Holly Reed is the brains and the brawn behind Spotted Owl Soap.  She’s also a girl who knows her soap (and lotion, and body butter, and lip balm).  She understands the chemistry behind it.  She gets giddy when she explains it to you.  And, she tells you exactly what’s in it.

The best part?  After she tells you what’s in it, you’re not afraid to let her borrow one of your mixing bowls, like Sassy Kim did.  I also heard a rumor that Holly licks a bar of soap from every batch to make sure that it’s safe to use.  You know…kind of like licking a 9-volt battery to see if there’s any “juice” left in it (but with less chance for electrocution).  Serious dedication, no?

This fall we’re making the holidays simpler. We’re busy creating several gift sets for all budgets plus, now through December 15 we’re offering free custom gift wrapping for every order over $10.  At checkout time, just tell us who the gift is for and for what occasion. We’ll ship something that looks like you personally slaved over it.

Spotted Owl Soaps has gift options to fit any budget, including 3 different options under $5.

What’s in it for you?

Holly is giving all Sassy Scoops readers 15% off using code “SASSY15″.  This discount can be applied to everything but gift cards and the already discounted gift sets.  (Try the whipped shea butter and thank me later.)

Spotted Owl Soaps is also offering one lucky reader a gift set of her very own (lotion, salt, 2 soaps, lip balm).

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us which which product from the Spotted Owl Soaps store you’re most excited to try.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” Spotted Owl Soap and Body Products on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, November 11th.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

Spotted Owl Soap online: http://www.spottedowlsoap.com/
Spotted Owl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spotted-Owl-Soap-and-Body-Products/109146739152147
Spotted Owl on Twitter: http://twitter.com/spottedowlsoap

We all know that all-natural is best when it comes to products we put on our bodies. Whether we’re slathering on lotion, soaking in an oatmeal bath or simply washing our hands, the ingredients in your bath and body products really do matter. And just because the ingredients list includes aloe or shea butter or coconut oil, that doesn’t mean you’ll find much of that natural ingredient inside.

We learned all about ingredients lists and skin care products (the good, the bad and even the ugly) from the gal behind Spotted Owl Soap and Body Products.  (It was awesome, that’s all I’m saying.) She is a serious study when it comes to what goes into her natural bath and body products, and I love it because someone should be looking out for my skin!

Natural skin care isn’t complicated, it’s really simple. Instead of formulating for maximum shelf life or using cheap fillers, we developed our soaps and lotions for maximum benefit. We use only the best quality ingredients and every ingredient is there for a purpose. We use only natural oils derived from plants – no animal fats or petrolatum. We feel our natural skin care products strike the perfect balance of what nature and science have to offer your skin.

Doesn’t that make you want to pamper yourself—and your skin—with her products?

Spotted Owl Soap and Body Products offers a collection of soaps, lotions and butters, bath salts, scrubs, lip balms and fabulous gift sets. In fact, they’ll have some really awesome gift sets for the holidays—perfect for gifting to friends!

During our review we tried a sampling of products…and we may have even made our own scrubs. What did we think of Spotted Owl’s decadent shea butter or her fabulously silky lip balm? (Wait, did I just give it away?…) Return to SassyScoops.com on Wednesday to find out!

Spotted Owl Soap online: http://www.spottedowlsoap.com/

Spotted Owl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spotted-Owl-Soap-and-Body-Products/109146739152147

Spotted Owl on Twitter: http://twitter.com/spottedowlsoap

As part of our review experience at Aveda’s REMEDEZ HairSpa in Utah, each Sassy got to experience a rejuvenating treatment. Some had pedicures, others facials and I received a full-body deep tissue massage.

I have had plenty of massages before, but I appreciated the extras that REMEDEZ offered, from closing my eyes and choosing an oil scent that I liked the most to the heated table to the therapist answering my questions during the treatment.

We all have busy and stressful lives and deserve to treat our bodies well every once in a while. Towards the end of my session, I asked my therapist, who had been working on my muscles for the hour, which muscle groups were in the worst shape and what kind of maintenance I could do on them outside of massage. She told me the two areas that needed the most attention: the muscles on the side of my neck (probably due to working on the computer) and muscles in my hips/glutes (from not stretching enough after I run.)

After the treatment, she met me in the hallway with a glass of cold water and showed me a series of stretches to do everyday (morning and night!) to benefit my problem areas. She also gave me a great tip: Every time you walk through a doorway, readjust your back posture. Brilliant!

I love the extra time and interest she took in helping me become a more healthy person, but that is the Aveda mission that REMEDEZ feels so strongly about.

From their website:

At REMEDEZ, our mission is to create the ultimate beauty and wellness experience. The balance you desire and the tranquility you deserve awaits you at REMEDEZ HairSpa. Imagine your perfect day, today!

REMEDEZ feels so strongly about their mission that they are offering the following treatments to TWO SassyScoops.com readers:

1 Gift Card for the Nurturing Relief Spa Package (Focus Facial, 30 minute massage, and a pedicure) ($95 value)

1 Gift Card for the All About You Spa Package (One hour massage & Foot Relieving Pedicure OR Signature Facial & Foot Relieving Pedicure)

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us which spa treatment your body needs more right now. Check out a menu of their treatments if you are not sure.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” REMEDEZ HairSpa on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, September 16th.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassies Carina and Sue think of REMEDEZ in Orem, Utah? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Carina: The heavenly smell.
Emily: The fabulous smell and quiet atmosphere. The space seemed so small, I was surprised they had room for spa treatments!
Jenny: I love how it smells. So impressive that they can pull off this atmosphere in a mall.
Kim: Bright and clean atmosphere. Loved to clean fresh scent of all of the products. The set up of the salon really invites you in to experience and test all that they have to offer. I loved the adorable little shopping baskets to hold all of your goodies for you until checkout.
Kristina: The salon looked very high end, and the staff was friendly. It was clean and well maintained, and the spa area was nice and quiet.
Lindsey: There is a smell when you walk in that is unmistakably Aveda. When you walk in, it is like instant aroma therapy. The lines in the salon and spa are clean and simple. You feel relaxed even before you you start any treatments.
Stephanie: I loved the way the salon and spa smelled. It doesn’t smell like a typical hair salon full of chemicals and hair dye. It smelled more like a relaxing day at the beach, which is nice because salons typically give me a headache from the overpowering harsh product smell.
Sue: Professional, quiet atmosphere. Knowledgeable staff.
Vanessa: Looks like such a small space! (It actually is not; it is very roomy inside and keeps on going and going in the back. It tricks you!) All of the staff had big bright welcoming smiles.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Carina: I love Aveda products and the Aveda mission. I can get pampered with products that are effective, and know that they’re being produced in a sustainable way.
Emily: The friendly staff and again, the aromatherapy used throughout the salon. I also loved the owners’ passion for Aveda’s mission.
Jenny: So, so much: The friendliness of the receptionists, the sincerity and professionalism of the owners, talking about the Aveda mission, and of course talking about all the spa services that are offered at REMEDEZ. I got a manicure with shellac, and though I usually NEVER wear nail color, I’m sold on getting this done regularly (it’s a gel that doesn’t chip, so it lasts longer).
Kim:I liked the people. Sometimes when I go into a higher priced salon or spa, I feel extremely intimidated. Usually when I go to a place like this, it is a treat, or I have saved up lots of my hard earned money. I want to be treated like I go there every week. This is how REMEDEZ made me feel. So much so I am anxious to even make the drive down to Utah County for my next treatment and relaxing spa experience.
Kristina: My massage was AMAZING. It is probably the best massage I have ever had. And any chance I have to be naked is an extra plus in my book. My massage therapist was extremely knowledgeable about the body and offered lots of great stretches and information about things to help some pain I was having. She also listened to me and used the right amount of pressure and worked on the areas I asked her to. She also found a knot in my butt, so that was terrifying/awesome.
Lindsey: I had an incredible deep tissue massage and the therapist took the time to answer all my questions. She told me which parts of my body were the most tense, possibly why and gave me stretches and ideas on how to properly care for those muscle groups as part of my treatment. I call that going the extra mile.
Stephanie: The person who did my pedicure, Aiko. She was so friendly and kind. It makes a huge difference when people in the service industry are personable and can carry on a conversation. Aiko was smart, funny, and wonderful to speak with. It shows me that REMEDEZ takes who they hire seriously.
Sue: My massage!
Vanessa: That after your service they would sit down and talk with you about it, give you their trips and ask you if you had any questions. The level of expertise with the facial and the way everyone made you feel so comfortable.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Carina: There’s never enough time to do everything they have to offer.
Emily: Though my technician was nice, I wasn’t very impressed with my pedicure. My heels were still a bit dry, and I don’t have horrible heels to start with. And though my polish dried quickly (much faster than Kim’s!), it started looking haggard fairly quickly. I even had one nail’s color peel off entirely within a couple days! Pedis should last a LOT longer than that.
Jenny: My nail technician wasn’t friendly, but I’m confident her attitude isn’t representative of what Remedez stands for.
Kim: Well, I hate to even say because I got a free manicure and all (which was WONDERFUL and the staff did an excellent job), however my nail polish—either the base coat was old or the polish itself was old—never dried. Four hours later it was still tacky; I thought I was crazy until I had another Sassy peel it off. Luckily and happily it was only a one case thing as the other ladies had beautiful pedicures and manicures that dried quickly and looked amazing.
Kristina: I’m not really into a lot of the Chakra/New Age stuff. Before the massage started, we did some Chakra cards and talked about it. It’s not really my thing but it didn’t detract from the experience, either.
Lindsey: The spa space is a little tight and I wasn’t a fan of the music playing in the treatment rooms.
Stephanie: My heels still felt a little dry after my pedicure. But I am sure there is no amount of lotion or cream that could cure the desert that were my poor neglected feet.
Sue: Having to walk out into the mall when I was done. Wish I could have escaped through a back way.
Vanessa: The robes looked a bit dingy to me. I know Aveda on their website goes more into detail on the different communities around the world they helped and their mission but I wish it was explained and represented in the store more prominently. I wish it weren’t located in the mall but do understand why that helps their staff have enough business and to keep them doing well.
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QUESTION

Would you refer REMEDEZ to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Carina: Absolutely, in fact, I’d like to go to REMEDEZ with a friend. More fun that way.
Emily: If I knew someone looking for an Aveda salon in that area, then for sure. I think their prices are reasonable and the staff friendly. But I wouldn’t make a special trip down there myself.
Jenny: Absolutely, and in fact, I already do. Full disclosure: I’m a loyal REMEDEZ client, as well as a former employee; it was a great place to work, and it’s an outstanding place to relax and be treated to services which help rejuvenate. Every time I walk out of REMEDEZ I feel better than I did when I arrived, and it’s well worth the time and money.
Kim: I most certainly would. I loved meeting the owners. I loved hearing about the philosophy behind Aveda, and why they feel so strongly about their business solely carrying Aveda products. Every single staff member I met was completely wonderful and I would love to send a friend there to be pampered and rejuvenated.
Kristina: Definitely. I am actually considering driving 45 minutes, through construction and billboards about modest clothing, in order to see her again for another massage. The prices were actually quite reasonable as well for an Aveda salon. Some of them are rather pricey.
Lindsey: Absolutely. I would even purchase a gift card for them. My massage was just what I needed to de-stress. I walked away with ideas on how to keep myself in good shape even when I am not at the spa. That is relaxation and knowledge is something I would love to give to my friends.
Stephanie: Yes. The prices were very reasonable for a full service salon that carry Aveda products. Plus, if they live in Utah County it is so close.
Sue: Absolutely!
Vanessa: Yes, I am now addicted to facials because I see the improvement it has had on my skin. It was such a treat and relaxation to get one and the whole experience having it done there was really superb.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Carina: In love with Aveda and Remedez is the best fix!
Emily: Looking for fab #Aveda salon in Utah County? Check out @Remedez for your Aveda fix!
Jenny: @Remedez is the best place in Utah County for any salon/spa services. @Aveda #Utah
Kim: I am SO in the mood for some pampering. Hopping n the care this instant for a little @Remedez Aveda action.
Kristina: Sore back or shoulders? I know the perfect @Remedez. Visit Diana at the Remedez/Aveda salon for an amazing massage.
Lindsey: Blogging, mothering and running errands stressing you out? Head to Aveda’s @Remedez salon for some TLC.
Stephanie: Get pampered like a rock star for less than you would think @remedez.
Sue: Jut had one of the top three massages of my life. Go see Corey @Remedez. You will think you’ve died and gone to heaven.
Vanessa: Wow who knew I would be addicted to facials now? The expertise, products and Q&A after the service was very worth the price @Remedez.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for REMEDEZ HairSpa in Orem, Utah.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on REMEDEZ!

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Disclaimer: The Sassies and guest Sassies were treated to a sampling of REMEDEZ’s services in exchange for a review on SassyScoops.com. All opinions, thoughts and feelings of R&R are 100% honest.

The Sassies took a brief hiatus over the summer to spend time with our families and enjoy the long days the sun provided us. I would like to say that we all came back relaxed and refreshed, but those long days of summer were tiring and we needed a little pampering. That is why I was so excited we got to visit REMEDEZ in Orem, Utah on our first review night back.

REMEDEZ is a full service salon and spa that carries Aveda products exclusively, which I know may pose a problem for those who are loyal to other salon products. But if you are a fan of natural, gentle, safe and fantastic smelling skin, makeup and hair products then you may want to give Aveda a try. The owners believe in the products and knew making the move to Aveda was going to be right for the mission of their salon.

From their website:

At REMEDEZ, our mission is to create the ultimate beauty and wellness experience. The balance you desire and the tranquility you deserve awaits you at REMEDEZ HairSpa. Imagine your perfect day, today!

That mission is evident when you walk into the salon. It is quiet, peaceful and full of friendly faces ready to make your salon experience the best possible. And your visit can be as little or as much as you want. With services offered like:

• Massages
• Waxing
• Pedicures
• Hair coloring

REMEDZ

Northeast corner of University Mall
575 E University Parkway
Orem, Utah
801.227.0011

Website: www.remedez.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RemedezHairspa

The Sassies spent the evening being whisked away by inviting aromas and relaxing spa treatments.

Check in on Wednesday to see if our much needed relaxation was achieved.

I’m a ginormous fan of fitness and exercise (probably because I’m a ginormous fan of eating lots of good food—and by “good” I mean “greasy and delicious”). I got into sprint triathlons last summer and have quickly become addicted to yoga and Pilates thanks to our local rec center.

One thing I don’t love, even after one marathon and two half marathons, is running. I’ve never enjoyed it, probably because I’ve trained badly in the past and am not very good at it. That’s why I’m super excited to tell you about a new retreat for runners of all levels, even mediocre runners who would rather swim a mile than run a mile (that would be me).

The Run Like a Girl retreat will take place at the Zermatt Resort in Midway from August 11-13 (the main part of the event is Friday and Saturday). Here’s a bit about the event:

This year, our women’s-only running retreat will be hosted by the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah. Nestled in the mountains, it provides a sweet escape from the bustle of everyday life with ideal routes for runners. Participants will learn to train smarter at the feet of local running elite. You’ll walk (or run) away with a personal regimen designed to help you take your fitness to the next level. Then you can put your learning to the test by running the race on Saturday! Whether you have just started running, or you have been running for years, this event is for ALL skill levels!

You can choose to attend the full weekend or just participate in the run Saturday morning. So. Much. Fun! Here’s a sample schedule:

Thursday
3:00-6:00 – Check-In
8:00 – Evening run/jog

Friday
7:00 – Pilates or Fun Run
9:00 – Seminar
9:45 – Success Story
10:00 – Seminar
10:30 – Zumba!
11:00 — Seminar
12:00 – Lunch
1:30 – Keynote Speaker
2:30 – Shoe fitting/Gate analysis
4:30 – Jog/Run

Saturday
7:00 – RLAG 10K Start
7:15 – RLAG 5K Start

Registration for the full Run Like a Girl retreat (does NOT include lodging) is $175 and includes entry into Saturday morning’s women’s-only 5k or 10k. It also includes:

• Access to all day event Friday & Saturday.
• Opportunity to learn from the best on how to increase performance.
• Training on how to run faster and more efficiently.
• Group runs during the day Friday.
• Entry to 5k or 10k race (plus race t-shirt).
• Free entry into the yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes.
• Retreat T-shirt (Totally stylish! You’ll have a hard time NOT wearing this around!)
• Snacks & one meal during the event.
• Run Like a Girl charm.
• KILLER swag bag.
• Most importantly, a girls’ weekend out doing what you love with friends!

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RLAG has negotiated some discounted prices for lodging during the event. You can find info on discounted rates on their event website.

I AM SO GOING TO BE THERE and already have plans to room with my friend Lori. (Yay for fun roommates!) I would so love to see other “sassy” ladies there—who’s with me?!?!

I know one of you will be running with me because Run Like a Girl is giving away a full event pass to one lucky SassyScoops.com reader! YAY!

To be eligible for this giveaway, leave a comment telling us your favorite way to exercise. Is it running? Swimming? Spin class? Or is chasing after your kids exercise enough?

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” Run Like a Girl Retreat and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, July 22nd, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

I will admit, pole fitness classes have a certain stigma attached to them, but after trying out a beginner pole fitness class at PEARL by Adult Dance and Fitness in Midvale, I say throw all stigmas out the window. (And you could easily do just that with the upper body strength those classes require!)

Of course some of the apparel might lead you to believe there’s quite a bit of sexy involved, but I’m okay with that—I think a little (tasteful) sexy makes for a big boost in self-confidence!

I’m a huge fan of a good, sweat-inducing workout and PEARL’s class did not disappoint. How can you not break a sweat when you try a new spin over and over again and still can’t get it right? (I apologize if the thumbnail image on the video is the original, totally unattractive one. I did change it but it takes a while for YouTube to update. Just hurry and click “play”!)

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I have a very serious lack of coordination, believe you me.

Aly was a super fabulous instructor and extremely patient. I loved the guided stretching at the beginning and end and the one-on-one instruction whenever we needed it (and I needed it A LOT).

When asked why women were interested in pole fitness classes, Aly told us there were two main reasons: one, they wanted to shake up their fitness routine, get in better shape and/or lose weight; and two, it was a fabulous confidence booster. After one hour with Aly, I could see how both of those would be true. I was SO sore the next day, bruises and all (of course, I wore them with pride) and teaching your body to move in a different way was rather liberating. (Not a lot of sexy in spin class…)

Check out a tandem try at one of our favorite spins from the evening:

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Yeah, I won’t be quitting my day job any time soon. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the pole fitness workout, even better was watching some of the gals working out on the aerial silks. I would have loved to have seen this gal in action!

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Here’s a snapshot of Aly and Shae, the owners of PEARL, on the aerial hoop. I’m pretty sure they’ve practiced this a few times:

And I couldn’t resist sharing this photo of Aly, our patient (and beautiful) instructor. Holy crap, that girl has some serious core strength!

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I’ve always wanted to strengthen my core and improve my flexibility, and while our local rec center’s yoga and pilates classes are helping, I’d kinda like to throw in a few of these aerial fitness classes, bruises and all. By the end of class, I did discover I can pull off a “bow and arrow” headstand, so I’m not totally inept! (I’m sure it looks a lot more fluid when Aly does it, but it was my first, you know.)

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PEARL also does private parties—birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers and girls’ nights out. I think an aerial silks party (a la Cirque du Soleil) would be so much fun for a girls’ night out! Bring in your own food and drink and take to the sky on those aerial silks!

Now it’s time for you to get your aerial (or pole) fitness on!

PEARL is giving away a one-week pass to their studio (classes included)
to one lucky SassyScoops reader!

Honestly, you must give it a try. The intro class is free to first-time students, so you could bring a girlfriend along and have her try it too! (For more on pricing, click here. I will tell you now, it’s not as budget-friendly as your local Gold’s or 24 hours, but does your local gym have sky-high silks, an aerial hoop or trapeze dangling from the ceiling? I thought not!)

To be eligible for this giveaway, leave a comment telling us what workout you’d most like to try.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” PEARL on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did. (Check out the awesome photos while you’re at it!)

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, July 15th, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

So what did the Sassies think of PEARL by Adult Dance & Fitness in Midvale, Utah? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Honestly, I was a little apprehensive to be a part of this review, thinking I’d be taking part in a pole dancing performance. But I was impressed in realizing that it was just another fitness/aerobic class, only with a pole, instead of weights, to strengthen the body!
Emily: I had no idea what to expect, and the studio is tucked away in a commercial strip mall in Midvale, but it was cool to walk in and see these super fit women doing moves I’ve seen in Cirque du Soleil!
Jenny: My first impression of participating was that I was skeptical to even do so. But I wanted to learn, and I’m up for a different kind of workout, so I committed to go. The store-front items for sale didn’t make me think the entire concept wasn’t about being excessively sexual, but once we began the workout, I didn’t feel like I was bound to go outside my comfort zone if I didn’t want to: this was going to be a great workout.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Camille: Aly (the instructor) was very patient with all of us and worked one-on-one to make sure we were getting it right. What I also liked was I really WAS getting a work out and using muscles I never thought I had…but still proved they needed to be developed!
Emily: How hard the workout was–oh my gosh! I was so sore (and bruised) the next few days. But I love a really good workout. I also loved how fabulous Aly was and her telling us how much pole fitness classes help improve self-confidence, flexibility and strength. I love that! I also found it fabulous that women of all body types enjoy the classes at PEARL.
Jenny: What an outstanding workout! Truly, I was sore in all the right places the next day (with one teeny bruise and one significant bruise), and found myself wanting to go back and do more. The instructor was very encouraging and helpful in leading a very thorough stretch and warmup, as well as getting the tricky moves down. Small class size helped with instruction, too, I think. I also liked that there were women of all shapes and sizes in attendance at Pearl that evening.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: The bruising on my shins and inner thighs for the next couple of days! But that’s to be expected, apparently.
Emily: It was pretty dang warm upstairs where the pole fitness class was held—a little cool air would have been lovely! Oh, and the location is in a not-so-nifty part of Midvale, but there is a Holiday Oil on the corner—the perfect place for a #PDR (proper drink run)!
Jenny: My right hand ended up swollen from my own ‘death grip’ on the pole. I also wish we would have had more class time.
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QUESTION

Would you refer PEARL by Adult Dance and Fitness to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: If this friend were looking to build her self-confidence, or a way to change up a fitness routine, I would refer it!
Emily: Totally! I’ve already shown off my bruises told a few friends about how awesome the class was. I’d love to take a class together with some girlfriends! (Any takers?)
Jenny: Yes, but discreetly so. Like it or not, there is a stigma about spinning on a pole, so in order to recommend it, I would have to be in sincere conversation with someone who would be open to the idea, not just assume that people who do this are freaks (they’re absolutely NOT).
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: When was the last time u did a headstand? Challenge your body strength and sign up for a Pole Fitness class with Pearl in #Utah!
Emily: Ready to switch up your fitness routine w/ a serious workout? Check out #PEARL for awesome pole, aerial & acrobatic classes! #Midvale #Utah
Jenny: PEARL (by Adult Dance & Fitness) in Midvale will give you one of the best workouts you’ve ever had. On a pole? Yes. #DontJudge
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for PEARL by Adult Dance and Fitness.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on PEARL.

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Disclaimer: The Sassies were treated to a the beginner pole fitness class at PEARL—and a few sore muscles the next day—in exchange for a review on SassyScoops.com. But it was totally worth it!

Aveda—high class but with a warm and friendly staff. Prices that represent the cleanliness, professionalism, high level of quality and all the wonderful products they use. You need to book a service at Aveda Life Salon and Spa to treat yourself this busy holiday season. Aveda Life Salon and Spa is giving SassyScoops.com readers 15% off when you book your appointment and mention you love SassyScoops! They can take care of ALL your salon and spa needs!

But first we wanted to show you a very important side of Aveda: how Aveda gives back to charities, the environment and wonderful causes. They do many things throughout the year but this one goes perfectly with your holiday shopping!

Aveda’s alliance with indigenous people and women artisans in Colombia helps support BETTER FUTURES FOR 400 FAMILIES and helps PRESERVE 400 RAINFOREST ACRES.

Earning money from gathering tagua nuts that naturally fall to the ground, Awa Indians in the foothills of the Andes and Afro-Colombians of the Pacific Coastal rainforest grow stronger. And help keep 400 rainforest acres standing.

Creating accessories from tagua nuts, women artisans—400 miles away in Bogota—earn income that provides for better health and education choices. In all, 400 families benefit—because you give a limited-edition Gift of Hope set with handcrafted tagua nut accessory inside.

Aveda’s tagua nut purchase for Holiday 2010 is the largest fair trade, sustainably harvested rainforest product export in Colombia’s history*—helping improve lives. When you give an Aveda gift set, you make a difference—with GIFTS BRIGHT WITH HOPE.

Here are the beautiful holiday gift packs they are referring to that help this beautiful cause AND they are available at Aveda Life Salon and Spa in South Jordan, Utah for you to buy!

Ritual of Relief (pictured above) perfect for those to whom you want to give some hand and foot relief!

Great kit to help anyone smooth and soften their hair during the dry Winter season.

“In the Colombian rainforest, indigenous women say they must ‘become as strong trees’ to protect life itself because the rainforest—and local wisdom—are disappearing.” Isn’t that beautiful? And you can help this cause with your holiday shopping this year.

NOW for the part you have been waiting for . . . the HUGE GIVEAWAY!

The giveaway that Aveda is offering is called a Life Journey package, which is basically a salon and spa sampler.

One (1) lucky SassyScoops.com reader is going to win a 30-minute massage, 30-minute facial, haircut and simple style and makeup application with eyebrow sculpting!

Entering is super easy. Just leave a comment on this post for your chance to win.

You can earn EXTRA entries too:

1 entry ~ “Like” Aveda on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Facebook about this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

3 entries ~ Blog about this giveaway and include a link to your post.

Happy entering! This giveaway will end on Friday, December 10th at midnight MST.

All Sassy Scoop giveaway winners are notified via email.

So what did the Sassies and our guest Sassy Veronica think of The Front Climbing Club in Salt Lake City and their new Ogden location (thank you, Veronica and Veronica’s family)? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?
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THE SCOOP

Camille: With all the strength training opportunities that are included with the climbing club, this is some serious rock climbing!
Emily: “Where the heck is the front door to this place? Oh, there it is!” After that initial impression I was amazed at all the services they offered outside the indoor rock climbing and bouldering part.
Stephanie: Where are the ropes? There were people just climbing rock walls like Spiderman.
Veronica (Salt Lake location): The gym has a very relaxed atmosphere.
Veronica (Ogden location): The building is absolutely beautiful! Oh, and also “Holy TALL walls!”
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: That Seth, the instructor knew his stuff and was so patient with a couple of newbies who felt very comfortable with only the color yellow.
Emily: The laid-back atmosphere and the willingness of complete strangers to help you scale a particularly difficult yellow-dot route. (Yellow dots are like the green circles of ski runs.) And of course Seth was very, very patient with Camille and me.
Stephanie: That you can bring your dog there and they have an outdoor doggy paradise.
Veronica (Salt Lake location): Our tour guide/instructor was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Veronica (Ogden location): The staff is friendly and they are all experienced climbers, so they are very helpful and willing to teach and answer questions. They were also great with the kids. They even offer after-school programs, climbing clubs and summer climbing camps.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: The location! Unless you’re traveling from the north side of the road, you’ll miss it completely.
Emily: The location was a bit tricky to find as was the front door…or was that just me? (Don’t answer that.) I also felt like it was a bit stuffy inside and the equipment looked like it needed a good cleaning.
Stephanie: The climbing. I am afraid of heights. And it was in serious need of air conditioning.
Veronica (Salt Lake location): I was sad that due to an injured arm, I couldn’t try climbing.
Veronica (Ogden location): I can’t think of anything!
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QUESTION

Would you refer The Front Climbing Club to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Absolutely! And I’d even go back with that friend just to continue building the callouses on my fingers.
Emily: If I knew someone who was interested in bouldering, for sure! I think it’s a great way to change up a workout or fitness routine.
Stephanie: Any of my daredevil friends would LOVE this.
Veronica (Salt Lake location): Yes. I also want to check out their Ogden location. {Which, of course, she finally did with her family for this review–yay!}
Veronica (Ogden location): Absolutely! Ogden is SO lucky to have The Front right downtown. The revitalized downtown area is big on “outdoor” adventure activities. Now they have indoor surfing, skydiving and rock climbing/bouldering all within a few blocks of each other. Where else can you get that?
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: For an indoor adventure, challenge your body with The Front’s indoor rock climbing wall! You might be stronger than you think! #Utah
Emily: Looking to do some indoor bouldering and learn the art of balancing your body? Check out The Front Climbing Gym in #slc #utah
Stephanie: The Front Climbing Gym will have you scaling walls in 30 seconds flat!
Veronica (Salt Lake location): Want to change up your workout? Visit #thefront rock climbing gym. #rockclimbing #SLC
Veronica (Ogden location): The Front: Rock Climbing in Ogden full service gym with adventure, challenge and atmosphere. #rockclimb #ogden #utah

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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for The Front Climbing Club in Salt Lake City. (Below that you’ll find Veronica’s rating for the Ogden location.)
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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As for the The Front Climbing Club in Ogden, Veronica had the following scoops:

• Atmosphere ~ 5
• Family friendly ~ 5
• Location ~ 5
• Prices ~ 4
• Quality ~ 5+
• Service ~ 5+

Obviously we need to head up north to the new location!
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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on The Front Climbing Club! You might find a few fun behind-the-scenes photos and video!

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Here’s the scoop on our guest Sassy. We’d consider it a real treat if you’d visit her super sweet blog!
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Veronica
At her house she is the wife and the mom. At her home office she is a Virtual Assistant. Behind closed doors she is a container-aholic and has a severe office supply addiction. Most wives love to receive flowers but her husband knows the way to her heart is with paperclips and file folders. Veronica’s other interests include graphic design, sewing, reading and watching her kids play sports. You can find her on twitter (@SavvyVeronica) or on either of her blogs: Welcome to My Chaos & Veronica’s Viewpoint.
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Disclaimer: The Sassies were invited to The Front Climbing Club and given a tour and some climbing time. Camille and Emily left with shaking arms and a little more respect for rock climbers.