Today, Kristin shares a review of the M. Lekkakos Spa in Wenham:

“When I lived in LA, I found that what most people consider life’s little luxuries back East were a necessity out West. For example, I always managed to find time for mani/pedis, I bought expensive sunglasses because they were not just a fashion accessory but mandatory eye protection (that I wore every day without fail), and with all the smog, I always found the time and money for regular facials. Facials are my favorite thing, but as a working mother of two boys, I find it near impossible to get them done these days. Plus, finding a good aesthetician is no small task.
I’ve experienced dozens of facials over my lifetime, and I have to say that hands down, M. Lekkakos Spa, located on the North Shore in Wenham, is the BEST OF THE BEST, in my book.

When I first arrived at the spa, after a 35-minute drive from my home in Arlington, I was taken aback by how discrete it was. Housed in what I can only describe as a small cottage, I entered the spa and was greeted by a very attractive and friendly receptionist. Throughout the spa there were a variety of skin care and makeup lines that I had never heard of but was eager to try. I made myself comfy in their waiting area and was soon greeted by owner and master aesthetician, Maria Lekkakos. The first thing I noticed about her was that she was not only beautiful, but completely organic in appearance. No heavy makeup, and her skin was glowing and radiant. Obviously, this was someone I wanted handling my face! Maria was full of energy and made me feel at ease immediately. She led me back to her room, where I was instructed to wrap myself in a warm towel, lay face up on the table, and get comfy under the blankets (which smelled great…don’t ask me why, but I notice those things). When Maria returned, she got straight to work giving me an ultrasound facial.

Maria’s ultrasound facial is her own creation. She explained that it is the perfectly balanced treatment for dehydrated, mature (crap, I’m in that category now?), eczema, rosacea, and acne prone skin. The facial lasted 90 minutes and in that time, I was massaged, cleansed, extracted, masked, steamed, and moisturized.

I think what I liked most about Maria’s approach was that she was not dedicated to just one line of products. She mixed two different lines of skin care: Thalgo (a line based out of Australia) and Sundari (a collection co-created by model Christy Turlington; I had heard a lot about this line but had yet to try it). These skin care lines are organic, bear minimal fragrance, and offer maximum results. My skin actually felt and looked plumped up from all the moisture contained in these products. I literally was glowing when I left, and that has never happened to me before. I actually refused to put any makeup on my face for two days afterward in order to maintain the feeling she gave me. Maria also was generous enough to give me some samples of the products she used so I could keep it up for a few days. I did breakout a bit a few days after, but to me, that’s a sign of a great facial because your skin is purging itself.

The spa prices at M. Lekkakos are comparable, if not a bit less, to what you would pay for a spa in downtown Boston. Winner of Best of Boston (2007) and Best of North Shore (2008, 2009), Maria is in demand; so much so that even celebrities who come into town for film shoots seek her out. Needless to say, she’s a busy woman, so book ahead. The spa offers everything from waxing and massage, to full hair care, makeup applications, nail care, and body care. My suggestion is to find the time, have your partner take care of the kids or arrange a sitter, and make the trip. The experience and results are absolutely worth it...and you deserve it!”

M. Lekkakos Spa | Salon | Boutique at 154 Main Street, Wenham; 978-468-9540

I have long been a fan of Seventh Generation (even more so after learning that they – unlike most household and personal care companies – disclose all of the ingredients in their products) and right now they’re rocking a Million Baby Crawl grassroots educational campaign about keeping homes and the environment toxin-free. The Crawl To Action campaign comes to Boston (or more accurately, the Burlington Mall) tomorrow, November 18 (10am-2pm), during which kids can enjoy the play area and live entertainment while grownups learn about safe products and pick up Seventh Generation samples.

If you have questions about influenza/H1N1, the Boston Public Library and the Boston Public Health Commission are hosting a series of information sessions across the city, starting today. Topics will include flu prevention, care, myths and facts, and information on free flu clinics. All sessions are free and open to the public; no registration required.

Image credit: Boston Public Health Commission
UPDATE (11/29/09): The two flu information sessions scheduled for Thursday, December 3 at the East Boston and Codman Square (Dorchester) branch libraries have been canceled.

Today, Jennifer shares a great local lead to get a jump on holiday shopping while supporting independent artists and crafters. Read on to learn more about next week's juried Wellesley Marketplace Craft Festival, as well as to learn how to win a pair of premier shopping tickets to the event (entry closes at noon, Friday, November 13):
From Jennifer:

“Every year my super fun and sassy friend Sami and I attend the Wellesley Marketplace Craft Festival organized by the Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club. Timed perfectly for holiday gift shopping, it's held this year on Saturday, November 21 at the Wellesley Middle School from 10am – 4pm (with "premier shopping" from 9 – 10am). The 115 juried exhibitors are very cool and very crafty...most offer handmade items. Our purchases in the past have included gourmet chocolate sauce (which make GREAT holiday hostess gifts), scarves, beaded handbags, earrings, hand-painted flower pots, hand-sewn hats and toys for kids, and dried flower topiaries, just to name a few.

A few tips for shoppers: the event gets crowded, so arrive early, leave your coat in the car, and bring a reusable grocery bag to consolidate purchases. They also serve drinks and snacks if you need a shopping recharge.

Oh, and no strollers allowed. Which is all the more reason to make it a girl's day out!”

+ + + + +
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Sharon!
+ + + + +

Now, want to win a pair of premier shopping tickets to the Wellesley Marketplace Craft Festival? Simple email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘Wellesley Marketplace’ in the subject) by noon, Friday, November 13. The premier tickets provide for early shopper admission at 9am on the day of the event.

Davis Square’s bargain retail profile recently kicked it up a notch with the addition of Buffalo Exchange (on the same block as Poor Little Rich Girl and Good Will). Giving national chain a good name, Buffalo Exchange allows for direct sale or trade of used clothing and accessories, and carries both classic pieces (such as the J. Crew print dress I scored for $23.50...sweet!) and quirkier ones. The two-level store currently offers more goods for women (including rows upon rows of shoes downstairs), though there are some racks for men. Laurel loves treasure hunting with me in Davis; she only requests that this and other stores start carrying used kid’s clothing.

Buffalo Exchange, 238 Elm Street, Somerville; 617-629-5383

Today, Kate and April share their thoughts on a couple of winning games from local children’s game company Gamewright. Read on for Kate and April’s reviews, as well as to learn how to win a signed copy of Gamewright’s popular Can You See What I See? Finders Keepers Game (entry closes November 11).

+ + + + +

From Kate:

“My daughter is just getting to the age where she can understand and enjoy simple board games, and we've introduced a few as a way to teach her about following the rules, playing with others, and adhering to the basic concepts of sportsmanship. We started with Candy Land, which she loved for its bright colors and vivid drawings, and have since sampled a few others. I have to confess that she will often stack the deck (literally) in her favor, but we have a lot of fun and I believe that she's learning good lessons about logic and collaboration.

Gamewright Games of Newton, Massachusetts offers a range of beautifully-made games for kids of all ages, and we've recently discovered one that is just the right age and skill level for my daughter. Go Away Monster! encourages little kids to recognize and match shapes, while also helping them to deal with any monster-oriented anxieties by figuratively casting out monsters (funny, not scary) from under the bed. My daughter understood the concept of the game after just a few moments of explanation, and has been enjoying it ever since. Gamewright Games is a good option for families who are looking for games that aren't flashy or jarring but that offer fun in thoughtfully-designed packages.”

+ + + + +

From April:

“Play at our home rarely involves an actual game. Puppets, dancing, and coloring are the usual activities with occasional dramatic reenactments of Little Bear stories. Recently, I've been wishing for a few games to keep our 3 1/2-year-old daughter engaged and playing with us, but perhaps a bit calmer than 40 pirouettes. I want a couple of very quiet evening activities we can share together before we do our bedtime routine, or to take up a quiet block of weekend time.

Up until now we haven't found any games that are interesting, nice, and sweet enough for her (and our) tastes. We've tried several but the rules often go out the window and she uses the cards or pieces as props in a massive architectural build or an elaborate puppet show. Or, worse, she shows no interest at all.

Recently, though, we tried out Feed the Kitty from Gamewright. Instantly she was intrigued because it involves mice and a theoretical cat. We opened the box and she was immediately involved in the entire potential story contained in the pieces. It comes with a green food bowl (belonging to the cat), 20 purple wooden mice, and two simple dice that set the play in motion.

The idea is that everyone gets a certain number of mice. The dice that you roll tell you whether to put a mouse in the kitty bowl, take one out, give one to your neighbor, or do nothing (because the kitty's sleeping). The directions on the dice are pictorial, so once our daughter learned what each image meant to the game, she could keep track of the action and figure out what happens at every play. She got a real thrill telling us how to interpret the dice rolls.

The subtext is that some mice wind up in the bowl and become kitty food, but that would not play well with our little naturalist/animal lover. We asked her what she thought was happening and she said the mice were sneaking into the bowl to snack on the kitty's food—a much kinder read for the younger or more sensitive set, although older kids or those that understand that cats actually chase mice and eat them wouldn't be fazed. Our daughter didn't even consider that you want to keep the mice out of the kitty bowl—just that they don't want to get caught there—and yet the game still works perfectly!

The game lasts about 20-25 minutes the way we play (which is with a lot of talking). If you wanted to do a fast game before bed, you could easily speed up the rolls. The last player with mice is the winner. The game is recommended for kids age 4 and up, although our 3 1/2-year-old started playing it as if she'd had it for ages already. It's a sweet game with cute pieces and a new favorite for us when we need a quiet but involved family activity.”

+ + + + +
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Lynn!
+ + + + +

Now, want to win a signed copy of Gamewright’s popular Can You See What I See? Finders Keepers Game? Here's how:

Visit the Gamewright store locator page, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘Gamewright’ in the subject), and name a store where you can purchase Gamewright games.

One entry permitted per person; US residents welcome to enter.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, November 11, 2009.

*One lucky winner (drawn using Random.org) will receive a signed copy of Gamewright's Can You See What I See? Finders Keepers Game.

+ + + + +

Image credits: 1 (Gamewright); 2 (April Paffrath)

I recently wrote over at my personal blog about how moving in real life events are for me, particularly as a person who spends an absurd amount of time interfacing with people digitally. I’m thus pleased to welcome you all out to an IRL (i.e., that's tech talk for in real life) get together this Sunday, November 8, from 10am – 2pm. The Bellaziza Trunk Show and brunch will take place at Kenzie Kids in Wellesley in partnership with Boston Mamas and Magic Beans. Come eat, mingle, shop (mention Boston Mamas and get 20% off at checkout), and enjoy some swag. This event is free and open to anyone who digs cute kid stuff. Hope to see you there!

At Kenzie Kids, 200 Linden Street, Wellesley; 781-237-3666

It’s the season of giving and I hope you will participate in the Big Boston Warm-up. This coat campaign is hinged to an art installation at Boylston Plaza at Prudential Center. The installation comprises 768 figures, each representing 10 of Boston’s homeless men, women, and children. Simply donate a gently used coat to a local Lands’ Ends at Sears (you’ll receive 20% off a new Lands’ End coat) and a red heart will be added to each installation figure for every 10 coats donated. Also, as part of the campaign, tomorrow, November 7 (10:30am-12pm; 1-2:30pm), at the Burlington Mall Lands’ End/Sears, families can enjoy a meet and greet, reading, and book signing with Carol McCloud, author of Have You Filled a Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids. The concept of “bucket filling” is all about encouraging positive acts, such as helping those less fortunate.
The Big Boston Warm-up runs now through November 30. Collected coats will be distributed via the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.

Though I still can’t stomach the concept of holiday in terms of retail displays in early November, I’m willing to make exceptions for the performing arts and independent artisans. And from November 6 – 8 you can access the wares of 300 fine artists at the Boston Christmas Festival at the Seaport World Trade Center. Also, given my obsession with gingerbread last year (and, admittedly, cake competitions on cable), the gingerbread house competition (of which this Fenway Park replica was a winner) seems particularly intriguing. Tickets are $12 for adults (discount available); kids under 14 are admitted free.