Los Angelista Giveaway: Boca Relaxation!
I was so stressed out last night before I went to bed. Can I generate a quick laundry list for you as to why?No, no... forget the laundry list. A laundry list will just make me sound totally neurotic and you don't come over here to hear me whine, right? So, I'll just tell you about two things:
1) A weirdo snuck into our gated parking last night. He ran in behind someone's car and then hid behind another one. My landlord happened to be here, saw the guy, confronted him and made him leave. Everybody in this building comes and goes at odd hours so it makes me nervous that I might get out of my car and get mugged.
2) I'm attending a red carpet event with Brooke Burke tonight. I'll tell you why later but yes, THAT Brooke Burke... the hot lady who won Dancing With The Stars and has four kids, but she looks like she's never ever had an eggo in her preggo. (Whereas I'll feel like I'll perpetually be told, "You mean you're not having twins?")
Sigh.
Well, since I'm all stressed out and feeling like I need to clone myself, I'm trying to remember some of the relaxation tactics I learned a couple days ago at the BOCA-sponsored LA Blogger Night Out at Voda Spa in West Hollywood. It was the first time I'd ever stepped foot inside a spa and, seriously, I totally wanted to move in to that place!
The vegetarian in me was super happy that I actually had food choices-- and none of them were bland steamed veggies. I mean, when you go to an event sponsored by a company that makes vegetarian products, you actually get to eat super cute and delish lettuce wraps and some little slider-type burger-- all meat free.
But, ok, food aside, I did a mini yoga/relaxation session, got an awesome manicure that still hasn't chipped AND got my first ever massage! I don't know why I've never gotten one before but, wow, it felt great and I wanted to marry the masseusse afterwards.
I also found out about the BOCA Balanced Living Challenge where I can win $5K to fulfill my healthy living goal. If I win, I might put that money toward a cleaning lady, or maybe I just someone to just come and teach my children how to not miss the toilet when they go pee... Anyway, I need to hurry up and enter because the contest ends this Friday the 27th.
I came home with a totally cute gift bag that includes some BOCA rec
ipe cards and coupons, an eco-friendly Envirosax bag, a Classical Stress Relief CD by Lifescapes, a yoga mat and a sweet Franklin Covey planner. Because I love you, I'm giving it away to one lucky reader!Just be a resident of the continental 48 states and leave me a comment before Thursday, 2/26/09 at 11:59 PM telling me what you do to relax and take time for yourself. Don't write me an essay. It can be as simple as saying, "I throw darts at a dart board." ( I'm asking because I need some tips for myself in case I don't win the contest and the cleaning lady.)
And now I'm off to do some sit ups in preparation for tonight's Brooke Burke encounter. Good luck!
Comments
You know I need to relax...so I bought myself a yoga mat and I stretch each morning in preparation for the day. Hugs!
Is that you by that car in the first photo! Your husband is lucky I'm married! lol
How did the car shopping go?
Relaxation technique: Candles lit. Hot bath w/ B&BW Eucalyptus Spearmint bubble bath, a glass of merlot and Wynton Marsalis' Midnight Blues cd playing.
I then rinse off w/ the same scent shower gel and then use the sugar scrub. Rinse, lotion up and sit in my big fluffy robe and either read or watch something enjoyable on tv.
PS: Please be careful in the parking area.
PS Teresa and I keep talking about how happy we were you got to come- so many good vibes :)
~*
OK, but I’m not sure the mechanisms I’ve used to deal with my stress levels will work for most; or are even totally sane. (An aside; NO, I’m not going to go all “male” on you and say “Sex! Best stress reliever EVER”. I’m missing the other party for that… lol).
It has been athletic activity that has helped me to burn off much of the accumulated stresses. As the marriage disintegrated, I’d run more. But not as you’d expect. Remember, I’ve got the kids, so their needs first. I’d get family life all done for the night, kids in bed and all and find I couldn’t sleep I was so anxious or upset. I’d get up, dress for a run and GO. I’ve done plenty of 10 milers at like 12:30 AM, because I couldn’t stand to be alone any more or process out the stress. Some of them were very fast runs. I set some 5K/10K PR’s in those years, lol! What I was doing was truly burning the stress out and I’d be so tired when finished, I’d collapse in bed and finally sleep. I know that sounds kinda wacky, but it did its job; I survived the years and stayed pretty much in control through it all.
I do sudokus.
I hike.
I cook.
I sit on my balcony when the weather is nice and ponder.
Sounds like a great spa night!
To relax I read a good book - best enjoyed in my jacuzzi tub with the warm water swirling around me. Love Boca burgers - you have such great experiences!
To relax I go for long walks and explore new neighborhoods. Afterwards I feel so refreshed.
Good luck with the parking situation. I usually have a can of pepper spray handy and am looking into getting a taser. I'm so paranoid and think I can't be too careful.
Relaxing? Girl, please. There is no such thing in my world. :-)