Vickie Hildreth's Blog

Just What I Needed

2011-08-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those moments where you find just what you need when you need it?

No, I'm not talking about how I constantly misplace my keys or have to call my cell phone. At any rate, I had one of those moments on Friday.

Thursday had been an 'off' day. We've all had them, this one was spurred a disagreement with someone dear to me. Nothing that shook the earth, just one of those days.

Friday I had to go to Maly's (beauty supply) in Indy. As a bonus from the universe, my favorite book store is just minutes from there. As I walked into Inner Path, I just felt instantly better and more centered. Having no idea what I was looking for, I just wandered. Something I do there often, just waiting to see what jumps out at me.

I picked up a book on massage, a book on reiki, and then I found it.

The Five Agreements

The Five Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz « Waking Giant Blog

I had read a previous book and keep it on my headboard, The Four Agreements and it is helpful. But lots of things are, just a matter of putting them in practice. I may not be perfect, not even close, but I do try to be the best person that I can and help those around me. Especially those I care for. As do the rest of you.

I was awfully glad for the book I needed at the time to show up in front of me on Friday. It is my wish for all of you that when you need something from the world that it shows up at the perfect time as well.

Fall's New Beginning

2011-08-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Sending the children back to school is always a little bittersweet. More this year than other years, possibly this summer was so nice. I hated for it to end. No big trips or anything, just a nice, calm break. I enjoyed them and our time together a lot.
Much less stress than the previous years.
As many of you know, I slowed down my schedule some early in the summer to take care of some health issues. I'm happy to say that I feel pretty great and am thankful for the patience and understanding of my family and clients during that time.
Now that I'm 'back' it's time for a new beginning of sorts for me as well. While I'm not exactly celebrating the return of the children to school I do have some plans for myself tomorrow. Starting the day with a massage from my friend Vaneesa, hitting the gym, getting a pedi and then lunch with Ang and Amy. Right after that, I'll be responsible and back to work, promise : )
It's a time for new beginnings for the children as well as we 'older' students of the world.
What are your plans?
Please let me know how I can help you look and feel your best during your new beginning.

Sincerely,
Vcikie Hildreth
vickiessalon.com

Feel Great After Vacation

2011-07-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, vacation. Rest, relaxation, beautiful places and time away with the people we love the most. Sounds wonderful, right?
But traveling can also mean long hours in the car or in those oh so comfy airplane seats. Not to mention sleeping in an unfamiliar space, lots of walking and sometimes getting in so many fun things that relaxation is on the back burner. Then, we usually get back home just in time to throw in the laundry, get too little sleep and back to work.
As a massage junkie, my personal advice is to schedule some time for a massage in your vacation spot. What I do is schedule one for myself first thing in the morning so my family can sleep in. By the time I get back to the hotel, my family is ready for the day of activity and I feel great.
Shifting back into 'regular' mode after time away can be difficult. If you do come home feeling a bit sore from all that travel or just a bit 'out of sorts', schedule a massage for yourself when you get back. In a perfect world, before you go back to work and your many responsibilities.

2011-07-24T17:19:00.001-07:00

Personal Independence Day

2011-07-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day! Because of my love of country and immense respect for our military the 4th of July always means something to me of course. And many of you know about the annual party at my sister's that I wouldn't miss for anything, a fun story every year.
But this year is different, 'Independence Day' means something so much more. In May I wrote about how was taking my own advice and taking better care of myself. I am thrilled to say that I am well on my way. Found a Dr. who took me seriously when I told him things just didn't feel right and who found the medical reasons behind it. Nothing life threatening but problems nonetheless. It sure has been nice to feel so much better, have much more energy, better focus (can I now keep track of my keys? Let's not ask for too much :)) and getting back in some favorite clothes doesn't hurt a thing. It's my understanding that I'll be back to 'normal' in a couple more months. Looking forward to seeing how much better it can get and keeping stress to a low roar. Surrounding myself with some really fabulous people these days too, that's great medicine.
Moral of the story? Please if something feels 'off' ask questions until you get the answers you need and take some time to care for yourself.

Let me know how I can help you look and feel your best,
Vickie

Happy Independence Day!

Love and Water

2011-06-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

It seems that when we love people in our life that it's best to hold them in our hearts as we would water in our hands. If we squeeze too tight, it all goes away but if our hands are gentle the water stays. And even if it does go away, open hands and hearts allow it come back whenever its ready.

Anniversary, Just Not a Good One

2011-06-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

"Do you know what the date is?," a client asked me today. "Sure, it's 6/7/11." "No, do you know what 'date' is? It's been three years since the flood." She works at the hospital and was involved with the clean up/rebuild effort. She has also been a client for many years and watched as we moved the business we ladies had built for ourselves under duress.
Well, that explained some things. Kim and I both agreed things had felt a little 'off' today for whatever reason.
It seems like more than a simple anniversary to me. Seemed a life changer, or at least the first link in a chain of events. Seems like a bit of a different life back then. I wasn't working as much, we didn't know Kobelco (factory my hubs worked at and loved, frankly) was closing, we didn't know Karla was coming into our world yet.... It's certainly not a bad life now, and getting better all the time, but I am glad life seems to be not rocking my boat so hard these days.
I know lots of things have changed for lots of people these last three years. For better and for worse.
So, today is the anniversary of the flood. The good news is that that makes tomorrow the anniversary of the day we as a community and individuals began cleaning up and showing what we're made of.

Good Advice

2011-05-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

"If you don't recharge your batteries you won't have the energy to take care of everyone else in your life." These are words I say to clients all of the time. I sincerely believe them. Rather good advice in my humble opinion :) . That being said, it's been brought to my attention by some dear friends that it's time to follow that advice myself. I'm working on it. Nothing life threatening but it was definitely past time for some doctor appts and vampire (lab) work to be done. Found an integrative doctor that I really like. 1st appointment down and I must say, I feel better already. The hardest step is usually the first.
Take care of yourself~such good advice I think I'll follow it myself...
See you on the massage table soon.

Peaceful, Easy Feeling....

2011-04-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Life altering observations can come from the most unexpected places. I was doing a massage today on a client I only see a few times a year. "You're different today, like you're almost there." I instinctively knew just what he meant. Life is getting calmer lately. Scott getting a job he really wanted (not just one he felt he had to take), Karla's adoption being near the end, and all my business building efforts the last couple of years really paying off. And, as many of you know, there were other big things this past year that took pieces of our heart we just can't get back. But we can move on and we can be better and stronger. It was a gift to know that the transformation was evident to others as well that I'm getting somewhere.
Life certainly has its moments, I'm thankful for all of our family and true friends who have been supportive on the recently rocky journey. Looking forward to sharing the calmness with you all as well.

Spring! : )

2011-04-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Spring, time for nature to renew and us humans to do the same. Winter is over and the beautiful sunshine beckons us to come out and enjoy. I always love to see how nature gets a fresh, new start very year. Sometimes, that tree I was certain would not make it comes back to life more gorgeous and healthy than ever. Seems we could learn a lot from these trees that refuse to give up...
This beautiful time of year also brings with it Easter, my favorite holiday. A religious holiday all about forgiveness and new life. We could learn a lot from that also...
So, in this time of renewal, I wish you all the best. Love much, forgive more and enjoy the beauty of the season!

2011-02-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Love, true love, is that which can give the most
without asking or demanding anything in return.
~ Mazie Hammond ~

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again, the Christmas craziness is over and this weekend marks the holiday dedicated to renewal and resolutions. I don't have any on my list this year as of yet. Maybe I'm just trying to keep the bar low so I don't have to rise to high... : ) In all seriousness, there are some years that you're just thankful to have done with and this was one of those for me. The things I did want to do, (make peace with myself, make peace with others I may have wronged) I attempted to do before the holiday. Flowers and cards are a small thing, but they always mean a lot to me. Given the loss of JJ in October and all the other pressures our family and friends have been through, life seemed to short to wait for the New Year holiday to try to make amends with others as well as myself. We just never know when we'll be having that last conversation with someone. As Mya Angelo says..."....people will always remember how you made them feel.
As this year comes to a close, I hope everyone in my world realizes their importance to me and that our last conversation was a good one. If not, I'm truly sorry.
Wishing you all a blessed New Year!
Love,
Vickie

CHRISTMAS BELLS a Poem by Longfellow

2010-12-27T06:13:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS BELLS a Poem by Longfellow

2010-12-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the writing lesson Meredith Charlton gave her 1st graders~~What's one Christmas wish you could have that money cannot obtain? Definitely have some of those...how about you?

Christmas is a time of goodwill and peace and I can't help myself, I totally want the Hallmark movie moments. You know, where everyone suddenly understands one anothers' point of view and all is well. Complete with no more misunderstandings and lovely music. Sometimes though, it seems we hurt one another badly enough that we just can't cross that line into understanding. That I find sad.

So my priceless Christmas wish is that anyone who I have had a disagreement with in the past finds it in their heart to forgive and that I can do the same. It has certainly been proven this year to many of us that life is simply too short and precious to have hard feelings toward one another.

Salon Happenings

2010-11-30T03:56:00.000-08:00

I’m excited to tell you what’s been happening with the salon! As you may know we have assorted hair and spa treatments available. I have recently been certified to perform the hottest hair trend around called the Brazilian Blowout. I am pleased to report that the dozen or so treatments I’ve done have been phenomenal! Who do you know that has the most unruly hair? I am personally hosting a *Challenge.* I’m looking for
THE MOST UNRULY HAIR! For the month of December, those who send me a picture of your most unruly hair will be entered into a contest… The contest will go like this…

***GRAND PRIZE- Complete Hair Makeover/ Brazilian Blowout, Hair Color Treatment,
Hair Cut and Hair Style.
***FIRST PLACE- Keratin Express Treatment and Hair Cut with Style
***SECOND PLACE- $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE
***THIRD PLACE- $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE

Rules of the contest: To enter the contest, just send your pictures with complete contact information on the back of the picture. All photos to be considered must have: Full Name, Address, Phone, and email if available. All photos received will become property of Vickie Hildreth and photos will not be returned. Should your photo be selected, you agree to allow Vickie Hildreth from A Better Cut to use your photo for press release purposes and for her advertising at no additional cost to her other than what has already been promised. Only one photo per person may be entered. All entrants must be 18 or older or have written parent consent and release. All photos must be received by December 21, 2010. Winners will be chosen & notified by 12-22, 2010. Winning services can be redeemed anytime after 12-27-2010.

My Christmas wish for you- For you to have more time in your day and to relax a little more so you can spend quality fun-filled time with family and friends. I am offering my clients, family and friends tons of Christmas Specials- I want to make your shopping easy and painless! Here’s what’s in store for you:

***Christmas Specials***

New Year Makeover-
30 minute massage (Value $40)
Hair cut (Value $25)
Color Treatment (Value $55- one color)
Keratin Express Treatment (Value $50)
PACKAGE OFFER: $150

Relax Package-
One hour massage (Value $60)
Paraffin Dip (Value $40)
Facial Wax (Value $10)
PACKAGE OFFER: $80

Color Package-
Color Treatment- (Value $55- one color)
Keratin Express Treatment (Value $50)
Hair Cut (Value $25)
PACKAGE OFFER: $100

Brazilian Blowout Package-
Brazilian Blowout (Value $200-$300 depending on length)
Hair Cut (Value $25)
PACKAGE OFFER: $175

Just so you understand what all services we offer please see below:

ABOUT BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT:
No more frizzy hair! Wish you could have perfect strands right out of the shower?
Brazilian Blowout is the most innovative and effective professional hair smoothing treatment in the world. The process actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. The end result is smooth, healthy, conditioned hair with radiant shine. The process does not completely straighten the hair rather it leaves the hair with plenty of volume and body. The hair can still be styled as curly or wavy hair.
Brazilian Blowout does not use harsh chemicals. It's actually a Keratin Treatment applied through an innovative process that transforms frizzy, unruly hair into silky, shiny and healthy hair. This keratin based treatment is a natural substance, the primary protein of the skin, hair and nails and gives hair the ability to return to its original healthy, shiny, smooth state.

The entire treatment takes about one to one and half hours, depending on the length of your hair. Brazilian Blowout process includes washing hair with clarifying shampoo followed by an application of the Brazilian Blowout proprietary polymer system. After the hair is dry, the Brazilian Blowout solution is sealed by a high temperature flat iron, the solution is rinsed followed by Acai hair care products that infuse the hair with an exclusive blend of native smoothing properties derived from the proprietary Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex. This complex allows for a continual and cumulative smoothing effect to occur while the hair is washed and styled in between professional treatments. The Brazilian Blowout Treatment can last for up to twelve weeks and the treatment simply washes away over time and then your hair returns to its normal state. As you repeat the Brazilian Blowout Treatment every few months, you will be able to observe the improved quality of hair grown after the Treatment was applied.
Taking care of your hair after the Brazilian Blowout Treatment is effortless. The amount of time required to style hair will decrease dramatically and in some cases is wash and go. This treatment restores hair resiliency to humidity, rain or sweat and will no longer affect your hairstyle.

ABOUT KERATIN EXPRESS TREATMENTS:
Keratin Express Smoothing Treatment is a semi-permanent option that lets you "dip your toe in the water" of straightening treatments. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to straighten curly, frizzy or unruly hair you can try the Brazilian Express at a lesser cost, in less time and with less of a commitment. You even have the option to wear your hair curly after one of these treatments.
PARAFIN DIP TREATMENTS:

Paraffin wax is widely used by therapists to reduce pain and increase movement in patients' hands and feet. It is effective for treating the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and gout.
Benefits of Paraffin-Paraffin wax treatments provide a controlled moist heat. The wax's specific heat helps increase circulation and loosens synovial fluid in joints, which can prepare your hands for exercise or function. As a beauty treatment, paraffin also moisturizes the skin and opens pores.

Lastly- I am updating all my client, colleague, and friends contact information. I have most everyone’s email addresses however I am seeking your true snail mail addresses as well. For each of you who email or mail me your updated contact information, will receive a special gift from me.

I thank you for your past support and look forward to serving you and your friends in the future.

Very truly yours,

Vickie Hildreth

Thankful and Thoughtful

2010-11-27T17:04:00.000-08:00

So Thanksgiving has came and gone. Truly expected to be in the Christmas spirit by now. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for so many things. Our Karla has been with us a year and a half now, my Caleb and Cameo are healthy and happy. Most of the time...Scott has been back to work for a few months now. (As many of you may recall he was off for a year after the factory, Kobelco, he worked at, closed). Truly thankful for things to be feeling more 'normal'. Always thankful for my work, I am blessed to be surrounded by the girls I work with and my great clients who keep coming back. Most importantly, I'm blessed to have such a great family and wonderful friends who have stood by us during a difficult year.
The financial issues that came with a down economy and an unemployed husband paled in comparison to what happened in October. My best friend of 24 years lost her beloved 13 year old son to suicide. Not a day goes by that he's not thought of by many of us. I realized how wonderful my clients were when I took a week off without notice and they were beyond supportive. What a gift.
Now that things are seriously on the upswing for our family I look around and realize who is still with us and those who have left for whatever reason. If there are gifts to having hard times it is realizing who you can truly count on and and finding your true inner strength.
That being said, I hope my family, friends and clients know they can count on me to do my best to help them feel better. Whether it is through beauty and massage at the salon or just a listening ear.
Thankfully yours,
Vickie

Search results - Blogger Help

2010-09-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! About time I got back on here. As many of you know, been a big year or so at the Hildreth home. Thankful for each and every one of you and certain this is going a wonderful fall. Since it's my favorite time of year anyway, should be pretty good. Wishing you all a great one also.

We Survived

2009-12-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

We did it! We survived Christmas! Such a wonderful time full of magic and work for grown-ups. We deal with relatives. That's always a facinating experience. While I thouroughly enjoy making everything a special experience for my children, my body always tells me when it's over that it's time to focus on myself for a little bit. That being said, I will be getting a massage myself this week and a pedi (thanks to my friend Amy).
If your body is telling you the same, give me a call! A hot stone massage is the perfect recipe for relaxation.

2009-12-02T09:22:00.001-08:00

Girls Night Out! November 28th

2009-11-22T20:28:00.001-08:00

Hope you can come to our Girls Night Out!

Pumpkin Shortage???

2009-11-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Is this year just going to go down in history as The Pumpkin Shortage Year?

Like "The Ice Storm of 1972" or "The Flood of 1993."

When we look back, will we just say, "Yeah, I remember 2009 - that was the Year of the Great Pumpkin Shortage."

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Rain-may-put-pumpkin-pie-in-apf-1323181927.html?x=0&.v=7

When was the last time you took some time for yourself?

2009-10-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today, Leah and I took a little drive over to Bloomington. This weekend is probably going to be peak leaf viewing time in Brown County. Don't you just love how the red trees pop with color! Does a person good to just enjoy the weather and the sunshine and laughter.

Take a moment today to do something good for yourself.

Back On Track

2009-08-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Cannot believe I haven't checked in with this since the kids got out of school and, already, they're back! At any rate, it's been a pretty great and crazy summer. I hope everyone else out there has just had a great one, I recommend skipping the crazy part.

I've been working a lot lately while my husband has been off work (factory closing) and, while I love my job, I will be going back to 5 days a week now that the kids are back in all of there many activities. For those of you close to Seymour, I do have a lovely massage studio at home and would be more than happy to work on you there if that is more convenient. As for Saturdays, I'll be back in the salon the 29th of August. I appreciate the patience of all my clients while Scott & I have been going through Foster Parent Training.

As always, call me! 812-350-3575
Vickie

Time Out For Summer

2009-06-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

By the calendar, summer hasn't arrived yet. But, as all parents know, summer begins when the children's summer break begins. In my case, the last school day for the youngest is Tuesday (tomorrow). Thus begins summer. This year, I have vowed to enjoy the summer with the kiddos. (Let's all remember a little flood last June?) That being said, I am taking a few days off right now. Before their lives get taken up with sports camps and bible schools. this work-a-holic is taking some time to stop and smell the roses. After all, you never know when they may get washed away.

Observations from Vickie

2008-09-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

My life is interesting every day – for me, it’s not that life has to look exciting from an outside point of view. It’s more important to me that every day be an adventure in the observation of the little things.

I am addicted to people watching. I’m not into sports. However, I love going to sporting events just because of the people watching. Beginning of the day, people are in a fabulous mood – until they don’t have enough lunch and keep drinking. Then, it all goes terribly wrong, and they’re all belligerent. And they’re saying, I’m going to kick your #$%. I think, “No, you’re not going to kick their #$%, tomorrow you’re going to be in a three piece suit somewhere – just go home and chill.” I watch people all the time and end up with the funny little observations I come into the shop with each week.

My pedicure fetish...

2008-09-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

My absolute favorite cure for depression, boredom, stress, or any other form of the “blahs” is a pedicure! I can’t tell you how many times a week I tell someone, “Oh honey, go get a pedicure. You’ll feel better!”

There’s something cool about knowing that when you take your shoes off your toes look pretty. In the winter, I have Christmas trees painted on my toenails.

Right this minute, I have mauve nail polish with lavender stars on my toes.

In the winter, I’ll turn up the heat in my house just so that I can take my shoes off. I carpeted the massage room so that I can take my shoes off. And, really, since people look down through the massage table headrest at my feet, I have to keep my nails done. I don’t want people to think I have nasty feet! ;-) Maybe that’s a goofy way to approach life, but it’s me…

Wow!!! My first blog!

2008-09-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Ok - I am only a little scared!

Does a person like me really need a blog? Do you really want to hear all the crazy little meanderings of my brain?

Possibly yes. Possibly no.

Anyway...

Guess what??? I have a blog now!

More later...

~ Vickie