Ah, Fall. The crisp weather. The cozy fashion. The new Bliss catalog (which you can sign up for here). Don’t you just love the amped-up energy that makes everything feel so exciting and new? (Or wait. Was that The Love Boat?) No matter. All I’m saying is that people have been abuzz about so many things lately. And, of course, the people that Miss Bliss rolls with have all been buzzing about–what else?–our favorite tension-taming, skin-smoothing, better-bodifying treatments! Here’s a primer in some of our most sought after:

The Youth As We Know It Facial
Miss Bliss has a beauty editor friend at a schmancy magazine who swears by this fine-line-fixing, age-attacking, glow-getting facial. So effective (yet gentle enough for this pretty pal’s delicate flower of a face) is this regenerating treatment , that she got asked to a fraternity mixer buy a cute coed at her college homecoming game. (Reader, said friend has been an alumnus since ‘93!) That is truly a victory for the ‘ages’. My favorite thing about this facial is that you can leave looking fountain-of-youth fabulous immediately. (No red, blotchy downtime to consider because extractions are totally optional.) And, you get your mug massaged with a mushroom enzyme peel that gives you a lit-from-within radiance.

Triple oxygen treatment
Since this is our most popular peau-prettifying pick, you know it must be a true crowd pleaser! A celeb-fave, this complexion perfecter includes a power cleansing, serious skin-sloughing, expert-esthetician extractions, an oxygen and milk mask that will seriously transport you to another relaxation realm (not to mention leave your skin looking luminous), and a major moisturizing pack plus bright-boosting oxygen spray. This has become Miss Bliss’ requisite go-to gift for all her bride-to-be buddies; it’s super for all skin types and guarantees a wedding-day glow.

Brazilian bikini wax
While I could sum this up by telling you that you’ll be saying “WOW” instead of “OWW!”, I think this Bliss customer says it best: “My only option when it comes to getting waxed. By far the best and pain-less…worth every dime.”
(– Tiffany, Bronx, NY). We agree, sister, we agree! Thanks to our special skin-saving wax, our experts’ gentle touch, and other Bliss-particular practices this wax will truly make you a believer in fearless fuzz busting.

Blissage 75
If ever there were a one-size-fits-all treatment, this would be it. The level of complete and utter calm you feel will melt your muscles and boggle your mind. We dare you not to fall asleep! Zoning in on your most overworked muscles, this 75-minute warming rubdown will make you feel like your reset button has been pressed. Head-clearing, skin-silkifying, and stress-soothing, this is the ultimate escape.

Hot milk & almond pedicure
This 60-minute ’sole’-saving pedi is such a ‘feat’ that it will earn a regular spot in your appointment calendar. After your tootsies are tenderized in a steamed whole milk and almond oil bath, they’re scrubbed within an inch of their lives, and then painted in the hue of your hankering. In fact, Miss Bliss and two of her friends ran the Chicago Marathon this year (in the freezing cold), and our most powerful motivation was not a medal, not seeing our loved ones at the finish, not even the bragging rights. Nope, it was the knowledge that we had the next morning’s first appointment for the Hot Milk and Almond Pedicure.
True story.

Try one, try all. You won’t be disappointed. And, if you already have a fave, won’t you please divulge? We’d love to know what makes you say, “spaaaahhh”.

Bliss on!

As you may already know if you’ve been am-‘bush’-ed by them, our fuzz-protesting ‘gorilla’ marketing team took over the streets of New York City all day yesterday. They hit our Soho spa, Crunch Gym, and even attacked HQ (one poor staffer was unlucky enough to be biting into a freshly peeled banana when they arrived…)

The fun continues today, as the team stormed Sephora in Times Square this morning, and plans to picket their way through Union Square this afternoon. But it hasn’t just been about watching passersby do eye-popping double takes at the sight of bikini-clad gorillas (although that has been fun)—it’s been about protesting unwanted body hair, and handing out offer cards for 20% off signature brazilian bikini waxes at our spas, and 20% off fuzz-fighting and body-toning bestsellers in-spa and online. (If you didn’t run into the team or aren’t in the NYC area, you can still take advantage of the savings here.)

Below is a snapshot of the team during yesterday’s adventures in the ‘concrete jungle’—but that’s just a taste of what’s to come. Stay tuned for a video documenting all the monkey business, soon to hit the web!

the 'gorilla' marketing street team!

Hi again! Julie here, to finish up my list of primping product suggestions for the pregnant ladies out there. Here are some more mom-to-be must-haves*:

diamancel #2 nail file
Prenatal vitamins can make your nails grow super-fast. Keep those newly strong talons in shape with this nail file. Made with genuine diamond, it’s so durable it might last until your baby graduates college.

bliss underarmy
I’m at my biggest during these hot summer months. (Lucky me!) Between the heat and the extra pounds I’m carrying, sweat is pretty much a given, but this minty anti-perspirant keeps me dry and cool as a cucumber.

bliss blood orange+white pepper scrub
I chose this purely for the ‘spoil myself’ factor. While scrubbing away with this heaven-scented stuff, I can forget—even for just five minutes—about the momentous task at hand. A must for moms-to-be who are long ‘overdue’ for some me-time.

ted gibson individual color shampoo and conditioner
Dyeing hair during pregnancy is one of those ‘better safe than sorry’ areas that no one will give the definitive green light. Try washing with these formulas instead, which can prolong a treated tint or just bring out your natural color.

spanx bra-llelujah! full coverage front closure bra
You may be delighted with your newly voluptuous bust, but without a comfy bra, those suckers are going to feel like two sacks of potatoes. This wide-strap bra offers ample support, and its hosiery-like fabric stretches to grow with you.

My final recommendation? Try some tummy-friendly tension taming in-spa with our great expectations massage. I haven’t had it yet, but since I’m well past my first trimester (when it’s off-limits) and feeling those pregnancy aches and pains more than ever, I just might have to treat myself. I hear it leaves you feeling ‘reborn’.

Julie

*Again, I’m no doctor—so please consult with yours if you have questions about using any of the products above.

Here at Bliss HQ, more than 10% of our staff is pregnant. And between friends and family members who are also expecting, there seems to be a mini-boom going on. (Hey, maybe the economy forced everyone to find cheap forms of entertainment, if you know what I mean.) Our Copywriter Julie is one of the ladies in this ‘swell’ condition, so I asked her to guest blog and recommend some pregnancy-friendly beauty buys. Here’s what she had to say –

Miss Bliss

Greetings, readers! Now that I’ve got a bun in the oven, I’m discovering just how much of a number pregnancy does on your body. Between ballooning bellies, inflated ankles and pregnancy acne, all of us moms-to-be could use a little something to help us feel more glam. So whether you’re still staring slack-jawed at a positive pregnancy test or are about to pop any day, these prenatal pampering picks will ‘deliver’ a much-needed beauty boost.*

mama mio tummy rub
Some say stretch marks are genetic and unavoidable—but I know that won’t keep any of us from trying our darndest to stop them. Keep the stretching from permanently etching your skin with this award-winning, omega-rich oil.

bliss foot patrol
Towards the end of pregnancy, your feet may swell from water retention. (On the bright side, you probably won’t be able to see them past your bulbous belly.) This exfoliating foot cream has peppermint to relieve tired soles and puffy ankles.

bliss triple oxygen instant energizing eye mask
You think sleep deprivation starts post-baby? Think again. Between mom-to-be anxiety and extra bathroom trips, pregnancy can leave you looking pooped. This instant brightening eye mask will help you fake a full night’s rest.

dr sebagh deep exfoliating mask
Many women develop what’s called the ‘mask of pregnancy’, a darkening of skin caused by hormonal changes messing with melanin production. This exfoliating mask will lighten it up so you don’t look like the Lone Ranger.

bliss steep clean pore purifying mask
So you’ve got a bump not only in your belly, but a few on your face, too? I was just thrilled to see pregnancy-induced pimples appear in my first trimester, but this clog-clearing mask can help keep hormone-induced breakouts at bay.

I’ve got more recommendations where those came from, so stay tuned for the rest of the list tomorrow. In the meantime – happy gestating!

Julie

*I’m no doctor—so please consult with yours if you have questions about using any of the products above.

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for anything drive-thru: banking, fast food, coffee…all of it totally appeals to my lazy side. I’m even willing to overlook the hassle of repeating my order through that fuzzy little speaker for the convenience of having my caramel macchiato handed to me while my foot is still on the brake.

So needless to say, I’m super-excited to tell you about the latest ‘bliss-ovation’ at our Scottsdale Spa (located at the W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback Road). Here’s the deal: every day next week (7/13 – 7/17) from 10am-1pm and 5pm-8pm, you can drive up to the Bliss entrance on the East side of the building on Buckboard Street, lightly honk the horn (hey, this isn’t New York City, so keep the blasts at a civilized level), and our spa squad will run out to your car with a bag of Bliss to go! Your swag will include bottled water, the same Fairytale brownies served in-spa, free product samples and treatment offers. How ‘beeping’ fantastic is that?

Another reason why this is so fabulous right now: you can do everything without having to escape the air-conditioned confines of your car. Heaven!

Seriously—do we go the ‘extra mile’ for our customers or what?

Miss Bliss

Miss Bliss here. I know I’ve been less than prolific in my blogging lately, but I took a little hiatus to take care of some important business. (If you must know, I was field-testing new spa treatments—so I’ve spent the past few weeks getting plucked, purged, pummeled and pedicured, all in the name of beauty. I know, it’s a thankless job, but someone’s gotta do it.)

Anyway, I’m happy to announce that I’m back in full swing with the blogging thing. I also have some exciting announcements concerning the blog and other social media:

• I want to give this blog a fresh start, and I’d like to start by consulting with some beauty bigwigs: you, the readers. (You’re out there, aren’t you?) I envision the blog as a fun, honest mix of beauty banter, expert advice and glam-focused gossip—but I’d like to hear how YOU envision it. After all, how can I expect you to log on if I’m not giving you what you like? So leave comments and let me know what you want to see on here: More polls and surveys? More spa-at-home advice? A lengthy post about my favorite reality TV shows? Just tell me!

• We’re going to be seriously ramping up our Twitter tactics in the coming weeks. If you aren’t following us, then fly on over and start! (Am I supposed to use bird-related words whenever talking about Twitter? I’m still getting the hang of it.) We’re going to have more tweeters, more updates, more news, exclusive Twitter offers…so don’t miss out.

• We’re getting ready to pare down our Facebook presence a bit. But don’t panic, Facebook fanatics! (You know who you are.) We’ll still be on there, but just in a more simplified way. Instead of having a Bliss Spa profile, fan page, and group, we’re going to trim the fat and just keep the fan page. In the coming weeks, we’ll phase out the Bliss Spa profile and We Love Bliss! group. So, if you’re friends with us or part of the group, make sure you become a fan so you stay in the Bliss loop once these changes go into effect. And fret not: we’ll still give you all the same updates and news on our fan page—the only difference is, you won’t have to navigate all over Facebook to keep up with it all. (Now you can spend only three hours a day on Facebook instead of four!)

I’m really excited to get started, so don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments section. I know you guys are opinionated (you’ve never held back when it comes to giving your two cents on a serum), so let me have it!

Miss Bliss

To mix or not to mix??? that is the question…

Our meeting debate of the day was… should we pre-mix steep clean mask to make it easier for the customer to use? Some people like mixing the blue with the yellow… others think it would be better if we blended them in the lab and removed an extra step for the customer.

Would love to hear what steep clean mask fans think… your wish is our command!

miss bliss

Think social media is just for slacking off at work? Today all the @ replies, the #followfridays, DM, RT’s are packed with gusto today!

We are totally BLISSED OUT over this!

Tonight is Social Media for Social Change (SM4SCNYC) at the Roger Smith Hotel. Social Media for Social Change (SM4SC) serves as an example of how social media can bring together people from all around the world together to change society in a big way. The premise of SM4SC is simple — to take all the connections made through social media, and put them together to host first-class fundraising events happen “in real life”. Oh, and while you’re at it, earn your karma points for the day and do something GREAT!

We’re gathering together to raise money for City Harvest. Our cause for this event is hunger relief. With record unemployment in America, and the collapse of the financial industries that provide much support to NY-based hunger relief organizations, we’re proud to announce we’ve partnered with City Harvest, the world’s first and New York’s only food rescue organization, to help the hungry of New York City.

There are some AMAZING prizes being auctioned/raffled off tonight, which you can view here (yes, there will be a huge bag of Bliss goodies!). I you are at the event, make sure you meet me (Karen Glidden from Bliss Spa!).

Are you following us on twitter?

Bliss Kisses!
Karen

Want to experience Bliss on the job?
In an ongoing mission to spread Bliss world wide, we will look for talented new associates to expand our current crew, and will be happy to hire enthusiastic and exceptionally capable cashiers, sales people, reservationists, customer service reps, massage therapists, nail technicians, estheticians, buyers, packers, copywriters, designers, assistants, and managers. (If we’ve left your category out… and you think you belong here… please send us your resume immediately!)

Here the current positions available at Bliss
Accounting Manager
Seeking an Accounting Manager to work closely with the Controller and CFO to plan and coordinate Bliss’ financial and management accounting and reporting systems. Responsible for the supervision and control over general ledger and monthly reporting requirements. The incumbent will also be responsible for control and analysis of standard costs and overall inventory balances, the reconciliation of all bank accounts, preview month end accruals prepared by A/P Department, prepare monthly sales tax filings and monthly financial statements including profit & loss statements by division, balance sheet and statement of cash flows, monitor capital expenditures to ensure that Capital projects are staying within budget and that the appropriate charges are hitting the respective projects and work with external auditors during audit/review process.

A bachelor degree in Accounting is required. The ideal candidate would have a mix of both public and private accounting. A minimum of 5 years of experience with strong technical accounting and analytical experience. A CPA ++

Send resume to: claud.crudo@blissmail.com

Account Coordinator Seattle/W Canada
Seeking an Account Coordinator for the Seattle/W Canada market. Looking for a sales “tiger or tigress” that can confidentially approach customers to demonstrate and sell bliss’ products. Must be well spoken, customer friendly, and sales focused. Sales experience a big plus. Positive attitudes a must!!

Send resume to: marc.weiner@blissmail.com

Retail Accountant
The Retail Accountant will assist in the coordination of AR & cash collections, mailing customer invoices, ensure proper filing and coding of invoices, prepare and deposit customer payments, manage credit card charge back processes and cash application. Only those with applicable Accounts Receivable experience and a love of collecting money need apply.

Send resume to: claud.crudo@blissmail.com

Customer Service Representatives
“How may I help you? And yes, I can most certainly help you” Seeking candidates to assist customers with their catalog sales order inquiries. Prior customer experience a must.
If you are interested in any of the positions listed, please email your resume at onthejob.bliss@starwoodhotels.com.

We’re ‘glowing’ all out!

Receive a free full-sized lovehandler (with any purchase for the entire month of February), a free deluxe sample of the triple oxygen instant energizing mask and FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50. Offer ends 1/27. Use code 019905 in shopping bag.

Check out our sale going on NOW!

Enjoy!
<3 Karen

*To get free ground/standard shipping and your free Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask sample, make a purchase over $50 at blissworld.com. Purchases cannot be aggregated. Not valid on past purchases or gift certificates, cannot be combined with other product offers or promotions, not exchangeable for cash or credit towards other products. Limited to one offer per person. Offer expires January 27, 2009 at midnight (EST), while supplies last.