FREEBIE FRIDAY

It's here again!

I am in love with the new Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection by OPI. How can you resist names like "I'm All Ears" and "Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It"?  Well, we just got the collection back in stock and want to share with you! Today we're giving away "The Color of Minnie" to one lucky reader. Entering is easy! Just tell us your favourite Disney character on facebook, twitter or right here on the blog. One winner will be chosen at random. Winner will be contacted by email once comments close and announced on the bottom of this post soon after.

Also, congratulations to our big winner from last week Dam Good Soap who won 1 Underarm Laser Session!

EXPRESS PEDI - CANADA DAY STYLE

Pedicures are the best. For me it's the perfect mix of everything… a little beauty, a little massage, a little wine…  and a lovely reminder that underneath those rain boots your feet are just waiting for their opportunity to come out and play! Enter summer and my feet are primed to be pampered!

Last week I was in a bit of a rush, but who wants to sacrifice the bonuses of a pedicure because you have places to go and people to see? Certainly not me. .. and miss that wine? I wouldn't dream of it. Well Casbah has the perfect solution… their Express Menu! It was an absolute treat. 

I was given my own fancy robe to wear (my skinnies weren't quite pedi friendly) and was greeted by this site.

The lovely Leanne took care of me and this lady knows how to pick colours! I actually came in with a theme… something for the Canada Day party I'll be heading to on the weekend. Leanne picked out the fabulous OPI Red and topped it with shimmery gold sparkles. My own little version of a patriotic fireworks show:) 

Now whoever said you had to sacrifice for express treatments? Never again!

To view Casbah's complete Express Menu click here.

MEET & GREET MONDAY

How long have you been with Casbah?

I have enjoyed working with Casbah for 5 years!

What is your role at Evolution?
I am the Retail Manager at Casbah Evolution, and my goal is to make sure our clients receive professional beauty advice and excellent service every time they walk into our doors.

What's the main difference between the Evolution and the Destination spa?
Evolution is a place where you can let your girly side take over! The atmosphere is upbeat, edgy and fun! We host interactive events every month that showcase all of the new, red-carpet worthy products that we bring in. We have tons of great gift ideas: like our selection of unique bath and body products and fashionable accessories, let us help you find the perfect gift for that person who has everything!

What services can you get done at Evolution?

Consider Evolution your Express Stop for Beauty! Here you can have your choice of waxing, tinting, eyelash extensions, semi-permanent mascara applications, lash perming, spray tans, redeemable express facials, professional makeup applications, skin care lessons and more!

What's your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job is working with an amazing team of talented women, and knowing each day that we are providing our clients with sincere and professional beauty advice every day. We are known for our hospitality and kind service, and I would not have it any other way.

What is your favourite service at the spa?

My favorite service at the spa is our brown sugar scrub add on - combined with our one hour full body massage. Nothing better than head to toe relaxation, followed by silky smooth skin the next day!!

What's your favourite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?

My favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon is to take my little girl out for a day of fun - be it the park or the swimming pool, a toddler can sure keep you on your toes and I enjoy every minute of it!

FREEBIE FRIDAY

photo via flickr 

I have a good friend in California who's been raving about laser hair removal for years. I'm sure you all have those friends… the kind that are absolutely passionate about something and need to share it with EVERYONE. They won't rest till you jump on their bandwagon. And then when you finally get on board you're wondering why on earth you didn't do it sooner!

Well, have we got the perfect opportunity for you to make that first move.

Casbah just got a new state of the art laser with a very fancy name… the Palomar Starlux 500 Laser. It might sound complex but the results are clear and simple. This new machine makes laser hair removal more comfortable than ever before with fewer treatments needed! All month we've been giving away 1 free underarm laser session with our newest addition when you purchase any body waxing. The offer ends soon so be sure not to miss out!

Oh, and did I forget to mention that we are giving away to one lucky reader an underarm laser session… FREE! To enter, simply leave a comment below on something you wish you'd done sooner. And remember to like us on facebook and follow us on twitter to hear about all upcoming giveaways and some fun extras! One winner will be chosen at random. Winner will be contacted by email once comments close and announced on the bottom of this post soon after.

Can you imagine never having to pick up a razor again? Now that's something to celebrate!

ACCESSORIZE WITH MAKEUP

I love the new colours out this season. It's such a great wake up from the dreary weather…. popping right into summer with some poppy red! What better way to welcome the sun than with some joyful colours? The problem is that it can be expensive to keep up with the trends! That's where makeup comes in. It's the cheapest accessory I know. Here's some examples of how you can wear 2 of the hottest colours… with a little extra cash for those summer beach days.

Image 1: BHLDN, Image 2: BHLDN

Image 1: BHLDN, Image 2: BHLDN, Image 3: George Eastman House via Flickr

MEET & GREET MONDAY

Ahh... summer is ALMOST here and what better way to kick it off then with a new weekly blog feature! We are very excited to be starting up Meet & Greet Monday's. Every Monday we will take time to introduce the Casbah team, community and customers, and even show off a bit of our beautiful city. So stay tuned, lots of fun is coming your way!

Now if we could only kick start that sun...

Who?

Nicole King, our very own founder and owner of Casbah Day Spa and Casbah Evolution.

What inspired you to open up Casbah?

I was brought up with my Mother being an entrepreneur in a small community. I saw the trials and tribulations that she went through but also the many rewards it had to offer.

Where did the name come from?

The name Casbah means a palace outside a large city, a gathering place.

Did you find it hard to get started?

I found it extremely hard to get started. I approached every bank, lender and association possible, all of them didn't know what a spa was and didn't believe there was even a market. In the end, it came down to family and an extremely tight budget.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to those looking to start their own business?

One piece of advice; you need to love what you do, owning your own business is 24/7 and there is no immediate gratification and no pats on the back. You need to be focused, positive and always thinking what's next!

When and why did you branch out to start up Casbah Evolution?

I opened Casbah Evolution in 2008 to expand into a new demographic, location and age market.

How do you find time to manage both work and family?

After financing and signing my first lease, I found out I was pregnant, so finding balance came early; however it made it extremely difficult.  I opened Casbah's doors May 2002 and had my first child 3 months prior. I signed my second lease to move from 1500 to triple our size in 2007 with 2 young boys at home. Again a busy time in my life but made it work with a great management team and my first blackberry lol.  When I signed the lease for Casbah Evolution in 2007, I found out we were expecting the unexpected, a beautiful baby girl, but again a busy time in my life with great staff!  Finding time for family is always a challenge; but because the spa industry is all about balance it keeps me balanced with family and business and thank goodness for that.

What is your favorite service at the spa?

My favorite service is a Casbah facial because it offers a little bit of everything which is exactly how I planned it; lots of massage for stress release, anti aging products and technology to help us take off the years we added on with our busy lives.

What's your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?

My favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, is to pack up the family and either head to white rock or crescent beach! I love my community and all that it has to offer. 2 scoops please!

A little staff fun at Crescent Beach!