I am a massage slut. I can't help it, I just love the human touch. And I especially love the human touch when it is rubbing my aches and pains away. So, when the option of a hot stone massage was proposed to me, I wasn't sure what to think—what is this hot stone massage that they speak of? Will it be as good as the real deal?
Turns out, hot stone massage is pretty much... well, awesome. The idea is that the hot stones, placed on specific parts of your body, prep your muscles for the rest of the massage—the heat from the stones penetrates down to your muscles and loosens them up so they are in prime condition for massage, and in theory, the massage will be more effective. And more heavenly. They even put them between your toes, which is oddly relaxing.
I also found that the hot stone was the ultimate compliance with gravity. While the stones weren't heavy, they did create pressure on my body and by the time they were removed, several minutes later, I felt almost at one with the massage table—like the weight of the stones had molded me into it. It was absolute, total relaxation.
I highly recommend trying it out if you have not done so. And, not being a woman of few opinions, I have a recommendation as to who would be the perfect person for all you hot stone virgins out there. Rachel at Blooming Moon Wellness Spa. Rachel is a petite little thing, but she'll get your body back in shape, in a delicate, yet commading way. And she knows her stones!
Blooming Moon Wellness Spa
503-222-2391
2050 NW Lovejoy
nn
I am unsubscribing to your blog, because this reads too much like a paid ad. Ads are fine (and necessary), but they should not be inserted in to your blog as though they are actual posts. It makes it hard to trust what you write and recommend in other posts. If I am wrong, I apologize...but I thought this might be helpful feedback.
Thanks for your concern. Our posts are not paid advertisements—they are the personal opinions of our contributors. We do not, and never will, accept payment for editorial. Even our sponsors, who DO pay for ads (and make the site possible), are not given any guarantee of editorial on our site. Our contributors write about whomever, or whatever, they choose, whether the experience is positive or negative.
Should you, or any other reader, disagree with a post, we encourage you to comment and supply your own opinion. These opinions create conversation—and that is what Neighborhood Notes is all about.
i agree that this reads like an ad...
First of all this isn't a blog about critiquing ones blog. But, I don't agree that this reads like an ad. I was always wondering what hot stone massage was, why it was good etc. Glad to hear it explained and now I know where to go! Because lets face it, there are many places I've had massage and afterwards wanted my money back! I made an appointment with Rachael for next weekend and I can't be more excited! Maybe you guys should do the same. Thanks for the GREAT information!
Shooter, let me just say I appreciate you discussing your policy. It gives me more confidence in one of my favorite blogs. : )
And I don't think this was a bad post on its own. But the same contributor posted about the same business... twice... in less than a month's time. It's a little fishy.
http://www.neighborhoodnotes.com/nw/northwest_district/news/2008/08/wax_on_wax_off_hair_gone/
It doesn't help that she makes no reference to her previous post on Blooming Moon, as bloggers commonly do when posting about something that was previously discussed, especially if it was discussed recently.
I understand you try to run an honest site here, and I understand this could be purely unintentional on the contributor's part. But I think it's in your own interest to have your contributors be more careful about this in the future.
Anyway, keep up the mostly great work. I, for one, will continue visiting your site. : )
Maybe she figured you knew about the previous posts on Blooming Moon (and you did) and didn't feel the need to mention them AGAIN. Previous posts do mention "several" trips to this spa and in knowing that, am not surprised she didn't mention it again. She could have, but then would you be commenting about how she is writing the same thing? Apparently this spa has really impressed her, i think that is impressive. I found the blog informative and think maybe YOU should go get a massage, then read the post and see how you feel about it.
Its all about your attitude & perspective.... RELAX guys!
Besides, if this were a "paid ad" I'm sure they would list the price...
Hello All: Northwest Nola here -- just to clarify a few things - 1) I am in no way being paid to write specific blog posts on Blooming Moon or any other place for that matter -- I just happen to really like Blooming Moon and think everything they do is wonderful and perfect. I guess you could say I'm partial. Oops. They make me hairless and also rub away my aches and pains -- what can I say? I really like these people. 2) This is not an ad in any way. I simply had a service done at the spa and wrote about it. It is just honesty and my opinions. 3) It was my mistake not to link back to my Chewbacca entry -- didn't think to do it, but luckily Kowalski has already taken care of that so we can all read AGAIN about how hairy I am. Lesson learned.
Now, let's all relax and go get hot stone massage somewhere. Anywhere. There are hundreds of places in this city to get them. I just happen to really like one in particular.
End of story. Have an excellent Thursday.
nn