Nancy's First Blog

I have been thinking of blogging for the last year and then it took me about 6 months to figure out what to say and how to do it. Little did I know that it would be so simple! Technology can seem intimidating yet today it is developed intuitively and usually straightforward to use. I have been guilty of thinking that perhaps my age (now 40) was perhaps why I have been having so many delays.

Blogging for me is going to be a way to have a voice in the spa industry and as an entrepreneur. Le Petit Spa is celebrating five years in September! It has been a wild ride. There has been so much learning as it is my first business and I was fresh and naive about spa business. Today I feel a lot of gratitude and pride in who we are as a spa team and how we built a solid spa business. It has been a lot of hard work but could I have expected anything less?

Thank you to my family and friends, to my spa team and to my customers for supporting me in becoming an entrepreneur and growing our business over the last five years.

Live your dream,

Nancy

Bachelorette Spa Parties in a Vancouver Day Spa? Tell me More!

Bachelorette Parties in a Vancouver Day Spa? How could this be?

The two words "Bachelorette Party" conjure up visions of martinis, party hats, male dancers and wild, screaming women.

Looking for something a little tamer? Consider a Le Petit Spa Party. Gather your closest gal pals, the mother of the bride and groom or your bridesmaids and get ready for a spa day fit for even the most deserving bridezilla!

Spa parties are a great way to spend time together and take a much needed time out, but when booked the day before your wedding, Spa Parties are the perfect way for you and your bridal party to get their fingers and toes ready for the big day!

A spa party can also be a great way to throw a bachelorette party; especially if the bride is looking for something not so wild as the typical bachelorette party.

The combinations are endless when considering a spa party:

• Manicures and Pedicures – these can be done at the same time, or separately
  
• Massages and Facials – for those who need a little extra TLC before the big day!
  
• Waxing services – for the wedding day consider facial waxing, for the honeymoon consider bikini waxing.

Spa parties for manicures and pedicures are done in a private room for you and your spa party goers, read more about Le Petit Spa Parties.

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, special events, monthly service promotions and other exclusive offers. Have beauty questions? Not sure of which steps go into a facial? Email me with your beauty question and look for your answer in a future blog!

The "Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It" Newest Excuse at Le Petit Spa

OPI has done it again! Launching a full color spectrum of pretty pinks, corals and ruby reds that all resemble the Australian landscape, this line is truly “beauty down under”.

Featuring catchy names like “Red Hot Ayers Rock”, “Fit for a Queensland” and “Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It”, these colors will have you dreaming of a mid-winter get away to the deep south of Australia.

OPI nail lacquers are some of the best in the spa world; particularly known for their staying power of up to 4 weeks...view the Australian Collection at Le Petit Spa.

Le Petit Spa has two days of the week dedicated to your nail color fantasies.

Mondays feature “Mani-Days” at Le Petit Spa; come into Le Petit Spa on a Monday for a manicure and purchase any OPI product; you will receive 15% off the total of the two.

Benefits of having a manicure:

• Maintenance of hands and nails
  



• Relaxing hand massage; relieves stress that is associated with 80% of human illnesses
  



• Education on how to care for hands and nails
  



• Soft, moisturized skin

On Tuesdays at Le Petit Spa, “Toes-Days” are featured; when you come into Le Petit Spa on a Tuesday for a pedicure and purchase any footlogix foot care product, you will receive 15% off the total of the two.

Benefits of having a pedicure:

• Grooming and maintenance of nails and feet
  



• Relaxing foot massage; relieves stress that is associated with 80% of human illnesses
  



• Education on how to maintain and care for feet
  



• Professional products used to treat specific skin/feet ailments
  



• Perfectly painted toes that will last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.

Voted in the top three day spas since their opening three years ago, Le Petit Spa is open 7 days a week and offers a full menu of manicure and pedicure spa services.

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Have beauty questions? Wondering what a glycolic facial does and is? Email me with any of your spa related service questions and beauty questions and receive a personalized response from our on line beauty expert.

The History of the French Manicure

When you think of “French Manicure” do you automatically think of a set of false nails?

Well, the truth is that a French Manicure is actually painted on to your nail. There is no use of false nails that can damage your natural nail bed and no harsh chemicals are used either.

What you get is a set of glamorous looking, clean polished nails that are perfect for your wedding day.

The History behind the French Manicure

Although the term “manicure” has been around for about 5,000 years, the origin of the “French Manicure” is not certain. There are claims that it first appeared in the 1930’s to give French society women a clean yet polished look for their hands. Another idea is that when you add the word “French” to anything, it instantly becomes chic and sophisticated.

Whichever the case, it is truly the ultimate sign of class and sophistication. And there is no better time to have one like on your wedding day.

A Le Petit Spa French Manicure starts of with cuticle work, nail work, a luxurious soak, a Lavender Sea Salt Scrub, a relaxing massage and the polish application...read more on Le Petit Spa Bridal Services


Come in on Mondays at Le Petit Spa for “Mani-Days”, a day in Vancouver to get your fingers looking like a “perfect ten!” …Read more about Mani-days at Le Petit Spa.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, gift with purchases and special events such as our monthly service promotions. Or email me with your beauty or spa service questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa - March Service Promotion

March Service Promotion at Le Petit Spa

This month, Le Petit Spa features their Signature Facial as the Monthly Service Promotion.

Featuring the Phytomer line of professional skin care products, this facial allows customization for each client; who doesn’t want their own unique professional facial made just for them?

Your Le Petit Spa Esthetician will first do a skin type analysis to expertly choose which Phytomer products are best suited for you (hydrating, oil balancing, anti-aging).

She will talk closely with you about your skin concerns, problems you may be experiencing or any specific issues you would like to address during your experience at Le Petit Spa.

The facial experience starts off with a relaxation back massage and moves into the initial steps of the facial: Cleansing, toning, exfoliation and steam are all done with products specifically picked out for your unique skin type / concerns.

Extractions are done (if necessary) a facial massage, and then your own personalized mask is applied and left to benefit your skin for up to 10 minutes. During your masqueing, a soothing and deeply relaxing hand massage is performed for you.

Your final treatment cream and eye cream is then applied to conclude your Le Petit Spa facial experience. Home care recommendations are then talked about with you.

Your Esthetician has worked closely with you and your skin for an hour now; she can best prescribe which products would work best for your skin and expertly give directions on how to use each product.

Home care is an important step in facial care; not just so you can say “I use professional products” but because the results from your facial will not last or benefit you if you return home and use products that are wrong for your skin; the money you spent on your facial just went down the drain – literally!

The biggest myth in the spa industry that I have come across is that professional skin care products sold in spas are much more expensive than say, department store brands like Lancôme and Clinique. NOT TRUE!!! Take a look at our past price comparison between our Phytomer skin care line and some major department store brands…

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about our monthly service promotions, our featured daily promotions, gift with purchases and special events….or email me with your beauty, or spa service questions, and look for your answer in a future blog!

A day in Vancouver in a French Country atmosphere to acheive hairless bodies!

Wax – Days at Le Petit Spa

A day set out in a French Country atmosphere to help the women (and men) of Vancouver achieve hairless, smooth bodies!

Wax-Days at Le Petit Spa is featured every Wednesday in Vancouver. When you come into Le Petit Spa on a Wednesday and book two or more waxing services (combo’s excluded) you will receive 50% off the lesser of the two.

Two featured professional spa products on wax-days are PFB, a roll-on glycolic preparation that soothes skin after waxing and prevents in-grown hairs, and Le Petit Spa’s Signature Tea Tree Lotion, which soothes the skin after waxing and contains antiseptic properties to prevent irritated hair follicles.

Le Petit Spa offers a wide range of professional spa waxing services at their full service French Country Day Spa. Below are some highlighted services that word-of-mouth has dubbed “the best in Vancouver three years in a row!”

Did you know? The reason why waxing stops hair from growing back is because it ‘damages’ the blood supply to the hair follicle. This does not cause any damage to your skin, but cuts off the blood supply to the individual hairs, stopping them from re-growing.

1. Brazilian – Also known as “the full Monty” this waxing service finds hair to remove in places you probably didn’t know you had hair. Named after the beautiful women of Brazil and their skimpy bikini bottoms, this waxing service preps you for even the most skimpy lingerie and bathing suits.

2. Eye brow Shaping – Nothing helps frame your face and complete your look than a perfectly shaped pair of eyebrows. Never too skimpy and never too thick, a Le Petit Spa esthetician will be able to create a brow that’s perfect for your eyes.

3. Leg Waxing – Whether you go for the “full” leg or half, your legs will be as soft as silk after this waxing treatment and will be hairless for up to 4 weeks depending on your hair re-growth rate. Perfect for new moms who don’t have time to shave everyday.

4. Pour Les Hommes – Waxing services for men; perfect for your honeymoon or other special occasions. Back waxing, chest waxing and stomach’s can be smooth as silk for your sweet heart after one of Le Petit Spa’s waxing services for men.

For more information about Le Petit Spa waxing services visit our web site page on waxing. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, gift-with-purchases and monthly service promotions. Or email me with your beauty questions or day spa service questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Experience the French Country Side - in a Vancouver Day Spa

Le Petit Spa offers a number of daily promotions to the “spa goers” of Vancouver. Featuring spa facials, pedicures, manicures and treatments for men, all set in a French country inspired theme; Le Petit Spa has certainly become a prominent Vancouver Day Spa.

Signature Sundays leads the way at this Vancouver Day Spa. Incorporating their Signature Facial into a daily promotion has allowed Le Petit Spa to get the word out that they are “Vancouver’s skin care specialists”. When you come into Le Petit Spa on a Sunday for a Signature Facial, you will receive 10% off the purchase of any skin care or makeup purchase, when purchased same day as service…Read more about Signature Sundays.

Nestled in the corner of Kitsilano and the Point Grey neighbourhood lies this escape to the French country side. The smell of French Lavender immediately embraces you as you enter the door to your own private sanctuary of blissful relaxation.

A Signature Le Petit Spa duvet hugs and warms your body as your private esthetician performs what can only be described as a “soul saving” treatment, the Le Petit Spa Signature Facial.

Incorporating a relaxation back massage, facial massage and hand massage into the facial, you leave feeling like you’re about to melt into the French tiled floor.

You’re then led to the relaxation lounge where you’re served Le Petit Spa’s Signature Lavender Rooibos Tea, or lemon or cucumber water – the only choice you’ll be asked to make during your visit at Le Petit Spa.

This day spa experience can be yours seven days a week. For contact information to one of Vancouver’s best day spas, click here.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter. Each month we feature a daily promotion and monthly service promotion at promotional prices, gift with purchases and new product or services launches in our newsletter. Or email me with your beauty questions or day spa questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Day Spa Packages at Vancouver's Le Petit Spa

Day Spa Packages perfect for giving the special someone in your life the “Gift of Relaxation”

This time of year, in my opinion, is the hardest: the weather in Vancouver is usually grey and rainy, and the next long weekend is no where in sight!

Enter Le Petit Spa and their answer for escaping a dreadful, grey day and being surrounded by warmth in candle lit rooms, luxurious down duvets and forgetting about the world outside.

Day Spa Packages at Le Petit Spa; the perfect escape from today’s busy west coast lifestyle.

1. Signature Package – This exclusive spa package at Le Petit Spa features Le Petit Spa’s signature French lavender products with premium day spa services. A Le Petit Spa Signature Facial, Signature Manicure and Signature Pedicure will induce a deep sense of relaxation, while refocusing your mind…Read more.

2. Vitality Package – This spa package at Le Petit Spa is here to add “vitality” to even the most overworked, overstressed, devitalized individuals in Vancouver. Featuring an invigorating anti-aging facial and Le Petit Spa Signature Pedicure, any client leaving Le Petit Spa after this package is sure to have a new vibrancy towards life…Read more.

3. Pour Les Hommes – Is the person in your life a Vancouver man? Le Petit Spa has a wide range of services incorporated into Le Petit Spa’s “Pour Les Hommes” day spa package for men…Read more.

4. Mummy and Me – Some quality time with baby in a baby friendly sanctuary for both mom and baby requires attention to detail and an understanding of how special this time is for Mum. Enter “Mummy and Me” spa package…Read more.

Any of these can be purchased as a gift certificate at Le Petit Spa. For more information on our one-of-a-kind gift cards and certificates, click here.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, new product launches, special events and daily or monthly service promotions, or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa features candles to set the mood this Valentines Day and keep Mother Nature happy!

Le Petit Spa features Soy Candles - to set the mood and keep Mother Nature happy!

The most popular new trend in candles has come to Le Petit Spa! Soy Candles are the new, natural way to create romance in the air this Valentines Day!

Le Petit Spa offers a clean burning solution that is as good for your household environment as it is for Mother Nature.

Benefits of Soy Candles:

• Clean burning – does not pollute the environment


• Will not turn walls black or dirty


• Slow burning – more value for your buck!

These candles are made from 100% Soya wax, derived from natural (genetically unmodified) Soya beans. This innovative alternative to paraffin and beeswax contains 0% lead, emits 0% petrol-carbon soot (contains 0% petroleum-derived by-products), it melts at a lower temperature than other waxes and it is water-soluble and biodegradable.

Featuring French Lavender as the Signature scent of these wonderful candles, they create an ambiance that is relaxing as well as stimulating.

Le Petit Spa has incorporated these brilliant candles into their Signature Body Care line; all products featuring French Lavender to soothe and promote relaxation.

Come into Le Petit Spa today to experience their Signature Body Care line featuring exquisite bathrobes, towels and a full range of bath products; all designed to help this Valentines Day be your most romantic ever!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, monthly service promotions, daily service promotions and special events or email me with your beauty or service promotion questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa's Guide to Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Spa Packages for Valentines Day and Gift Cards

Whether you are looking to get velvety smooth skin before the big V-day, or looking for the perfect gift idea for your special somebody this Valentines Day, Le Petit Spa has the answer.

Le Petit Spa packages come in an array of choices in many different lengths of time, prices and services.

Below, a description of Le Petit Spa packages available to all of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Signature Package

Le Petit Spa’s Signature spa package is based on their signature scent: French Lavender. Incorporating products from their Signature Body Care line such as their Signature Hand Cream and Signature Sea Salt Scrub, this package will leave you feeling exceptionally relaxed and pampered. Read more…

Vitality spa Package

Featuring services to highly invigorate your soul and body, this package incorporates highly active anti-aging ingredients to revitalize while promoting a renewed sense of strength and energy. Read more…

Pour Les Hommes Package

Our elite spa package just for men. This Le Petit Spa package will leave him feeling completely pampered and groomed from head to toe. Featuring Phytomer Homme skincare line for men, this package has everything to have him looking his absolute best this Valentines Day. Read more…

These packages are also available on a Le Petit Spa gift card. Available with a “print now” option, email or “snail mail”, a Le Petit Spa gift card is a convenient and easy way to show you care this Valentines Day. Read more about Le Petit Spa gift cards and certificates...

Check out our Valentines Day gift guide for more great gift ideas from Le Petit Spa for the most romantic day of the year.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for more exclusive promotions and offers such as daily and monthly service promotions, special events and product or service launches; exclusive to Le Petit Spa, voted in the best top three day spas in Vancouver four years in a row! Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa announces the Launch of their French Country Inspired Body Care Line

Products inspired by French Countryside

Le Petit Spa, voted within the top three day spas in Vancouver three years running, is thrilled to now offer clients their newly launched signature line of bath and body care products aptly named the “Le Petit Spa Signature Line”. Encompassing 11 all natural bath and body care products and one bubble bath to dream of, this line promises to wrap client’s skin in the purest essence of the French countryside, Lavender.

The Le Petit Spa Signature Line houses the following products; harnessing the soothing, calming and antiseptic properties of pure lavender:

• Signature Salt Scrub – gently exfoliates skin before the bath or shower
  


• Signature Bath Salts – eases sore muscles
  


• Signature Milk Bath – softens skin
  


• Signature Bubbles – creates a bubbly bath worthy of a soap opera
  


• Signature Shower Gel –cleanses skin
  


• Signature Hand Cream – moisturizes hands
  


• Signature Body Lotion – moisturizes body
  


• Signature Bath and Massage Oil –when used in bath leaves skin remarkably soft, soothes sore muscles in massage.
  


• Signature Skin Refresher – Refreshes tired skin
  


• Signature Room Refresher – Lightly infuses the air with Le Petit Spa’s Signature Scent.
  


• Signature Roll on Scent – Condensed Signature Scent in a roll on

Products are available at Le Petit Spa, open seven days a week and located in Kitsilano on the corner of Broadway and Alma, or in Le Petit Spa’s online store, Spa Boutique at www.spaboutique.ca.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, special events, daily and monthly service promotions and product launches. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa - Men Spa Gift Certificates and Services

Spas are not just for women anymore! Spa packages for men, gift certificates and services for men are now a permanent addition to many spa menus in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Le Petit Spa offers many different services and gift certificates for the men of Vancouver.

Below, the services and packages available for men at Le Petit Spa are listed:

1. Gift Certificates – Le Petit Spa’s Facial for Men and the Men’s spa package available in – spa or on-line

2. Men’s natural Manicure

3. Men’s natural Pedicure

Le Petit Spa also offers “Thursdays for Men” one of our weekly service promotions available to the men of Vancouver. Available on a day specifically set aside for the men of Vancouver, this daily promotion includes…read more

A Le Petit Spa gift certificate is the perfect gift to give during the holidays, anniversaries, Valentines Day or any other reason to make your significant other swoon! Click here for more information on Le Petit Spa gift certificates and gift cards.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about monthly service promotions, in spa gift-with-purchases, special events and weekly service promotions. Or email me with your beauty question and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa Gift Cards and Gift Certificates

Did you know? Le Petit Spa offers over 13 different gift certificate choices, all available to order on-line?

On-line shopping is so convenient! In three easy steps, your holiday, valentines or birthday shopping can be complete!

It’s easy as 1, 2, 3!.....

1. First select which gift card/certificate you would like to purchase

2. Tell us how you would like to receive the gift.

Would you prefer….
• Mailed directly to you or the recipient?
• Print off the gift certificate and give to the recipient yourself?
• Have it sent to the recipient by email?

3. Provide the recipient’s name and any special delivery instructions or message for the recipient.

Le Petit Spa offers safe and secure on-line shopping. We use paypal for your security and on-line shopping needs. Your vital information is deleted from our servers and information is never stored on our servers.

We also accept Visa, MasterCard over the phone if you do not wish to purchase on-line.

For more information on paypal and secure on-line shopping, click here.

Sign up for Le Petit Spa’s monthly newsletter to be the first to know about monthly service promotions, in spa gift-with-purchases, weekly service promotions and special events. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for the answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa presents Mondays for Mums!

Le Petit Spa's Mondays for Moms!

A day at the spa designated specifically for moms and their little ones? It’s true!

Le Petit Spa introduces Monday’s for Mums, the only day in Vancouver specifically set aside for the Mums of Vancouver!

Monday’s for Mums at Le Petit Spa features:

For Mums:

• Le Petit Spa’s Classic Pedicure
o Includes: Luxurious soaking of the feet, nail and cuticle work, buffing of the feet, Signature Lavender Sea Salt Scrub, massage and final nail application.

For Babies:

• Private change room with all amenities for babies needs
• Soothing, private, baby friendly area
• Breast-feeding friendly surroundings

The day is made complete with a take home goody bag full of Mustela products; Le Petit Spa’s Mummy and Baby skin care line.

Mustela Products for babies include:

• Diaper change needs – i.e. Baby wipes, diaper cream
• Bath needs – i.e. Soap free cleansers, shampoo – all ph level for babies delicate skin


Mustela Products for Mums include:

• Post Partum Products – i.e. Restructuring creams – to return elasticity and form to body post pregnancy
• Stretch Mark Creams – to fade and diminish the appearance of stretch marks.

So come into Le Petit Spa with your baby (10 months and under) for a relaxing day at the spa set aside just for you!

To make an appointment at Le Petit Spa on Mondays for Mums, click here. Or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about monthly service promotions, in-spa promotions, special events and weekly service promotions. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Purchase Mustela products at our partner website http://www.spaboutique.ca/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=MUS

Winter Skin Care - Moisturizing Benefits of Paraffin

Winter benefits of using Paraffin

What is paraffin?

Paraffin is a colorless, pliable wax that is used in many beauty treatments such as pedicures and manicures. It is usually used in a spa treatment after massage, when a moisturizing cream has been placed on the skin.

How is Paraffin used in Spa services?

Paraffin causes the massage medium or cream to penetrate into the skin deeper and more thoroughly because it creates an air tight seal that does not allow the massage medium to evaporate on the surface of the skin.

Benefits of using Paraffin?

• Moisturizes skin
• Relaxes tight muscles and joints
• Effectively warms cold feet
• Leaves overall feeling of warmth and well being.

Le Petit Spa services that include a luxurious essential oil lavender paraffin treatment include:

• Le Petit Spa’s Signature Manicure
• Le Petit Spa’s Signataure Pedicure

Check out our weekly promotion, Signature Sundays, or our promotions page to find out our monthly service promotions as well as other weekly service promotions.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, events, beauty tips and service launches. Or email me with your beauty questions or concerns and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa: West Coast Spa valules meet French Country Day Spa.

Le Petit Spa: West coast Spa values meet French Country Day Spa.

Le Petit Spa is a prime example of French Country ambiance and décor: The smell of French Lavender follows you throughout the spa, French country “antique” furniture, lighting, Petit Fours and Belgian chocolates; if it wasn’t for the rain and cold, it wouldn’t be hard to forget you are actually in Vancouver when you’re visiting Le Petit Spa.

However, we are in Vancouver (sigh!). The west coast of Canada has very much its own set of values: organic foods rule and you can’t walk down Robson Street without stepping onto the door step of a Starbucks everywhere you go.

Yoga, holistic approaches to medicine, and afternoon hiking sessions in our local mountains are an everyday occurrence for the majority of people, especially woman, in Vancouver.

Spas incorporating this healthy “West Coast lifestyle” are very much in the know about how Vancouverites are spending their time and how they are approaching health and wellbeing. Products made without parabens or other preservatives, healthy spa snacks and lunches, and eco-friendly business ethics and practices are becoming important to consumers and spa owners are catching on.

Le Petit Spa is a spa that has incorporated a French Country atmosphere together with West Coast values:

• The Le Petit Spa Signature Body Care line is made from all natural ingredients, using natural preservatives like Grape Seed Oil to keep product quality high.

• Using high quality products like Phytomer and Guinot in their services that are made from ingredients that are natural, beneficial to your skin and are not tested on animals.

• Believing that taking care of yourself is as important on the outside as it is on the inside

• Offering herbal teas with high anti-oxidant qualities and organic French wine.

• Recycling all linens and any other material that can not be used further.

• Encouraging a healthy lifestyle that incorporates physical activity and maintenance of the body through facials and massage as stress relievers.

Le Petit Spa is a community based neighbourhood day spa located in Point Gray, Vancouver.
We are a spa that is involved in the community around us and believe in giving back to the community.

Check out our daily and monthly service promotions and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about on going events, monthly promotions, in-spa promotions and beauty tips or email me with a beauty question or concern and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa introduces its New! Guinot Double Peeling Glycolic Facial, December’s service promotion of the month, read more…

Nail Fungus: Tips to Prevent Nail, Foot fungus and products to treat

Tucked away in fuzzy warm socks and slippers are those cute little tootsies you doted on during the summer months. So why are you hiding them now?

Don’t forget about your toes in the winter! They need attention and pampering in the winter just as much as they do in the summer. Although feet are generally exposed to more irritants and problem causing agents in the summer; the winter months dry out your feet, expose your feet to constant excess moisture (remember that sloppy slush puddle you so nicely stepped into?) and cause your feet to be susceptible to rapid changes in temperature and climate.

With damp socks, shoes and temperature changes, your feet can become irritated and the skin can become prone to types of fungus i.e.: Athletes foot. But not to worry, these are easily detected and treatable.

Read on for tips and advice to prevent foot or nail fungus:

1. Keep feet well ventilated and dry – breatheable material such as cotton is preferable for socks; if your socks become wet change as soon as possible!

2. Dry your feet – after showering or bathing thoroughly to prevent picking up any fungus causing agents that may be hiding on floors or carpets.

3. Dry shoes – if shoes become wet, make sure they are dry before wearing next.

4. Use a foot powder and put in shoes and socks to absorb any excess moisture. Try Gehwol Med Foot Powder

5. Use an anti-fungal foot cream such as Allpresan 7 Cream Foam or an anti-fungal foot spray such as Allpresan 7 Nail Tincture which is formulated to care for and protect nails that are prone to fungal infections.

Allpresan 7 Nail Tincture contains Clotrimazole (a topical preparation used to treat fungal infections) and Avocado oil, which helps to build and repair damaged nails.

Allpresan products are used by the professional staff at Le Petit Spa in all Le Petit Spa pedicure services.

Benefits of Allpresan Foot Care products:

• Safe to use on diabetics
• Prevents the development of fungus on nails and feet
• Free of perfumes and preservatives
• Dermatologically tested.
• Heals fissures that can develop on heels (deep cracks that heal slowly)

To book a Le Petit Spa pedicure service, click here.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, events, weekly promotions and monthly service promotions. Or email me with your beauty concerns or questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa: Holiday Spa Parties

Spa Parties

We’ve all heard the term “Spa Party”. It’s the new big thing in spa-going. Groups of friends, bridal parties and corporate get-together’s have gone from bar lounge to spa lounge. But what is involved in a “Spa Party”?

Groups of 5 to 15 people are invited into an area of the spa, customized for spa party get-togethers.

Pedicures are the most popular choice for spa parties. The party members are in a room together so that they may visit and enjoy each others company.

A “spa butler” or “spa party coordinator” is made available to offer refreshments and food when available.

After, party goers may lounge and relax while their perfectly painted tootsies dry in an after party lounge.

Spa parties are a perfect opportunity for the annual office holiday party, bridal party or any event that deserves celebration while relaxing and indulging in yourself and your companions.

To find out more information about hosting a Le Petit Spa spa party and the incentives involved, click here

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about monthly service promotions, beauty tips, event and promotional offers, click here.

Email me with your beauty questions or concerns and look for your answer in a future blog!

The Value of Le Petit Spa

The Value of Le Petit Spa: Atmosphere and Details

Details: No matter how large or small it’s what makes or breaks your spa visit. The atmosphere, ambiance, different smells and lighting can all affect your mood and the experience you take away from your visit.

The amount of time and money you invest as a client into a spa treatment should be met with the utmost highest standards in customer service excellence.

Le Petit Spa realizes this, and has scrutinized every detail imaginable; from the colors on the walls in the treatment rooms, right down to our Signature Lavender Rooibos Tea, Petit Fours and handmade Chocolates;all in the efforts of making our clients feel well looked after and greatly appreciated.

Below, we have listed nine unique details and features to Le Petit Spa for our client's to enjoy:

1. Lemon and Cucumber Water in hand made Signature Le Petit Spa glassware
2. Chocolates from Daniel
3. Petit Fours from Patisserie Boredeaux
4. Lounge Books such as “Wines of Canada” “Flowers at Home” and “Oceans”
5. Up-to-date magazines: Lou Lou, Flare and Oprah are just some.
6. Terry Robes with customized Le Petit Spa logo
7. French Music, soft jazz and Canadian outdoor sounds.
8. White and Red Wine (french of course!)
9. Perrier water
   

All of these items have been chosen to bring a French theme to our spa so your experience with us is as unique and authentic as it can be without catching the next flight to France!

We hope you enjoy your experience with us as much as we enjoy having you! If you would like a tour of our spa, or to look at our specific spa party room that can accommodate up to 15 pedicure happy gals, click here.

Sign up for our e-newsletter to learn about tips, in-spa promotions and events before anyone else! Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Sugar vs. Salt Exfoliation

Sugar vs. Salt Exfoliation

Day Spas around the world are guaranteed to have either a Salt Body Scrub or Sugar Body Scrub on their service menu. But is there a difference?




Sugar Body Scrubs

Sugar is a useful exfoliant medium. Its coarse texture gently removes build up of unwanted dull skin cells and reveals fresh, glowing skin underneath. As a product, its sweet smell is fun to use and calms even the biggest sweet tooth’s sugar cravings. However, when used as a body scrub, sugar can be messy and sticky, as well, sugar lacks in vitamins and minerals that are useful to the human body.

Salt Body Scrubs

Salt is also an extremely useful exfoliant medium. Salt is extremely coarse, and the salt grains used in spa services are usually larger than sugar grains. Just as sugar does, salt not only removes dead skin cells, but dissolves them as well. Salt contains trace elements, minerals and vitamins that are essential to human life and health. When used in a spa service, salt remineralizes and detoxifies your skin and promotes healthy cell turnover.

For more information on spa services that use salt, click here or visit www.lepetitspa.ca

Pregnancy and Exfoliation

Pregnancy and Exfoliation - What you should know

Exfoliation is a beauty regime that every woman should do throughout their life time, even during pregnancy. However, did you know that not every exfoliation treatment is safe during pregnancy or while you’re breast feeding?

Exfoliation methods include physical forms, such as scrubs , which are safe to use during pregnancy as their ingredients stay on the surface of the skin, and chemical forms of exfoliants, which penetrate into the skin. However, not all chemical exfoliants are safe to use during pregnancy.

A chemical exfoliant penetrates into the skin further than a physical exfoliants does, therefore; absorption of some ingredients or chemicals into the blood stream is possible. An example of a chemical exfoliant that is NOT safe to use during pregnancy includes Retinol A ( or vitamin A) which has been linked to causing birth defects.

However, for expecting moms that prefer the exfoliation effects of chemical exfoliants (like Retinol) there are Glycolic Facial Treatments.

Glycolic Acid is derived from sugar cane, sugar beets or unripe grapes. It is a natural substance that can be ingested. It improves skin texture, may help with acne and also reduces hyperpigmentation (such as pregnancy mask) over time.

For a free skin consultation, or more information about Glycolic Facials, visit www.lepetitspa.ca
For more information on Spa Services for moms, click here.

Types of Exfoliation

Types of Exfoliation

There are two main types of exfoliation: Physical Exfoliation and Chemical. Both methods have many benefits and advantages of using them.



Physical Exfoliation is a method of exfoliation that needs to be manipulated in some way for it to work. This method includes gommage and scrub methods, (the product actually has to be worked with on the surface of the skin for exfoliation to take place).

The ideal candidate for a physcial exfoliation method is a client who prefers to feel the product working, who may have an oilier skin type or one that does not need a deep exfoliation, as chemical exfoliants go deeper into the epidermis than physical exfoliants do.

Chemical Exfoliation goes deeper into the top layer of skin than physical exfoliants do. Chemical Exfoliants can include Glycolic Acids, AHA’s and enzymatic ingredients (such as Papain, or Papaya extract). These Exfoliants lie on the surface of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and “eat” or “dissolve” dead skin cells. They do not need to be manipulated in any way to exfoliate the skin.

The ideal candidate for chemical exfoliants is someone who may have a thick, keratinized outer layer of skin build-up or who has hyper-pigmentation problems, acne or scarring.

Which method is right for you?

Not sure of which exfoliation method is right for your skin type? Have a professional Esthetician determine your skin type and decide which exfoliation methods are right for you, visit www.lepetitspa.ca for more information.

Pedicure Safety

A great way to prepare your bare feet for show is with a pedicure, but poor sanitation at nail salons and spa's can lead to you leaving with more than you paid for. If you're not careful, you could end up leaving the salon with more than beautiful toenails. Poor sanitation can spread fungi, warts and bacteria while overly aggressive trimming and filing can cause injury and infection. Areas to be aware of with pedicures are:

Sanitation- Le Petit Spa uses hospital grade disenfectant on all metal tools and uses brand new orange sticks and files on each client, which are then given to the client to take home.

Callus Filing - Le Petit Spa uses pumice stones for filing down calluses in lieu of the metal counterpart which can lead to extensive skin removal, causing potential skin splitting and injury to the foot.

Keeping your feet out of whirlpools: -Their filters trap dirt and bacteria (outbreaks of painful boils on the lower legs have been traced to these). Le Petit Spa uses a fresh bowl for each pedicure and cleanses them thouroghly with hospital grade disinfectant between uses.

visit www.lepetitspa.ca for more information on pedicures.

some of the information in this article can be found at: http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/hb/health/articles/0,,284598_648339,00.html

Peace of Mind

Are you feeling less stressed? Here are more ways to help you release your tension and help you feel balanced.

PRACTICE MEDITATION Practicing meditation as little as 10 minutes a day can effect the body on a deeply physical level. It brings on the "relaxation response" by lowering heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety-driven mental chatter. It's considered one of the greatest antistress solutions.

PLAN AHEAD/BE ON TIME Do yourself a favour and be present. It's a losing battle to try keeping up with yourself, and its inconsiderate of others. Whether it's the big or small picture, give yourself enough time for your good intentions to show results. Collect your thoughts, give yourself enough room, and share the benefits of having your entire self being present with yourself and others.

UNPLUGGED This is a big one to do. Every once in a while for a few days do not look at your mail, televison, news, computer and cell phone. It may seem impossible at first, but after you do it a few times, it becomes easier and easier. The change of routine will free your mind to listen to itself, and you won't suffer the tension that comes along with distractions that don't nurture your desires.

We uphold these values and believe that they are the key to success in lowering your stress levels. Visit us to find out how our team can help you with your health and well-being at our Vancouver day spa. Le Petit Spa is located in Kitsilano at Alma and Broadway, www.lepetitspa.ca; come and unwind with a massage or facial spa experience.

Stress Less with Le Petit Spa, Vancouver's Number One Day Spa

In the middle of the hectic holidays take the time to destress. Making time to relax and letting your stress go is especially important during the craziness, but also needs to become part of your regular ritual. Possible long-term effects of a stressful lifestyle include hypertension, hair loss, and digestive disorders. Thinking about that is stressful! But the good news is there are simple ways to let your tension go and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

TAKE TIME OUT Create a quiet time for yourself. The stillness allows your body and mind to catch up with each other and get in sync. Your quiet could be meditation, reading a few pages of a book, soaking in a bath by candlelight, or sipping your favourite herbal tea while watching the world go by.

CREATE CALM SURROUNDINGS Create a tranquil space with peaceful music - avoid heavy beats and lyrics. Mellow vibrations help your heart rate and blood pressure physically drop to a slower pace.

BREATHE FULLY Your breathing will be your tell tale if you're in stress mode or not. 8 to 10 breaths per minute indicates normal, healthy breathing. 15 or more signifies you're in stress mode. To unwind find your breath and continue to breathe as you were. Through your nose inhale and exhale long, complete breaths for 10 to 30 breaths. You'll see the effects as your body relaxes and looses tension.

More destressing tips in tomorrow's posting.

Santa Spa Spotted Saturday

Santa Spa was seen again last Saturday drawing names out of his big red sack and granting spa wishes! Three lucky winners were drawn and were awarded their spa wishes of a facial, Signature Manicure, and a 60 minute aromatherapy massage. Come in or purchase your spa gift card online (www.lepetitspa.ca) and be entered into our two remaining draws and you could win your spa wish!

We're collecting food donations for the Food Bank until December 23rd!
If you're in the neighbourhood close to our Kitslano day spa at Alma & Broadway, please stop in with your non-perishable food donation. Thank you!

Before and After You Shave

Speaking to men now, the rules and steps for cleansing and every other aspect of your skin care regime are exactly the same as they are for a woman; the only difference is the shaving foam, cream, or gel used. As is true for every skin care step, gentle is the supreme rule. A gentle shave product is one that contains no skin irritants of any kind; preferably does not contain any menthol, peppermint, alcohol, lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit, eucalyptus, camphor, or mint. Your skin will feel and look better once you keep away from ingredients that can hurt and damage your skin.

Along with a gentle shaving foam, cream, or gel, it's equally essential to use a gentle aftershave. At the point when you're finished shaving, it's even more important to avoid the same ingredients listed above. Now that the skin has been abraded with a razor it is critical to not cause further irritation. The entire concept of razor burn is actually a misnomer, the burn does not come from the razor, but rather from the skin care routine most men use on a daily basis.

After you are done shaving it is best to follow the general guidelines for the skin care routine for your skin type. However, as a basic routine, regardless of skin type, everyone needs a gentle, water-soluble cleanser, a gentle shave product (foam, cream, or gel), followed by a gentle, non-irritating aftershave or shaving lotion (which for all intents and purposes is a gentle toner). Then, during the day, use a well-formulated sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that contains the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide, and at night use a lightweight moisturizer wherever you have dry skin.

We'll be happy to help you put together a skin care regimen. Please give us a call at 604.224.4314 with any questions or come by and visit our day spa in Vancouver at 3701 West Broadway (& Alma).

Santa’s Little Helpers with Spa Gifts

Do you need help with your Christmas shopping? We’re here to help with spa gift certificates and cards. They’re the perfect gift solution for someone in need of down time and relaxation. The holidays are full of fun festivities and frenzy! Quiet rejuvenation is the perfect way to escape the frantic pace and let the stress slip away.

Gifts of self-care and relaxation can be purchased for loved ones or for yourself in spa or online. Drop them a hint by sending them our link (www.lepetitspa.ca) and click on “Holiday Gift Giving”. The online gift certificates have the Christmas touch and look as if they’re wrapped up already. You can print them at home right now!

The personally addressed spa gift card is beautifully wrapped in cellophane with lavender buds and tied with a bow. It can be purchased by denomination or by that special someone’s favourite service. We can send this gorgeous gift directly to them!

Le Petit Spa is granting spa wishes as a special gift to givers this season. For each spa gift certificate or card purchased in spa or online, an entry with the giver’s name is put in a draw. Three entries will be drawn each Saturday starting December 10th until December 31st. The drawn names will be granted their spa wish courtesy of Nancy Mudford, Owner, Le Petit Spa. Take care of yourself this season and be rewarded for giving the gift of relaxation!

If you have any questions please email us at info@lepetitspa.ca or call us at 604.224.4314. We’ll be happy to provide any answers.

Invitation Still Open to Oprah to Come to Vancouver for a Brazilian Waxing

Oprah was talking about Brazilian waxing again this past Tuesday, December 6th. Le Petit Spa sent an email to Oprah in December 2004 (http://www.lepetitspa.ca/news.htm) inviting her to try the best Brazilian waxing in Vancouver at Le Petit Spa. We're waiting and will be speechless when she comes through our door. Somebody will have to get focused to give her the Brazilian.

Oprah was talking Brazilian again since one of her viewers asked if she, as a mother of three, was too old to have one. She had never had a Brazilian before and was curious. O Magazine beauty director Valerie Monroe was on the show and said you’re never too old to do anything that will “enhance the pleasure you take out of being alive” and we strongly agree. Getting a Brazilian may make you feel good for a variety of reasons – try something new if you’ve never had one, you feel sexy, free, cleaner, smoother. You may do it for yourself (more women wax for their own benefit than to please their partners) or for your mate or both, and as long as it enhances your life, it’s a benefit!

Here is information on Brazilian waxing if you don’t click on the link above to the earlier email we sent to Oprah:

- it is a cleaner, more hygienic, method of hair removal
- waxing leaves a smooth, bump-free, surface by not leaving any shadow
of the hair follicle
- hair grows back softer with less irritation or itching
- hair takes longer to grow back – between 3-5 weeks

If you have any questions please send us an email at info@lepetitspa.ca or call us 604.224.4314 and we will be happy to provide any answers.

The Many Benefits of French Lavender

Aromatherapy is the science and art of using pure essential oils to soothe and heal the mind, body and soul through inhalation and by its absorption through the pores of the skin and into the bloodstream. Essential oils are non-oily liquid extracts from plants that carry therapeutic properties based on their molecular structure. Although there are many ways to extract essential oils from plants, the most commonly used method is steam distillation- a slow process of adding plant material to a vat of heated water, allowing the steam to pick up the essential oil from the plant and carry it up through a cooling system and finally into another vat where the essential oil is found floating on top of the by-product water. Lavender has become somewhat of our theme at le petit spa. Lavender products, the image of lavender and the its pale purple hue can be found throughout the spa. The many benefits of this essential oil include its ability to calm the mind, steady emotions, aid insomnia, fight infections, ease headaches and migranes and relieve muscular pains. It is also effective in treating cuts, scrapes, bites, bee stings, burns and bruises as well as relieving pain, inflammation, infection, burning and itching. Visit http://www.lepetitspa.ca/ for more information or visit the spa to try our lavender tea, lavender oil or various lavender treatments.

Hyperpigmentation

Pigmentation refers to the synthesis and distribution of melanin for the absorption of free radicals and protection from UV radiation. The amount of melanin that reaches the skin's surface gives the skin its colour. Hyperpigmentation is a pigmentation disorder caused by the local increase and/or uneven distribution of melanin. The causes of hyperpigmentation include sun exposure, acne, friction and hormonal imbalances caused by contraception, pregnancy and stress. Excessive colour is mostly an accumulation of pigment in the stratum coneum. Pigmentation usually improves and/or is eliminated through surface exfoliation, which then allows the use of glycolic acid to lighten and even eliminate dark spots by removing superficial excessive pigmentation. Bleaching agents also accelerate the depigmenting process. It is important to note that although exfoliation effectively treats hyperpigmentation in the epidermis, it does not if the discolouration is in the dermis. Only pigment that is located in the epidermis moves towards the surface and can be exfoliated. Dermal pigmentation can only be treated with deep peals and laser resurfacing. Visit www.lepetitspa.ca for more information or visit the spa for a complimentary skin care consultation or to book a glycolic facial.

Exfoliation Tips from Le Petit Spa's Estheticians

Exfoliation is important for all areas of the body in order to make your skin ready for the summer months:

Face: Exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells which will help your products (including your sunscreen) penetrate deeper into the epidermis and become more effective
Le Petit Spa staff favourite: Phytomer Peeling Vegetal exfoliant for sensitive skin

Body: Exfoliate prior to applying your self tanner for an even and natural glow
Le Petit Spa staff favourite: Sothys Pre-Tan Exfoliating Care and Satin Self-Tanning Spray

Bikini Area: Exfoliating regularly will help prevent ingrown hairs and promotes smoother skin
Le Petit Spa staff favourite: PFB Vanish roll-on exfoliator and moisturizer

Questions or comments, please email us at : info@lepetitspa.ca and we'll post it on our weblog.

Visit our home page http://www.lepetitspa.ca/and sign up for our Newsletter/Promo updates and we'll thank you by entering you into a draw for a massage at Le Petit Spa, Vancouver, BC!