Eliminate Brassiness

Summer sun breaks down pigments in your hair. Beautiful beige highlights can turn orange in a snap! A weekly wash with unite’s Blonda shampoo will neutralize yellow/red tones, so highlights stay true.

 Relieve the Red

Does Summer have you red-faced? UV exposure breaks down capillaries in the skin which causes diffuse redness in the skin. Use Dermalogica’s Gentle Soothing Booster to shore-up blood vessel walls and Dermalogica’s Redness Relief moisturizer to neutralize redness.

 Purge Pool Hair 

Summertime means pooltime and pooltime means… hair with a GREEN tinge – Yuck! Remove chlorine with Malibu C’s Swimmers Wellness shampoo and conditioner.

Erase Sun Spots

Lazy, hazy days at the beach often leave their mark…on your skin. Extra freckles and skin discolorations are caused by the sun activating pigment cells in the skin. Dermalogica’s Chroma White line has been clinically proven to brighten the skin and even out skin color.

Fight the Frizz

Sun and heat can dry out your hair making it look dull and frizzy. A Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment will give your hair shine and make it smooth for up to 4 months.

Bring Back Radiance 

We love the sun but even a small amount of sun exposure can damage skin; it loses elasticity and becomes dull. Revive your skin with a Cell Renewal Facial which helps to minimize fine lines and maximize luminosity.

Love Your Locks

After you’ve “Eliminated Brassiness and “Purged Pool Hair” (see above), you’ll want to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment like Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask. This treatment will hydrate, hydrate, hydrate your locks.

 A wedding is a complex event to arrange. Here is some advice to help you stay organized. Before a final date for the wedding can be set you must decide what sort of ceremony you would like and then check with the church, minister or register’s office for availability.

Booking a Reception

View from The Gilded Fox at the Black Horse Inn

Spring and fall weddings are very popular and should be arranged well in advance. Many reception sites and caterers do not like to have more than one wedding on a day. Contact several locations for availability and estimates. Perhaps try a meal or schedule a tasting with various caterers to get an idea of what to expect. Caterers will provide sample menus and a list of beverages they will be able to supply. Obtain estimates and as soon as you have decided, make a firm booking.

Planning the Wedding

Organizing a wedding can be quite stressful on all those involved as everyone has strong opinions on every detail. Following is a checklist; alternatively, you may deicide to hire a bridal consultant if your reception site does not provide planning services. They can be very helpful with organizing the details, acting as a mediator throughout the planning process and making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day itself.

Grounds of the Black Horse Inn

Soon After the Engagement

• See the minister to arrange the ceremony date and time.
• Select the reception site and caterer for the reception.
• Make a guest list and work on a budget.
• Book a photographer, videographer, musicians and rentals.
• Organize the cake or cakes if the hotel or caterer is not providing them.
• Choose your bridesmaids, best man and ushers.
• Take some dance lessons.
• Organize all your wedding attire.
• Decide on clothes for your attendants.
• Consult with and book a florist.

Three Months Before

• Register with a bridal gift registry.
• Consult with the minister and organize the details of the service.
• Finalize the guest list.
• Order invitations, personal stationary and extras for the reception (matches or napkins).
• Choose your wedding rings.
• Develop an agenda for the big day. Include activities for out of town guests including winery tours, golfing and horseback riding.
• Organize transportation to the ceremony and reception for you and your  guests.
• Organize the honeymoon.
• Organize the rehearsal and dinner.

Two Months Before

• Select attendant’s gifts. Personalized gifts are always nice.
• Apply for the marriage license.
• Book hair and make-up appointments at Salon Emage.
• Send out invitations and make a list of acceptances and refusals as they come in.

One Month Before

• Check that your fiancé has chosen ushers and has organized the rings, his clothes, the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.
• Have a trial run at Salon Emage. Confirm arrangements with the florist, photographer, caterer, musicians, etc.
• Arrange for overnight accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Have a night out with your girl friends. Consider a pajama party at the Black Horse Inn with your bridesmaids and have some fun!

Two Weeks Before

• Give the final number of guests to the caterer.
• Have a final fitting of your gown and try on everything together, including your shoes and underwear.
• Give a luncheon for your attendants.

One Week Before

• Finalize all the arrangements: church or register office, cake, caterer, florist, photographer, musicians, rentals, honeymoon, rehearsal and dinner.

If you have followed this checklist, the day of your wedding will be a breeze! Sit back and enjoy your own wedding. Before you know it, after all that planning, the actual event flies by—so enjoy!!!!

View the Black Horse Inn website at www.blackhorseinn.com

Stylist, Noella Evans

My name is Noella Evans; I am a twenty-three year old hairstylist from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I grew up with two older brothers. Instead of doing ballet, playing dress up and loving the color pink like most little girls… I was playing basketball, wearing my brother’s clothes and getting as dirty as possible while playing outdoors. So it came as a shock to my family and friends that I wanted to become a hairstylist. Every year that passes I get a little more on the girlie side but don’t get me wrong playing basketball and wearing sweats are still two of my favorite things to do. Little did I know my career would bring me to the beautiful town of Warrenton, Virginia.

Noella and Mark

 About a year ago I met the love of my life, Mark, an attorney for the United States Marine Corps, in Michigan. Come to find out he was only visiting his family and soon would be returning to South Carolina where he was stationed at Parris Island. Long distance relationships are not the easiest so when we found out he would be stationed at the Marine Corps base, Quantico, in Virginia I was ready for a new adventure in my life. I came here without a job and no place to live. Fortunately, I have an Aunt and Uncle that live in Culpeper, Virginia and they were kind enough to let me stay with them until I got on my feet. I then was lucky to get in contact with Melanee at Salon Emage Day Spa, who gave me a job. Although my Michigan hair just wasn’t cutting it, they hooked me up with a stylish new cut and color.

Noella also does makeup - Must Haves Fashion Show

 I’m becoming more of a southern bell everyday, so I am told. The people in this salon are some of the most amazing people I have met. They took this Yankee in with open arms, they inspire me more and more each day and I know each one of them will be life time friends. Each person is so different, we are a family and that is what makes this salon so great. Although I still can not understand everyone’s Virginia accent and I refuse to say ya’ll, I know I will fit in here just fine.

“Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening genetic disease that affects almost 100,000 people in the world. We are building more awareness to help researchers find a cure. This disease is very close to us here at Salon Emage as my beautiful youngest daughter is affected by it.” – Mom, Sharon Crane of Salon Emage Day Spa

Ashley Applies Cystic Fibrosis Blue hair extensions

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Extensions are attached. Next a trim, then...

Day to Day Life of Kylie Crane (Cystic Fibrosis Patient)

“I was diagnosed when I was eight months old. I don’t know life any differently because I have had it for all that I can remember. I do not see myself as being any different than my friends. I just have to take a little more steps in getting ready for my day. I wake up in the morning and do my nebulizer and respiratory treatments. Before I eat each meal I take seven pills to help me digest my food. I have to drink lots of fluids and eat fatty foods through out my day. I go to school, go skating, hang out with my friends, play soccer, and I am a cheerleader. At night, I repeat my morning treatments before I go to bed. I am now fourteen years old and finishing up my eighth grade year at Cedar Lee Middle School. Although inside I may be different from everyone else, I see myself as being the same.”

Salon Emage Day Spa hair stylists, Ashley Gray, applies SoCAP hair extensions to Kylie’s Hair to celebrate Richmond’s Cystic Fibrosis Walk. Salon Emage Day Spa helps groups raise money for their cause by doing hair extensions in that groups color; a portion of the proceeds goes back to the group. Colored extensions are also a great way to raise awareness for a cause or event, because people will see the extensions and ask why you are wearing them.

Done! Kylie looks great and brings beautiful attention to her cause!

The physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of massage are truly staggering if you look at all the health concerns this touch therapy addresses, here are just a few:        

Reverses the damaging effects of stress

Lowers Blood Pressure

Joint relief for Arthritis sufferers

Increased pulmonary function for adults and children with Asthma

Calming and nurturing effects for individuals with Autism

Enhanced attentiveness for individuals with ADHD

Discomfort relief for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Reduces pain in muscles and joints for Fybromyalgia sufferers

Improves range of motion for individuals having gone through recent rotator cuff surgery

Decreases diastolic blood pressure related to hypertension

Pain reduction, and often times, total relief for Migraine Headache sufferers

Relaxation for individuals with Sleep Disorders

Reduces stress hormones attributed to pre-menstrual cycling, pregnancy and menopause

Soothing and calming effects for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Assists in several ways with eating disorders

Alleviates symptoms of Depression

Aids in pain relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Improves general circulation in the body

Improves immune function

Helps decrease desire to smoke

Assists with weight loss

Strengthens and tones the entire body mechanism, to prevent unnecessary injuries and strains

Relief for Fatigue

Promotes overall relaxation and a peaceful centering feeling

Massage is not just a “feel good,” it is regenerative and assists in restoring your body back to  “Homeostasis,“ which is the body’s state of internal stability and normal condition or function.”  When you consider there are so many more benefits from massage not even mentioned here, it is obvious that massage is more than just “beneficial,” but actually vital to your everyday life.

If you have ever broken a bone, or injured a part of your body, your memory recall of that incident will be about the emotion attached to the pain. It’s that emotional recall attached to the pain that is termed “Mind to Muscle.”  This process occurs in the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for the making of memories. In massage, the Limbic System is stimulated and therefore reconditioning, and healing of the muscles can take place.  A muscle can actually be retrained to not react to certain stresses which would normally cause it to tense up and cause pain. 

One great example of reconditioning muscles through massage is with tension in the neck and shoulders which causes migraines.  Last year, our Esthetician, Charla, came to me explaining that she had been experiencing tremendous and reoccurring pain from migraines, and no medications were helping her.  After a few consecutive weeks of massage, we were able to retrain her neck and shoulder muscles not to react during stress in the same way they had before.  The result was phenomenal; After months of regular pain, Charla was pain free and has been for a while now. 

 At Salon Emage Day Spa, I offer several massage therapies. The most common and very basic of these therapies is referred to as, “Swedish Massage.”  Every other therapy is an altered or enhanced extension of the basic Swedish Massage. 

 Swedish Massage is a combination of relaxing and nurturing modalities, such as kneading, stroking and percussion. Swedish massage is the beginning point from where most massage therapies and techniques blossom. A full body massage incorporates work on the arms, legs, hands, feet, back, head, neck, shoulders and face. According to your comfort level, massaging any of these areas can be adjusted or avoided. A basic, non-descript oil or body cream is used in this massage.

Aromatherapy Massage is simply adding a small portion of concentrated essential oils to the basic oil or body cream. Essential Oils are pure oils distilled or expressed from a plant’s flowers, stem, fruit peel, seeds, bark, roots and/or resin. They give a plant its fragrance and also contain the plant’s most valuable therapeutic and nutritional qualities in concentrated form.  Many essential oils are the active ingredients in prescribed medications, cosmetics and perfumes. Synthetic copies can cause allergic reactions and side effects, however, genuine essential oils contain the most powerful natural healing properties without the risk of side effects. External application, (added to the massage oils used) and inhalation (breathing them in) are the ways they are used during massage.

Deep Tissue Massage is the recommended therapy for clients who require a firmer massage and for those who are experiencing sore and tight muscles.  Deep Tissue Massage refers to the concentrated pressure a therapist uses to address specific painful points or tight muscles. Therapists use their fingers, forearms or elbows, along with their body weight, to apply the pressure needed to flatten, lengthen, and stretch tight and sore muscles. While Swedish Massage focuses on the more superficial muscles, Deep Tissue attempts to reach the medial and deep layers of muscle. Because of the intensity of this massage, it is not recommended for first time massage clients, and will not be used on pregnant women.

 Hot Stone Therapy is where heated stones are placed on your body and then used in massaging some of your muscles. Heat from the stones warms the soft tissue so that it relaxes and becomes more pliable during the massage. Even people who enjoy the benefits of massage regularly, are surprised by the added deep relaxation they experience during a Hot Stone session. The stones are heated to your comfort level.

Pregnancy Massage is designed to relieve the muscle aches, anxiety, and fatigue that often accompany being pregnant. The massage itself is very gentle and soothing. As stated earlier; Deep Tissue is never incorporated into pregnancy massage. Regular massage for pregnant women can actually aid in reducing pain during labor and can assist with an easier delivery. An aromatherapy massage is suggested as a post-natal therapy as it aids in reducing the effects of stretch marks. (Some essential oils are contraindicated for use in pregnancy massage)

 I believe in the regenerative and restorative qualities of massage. I have personally experienced, and witnessed in other’s, the healing that massage brings, not only to the body, but to the spirit and emotions, as well.  I often tell people massage causes the mind, body and spirit to operate in unison as God designed them to.  After a good massage, where you have experienced that deep sense of relaxation, you will actually feel very centered and balanced. 

 If you are in good, general health, it may not be necessary to check first with your physician, but if you have any health concerns at all, or if you are pregnant, it is advisable to check with him/her before beginning a treatment of massage therapy.

 When you call Salon Emage Day Spa to set up your massage , you can expect to be asked to arrive about 15 minutes early in order to fill out a brief health form.  This form is important in order to evaluate your special concerns or needs for your massage experience.  At Salon Emage Day Spa your spa experience is as important to us as addressing your massage needs.  We have a quaint and peaceful relaxation room where you will be brought to fill out your paperwork and enjoy a glass of refreshing water.  If you are having any other spa services done, I E: facial or body treatments, in addition to your massage; we will give you a robe and slippers to change in to for your comfort while moving from room to room.  Soft, relaxing music and dimly lit candles will enhance your “experience” while waiting for your treatments to begin.

 Thank you for allowing me to share a little bit about the benefits of massage therapy with you.  I look forward to meeting you and discovering the perfect massage therapy program for you.  

 God Bless You,

Alissa J. Jones C.M.T.

Salon Emage Client, Trish

The Fauquier American Cancer Society held it’s annual Silhouettes of Spring Fashion Show this past Saturday. What makes this fashion so special to the Salon Emage Day Spa Style Team is that all of the models are either currently in treatment for, or are survivors of, cancer. Think of what that means…

It means darling 6 year old Ella. Six years old?!?! It also means 12 year old Patrick and teenagers Leah, Mallory, Taylor – and the list goes on. It means one of the salon’s clients, Trish sports a great looking crew-cut as her hair grows back. The Salon Emage Day Spa Style Teams loves to go there and help these models be as beautiful on the outside as they already are on the inside. We get lots of thanks for a job well done. But in reality, we receive more from them than we give.

Ella you inspire us!

Words can not describe the bravery of a bald 6 year old, Ella, who walks in to a whole room of people she does not know, has her makeup done, puts on her pink wig, goes up on stage and charms a room of 300+. One can not imagine what it took for her mother to stand there supportive, with smiles and tears, through the event. Or our 95 year old model, Phoebe, who had her makeup done for the first time – ever, and while her four daughters looked on, received a standing ovation when she walked the stage. So THANK-YOU models for inspiring the Salon Emage Style Team.

Charla w/Salon Emage, Phoebe and one of her daughters