If you were born before 1/24/90, you’re entitled to indulge at Ten Thousand’s Wave exclusive promotion happening next week. To celebrate their 29th year, and the fact that “you” are older than they are, they are offering all guests over the age of 29, 29% off all services. So, go ahead, and celebrate the fact that you actually remember living through the 80s!

Last night, driving back from the city with two of my girlfriends, I made an offhand remark about how much I was looking forward to spring and warm days, and being able to enjoy a few simple sun-related activities like hanging my laundry outside to dry. While we all agreed there’s nothing quite like sinking your head into sheets and blankets that smell like sunshine and outdoors, one of my friends told me to be careful that the clothesline police don’t come knocking on my door. I thought she was kidding, but later on, she sent me a link to a story on this very topic that ran in the New York Times back in October. Still thinking it had to be a joke, I did an internet search on the topic and came up with far too many stories on the same topic not to take it seriously.

Apparently, clotheslines are the latest target of the environmentally uninformed—those who are more concerned with real estate values and the supposed aesthetics of clothes hanging out to dry than they are with more important things, like, say, climate change. Since when, exactly, did the way something looks become more important than the reality of the way things are? Hanging things out in the sun to dry instead of using an electric appliance to dry them is a positive environmental act. It seems, however, that property managers and the boards of far too many housing complexes have decided that the sight of towels and sheets—and, oh my goodness, bras and panties—can adversely affect property values.  I guess these same people are fine with animals being used in lab experiments as long as the products that were tested on them look nice on their bathroom shelves. And I can only assume that it’s likewise okay with them if a cow, chicken, or pig lived a captive, miserable existence, as long as the roast they pick up in the supermarket looks nice on the serving dish. Honestly, it’s hard not to lose faith in the capacity of my fellow humans to think in any sort of globally reasonable, unselfish way.

I wonder what the clothesline protesters—or the Deliberately Obtuse, as I’ve decided to refer to them—will have to say about their property values when climate change turns their manicured lawns and gardens into coastal pools? I suppose as long as they’re filled with pretty fish that look nice to the other residents, it will be just fine.

Hey partners, please help us spread the word!

@Healingspas has been nominated for a Twitter “Shorty Award” for sharing award-winning health content with the world.
If you’re on Twitter and you agree, please send us some love by copying and pasting the following into your Tweet:

“#shortyawards @healingspas #health because they share their wellness resources with so many”

When this popped up in my in-box from Cal-a-Vie the other day I couldn’t help but check it out. I think we should all endeavor to be our own Valentine’s this year…

Take time to care for yourself this Valentine’s. Book the Women’s Week of February 7-14 and receive a complimentary Suzanne aux bains massage. Call reservations toll-free at (888) 373-8773.

I’d like to hear from you about how you’re going to take care of yourself this Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t mean not showering your loved ones with tokens of your appreciation; it just means also showering yourself with thankfulness and time. A long bath? A movie by yourself? Write me and let me know. I’ll share the very best ideas in my Healing tip for Valentine’s Day.

It is difficult to watch the news and feel so powerless, especially as we sit cozy in our homes. It is incredibly difficult to see all of the debris from the Haitian earthquake; the debris that covers those that are still living, and know that if they only had more money and more equipment those people would have a greater chance of survival.

It’s easy to freeze when we see such tragedy. To feel overwhelmed. So far away, what can we really do? I turned to this blogger who offers six easy things you can do to help Haiti. (I did #1). His suggestions include the important and immediate need of money as well as the point that we need to learn more about Haiti—its people and its problems.

I also send my love and prayers to my friend Molly who is in Haiti now. I know she is safe, but I know her heart breaks for the friends she has lost.

I love Spa Montage—from the location nestled just steps away from the Pacific Ocean to the water-inspired therapies. Now, I love them even more (and want to get there ASAP!). They recently announced their debut of their Seasonal Organic Body Wraps, featuring HL&S favorite Kimberly Parry Organics.

Each body wrap is actually a five-part treatment consisting of an application of essential oils to specific body points to enhance absorption; a full body brushing to prepare the skin and increase circulation; a 20-minute warm rhassoul clay and seasonal herbal wrap to boost skin’s nutrition, followed by an invigorating six shower-head Vichy shower and a final application of a nutrient-rich body butter to nourish and brighten the skin.

For winter they are offering geranium and sweet orange, designed to increase circulation, replenish skin cells, and brighten skin. Spring will feature grapefruit and basil to tone skin and promote healing, while Summer will feature lemon verbena and hyssop to cool, cleanse, and balance the skin. Come fall, if you’re so lucky, you’ll have a scrub with sage and sunflower designed to nourish the skin, especially after all of that summer sun. Hopefully with this announcement they’ll also offer a four-season package. Hint, hint!

Nordic Naturals, the industry leader in omega-3 fish oil supplementation, announces monthly webinars with National Educator Stuart Tomc, CNHP, on a variety of health topics. According to Stuart, “Education is at the top of the priority list for the company in 2010 and we will be focusing on the important benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and how they tie into the various public health initiative themes for the year.” The live 60-minute webinars are free of charge and are open to all consumers, retailers and health care professionals.

Upcoming 2010 “Live with Stuart Tomc” webinars include:

January 13 New Year, New You! Omega-3s & Antioxidants: Boosting Your Life’s Longevity

February 24 Fish Oil: The Key to Optimum Heart Health

March 24 An Insight into Eye Health

Start Time: 8:00 am PST, (9:00 am MST, 10:00 am CST, 11:00 am EST)

Attendees are required to register at https://nordicnaturals.ilinc.com and click on each presentation they wish to attend. Once registration is completed, it is necessary to set up the software package by going to https://nordicnaturals.ilinc.com/systest. Email confirmation will outline instructions for each presentation chosen. It is suggested that registration and set up be completed well in advance of the presentation day.

Additional webinars will be posted as available and are planned to run monthly through 2010. Instant access support and troubleshooting are available by calling 800.799.4510 or 518.286.7000 for international callers. Webinars will be recorded for public access throughout the year as well.

About Stuart Tomc, CNHP

An authority on evidence-based dietary supplements, Stuart Tomc is a certified natural health professional with over 20 years experience in the field of Nutritional Medicine. He is a respected consultant to the World Health Organization and integrative physicians worldwide, having traveled the world as an educator and trainer for over 10 years. With an accomplished background in media appearances, Stuart is adept at educating, entertaining, and delivering a powerful message on important health subjects in today’s changing world. Stuart currently serves as National Educator and Spokesperson for Nordic Naturals and is working on his naturopathic doctor degree.

Distributing products to over 20 countries on all major continents, Nordic Naturals is the international leader in omega-3 fish oils and EFA blends. The company has built a strong reputation in the omega fatty acid category by delivering exceptional purity, freshness, taste and demonstrating environmental responsibility. Nordic Naturals has over 150 different fish oil products, including liquids, soft gels, and children’s chewables – all in natural triglyceride form. For information, call 800.662.2544 or visit www.nordicnaturals.com.

I’m one of those people who find a certain amount of structure to be necessary to productivity, and when it comes to breakfast, I tend to have the same thing every day. My husband is the same way—while he’s enjoying his Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit, I’m finding sustenance (and comfort) with my bowl of porridge. Steel-cut Irish oats are my favorite, mixed with chopped walnuts and seasonal fruit, and accompanied by a glass of organic orange juice and a cup of strong tea.

On weekends, though, we sleep a little later and enjoy preparing a late-morning brunch. At this time of the year, I love to make pumpkin pancakes. Not only is the pumpkin a good source of antioxidants, but the pancakes leave the house filled with a heavenly scent for the rest of the day. The recipe is simple: Mix up your favorite, plain pancake mix. Then, for two people, add a cup of plain, pureed pumpkin, along with a half teaspoon of cinnamon, a quarter teaspoon each of ground allspice and nutmeg, and an eighth of a teaspoon of ground cloves. Mix well, adding enough water or milk to accommodate the pumpkin. You don’t want the batter to be pourable—it should be just thick enough that it needs to be ladled onto the griddle. Cook at a slightly lower heat than a regular pancake so that the center will cook through. Serve with warmed, organic maple syrup. Then relax, like I do, while your partner does the dishes.