Personal Day

Today I went to the Elmwood Spa for Spa Week for a day of R-E-L-A-X-A-T-I-O-N!!!! Treatments During Spa Week (April 12 to 18) were just $50.

I had the Lime-Coconut Body Scrub with Relaxation Massage and I added on the ElmLine Essential Facial only $75 (Regular $98) and a 3-Course Lunch (Appetizer, Main, Dessert) in the Terrace for only $28.

My morning started with water therapies (steam and whirlpool) followed by the lime-coconut body scrub and massage and facial. My body was so smooth after the body scrub. Too bad I could not smell it. I was a bit stuffy because of my allergies. I have not had a facial in many years. I did not have a pleasant experience the last time. Today there were moments of pain, but when I looked in the mirror afterwards I looked amazing. I may try it again.

There was a moment of immaturity on my part. I was given a pair of disposable underwear before the lime-coconut body scrub and massage. I had never worn one before. I could not stop laughing (to myself of course).

This was not my first visit to the Elmwood Spa, but it was the first time that I had a meal in the Terrace Restaurant. The meal was great and relaxing. I had my book The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill and a glass of wine. It could not get any better.



Terrace Menu

Appetizer
Please choose one

Marinated Buffalo Mozzarella
Crème Fraiche with Lemon, Chili and Herbs on Roasted Beet Wafers

Caramelized Apple Salad
Blend of Arugula, Frisée & Radicchio tossed with an Apple Cider Vinaigrette & Lemon Confit

Caesar Salad
Crisp Romaine, Herb Croutons, Double Smoked Bacon & Parmesan Cheese

Chef’s Daily House Soup Creation

Main Course

Please choose one

Steak Frites
A Grilled 8oz Striploin with Red Wine Jus Reduction,
Served with Fresh Cut Frites and Chipotle Ketchup

Fresh Grain Fed Grilled Chicken
Herb Marinated Chicken Breast & Three Bean Salad with Apple Cider Reduction

Seared Tilapia
Fresh Pan Seared Tilapia served with a Warm Tomato & Asparagus
Goat Cheese Salad drizzled with Balsamic Reduction

Seared Atlantic Salmon
Fresh Pan Seared Salmon served with a Roasted Corn and Pepper Wild Rice,
Grilled Asparagus & Café au Lait Sauce

Chef’s Vegetarian Feature of the Day
Please ask your Server

Dessert

Please choose one

Daily Dessert Special
Please ask your server

Fresh Fruit & Sorbet

$28

**I had the items in red

It was a very relaxing day. I think I have to pamper myself more often.

Happy 2009

I would like wish all of my friends, family and readers all the best in 2009. I would also like to thank everyone that sent me emails and comments. I am glad that you enjoy the blog.

When I look back on 2008 the time seems to have gone by so quickly. The few memories that I have are getting deep tissue massages. Hopefully 2009 will be filled with more memorable events.

These are a few highlights from 2008:

• I went to the Ste. Anne's Spa for a spa day in March and I had another spa day in August at the Elmwood. I love to be pampered.

• I started the blog back in May when I was just playing around with blogger. 

• In June I went to my first hot yoga class. I enjoyed the class in spite of all the sweat.

• The iPhone was finally available in Canada in July, but I was quite happy with my iPod Touch. I also did not want to break my contract with my cellphone provider.

• Bath & Body Works finally opens a store in Canada in September. I never understood why they did not offer shipping to Canada.

• I started taking aquafit classes in October. I cannot swim, but I get a great workout.

• I went on a Caribbean Cruise in November. The weather sucks in Toronto. I wish I were somewhere warm.

• One of the biggest events of the year was the election of Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

• The finally highlight of the year for me was winning the handbag giveaway from That's a Fabulous Handbag. The bag should arrive next week.

I have not made a New Year's resolution in many years. I would like 2009 to be a happy, healthy and prosperous new year for everyone. 

Thanks, shari

Serenity Now

For three hours today I was relaxed and pampered at the Elmwood Spa. It was my first visit to the Elmwood Spa since their renovation. When you walk in you are greeted by friendly staff and a nice warm towel. On each floor there are staff to greet you. When you want to get away and be stress free, the best thing to do is to go on vacation. If you don't have the time or money to go on a vacation the second best thing to do is to go the spa where someone else will look after your needs. I experienced the Serenity Spa retreat which included a manicure, pedicure, light lunch and water therapies. This is only my second pedicure. The first pedicure was years ago also at the Elmwood Spa, so I am not able to compare it to other experiences. I was hoping for a more relaxing massage. That was the whole point of getting the pedicure because my feet are so tired. I do not get manicures as I do not want to ruin my nails when I was dishes. This was my third manicure for the summer and each time my nails smudged before I left the premises. Overall, it was a very relaxing afternoon. I would recommend the Elmwood spa if you are looking for a spa experience in Toronto. However, the Ste. Anne's Spa would be my first choice if you want to get out of the city.

All hands and feet services include a home care kit. At checkout I was given a gift bag which included the Elm Line Herbal Tea and the Elm Line Hydrating Body Lotion.