Ready or Not, Here Comes 2015

Disclaimer:  I received tickets for two to JA Nugget’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance with Big Bang Beat. All opinions are my own.

I’ve often wondered about the purpose of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Are we saying goodbye to events of the past 12 months and looking forward to a happier, more successful 365 days? Is the toast to say “Congratulations, you did great!”?

This year’s celebration at the Nugget in Sparks was spectacular. Music was provided by Big Bang Beat, San Francisco’s legendary party band. The large dance floor called out to the feet tapping to Mustang Sally. People got up to dance because it was the sort of celebration music where everyone could participate. 

 

No need for a partner; the room was filled with good vibrations and happiness. Diana Ross would have been thrilled at the rendition of Respect. There are several songs to listen to on their website.

You’ll see what I mean.

The food was sensational. Created with a stylish flair by some of the best chefs in the Western states, each part of the meal was delicious. The dessert was particularly clever with its chocolate 2015 banner.

The ambiance created an air of excitement, from the settings at the table to the glitz and glamour of the room. I feel this year’s celebration was designed as a pat on the back to everyone for good and kind things done in the past and a reminder that a new start lies ahead to conquer in style day by day!

Happy New Year 2015!

Relax and Refresh with Harmony Bath and Body Products

Disclosure: I received a complimentary packet of four bath soaks from Eco Hip Products. To date, I have tried the Man Bath Muscle Soothing Salt Infusion. My opinion is my own.

I was delighted to receive a package in the mail containing one each of Harmony Bath and Body Products’ four bath soaks for grownups. It all started when I took a short seasonal job packing purchases from a major warehouse provider that receives thousands of Internet orders year-round. Wow, did I ever ache. Even worse, my feet were sweaty from all the walking I had to do. They stunk! Ugh!

I received an email from Lorie Mancias, owner and president of Eco Hip Products, about the newly introduced bath soaks under the Harmony Bath and Body Products brand. When I told her about my tired, stinky feet, she told me she would send some product for me to try. It was here in two days!

Each packet is plastic with a zip seal and contains 16 ounces of product. You can see what’s inside through the clear plastic on the front! I like that feature. It seems more consumer friendly than staring into a dark bag trying to figure out what’s inside.

It didn’t take long to tear open the packet of Man Bath Muscle Soothing Salt Infusion. The package directions suggested dissolving 1 to 2 handfuls of the product in a tub of warm water and soaking from 20 to 30 minutes. I glanced over the products while waiting for the tub to fill and the Man Bath to dissolve. 

There are two kinds of salts in Man Bath, 100 % pure natural Dead Sea Salt and fine Epsom Salt. Sandalwood and bergamot fragrance produced a light musk scent that wafted through the steam, helping me relax. Other ingredients are natural alkaline, baking soda vitamin E, Aloe Vera leaf juice, and Eucalyptus essential oil.

I remember my Grandma getting relief when her muscles hurt by soaking them in Epsom Salt.  Eucalyptus oil and Epsom Salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, combine to soften skin and neutralize foot odor. I swished the water around, stepped in, and relaxed for 25 minutes.

 

Was I surprised at the results? Oh, yes indeed! The fragrance on my skin was quite pleasant. Even better, I climbed up and down the two flights of stairs several times that night and walked the 10 miles or so the job demanded. My legs didn’t hurt! Not that night or in the early dawn as I went home or when I woke up from my rest. Better yet, my feet didn’t have any foul odor when I took my shoes off once I got home.

I have yet to try the other three soaks: Relax and Soothe, Rejuvenating Antioxidant, and Energize & Detox. Winter brings strenuous yard work as I trim fallen branches and cut them into firewood for next season. I also have seasoned wood to finish cutting so it can be used to heat my home. The time to open and experience the relief of each packet is advancing quickly.

Read more at the company website. All products are available through the Amazon Gateway.