Now we all have a reason to go to Penney’s aside from the easy access to the mall and the always plentiful parking.  The Sephora store located inside offers a modified product selection that is not quite as extensive as their full stores, but still offers us an option other than Ulta for higher end cosmetics and beauty products.

Today is the grand opening at the new Sephora and starting at 10am goodie bags will be gifted to the first shoppers who come check it out.  I am telling you now that I WILL be one of those who gets a goodie bag!

The Courtyard hotel is officially open as of July 1st, 2010

Amenities include:
121 guest rooms and suites, including luxurious jacuzzi suites
4,200 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space
On-site fitness center featuring cardio equipment and free weights
Indoor pool and spa
42″ LCD flat screen tvs in every room
Free wireless internet
Patio with fire-pit
Starbucks available 24 hours a day
The Bistro Eat. Drink. Connect. restaurant and bar

Stop in and check it out!
For reservations go to http://www.courtyardtyler.com

Being the five year old that I am, I was of course immediately drawn to the Clydesdale horse that was giving carriage rides near the entrance.  I tried to line jump all the other people (children) in line, but my husband wouldn’t let me and instead we made our way to the barn to mingle with the grown-ups.  The word barn doesn’t really do this place justice, but that is what it is.  It was a horsebarn that has now been converted to a reception hall, complete with a food serving area.  The food, provided by Chez Bazan, was presented beautifully and tasted great.  Tables were set in a way fitting of a wedding reception, and beautiful floral arrangements were on each table.  Every inch was tastefully decorated and made me wish I could have another wedding.  The Sugared Rim bartending service was there serving wine and cocktails to attendants.

Brides have lots of options at Centaur Arabian Farms.  Everyway you look there is another picturesque setting for a ceremony or reception, both indoors or out.  The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and the bed and breakfast is cozy and homey.  Though I wish Bill and Eva Sealey a world of luck with their project, somehow I doubt they will need it.  This is a fabulous place backed by even more fabulous people, and I can’t wait to come back soon.

After spending approximately 72 hours straight studying their website intently, I narrowed down my focus to one of the body scrubs or the body wraps.  Since my sister opted for one of the scrubs, I decided I’d go for the wrap.  I had no idea what to expect, and that was the exciting part.

We arrived at Jessica’s on a Tuesday afternoon, and I’ll admit, I was a bit underwhelmed by the exterior appearance of the spa.  Thankfully, the interior is absolutely beautiful!  Dim lighting, a calming color palette, and the aroma of Jessica’s very own recipe of body products fills the air creating the ideal atmosphere for indulgent relaxation.  Just as I was thinking how spoiled I was to be getting such a pampering experience, I noticed the Jessica’s apparel aptly declared ‘Spoiled’ in screen printed letters on really cute tanks that I might have to go back and purchase.

No decision is easy for an indecisive person such as myself, so of course I was thrown for a loop when asked if I wanted the herbal body wrap or the seaweed body wrap.   In the interest of being daring I went for the seaweed and waited to be transformed into a human sushi roll.  My sister opted for the Brown Sugar and Cranberry Oatmeal body scrub/massage which sounded good enough to eat.

The talented Kylie directed me to my room and instructed me on how to prepare for my treatment.  First, she exfoliated my skin with some rough gloves.  Then, she used a seaweed infused product to coat my legs, arms, and stomach.  Next, she pulled a roll of Glad cling wrap (!!) out and began wrapping my limbs tightly.  Once I was a cling wrapped sushi mummy, she wrapped my whole body in a sheet, blanket, and some sort of metal blanket and turned the heat way up.  While I was cooking up a seaweed storm, Kylie gave me an AMAZING head massage and foot massage.  The 45 or so minutes I spent soaking in the seaweed goodness flew by, and before I knew it, it was time for me to emerge from my deep sea cocoon.  First, we removed the cling wrap, then Kylie used warm towels to clean up most of the seaweed goo.  I don’t know if I could really tell that inches were melted off my body like the treatment claims to accomplish, but my skin was soft, taught, and the effects I noticed are still going on close to five days later.

Though I haven’t had a chance yet to experience it personally, my sister has been raving about her scrub and about the amazing job Samantha did.  The scrub is on my list of must trys, along with just about everything else on their menu.  I can’t wait to start making Jessica’s a part of my routine.

First, Kimberly had to remove all my extensions so we could start with a clean slate.  I couldn’t get over how different and weird my hair felt without my extensions in.  This time, Kimberly decided to use a different method of application on me, one that will last longer and involve less maintenance.  In fact, Kimberly actually created this method herself.  This method involves strings, tiny beads, and a lot of skill, but I ended up with a head of hair that looks so natural you would never know it’s not my own.

I think my appointment lasted about three hours total, which is pretty amazing seeing as we removed a whole head of extensions, then intricately wove them back in to my natural hair, and cut and styled.  I actually enjoyed my time at the salon visiting with Kimberly and the other girls who work at Belladonna.  Everyone there is so nice and enjoyable.  For anyone interested in learning more about the different types and methods of hair extension application, check out Kimberly’s website www.hairadded.com.

Belladonna Day Spa
5100 Old Bullard Rd
Tyler, TX 75703-3630
(903) 509-9955

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