True Beauty Blog

UVM/Cabot Marketing Challenge Survey

2011-11-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Earlier this Fall, Cynthea's Spa was selected for the Cabot and University of Vermont Marketing Challenge. As part of the class the UVM students assigned to my team have worked on a Survey to learn more about the business and it would be wonderful if you would take a moment to fill out this quick 10 question survey.

Click here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SR63PNN

Thanks so much!

Cynthea

BPW Announces Hausman as 2011 Employer of the Year

2011-11-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

BPW Announces Hausman as 2011 Employer of the Year:

Burlington, Vermont - Stephanie Hainley, Vice President of the Burlington Business & Professional Women, notified Cynthea Wight Hausman of Cynthea's Spa that she has been selected as the 2011 Employer of the Year. Hainley wrote, "Your business and employment practices have demonstrated admirable leadership, for which we applaud you. We look forward to meeting you and celebrating your achievements."

There is a BPW sponsored cocktail reception in honor of all the award winners (Woman of Achievement, Woman of the Year and Employer of the Year) next Wednesday, November 9 from 5:30-7:00 at the Best Western Conference Center in South Burlington. The reception is open to the public. Tickets are $15. Please email here for more information BurlingtonBPW@gmail.com

Cynthea's Spa at the Vermont Wedding Affair 2011

2011-11-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Cynthea's Spa was a featured vendor at this year's Vermont Wedding Affair hosted by Well Wed and Vermont Vows Magazine. We had a wonderful time and I am SO very thankful to my entire Cynthea's Spa team who were essential to the flawless execution of SO many services. Plus, it was fun doing the fashion show models.

Many thanks to our front of house - Cassie, Laura and Kim with Rowan. Our Skin Bar team of Amber, Kayla and Megan. Makeup team featuring Sarah Crowley of Finishing Touch and Alison Flamini from Cynthea's Spa. Joy and Taylor providing massage magic. Casey Webster working with me for two days to set up was a super hero! Morway's Moving for loading us in and out after hours. Plus, eight wonderful Panhellenic Council members from UVM who provided hand and foot scrubs from our new Farm to Spa line.

The event organizers describes the show:

Step into a world of rustic elegance & familiar charms! The Homespun Vermont Wedding Affair invites you to fall back into a simpler era of hand-crafted details & rugged sophistication as you plan the wedding of your dreams.

At this year’s event, classic antiques, country-chic sensibility & personal DIY projects will set the tone for a warm & inviting showcase of vintage-inspired décor & complimentary, wedding-worthy treats — including artisan breads & cheeses, cakes & luxurious chocolates. Even better, a silent auction of fabulous wedding-related gift certificates & other items will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation, & each lucky bride-to-be will receive a decadent gift bag containing over $100 worth of goodies.

Attendees will have the chance to mingle with the some of the best wedding professionals in the region before heading into the spa room to enjoy luxurious hand & foot treatments, makeup consultations, chair massages & Dermalogica Skin Bar, all provided by Cynthea's Spa. There will be educational seminars on everything from wine & menu pairing, to modern wedding etiquette. Plus, the event will feature an amazing on-going fashion exhibition of stunning bridal & cocktail couture from featured local businesses Ecco, Sweet Lady Jane, and American Idol gown designer, Tara Lynn!

For more photos of the show please visit:

http://www.shutterfly.com/

Benefit for Vermont Farm Disaster Relief

2011-10-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

Benefit for Vermont Farm Disaster Relief - Donate and WIN a Farm to Spa tour!

ORGANIZERS: Vermont Farm Tours and Cynthea's Spa - www.inlu.com/4VTfarms

Cynthea Wight Hausman, owner of Cynthea’s Spa, and Chris Howell of Vermont Farm Tours are hitting the road together with a new "Farm to Spa" Tour. Together they wish to offer a uniquely Vermont experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

Since their businesses both rely and support Vermont Farms they want to help the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund. Donate here www.inlu.com/4VTfarms

The Vermont Disaster Relief Fund created by the United Ways of Vermont in cooperation with the executive board of the Vermont Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) used specifically for long term recovery.

Donate to the fund and a randomly selected winner will be picked to experience the "Farm to Spa" Tour with a friend. Winner will be selected on October 21st. www.inlu.com/4VTfarms

Farm to Spa Tour Includes:
*Tour of two vineyards guided by Chris Howell
*15+ Wine tastings
*A Vermont artisan cheese pairing
*Comfortable transportation
*Red Wine Grape VinoTherapy Scrub and Wrap at Cynthea's Spa

Inlu is a Vermont company and is donating their portion of the fee to our effort.

Cyn's City: What's "Luge" Got To Do With It?

2011-09-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I was a Luge athlete in my formative years. I traveled the world in pursuit of Olympic Glory. I competed for nearly a decade, took a break and then tried my hand at Bobsled for a few years.

On Facebook, there is a very active USA Luge Group. Many friends and former team-mates are sharing their stories, photos and anecdotes about their luge days and it has been bringing up many memories of this very important time in my life.

In 1990, I found myself in the former East Germany off the US Team and all alone, but not giving up. Here is an excerpt from my journal about the simple joys of allowing yourself to experience the unexpected, and the amazing kindness of others.

One extremely crisp, cold day after a snowfall and long day of Luge training at one of the world's most challenging tracks, I walked back to my hotel in the hamlet of Barenberg. The former East German town is high up in the Saxony mountains looking down on Dresden and the Czech border. The tiny Berg felt frozen in time and the Reunification was only just beginning to be felt there, as the Berlin Wall had fallen only months before.

I was greeted by the hotel cat and she quickly ran away as a horse drawn sleigh pulled up to the front door. A massive man jumped from the front seat of the sleigh and secured the horses. His tall Russian-style hat and full length fur coat held closed by a leather belt made him seem like a man out of Dr. Zhivago. The young couple in the sleigh were bundled in fur blankets and smiled warmly at me. The sleigh was absolutely beautiful. Two matched blonde ponies were hitched with festive leathers and tiny silver bells.

As the driver made his way back to the sleigh with tea glasses filled with warm spiced wine, I couldn’t help but ask if I could join them for a short ride. He explained in Saxon German and some broken English that they were making a round trip and if they took me with them, I would be stuck in the next town with no way to get back to my hotel. I was sorely disappointed but, completely understood. I said good-by and walked in to the hotel.

A few minutes later the driver walked into the lobby and said that the couple wanted to take a side trip around Barenberg and would I like to join them. Of course I would! I knew that they had changed their plans for me and I was so grateful. They put me up in the front seat with the driver and covered me in furs. It was so cold you could almost see the crystals form as the ponies breathed out huge plumes of air.

We rode through the quiet snowy streets of Barenberg and watched the sun slowly set over the mountains. The rhythm of the silver bells echoed softly across the fields and was like tiny joyful dancing feet and children’s laughter on the new fallen snow. The entire experience was magic. A moment I will never forget.

Every year I bring my young son to Shelburne Farms in Vermont, around the Holidays. They have a wonderful sleigh and offer rides on the farm. It always brings back my memories of my sporting years and how a small kindness from strangers can bring so much joy.

Vermont is Open for Business

2011-09-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Vermont is Open and We’re Eagerly Awaiting Your Visit!

Vermont’s legendary foliage will soon be on display throughout the Champlain Valley as we head into our biggest event of the year: Autumn in Vermont! The greater Burlington area is easily accessible and we boast a variety of fall-themed activities to welcome our travelers. Vermont’s apple orchards, pumpkin patches, hiking trails, sweeping mountainous drives, warm hospitality, and family-friendly fall festivals await you!

Visit our Chamber's website http://www.vermont.org/Visit_Vermont/Fall-Foliage.aspx/

or call toll-free at (877) 686-5253

Vermont Wedding: Vy + Spencer Burlington, Vermont July 30th, 2011

2011-09-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Vermont Wedding: Vy + Spencer - Burlington, Vermont July 30th, 2011

Enjoy Vy and Spencer’s waterfront event in Burlington, Vermont. The ceremony was on the Spirit of the Ethan Allen on Lake Champlain and the reception was at the Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center. Big bright sunflowers along with blue and yellow details filled the event. Below is a photo from the day by Spencer Leonard Photography!

Our makeup artist, Alison Kogut Flamini, completed Vy's look in our Chruch Street Spa. We think she looks beautiful!

Here is a link to more photos posted on Wedding Window.Com

Spencor Leonard's Blog has more and different photos for you to enjoy:)

Vendors
Caterer: Spice of Life Catering
Floral Designer: Chappelle’s Florist
Reception Venue: Echo Lake Aquarium
Dress Designer: Kim’s Fashion Design
DJ: Peak Entertainment
Ceremony Location: The Spirit of Ethan Allen III
Equipment Rentals: Vermont Tent Company
Makeup Artist: Alison Flamini of Cynthea’s Spa

Using Facebook for Business - Liking other businesses is essential

2011-03-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Facebook's latest upgrade allows folks to use Facebook as your business identity. I have been asking for this for years! However, there are a few obstacles that have not been worked out yet (of course). Over the last seven years I have conscientiously followed, fanned and liked other business pages from my local area and my industry for them to show up in my news feed so that I may share great content to my followers and fans and likers. Content is king and making sure you have full access to share it is what I spend lots of my time working on (other than providing bikini waxes to my local college students).

I had hoped that when I switched using Facebook from me to my business profile I would still have access to the list of businesses I follow, alas - no. What to do? Start again. Yes. But, how?

For a time Facebook had a box that suggested pages to follow and I did that but, I couldn't search it easily to rebuild my list. So, then I noticed that I could "Like" from other businesses "Likes". So, I picked respected leaders in my industry of health, beauty and bridal and pulled up there "Likes" and have been culling through to add their picks to my own. I also wanted to to find and follow my local business friends and I have been able to recapture their pages using this method. This had been a windfall of great content and I wanted to share with my other business friends how to do this so that actually using Facebook as your business profile would be more useful.

Happy hunting!
Cynthea

Cynthea's First Cover for Vermont Vows and Well Wed!

2011-02-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

We had such an amazing two days on location shooting for Vermont Vows and Well Wed magazines.

Often in photo shoots, once the makeup application is complete you spend the rest of the day changing clothes and hair and accessories but not the makeup. For this shoot, I challenged myself to change the makeup for each gown change. There were 14 gown changes!

This amazing shot was taken by Barrie Fisher in front of an untouched vintage car in a junkyard somewhere on a back road of Vermont. Only Krista could find such a place! Justin Cruz was on location creating beautiful hair styles.

This was our second day of shooting and the second or third gown of the morning. For a higher resolution portrait of this shot and all the makeup and how-to information, I will now be a beauty contributor to the Vermont Vows and Well Wed family of publications. Make sure to check out my blog there, too. What I can tell you is that this is a full application of airbrush foundation with great care taken to craft a soft, romantic, vintage inspired yet modern look. Soft shimmery pinks on her lids, light purple lips and soft false lashes (Ardell are my favorite). Please find much more detail on the Vermont Vows site (soon:).

It was two days of lots of challenging yet very fun creativity with other amazingly creative folks. I am thrilled to have even a small role in this cover shot! Much more to come!

Love, love,
Cynthea

Cynthea Wight Hausman is the owner and operator of Cynthea’s Spa, a petite, urban day spa in the heart of Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.

"Eye - Do" - 5 Steps to Perfect Brows

2011-01-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

"Eye - Do" - 5 Steps to Perfect Brows
by Cynthea Wight Hausman

Defined eye brows can perk you up, make you look younger, and highlight your eyes

"Arch Angel" is a new concept created by Cynthea Wight Hausman, insprired by watching Oprah having her brows done. Achieving perfectly arched brows is a lot easier than it looks. We have easy-to-follow Steps and foolproof brow accessories, so everyone can find their perfect brow. We are staffed by licensed estheticians who’ve undergone extensive training and have perfected their face-framing brow techniques.

In addition to brow shaping services, Cynthea's Spa is stocked with brow powders, stencils, and creams. So you can take your perfect brows home with you! We will help you achieve a beautifully groomed, natural arch that will enhance all of your features and soften your look. Perfect brows in one quick lesson.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT:
Let your brows grow. The more hair to work with the better.

If you are using anti-aging or acne medication please stop two weeks before your appointment. Medications thin your skin and could cause skin to be removed with the wax. Tweezeing is an option, if you prefer.

Five steps to creating “Your Perfect Arch”

Step 1 – We Measure your brow.
-A. Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up to the inside corner of you eye straight up to your brow. This is as far apart as they should ever be.

-B. Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up to the outside corner of your eye straight up to your brow. This is as short as the brow should ever be.

-C. Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up through your iris, when you are looking straight into your own eyes in the mirror, straight up to your brow. This is the peak of your arch.

Step 2 – We Choose the best brow stencil shape for you face.

There are three to choose from “Fine, Medium or Full.”

Step 3 – We Choose the best brow color and apply inside the stencil with an angle brush.
-Blondes should choose one to two shades darker than their brow hair.
-Brunettes should choose one to two shades lighter than their brow hair.

Step 4 – We Remove hair outside of the powder filled section either by waxing or tweezing.

Step 5 – We Highlight under the brow and the inside corner of the eye for maximum anti-aging effect .

Come by for your custom brow make-over today or call 802-238-7524 for an appointment.

Vermont's "Arch Angel" Picks 2011 Miss America

2011-01-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

Cynthea Wight Hausman "Arch Angel" of Burlington, picks Miss America. Cynthea's Spa is one of the sponsors of Miss Vermont and we are so excited for next week's competition. It has been a tradition to look over all of this year's Miss America Contestants (52!), evaluate and critique their eye brows and choose a winner! Enjoy!

Miss Alabama - Really great, balanced brow shape. Good color match also. If I'm being picky, the brow could start a bit closer to the mid-line of her face. You should be able to draw a line straight up from the outside corner of your nose to the inside corner of the eye and meet the brow. Her brow starts a bit further away.

Miss Alaska - I would have kept her brows a bit fuller and strengthen the arch. Good color and length.
.

Miss Arizona - OK brows. Good shape, color and length. The size and shape suit her face.

Miss Arkansas -I would have filled her brows in a bit darker. Good size and shape. Usually brow color is slightly darker then your hair color.

Miss California - Great brow color but, her brows are the same width the whole way around the arch. Brows should taper from the top of the arch to the tail.

Miss Colorado - Way too thin, light and curved. The arch lifts too late and in this photo makes her eyes look off.

Miss Connecticut - Too thin, too light.

Miss DC - Good color, good shape but, they need to be filled in a little to even the color. This picture make the brow look sparse.

Miss Delaware -These brows look drawn on. Too thin, too much the same width. Not natural at all.

Miss Florida -Too long - I would bring her brow wider. Too much the same width. Needs to be fuller in the body of the brow and taper from the top of the arch to the tail.

Miss Georgia -Whoa! Her arch peaks too late and it forces her eyes to appear too wide apart. She has beautiful big eyes to begin with. I would reshape her brows to peak earlier.

Miss Hawaii - Really great, balanced brow shape. They look very natural, but I would fill them in a little more on the tails.

Miss Idaho -Meh brows. Too bad her dress outshines her face. You need to choose at least one feature to stand out against a dress like this.

Miss Illinois - OK brow shape but, the inside line is too square.

Miss Indiana - The peak of her arch is too far away from her iris. It looks very flat.

Miss Iowa - Uneven and too small.

Miss Kansas -Too dark, too short and wrecks this photo for me.

Miss Kentucky -I'm on the fence - I like her right brow better then the left.

Miss Louisiana - Not great, not bad - I think the shape just needs to be defined a bit more.

Miss Maine - Good color, good length but, the top and bottom lines of the brow are not parallel. This makes the upward angle a bit sharp.

Miss Maryland -Good color, a bit long and too much the same width. I would let the arch section grow in reshape the peak.

Miss Massachusetts - Blah. Too much the same width. OK color. This brow does nothing to open her eyes or give her any lift.

Miss Michigan -Way too thin.

Miss Minnesota - Too small, too pointy, the arch comes too early.

Miss Mississippi - These are OK brows - they could be slightly larger. It would give a stronger arch.

Miss Missouri - Good brow shape, good color. Could have a stronger arch.

Miss Montana - I like these brows. I like her right better than the left. No one has two brows that are exactly the same - check out Marilyn Monroe pictures - even she had two different brows.

Miss Nebraska - I guess we always have to have one picture of someone up against the wall - do we really? Well, she is only 17. Her brows are too small, too thin and incomplete.

Miss Nevada - I like the color of her brows, but they are not a strong enough arch.

Miss New Hampshire -Too pointy, like Jack-O-Lantern brows. The body of the brow is the same length as the tail.

Miss New Jersey - Too long, too round on the end of her brow - it forces the top of the arch to far away from where it should be.

Miss New Mexico - I generally like these brow but, they could be a bit darker.

Miss New York - Too round, the arch comes too late. Your arch should line up from the out side corner of your nostril, to between the middle of your iris (the dark part of your eye) to where the color part of your eye meets the white. These are between the color part and the outside corner.

Miss North Carolina - Too small and I always wanted to see my Miss America Candidate getting ready for her Victoria Secret shoot.

Miss North Dakota - Very natural and would only need a tiny bit of shaping.

Miss Ohio -Too short and not even. Hello photoshop!

Miss Oklahoma - This is the shape we call "The Comma" - round near the nose and straight with no arch. A few years ago many folks had this shape. Most of the time this happens when folks wax above the brow line and take too much off the arch from above. It flattens out the arch and this is what you are left with.

Miss Oregon - Right shape - WAY too thin.

Miss Pennsylvania -Too round! I need to think up a name for this shape - it seems to be shape of the season!

Miss Puerto Rico - Hard to really see her brows but, what I can see - I like.

Miss Rhode Island - If you think of a brow as being made up of two lines (top and bottom) they should be parallel to the top of the arch and then turn to taper and meet at the end. The top line of these brows are OK. The bottom line doesn't turn at the same spot and causes the arch to turn later than they should. An easy fix to a long description would be to pluck a few hair from the underside of the brow. I love the color of the brow.

Miss South Dakota - Hello? I know she's only 20 years old but, BROWS! Really, please come and see me immediately. I love natural but, what?

Miss South Carolina -Too small, too light.

Miss Tennessee -Her left brow is perfect! Finally! But, the right to too flat.

Miss Texas - If only we could take one more row of hair from the underside of this brow - then it would be awesome! And fill in the little divot on the top.

Miss Utah -Oh, Utah I expected more of you. Too thin, too small.

Miss Vermont! -To my Miss Caroline - I wish I had gotten my hands on you before this shoot. You do have wonderful brows but, we needed to fill them in a bit more for those blonies to show up.

Miss Virgin Islands - Good strong brow - I think the gold highlight is actually taking away from being able to see the arch.

Miss Virginia - It's an OK brow, the taper on the tail makes it really thin.

Miss Washington -Would love to see an actual taper on the tail of this brow. It just abruptly ends.

Miss West Virginia -Oval brow, no real arch and too small.

Miss Wisconsin -It's hard to tell by the angle of the photo how the eye and brow line up . To me it looks like the body of the brow is too ling and the tail is too short.

Miss Wyoming -Good body of the brow and too thin of a tail.

WOW, that was a crazy amount of brows to evaluate in one sitting. An overall trend was misalignment of the top of the arch. Let me point you to my blog entry all about how to properly measure your brows - I hope it will demystify brow geometry.

Five Steps to Create Your Perfect Arch

My pick for Miss America (based only on her brows) is . . .

Miss Montana . . . Kacie West!

Congrats and good luck to all of these beautiful, intelligent women.

Cynthea

Cynthea's Spa - Brownies, Beauty and YOU!

2010-11-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

It’s official: Cynthea's Spa has more than doubled its capacity!

If you haven’t been in to see the space, you really must. We have four new beautiful rooms for massage, waxing, facials and other services. People are so excited when they see them, because they’re filled with light and warm colors and are the perfect space for the pampering we love to provide.

We celebrated our expansion with an Open House and party, last Thursday, November 18. We shared our favorite treats from Vermont Brownie Company, offered some excellent deals on gift certificates and gave tours. We’re so excited to show these beautiful spaces it to our friends and guests so, if you missed it we are still happy to show you. feel free to stop in.

Here are a few pictures from the evening, enjoy:)

My Social Media Fairy, Cheryl Herrick with Kathy Soulia and Lisa Andrew.

Lisa and I in the main part of the Spa.

WCAX maven Laura Bowe and Owner/Editor of The Healthy Hippy Magazine, Taraleigh Weathers.

Me with Elizabeth Warren of Otter Creek Awnings and Laura Bowe from WCAX.

Makeup Inspiration for the Vermont Wedding Affair

2010-11-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

Makeup Inspiration for the Vermont Wedding Affair - Cynthea Wight Hausman

The Vermont Wedding Affair is a wonderful event held every year at Shelburne Farms. This year's couture fashion show's theme was "Vintage Carnival." My challenge was to come up with a makeup look that was carnival, bridal and runway all at the same time. To me that meant beautiful, glowing, and slightly quirky. I had a bit more license to be creative because of the runway element but, I still wanted the models to be modern and not come off as a costume. I watched Paris Fashion Week closely for inspiration and John Galliano (L) and Dior (R) always seems to hit me the right way.

For our models I went with bright color eyes with tone-on-tone glitter applied up to the temples and down onto the top of their cheek bones. We used gold, green, orange, pink, purple, and gun metal gray. Then we added huge doll-like lashes with black eyeliner. To keep the look fresh and modern we only contoured the cheeks, and then picked a purple lips gloss. Here are some great shots of us working by photographer David Seaver. Enjoy!

Add caption

And here are some runway pics:

Thanks to my team for awesome work!

25 Wonderful Brides - THANK YOU!

2010-11-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

We had the honor and privilege of working with 25 beautiful Brides this 2010 season! Each had their own unique vision, style and inner glow. I'm still working on some of the professional photographers to share prints but here are a few that I took.

Thanks again and congratulations to - Alise, Jane, Leeann, Stacy, Diane, TaraLeigh, Kelly, Tiffany, Kate, Anna, Jamie, Erica, Alex, Heather, Alison, Janice, Jenn, Allison, Kelly, Claudia, Tracy, Katie, Carla, Lauren, Donna!

Behind the Scenes @ Vermont Vows Carnival Photo Shoot

2010-10-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

As we wrap up this year's gown shoot, I realized I have great behind the scenes photos from last years shoot at Vermont's Tunbridge World's Fair. This season's Wedding Affair at Shelburne Farms inspiration is "Vintage Carnival". Much of the inspiration for the event November 6th, comes from the Tunbridge photo shoot. Check out the pics that made the issue - http://www.vtvows.com/galleries/fashion

I think many of the photos that I am actually in were taken with my camera by Daria Bishop. We left Burlington at the crack of dawn and set up in the grass parking lot of the Tunbridge World's Fair. This was a 17 hour day and totally amazing!

Check out JP Elario's Blog for lots more (better) pics! http://www.joeelariophotography.com/?s=vermont
Daria Bishop's Blog, too:) http://dariaandandyblog.com/?p=891

Everyone knows I have a thing about eyebrows.

Sarah Crowley and I work on model Jem.

After the hot rollers come out.

Finishing touches for the first look.

I'm 99% sure Krista took this pic. Beautiful!

Just finishing our next model Nina's first look.

Here is Photographer JP Elario hard at work on a beautiful shot!

On the Road with Vermont Vows / Well Wed Magazine

2010-10-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I was on the road with Krista Washburn of Vermont Vows and WellWed Magazines. A set of four boutique wedding magazines published by Literati Creative Group, including Vermont Vows, WellWed Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard, & Nantucket, WellWed Hamptons, and WellWed New York-and currently in the launching stages of WellWed Maine & New Hampshire.

Two times per year Krista crafts an amazing gown photo shoot as one of the most anticipated sections of her Magazines. I am thrilled at what we were able to do in only two days. Many photos are to come but, not yet as the issue will be released in January! Here is a little tease, a pic I took of Krista as we were driving back to Burlington after our first day of shooting.

Love love,

Cynthea

Cynthea's Spa Expands - More than Doubles Capacity

2010-10-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Cynthea’s Spa Expands Space!

Cynthea Wight Hausman of Cynthea’s Spa announces that her spa has more than doubled its capacity.

According to spa owner Cynthea, “We have four new beautiful rooms for massage, waxing, facials and other services. People are so excited when they see them, because they’re filled with light and warm colors and are the perfect space for the pampering the spa provides.”

Cynthea’s Spa provides wedding make-up, cosmetics, facials, waxing, massages, teeth whitening and body treatments in a beautiful, nurturing downtown space. Located right above Speeder & Earl’s on the Church St. Marketplace, a caring staff is here to take care of you because, “You deserve it. We provide it!” Learn more at http://www.cyntheaspa.com.

Heather Paine Marries Michael Benoit at Camp Hochelaga, South Hero, Vermont - August 28th, 2010

2010-08-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

It was so wonderful to be a part of my friend Heather's wedding team. She is a special person that I am very lucky to call friend. When she asked me to craft a "golden goddess" look for her wedding day - I had a few ideas right away. Her 7pm ceremony on Lake Champlain was magic. Here are a few of my own photos but there a literally hundreds (maybe thousands) that are being edited by the friends who were the official photogs for the night. Enjoy!

Heather's daughter twirls in her flowergirl dress.

Beautiful, historic and rugged Vermont camp.

Working on Heather's Mom.

Final touches on Heather.

Before the ceremony.

I'm saving the ceremony pics and formal shots for the official photographers of the night:)

Walking down to the rock beach for the formal pics.

Down the staircase to the water. There are no effects - this is how the camera capture the shot.

Heather's son watches from the stone steps while the bridal party has their photo taken.

Reception and offerings took place in on of the camp buildings - Wigwam.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Benoit . . . CONGRATS!

Tiffany Stewart Marries Willis Brigham at Sugarbush Resort, Vermont - July 17th, 2010

2010-08-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

I always love the time I get to spend driving to the beautiful Vermont destination wedding sites. Sugarbush Resort is about and hour from my home and it is such a great trip. Tiffany's wedding day was no exception. Warm and breezy - rain did threaten for a while but the clouds moved on quickly. Our Bride was so relaxed among many bridesmaids, hair staff, moms and me. I took over the corner of the suite with the best natural light and did The MOB's (Mom of Bride) makeup and then Tiffany. Here are a few photos I took myself (I got a little carried away by the flowers) and then at the bottom there are a few of the professional photog's pictures. I'll make sure to mark them:)

Beautiful Tiffany:)

Amazing flowers!

Fiddle head ferns personify Vermont!

Tiffany helps her Mom with her necklace. She was stunning in her blue dress!

Here begins the professional Photographer's pics.

Her shoes were the "something blue".

Beautiful ladies!

I loved the wreaths.

Fantastic cupcakes.

Congrats Tiffany and Willis!

Kelly Bowman Vermont Wedding at the Essex - July 11th, 2010

2010-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Kelly Bowman visited us earlier in the season for her run through and I was really excited for her big day. The Essex Resort and Spa is near where I live, no long drive was required. She helped so much by bringing me pictures of make-up styles she liked and we quickly came up with a plan for her wedding look. Her only last minute change was to add black liner under her eyes (I don't usually recommended it for brides because of the potential for it running). But, I have a new MAC gel that we tried and you can be the judge about the final look - I think she's stunning! Justin Cruz from his salon of the same name, came with his crew a did a wonderful, romantic side-do. His work is always a cut above. Her daughters were her junior bridesmaids 11 and 12 years old. I can't wait to see the professional pics of them in their black cocktail dresses and yellow Converse sneakers.

Before liner and after . . . HOT!

Congrats to Kelly and Bryan!
Love,
Cynthea

Ryan Montbleau Band plays TaraDan's Wedding in Vermont

2010-07-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

A very important element in the lives of TaraDan is music. How wonderful to be introduced to a great band (from my hometown no less) at their wedding. Enjoy the pics of the Ryan Montbleau Band. Here they are playing for the guests before the ceremony.

Guests gather in the Old Lantern barn to hear the band.

TaraDan dance under the twinkle lights.

Ryan Montbleau tunes up.

Jason Cohen checks the settings.

Great night, great couple, great band!
Love,
Cynthea

Taraleigh Silberberg /Daniel Weathers Vermont Wedding - Old Lantern, July 10th, 2010

2010-07-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

TaraDan Vermont Wedding 2010:
What an honor to be invited to craft a wedding look for the most sparkly, vibrant, Phish following, open-hearted and kind person I know here in Vermont. We went through our makeup and hair run-throughs earlier in the spring and we both had minor changes to suggest. This is going to be a long photo montage as not only did we craft the hair and makeup but I was also a guest at this most unique of weddings and I'd love to share some of my pics of the event.

Two of the most important themes running through the wedding planning were sparkles and peacock feathers. Drawing these elements together in an elegant authentic way without going over the line to costume was my challenge. Taraleigh also has a full head of dreadlocks that she wanted pulled up as an homage to the giant bun the Carrie wore to Charlotte's wedding from SATC.

A closer look at Taraleigh's incredible hairpiece. She found the appliques herself and had help piecing them together from local jewelry designer, Casey Webster. For you DIY Brides out there - WHOA.

She woke up with Tigers in her bed!

Members of the Ryan Monbleau Band play for the guests and rocked out later that night (That's another album:)

Staying cool in the Bride's room of the Old Lantern.

Dan and his parents make their way to the isle.

Taraleigh and her parents glide toward the Chuppah. Her bridal bouquet is crafted from several types of Kale and peacock feathers.

Minister Jane Jarecki Lanza did a beautiful job as the officiant.

The Weathers.

As Taraleigh and Dan made their way down the isle, they stopped for another kiss - this is my absolute favorite moment. Everyone else was still faced the other way. It's the first "private" kiss as husband and wife. Two seconds later the wedding party caught up to them and the receiving line began.

Wishing you all the best for many years to come.
Love,
Cynthea

Skinner Barn, Vermont Wedding - Beautiful bride Leeann

2010-06-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is the first time a professional wedding photographer has emailed me copies of the wedding pictures SO fast. You may remember Leeann was married June 5th at the beautiful Skinner Barn in Waitsfield, Vermont. I posted a few pics I took that day but here are the professional pics from David Garten - vtweddingphoto.com

Here is our bride looking very relaxed (she was the whole time!)

Of course I brought my whole kit!

Sunburn? What sunburn?

Love her smile:)

Here she is ready to walk down the isle! She is such a beautiful bride! Congratulations!

Spectacular Vermont Wedding - Cynthea's Spa Travels to the Grand Isle Lake House

2010-06-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Vermont Wedding season is well underway for 2010 and I was so thrilled to travel back to the Grand Isle Lake House, in Grand Isle, Vermont for our first of many wedding there this year. Our Bride, Stacy, has been wonderful to work with, a dark haired-blue eyed beauty. She NEVER wears makeup and was very nervous about looking too made up. We did have to do a second trial run to make sure everything was perfect (and she was comfortable-PHEW!). We chose more of a "watercolor" style of eye palette with soft shades of purple. We borrowed Cailyne Crowder from the Chop Shop in Burlington to recreate an up-do that we did that appeared in Vermont Vows Magazine. She did a wonderful job! I have no claim to be a wedding photographer but, I did get a bit obsessed with her gown:)

Stacy's beautiful Wedding Gown from Fiore Bridal Boutique.

Beautiful Bride to Be - Wedding makeup preview for Kelly

2010-06-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Local gal, Kelly, came to Cynthea's Spa on Friday for her Wedding Makeup Preview. I love how well prepared she is. She took the time to search for makeup looks she really liked and brought them to me. We were able to narrow down her choices during our consultation and that results in a very happy bride to be! My favorite! Here she is before . . .

And after!
She has wonderful freckles and we would never try to make her foundation so heavy that would cover them up but, we do want a good base for the other layers to stay for the day. I used our airbrush foundation with a light hand and think it worked perfectly.

I love the close up of her eye makeup. She has amazing blue eyes so we chose pinks and purples to really highlight them. We have her Brow Makeover scheduled for a few days before her wedding.

Excited for her wedding day - we'll be traveling to the Essex for the first time!

Love, love,
Cynthea

Part Deux - Beautiful Bride to Be - Taraleigh

2010-06-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Taraleigh Silberberg, the editor and publisher of the Healthy Hippy Magazine, came to Cynthea's Spa today for her Wedding Makeup trial (we did her hair two days ago - see the earlier post). She really wanted to go all out with color for her makeup because everything else she is wearing is white, metallic or iridescent. Because I know she loves peacock feathers (she even came in wearing earrings she had made) we drew inspiration from them to craft a one of a kind look for her eyes. Because her eyes were going to be such a big focus we kept her cheek and lip colors more neutral. Here she is before . . .

And after . . .

Here are her eyes close up. Turquoise and purple washed with gold - very well worked in and blended. I worked slowly because of the intense pigment and kept building layers to work the contouring.

I think you have to see the full effect with her outfit. This is how she loves to dress everyday and right after our session she was catching a stand by seat to Chicago to see PHISH! She has to be back by noon tomorrow for lots of pre-wedding blessings ceremonies. I'm sure she'll make it back!

Beautiful Bride to Be - Taraleigh

2010-06-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

Taraleigh Silberberg, the editor and publisher of the Healthy Hippy Magazine, came to the Spa today for her Wedding hair trial (makeup on Friday, so watch for the update). She has a beautiful hair piece that is being custom crafted by local jewelry designer, Casey Webster, and a head full of dreadlocks. She had a dream about how she wanted her hair, godess-like, pulled back and wrapped around her head.

Here is a before picture:)

And after! What fun watching the transformation! Even without makeup she is a true natural beauty and a pleasure to work with.

Excited to work on the golden glow makeup on Friday:

Love,

Cynthea

Our First Vermont Wedding of the Season - Leanne at the Skinner Barn

2010-06-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

SO excited to start our Vermont Wedding Season at the Skinner Barn in Waitsfield, Vermont. "The Skinner Barn is a beautifully restored historic dairy barn originally built in 1891 by the Daniel Skinner family. Of classic post and beam construction, it offers a special environment for educational classes, cultural events, parties, and receptions. Flanked by the majestic Northfield Ridge to its east and the mountains that host the Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas to its west, The Skinner Barn offers a quintessential Vermont setting."

The drive into Waitsfield is a beautiful one any day but, this day the sky was full of huge clouds and threatening rain. Combine it with winding pastoral roads and it becomes magic.

My beautiful bride, Leeann and her two best friends and Mom, met me in the Bridal room of the barn. I worked on her bridesmaids first because I like to save the bride for last - so her makeup is the freshest. Everyone was very warm and laid back and we had a nice time crafting their look. Leeann had experienced a reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide that had been prescribed to her by a Dermatologist earlier in the month. Her skin was better now but, still a bit red and sensitive. My challenge was to mitigate the red and craft a classic look that fit with this active and natural bride.

Earlier in the week we had shaped her eye brows and tinted her eyelashes. Here she is before and without any makeup. Her nose is slightly burned from running a leg of the Vermont City Marathon last weekend.

And After . . . These are a few pictures that I shot myself. I'm really looking forward to the professional pics!

The Skinner Barn owner (and actor of "One Live to Live" and "As the World Turns" fame) Peter Boynton - what a nice guy!

Wishing the couple all the very best!

Love,
Cynthea

Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot

2009-12-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here we are getting ready for our first big in-house photo shoot. It was so exciting! We asked a few friends and staff to pose for us and the results were great. We posted a few of the pics already and I'll make another post of all the best shots. The professionals that contributed to the shoot are Cyndi Freeman - Photographer (she was so easy to work with!), Sarah Crowley - Hair design (I'll make sure to post who did which hair style), Cailyne Crowder - Hair design, Justin Cruz - Hair design, Alison Flamini - Makeup artist (and model!), me (Cynthea Wight Hausman) - Creative director, organizer, and Makeup designer. The jewelry was on loan from; Once Upon a Bride, CW Creations, Von Bargen's Jewelry, and Tradewinds. Our Models are Hannah, Alison and Shay. They were wonderfully patient while we make them up and asked them to do some many different shots! I thought the day went really well! Enjoy!

Me playing with the veil:)

Airbrushing Hannah. We had to hold tissue near her hairline so protect it from overspray.

Justin Cruz working on Alison's hair. Loved the way it turned out for the Marie Antoinette inspired looks.

Mascara for Miss Hannah.

Alison works on Shay's first look.

Purple eye for Hannah. She looks like she could nap.

Alison blending Shay's eyes.

Me working on Miss Hannah's eyes. To see the images of the finished looks stay tuned:)

Thanks so much for everyone's hard work!
C

Vermont Vows Wedding Affair Fashion Show

2009-11-24T20:19:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful time at the Vermont Vows Wedding Affair! We were thrilled with how beautiful the "Marie Antoinette" inspired look was executed. We knew it was going to be a big task to please the amazing and discerning eye of Krista Washburn, the organizer of the event and owner of Vermont Vows Magazine.

We prepared for the runway with our own trial run before the show and photographed the results. Justin Cruz Salon was invited to our Spa to put our looks together and Cyndi Freeman did a wonderful job photographing our friends and staff that we asked to be our models.

Here are photos of the Fashion show and the pics from our trial run. I think they are both stunning!

If you love these looks, I'll break down how to achieve them yourself!

Here is Alison (one of our wonderful makeup artists and estheticians). Justin crafted her hair personally. She has a peach shimmer eye shadow, a burgundy cheek stain that is also used on her lips. Photo by Cyndi Freeman, Makeup by Alison, Jewelry by Casey Webster of Candles and Creations, Creative direction by Cynthea. Runway photography by Jordan Silverman.

Here is the beautiful, Hanna. She is styled nearly the same way but because or her coloring it looks totally unique. Peach shimmer eye, burgundy cheek stain and the same used on her lips. Makeup and creative direction by Cynthea, Photography by Cyndi Freeman, Hair by Justin Cruz Salon. Jewelry by Once Upon a Bride, Hair pieces by Casey Webster of Candles and Creations. Runway photography by Jordan Silverman.
Many more pics of the runway to come!

Thanks so much for everyone's amazing work!

Cynthea

Makeup Tips for Tired Moms

2009-07-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Makeup Tips for Tired Moms
-Cynthea Wight Hausman BS, MEd
Owner and Operator of Cynthea's Spa

As a mom of a 4 year old, I have been up with him many long nights with sniffles, fevers and nightmares. I still have to run my small spa the next day and look like I have gotten a full night sleep. Here are the tips and tricks I use so I look like I slept a full eight hours. Plus, I have at least one cup of coffee:)

1. Shape your Eyebrows:
To give your eye "Lift" go to a professional for your first brow shaping. Here is a guide we use at our spa to find your perfect brow shape.

Five steps to creating “Your Perfect Arch” with Cynthea Cosmetics and BrowNow.com

Step 1

· Measure your brow.

- Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up to the inside corner of you eye straight up to your brow. This is as far apart as they should ever be.
- Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up to the outside corner of your eye straight up to your brow. This is as short as the brow should ever be.
- Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up through your iris, when you are looking straight into your own eyes in the mirror, straight up to your brow. This is the peak of your arch.

Step 2

· Choose the best brow stencil shape for you face. There are three to choose from “Fine, Medium or Full”

Step 3

· Choose the best brow color and apply inside the stencil with an angle brush.

· Blondes should choose one to two shades darker than their brow hair.

· Brunettes should choose one to two shades lighter than their brow hair.

Step 4

· Remove hair outside of the powder filled section either by waxing or tweezing.

Step 5

· Highlight under the brow and the inside corner of the eye for maximum anti-aging effect

2. Add Some Light:
Don't pile on concealer. Use a shimmery peach gold eye shadow on your lids for a fresh natural look.

3. Curl Your Lashes:
For best results, place the curler as close to your lash line and squeeze the curler, release and move it out along the lashes stopping to squeeze again, all the way to the tips.

Tips for Photo Shoot Make-up

2009-07-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Tips for Photo Shoot Make-up
- Cynthea Wight Hausman

Make-up applications are slightly different for Professional Photo shoots from daily make up application. Here are some tips for making your shoot go perfectly.

Application Lighting:
- Use natural light – for example, near a big window

Prepare Your Skin:
- Wash, exfoliate, tone and lightly moisturize your face before applying make up
- Oil control is very important. If you can, use oil free formulated products
- Pull your hair away from the face
- To reduce puffy eyes, use Preparation H

Concealer:
- Use a concealer 2 shades lighter than skin to cover blemishes and dark spots; apply before foundation application.
- Use a green tint to cover red spots and yellow tint to cover purple spots.

Foundation:
- Choose a thicker formulated foundation rather than the sheers ones that are used in daily applications so that all blemishes are covered easily.
- Blend foundation from chin into your neck so that they are of the same color.
- Translucent Powder: Use lots of it, and reapply between shots, to create a mat finish look

Contouring:
- Contour cheeks and eyes to create a sculpted look

Eyes:
- Highlight eyebrow bones using light shadow to create lively eyes
- Avoid eyeshadow that is too frosty or shimmery – it’ll appear shiny
- Apply eyeliner with precision
- Use waterproof mascara
- Overall application needs to be with a heavier touch than daily make up, the flash of the camera can wash you out.

Lips:
- Use lipstick and liner of same color, in a shade darker than natural lip colour

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!
Cynthea

Beauty is more than Skin deep

2009-04-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Just because we love make-up does not mean we are superficial. Something that makes us feel good can also be a benefit to others in a very real concrete way. So, we are gathering together at Metronome on Friday night to share what we know about make-up and have a really fun party for the benefit of the Lund Family Center.

See you there!

Cynthea

Erin Hamlin of the USA Wins Luge World Championships

2009-02-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

Created on February 6, 2009 by Gordy Sheer

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- A German woman has won every luge world championship crown since 1993. That was until today, Friday, Feb. 6, when American Erin Hamlin (Remsen, N.Y.) shocked Germany and the rest of the world and became the first non-German to win a World title in 16 years. Italy's Gerda Weissensteiner won the title, in Calgary, Canada.

The win also snapped Germany's international racing winning streak, dating back to 1997, including Olympic, world championship and World Cup, at 99 races. "It's a good part of history, it feels good to finally beat the Germans," stated the 22-year-old Hamlin. "It will take a lot to stay up here but who knows, anything can happen."

Hamlin, who suffered from migraine headaches during yesterday's training, posted the race's two fastest times of 44.113 seconds and 43.985, a new track record, en route to a combined time of one minute, 28.098 seconds. She also joined Wendel Suckow as the only two U.S. athletes to win a luge World crown. Suckow claimed the men's singles title, in 1993, also in Calgary.
While Germany didn't win gold, Natalie Geisenberger did come away with the event's silver medal. Last year's world championship silver medalist finished her two runs in 1:28.285. "It's not so great," noted Geisenberger about losing the world championship. "It was a little bit of a shock, but we knew one day the day would come and today was the day."

Ukrainian Natalia Yakushenko completed Friday's world championship podium, winning the bronze medal in a total time of 1:28.285.

USA Luge's Julia Clukey (Augusta, Maine) and Ashley Walden (Westborough, Mass./Lake Placid, N.Y.) both posted top-10 finishes, fifth and seventh, respectively. Clukey posted a two-heat time of 1:28.622, while Walden stopped the clock in 1:28.844.

"I'm happy with my finish," remarked Clukey. "I'm comfortable on this track and I had two solid runs. It's a solid result."

Fellow American Anastasia Young (Merrick, N.Y.) made her world championship debut and finished 14th. Young was in 19th place following the first heat, but climbed five spots after recording the second heat's 10th best time and finished the race in 1:29.626.

The 41st World Luge Championships continues tomorrow with the men's singles event, while the team relay competition is slated for Sunday at the Olympic Sports Complex on Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

For an audio interview with Erin Hamlin click here.

All About Preparation

2009-02-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

I love the scene in Top Gun where Iceman asks Maverick If he's up the the next challenge. Mav responds with, "It's just a walk in the park." I know exactly what he means by that. All the hard work is already done. All the preparation that it takes to get in the game and sweat equity has been accomplished. Race day is like that.

When race day arrives after years of preparation you have to stop thinking and let the speed flow through you. If you think that you can do something differently than you have done and magically pull some kind of miracle performance out of thin air today, that you didn't train for yesterday, prepare for disappointment. Today, race day, has to be no different than training day. Sure the intensity is up and your desire to allow you best performance to pour out of you is palpable but, you have to let it go. You might as well throw out an anchor at the start of your run if you indulge in thinking - - maybe today is my miracle. No, today has to be the same walk in the park that you took yesterday and the day before that and the day before that, ad infinitum. We NEVER make any major changes on race day. It is the most sure way to screw up and end up in the hospital or worse at the bottom of the list.

Most people think that we do these kind of sports because we are some kind of adrenaline junkies. I'd say it is more about riding the wave of adrenaline that sets the really great athletes apart. If you let the thrill dictate the performance then you will suck. If you can relax and let the emotion and extreme intensity of each milimoment leading up to getting to the start handles wash over you and still feel confidant, quiet and completely prepared, then you open the possibility of have the greatest performance of your life. It's all we want. It's all we work for.

If you want a thrill go throw yourself of a bridge with a bungee strapped to your feet. If you want the opportunity to push yourself harder and further then your ever thought you could go, endure emotional frustration when you don't perform as well as you know you can, bury pain that makes doing simple tasks difficult, and strive for a goal that may take a good chuck of your life to only partly achieve . . . then maybe you have signed on to compete in the world of international Luge racing. Or any Olympic level sport for that matter.

As I finish my packing and get ready to see many old teammates tomorrow in Lake Placid, I will leave you with my next favorite quote and one that I have said many times while perfecting my over-the-head-around-the-back-high/low five, "I feel the need . . . the need for speed!"

Slide on, dear ones.

Payback

2009-02-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

The 41st Luge World Championships Race action begins on Friday, Feb. 6, with the doubles race at 10:00 a.m. eastern time, followed by the women's competition at 1:00 p.m. On Saturday, the men take their turn at 12:15 p.m. Sunday's Team Relay event will kick off at 11:00 a.m.

If you can't make it in person, watch event coverage on http://www.universalsports.com/.

It is few and far between that the US gets to hold a race on our home track. It's like home field advantage times a million. Every where we race in Europe is someone elses home track and some athletes have been in the sport so long that most track feels like home. Other countries make deals with each other about how much training they can have. It is one way to hamstring the competition.

Enter the World Championships in Lake Placid this weekend. We finally get to come home for a major event and have an opportunity to hit the podium. Here is how we take advantage of home field advantage. Training is split into groups. Everyone wants the best ice to train on and you want to train at nearly the same time of day that you will be racing. This is to simulate the race conditions as closely as possible. When you are the home team you train when you want to train. You try (not so obviously) and put the teams that are the most competition to you, at the crappy training times. Make them get up really early or make them wait all day to get on the ice. Plus, they probably have jet lag . . . like you always do when you fly to Europe.

No pressure. But, pressure is exactly what Tony Benshoof must be feeling. After 20 years in the sport, he finally had to give himself over to his back surgeon this fall and fix his bulging disc that most high level Luge athletes have to deal with. That was only five weeks ago! Tough? Dedicated? Crazy? Maybe, but that is Luge. You want it, you have to dig down deeper than you ever thought you could. You have to put EVERYTHING else aside for one thing, one moment, one thousandth of a second. It is not about being in the moment, it is about being absolutely present in the smallest possible fraction of a moment. Time literally slows down for us. We can make corrections so fast and so small that the watcher can only know what the athlete did by how the sled reacts.

I have been watching the training times. Tony is off the pace by .6 of a second. it still puts him on the podium but .6 tenths is an eternity in Luge. Gold is a stretch. However, with that being said the weather is turning warmer, the ice will get a little softer, a little more moisture will make it a little easier to drive and the sliders will be able to relax a little more and have to let the sled run even more than on marble hard ice in colder weather. I think this will work to Tony's advantage. Unless of course the coaches take a bit more edge off of his runners and make them a bit more squirrely to adjust for the the softer ice. We'll just have to wait and see. If heart has anything to do with gold medals, Tony already has several in my book.

Here are some more updates from the US Luge Office and my friend and former teammate Gordy Sheer.

World Championship Update

Created on February 4, 2009 by Gordy Sheer

- The reigning Lake Placid World Champion is none other than Miro Zayonc, Assistant Coach of the U.S. National Team. Following his defection from the former Czechoslovakia, Miro won the race representing Canada as he waited for citizenship clearance to compete for the USA.

- Tony Benshoof's comeback following surgery to relieve pain in his back appears to be on-track. Benshoof took his first runs from men's start earlier this week and has been posting competitive training times all week. He had been sliding from the women's start until recently.

- USA Luge will unveil its 2010 Olympic Team helmet, designed and painted by Jon Wooten, on Saturday night during the USA Luge Alumni and Volunteers Party. Mr. Wooten, who will be present throughout the weekend, will present the team with two final helmet designs. The team will pick the winning helmet. Both helmets will be auctioned off to help support USA Luge.

- Grimmette and Martin broke their front bridge leg in training today (Feb.2). The part broke after hitting a wall in curve 12. The bridge leg, which connects the two runners and supports the fiberglass shell the athletes lay on, also showed small signs of rust at the weld. The duo, along with their USA Luge Head Coach, Wolfgang Schädler, replaced the bridges with last year's set-up and have been back on course.

- You can view updated training times for all nations here. The track has been fast and if weather conditions hold steady, we may be in for track records this weekend. The current track record for men is 52.443, set by Armin Zöggeler of Italy. The women's track record sits at 44.021, set by Sonja Wiedemann of Germany, while Austrian brothers and 2006 Olympic gold medalists, Wolfgang and Andreas Linger, hold the track record with a time of 43.997 seconds. Zöggeler and the Lingers set their records in November of 2007, while Wiedemann has held her record since November of 2001.

- The US team training times have been very solid, so come out and support the team!

- Curve 12 continues to prove a challenge to may top sliders, including Italian doubles sliders Gerhard Plankensteiner and Oswald Haselrider, who set the fastest training time on Feb. 3 and had problems the next day.

-Expect to see over 1,500 kids during the women's and doubles races. Children will be coming from all over the Adirondack region, thanks to the Olympic Regional Development Authority's outreach program and the ambitious effort on behalf of the students to raise funds to attend the race.

- Reigning World Champions, all from Germany, are Felix Loch in the men's division, Tatiana Hüfner in the women's division and Andre Florschütz and Torsten Wustlich in the doubles discipline. The 2008 World Championships were held in Oberhof, Germany. With the World Championships away from Germany, look for a more international podium at this weekend's race.

Hausman Covers 41st Luge World Championships

2009-02-03T05:25:00.001-08:00

Wait, I can hear your thoughts right now.

Isn't this a blog about beauty trends? How does Luge fit in here?

Well, many of you know that I was a Luge and Bobsled US National Team member. Those of you who didn't know - you do now!

Briefly, it all started in 1984 when I attended a grassroots luge camp just after the Olympic Games in Sarajevo. I was ski racing in the hinter lands of New Hampshire and watched every moment of Luge and Bobsled that was on TV. I asked my ski coach if he knew anything about the sport and he introduced me to a teacher in my High School who's daughter was alternate to that Olympic Team in Luge. What are the chances? She gave me the contact information to the US Luge Association and the rest is an 18 year career in ice sports.

I have an absolute passion for ice sports. My goal is to bring you some deeper insights and personal stories to these complex and thrilling sports. If I have to read another article from a person who has never seen a Luge race in their life, not ask the real questions and not understand what they are watching, I will have to give them a verbal long-john wedgie that they will remember for a long time! It's like sending a professional sand-castle maker to the Indy 500! Argh.

Here is the latest news from the US Luge Assoc.

U.S. Luge World Championship Team Named

Race-off Determines Final Spots

Updated World Championship Training Times can be seen here

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- USA Luge announced its roster, today, Jan. 30, for the 41st Luge World Championships to be held Feb. 6-8 in Lake Placid N.Y. The top performers in the World Cup had already secured spots on the roster, while the remaining spots were determined by today's intra-squad race-off.

The (Doubles) team will be led by Olympic medalists Mark Grimmette (Muskegon, Mich. and Lake Placid, N.Y.) and Brian Martin (Palo Alto, Calif. and Lake Placid, N.Y.), who qualified based on the merit of their World Cup performance. Also qualifying through their World Cup performance are 2006 Olympians Christian Niccum (Woodinville, Wash.) and Dan Joye (Carmel, N.Y.), who missed the last three World Cup events following the emergency Cesarean birth of Joye's son, Jett. Joye's wife experienced the onset of preeclampsia and as a safety precaution to both mother and child, gave birth to the baby at 27 ½ weeks. In the now ensuing four weeks, both the baby and the mother are healthy and progressing as hoped. Also joining the doubles roster will be the team of Matt Mortensen (Huntington, N.Y.) and Preston Griffall (Salt Lake City, Utah), competing in their second season together, who won the right to compete at today's race-off.

(Women's racer) Erin Hamlin (Remsen, N.Y.), a two-time top-five finisher in Lake Placid World Cup events, enters the World Championship as the top-ranked American woman. The 2006 Olympian, currently ranked sixth in World Cup standings, will be joined by Julia Clukey, winner of today's women's race-off. Clukey achieved her best-ever World Cup finish, fourth place, in Lake Placid during the 2007 event. World Cup medalist and 2002 Olympian Ashley Walden (Westborough, Mass. and Lake Placid, N.Y.), finished second in the race-off, earning a berth onto the World Championship team and Stacey Young (Merrick, N.Y.), last season's overall bronze medalist in the Junior World Cup, finished third to grab the final racing slot.

Tony Benshoof, the most decorated male athlete in USA Luge history with 37 medals, hopes to be in prime shape for the men's competition following back surgery on December 26th of last year. He and 2002 Olympian Bengt Walden qualified for the event based on their World Cup performances and were exempt from the intra-squad competition. By virtue of winning today's race-off, Junior World Championship bronze medalist Robby Huerbin (Pittsburgh, Pa.) earned a spot on the Worlds team, while second place finisher Chris Mazdzer (Saranac Lake, N.Y.), the reigning overall Junior World Cup silver medalist, grabbed the final men's slot.
The World Championship competitions can be seen at www.universalsports.com. Race action begins on Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. local time with the doubles competition, followed by the women's race at 1:00 p.m. The men race the following day at 12:15 p.m. and the team relay will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 11:00 a.m.

SpaFinder's Top 10 Spa Trends for 2009

2009-01-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

Dear SpaFinder Insiders,

Each year it is my privilege to share with you – the SpaFinder Insider audience – our list of the top ten spa trends we predict for the new year.

Although many people are currently thinking about economic issues – and we do see them impacting the spa industry in 2009 – I believe that it’s important to stay focused on the larger, long-term picture, which shows the industry progressing in very exciting and important ways. It is vital to forge ahead, not only with strategies to weather the current storms, but with vigor in shaping the industry's future.

To view our 2009 spa trend information in printable form, click here: Press Release, or here: Full Trends Report. The full trends report is also included below in this communication and you can use the at-a-glance list to jump to different trends. I hope you find the trends report interesting and useful. As always, I welcome your input and feedback.
Enjoy this glimpse into spa future!

Susie Ellis
President, SpaFinder, Inc.

SpaFinder’s Top 10 Spa Trends for 2009

Energy Medicine – People are more open to alternative medicine, and there is more scientific evidence lending credibiity to the field.

Casinos & Spas – The combination of gaming and relaxation is quite complementary, and casino hotels have the money and creativity to build unique and exciting spas.

The Medical and Spa Tourism Shuffle – Traveling for health is happening for many different reasons and in many different ways, all over the globe.

Eco-Embedded Spas: A Deeper Shade of Green – It’s the most relaxing way for spa-goers to enjoy and feel good about their spa experiences.

Trains, Boats & Planes: In-Transit Spa-Going – The presence of de-stressing outlets during travel helps to make trips much more enjoyable.

Brain Health and ‘Mind’ Gyms - As people age they recognize that their minds need exercise just as their bodies do.

Stress – the 2009 Buzzword – As the entire global population is seeing unprecedented stress levels, and the number-one reason people go to spas is to reduce stress.

Mindful Spending – Discounts, bargains, and added values are expected in almost every transaction, and spas will be no exception.

Move Over Baby Boomers: Gen X & Y Are Spa-ing Their Own Way – The younger generation has unique spa-going habits, such as starting at a younger age, spa-ing with friends, and using technology 24/7.

Brands, Brands, Brands – There are so many spas to chose from, and brands help consumers distinguish one from another.

Cynthea's Spa Adds Thai Yoga Massage to Menu

2009-01-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Cynthea's Spa Welcomes Jane Jarecki to the Staff
Offering Thai Yoga Massage at a Student Rate

Thai massage involves a fluid sequence of soft tissue pressing, assisted yoga stretches, twisting and joint manipulation performed on a futon in loose fitting clothing. Jane uses her hands, feet and elbows to apply pressure to points along the sen energy lines of the body, in combination with breath work and mindful stretching. This releases energy blocks energy and stimulates the body's own natural healing potential, restoring balance, health and harmony while providing a deeply relaxing and rewarding experience.

Jane began practicing yoga during college after a fateful journey to India. She has studied with Sri Dharma Mittra, Nancy Gilgoff, and Rusty Wells. Jane is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher who considers yoga to be one pathway to peaceful life. Jane sees yoga as a tool for preventing illness, cultivating self-awareness, compassion and love. Her class is a flowing and dynamic experience with emphasis on self-acceptance, relaxation, breath, alignment, and exploring one's edge. Jane is devoted to studying and sharing yoga as yoga has opened Jane to herself and the world. Jane is certified level 1 in Thai Massage by the Thai Ministry of Education through ITM, Chiang Mai.

If you receive Thai massage often, chances are you've been positioned on your back, stomach and on each side then moved into the yoga postures and massaged. In this relaxing and opening introduction to Thai Massage, you will be lying mostly on your back though moving through a few yoga asanas. In a full length (1.5-2 hours) Thai massage, you will be brought into all four positions. Though at Level 1, you receive the same benefit!

In Thailand, this massage technique is seen as a form of preventative medicine. Thai Yoga Massage is relaxing and stimulating for the mind as well as the body and recipients are often able to think more clearly afterwards and feel a profound sense of well being.

Thai Yoga Massage can help you:
• boost your energy level and immunity
• relieve tension
• increase flexibility
• relieve soreness and tightness
• feel calm, release tension

Be sure to wear loose comfortable clothes and enjoy.

Call for an appointment 802 238-7524

What clients are already saying about Jane's work:

Melissa Brodeur wrote, "I am still buzzing from my fabulous massage! Thanks love."

Candace J. Taylor wrote, "Thanks for a transformative thai massage today... namaste. Peace and Love, Candace :)."

Taraleigh Silberberg wrote, "When do you want to come over and Thai Massage me....now? Sweet!"

Miss Vermont, Ashley Wheeler's Brow Make-over by Cynthea's Spa

2009-01-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

Miss Vermont, Ashley Wheeler visits Cynthea's Spa for a pre-Miss America Competition Eye Brow Make-over.

Ashley Wheeler's Brow Make-over Before and After photos.
She is so beautiful naturally, how can we improve her look?

Just look at the difference! Her whole face seems to light up!

Ashley's Right Brow Make-over Before and After photos.

The peak of her arch here is missing and the brow is too square toward her nose. We need to shift the peak back and clean them up.

Here the brow is filled in with our Cynthea Cosmetics Arch Angel Brow powder in Soft Smoke and a medium size stencil. Then highlighted under the brow with our Sandstone eye shadow. She looks much more polished and ready for the stage!

Ashley's Left Brow Make-over Before and After photos.

As we look closer to her brow, the section closest to her nose is a bit too big and there are several strays above her brow. We also need to fill in the top of her arch (a little hard to see in the photo but, needed).

You can see how much more lift a cleaned up line gives her. Her brow is filled in with our Cynthea Cosmetics Arch Angel Brow powder in Soft Smoke and a medium size stencil. Then highlighted under the brow with our Sandstone eye shadow.

We wish Ashley the best of luck at the Miss America Pageant! Join us by cheering her on January 24th, 2009 live on TLC.

Visit her website at MissVermont.Org

Reviews of Cynthea's Spa Instant Gift Certificate page

2008-08-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Recent reviews of our instant spa gift certificate process.

"What a great idea to be able to print the certificate off - saved me loads of time and gas to have to get down to churchstreet. Thanks!" Sonah L.

"Great website - easy to use - nice to be given chances to make changes." Cheryl W.

"Great!" Michaela C.

"Fast and easy process to get a gift certificate." Stephen G.

"Thank you for making this process so user friendly! When I am in Burlington again I will definitely be stopping by!" Maryjoan C.

"All good." Parker L.

Cynthea's Spa Make-up Portfolio

2008-08-26T12:59:00.001-07:00

Most images seen here are taken by the wonderful Jordan Silverman!
Find him at JordanSilverman.com

Tourist season holding its own by Molly Walsh

2008-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Cynthea Wight Hausman quoted in the Free Press.
I talk about my family's "stay-cation".
It appears at the end of the article.

Tourist season holding its own
By Molly Walsh • Free Press Staff Writer • August 17, 2008

Summertime and the tourists are visiting, despite the weak economy, high gas prices and near-record rainfall.

Early economic indicators suggest that while tourism is not booming, it is holding its own and fears of a major drop in the number of summer visitors appear to be unwarranted.

Vermont rooms and meals tax revenue for June and July was above conservative state targets and only a hair below last year’s take. While gas tax revenue and traffic on the highways are down, Burlington International Airport is busy; train ridership around the state is up; and Canadian tourists capitalizing on the weak U.S. dollar are helping to keep Vermont cash registers ringing.

“From our perspective and talking to some of our members as recently as this week, it’s been a good summer,” said Tim Shea, vice president of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Certainly, the rain does dampen things and there’s not too much you can do about that. But in anecdotal conversations with some of the hotels and some of the larger attractions, they are reporting a good summer.”

The bottom line: “I think folks are still wanting to travel,” Shea said.
Andrea Cannon of suburban Philadelphia came up to Vermont last week to stay in a rented vacation cottage in Alburgh with family and friends. She thought about flying up and checked out last-minute fares that in the past have sometimes been reasonable. Not this time. The cheapest fare for the hourlong flight was about $900 so she drove.

Cannon said she is less willing to drive long distances since gas prices went up, but the former Vermont resident said she loves returning to the state and would do so even if gas prices were much higher. “I would splurge for Vermont — but not elsewhere.”

Other visitors say they aren’t fazed by gas prices. Tony Rubino of Baltimore came to Vermont on vacation with his wife last week and stayed at a Williston hotel. They flew up and rented a car without worrying much about higher transportation costs. “One of our goals in life — my wife and I — is to visit all 50 states,” Rubino said.

The trip to Vermont wrapped up the New England states on his list and left the couple with a wide swath of the Midwest to explore on future vacations. In Vermont, Rubino visited Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury, the Rock of Ages quarry in Barre and downtown Burlington, and had plans to ride the alpine slide in Stowe. Vermonters, he observed, seem friendly and even stop their cars when they encounter pedestrians in a crosswalk. “In D.C. or Baltimore, that’s not going to happen,” Rubino said.

Vermont logs about 13.4 million visitor trips annually, according to a 2005 state study. Visitors spend $1.57 billion, making tourism one of the top sources of revenue in the Vermont economy. While the state is well known for splendid autumn foliage and abundant snow sports in the winter, the months from June to August typically attract more tourists than any other season.

This year many tourists appear to be making spur-of-the-moment trips — deciding on Tuesday or Thursday to come up Friday, tourism officials say. It also appears that high-end lodging is doing better than mid- to low-end.

In June, Stowe was one of the few places in the state where road traffic was up significantly, said Erica Houskeeper, director of communications at the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.

“It seems that the more expensive and high-end resorts and properties seem to be doing well, while business at the more family-oriented, moderately priced establishments — that’s mixed. And based on anecdotal information, weather seems to be more of a factor right now than gas prices and the economy.”

Houskeeper speculated that some of the traffic at tonier properties might be driven by people who canceled trips to more distant locales and used some of the money saved to splurge on upscale lodging closer to home. “They may say instead of going to Colorado or France, they’ll stay at a more high-end place in Vermont.”

About 70 million people live within a day’s drive of Vermont, and many of them make decisions about when to come and how long to stay on fairly short notice. They also tack on vacation days after work or social events.

New Hampshire resident Kathie Vincent came to Chittenden County last week with her husband to attend a wedding. They added a few vacation days to the trip to go biking, play golf and see the sights. Vincent conserves gas in her daily routine at home, but hasn’t changed her vacation habits on account of the prices. “For the most part it hasn’t stopped us from doing stuff,” she said Friday.

Vermont’s summer tourism season attracts a wide range of visitors — from outdoorsy sorts who want to hike and bike to foodies who hit the restaurants and farmers markets. Conventions also pack ’em in. Last week, Burlington was the site of two major conventions — one about Jewish education and one hosted by the Vermont Captive Insurance Association. They brought more than 2,500 people to the area.

“It’s very laid-back, very calm,” said Kathryn Willis, a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., who attended the insurance conference.

She didn’t have time to add vacation days to her conference stay but said she’d consider coming back to Vermont. “It would be a nice vacation spot, just to relax.”

Relaxing is only part of what Burlington resident Cynthea Hausman and her husband plan to do on their “staycation” this week. They are taking time off from work but not from home. They’ll visit beaches, the drive-in, the Champlain Valley Exposition and new restaurants.

They opted for a vacation at home to save money on expensive plane flights and take advantage of all the attractions that bring tourists to Vermont. “Everybody comes here to vacation,” Hausman said. “Why aren’t we doing that, too?”

Along with saving money, Hausman thinks the staycation will be relaxing — with no airport hassles, suitcases of dirty laundry or lost luggage. Her prediction: “We won’t need a vacation from our vacation.”

Contact Molly Walsh at 660-1874 or mwalsh@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com

Vt. tourism facts

Annual impact
13.4 million visitor trips

$1.57 billion in visitor spending

$196.4 million in state tax and fee revenues

36,250 Vermont jobs supported by visitor spending

Visitor trips by origin
U.S. outside Vermont: 54.47%

Vermont: 25.37%

International (Canada): 18.65%

International (other): 0.44%

Avg. visitor spending
Day visitor: $66

Overnight visitor: $177

Source: Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, 2005 report “A Benchmark Study of the Economic Impact of Visitor Expenditures on the Vermont Economy.”

The Healing Benefits of Rose quartz

2008-08-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Rose quartz is a magnet for healing love energy.
Said to encourage self-love, love of others, forgiveness, and compassion, one's most beautiful qualities and features can come to light with this stone.

Opening and balancing the second (sacral) and fourth (heart) chakras, rose quatz's cherubic energy gently removes negativity as it helps heal emotional wounds.

For people who are afraid that if they open their heart to others they will get hurt, this stone can help them let go of fear.

On the physical side, rose quartz is thought to help reduce weight and wrinkles. It has also been used to help counteract lymphatic cancer and circulatory problems.

The Fourth Chakra - (Heart Center)

2008-08-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is a great piece that explains the benefits of a the chakras in balance.
It is the insipiration of my new set of treatments that we will launch very soon!
Exciting times!
Cynthea

Fourth Chakra - Anahata (Heart Center)

The 4th chakra lies between the shoulder blades slightly higher than the physical heart.

The focus of the heart center is love and balance. It is from within the heart center that the Lord of Love shines forth in all of us. The heart center plays an important role in the balancing of the chakra system. In order to achieve a proper balance and flow of energy through the chakras, that energy must be integrated across the heart center. The blending of the higher and lower centers, (though each equally important) must be acheived across the heart center.

One means of achieving balance across the charka system is to take an inventory of what centers are out of balance. See to it that as you work on balancing each of those centers that you even out the balancing across the heart center. If weeek 1 you work on your 1st Chakra, and your 7th Chakra is out of balance as well, then try working on your 7th Chakra the next week. As you work with these energy centers you will find that the blockages move as your life moves. I speak only from my own personal experience in working with these centers over the past couple of years, (in this life time.)

When a person is blocked in the Heart Center it may manifest as a lack of abilty to give freely, or a lack of resources. The Heart Center tends to be an area that humanity requires the most healing in, who hasn’t been hurt by a loving relationship in the past. An ironic twist is that the Heart Center is also the primary center from which healing flows.

The color of the fourth chakra, is green. Green the color of abundance and good fortune. Pink is another potential color for this center, which represents a balancing of the White Light from above with the Red of the 1st Chakra.

Benefits of a Balanced Fourth Chakra
Love
Ability to give freely to others
Abundance
Healing for ones self and others
Integration of the higher and lower energy centers

Meditation from the Heart Center is an excellent means of polling our higher selves for what is right. If you hear your heart speak it to you then follow it. I have been working on allowing my heart to guide me for sometime, which is challenging considering my head likes to think it controls things The path may not be the one most easily taken, but listening to and operating from the heart center will help you to achieve your purpose.

The Heart Center represents Love. What a fantastic quailty to work on balancing

Sat Nam

H~

Vermont's First Tax Holiday

2008-07-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tax Free and Free Shipping from CyntheaSpa.Com

This weekend in Vermont it is a our first ever Tax Holiday. Even if you don't live in Vermont, you can benefit! We'll even throw in free shipping!

Simply enter "Tax Holiday" as a coupon code when checking out.

Click here for Shop.CyntheaSpa.Com

Happy Shopping!
Cynthea

Peptide 3-in-1 Eye Cream
Lighten, Brighten and Support

How do Peptides work? Peptides send a signal that more proteins (collagen) are needed in the area. This category of peptides are considered "wrinkle minimizers". Hexapeptides block neurotransmitters that cause muscles to contract and form wrinkles; this peptide is referred to as a "wrinkle relaxer".

Antioxidant properties are provided by the potent combination of Chrysin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Phyllantus Emblica Fruit Extract, Squalane, Althea Officinalis L. Root Extract and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil.

Dark circles under the eye and melanin over-production are treated by Phyllantus Emblica Fruit Extract, Althea Officinalis L. Root Extract and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil. Chrysin additionally helps to combat dark under-eye circles.

To help soften the appearance of fine lines Squalane and Olea Europaea Fruit Oil work with Hibiscus Esculentus. While the anti-inflammatory properties of Plantago Lanceolata Extract, Althea Officinalis L. Root Extract and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil are boosted by Phyllantus Emblica Fruit Extract and the peptide Palmitoyl Oligopeptide's Matrix Metalloprotease inhibitors.
Recommended Use: Place 1-2 drops around eye tissue and gently smooth into tissue. Apply morning and night for continued support and regeneration.

0.25 oz for $35 No TAX and Free Shipping!

Moms Who Rock: Concert benefits Women's Rape Crisis Center

2008-06-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Rock of the Family
by Myra Mathis-Flynn
Burlington Free Press

Higher Ground has set out to prove that being a mom is a rockin’ good time.

Advance Music hosts its second annual “Mom’s Who Rock” show Sunday night at the South Burlington nightclub, where 25 baby-raising-babes will gather round to wail and shake it like their mama gave them. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Rape Crisis Center in Burlington.

So why do moms rock?

“The concept came out of moms coming into the store saying they wish they had a place to sing with a live band instead of karaoke,” said Jeff Wheel general manager of Advance Music. “They get a song choice of 20 different songs and a CD of their song, but they don’t get to play with the band (Quadra) until the day of the show.” Moms who are or have been professional singers are not allowed to participate, Wheel said.

Dressed in a black corset with teased hair and a whole lot of attitude, Cynthea Hausman, 41-year-old owner of Burlington’s Cynthea’s Day Spa, plans to sing “Proud Mary,” and channel her inner Tina Turner. “I want to show some leg and be the hot mama. You know, embody that confident woman attitude.”

Husbands, children and boyfriends are invited to participate in a cheering section for the moms. Hausman’s son is only 3 and will not be joining the festivities, but another rockin’ mom will have her children by her side.

Adrienne Henzel of Shelburne is a 40-year-old, mother of four.

“My kids have had to suffer listening to Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ now for three weeks,” Henzel said. “They’re going to be very excited when the actual show is happening. I have all boys and I’m going to get them some bubbles. I think that will be fun.”

Henzel said that although she does not fancy herself a singer, music has been an outlet for her in hard times.

“I had a lot of stress going on, a couple of lawsuits, loss of businesses and an 18-year-old who graduating,” Henzel said. “Usually I drop my kids off at school and put on the music.”

The focus on strong soulful women pegged the WRCC as the perfect second year beneficiary for this event.

“As women, we have very few outlets for the intense feelings and experiences we have in our lives,” said Cathleen Wilson, executive director of the WRCC. “Sexual violence is a difficult thing to talk about, and there aren’t many places to do so. But music and art are places that you can express some of those hard things.”

“We have always had a good relationship with the WRCC,” Wheel said. “Most women know someone who has gone through something hard like that. Moms can identify.”

The moms have 20 rock ’n’ roll songs to chose from, including “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” (KT Tunstall), “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”(Cyndi Lauper) and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”(Pat Benatar).

“You don’t get to rehearse with the band. Not once!” Hausman said. “They are just gonna play it, and you have to sing it. There’s no going back. It’s sort of like karaoke on steroids.”

Henzel said her children call her “party mama,” and she’s ready for Higher Ground to bring on the rock.

“Back in the ’80s when I was a nightcluber in NYC, I used to see Debbie Harris at the Palladium,” Henzel said. “She always looked so wasted, so, I figure that if she can do it I can!”

Contact Myra Mathis-Flynn at 651-4852 or mmflynn@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com.

Cynthea Hausman will perform "Proud Mary" at the Mom's Who Rock show at Higher Ground on Sunday.

If you go
• WHAT: “Mom’s Who Rock” concert

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Sunday

• WHERE: Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington

• TICKETS: $10

• INFORMATION: 662-0777; Web site.

• DETAILS: All ages show.

• BENEFITS: Women’s Rape Crisis Center in Burlington, 863-1236 or visit their Web site.

Cynthea Quoted in 7Days' Mistress Maeve

2008-05-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

You want to do what? Where?
Posted by Mistress Maeve on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Dear Mistress Maeve,

I am a man in my thirties who is very particular about body cleanliness. I like my private parts to be clean and tidy. I do most of my own grooming but have treated myself to full waxings when on vacation in larger cities, where I have found male waxing to be more accepted.

I have recently heard about anal bleaching and am curious about how it works. The skin around my anus is darker than the rest, and I find it unsightly and a bit embarrassing when I'm with a partner. Why is my skin darker here?

Thanks,
Bum Rap

---------------------

Dear B.R.,

Darker skin around the anus and genitals occurs for a number of reasons, ranging from heredity to pregnancy. Anal bleaching became decidedly more popular a few years back, when porn star Tabitha Stevens got her rosebud blanched on an episode of “Dr. 90210.” Since then, salons have been adding anal bleaching to their waxing repertoires. After all, darker skin around the anus is much more noticeable after a full Brazilian wax.

Vermont waxing maven Cynthea Wight Hausman of Cynthea's Spa in Burlington says that, while she's willing to wax and pluck just about any hiney to make it more handsome, she shudders to think about "anus" and "bleach" in the same sentence. "Anal skin is very sensitive and micro-tears easily," says Hausman. "Put them both together, and it seems like a recipe for a burning bottom."

While Hausman doesn't know of any salons in Vermont that offer this service, she says the Internet is rife with home bleaching products containing kojic acid, an agent commonly used to lighten dark patches of skin on the face and body.

People bleach their hair and teeth on the quest for "perfection" — so I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that my readers now want to whiten themselves for a more alluring asshole. But frankly, sex is messy and imperfect — and so are our genitals. Let's lose this idea of "perfect" when it comes to our bodies and just have some fun, shall we?

Perfectly imperfect,
MM

P.S. Thanks to Match for helping me come up with the title for this blog entry. It's not as easy as one might think to aptly title a blog about anal bleaching. Some of the runner-ups:

Butt stain, be gone!
Bleaching is bung.
Rejuvahole
I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. Bung.

Why are butt jokes always so funny?

Cynthea Cosmetics "Arch Angel" Brow Make-overs

2008-04-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

7 Habits That Help Skin Age Slower - Cynthea Wight Hausman

2008-04-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

7 Habits That Help Skin Age Slower
How lifestyle choices contribute to healthy vibrant skin

Many of the external causes of aging skin are determined by the health and lifestyle decisions you make every day. Making healthy choices can slow the aging process.

An important part of any anti-aging skin care program is to know what you may be doing that is harming your skin and speeding up your skin's aging process.

Here are 7 habits that help keep your skin vibrant and healthy:

1. Don’t smoke: Whether you smoke, or you spend time with a smoker, cigarette smoke is damaging -- and aging -- to your skin. Research has shown that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases skin wrinkles and dryness. This is partly due to the behavior of smoking, and also because cigarette smoke depletes your body of Vitamin C, which is a key ingredient for keeping skin plump and moist.

Some researchers believe that exposure to cigarette smoke (whether you smoke or not) is as damaging to aging skin as exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

2. Limit sun exposure: Sun exposure is very aging to skin. Unprotected skin that is exposed to the sun becomes more mottled in appearance. Freckles can turn into brown sun spots, the skin takes on a dry, leathery appearance, and wrinkles and sagging increase. The risk of skin cancer is significantly increased by sun exposure.

Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin damage including wrinkles, lowered immunity against infection, aging skin disorders, and cancer. The amount of damage to the skin caused by the sun is determined by the total lifetime amount of radiation exposure and the person's pigment protection.

The good news is that sun damage is avoidable, and if you start now, you can improve the condition of sun damaged skin.

See your health care provider to assess the amount of sun damage you may have, and to rule out possible skin cancers. He or she may be able to prescribe medication that can help to reduce existing sun damage.

If you want to avoid aging skin but don’t want to avoid the sun, make sure you use sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, and use it all year-round, even on cloudy days. Clouds do not protect you from ultraviolet ray exposure.

Top three Sunscreens –
Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin -- Eucerin
Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for All Skin Types -- L'Occitane
Best Organic Sunscreen -- Dr. Hauschka Skincare Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
The reviewers over at Makeupalley.com rave about Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. It goes on lightly, doesn't turn an oily face into a greasepit and best yet, it won't cast "ghost glow," the annoying white cast that some sunblocks give. Neutrogena products are now made with Helioplex, which, like Mexoryl, offers ultra protection from the sun's UVA rays. Most sunscreens on the market only offer protection from UVB rays, but it's the UVA rays that can wreak havoc deep within the epidermis and causing some bad skin cancers.

3. Exercise: Living a sedentary life contributes to aging skin, because exercise helps to tone your muscles and get your blood flowing. Exercise should be an important part of every anti-aging skin care program. Researchers have also discovered that sedentary older adults are at higher risk for dementia .

In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, the benefits of a regular exercise program will show on your face. Having a bright smile and lots of energy will help you look and feel younger, at any age.

4. Protect your skin in cold weather:Cold winds and low temperatures contribute to aging skin by making skin dry, so if you venture out in the cold be sure to use a good moisturizer. It’s important to use moisturizer indoors too, as heated rooms can be very drying to skin. Consider using a humidifier to help keep your skin more comfortable and reduce the aging skin effects of heated rooms.

5. Limit alcohol use: Alcohol contributes to aging skin by dilating small blood vessels in the skin and increasing blood flow near the skin's surface. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, creating a flushed appearance and broken vessels on the skin’s surface.

6. Relax: To help reduce aging skin due to stress, be aware of your stress level and try to vary your facial expressions during the day. A good anti-aging skin care program should include meditation, yoga, gentle exercise or other relaxation techniques. Keeping stress in check -- and frown lines and aging skin wrinkles to a minimum -- will help you look and feel younger.

7. Sleep: Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired. One of the first places lack up sleep shows up is on the face, with dark circles and bags under the eyes, and sagging skin. Lack of sleep is also a major factor in memory loss and symptoms of depression that include low interest in daily activities and negative thinking.

Research has shown that most adults function best with 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Reduce caffeine during the day (with none in the evening), avoid eating at least 2 hours before bedtime, and maintain a sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night.
If you are having trouble sleeping, for any reason, it’s important to see your health care provider.

While some signs of aging skin are inevitable, there’s a lot you can do to look your best at any age. Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your anti-aging skin care program.

NEW Maui Spa Facial

2008-03-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Even though I am a New Englander through and through, I must admit the thought of warm tropical winds does something to me this time of year. We have no plan to visit my old stomping grounds in The USVI, so the next best thing is for it to smell like I am there. I'll let my fertile imagination do the rest. You can, too!

Cynthea's Spa brings Rhonda Allison's Maui Spa Facial exclusively to Vermont. Get introduced to the fragrances and rejuvenating sensations of a tropical paradise. Its exotic blend of Pineapple Enzyme and L-Lactic Acid balanced by Yam Extract will inspire radiance, suppleness and skin revitalization.

... Sandals, Sunglasses and Sand Castles Optional!

Our New Maui Spa Facial is designed to smooth, soften and hydrate skin, using natural extracts from fresh Hawaiian Pineapple. The gentle enzyme action of pineapple provides just the right exfoliating while infusing important nutrients to your skin.

The blending of other Organic extracts such as pumpkin and Vitamin-E has supportive anti-aging benefits that leave the skin refreshed, alive and feeling exotic.

5 Steps to Create "Your Perfect Arch"

2008-02-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Defined eye brows can perk you up,
make you look younger, and highlight your eyes

BrowNOW is a new concept created by Cynthea Wight Hausman, insprired by watching Oprah having her brows done. Achieving perfectly arched brows is a lot easier than it looks. We have easy-to-follow Steps and foolproof brow accessories, so everyone can find their perfect brow. We are staffed by licensed estheticians who’ve undergone extensive training and have perfected their face-framing brow techniques.

In addition to brow shaping services, browNOW at Cynthea's Spa is stocked with brow powders, stencils, and creams. So you can take your perfect brows home with you! We will help you achieve a beautifully groomed, natural arch that will enhance all of your features and soften your look. Perfect brows in one quick lesson.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT:
Let your brows grow. The more hair to work with the better.

If you are using anti-aging or acne medication please stop two weeks before your appointment. Medications thin your skin and could cause skin to be removed with the wax. Tweezeing is an option, if you prefer.

Five steps to creating “Your Perfect Arch”

-B. Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up to the outside corner of your eye straight up to your brow. This is as short as the brow should ever be.

-C. Draw a straight line from the outside corner of your nostril up through your iris, when you are looking straight into your own eyes in the morror, straight up to your brow. This is the peak of your arch.

Step 2 – We Choose the best brow stencil shape for you face.

Top Ten Ways to Soothe Winter Skin

2008-02-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

If you missed our Partners in Health Radio Show today on EVE1070 we have it as a Podcast on the sidebar to the right.

"Mary and Kathryn chat with former luge and bobsled racer, Renaissance woman and spa owner, Cynthea Wight Hausman of Cynthea's Spa in downtown Burlington. Cynthea shares her Top Ten At-Home Spa Treatments and lots of other fun stuff!! Visit her website at cyntheaspa.com for instant spa gift certificates, perfect for Valentine's Day giving or any day!"

It was so much fun hanging out with Kathryn Evans and Mary Williams.

Thanks so much for everything!
All the Best!
Cynthea

Here is the list as promised to our EVE 1070 listeners.

Top 10 Ways to Soothe Winter Skin
You can turn your home in a Spa!

Get ready; it is time to raid your kitchen and bathroom cupboards for these great ways to battle dry winter skin and other challenges. With a few things you already have, you can make a little spa day without leaving the comfort of your own home.

1. Dry cuticles

First soak your hands in some warm water or wait until after the shower
Using a mixture of ½ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoons lemon juice, soak your fingers for at least 15 minutes. The softer the skin the better
Using a Q-tip gently push away the dead skin from around your nail.
To finish off, massage a moisturizer around each cuticle.

2. Dry Skin Everywhere? Exfoliate and Moisturize!
This time of year your skin can become very dry. To get rid of dry, flaky skin, you can easily make a homemade salt or brown sugar scrub to use when you take a shower. The great thing about this is the base ingredients of the mixture stay the same and then you can get creative with what scent to use by just picking an essential oil that pleases your senses. Rose or lavender essential oils are a great choice for relaxation.

To start, mix 3 cups of sea salt or sugar with ¾ cup of olive oil. From there add about 40 drops of your favorite oil essential oil.
Get into the shower, rub the salt scrub on your dry skin and feel as it exfoliates and moisturizes. Make sure to have plenty of oil on your hands so the scrubbing remains pleasant and comfortable.
Simply rinse off the mixture in the shower or you could do this in the bath and bathe in the salts. Wine and candles anyone?
Don’t use soap when you rinse. Towel off and marvel at your baby soft skin.
Make sure to clean the bottom of your shower after using this so that you don't slip and fall from any residue that is left from the scrub.

3. Frizzy hair
With a winter hat, one thing is inevitable: When you pull off your hat, you are going to have a static situation with your hair.

Press a dryer sheet right onto the top of your hairbrush. Just press the bristles through and then brush your hair.
The dryer sheet acts as a guard against the static.

4. Not so fresh feet
Are your feet all stinky from wearing winter boots or shoes?
For a simple fix, look no farther than the tea bags in your kitchen cabinet. It's time to get out your teapot and brew up some tea.

Get out a basin or bucket and pour some generic tea that has been brewed and cooled directly into the bin.
Soak your feet in the tea for at least 15 minutes. This is the perfect time to file them with your favorite foot file.
Rinse them off with some water and you will soon discover that you have given the boot to your stinky feet situation.

5. Chapped lips
Can't seem to get rid of those chapped and dry lips? Have no fear, with a few tricks you can keep your lips moisturized, even during the harshest of winters.

After a shower take an old toothbrush and ever-so-gently rub the bristles across your lips, removing the dry skin. Once complete, use your favorite lip balm on your lips to moisturize.

6. Face
Most of us typically suffer from drier skin during the winter months. For this reason, we should avoid clay-based facial masks, which tend to dry out skin even more.

Open up your fridge and grab some fruit. Take a papaya or a bunch of grapes and smash them into a pulp.
Place the pulp on your face and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then just wash the fruit off with a little warm water and voila! — You have a refreshed face.
If fruit isn't what you are looking for, try mixing 5 teaspoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of carrot juice.
Follow the same directions as above and you will find that your skin is as smooth as the day you were born.

7. Dry hands and elbows
Before you go to bed for the night, slather some Lanolin or coco butter directly to your elbows.

Take an old pair of tube socks and cut off the bottom so that it is just a tube of fabric.
Slide the sock around your arm so that your elbow is covered and leave them on through the night.
You can do the same thing for your hands.

8. Dry hair
Yes, I hate to break it to you, but even our hair seems to dry out during winter. To keep that bounce in your step — and in your hair — massage olive oil directly into your hair from root to tip. If you are like me and have naturally oily hair, just massage the olive oil into the ends of your hair. Let the oil stand for about 15 minutes and then shampoo as usual.

9. Cracked heels
With all those boots and winter shoes we wear, our heels tend to become dry and cracked.

Get out your basin or bucket and soak your feet in a mixture of warm water, salt and baking soda for 15 minutes.
After soaking, use a pumice stone to scrub off the dead skin.
Moisturize like you did your hands and elbows. Put on a pair of socks and it is time for bed.

10. Hydrate!
One of the best, and least expensive, ways to keep your skin and hair healthy during these harsh winter months is to keep yourself hydrated. Make sure to consume plenty of water throughout your day so that your body is receiving all the moisture and hydration it can. Yes, you may make a few more trips to the restroom, but look on the bright side — after doing all these beauty tricks you will have something fabulous to look at in the mirror.

If you have any more tips or tricks to combat winter skin please feel free to add them in the comments section.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Arch Angels By Michelle Edelbaum

2008-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Here is an excerpt from a wonderful article in the Burlington Free Press that printed on March 22, 2007. Check out the easy brow shaping tips.

The kiosk is currently in the process of moving.
We'll let you know more very soon!

Arch Angels
Brow Kiosk Staff will shape you up in no time
By Michelle Edelbaum
BurlingtonFreePress.com

Burlington--Cynthea Wight Hausman says she knows a good idea when she hears one. In the case of her latest venture, browNow, inspiration came from the "Oprah" show.

After seeing celebrity brow artist Anastasia Soare on "Oprah," Wight Hausman, owner of Cynthea's Spa in Burlington and a massage therapist and esthetician, was motivated to expand her brow-shaping services with a kiosk in the Burlington Town Center mall. Soare has brow-shaping stations in Nordstrom department stores that cater to busy women, provide education and offer an easy-to-use brow-shaping kit.

"We learned theses techniques at school, but the steps were very clearly laid out by Anastasia," says Hausman, 40, of Soare's customer education-based approach. Hausman plans to open a second kiosk at University Mall in South Burlington.

A self-described "mom-preneur," Hausman opened browNow with working women and busy moms in mind. Sessions generally take 15 minutes and no appointment is necessary.

Here are a few tips from Hausman to keep your brows beautiful:

What is your philosophy on eyebrows?
"Eyebrows are meant to support the structure of your face. They can lift, they can frame your face by the right shape. Eyebrows provide the most positive impact for the smallest amount of work."

What is the most common brow mistake people make?
"Over-plucking, overdoing it. Less is definitely more."

What is the most common fix you perform on clients' brows?
"Reshaping the arch. Most people tweeze away too much hair from the underside of their brows and it ends up looking like a surprised Ronald McDonald look. The brow should have a nice swept back arch to open the eyes naturally."

How can people keep their brows shaped at home?
"It's easy if you have the stencil; just tweeze outside the powder lines. We measure and show you where your brow should arch. It's easy once you have it done professionally. A little education goes a long way."

What is your best brow tip?
"When you are tweezing, only pluck one row of hair at a time, working from the outside toward the middle. Then stop, look in the mirror and switch to the other brow."

Have any more brow questions? I'd be happy to answer them!

Loved at First Sight - Cynthea W. Hausman

2008-02-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Dearly Beloved,

That's all I wanted to say.

You are dearly beloved. Forever and always. Just as you are, for no particular reason other than you are you!

Sometimes a little reminder is all we need.

If being pampered or pampering others helps remind you of how special you really are, we have some wonderful options for you to consider.

New Berry Radiance Facial:

Cherries, Pomegranates, Blueberries, Red Berries, and Raspberries all work together to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, balance, and refine your skin. Your skin will reveal a youthful, healthy glow that will keep you glowing through the dry winter months.

The primary benefit of Berry Enzyme is the natural polyphenols (flavnoids) that are incredibly rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radical damage and aids in strenghtening skin tissue. Free radicals casue internal aging of skin tissue. These enzymes are also an exfoliant, anti-inflammatory, and humectant and may be used on all skin types.

If you have any questions at all about this type of facial, any other treatments, product or ingredients please feel free to ask!

We welcome your comments and questions.

Love,
Cynthea

PS: It is perfectly fine to put yourself at the top of your "Special Person List"!

Shorn Again by Nancy Stearns Bercaw

2008-01-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

Shorn Again
Drawing the bikini line at . . . Brazil
by Nancy Stearns Bercaw (02/01/06).

Before the Girl from Ipanema went walking, she undoubtedly went waxing. For generations, most Brazilian women have been removing all the hair from their bodies before stepping onto a beach, or into a bedroom.

Nearly two decades ago, seven Brazilian sisters -- Jocely, Jonice, Joyce, Janea, Jussara, Juracy and Judseia -- sought to challenge pubic opinion in New York City with the J. Sisters International Salon. Since then, I hear, a surprisingly large number of labias majora in Manhattan have gone Brazilian.

These days, even the girls from Burlington are getting waxed before stepping out. Shocked? If you're over 40 and married with children, like me, you might wonder how this trend passed you by -- or how it even came to pass in the first place. But if you're a college-age woman, you might wonder why anyone would hedge on the issue.

The Amazons of Greek mythology cut off their right breasts to better shoot bows and arrows -- to be more like men. But why are modern women cutting off their pubic hair? To be more like little girls?

Perhaps our privates have just gone public -- courtesy of nude beaches, the porn industry and the World Wide Web -- posts Betty Dodson, who produces an instructional video called Viva La Vulva: Women's Sex Organs Revealed that shows women how to get in touch -- literally -- with their feminine side.

Feminist playwright Eve Ensler doesn't split hairs on the subject in The Vagina Monologues. "I felt little when my hair was gone down there, and I couldn't help talking in a baby voice," says the character who shaves it all off to try to save her marriage. Ultimately, Ensler delivers an ultimatum for both sexes: "You can't love a vagina unless you love hair."

I could be making a mountain out of a mons venus, but the ambush began long before the Brazilians began wearing thongs. History had depicted middle-aged women sans pubes since the Middle Ages.

The ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo is not only short on arms; there seems to be no mound of pubic hair peeping from her low-slung drape. "The Birth of Venus," painted by Botticelli in the late 1400s, is nearly as naked as the day she was born. And the hairline of "The Venus of Urbino," painted by Titian a century later, recedes as much as she reclines.

All this Venus envy probably left gentlemen with the wrong impression. In fact, John Ruskin, the foremost art critic of the Victorian era, never consummated his marriage after seeing his wife's "beard." When they divorced, he became engaged to a teenage girl. Meanwhile, his divorcee took up with his protege and had eight children.

What is the raison d'être of pubic hair, anyway? The prevailing wisdom is that it retains the musky pheromones once considered a mighty aphrodisiac. Napoleon Bonaparte was said to have been so fond of the smell that he asked Josephine not to bathe for two weeks before he came home from his military missions.

But now that women have other ways to attract mates -- scintillating minds as well as scented bodies -- pubes have probably reached the end of their useful life, like tonsils. To me, the new era began when Gwyneth Paltrow credited the J. Sisters Salon with "changing her life."
Maybe real women don't wear fur anymore. The naked models in the PETA ads certainly aren't sporting any kind of pelts at all. I asked my cousin, Dr. Sandra Langley, a social-science researcher in Manhattan, if my feminist roots were holding me down.

"This is an old argument, right? If we want to be attractive, are we betraying feminism?" she responds. "If men are telling us that pubic hair is gross or too mature, well that's one issue," Langley explains. "But I think of it more in terms of personal preference, like how we choose to have our hair cut, toes done, jeans fit. I would feel gross if I never washed my hair. I don't wash it for the benefit of the male establishment."

One of my lesbian friends actually has a philosophy along these lines. "Groom unto others as you would have them groom unto you," is her motto, adding that you don't have to get a Brazilian to be well groomed. She and her girlfriend keep what they call "the short cut," trimmed but not down to the skin. They talked about grooming preferences while they were courting to be sure they were thinking along the same hairlines.

Realizing that my line of thinking needed as much updating as my tan line, I decided to call a highly recommended, full-service grooming emporium in Burlington. I warned the proprietress, Cynthea Wight Hausman, that I was new to Brazilians, in both theory and practice. But I failed to mention that I hoped Cynthea's Spa could do for me what the J. Sisters had done for Gwyneth.

When I opened the door, I knew immediately that I was in the right place for a transformation. The giant painting of a budding flower -- à la Georgia O'Keeffe -- hanging over the cozy sofa assured me that women were celebrated here. When Hausman greeted me with a hug, I knew I was in the right hands as well.

Hausman doesn't look much older than the college-aged crowd she primarily serves, although she seems much wiser. I took comfort in her maturity. She is a former athlete and the mother of a 10-month-old boy, and she holds a Master's degree in education from St. Michael's College. She learned the fine art of Brazilian waxing as an apprentice in Park City, Utah, the winter playground of the rich, famous and discerning. Since opening her doors here in 2004, she told me, she's served 20 to 25 women every week.

Suitably impressed by this background, I asked Hausman about my foremost concern: pain. I didn't care anymore if waxing meant feminism is waning. I just wanted to know how much it would hurt. "Everyone is different," she replied. Her next comment addressed my previous concerns as well. "Being a woman means you have control over your hair."

Hausman credits massage-therapy training for helping her read the needs of each individual woman. She did seem to know that I wanted to be informed up front and distracted when she got down to business.

"You can be nude, wear a disposable bikini bottom or your own panties," she said. "It's all fine with me. But if you want to leave a little bit, then I recommend the disposable, because it works as a guide for me."

I told her I wanted to leave what folks in Hollywood call a "landing strip." Not that I was expecting a surge in arrivals. Hausman gave me a few minutes to shed my clothes and don my disposable thong. As I lay on the table, I tried to think about all the good times my pubes and I have shared. I couldn't.

When she returned, Hausman was sporting a pair of surgical gloves and holding a pair of scissors. To get the best results, she explained, hair must be trimmed back prior to waxing. While she snipped away, we chatted away. Turns out she was once a champion bobsledder with a shot at the Olympic Trials. I told her I'd been a swimmer with the same glory days. Before I knew it, she'd pasted warm wax on my genitals and stripped one part of my pudendum bare.

Hausman deftly kept up the conversation along with her nimble work. As we talked about our children, I had to remind myself that the person with whom I was swapping daycare stories was ripping the hair out of my labia.

As for the pain, it was nothing compared to being in labor for hours or, for that matter, training for an athletic competition. Waxing stings briefly then passes completely. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes, including the time needed to tweeze out any stragglers.
My only twinge came after Hausman left the room. Not from delayed discomfort, but the sudden glare of my own flesh. I had forgotten what I looked like under all that hair. Now deforested, I could see what everyone was talking about. It's not the hair that makes us female.

I asked a gay male friend what he knew of these matters. "Gay men of all ages, sizes and types are in a veritable craze of 'shaving' their body hair," he reported, noting that on the occasion of his 40th birthday he'd had every hair removed by a Tunisian waxer in Paris. "They want smooth chests and backs, and it's a sure sign that you're out of the loop if you have pubic hair at all -- especially, within that category, any hair on the balls."

Somehow, I failed to find this shocking. Not anymore. In fact, when people ask me how I feel about the Brazilian now, I tell them I have one last thing to say on the subject.

It's growing on me.

Bare Down There By Carly Young

2008-01-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

Go Bare Down There
Your Guide to a Fuzz-Free Bikini Line
By Carly Young, Special to LifeScript
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Bikini waxes aren’t just for strippers, coeds and Brazilian beach bunnies. Women of all ages have discovered this sexy beauty secret. Whether you want to raise your partner’s heart rate or feel less self-conscious in your swimsuit, defuzzing your southern hemisphere is fast becoming a grooming must-do. Read on for the facts about waxing and why laser hair removal is more popular than ever…

Waxing Styles
There are several popular waxing styles, which may be known by other names depending on the salon:
- Bikini: Perfect for a waxing newbie, this type cleans up the sides, as well as a little off the top for low-rise shorts and pants. It’s perfect if you’re shy; you can wear paper undies called “bikini buddies” during the treatment.
- French: Similar to a basic bikini wax, this type takes about a half-inch more off each side.- Brazilian: Most Brazilian waxes remove all hair front and back (including labial lips and butt), but leave a thin “landing strip” down the front.
- Full Brazilian: Leaves you completely hairless. Be sure to ask the aesthetician how her salon defines each type of bikini wax.

Also, don’t hesitate to tell the waxer specifically what you want (two fingers’ width of hair taken off on top, inside lips, no butt, etc). Some women even ask for shapes like hearts, lightning bolts or boyfriend’s initials. There’s no reason to be shy with such requests – the waxer has heard it all.

What to Expect
Whether you’re at a pricey day spa or your neighborhood salon, the process is pretty much the same. The aesthetician will show you into a treatment room, then leave while you undress from the waist down (including the panties!).

The treatment then may differ depending on the type of wax. Most salons still use “soft” wax, the warm, drippy stuff that is applied with a small wood spatula, then covered with a cloth and ripped off. However, a new “hard” wax that may be gentler for sensitive skin is also used in some salons. With hard wax, the aesthetician applies the warmed wax to the hair, waits for it to cool, then pulls it off directly – no fabric needed.

Depending on the style you’re getting, be prepared for the aesthetician to move your body around. For a Brazilian wax, you may be asked to pull a knee up to your chest (so the waxer can reach sensitive areas). If you’re also waxing your buttocks, you may need to hold your, er, cheeks apart. Obviously, this procedure isn’t for the shy.

Pain Relief
Let’s be honest – waxing doesn’t tickle. But a little discomfort is worth it for skin that stays smooth for at least a couple weeks. If the “ouch” factor has you stressed, pop an ibuprofen 20 minutes before the treatment to help with the pain. You can also try an over-the-counter numbing cream.

Post-Wax
To minimize redness and bumps, try an after-wax product that contains azulene, an essential oil derived from chamomile. Gretchen Hauer, an aesthetician at Avia Spa in Santa Barbara, CA, also recommends applying Tend Skin - a lotion that helps prevent ingrown hairs – the day after your treatment. For general soothing, you can use aloe vera gel, but the best thing is to just leave the area alone.

The main thing you’ll feel post-treatment? “Clients have a real sense of accomplishment after they’ve been waxed,” Hauer says. “They always feel sexy and are excited to show their partner.”

With the fuzz now under control, you may actually be eager to don a swimsuit and head to the beach. However, steer clear of the pool or ocean for at least 24 hours – your freshly-waxed skin may be sensitive. Ditto goes for hot showers and hanky panky.

Finding a Waxer
Rifling through the Yellow Pages is fine if you want a plumber, but to find a waxer, ask a friend for a recommendation. If she doesn’t have a specific aesthetician or salon in mind, track down a day spa that performs services like massages and facials – most also offer waxing. Wherever you go, write down the name of your waxer so you won’t have to bare all to another stranger in your next session (assuming you’re pleased with the results).

Do You Like Your Female Anatomy?
If you like yourself just the way you are, congrats - that's one of the ultimate aphrodisiacs for both you and your partner.

Please let us know your thoughts or questions that may have been left out!