September Newsletter Bonus...

Message from Gail Sharp, TallGrass Owner

In August, a few of our TallGrass family members (pictured here), formed a team for the American Cancer Society's local Relay for Life event. This walk around a track was new to us and we weren't sure what to expect. The event took place at the local high school from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and we collected pledges from friends and family to raise money to fight cancer.

There was a survivor lap, a caregiver lap and a special luminaria lap which brought us all to tears. We put names on the luminarias in honor of loved ones who died from this terrible disease.

Even though the event was very serious, we thought it was important to celebrate the lives that have been saved and the incredible research that has been done to help more and more people live through a cancer diagnosis. So, we used the opportunity to add a lighthearted touch by dressing in TallGrass skirts, wings, bandanas, and silly glasses to help us walk with purpose, gratitude and joy. Only one of us made it until 2:00 a.m. - take a bow, Jen Schapiro! Next year, we'll bring a tent, more supplies and more people, and we will stay up all night to raise even more money. The night netted over $20,000 and we thank all of you who donated to help us!

I hope you are able find your own purpose, gratitude and joy so that you can celebrate even in the midst of the most difficult times in your life.

Nicole Maten, Spa Babe

Nicole's TallGrass history is a circle that starts when she was a teenager making annual birthday visits to the spa with her mom. Later on, after receiving a degree in Health and Exercise Science, followed by a certificate in Occupational Science and then training in Massage Therapy, Nicole closed the circle by joining the TallGrass massage team.

"I love it at TallGrass," she says. "It's an amazing place that feels more like a home than a job. I'm always excited to go to work."

Nicole's work time and private time merge through her efforts on behalf of soldiers in Colorado Springs where she uses specialized massage techniques to help treat those affected by PTSD. "Every situation is different and there are up and down moments," she says, "but it's very rewarding to see how massage can change lives."

Then, another circle comes 'round as Nicole gets involved in the TallGrass Soldier Box Project collecting personal care items and sending care packages to troops in the Middle East twice each year. It's another labor of love for her.

Being a role model who exhibits qualities to be admired and emulated is perhaps the most important criteria for selection as Spa Babe. Nicole certainly fills the bill!

Nicole is pictured here with TallGrass owner Gail Sharp.

New! Tulasara skincare

This month, we are excited to introduce Aveda's new Tulasara skincare collection. Clinically proven to achieve a dramatic improvement in your skin's radiance, it's the perfect union of ancient Ayurvedic practices and advanced skincare science. We invite you to visit the spa and talk with your esthetician about Tulasara's remarkable performance. In the meantime, here's a quick look.

Tulasara Radiant Awakening Ritual, a 2-step at-home routine, begins by brushing away dry skin using the exfoliating Radiant Facial Dry Brush followed by a facial massage with nourishing Radiant Oleation Oil. Next, a selection of three Tulasara Concentrates helps accelerate skin's natural ability to restore itself: Firm lifts and firms the appearance of skin, Bright helps restore radiance and reduces the appearance of uneven tone and dark spots, and Calm reduces redness and irritation. In the Aveda tradition, all Tulasara products are naturally-derived blends of plant extracts, infused with stimulating aromas, and dermatologist-tested.

This exciting combination of skincare products and an at-home radiance ritual is Aveda's recipe for healthy, balanced skin. Appropriate enough, because Tulasara is the Sanskrit word for "moving towards balance."

Available for Adoption

Callie
Miniature Pinscher / Mixed (short coat), 8 yrs., 16 lbs.

Friendly, good with kids and other dogs, moderately active, up-to-date on vaccines

Available for adoption at
Evergreen Animal Protective League
www.EAPL.com