It’s incredible to see all the changes that have happened in Yaletown over our short time in existence. There has been lots of fresh energy brewing in our neighborhood of late- the completion of Emery Barnes Park, we welcomed new neighbors Espace D and Urban Chiropractic, Caffe Artigiano has breathed new life into the Opus Hotel’s corner cafe- and with Goldfish Restaurant having closed, we will be welcoming Minami on May 30th. Click here for a sneak peak.

It’s funny how once you become more active- you’re sore from that activity (in a good way), but if you get off the pace of working out- you get sore in a not so good way.

Massage therapy is of course, an excellent way to deal with those aches and pains as well as prevent injury, but there are some key things you can do at home that are easy and cost effective.

For one- your Registered Massage Therapist will usually go over stretches and exercises that are specific to your body. For example- if you’re having low back pain, they may show you stretches for your back, hips and ham strings.

In addition to stretching, using a muscle balm can help to improve blood flow to your muscles and specific essential oils have an analgesic effect thereby improving muscle healing and reducing pain. Be Soothed Muscle Balm $24 available in store and on-line.

A hot and cold pack is a must have SOS tool. Any aches and strains can be readily relieved by alternating hot and cold temperatures on sore areas. If you’re unsure of time durations for applying hot and cold packs, consult with your massage therapist or physician. Our hot and cold packs can be warmed in the microwave or chilled in the freezer. They have a nice fabric lining so they feel gentler on your skin- best of all, they’re just $10!

Do you have any tips for keeping your muscles nimble? Share them here.

That means, in with the warm weather, out with the unwanted hair- which is what this week’s Pop Up Special is all about.

You may already know about our Smooth Wednesdays which features 20% off of waxing services. But maybe Wednesdays don’t always work for you? Here’s a way to save without being married to the day you come in for your service.

Purchase a package of 6 waxing treatments*, you’ll get 20% off your services + a FREE Be Smooth Uplifting Sugar Scrub- 250ml (a $23 value) The perfect post-wax care to prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin silky soft.

*This Pop Up Special does not apply to under arm or face waxing. Spruce Dollars may not be used towards the purchase of Pop Up Specials. Offer is valid from May 10th to 11th 2012. 

Here are some great options for brunch with Mom this Sunday. My personal favorites are Hawksworth where you can get a traditional English breakfast and Tableau Bistro (a hidden gem located on Melville St.), for their french take on brunch and great coffee.

I hate spending my Sunday morning in a proverbial Vancouverite restaurant line-up, but most great brunch spots don’t take reservations. The good news is- you can make reservations at both of these locations!

Here’s a few more great spots on the East side that were featured on Scout Magazine this week.

And if you want to get Mom in for some post-brunch treatments – don’t delay! Things are booking up fast! There are just 4 days left before Mother’s Day- but let’s face it, Moms deserve to be spoiled year round. Click here to see our current specials.

Wow! I love seeing this view everyday when I come to work. And I’m sure that other Yaletowners are loving the newly completed Emery Barnes Park as well.

Apparently this park renovation has been in the works for 10 years. Click here to read more.

It’s refreshing to see that the City of Vancouver places community development as a priority, as this is prime real estate that they’ve zoned for this project.

A recent visit from my six year old niece made me appreciate this park even more. The kids playground is really well used. It’s nice to see all the young families taking advantage of this beautiful space, it brings a lot of positive energy to this spot.

It looks beautiful now- can’t wait to enjoy it in the sunshine this summer!

To honor International Women’s Day, Spruce Body Lab’s FITE team pledged to match Dermalogica’s loans for all FITE certified products sold in the month of March.

To everyone that purchased a FITE product in March, thank you for contributing to this worthy cause through your skin health. Click here to see the entrerpreneur whose loan were able to help fund.

Related Article:  Argan Oil - great for skin, even better for women’s empowerment: http://ow.ly/9LXNK

It just so happens that Dermalogica’s Overnight Repair Serum is chalk full of Argan Oil goodness.

Vancouver Magazine- April 2012

Hit Refresh by Rebecca Philps and Amanda Ross

It looks and feels like a spa with its swish Yaletown digs, but Spruce Body Lab is part wellness clinic, too. We know one person with a persistent skin rash whose therapist told him to use a coating of Selsun Blue to combat what doctors couldn’t cure. Problem solved! The Full Physical Package ($215) includes an infrared sauna treatment (take our word for it, you’ll emerge feeling like you’ve just had a restorative nap), then an RMT’s massage followed by a Customized Spruce Facial (with some of the most thorough extractions we’ve yet experienced). 1128 Richards St., 604-683-3220. sprucebodylab.com

I recently ran the Vancouver Sun Run for the first time- it was such a cool experience! I would highly recommend it if you haven’t tried it before. I would however suggest that you don’t do what I did. Amidst the adrenaline rush of running amongst 50 000 people, I got a bit caught up and ran faster than I normally would. Pair this with the fact that I didn’t train for the run and you have a recipe for a sore back. NO FUN!

I doubt that anyone preparing for the upcoming BMO Vancouver Marathon is getting into it with the same laissez faire attitude I had with the Sun Run, regardless, the same pre and post run strategies for keeping your muscles and your body feeling its best apply. Here’s an article with great tips to prepare for and recover from a marathon with sports massage. http://exm.nr/JR3L48

Although I didn’t follow a good practice for injury prevention, thankfully, I had thought ahead and booked myself in for a massage the day after the Sun Run. Make sure you get yours too!

If you’re skin is in need of smoothing and brightening or repairing sun damaged skin- then this Pop Up Special is for you!

Buy 1 Priori Idebenone Facial … 60 minutes for $139, Get 1 @50% off!*

Buy more than one of these packages and get a complimentary brow shape and lash tint with your services for an added value of $55! 

This treatment is the older sibling to our Priori Advanced AHA Facial. While the Idebenone series contains the same lactic acid complex and multivitamin sequence of the Advanced AHA Line, it also contains Idebenone, a powerful antioxidant. I wrote about this on the blog before. 

While the Priori Advanced AHA Facial is amazing in itself- for repairing acne scarring, clearing up acne  and resurfacing the skin, the Priori Idebenone Facial packs more of an anti-aging and brightening punch with its antioxidant potency.

Email info@sprucebodylab.com or call reception team (604) 683-3220 to buy your package.

* Maximum of 3 packages per person. This offer is valid from April 26th-27th 2012. Spruce Dollars may not be used towards the purchase of Pop Up Specials.