Get outside and play, kids!

Did you know that 25% of 8-year-old kids can identify Pokemon™ characters more readily than wildlife species?  (Balmfold, Clegg, Coulson and Taylor 2002).  No offense to Pokemon, but what about giving some attention to the living characters that breath our air, share our soil and drink the water that our beautiful earth has to offer?  No time to take the kids out?  Well, what about the next time you head out to the grocery store (which can be as often as everyday, for some), stop at the local park to get some fresh air?  Better yet, when you get that frozen yogurt treat, bring it to the park and eat it there.  Bottom line - you have to make time.  I'm not saying you have to teach your kids all about the ants that are crawling along the sidewalk cracks and the night-time bats that swoop down for a drink from the pond, but since I mentioned it already, why not?  Getting kids engaged with nature is the perfect way to get them to go outside and get some exercise.  So here's what another study reports:  "Children are smarter, more cooperative (this is big!), happier and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for free and unstructured play in the outdoors." (Children and Nature 2008).  Get 'em!

Sacred healing at Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa

When you enter Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, you’ve entered into shrine of all things sacred - namely, your body, mind, and soul.  Like a precious box of relics, there’s a deep feeling of serenity that breathes faith into guests who long for rejuvenation and renewal.  Beyond the dark, rich woods that surround a plush seating area in the parlor, double doors take you into the bath house, the central focus of Reliquary. The bathhouse is a co-ed communal gathering place, and with the waters remaining at a comfortable 94 degrees, it’s easy to step in and stay for a while.  Or, opt to lounge in one of the luxurious seats that surround the balmy, open space where you can gaze at the rich details of this sanctuary, such as the Byzantine-inspired cross laid in mosaic on the bathhouse floor. The 23,000 square-foot spa offers signature services that will leave you feeling spiritually balanced.  The Ancient Cane Ritual starts with a sugar crystal exfoliation, followed by a ritual of drumming, tapping, and rolling using bamboo reeds.  The energy flows from deep within.  The Heavenly Touch combines two of the most popular services for guests, which is the 50-minute Swedish massage and 25-minute facial.  Finally, Reliquary’s Signature Precious Metals Facial brightens and renews your skin’s radiance.  Your skin will be silky and smooth after the treatment, and with the final dusting of silver and gold mineral powders, you’ll emerge out of the Reliquary – but keep yourself sacred until you return again.