There is nothing she wouldn’t do for you! Show how much she means to you; make Mother’s Day 2012 all about her and treat her to something truly special.

Many people appreciate their mothers or mother figures, which include stepmothers, relatives, guardians (e.g. foster mothers), and close family friends.

This year I nearly lost my mother when she had an operation that was said to be highly unlikely she would survive due to her age. But Mum did survive.

At times like this it brings back to you all the things mothers are there doing for us. I know , as I sat for hours in the hospital I remembered all the things Mum did and places she took me to when I was a child and how as I grew Mum was always there supporting me.

Now I have children and grandchildren, Mum is still very much involved in all our lives. My grandchildren adore her and love telling her about what they are doing at school and about their sporting achievements.

How ever tired Mums are they always find time to do all the jobs needing doing.

At Serenity Lodge Day Spa I have put together some packages for Mothers Day or you can make up your own package that you know your mother would like, or even buy a package and let your mother pick the treatments she would like herself.

Your mother will feel so special receiving one of our luxurious day spa packages. Let us spoil her for you

Cheers,
Fay Rayner

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If it’s been years since you’ve appreciated (and enjoyed!) the healing rays of the sun, it’s time you got reacquainted.

More and more published research shows that the sun is one of our best friends in fighting chronic disease, warding off colds and viruses, and even boosting brainpower.

Have you noticed more than ever before, you hear of adults and children being vitamin D deficient? This is because we slap on the sunscreen before we leave the house, scared that if we don’t we will get skin cancer but we need the sun screen on in the middle of the day or after 10am to about 2.30pm when the sun rays are very strong.

With the help of the sun, we synthesize vitamin D in our skin, which is then used by every organ system in the body. In fact, adequate levels of vitamin D can even extend our lifespan. It has been shown that vitamin D lengthens our cells’ lifespan-determining telomeres. Shorter telomeres are a marker of aging and the onset of degenerative disease.

If you are one of the tens of millions of people who are deficient in vitamin D — and at a higher risk of disease and mortality — then make it a point to get some sensible exposure to the sun..

Why you need to catch some healthy rays

Have you ever noticed how you feel happier when you have a chance to sit or walk in the warm sun? Doesn’t just going outside on a sunny day calm your nerves and lift your spirits?

In contrast, consider what happens and how you feel during the cold and dreary winter months. Many of us experience darker moods. We are more likely to become sick with colds and flu. We often gain weight and crave carbohydrates.

Then, come spring and summer, these symptoms magically disappear without treatment.

Well, there is a reason for this.

Your body needs sunlight just like it needs nutrients. In many ways, your physiology is as closely linked to the sun as that of plants. Plants use sunlight to photosynthesize chlorophyll. By a comparable process your body uses sunlight to photosynthesize vitamin D.

Decades of scientific research prove the importance of vitamin D. In addition to the noticeable lift it gives your mood, it also helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; improves your immunity; regulates your weight; increases muscle strength; normalizes sleep cycles; and boosts brain function. It has also been shown to prevent many chronic diseases, including the three biggest killers of our generation — heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

On the other side of the coin, a deficiency of vitamin D is clearly associated with increased risk of a long list of health conditions, including everything from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism to bone and muscle pain, behavioral disorders, depression, gluten intolerance, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, infertility, and tooth decay… just to name a few.

And here’s why this should matter to you

It is estimated that more than 90% of the population is deficient in this vital nutrient for at least part of the year. That means there is a good chance that YOU are deficient, putting your health at risk, including potentially doubling your risk of cancer.

There are several risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. The most obvious is your lifestyle and the amount of sunlight you are exposed to. If you work indoors, spend most of your time indoors, and get very little sunlight on your skin, you are almost certainly deficient.

Three to five days per week, you should aim for at least 15 to 20 minutes in the sunlight (with as much of your skin exposed as possible).

D – a molecule that is vitally essential to almost every aspect of your biochemistry and physiology.

Likewise, if you usually wear sunscreen when you are exposed to the sun, you are likely to be deficient. A sunscreen with an SPF of 8 reduces vitamin D production by 95%!

Other risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include your age (as you age, you need more sun to produce vitamin D), your skin type (darker skin types need more sun to produce vitamin D), and even your weight (vitamin D becomes trapped in body fat and cannot exert its effects).

In any case, the only way to really know if you are deficient is to have your blood tested for levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, also called 25(OH)D.

Most people should supplement with vitamin D in the late autumn, winter, and early spring.

You should also consider supplementing year round if you have darkly pigmented skin, are over 65, or are overweight, or if you just can’t bring yourself to go into the sun without sunscreen.

We are not saying not to use sunscreen but leave it off for 15-20 minutes early morning or late afternoon.

We live in a country that usually has plenty of sun and it is a shame we are afraid to enjoy it.

Information in this article is from ‘Natural Health Dossier’ Published by Fourth Avenue Health Group

If you would like more information: Vitamin D Prescription: The Healing Power of the Sun & How It Can SaveYour Life – by Dr. Eric Madrid

Here’s to your good health!
Fay Rayner

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While some level of will power is needed in all areas of our lives, when it comes to losing weight the real secret to permanent weight loss is in your blood chemistry.

How your blood type affects your weight

Genuine weight loss and lasting good health comes from the way your body reacts to the food you consume. Foods contain powerful proteins called lectins. These food lectins become important to you when they interact with your blood antigens. How your body interacts with these lectins determines whether those foods cause inflammation, digestive problems, bloating, water retention or weight gain.

Lectin interaction is different from food intolerance

This is more than simple “food intolerance.” At first, you experience a lectin interaction as only a mild digestive problem, or a dull, listless feeling after eating foods not right for you. Over time, the result is a steadily deteriorating state of health, loss of energy and weight gain.

Replace weight gaining foods with foods suitable for your blood type

The good news is that simply by replacing the key weight gaining foods with ones suitable for your blood type you can begin to experience the benefits of a leaner, cleaner, more energetic body.

You will be amazed at how easily you can lose up to 2 kg each week while eating well and enjoying your lifestyle.

The whole story of permanent weight loss

You can accelerate your results by combining the Eat Right For Your Type Plan with a gentle detox, some everyday supplements and sensible exercise, making you feel and look even better. Call Fay, a practising naturopath, at Serenity Lodge Day Spa on (02) 4970 4333 for detox and nutrition advice.

Tips for looking great while the weight is coming off

If you want to accelerate your results even further, check out our Lose Centimetres Fast body contouring treatment that will have you losing over 15 centimetres in your first treatment. Make sure that you come back to this blog post for the special deal for our online members only!

The best thing about eating right for your type

The really great thing is that you will be reducing your size, feeling good and not putting it on again if you continue to eat right for your type. Call Fay at Serenity Lodge Day Spa (02) 4970 4333 for advice about your optimum nutrition.

Special Offer for Our Loyal Online Members: Melt FAT, Smooth CELLULITE, Lose CENTIMETRES & Reduce BREAST SIZE
Only Until March 31st 2012

• 2 Ionithermie treatments for $320
• normally $220 each
• saving you $120.00

Call (02) 4970 4333 now to book your first appointment

Here’s to your good health!
Fay Rayner

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Why do millions of people all over the world show their love on 14th February by giving gifts to their loved ones on what we now call Valentine’s day? This special day is said to come from ancient Christian and Roman tradition. Apparently there were 3 Christian Saints with the name Valentine. One was a priest of Rome, the next was a bishop of Terni and not much was known about the third one other than he died in Africa. The strange thing is that it is said the three were all martyred on 14th February.

It is believed that the first Valentine, the one we are talking about, lived around 270AD in Rome. When Claudius became emperor of Rome he believed married men were too emotionally attached to their family to make good soldiers. With this in mind he decreed that soldiers could not marry. By doing this he believed he would be assured of having a better army.

This came as a terrible shock to the Romans but they feared the power of Emperor Claudius. However, the kindly Bishop Valentine also realised the unfairness of this decree. He saw the trauma of young lovers never to be united in marriage and planned to counter the emperor ’s orders in secret.

So, when soldiers wanted to be married they would go to Bishop Valentine and he would marry them. Unfortunately, it was not long before Claudius found out about this “Friend of Lovers” as he was known and had him arrested and subsequently executed on 14th February 270AD.

Roman Wedding

Young Romans observed this day annually, giving hand written greetings of love showing their affections. Valentine became the Patron Saint of lovers and was celebrated on the 14th February each year all over the world and still is today.

Attention Men!
Don’t suffer the WRATH of a disgruntled woman this Valentine’s Day!

Men, it is time to step it up, cancel that standing order at the florist, think outside the heart-shaped box and get that special woman in your life something she’ll really love.

She’ll be swept off her feet when you treat her with a Valentine’s Day gift voucher for luxurious treatments at Newcastle’s premier Day Spa, Serenity Lodge.

Let us help you show your love this Valentine’s Day with a Gift Voucher from Serentiy Lodge Day Spa – serving Newcaste, Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Sydney.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Fay Rayner

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If we’re going to get fit there’s one thing we have to face sooner or later – an exercise programme! Now I know that some people just love to exercise, but if you’re anything like I am you come up with all kinds of reasons for not exercising regularly – I used to tell myself that I was too busy or that I would start tomorrow, or next Monday, or next month, or after my birthday…

I’m one of those people who doesn’t enjoy sweating and I hate that feeling of gasping for air! What’s more I HATE running on a treadmill or sitting on an exercise bike and I am constantly thinking about what else I could be doing with this time.

The 7 Minute Fitness Workout

The great news for me and possibly for you is that I have found a get fit system that makes me feel like I am looking after my body but it only takes 7 minutes, three times per week! It helps to build muscle quickly and muscle mass helps us to burn more fat

When I first heard about it I thought it would be rubbish, but after watching the video my friend sent me it made a lot of sense. So, having gained a little bit of excess weight over the holiday, I thought I’d give it a try and am amazed not only at the results, but also at how easily I can fit these exercises into my weekly routine.

Your own online fitness trainer

One of the best things about this programme is that you can have your own online trainer, do your 7 minutes of exercise at the time that suit you, and at the level that is customized to your needs – all in the comfort of your own home!

I encourage you to check it out here right now – get in the best shape of your life in 7 minutes a day, three times a week and remember my three top tips for looking fit and fabulous in the new year:

1. How to beat those sugar cravings
2. Lose centimeters fast
3. Get fit in 7 minutes a day, three times a week

Remember to let us know how you’re going with each of the three tips by posting a message in the comments box below this article. And if you need specific and personalized help we’re only a phone call away – (02) 4970 4333

Here’s to your good health,
Fay Rayner

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Before I reveal our secret formula for staying motivated while the changes in your eating habits kick in, I’m wondering how you’re going with last week’s tips for beating those sugar cravings?

Remember to share your handy hints for success in the comments section after this post…

I used to go through that discouraging feeling of being really focused on reducing or eliminating those fattening foods, and feeling like my body was taking forever to start losing centimetres – until I experienced a spa treatment on a cruise around New Zealand last year, when I lost several centimetres and kept it off!

Since then I have seen dozens of women stay motivated to stick to their healthy eating plans by losing a few centimetres fast with our Ionithermie treatment from Serenity Lodge Day Spa.

This short video reveals how you too can lose centimetres fast…

New Year, New You!

We’ve put together a special 3 part offer to help you lose a few centimetres fast in the New Year and you can check it out here.

Next week I’ll share with you my brand new, scientifically proven, exercise program in Fit and Fabulous Tip #3 – Get Fit In 7 Minutes a Day, 3 Times a Week!

Until then, Here’s To Your Good Health,
Fay Rayner

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Fit and Fabulous Tip #1 – Beating Those Sugar Cravings – see this article.

Fit and Fabulous Tip #2 – Lose Centimetres Fast
Fit and Fabulous Tip #3 – Get Fit In 7 Minutes a Day, 3 Times a Week

Gained a couple of kilos over the holiday?

If you’re anything like I am you’ll be struggling after all that beautiful food you have consumed in the last month to break the sugar craving and to lose the excess weight you have gained.  It is so easy to go to the fridge or cupboard and grab some left-over Christmas cake, shortbread or chocolate.

How to beat the sugar craving

To help break your cravings you need to be prepared. If you have to search for or make something when a craving hits, you won’t bother, but will grab the first thing you come across – maybe that great chocolate! And then feel guilty or frustrated with yourself for giving in to the craving. If you’re really keen to get the new year off to a great start then our ‘Fresh Start Health and Day Spa Package’ may be just what you want.

What if you had been prepared and had something low in fat and sugar handy when that sugar craving hit? Think about different options you enjoy and that you can have on hand, such as:

• rice cakes  
• nuts in small portions
• low fat cheese ,
• lemon flavoured water
• health cookies
• popcorn (without butter)
• sugarless gum or sugarless lollies.

All of those are more helpful to your weight and health than a chocolate bar – and the secret is to have them ready and easy to access.

Make your healthy snacks easy to access at all times

The most helpful thing you can do for yourself is to place these snacks in convenient places where you are going to be. Think ahead about your day – if you’re going to be in the car, put them where you can reach them in the car.

If you will be at work, place your healthy snacks in your desk.

At home if you have a favourite chair where you sit to watch TV or read, then that’s where they need to go.
Do you understand what I mean?  Make it easier to find healthy food rather than the high fat and high sugar foods.

For the first couple of days your new routine may be a challenge, but persevere and you will find it worth the effort. I also recommend that you avoid bread and pasta dishes if you want to lose the extra weight.

Personalised support for your unique health needs

For personalised support call Fay on (02) 4970 4333 to discover how we customise our ‘Fresh Start Health and Day Spa’ treatment to meet your individual health needs.

Next week look out for Fit and Fabulous Tip #2 – Lose Centimetres Fast.

Then the week after, look out for Fit and Fabulous Tip #3 – Get Fit In 7 Minutes a Day, 3 Times a Week, where we’ll reveal the scientific discovery of exercise that really works!

If you can’t wait that long just call Fay now on (02) 4970 4333
and we’ll help you make a healthy start to the New Year!

To Your Good Health,
Fay Rayner

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Christmas is almost here and some of us are organised and some of us are still frantically shopping, so Serenity Lodge Day Spa have decided to make it as easy as we can for you to spoil yourself or your loved ones with a very special gift – a Day Spa Gift Voucher. You can see the full range of our Newcastle Day Spa’s Christmas Gift Certificates here.

Ladies! Make sure you look absolutely radiant this festive season!

Book in at Serenity Lodge Day Spa for our exclusive $99 festive season pamper package, valued at an amazing $245!

Read the full details of this Day Spa special Christmas Voucher here.

Or, if you’re desperate for a last minute gift for the man in your life, check out our next special…

Spoil Your Man This Christmas!

Total Value $244, For Only $139

• Hot Stone Massage,  valued at $109
• Back of body massage, valued at $55
• Head Massage ,valued at $15
• Morning Tea, valued at $10
• Hydrotherapy Spa, valued at $55

Call Serenity Lodge Day Spa to get your voucher now (02) 4970 4333

ATTENTION MEN: Don’t Panic!

You can get the lady in your life the PERFECT Christmas gift with only one phone call!

This year, make it easy for yourself and buy her what every woman really wants – some time out to:

• relax
• de-stress
• rejuvenate
• …and look like a million bucks afterwards too!

Check out the full details of this best value Day Spa Christmas Gift Package here…
Call Newcastle’s most relaxing Day Spa on (02) 4970 4333 for $353 worth of beauty treats for only $198!

This is just a sample of the last minute Christmas gifts and gift vouchers we can help you with, so call Fay on (02) 4970 4333, and we’ll work out the best value Day Spa Christmas package for you!

Merry Christmas & A Happy, Healthy New Year From Fay & The Staff At Serenity Lodge Day Spa!

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Valued at $533 for only $425, Saving You $109!

• Rose Body Wrap Lie in a bed of roses and indulge in this nourishing and deeply moisturising treatment.
• Deluxe Facial A luxurious skin pampering treatment using all natural gentle products to refresh and rejuvenate.
• Hydrotherapy Spa Enjoy the relaxing calm a hydrotherapy spa can bring you.
• Aromatherapy Massage Rejuvenate and energise with an uplifting essence.
• Head Massage – feel like you’re drifting on a cloud.
• Hand exfoliation and massage.
• Morning Tea and Lunch.

Click here to see more beauty and day spa Christmas gift vouchers.

These offers all expire at midnight on 24th December 2011, so don’t miss out!

Call Now (02) 4970 4333 and Save $109

To Your Good Health,
Fay Rayner

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Sometimes we forget that although we as females like to be pampered, so do our guys! Men have come to our Day Spa with their partners and were not happy because they thought it was not the ‘manly’ thing to do. At the end of their treatment, however, they changed their tune and became regular clients!

So this year we’re giving you the chance to spoil the male in your life with a day spa experience he will not forget. Also remember to look at all our Christmas Specials and drop a hint for a gift voucher from him to you, so you can both come together and really enjoy the experience

Here’s how we’ll pamper your man:

• Aromatic Hot Stone Massage Profoundly relaxing massage as a result of the deep, penetrating heat of stones which promote relaxation, reduce stress and may relieve chronic pain, valued at $109
• Back of body massage Soothes away tension, stimulates soft tissue and muscles. Ideal for stress reduction, valued at $55
• Head Massage, valued at $15
• Morning Tea, valued at $10
• Hydrotherapy Spa Enjoy the relaxing calm a hydrotherapy spa can bring you. It soothes tired muscles, invigorates the mind and body in the most enjoyable way. Relax and enjoy the experience, valued at $55

Total Value $244, For Only $139

Call Now: (02) 4970 4333

To Your Good Health,
Fay Rayner

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