My friend, Kimra, taught me an interesting concept several years ago. She called it "Family of Choice." For some lucky people (and I'm one of them) their biological family is wonderfully close, caring, loving and supportive. Others, however, aren't so lucky. While they certainly love their family as a whole, given the option they might not have chosen a few of the members. And, that's the logic behind this different concept of kinship when dear friends form a "Family of Choice."

Since my own family is not nearby in Colorado, my local FOC is incredibly important to me. And, while my blood relatives, especially my sweet Dad, are always close in my heart, it's my friends and my husband -- here with me day-in-and-day-out -- who make my life complete. When one of us needs help or support our "Family" is right there, taking care of each other. I've had the honor to witness this outpouring of love in a variety of ways and it's always inspiring!

So, if you are feeling a bit lacking in the biological family department, I encourage you to create your own "Family of Choice." Everyone deserves loving support!

Chalk one up for the internet. That's where Illinois resident, Jessica Podolsky, connected with TallGrass. A massage therapist looking online for a way to join her high school friends who moved to Colorado, Jessica logged on to the TallGrass site and set her sights on a position in the Massage Department. A couple of trips to Evergreen for interviews and the job was hers.

"Living in Colorado fits me much better," she says. "It's sunny, there's no humidity, and the lifestyle is healthy." With a specialty in therapeutic and sports massage, Jessica finds the health conscious Colorado attitude a perfect fit. She loves to help spa guests unwind, slow down and let go, and she appreciates the positive and relaxing atmosphere at TallGrass. "It helps that the spa is at the base of Mt. Evans, such a beautiful setting."

In announcing Jessica's selection as Spa Babe, TallGrass owner Gail Ridings described her as someone who most exemplifies the qualities we all want to live by. "She's a high energy, positive and happy person who gets tons of praise from team members and guests," said Gail.

Jessica embraces the Colorado lifestyle in her leisure time, too. When she's not at TallGrass, she is probably hiking, exercising or mountain biking and she recently picked up as new skill -- fly fishing.

Jessica is pictured here with Gail Ridings.

Our updated brochure comes out in mid-March and it features a couple of new treatments we'd like you to try.

• Scalp Massage and Reflexology (50 minutes / $90 weekdays / $100 weekends)
  Stress melts away as Aveda essential oils are deeply massaged into scalp and neck. Then, experience the naturally healing benefits of reflexology as gentle pressure is applied to nerve endings in hands and feet to correspond with organs in the body, relieving tensions and improving circulation. These techniques can be combined or divided into two separate treatments.
• Stress-Fix Massage (80 min. / $125 weekdays / $135 weekends)
  We blend the long, gliding strokes of Swedish massage and the tension relieving techniques of deep tissue massage with acupressure and foot reflexology for a totally stress busting experience. Breathe in the Stress-Fix bouquet of infused organic French lavender, lavadin and clary sage for ultimate tranquility.