Last Thursday was one of those work days that we have come to truly dread. We had to stop what we were doing and get over to Spa Meridian to sample their services. Tough life, I know.

Spa Meridian was recently purchased by Sophie who has renovated the facility to transform it into a relaxing place for a massage, facial or body scrub but also kept it a fun, casual location for a manicure or pedicure (or both).

T.H. and I (along with our friend Jennifer of Closet & Retail Therapy) met for some premeditated pampering. T.H. and I sampled the Spa Pedicure with Massage while Jennifer opted for a standard pedicure. My first impression is that this is a great place to go with the girls. There are 5 pedicure chairs in all, three in a row with another two directly across the room. The chairs are new, comfortable and pristinely maintained and we quickly went to work catching up on each other’s lives while our toes were being attended to.

Oh yes, as comfortable as they look!

We know how important keeping well maintained feet is, especially during the summer so this was truly a treat. Our spa pedicure was divine and included an exfoliating scrub and hot stone massage.

Hot stones with the pedicure? Yes, please!

Jennifer’s pedicure included something we have never seen before – a gel substance in the basin instead of warm water. It was quite a surprise and she loved it, wiggling her toes around while her foot was soaked and softened!

Softening gel instead of soapy water!

After our toes were polished, it was time to move on to manicures. I went for my usual Shellac while T.H. and Jennifer went the traditional route – traditional manicure that is. I am not sure that Jennifer’s glitter polish was “traditional” but it certainly was funky and looked really cool!

It is easy to see that Sophie is dedicated to providing services in a clean, sterile environment but we were particularly impressed by the fact that most of the nail care tools were single-use items and the metal tools, like clippers, were pre-sterilized in individually sealed packets.

Single use & sterilized tools

Spa Meridian carries every color of polish imaginable and caters to all the latest nail fads – Sophie had just finished a sticker treatment which uses stickers in combination with polish for a long-lasting effect. There are definitely some girls in my life that would be thrilled to be treated to this and I plan to bring my daughter and her BFF as a treat.

In honor of our feature promotion on SuburbanMomma, I got to sample the Body Scrub and Milk & Honey Mask as well. This is an Asian-inspired body scrub with lots of water. I have experienced it before and loved it. However, all of the places that I know of in our area,  offer this service in an open wet area and I have never quite gotten comfortable with the lack of privacy. Spa Meridian has built a private room especially for this purpose so a scrub can be administered in the privacy of a well appointment treatment room complete with private steam shower.

Treatment Room

The 80-minute treatment started with a pre-scrub. A gentle exfoliation with soap and warm water. From there, I went into the sauna for 15 minutes to warm up and loosen the top layer of skin that my body no longer requires. Cold water and a cold towel were provided as I relaxed and let the steam do it’s thing.

After the steam, I returned to the table where every inch of my epidermis was scrubbed and exfoliated by two technicians – a four-hands scrub, if you will. They would scrub and exfoliate an area and then rinse with buckets (and buckets) of warm water. Following the scrubbing, the luxurious (and delicious-smelling) mask was painted on from head-to-toe and massaged into my limbs and torso. The table drape was then wrapped around me to form a cocoon and my hair was washed and conditioned which felt more like an awesome head massage with soap!

When the treatment was complete, I stepped back into the steam shower to wash off the mask. My skin was slippery soft and velvety smooth — the likes of which I have never felt without a professional body scrub like this.

Reluctantly, we headed back to the office but that was an awesome treat. A few days later and my nails are perfect and my skin is still incredibly soft but I dream of that steam shower and the soothing sensation of all that warm water being poured over me. With Mother’s Day coming up, I might just have to treat myself to my own certificate!

50% off Your Choice of Body Scrub & Nail Treatments at Spa Meridian in Tenafly

Janice is a delightful little bistro in the quaint town of Ho-Ho-Kus that care as much about serving up a warm and friendly environment as they do about their delicious food. Janice, the owner and chef, fell in love with cooking many years ago and always dreamed of opening her own restaurant. When the opportunity arose to take over the great space on Sheridan Avenue, she decided it was time to realize that dream.

Janice

T.H., Khara and I had the pleasure of meeting there for lunch while we were ironing out the last details of our recent promotion. When you first walk in, you think old fashioned soda shop. It has a long counter with chrome swivel stools as well as an entire row of booths. They have been careful to add charming touches to evoke a feeling of nostalgia and make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. We loved the tin ceiling and the big blackboard behind the counter listing the specials.

The plate hanging against the wall says "Eat like no one is watching" -- Love that!

Janice runs the kitchen while her husband, John runs the front of the house. Her son David is extremely involved as well. This is a family business and they certainly put their heart and soul into all they do. They specifically chose to call their restaurant a bistro since the concept of a bistro centers around creating a casual, unpretentious atmosphere and presenting a menu of home-style cooking and daily specials, which we felt really came across in our experience.

We settled into a table for four near the bright front window and looked over the window. Janice services up Italian-American cuisine at very reasonable prices.  Their lunch menu lists soup and quiche options and an extensive list of salads, sandwiches and wraps – perfect lunch fare. We also noted that the menu points out which items are gluten free although they are happy to make a gluten-free version of practically anything on the menu.

Khara chose one of their specials — the grilled chicken sandwich, bacon & avocado served with aioli fries.

T.H. ordered the a special beet salad, I ordered the baby spinach with dried cranberries, walnuts, mandarin oranges and a balsamic vinaigrette and we split the blackened Yellow Fin Tuna with avocado, lettuce and tomato with wasabi mayonnaise.

The salads were light and fresh and the tuna wrap was killer. Tuna seared perfectly with a wasabi mayo that gave it the perfect punch. It was served with a potato salad that was incredibly addicting. I do not normally like potato salad but the dressing was pure heaven. Khara had high praise for  her chicken sandwich and fries which were every bit as delicious as they looked.

Blackened Yellow Fin Tuna with Avocado, Lettuce & Tomato....I am still thinking about it!

Everything, including sauces, dressings and deserts are made fresh on-site. If Janice was inspired by the wonderful meals she created for her family and friends over the years, I feel like I really missed out. I would have loved to have a friend like her growing up and have the great memories that they surely created over the dinner table.

Being the dainty women that we are, we asked David to bring us a an assortment of desserts so we could photograph them. We apologized in advance that we would *only* be tasting them since we were quite full and not planning on splurging on dessert. Here’s what he brought us….

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie & a Trio of Sorbets

Now, I wish could tell you that we each took a small taste and left it at that but those deserts were so incredible that we each kept taking “just one more bite”. Before we knew it, our ‘tiny little taste’ turned into this….

Uh Oh! We ate the whole thing!!!

We were not proud…but we aren’t sorry either! The deserts were outrageously delicious. Especially that trio of ice creams. The pink one was a wild berry sorbet, the furthest one in the photo was a pistachio semifredo and the closest bowl which was practically licked clean was a Tortoni, which is a frozen almond mousse. Oh yeah, it was that good.

Janice totally earns the SuburbanMomma stamp of approval! Whether you are looking for a nice, casual spot for your spouse or family or a perfect place to lunch with the girls, Janice does not disappoint!

It’s not to late to get in on the SuburbanMomma deal:
$25 for $50 Worth of Food and Drink at Dinner or $10 for $20 Worth of Food and Drink at lunch.

I absolutely, positively *hate* going to the dentist (and if you ARE a dentist, I am sorry – it isn’t personal!). I go to the dentist, of course, because I’d like to keep a mouthful of healthy teeth for my entire time here on planet earth but for me, it is usually not a pleasant experience. It started young when, back in the day, they pulled teeth if you had a crowded mouth. I had a crowded mouth. I had a lot of teeth pulled. I am, apparently, still traumatized!

When Joy met with Dr. David Hochstein of Plaza Dentistry a few weeks ago, she was really impressed. They have a pleasant office in a convenient location and a qualified dentist who is passionate about his profession. When we were working on his recent promotion for KoR Teeth Whitening, I had a chance to speak with him at length as well. I know that there are several teeth whitening products on the market so I was curious why he chooses KoR Whitening for his patients. He said that, over time, he has worked with every one on the market but KoR achieves the best results — often whitening by double the amount of shades as any other brands. Plus, he favors KoR because because his patients don’t suffer from tooth sensitivity. This intrigued me because I have super sensitive teeth.

I had done Zoom! once many years ago and I swore I would never whiten again. For me, it was extremely painful. It felt like the nerves of my teeth were exposed and every time I took a breath for a few days afterwards, I felt pain. Dr. Hochstein explained that the reason why KoR is different is because their product is refrigerated from the moment it is manufactured. Other brands are not refrigerated so they require harsh chemicals to stabilize their products and prevent them from breaking down on the shelf. It is actually the stabilizers that cause irritation. Interesting, I thought.

Dr. Hochstein suggested I try it and I reluctantly agreed — pretty much because he said that I would not have the pain I did with Zoom. He asked when my last cleaning was because the effects of whitening are far superior if your teeth are pristine — which makes total sense since plaque would act as a barrier between your teeth and your whitener. I was due for a cleaning so I figured I would visit Dr. Hochstein and put myself in his hands.

I was surprised that the dentist actually performs the cleaning himself — with nitrous upon request! (You may think less of me that I request nitrous for a cleaning but I really do want to crawl out of my skin when instruments are in my gums and that nitrous makes the whole experience more tolerable.) Dr. Hochstein is a self-proclaimed perfectionist. If he is going to care for your teeth, he wants to do it personally which is why I was not passed off to a hygienist. His work was very thorough and I did get a lecture about flossing more which I admittedly deserve.

We then discussed my whitening options. I have two crowns (from back-to-back emergency root canals) and I had done the Zoom! Whitening before we matched them up to my healthy teeth. While I was planning to do the 1-Hour whitening, Dr. Hochstein explained that the trays might be a better option for me since I will be in control of how far we go. If I sit for the 1-hour in-office whitening, it is possible for the rest of my mouth to be whiter than my crowns which I might not like. I agreed – if my crowns look yellow compared to my teeth, that would really bother me and there is no way I would redo the crowns for ‘cosmetic’ reasons.  I seem to recall that they cost a small fortune even with dental insurance.

Dr. Hochstein’s assistant fitted me for trays which took just a few minutes. I came back a few days later to pick up my KoR home whitening kit. When I first saw the trays, I was really surprised, they are tiny, soft and very flexible.  They are essentially the exact size of your teeth with a tiny little well in the front of each tooth. They are super easy to put on and I barely feel them once they are in. I must admit, they are not what I expected at all — when I think of home whitening trays, I think of gigantic hard plastic trays that are super uncomfortable. I kinda think I actually had them once many, many years ago but have repressed the memory.

My Actual Whitening Trays

It’s been a few nights and I can already see a difference. The kit comes with a desensitizing gel and I have not had any problems with sensitivity at all – which is saying a lot given how sensitive my teeth are. I am really glad that I went this route and I pleased that I will have gorgeous pearly whites to flash. Of course, with my teeth so white, I went ahead and bought the deal for my husband, too — ’cause now his teeth look yellow compared to mine and that will just throw off our family photos for years to come! Of course, he is super lucky in that his crowns are far enough back in his mouth that he can do the 1-hour. Dare I say, he is actually looking forward to it. Although I get to keep my trays so if I ever feel like touching up the whitening, I can do that whenever I want or one night a month as Dr. Hochstein recommends.

I thought that Dr. Hochstein did such a good job of explaining the process and why he chooses to use KoR that I shot a video of him discussing it. If you are interested in whitening, it is worth it to take a few moments to watch it.

Dr. Hochstein of Plaza Dentistry Discusses KoR Teeth Whitening

My experience is that Dr. Hochstein is a gentle doctor who is very thorough and super honest about steering you in the right direction. I am glad that we featured his practice and I am sure that anyone who visits will be very pleased with the results.

If you want to brighten your smile with Plaza Dentistry, it’s not too late!
Up to 75% Off KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching from Plaza Dentistry in Teaneck

My Supremely Clean SUV! (No before pictures, I didn't want any evidence that I let my car get so filthy!)

I may not live the high life but I do have a second home — my car! My actual house is where I sleep, eat and raise my children but my SUV is where I spend most of my day.

I remember thinking that a black interior would disguise the mess that inevitably comes from inhabiting such a small space and toting around three spirited kids and an enormous dog, but I was wrong. The carpet on the floor hides nothing. Shoe and boot prints, dust, crumbs are all MORE visible because of the black carpet and frankly, it drives me nuts.

No black interior on my next car!

Between the carpooling, snacks and eating my lunch in my car en route to appointments, the interior is pretty much a mess all of the time and I am forever apologizing to any adult who climbs into the passenger seat. Bits of food and kids’ stuff falls in between the seats and disappears under the seats. Plus, I don’t not keep my car in a garage overnight so, in a word, it’s filthy. So filthy, in fact, that it never quite feels clean enough after a trip through the car wash.

I was excited when Eco-Steam Auto Spa offered to come to my house and freshen up my home away from home. Vladimir and Edwin arrived (in uniform!) right on time with all of their supplies ready to get to work. I did notice that the car they arrived in was positively pristine which I took as a very good sign.

I didn’t need to hang out with them outside which was hugely convenient but I checked in from time to time to see what they were up to. They steam cleaned and treated the outside and then hand waxed it from tip to tail with biodegradable products. My car looked so clean and shiny on the outside — like the day I first got it — without any of that sketchy film I am left with when I go to a “brushless” car wash.

They steam cleaned the wheels and applied a tire shine. My rear window was sooo immaculate — there really is nothing like clean windows! They were simply perfect! They also vacuumed and steam cleaned the carpets. They didn’t miss a spot – they found all of the “missing” papers, gum, random goldfish, straws and mystery items under the seats and carpet mats. And the cup holder, seeing what they did to that actually made me a little bit giddy!

I don't think this console has been this clean since I took delivery of my car!

My dog doesn’t shed very much but those little hairs were ALL OVER the back seats – but THAT WAS THEN! The guys used a light leather treatment on the seats and the car smells so good – no aroma of our beloved canine, or the burgers and french fries we had for take-out the other night, just the delicious smell of sparkly clean. These guys really understand what it is to restore a ride to it’s like-new state and they pay special attention to disinfecting which is so important when you have little kids that seem to recycle colds all winter long.

Spic and Span!!

I was so delighted by the job that they did that I tipped them handsomely. I still can’t get over what an awesome job Vladimir & Edwin did. My car has been totally renewed and now my second home is cleaner than the main residence which now feels like it needs a deep spring cleaning to bring me back into balance!

Still Available: 55% Off Car Detailing in Your Driveway from Eco Steam Auto Spa: They Come to You!

The owner of NE Laser & Vein, Zizi at the Reception Desk

Last Thursday, I headed over to NE Laser & Vein to experience their Fruitzyme Facial Treatment. We have worked with NE Laser & Vein in the past but I personally had not yet had an opportunity to visit them myself.  When Zizi mentioned that she wanted one of the Mommas to come and experience this organic, anti-aging treatment, well, let’s just say you didn’t have to ask me twice.

What I love about NE Laser and Vein is that they really know skincare and are heavily focused on keeping skin looking fabulous year after year (after year, after year).  The staff is very knowledgeable and very dedicated to their field. They also deeply understand that the “spa” in medi-spa can’t ever be taken too seriously. What’s the old adage? You can never be too rich, too thin or too pampered? Well, I might have made that up but it totally should have been written that way, dontcha think?

Their offices are on the third floor of a building on Ridgewood Avenue and as soon as you open the door, your brain registers that you have arrived at a spa. You are met with that wonderful spa-smell and it is very clean with soft music playing. There is a waterfall and an abundance of fruit, tea and water available to all who visit. Personally, this speaks to me. I really do love the whole refresh-the-mind-while-taking-care-of-the-body thing and I find any treatment infinitely more enjoyable in such a relaxing setting.

Once I checked in, Denise, the Aesthetician who would be taking care of me, led me to a lovely spa room complete with a huge, thick recliner with crisp sheets and a light down comforter. She left the room so I could change into the towel robe and slip into that ridiculously comfy chair.

Treatment Room

Before Denise got started, she tucked me in and then went on to explain each component of the 3-step process associated with the Fruitzyme Skin Rejuvenator Facial. Then, she examined my skin, taking note of the fact that it appeared dehydrated to her and let me know that she would customize the formulas being used on my skin to focus on hydration.

The first step in this anti-aging facial is a double cleansing process. Two types of milky, silky delicious smelling lotions were used to thoroughly clean my face. She massaged each of them in succession into and all around my face. It was so relaxing that I nearly dozed off!

Next, Denise used the steam wand to open my pores and more closely examine them. She gently extracted anything that didn’t belong. While this part is optional, it is one of my favorites since I feel like I am cheating the pimple fairy whenever a pore is manually unclogged. She was very gentle and there was no discomfort whatsoever.

Next came the Bromelain Enzyme paste. This organic compound made from pineapple, apricot and papaya is what did the heavily lifting in this treatment in terms of exfoliation and was responsible for rejuvenating my skin. I associate exfoliation with rigorous scrubbing but this was extremely gentle. It tingled as it was applied and was gently massaged into my face for quite some time. The enzymes in the paste are responsible for breaking down dead skin cells so they can literally be wiped away.  Now, I have very sensitive skin and I found that after several minutes, the paste burned a little. As Denise massaged, I debated with myself about whether or not I should mention it and chose to not saying because 1) it was a slight, or mild burning and nothing I would characterize as painful and 2) I wanted the full effect of the treatment and I figured I could tough it out until she done.

Next came a very soothing mask made from cherries, wine, grapes and cloves. It smelled so heavenly — good enough to eat! The mask was also gently massaged into my face for a prolonged period of time as were a set of custom serums that Denise layered on to hydrate and regenerate my skin. I lay back with my eyes closed and floated in that heavenly space between being awake and being asleep.

This is one of those facials where you are sorry to see it end – it was just so relaxing. By the time it was over, my skin felt softer and more velvety that it ever has. My cheeks were a little red from the Enzyme paste but that gradually faded during the remainder of the day. I sat with Zizi afterwards and she told me that I should have let Denise know that the Enzyme was a little too strong for me but, I am stubborn and I really wanted to see what this facial could do. By the next morning, the redness was completely gone so if I were to do it over again, I’d do the same thing! No regrets. (I just would make sure that I didn’t have any plans for the evening after the treatment.)

It’s now five days later and I still keep touching my face and marveling at how soft and smooth it is. I don’t believe I have ever experienced such a deep exfoliation and I am absolutely loving how it has made my skin feel. I loved my visit to NE Laser & Vein and I really loved this healthy aging treatment. In fact, I plan to get one done every 4 – 6 weeks. I live in Englewood so it is a little bit of a hike but for skin this smooth, man is it ever worth the trip.

If you choose to try the Fruitzyme Skin Rejuvenator Treatment yourself, go ahead and grab a 50% off certificate available now on SuburbanMomma. To book an appointment, call 201-445-4410 and tell ‘em Momma sent you!