I am pleased to invite you to visit my design studio and gift store Healthy Homes & Lifestyles at the new Lakeview Yoga and Wellness Center, 7800 NE Bothell Way #155, Kenmore, WA.

We are hosting an Open House to show off our new digs on Saturday June 7 from Noon – 3:00 PM. Festivities include food and drink, gift bags for the first 50 people and gift packages that will be raffled off to our guests. Kenmore Fitness is joining us in celebrating our move to the new facilities. I designed both spaces and although they are polar opposites in the style (Relaxing Spa versus High Energy weight lifting,) both are equally successful in creating a sense of space that reflects their customers values and preferences.

My obsession with locally made, healthy, sustainable and recycled materials had led me to provide these products for my clients. Let me introduce you to some of the offerings:

Univera products have been a part of my life for a few years now. Univera is a company that makes plant based supplements for your health. Their headquarters is in Seattle and they ship out of Lacey Washington. Of their many wonderful products I selected Xtra (for anti-oxidants), Regenicare and Regenifree (for body pain and mobility), Aloe (for moisturizing and healing cuts and burns) and Femme Vitale (for women my age).

Bio-Therapeutic Skin Care was created for professional aestheticians and we are lucky enough to be able to offer these products to the general public. Specifically formulated for maximizing the health of your skin, all of their products are paraben free (paraben preservatives are linked to cancer) as well as being locally manufactured.

Bio Green Clean is an extremely effective cleaning solution that is made of 100% pure ingredients such as amino acids, minerals, leafy green vegetables, etc and is so healthy that if you accidentally drank it, you would be fine. I have had professional cleaning services ask me where to purchase this cleaner because of its’ effectiveness and safety for use on all surfaces.

Bellmont Cabinets is a family owned company in Sumner Washington, and creates some of the finest cabinets I’ve seen. Their plant is extremely impressive with ‘just in time’ manufacturing which allows customization of cabinets without extra costs or wasted materials. They have a huge commitment to providing quality cabinets within a completely ‘green’ manufacturing plant which wastes not, protecting both the environment as well as their employees and customers.

Theo’s Chocolates – need I say more? Locally made, the Nibs are extremely high in anti-oxidants, in fact I never knew that anti-oxidants could be so enjoyable to eat!

I look forward to seeing and talking to every one of you! Come visit me at my new home! Sincerely, Christine

The private Urban Spa is the most recent of trends in our community. Whether it is a reaction to the stress that we experience exponentially, or our desire to pamper ourselves, we are seeking relaxation opportunities for our lives. Many of us are creating private 'spas' in our homes to fulfill those needs. Remodeling a bathroom into your private urban spa is not necessarily more expensive than a normal bathroom remodel. You just need a few key items to ensure your relaxation. Here are some basics:

To create a peaceful, relaxing area you should a) select natural materials for the flooring, walls and counters b) allow the textures from the natural materials create pattern and interest c) select colors that are soothing (no fire engine reds) d) select fixtures that have simple lines (no ornateness)

Options for your home spa: a) heated towel warmer (this can double as the towel rack) b) steam shower (steam shower fixtures are available through Kohler) c) heated flooring d) music (sound system) e) tubs with heat, jets or bubbles f) large open showers with body sprays, rain shower heads and hand showers g) bench to lay down on both in the steam shower and outside the shower h) sauna i) foot massager j) foot baths (yes they exist! see MTI's foot bath) k) specialty shower enclosures l) aroma therapy & light therapy (available through most tub & shower manufacturers - see Kohler DTV electronic interface

As with any remodel, the key to success is planning. Call me and we can create your eternal relaxation spa! Chiao!