Wellness Wednesday (May 2nd 2012)

It's an important week here in downtown Tacoma. Spring has finally arrived and with it comes a renewed sense of being alive. Suddenly there are a millions reasons to get outside, talk to your neighbors, put away those fleece jackets and say hello to bright colors everywhere. No where is this more apparent than when the Farmers Market returns. There's no better way to feel energized than to add fresh organic produce to every meal. I don't know about you but I'm really looking forward to the opening of the Broadway Farmers Market tomorrow.

Tacoma Farmers Market 
 S. 9th St. & Broadway, Tacoma, WA
http://www.tacomafarmersmarket.com
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Farmers Market Shopping Tips ..it is an art!!


In Preparation
  • Bring Containers and Shopping Bags
    TFM sometimes offers deals on reusable tote bags yet it's easiest if you bring your own. You are contributing to the most basic recycling and environmental causes by using cloth and string bags, besides buying local, most likely organically grown produce. Thank you for that!
  • Dress Comfortably
    Wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Most farmers markets are open rain or shine, so be prepared with sunscreen and collapsible umbrellas…don’t be afraid of a little liquid sunshine! If you take your children, make sure you have supplies, a stroller, and drinks for them.
  • Family Outing
    Bring the entire family. There are lots of activities for kids at the Tacoma Farmers Markets. Print out some interactive activities from our website Kids page (scavenger hunts, puzzles, etc). Stop at the instrument petting zoo, get a face painted, dance to the live music, watch the impromptu performers, plant seeds and refresh with a shaved ice! Involve kids in the process and they will become more interested in fresh produce and meal preparation. A great way to combat obesity early!
  • Bring Coolers
    Make sure to have coolers with ice packs in your car, or take the produce straight home to keep it fresh and at its peak. See our “storage tips” page to stretch your food dollars!
  • Research What’s Fresh (make your shopping list)
    Check the Market’s website or newsletter prior to making your trip. They’ll likely list the items that are seasonally fresh and available on any given day, which will help in your menu planning process.
At the Market
  • Take Your Time
    Have fun browsing! Many folks like to make a slow loop around the market, making note of booths of special interest, before they begin buying. Feel free to munch as you go…there are always fresh baked goodies made with local ingredients along the way!
  • Bring Cash or EBT/DEBIT cards
    Forget your cash? Just visit the TFM information booth and use your debit/credit card to buy market tokens. They can be used at any TFM Market/booth and never expire. Did you know that our markets participate in a Senior and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Farmers Market Nutrition Program? If your family qualifies, you can receive coupons good at farmers markets that help supplement your meals. And local farmers benefit too. That's definitely a win-win situation.
  • Ask the Farmers Ask questions of the vendors when you see unfamiliar produce. Even after running markets for years, last season I learned that parsley has the highest vitamin A count of all vegetables and fruits, and loads of vitamin C….And I have been using it as a garnish all these years! Vendors and farmers love to share their knowledge and can even give you recipes and cooking/growing tips.
  • Go Early
    The sights, smells, and sounds are incredibly beautiful. To think all the produce and flowers were harvested earlier that same day! You'll find the freshest and best selection if you show up early.
  • Go Late
    Just before closing time, you'll find some of the best deals, because vendors don't want to take their wares back home. But remember that the selection will be limited at this time, and some vendors may be sold out.
These tips were brought to you by:


Smooth & Juicey
1122 Market St. Tacoma, WA 98402
253.365.6706
http://smoothandjuicey.com
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Speaking of eating healthy, how about a fresh organic smoothy a day to keep the extra fat away? I always feel a noticeable lift in my energy and mood after I slurp down one of these baby's!


You could always get some fresh produce and one of these and make your own at home! A little bird told me that there will soon be a fresh market inside Smooth & Juicey!



Jewell Day Spa
2501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
PH#253.572.5224

Since you'll probably be showing more skin now that spring is here, now is a good time to give it some extra care so you can look your glowing best all over. Here are a few treatments I recommend for the sake of mind, body and spirit.

Body Polishes
Custom Body Polish Treatment Bar - 60 min $80

These full-body exfoliating treatments leave your skin feeling velvety smooth. If you have a favorite blend or are in the mood for something new, you and one of our consulting aromatherapists can create a polish to fit any desire. Jewell Day Spa has a wide range of top grade essential oils, body products, herbal additions and imagination!

Jewell Signature Tahitian Vanilla and Red Mandarin Brown Sugar Polish - 60 min $80

Very indulgent and fragrantly intoxicating! A mixture of Vanilla and Red Mandarin, turbinado and brown sugars are rubbed onto the skin to remove dead skin cells and increase circulation. It is . . . pure paradise!

Organic Grapefruit and Rosemary Detox Polish - 60 min $80

Dead Sea Salt, known for its therapeutic properties and trace elements, is massaged into skin improving circulation and exfoliating, while grapefruit and rosemary oils help the elimination of toxins. The result...A radiant, glowing you.


Easy Online Booking Book online
Get more information
Purchase Gift Certificates Buy a Gift Certificate


Clara Spa
1506 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
Connect on Facebook
253.682.2005
http://www.ClarasSpa.com

Next week readers of Duchess of Downtown are invited to a very special VIP event at Clara Spa where you can receive free mini-services and lots of other special treats. (see list below)


Wednesday, May 9, 2012 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

♥   Unite the community with delicate samples of our sweets
♥   Botox on site
♥   Raffles
♥   30% off products and services booked at event
♥   Tours
♥   Free wine and deserts
♥   Sample some of Clara's most requested mini-services for free
♥   Local artist featuring handmade treats and art


YOU'RE WELCOME!

XOXO,
Duchess of Downtown Tacoma

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