and it was just what I needed.  I highly recommend this! A session is just $35. 

 Vevazz

This system is good for anyone with trouble fatty areas, anyone who would like to get a jump start on weight loss, has cellulite, needs skin tightening or diminishing stretch marks. This LED system is designed to contour the body by losing inches off specific body areas such as the waist, hips, thighs, arms and neck.  You go to a series of visits to see a change but typically people will lose 2-4 pant or dress sizes in just 42 days.  The LED alters the fat in the cells and allows it to seep out from the cell into space where it can be processed by the lymphatic system.  The fat is either used by the body as energy or the body will process it out.  They place 8 pads on your choice of troubled fatty area ( I chose my stomach to try) for 7 minute treatments, so this is very quick.  I felt absolutely no pain at all, only little tiny pulsing.  When I heard about this originally I was also expecting it to hurt but nothing at all me feel the least bit uncomfortable.

The salon manager Mitzi as well as Jami both thoroughly explained every single thing I was having done and made sure I understood it as well as felt comfortable the whole step of the way!  They were extremely professional and I appreciated the fact that they believe in the services they provide.  Any of these services can be available at a lesser rate and you can even take a tour of them all, everything I mentioned except for the Vevazz , for just $49.99.  That is huge savings!! They also have an all access pass of those same services for $149 a month.  There are other ways to save money on the services by becoming a member there.  You can visit Hot Spot Tanning at http://hotspottanning.com/ or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Hot-Spot-Tanning-208396012535145/ 

Everyone there is awesome ! I highly recommend going to check them out for yourself, especially these new spa services. Thank you as always for reading ! XOXO -Amber 

Radnor Lake: Good for the Mind, Body and Soul

Can we talk about what a gorgeous day we are having here in Nashville.  Last time I checked it was 71 degrees, which is crazy considering just yesterday I had to wait 10 minutes for my icy windows on my car to melt.  I think it's safe to say that we have the most bipolar weather in the history of anywhere.  There is nothing better in the South than a good sunshiny day that feels like Spring or Fall and being able to ride around with your music blasting and windows down.  I am off work today and luckily my roommate asked me what the weather was supposed to be like and at the time it was sixty degrees so I knew I had to get out of the house.  Last time we had a day like this, the only thing I walked outside for was to get something out of my car, and I'm still mad at myself about it.  I just spend about 70 percent of my life (aka the only time I'm not at work) in sweatpants or Yoga pants these days and I guess I just didn't want to leave them.  PS I have never done yoga in my life but Lululemon yoga pants are still my BFF.

Today I decided to do something where I could wear my sweatpants and no one could judge me because I look sporty.  I think the key to life is wearing workout clothes all the time in public, that way you can be comfortable and if you look like crap people won't judge you because they will think "she just worked out" and they can't hate on that. See what I mean? 

There is this magical place that unfortunately I never knew about until about 6 months ago that makes me genuinely happy anytime I have ever been, Radnor Lake State Park.  Radnor Lake is a 1,332-acre park and is protected as a Class II Natural Area. It is unique due to the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking opportunities and its location in an urban area. The park is day-use only and the more than six miles of trail are strictly used for hiking, photography and wildlife observation. Pets, jogging and bicycles are only allowed on the Otter Creek Road trail. The Lake Trail is accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs.

Radnor Lake is located at 1114 Otter Creek Road in Nashville and pretty close to Brentwood. The trail I go on is the Lake Trail, I start in the parking lot and head into the woods (there are signs up to show you where to go.)  The route I take is about 2.5 miles long and it's mainly flat but there are a few inclines and it will get your heart rate up and fresh air in your lungs, your legs a little more toned, as well as seeing some beautiful scenery.   You seriously never know what you are going to see while walking through the trail.  You are in the woods walking the trail surrounding the beautiful lake, so naturally you will see lots of different animals.  I have seen deer, owls, turtles, ducks, geese, and turkeys so far.  These deer will literally be walking 3 feet away from you.  It's pretty awesome actually.  I remember the first time I ever went, feeling like Snow White in a forest.  I even tried talking to the deer to get them to look my way for pictures.  Don't worry they didn't talk back, lol.  I chose this trail because it's not as difficult as some of the others. Have I ever mentioned I'm not very athletic?  Blogging is now my cardio.

I actually love going by myself.  Although thinking about being in the middle of the woods with nothing but a bunch of animals and strangers who pass by, mostly in groups of 2, is a little bit creepy, I thoroughly enjoy it.  It gives me time to reflect on my life and get some fresh air.  I literally am not worried about anything else while I am there. The only reason I take my phone is incase I want to Snapchat the deer I pass by or take pictures.  Today I took my camera and I will be sharing photos below.  If you aren't familiar with it, it's such a beautiful and wonderful hidden treasure that I think just about anyone would enjoy.  It's a perfect place to take your kids also.  I was walking by a little pack of turkeys today and I had a little boy who was carrying a walking stick he had picked up from a broken tree, tell me to "shhhh" because he didn't want to scare them off.   It was really cute.  It's the perfect place for all ages and best of all it's FREE!  So get up, get out and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!! XOXO- Amber

You can read more about Radnor Lake State Park here www.RadnorLake.org

More Than Just Juice: Juice Bar

I think I told you all this before, but my life is a constant struggle of trying to lose weight and eating dessert.  I have been eating a little too much dessert lately & the proof is in my clothes not fitting anymore.  I've been feeling kind of blah lately and that my body is screaming "feed me something healthy".  That's why I decided to go to the Juice Bar the past 2 days for lunch. I am normally more of a meat and 3 type girl but I knew this would make me at least feel better about my life.

Juice Bar is overwhelmingly vegetarian, gluten-free, organic when possible, and always uses 100% whole fruits and vegetables.  They are definitely a  “I want to eat healthy and feel great” type place. They offer juices, smoothies, juice cleanses, superfood salads, soups and more.  Please see my pictures below to see more of what they have to offer.

On Tuesday for lunch (day about 27 of me feeling blah- I told you guys I am a procrastinator) I walked into the Juice Bar, took about 10 minutes to make a choice on which smoothie to get, which you would have thought I was making a major life decision, I decided on the "Green Smoothie."  I went with a smoothie because I like a little more substance.  To me it feels a little more like actual food , which y'all know I  love.  It's made with spinach, kale, pineapple, banana, lemon, apple juice and coconut milk.  It is the perfect blend of healthy and sweet tasting and absolutely DELICIOUS.   The best part was that it actually filled me up, and smoothies never fill me up.  They are always more like a drink to me.  I also enjoyed watching them actually placing all of the vegetables and fruits in and mixing it up in front of me, where I can see all of the fresh ingredients.  While I was there waiting on my made to order smoothie, I noticed a sign with a large bowl of soup.  Their featured soup of the day was black bean.  The nice man working asked me if I would like to try a sample.  I am not a big fan of black beans in general, so I politely declined.  He told me they have a different soup everyday and they had just finished making tomorrow's soup, which was his favorite, the garden veggie; so he gave me a sample of that.  It was so delicious I couldn't wait to get back there today on my lunch break.  I posted a photo of it below so you can see how absolutely packed with healthiness it is, but it has broccoli, carrots, celery, onions, kale, red beans, zucchini, quinoa, cilantro and maybe a little bit of a tomato base.  I seriously have never felt so healthy in my life after eating that many vegetables together at one time.  It was so filling and packed with enjoyable flavor.  I am very excited about Wednesdays now, thanks to this soup!  I also got to try their four most popular juices, the "Orange You Glad" and the "Sweet Greens" were my two favorites!!

Juice Bar has a different soup each day; Monday-tomato basil, Tuesday-black bean Wednesday-garden Veggie, Thursday- red lentil and Friday through Sunday butternut squash.  I went to the Franklin location located at 232 Fifth Avenue North Franklin, Tn, but they have locations all over the Middle Tennessee area.  Locations include Green Hills, Berry Hill, Hillsboro Village, The Gulch, Germantown, Belle Meade, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and of course Franklin.

Moral of this story if you pass by a Juice Bar, GO!  It will make you feel good on the inside as well as out.  I Just hope my clothes start to fit better.  I'm one of those people who feels like you can eat salad once and you should automatically lose 5 lbs.  I'm almost 30 and I have never known this to be more untrue. Baby steps though, baby steps.  XOXO- Amber

For Juice Bar's full menu click here www.ilovejuicebar.com