Okay, I’ve had a really, really, REALLY interesting Sunday. It all started with a three mile run and then progressed into a sparkling wine tasting, getting covered with wood chips and then eating dinner at Zin. Did I mention I had a massage and then was covered with wood chips? More on that in a second.
First of all, the run. It was lovely. I did about 3 miles and then rewarded myself with a lovely nonfat vanilla latte from the Goat. I heart their lattes big time.
Lunch was pretty simple at home. A can of my favorite Amy’s soup—
With a whole wheat pita and hot goat cheese—
Twas the best kind of “grilled cheese and tomato soup” I could imagine!
After lunch I met up with some friends and we headed to my new favorite location of Iron Horse Winery in the Russian River Valley. I might be a little burned out on red wine tasting but I could more than definitely handle a sparkling wine tasting!
My favorite was the 2006 Wedding Cuvee. It had the perfect balance of everything a sparkling wine should be (or at least in my mind!).
Now, on to the spa. For awhile now I’ve been pondering over the website for Osmosis, this Japanese spa in Sebastopol. A couple girls from yoga were telling me about the Cedar Enzyme Baths and I knew I had to try it even though I had no idea what a Cedar Enzyme Bath actually was. But hey, I’m a girl who once went by herself to a traditional Turkish Bath at a Mosque in France for a “new experience” so I was all down for this little adventure.
So first, they gave me a wonderful 45 minute massage. I really needed it. My SI joint has been giving me some trouble lately because I always kick up with the same leg for handstands in yoga and it’s caused a lot of stress on my low back. I needed someone to really get in their and dig and that’s what my massage therapist did today. Felt so good. Afterward, as part of the “Cedar Enzyme Bath experience” I was lead to a tea ceremony where I drank some very interesting “enzyme tea” made from 25 different organically grown plants. Then, I hopped into a huge bath tub and was topped with a mixture of finely ground cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes imported from Japan. The cedar mix was self heating and actually very soft (sort of like laying in sawdust…its hard to describe…) and it was just this totally crazy experience.
After about 20 minutes, I showered off all the little ground cedar bits that had been plastered to my body (use your imagination) and was wrapped in a blanket and listened to some interesting subliminal music that did something to my brain (I’m not kidding). Basically, now I feel like I’m on drugs or something which is a totally weird experience for me because I’ve never done drugs in my life. At least this is what I THINK being on drugs would feel like. Okay, I’m going to stop typing now. Anyways., there’s only one Cedar Enzyme spa in the whole country and it’s here in Sebastopol so if y’all are inspired by this post, definitely come and take a trip so you too can experience cedar bliss.
Wow. And after all that, I met up with my friends and we ate a fabulous dinner at Zin. I had a bowl of potato soup and the roasted beet salad. No wine because that just would have been a really bad idea.
This post has totally been ALL over the place. Sorry about that! I think I’m just going to slowly lead myself into my bedroom now, get in bed and read Prince of Tides for the 500th time. No big deal.
Ahhhh goodnight.
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
Craaaazy massage!!! I want one of those–or just any massage at all.
Warm goat cheese is calling my name! Yum. I had a brie grilled cheese earlier this week!
hahaha, excellent post – sounds like an interesting day and i’m so jealous you got a massage! my back is full of knots…
hahaha, excellent post – sounds like an interesting day and i’m so jealous you got a massage! my back is full of knots…
What an interesting and cool experience! I checked out their website – do you think it was worth the price? I’ve been meaning to shell out for massage, because I think it usually IS worth it, but it’s hard. Hope your “spa high” continues to treat you well!
PS – I wasn’t just asking if it was worth the $$ to be nosy about your spending habits; I have an aunt who lives in Sebastopol so I might have the opportunity someday!
Wow, it sounds like you had a great day! You totally deserved it! I haven’t had one of those massages where you feel like you are “high” in quite a while. The cedar being stuck to me, I’ve never experienced, but I’ve gotten a massage in Europe where they don’t give you a sheet to cover up (naked!). That has been the weirdest spa experience for me, but by the end I was so relaxed that I didn’t care! haha
I also did a 3-mile run today and then rewarded myself with hot chocolate from The Flying Goat. I, however, did not get a massage. Booo
I LOVE Iron Horse. My husband and I went there over New Year’s and absolutely loved their sparkling wines, and the setting of the tasting. My favorite was also the wedding cuvée!
That was definitely an interesting and very cool day!! Crazy massage, but sounds so wonderful!!
ummm…your day sounded much better than mine…hahaa…
That Amy’s soup looked good, I’ll try that and add fresh basil, garlic & cheese… The cedar experience sounds like heaven.
The Grammys rocked.
Haha, I loved this post Jenna. Both the soups look delicious, and hot got cheese on pita bread sounds divine.
Hope the Prince of Tides helps you come down!
haha That sounds….interesting. Not sure If I could handle that, wasnt the wood itchy? Love massages though!
That spa sounds crazy! I’ve never been to one. Wait, I lied, I was in one last year interviewing the owner for a story I was writing for journalism. That’s about as far as I’ve been though. Need to try it some day!
Wow! That massage sounds AMAZING! I’ve never gotten a massage but it sounds great!
As usual, your food looks to die for! Have a great day!
That spa sounds really interesting!!
i love this post… the way your spa experience description flows is interesting (and funny!). hope you can sleep off the “drug” feeling!
sounds like a very interesting experience. What is the benefit of all those enzymes. Just relaxation…or is there more to it?
It’s fun to try new things (like your cedar massage) but then again, you can’t beat the old Swedish favorites! Kudos to you for always being daring and trying new, odd things.
Wow! Your day at the spa sounds exciting!! I’m sad to say I have NEVER had a massage! Guess I better change that pronto!
lol– gotta love crazy massages. Once, in Costa Rica, I had a “rainwater massage” where they poured water on you during the entire massage and walked on your back. Interesting.
i can’t get massages! I’m immature and start giggling like nobody’s business!
Sounds like a really interesting massage! I’ve only gotten “traditional” ones but I think they are so helpful to de-stress. We have massage therapists at my university and students get discounted massages so I’ve made a decision to go every month this semester!
That massage sounds intense!! and that latte looks like it has ther perfect amount of foam.
Beets are soooo yummy. Roasted beet salad always catches my eye
That cedar bath sounds interesting! I’ve never heard of anything like it. At least it worked!
And I LOVE the Prince of Tides. Pat Conroy is a genius =)
xo
K
Take this as you will… If you curbed spending and donated to your own Gran Fondo fund, then maybe the rest of us who work our butts off without the luxury of expensive dinners and spas could afford to supplement to your goal by giving less than a required $20. I love a good cause but sometimes when I read your blog I can’t help but think you could shoulder some of this fundraiser yourself and simply forgo some of your spendy habits. It’s like telling people to donate while blowing bucks all over that those people might not have and then showing those people pictures of you doing so. Klassy.
Just a thought… you put your lifestyle out there so I felt compelled to comment.
I’ve totally felt like that after even just a deep tissue massage! In fact, the last time I had an hour long deep tissue, I felt like I was on drugs the entire night. I think it’s because she worked out so many toxins and so much lactic acid. Not sure though..
Wow that sounds like a crazy fun day! Jealous of the beet salad of course
That cedar thing is the craziest spa treatment I’ve ever heard of! I’d be scared of getting the ONE stray splinter in the bag stuck into me:-) It sounds like a great spa treatment to try–I’ve never had a massage because I’m way too ticklish, so that may be just the ticket…
Wow, sounds like a fantastic massage. I’ve been aching for one lately.
Feeling zenned out is always the best. I’m in serious need of a massage as well!
I love spa days. worth every penny.
Sounds like a great day
What a cool idea with the wood chips!
Haha that sounds so…interestingg
I don’t know if I could be mature about it or if I’d just laugh and be weirded out the whole time
Wow girl, what an experience. I have to say I would be curious to see what that feels like. I’ve never had a massage nor done drugs so.. sounds interesting. Love the post though, you are too funny
Lol you’re hilarious. I can’t decide if that sounds totally awesome or totally weird
Miss you!!!
Ha, I would love to try that..maybe. The whole subliminal thing is interesting. Makes me just a little cautious.
Glad you liked it? I hope you slept amazingly well after that!
Interesting.. maybe some fumes from the cedar bath! Sounds like a once in a lifetime must try experience!
Nice post and great way to spend a Sunday I say!
I heart AMY’s soups!
Have you tried Health Valley – I devour 2 cans @ a time and throw in extra
I could live in a spa all day long…have my body pampered and so well taken care of! Would love that…love it love it love it! So glad you enjoyed the day
Hahaha- that reminds me of my mud bath experience in Calistoga! Definitely a “try it once” type of thing, right? Sounds VERY interesting.
Glad you had such a fun, spontaneous day yesterday… those are the best!
Haha, you’re hilarious. I always wish I did more spa stuff. It might just seem indulgent, but I actually believe that it’s essential to keeping your mind and body in good condition.
In response to that one comment… How do you know if she donated or not? Perhaps the massage is a gift? What- because she’s trying to raise money she is not allowed a massage? At least she is raising money in the first place. Lighten up people! Sounds like jealousy to me.
Sounds like quite the experience! I think hypnotism works like that music. It makes you feel drunk or high or something .haha
what a neat experience! i’d love to try that cedar enzyme bath at some point
also, i think it’s great that you’re using the publicity from your blog to raise money for something important rather than just riding the race for yourself. way to go!
i went sparkling wine tasting last weekend! love it. and im completely jealous of your spa experience.
Wow that’s definitely a unique experience…!
Haha, you’re too cute. Fun, random-ish day. The spa treatment sounds like quite the experience. Hopefully it makes for a great week. Lovin’ the beet salad, btw : )
totally agree with you, debbie. besides, eating and blogging about it IS your job! i’m thankful for this blog for so many reasons, so thank you for taking the time to raise money for a notable cause
the soup looks fantastic!
Isn’t osmosis amazing!? And did you check out firestone bakery across the road — do that next time.
Great post. I ADORE that blissed out druggy feeling after a really good massage. Totally necessary life experience. I 100% agree with Heather’s comment above and Debbie. Why do these anonymous people have to be such downers…geez!! Get real people! Go on with your bad self Jenna.
Your post was not like your normal posts! You must have really been out of it after that spa experience.
I do see some validity in what anony posted. Jenna wants us to help her, but why doesn’t she invest in the cause too. I’m not saying she has to curb her spending or give monetarily, but I do feel it’s sort of presumptuous of her to ask us for money. I’ve suggested this before, without a response, but why doesn’t she create some type of fundraiser (like she has in the past).
I think we’re all entitled to our opinions…
@anony and m – like debbie said, how do you know that jenna has not donated to her cause? it seems rather presumptuous of both of you to assume otherwise without knowing the complete story… not trying to stir up the pot, but i feel strongly that your comments were unfair. “klassy”
Hi Jenna, I’ve only commented a couple of times before (sorry!) but I enjoyed this post so much that I just had to tell you how funny it was! Then I read the comments above and just wanted to add that you shouldn’t let negative things that other people say get you down. You know what’s right for you, and that’s all that matters. No one knows what you donate to or how much, and I think it’s great that you are giving other people the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause. A lot of times people are looking for a way to give. So, don’t even think twice about those comments!
That sounds like a fantastic spa! I always feel “loopy” after a massage but it sounds like this took it to a whole new level!
haha That IS an interesting spa experience…a great story! and I’m glad the massage was a good one!!
That sounds so cool and weird all at the same time. Sounds like you enjoyed it though
sounds like you had a busy day! i need to get a massage asap!
Um, wow. That’s sounds like quite the experience!
This was a hilarious post – Jenna you really are a great writer (the best of the bloggers, in my opinion), I’m not surprised you landed a book deal. I hope the Turkish Bath in a French Mosque experience makes the book!
Sounds like a heavenly day to me! That Amy’s soup is my favorite too!!
So jealous of your spa trip, haha I would assume that visiting a spa is much like being on drugs too…
Amy’s chunky tomoto soup is one of my favorites!!
I LOVE Osmosis…my mom and I have gone there twice together and I am desperately awaiting my next cedar enzyme bath! So strange and yet I’m obsessed. Whenever I’m really cold, I think of the total warmth of the cedar enzyme bath and wish I were in it! The facials are also really, really nice. I am glad you got to experience it and hope some of the readers will try it out!