A therapeutic shopping experience in Alameda

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Nov 18, 2004

SOME Thanksgiving weekend traditions -- namely turkey, football and of course, giving thanks -- are worth keeping. But this may be the year to dispose of less sacred customs along with the carcass. A few examples come to mind: shopping in a crowded mall, watching a movie in a crowded theater or spending four days straight in your (has it always been this crowded?) house.

Nine Alameda and Oakland businesswomen thought the time was right for a new post-Thanksgiving experience. They recognized that holiday stress can begin before the last turkey sandwich has been consumed.

"The concept of getting it all done is setting in on people," says Janet Savage, a local business owner.

Their antidote? Pampering services to minimize holiday stress and a range of products to address most gift requests, all presented with a view of the Harbor Bay lagoon. "Thanksgiving Begins With You!" is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Community Center of Harbor Bay Isle. Admission is free and includes snacks, wine and cider.

"This is an alternative to the big box, big parking lot experience," says Savage.

On hand will be Kimberly Martin representing Latasia Jewelry, Debra Grause of CAbi Clothing, Melissa Miranda of The Pampered Chef, Linda Christiani presenting PartyLite Candles and accessories, and Diane Rizzo of Discovery Toys.

Services including massage, skin analysis and exfoliating hand treatments will be offered in 20-minute, $20 sessions by massage therapist Jennifer Allaire and aesthetician Shelley Rosenfeld, as will life-affirming readings by Savage, a hand analyst, and Isabelle Choiniere, a tarot and numerology expert.

Demonstrations in kitchenware, clothing selection and accessorizing as well as prizes will be presented throughout the day. Shoppers may purchase gift certificates, many at a reduced rate, for products and services.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful to get your personal shopping needs taken care of in one place and before December?" asks Savage.

She hopes the event resonates on many levels for Alameda residents. First, it offers a chance to support local enterprises as most of the

women participating live and operate a business in Alameda. Second, the whole family can participate. In fact, some business owners will be bringing their children along as helpers. The toy selection will provide a welcome diversion for kids, and there will be strict controls on wine service.

Out-of-town guests may enjoy the event as well.

"Take them to something different on their travels. Show them a peaceful location on the lagoon," says Savage.

Savage encourages men to attend for well-deserved pampering and the opportunity to buy gifts early.

"Consider it a competition with your friends to see who can get his shopping done first," she says.

She is proud of the appealing, high quality range of items presented. The affordable Latasia jewelry line includes styles from fun to sophisticated to ethnic to classic. She describes the CAbi clothing, by designer Carol Anderson, as casual chic. Many shoppers already are familiar with Discovery Toys, PartyLite candles and Pampered Chef cookware, which also offers food and serving items for holiday entertaining.

Massage and beauty treatments have universal appeal. The most intriguing offer of the day is the chance for a personal reading using hand analysis, tarot or numerology.

"We're not fortune tellers. We focus on your gifts, like the gifts you give to others during the holidays," says Savage.

Readings affirm an individual's natural calling, whether to leadership, mentoring, service or other outlets, and unique qualities. They provide acknowledgement during a busy season when a person can feel lost in the midst of extra activities.

"It's an opportunity for people to take something special away for themselves about themselves, something to remember when they're out doing for others," says Savage.

Savage and Choiniere have created an association called the Divining Divas. Together they host events or are hired to do readings at parties. They are excited to team with other business owners for this event.

"We're assuming it's going to be a smash hit," says Savage.

The Community Center of Harbor Bay Isle is at 3195 Mecartney Road. Call 865-8551 for more event information.

Call Suzanne T. Storar at 523-6641 or e-mail STStorar@aol.com with information about Alameda's in