Often when its time to tighten up purse strings, we look at trimming the luxury items from our budget….things that are fun, not really necessary, but that make us feel happy.  Activities such as movies at the theater,  eating out, and recreational shopping are three things that come to mind immediately when looking where to cut spending.  Others may look at their regular massage sessions and think that this is also a luxury item that can be tabled for the moment while balancing the checkbook.

Some believe that massage is something you do to pamper yourself while you are on vacation, or on your birthday or some other special occasion.  Each time you receive one, you always feel so good, and swear that you are going to schedule one more often.  But, the regular routine sets in again, and all of a sudden a year has gone by since your last massage.

Many people recognize that massage is not a luxury, but a necessity.  Receiving regular massage, whether once or twice a month,  or every other month,  helps to keep stress at a manageable level, and keep muscles from getting too tense and knotted.  Some believe that regular massage helps keep them healthy, and look at massage as a form of healthcare.

    When you feel good, it is much easier to face the things that come your way. 

It is important to recognize that your health is a necessity, not a luxury.  Studies have shown that massage can help reduce blood pressure and improve your immune system.  The stress-reducing factor alone helps improve sleep, balances out stress hormones, and improves overall energy levels. Your thinking is clearer and your moods are stable.   When you are taking care of yourself, you make a better parent, spouse, employee or employer.

 With all the ways you can benefit from receiving massage at regular intervals, there’s no way you can consider it anything but necessary!

Don’t feel like you can justify budgeting money for a massage?  One idea is to start a massage fund. Get a good old fashioned piggy-bank or a jar.  Put all your loose change in it on a daily basis. Throw in a dollar bill every few days.  Skip that cup of coffee, or rent a movie instead of going to the theater, and put the money in your massage bank instead.  In no time, you’ll have enough to pay for something that lasts a lot longer, and is better for you all around.

Remember, your health is the ultimate way to pamper yourself.

There is a lovely little business very close to my office called Triangle Nutrition, located on Lead Mine Road near Baileywick.  A locally-owned and operated establishment, they offer a wide variety of nutritional supplements, healthy food for pets, gluten-free products, reference books, and more.  (I especially like their section of my favorite brand, of incense Aura Cacia) 

Their staff is very knowledgable on herbs and vitamins.  If they don’t carry an item you need, they are more than happy to order it for you, or they will find another local business that carries it and refer you to them.  I have found their prices on supplements to be very reasonable, in fact some things are cheaper than what you would find at Whole Foods or Earth Fare!

When my clients are looking for a product, I always send them to Triangle Nutrition.  I highly recommend you stop in for a visit.

Looking for that perfect gift for a special woman in your life? Why not consider giving her a gift certificate for a massage?  Even if you waited until last-minute to get her something special, you can still purchase gift certificates online for massage.

Metamorphic Massage For Women in Raleigh now offers instant gift certificates online.  Simply go to http://www.metamorphicmassageforwomen.com/services/gift-certificates/ You can purchase a gift certificate and print it up instantly if you need it right away, or you can have a glossy postcard-type gift certificate mailed to either you or the recipient, if you have more time.

Whether you are a procrastinator and need last-minute gift certificates, or a planner and would like a glossy gift certificate to be sent via the mail, you can find the right gift for the special woman in your life.  Show her how much you care for her health and well-being, and give her a gift she will truly appreciate…massage!  You can purchase a gift certificate for a 30-, 60-, or 90- minute session, or a package of six 60- or 90-minute ssessions if you want to give her something that she can savor for a longer time.  We also offer couples massage (60-minute sessions), and gift certificates are available for these, as well.

I am not a huge restaurant person.  Being a vegetarian, and a darn good cook, I find very few restaurants  that meet my standards.  There is one such place near my office, Zest Cafe and Home Art, located in the shopping plaza at Six Forks and Strickland in Raleigh.  From the moment you arrive, it is a delightful experience.  The Cafe is marked by a fence in the shape of forks, knives, and spoons.  Their menu changes with the seasons, and there is always something delightful to choose from, whether you are a vegetarian or a meat-eater. 

Their salads are delicious, and their Mediterranian “pizzesta” is an experience every mouth should have at least once in their life.  I can almost guarantee that you will want to go back.

And if you’re looking for something to add a little zest to your home for a special party, check out their little store…there are some truly unique items.

A few miles north of my office on Six Forks Road in Raleigh,  a delighful new shop recently opened up, named When Pigz Fly.  They offer work created by local artists, on consignment.  Jewely, scuplture, pottery, watercolors, and more can be found in this eclectic little shop.  I am considering selling my hand-woven rayon chenille scarves there. 

You can’t miss the place…when heading North on Six Forks, it is a few miles past 540 on the left hand side.  The building is brightly painted, and there is a lovely little area at the back that looks like you would want to hang out there with a cup of tea and a good book.

If you are looking for a nice, unique gift, or want to treat yourself to something original, stop in.  You’ll be glad you did.

I am thrilled to see that there are signs to bring Whole Foods to North Raleigh, near the intersection of Six Forks and Strickland, which is only two blocks from where I practice Massage Therapy.  

Being a vegetarian who chooses to eat fresh, organic food, Whole Foods is my  number one choice for shopping.  Unfortunately, I find it difficult to squeeze in a trip to the one that is located on Wade Avenue, 10 miles south of my office, given that I live 25 miles north of my practice. To go to the current store takes me at least 2 hours with drive time if I go from the office.  It is often much easier to swing into one of the current local grocery options, even if the organic selection is slim and the produce is not as fresh. 

I would experience near  eternal bliss if there was a Whole Foods so close to where I practice.  If you support the effort, go to http://www.bringwholefoods.org  and sign the petition.