Changing My Major (say what?!)

I have decided to change my major everyone! I am actually super excited now about college! I am calling to make an appointment with my advisor tomorrow to make the change official... I AM SO EXCITED! I was going to major in Kinesiology, but NOW I am going to get my Associates in Applied Science (AAS) in Hospitality and Tourism/Spa and Wellness Center Management, then go to ASU to get my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree. Which can help me focus on business and communications. BECAUSE my ultimate goal is to open a spa of my own one day. I am happy now. I was stressing for months about my major and future career. I wanted to become a physical therapist for soooo long, literally since I was around 11 years old. I think it was just something that since I thought I wanted to do it for so long that I thought I had to do it and because it "sounded" good and would bring in good money. But I need to do something that I am passionate about because that is the only way I will truly be able to be successful. I AM HAPPY NOW. Thank you LORD for answering my prayers for clarity, you always do:) 


Hope you all are having a wonderful Monday! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

A Date Relived & Breaking Dawn Review

Okay loves I thought it was necessary to write a review for the new Breaking Dawn movie! Also, yesterday my boyfriend Vince and I were able to "relive" our first date!

For our first date we ate at one of our favorite Italian restaurants to eat a high carb, but highly worth it spaghetti calzone. After our first dining out experience together we went to see the second Twilight movie "New Moon", when it was out in theaters. I knew already he was going to be an incredible boyfriend because he was willing to see that movie with me! Our first date was absolutely perfect.

Yesterday we decided to "relive" our first date again since Breaking Dawn Part 1 finally came out in theaters!! This time however, we had to switch up the order of restaurant and movie due to time constraints, since we are both working adults now and have responsibilities at wee hours in the morning (yay for growing up)... We had a wonderful night full of laughs like always, and time together that we will always treasure. Vince makes me laugh more than anyone else can and is the perfect man for me to spend my time with, I love you Vince (if you are reading). I wish I had a picture up of our first date next to the one below that was taken yesterday, but we have always been really bad a taking "couples" pictures and probably always will be!

Sorry for our "squinty" eyes, it was so bright out! 

Now for the movie review!!

Breaking Dawn Part 1 definitely met all my expectations. There were a few cheesy scenes, but would it really be a Twilight movie if there wasn't? It just made me giggle throughout the whole movie. In my opinion, a movie that can make you laugh and cry throughout it is a winner.

The wedding scene was exquisite... definitely classy Cullen's as usual.  I mean come on, gorgeous right??

Her dress was a little bit of a downer for me though, and I'm sorry but I couldn't find a picture. There is a dream that Bella has the night before her wedding and her dress and hair in the dream definitely look better than in the real wedding scene, in my humble opinion. The only part about her real wedding dress that I like is the back, if when you see the movie, you'll know what I mean.

So, overall the movie was a 9 out of 10 for me. I would definitely suggest seeing it! Can't wait for Part 2! Hope you are having a relaxing Sunday, enjoy it.

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Enjoying Peace in His Presence

I just wanted to take some time to share the devotional I read this morning with you all.
It is from the book "Jesus Calling" written by Sarah Young, subtile: Enjoying Peace in His Presence. This little book has helped me through many hard times by encouraging me and telling me exactly what I need to hear. It is written as how God would be talking to us, and each page is designed for a specific day.
 Hope you enjoy!

November 19

LEAVE OUTCOMES UP TO ME. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your like as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help. When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence. Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me. 

You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me. 

Scripture to read that goes a long with it:

Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV)

13 "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the Living! 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!"

Exodus 15:13 (ESV)

13 "You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode."

I hope you all enjoy this beautiful Saturday and the rest of your weekend! I'm spending my Saturday working out, studying...., and seeing Breaking Dawn with my incredible boyfriend who I love sooo much for coming to my girly movies since all my best girlfriends are away at college (sad..) BUT they come back  anywhere from 2-3 days from now!! I am beyond excited! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

My New Lovelies

I just wanted to take the time to appreciate my lovely new followers!

1. Mary and Dyer

If you are not a follower of her blog, become one RIGHT NOW! Her blog is amazing and her online boutique is to die for. Click here to shop! I am going to be making some purchases as soon as I possibly can! These earrings are on the top of my list. Here are the details about them. 

2. Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style

Liesl is a fabulous blogger and has an amazing sense of style. The best part is, all her fashion tips are affordable! Praise the LORD for saving money! "Kindness is always fashionable" is one of her favorite quotes. She is super sweet and kind, which is the best sense of fashion in my opinion. Hope you follow her blog if you don't already! You won't regret it, I promise. 

3. Aimless Translation

Miranda is a very creative blogger and has a great sense of humor! I love reading about her family and so many other fun facts or tips! If you are not following her, I extremely suggest you do! She is a wonderful wonderful blogger:)

4. Every Day Trish

(sorry no picture) :/

Okay! So Trish started blogging because she wanted a place to get away from everyday life, which can get pretty intense sometimes, as we all know! I completely agree with her because after school and work when I get home the first thing I want to do is read my favorite blogs and relax. I'm with you girl! She explains more about herself here, so go check it out! 

I hope you all have an incredible Friday night! I'm spending mine at the moment, drinking a wonderful hot cup of coffee, studying the nervous system (yayy for college), and waiting for my boyfriend to come over so we can watch The Biggest Loser. We are very much addicted to a couple shows... and T.B.L. is definitely one of them! 

I would love to know what shows you are addicted to!?

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

To All My Starbucks Lovers!

I just wanted to take the opportunity to let my Starbucks lovers know that this week from November 17-20 from 2-5pm, if you buy one holiday drink, the second one is free!!

This is a perfect opportunity to treat someone you care about to a coffee date. Those are always the best of times to catch up and chat over coffee and your favorite tasty treat! I will definitely be taking advantage of this because my girlfriends are coming back from their universities (they're too good for a community college, unlike me) for Thanksgiving and I could not be more excited!! I cherish every moment I have with them and stores don't know what they're in for letting us in the door on Black Friday, at yes, MIDNIGHT!

Because we shop till we drop....literally.
Two years ago one of my best friends (McKenna) and I went shopping on Black Friday and had to take a nap in the trunk of her SUV to keep our energy up to finish our shopping day. Now that is what I call dedicated shoppers!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Don't forget to cherish all the beautiful blessings you have and show the ones you love, that you truly love them.

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

My Little Beauties

Okay so I have this absolute love for taking pictures of flowers! I don't really take as many pictures as I should whenever I'm with friends or on vacation (sad I know). But I just get so caught up in the moment I don't even think about taking pictures sometimes! However, the one thing I will never pass up taking a picture of is a beautiful flower. I've learned to appreciate the "little beauties" in life a lot more lately and flowers are something that bring me so much joy and love for all the little parts of God's creation that's all around us. We just need to take the time to slow down and notice them. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite flower pictures I've taken over the years, so here they are! Enjoy:)

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Blog Shout Out!

Fash Boulevard just recently became a new follower of mine and I of her's!

Her blog is super classy and beautiful! She has an incredible sense of style and is definitely a talented writer.

If you are not a follower of her blog, I extremely suggest that you become one. I promise you won't regret it!

I mean seriously, look at the rings she is styling, aren't they fabulous??

Stay Classy Ladies! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

Nikki Earings (lia sophia)

My "nikki" earrings finally arrived!! 

Okay, so my mom and I went to a "lia sophia" jewelry party the other weekend to see if we could find some pieces that we couldn't live without and to shop for Christmas presents (yeah...right). If you have never heard of "lia sophia" before please check out their website here!  The jewelry they sell has an incredible quality that I believe is hard to find. These earrings were one of those pieces that I could not live without. I feel like they are something Princess Jasmine would wear!

(Yes, I still have a love for all the Disney princesses, even though I am an adult now)

I also found a necklace that I just had to order as well! You can see the necklace if you click here. It has yet to arrive due to delivery difficulties. Isn't that the worst?

My mom and I are planning on hosting a "lia sophia" party sometime before Christmas to help my mom's friend start her business off by selling this jewelry! Hostesses also get showered with gifts of jewelry and savings that are just too great to pass up. 

I hope you all are enjoying your Monday! These next two weeks are going to busy leading up to Thanksgiving, so remember to try to relax as much as possible and to treat yourself to a professional massage if you can! If you only have time for a quick 30 minute massage, I HIGHLY recommend it. 30 minutes can be just the right amount of time to really focus on your area of tension. It will be shocking as to how much better you will feel, I promise! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

My Next Email Blast

Alright lovelies, this is the email blast I will be sending out Monday to all my clients. If you have any comments or suggestions about it I would really appreciate hearing them. I hope you all are having a relaxing Sunday and let's make this week a great one! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

The Right Fit (in more ways than one)

The pictures you see below are of my boyfriend and I. Sunday we will have been together for 1 year and 4 months! I can't believe it... it's gone by so fast! We love each other more than anything and it feels like we have known each other our whole lives. He is the one person I can be completely open and honest with and not worry about what he'll think of me because I know he will always love me. (The Right Fit #2)

 Okay, so now for the next most important thing about these photos is my pink robe in the background? NO! my outfit! You know those outfits that make you feel really fashionable? Well, this was one of those outfits! I know you can't see my complete outfit for lack of better lighting and picture quality... sorry about that!

  

The shirt is from Target, $17.99. I love the cut sleeves, it adds so much to the classiness of it! (Right Fit #3)

 This is the only picture where you can see my bracelet and my skirt (barely)! The bracelet was also purchased from Target on clearance for $8.00. I am slowly putting together a larger variety of jewelry into my collection and this bracelet is honestly the only bracelet (besides my Tiffany one) that I wear! How sad is that? (Right Fit #4)

The skirt is a knee length gray pencil skirt from H&M, gotta love that store! 
(Right Fit #5, and even more fit after the BBQ I ate last night!)

Now for the necklace... I bet you can guess where it's from... Target, yet again! (I like Target if you haven't noticed already) It was around $8.00 as well on clearance. This necklace was a wonderful purchase on my part because you can wear it with casual clothing to dress it up or with a nicer outfit to add to the fanciness  ;) (Right Fit #6) 


And last but not at all least... the HAIR! Which is probably the most important thing to any outfit that ties everything together in perfect harmony. Alright, so my hair is thick and for the most part pretty smooth. I know you're thinking, well isn't that a good thing!? And yes it is, except when trying to curl it! It can be an absolute nightmare... I was only able to somewhat hold my curls in last night because I basically downed my hair with hairspray. Can't wait to smell that this morning when I'm taking a shower! (ladies you know what I mean) So to wrap all this up, last night was a wonderful night spent at a wedding with my boyfriend and close friends and family.  I love my life and I thank God for everything He has so graciously blessed me with. I bet you are thinking, okay Samantha you made a mistake and started you "Right Fits" with #2. If you caught that good job! Except, I wanted to remind myself and you that God is my Right Fit #1, because nothing else means more to me than my relationship with My LORD and Savior. 

Love Always, 

Samantha,  LMT 

3 Secrets to Eating a Healthy Diet

1. Diversify your diet and include all foods.

  A balanced meal is one consisting of carbohydrates, protein and fats (yes, fat!). Carbohydrates provide quick energy, protein builds muscle, and fat sustains energy for up to four hours. You can’t lead an active lifestyle without fuel. Eating meals and snacks that contain carbohydrates, protein and fat is the best way to feel satisfied and have sustained energy.

Start by including foods from all of the food groups in your diet, such as low-fat milk and dairy products, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats like seafood, beans, eggs and nuts to create balanced meals. Aim to have at least three food groups represented in each snack or meal, and the variety will ensure you get the energy, vitamins and minerals you need.

2. Customize and individualize your diet. 

Incorporate your personal values into your food choices, and set realistic goals that you know you can accomplish. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating. You are unique and therefore your diet approach should be as well. Is it important for you to buy local food? Are cost and convenience your priorities? Do your cultural traditions take precedence? Consider all of these factors as you take small steps toward your healthy eating goals.

3. Enjoy what you eat. 

How do you balance weight management with “enjoying” food? Taste, flavor, satiety and pleasure are all important parts of eating, and these factors should be a part of your healthy eating plan. With some savvy meal planning and preparation, you can balance your diet across all five food groups and still include some of those “indulgences” without feeling guilty.

(http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2011/03/the-3-secrets-to-craving-a-healthy-diet/)

I'm challenging you all to stay healthy and fit during this  busy holiday season!! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Fashion Post!?

I know what you are thinking... why is she writing a post about fashion when she is a massage therapist? Well, I have decided that there are many other things I would enjoy blogging along with my life as a massage therapist. Okay so for all you fashion lovers out there here is a shout out to you! I was at the store Brand Name the other weekend and I found some deals that I just had to share with all of you.

Okay so here is for my first amazing purchase! (you will see in a few pictures) 

As you can see the brand name above ^

The regular price was $158.00 and I bought it for..... $22.00!!! 

BAM! It's a jacket! I think it is stunning and super classy. It is perfect for winter that is finally coming up in good ol' Arizona! 

My next stealing deal was an Express sequenced skirt for $15.00. I have been wanting to come across one of these babies for quite some time now and God finally put it in my path... it's meant to be:) If you have any tips about cute tops and or other pieces to make an outfit with this skirt, please feel free to share your fashion expertise!

In all honestly, I am not one who is daring with my style. I am have more of a simple style you could say? But in my opinion, sometimes simple can be bolder. My taste for fashion is becoming more and more addicting. I am slowly rebuilding my wardrobe piece by piece! This weekend I plan on adding new skinny jeans, black boots, black jeans, and maybe even a colored jean (get out of town). Again, if you have any suggestions of clothing that you think is necessary to have during this holiday season, PLEASE feel free to share with me. I would be more than happy to hear your suggestions:) 

I hope you enjoyed my random post about fashion (I have a feeling it may be happening more often).

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT  

The Comfort Inn

I received a call the other day while I was in Starbucks (of course) on my break from school from a lady who works at the Comfort Inn Hotel in my town. She got a hold of a flyer I made of the Fall Massage Specials I have been offering. They are making all new "catalogs" for the hotel rooms and she was looking for a massage therapist to refer all the costumers to. I couldn't be more thrilled!

God is so incredible with all the opportunities He has been blessing me with, big or small. I couldn't be more thankful... business has really been rolling lately and I can't believe it! I love all my clients and it makes me so happy when they want to rebook and get on a regular schedule. I know what you're thinking "she is just excited about the money" well I am! However, most importantly I am more excited about helping them feel better and relaxed for however long I can. It honestly brings me so much joy when they walk out of my massage room and say how great they feel. It gives me conformation that I am doing what I need to be doing, and am making a positive impact upon others. I absolutely LOVE my job, and I will say again, I am extremely blessed to have been given the opportunities I have so graciously be given. Thank you LORD!

Update: 
Soon enough I will be creating a new flyer for the upcoming Holiday Season! If you have any creative ideas that you would be willing to share, please let me know! I will try to post more as soon as possible... (I'm sorry it takes me forever).

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT  

Half Hour Massage

Here is my next email blast I will be sending out on Monday! This is promoting 30 min. massages. If you don't have time to come in for a full hour or more, a 30 min. massage can be just as beneficial by focusing on a specific area where you could be experiencing pain. If you have any suggestions please let me know because it always helps to get a second or third opinion. I hope you all are staying healthy and relaxed during this soon to be busy holiday season! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Living a Healthier Life

As a Massage Therapist it is extremely important to keep myself healthy! These past two weeks I have been striving to eat healthier every day. Of course I had some mishaps down the road (ice cream and chocolate cake), but we all deserve a little treat now and then! I made this  salad the other night for dinner  accompanied with organic herbal lettuce, red pepper, apple, cucumber, and carrots. Of course it takes a bit of time to cut everything up but it is extremely worth it! I have been eating a salad almost everyday now for the past week. It's honestly something I crave now. I also had a bowl of hot tomato basil soup to go along with my salad... which is to die for. If for some reason you have never had it, go to the grocery store right now and get some, it'll rock your world. It is so easy to make a healthy salad or soup and the result is: Living A Healthier Life. 

Apple Cider Vinegar... This has so many benefits to your health you would think it's Heaven sent! 

Here are just a few main health benefits that come along with it: 

• breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight
• a daily dose in water has high blood pressure under control in two weeks!
• cures for allergies (including pet, food and environmental)
• can help cure sinus infections
• help prevent acne
• can lower high cholesterol
• prevents from getting the flu
• helps relieve chronic fatigue

For daily maintenance, weight loss and pH balancing:

2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar

16 ounces of water
Sip, don't chug!

I have personally found that mixing it with apple juice is easier than water, only because straight apple cider vinegar and water can be pretty harsh! For a lesser intake of sugar I mix it with half apple juice and half water. For more information about the benefits of apple cider vinegar I would highly suggest researching it! I hope you all are taking steps everyday to: Living a Healthier Life. 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

New and Improved!

This is an updated version of my next email blast I will be sending out tomorrow. If you find any mistakes or have more input on what you think could make it better, please feel free to let me know!

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

The Many Benefits of Massage and why you should receive one "Are there any other benefits to massage instead of it just feeling good?"   A professional massage can: decrease in stress hormones and increase in white blood cells create higher levels of oxytocin soothe pain from arthritis and even surgery may boost your immunity by reducing the stress hormone cortisol increases blood circulation  can trigger a boost in serotonin, a natural antidepressant   Villa Toscana Day Spa Modalities: Swedish Massage Deep Tissue Massage Trigger Point Therapy Express Massage October Specials: 30min $25 60min $45 90min $55 (valid until October 31, 2011)

The Benefits of Massage

This is the email blast that I will be sending out either tomorrow or Monday to all my massage clients. If you have any ideas or comments to help me improve on it or want to sign up to receive my email blasts please let me know and I would love to add you to my list! I hope you all enjoy reading this and keep your bodies healthy and happy!

 Love always,

 Samantha, LMT 

The Many Benefits of Massage and why you should receive one "Is there something beyond the fact that it feels good?" Last fall there was a test with 53 healthy adults who received one of two types of touch treatments. Blood tests revealed that those who had a Swedish massage with moderate pressure experienced decreases in stress hormones and increases in white blood cells, indicating a boost in the immune system. Meanwhile volunteers who had a "light touch" treatment showed higher levels of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding. Based on the findings, Mark Rapaport, MD,believes that massage might be effective in treating inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. "We're finding biological changes associated with a single massage session," he says. "That's saying something." relax rejuvenate refresh

p.s. sorry about this being off my page a little bit.. I couldn't get the margins to fit right without it being too wide.

First Massage of The Day...

My first massage of the day was just stressful... I have yet to have an experience like this one. My client was extremely picky and just had a "tone" to her voice... you know that "tone" I'm talking about. The one where she is saying something that is nice, but it sure doesn't sound nice sort of "tone". Around 10 minutes into the massage, my CD player broke. If you have received a massage before, having relaxing music playing is key. It can be very awkward when it's silence... and it was. So I politely asked her if I could step out because there was another CD player outside that was hooked up to speakers throughout the spa. She said okay, by that point I was pretty frazzled. It's so easy for me to get stressed out about something, especially when I give something my all and things just happen outside my control and mess it up. Nothing is more frustrating then that.
Then she was too cold, so again I had to step out of the room to turn the air up. So far I have left the room twice, which is a big no no.
As I was trying to collect myself inside I hear a beeping... and of course she hears it too and is annoyed by it so again I had to leave the room, find the beeping (which was a timer that went off for no reason) and turn it off. Now I have left the room 3 times! And might I add that every time I tried to open the door I looked stupid because my hand kept slipping because of the lotion. It took me about 3 tries to actually get the door open every time.
Also, she didn't like the smell of my lotion. It's not that I was upset at her by any means. I was more upset about the fact that she didn't fully receive what she needed, which was a relaxing massage to distress. I never want to make any of my clients (or anyone) feel uncomfortable or unrelaxed.

Vertical Response

I recently have created an account with Vertical Response so I can send out email blasts to my clients.
This is one of the best decisions I have made yet! It is extremely easy to use and provides emails with professional templates, postcards, surveys, and so much for. I would suggest using Vertical Response if you are in need of this type of program. This display you see below is an email I sent out earlier today to all my clients. Whoever receives my email blasts are able to "like" it to Facebook, "Tweet" it, or "In Share" it (honestly I do not know what that is, so if you do please tell me). I am so excited to keep progressing my business further and further (God willing). If you want to sign up for my email list, please let me know! I would be more than happy to send you all the specials and other information along with my massage therapy business.

This is a 30% discount! Do you have a birthday coming up? We'd love to celebrate your special day with you. Receive a massage and a 30% discount on your special day. Can't come in on the day? No worries. Just let us know it's your birthday present from us and we'll apply it on your next visit.   Either way, enjoy your birthday by treating yourself to a relaxing massage!  Call to Schedule Your Special Day Appointment Today!

Staying Fit

Being a massage therapist it is extremely important to stay in tip top shape! Massaging takes more energy out of you then you may think. After a massage session my hands and arms usually are always sore! It is so so so important to strengthen my body in order to prevent future injuries. The average massage therapist only lasts two years in the working field... two years?! I need my body to function and work for many more years to come than just a puny two. So in order to keep my job as a massage therapist going for more then two years, my wonderful boyfriend is planning on becoming my personal trainer. He already knows a ton of exercises and tips for working out because him and his dad have been training together for years. He actually plans on becoming a personal trainer for his career. I know that it is perfect for him, and I have faith that he can be extremely successful in that field.

He has decided to take me on as his "ginny pig". For the next 6 months he will keep a workout journal of all my workouts and all the details that are involved in them. Yesterday was my first "official" workout and I am definitely feeling it now... Being sore is one of those love hate feelings. You love it because you know you worked your muscles hard. You hate it because getting up and sitting down becomes a hassle throughout your day! Anyways, I couldn't be happier where I am at in my life right now. God is so good and always provides for His children. We just have to have faith and trust in Him to guide us along out journey through life. If we do that, then there is no reason to worry we are doing the wrong thing.