By Laura Gaskill, Houzz
Photo By: Gabriel Holland Interior Design, original photo on Houzz

So often we look forward to the weekend, but once it arrives, it gets swallowed up by errands and chores — and before we know it, it’s over. That hardly seems fair! If you’re ready to reclaim your weekend, begin by shifting your thinking and consider your weekend a “mini retreat” — a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge. And while not every weekend lends itself to this relaxed approach, even when life throws you a super-packed weekend, pulling even a few ideas from the list that follows can help slow things down enough that you can catch your breath and savor the abundance around you.

Gabriel Holland Interior Design, original photo on Houzz

Morning Ideas

Start your weekend off right by savoring your first cup of coffee (take it outdoors if the weather is agreeable) and using this moment to simply breathe and relax, without feeling the need to check your phone or fire up the laptop. Instead, pick up an old school pencil and paper and make a list of things you would love to do and (equally important) things you don’t want to do over the weekend. Really dreading the weekly cleanup session? Consider calling in a cleaning service, even if these chores are something you usually do yourself. If you must clean, plan to set a timer and get it out of the way as quickly as possible.

Scoop up armfuls of blooms. What could be more cheerful than flowers all around the house? If spring is blossoming where you live, all you may need to do is walk out to your garden and start snipping away. If it’s still cold (or you don’t have a garden) stop by a market, farmstead or flower shop and treat yourself to some beautiful blooms. Once you get home, trim the stems a bit (a fresh cut makes it easier for the flowers to drink water) and place them in vases of fresh water immediately. But don’t stop there — even if you bought just one bouquet, you can get more out of it by pulling out a few blooms to fill bud vases. Place a bud vase beside your bed, on the bathroom sink and in the kitchen to spread good cheer throughout your home.

Take a neighborhood stroll or bike ride. How much have you really explored your neighborhood? Take a walk (bundle up if you need to) or bike ride if it’s a lovely day, and set out to discover something new. Your eventual destination could be your local farmer’s market or a favorite neighborhood cafe or shop, or you could simply wander and explore, taking inspiration from the houses and gardens you pass.

Dafne Vijande, original photo on Houzz

Set up your own spa-like accoutrements. When you come in from your walk or bike ride, refresh yourself by making a pitcher of fancy water with slices of lemon, orange or cucumber and sprigs of a fresh herb like mint. Pour yourself a tall glass and sip it while paging through your favorite coffee table book.

Refresh your living space. If decorating is your cup of tea, put on some music and spend some time restyling your living room. There’s no need to buy a thing — just challenge yourself to be creative and work with what you have. Sometimes moving things from room to room, putting up some new art (you can always pull from your stack of family photos) or pulling a few textiles out of hiding are all that’s needed to give a space a fresh look. Of course, if shopping is on your agenda, it’s your weekend to do what you like — but consider checking out a small, local shop or flea market instead of hitting the big stores, as you never know what treasures you’ll come across (and it’s surprisingly satisfying to stay close to home).

Related: Trending Decorating Ideas for the Bedroom

Invite friends over for tea. When was the last time you got together with a few friends just to chat and catch up? Having tea together is a lovely, low-pressure way to host a gathering, since all you really need is a selection of tea and enough cups to go around! Teatime treats are always nice, but they can be simple — good cookies from a box along with a bowl of berries is totally fine. No need to bake scones from scratch (unless you want to). 

Sand Design, original photo on Houzz

Afternoon Ideas

Think of the transition from morning to afternoon as a natural time to pause and “reset” your day. If something came up in the morning — soccer practice, errands — make this your chance to reboot your weekend and intentionally choose to relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

Picnic in the backyard. Whether you stopped by the farmer’s market on your morning stroll or are using what you have on hand, keep lunch simple and fresh. Think crostini with tapenade, crunchy veggies sprinkled with a bit of flaky salt, a prepared whole grain salad and a bowl of berries for dessert. If the weather is good, why not pack up your lunch and head out to the backyard? Everything tastes better in the fresh air! And if it’s rainy or cold, simply relocate your picnic to the dining table, and warm up with the addition of hot soup and mugs of tea.

Sneak away for an afternoon soak. Taking a leisurely bath in the afternoon feels luxurious, improves the spirits and helps release any lingering tension from a long week. If you have fragrant essential oils or fancy bath products you’ve been saving, now’s your chance to use them.

B Jane Gardens, original photo on Houzz

Read, journal and daydream. Whether it’s a sunny window or a backyard hammock, choose the best seat in the house for getting lost in a good book. Take along a journal and pens in case you get inspired to write down your thoughts — and if you’re not sure what to journal about, making a “things I’m grateful for” list is always a winner.

Kindle an old flame. Did you always love photography, art or poetry? Whatever your passion, take a little time-out to explore what sparked your interest in the first place. Pull out your old sketchbook and draw for 10 minutes; take a neighborhood walk with your camera; write a poem on the first scrap of paper you find — it doesn’t have to take up much time to feed your old flame, and it’s worth every second.

Kristy Noble Photography, original photo on Houzz

Evening Ideas

Unlike on a weeknight — when you’re probably already tired from your workday — after a day of rest, relaxation and creativity you should be feeling renewed and ready to have some fun. Make an official start to your evening hours by putting away the to-do list and setting aside your devices.

Put on your favorite music. Music, more than just about anything else, has the power to quickly shift our mood — so put on an album that lifts your spirits. If you have records, play DJ and curate a stack of albums to play throughout the evening. If you’d rather let someone else do the curating for you, try one of the many new online music streaming services … or invite a friend with great taste in music to come over!

Shabby Chic Style Dining Room, original photo on Houzz

Plan a vacation-inspired dinner. Whether it’s impeccably fresh fish in the Caribbean, tender Maryland crab cakes, a lobster roll within view of the beach in Maine or a warm and comforting meal in a tiny Italian trattoria, on vacation, dinner is often an event — something to really look forward to and savor. Whether you decide to cook or order in, choose something for dinner that captures the excitement of being away. Set the mood with music, candles and good friends or family to share the experience with.

Serve aperitifs or digestifs outdoors. So often it’s the little things that elevate everyday life into something special. One way to do that around the nightly meal is to change the venue before or after dinner (or both). Serve aperitifs (before-dinner drinks) and small nibbles in the garden before the meal, or head out onto the patio after dinner for a digestif surrounded by candles and strands of lights.

David Wood, CEO of Human Touch and Relax The Back, in front of the new building in Long Beach.
Photo credit: Business Journal's Larry Duncan

LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® Recliners, and other wellness solutions, is pleased to announce that they — along with Relax the Back® Corporation, franchisor of back and neck specialty retail stores — have moved their corporate headquarters to a newly-constructed office building in Long Beach, California. Both companies are subsidiaries of Interactive Health, Inc. and will operate out of this new industrial building, located at 4600 East Conant Street, Long Beach CA 90808.  The building features 110,940 square feet of office and warehouse space with new systems and amenities to suit each company’s growing business needs. This relocation will keep the Interactive Health corporate headquarters within the city of Long Beach; a city to which they’ve held a longstanding commitment for growth over the past 38 years.  

“It’s been fantastic to welcome both Human Touch and Relax The Back into this new, state-of-the-art building,” said David Wood, CEO, Human Touch and Relax The Back. “These two companies have enjoyed a close relationship for more than 20 years, and with this new shared space we will be able to engage one another on a deeper level to advance our commitment to high-quality wellness and back-care solutions.”

The new corporate headquarters was officially completed in July 2017, and was built to custom specifications to provide work spaces that are modern, energy-efficient, and comfortable.  The two-story building hosts multiple creative, open-concept work spaces, as well as two glass-walled meeting spaces, contemporary-designed offices, 12 dock high doors, and a large product showroom. Employees will also be able to enjoy several lounge areas, a spacious kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, an exercise room with bicycle- and treadmill-desks, and a recreational area with both a ping pong and a pool table. This building is part of a 263 acre master planned development, and is also equipped with water-conservational upgrades, ESFR fire-safety sprinklers, and close access to both the Long Beach Airport and the Port of Long Beach.

Phone and fax numbers for both companies will remain the same.

For any additional inquiries regarding this new corporate location, please email marketing@humantouch.com

About Human Touch

Human Touch is the leading provider of high-quality, innovative lifestyle products, massage chairs, and experiences that have been delivering indispensable, life-changing benefits to an ever-growing number of consumers for more than 38 years. Human Touch has been making people feel better by developing state-of-the-art massage products containing patented massage systems that replicate the hands and techniques used by massage professionals, thereby helping to reduce pain and stress caused by today’s hectic lifestyle. Products are available at fine furniture stores, back care specialty stores, and mass-market retailers across the U.S., through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries, and online at www.humantouch.com.

About Relax The Back

Relax The Back is North America's largest specialty retailer of products that relieve and prevent back and neck pain with almost 100 franchised stores in the U.S. and Canada. Back Care Consultants are trained in ergonomics and spinal health to properly assess each client's needs. They provide back care education and products to improve spinal health and increase comfort throughout the day and night. Relax The Back straddles the boundary between health care and retail working with many medical professionals who refer their patients to us to help solve their postural challenges. Find information about the company and its products at www.relaxtheback.com.

There isn’t any way to possibly say thank you properly to Human Touch so in lieu of that I would like to share my experience of what a difference this has made in my life. My story was heard by a member of their wonderful company and I was blessed with the most amazing gift of the Human Touch ZeroG to help me on my journey to remission.

I have Systemic Lupus Erythematous which is more commonly known as SLE and is the most serious form of Lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body because the immune system mistakes the body's own tissues as foreign invaders and attacks them. What this means is that by virtue it can affect the skin, mouth, brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, eyes, muscles……any body part you can think of, Lupus can attack.

I was diagnosed more than 20 years ago and after a few difficult years I lived for the most part free of Lupus, at least from the debilitating kind of symptoms and damage. About two years ago the disease went into a fully active status and took what had been a very active lifestyle and brought it to an abrupt halt. I currently take more than 50 pills daily, go for monthly infusions at the hospital, see multiple specialists, and holistic care is part of the regimen as well. The initial diagnosis was Lupus of the brain with neurological involvement. What this meant for me was extreme fatigue, fevers daily, rashes,  balance issues, and muscle cramping that feels like I have 100 “Charley Horses” all happening at once. There is no cure and at times it feels like I am most certainly living inside the impossible. 

Then I met my chair. This is where healing happens every day for me. The first time I saw it I was shopping for a new recliner with my family at a local furniture store and I sat in it just to wait for the salesperson. I immediately started crying, almost to the point of sobbing. The instant relief was something that words can’t describe. These tears were tears of joy!

It would be impossible to say that I have a favorite setting because it’s not uncommon for me to use several of them every single day. The foot and calf massager is a must with every session. And I always “Go To Zero” before I choose my massage. My typical day involves 3 visits to the chair.  One to get me going in the morning, one to keep me going mid-afternoon and one to calm before bed. I tend to tuck myself in when I’m in the chair.  I like to have a small pillow on each side and have a blanket over me so that I’m cocooned in it. The quest for wellness takes an emotional toll as well and I’m not stretching it to say that being in this chair feels like a mom’s hug. I love this chair! So much so that my extended family went on vacation together recently and the chair traveled with us!!

When I first began using it I thought of all the sick people I know that could benefit from it and what I found is there is no single person without an ailment whether it’s physical or emotional that this chair wouldn’t benefit. I was paying $80 every other week for a therapeutic massage. After I started using the chair I no longer needed to make the appointment because my chair can do so much more and it doesn’t get tired! I am a portrait photographer and I run my business out of my home. Because of this my clients often come and stay for quite a while. My favorite thing is to nestle them into it and watch them beg me to never go home!  

I am grateful to the entrepreneur that believed enough in the quality of life to see this to fruition and the team that supported the venture. This chair has quite literally saved my pride, doubled my daily potential both professionally and personally, and given me a quiet retreat when I'm unwell. It is my personal slice of heaven on earth. 

-Becky H., Michigan 

By Tiffany Carboni, Houzz
Photo (above) BAAN Design, original photo on Houzz

Have you ever sipped cocktails with friends in a bar lounge and thought, "This would be a sweet setup in my own kitchen"? Your pipe dream can be a reality (minus the crowds of rowdy strangers) with the help of these inspiring looks.

BAAN Design, original photo on Houzz

Gather 'round the fireplace. This modern-meets-retro space has the ultimate people-gathering tools: a fireplace and loads of comfortable seating.

The predominantly white space, designed by Baan Design, features shots of vivid color with midcentury modern–inspired armless sofas, dining chairs and a thick-pile gray rug that place guests near the 1960s fireplace.

ACR Villa Skovly, original photo on Houzz

Rock on. The rock wall of this basement kitchen in Oslo, Norway, has a lair-like tone. While the kitchen's work side is all white, the lounging side has an inviting dark gray sectional and a rug that begs bare feet to nestle into it.

Mango Design Co, original photo on Houzz

Choose a cohesive color palette. Charcoal painted kitchen cabinets create a furniture-like effect that complements the neutral pieces in this 6- by 15-foot space. The entire room is painted in Benjamin Moore's Cloud White. The media credenza and dining table, both from Design House, share the same blonde wood that helps to highlight the room's surrounding blue accents, while the Calligaris L'eau chairs don't try to compete with any of it.

Richard Taylor Architects, original photo on Houzz 

Blur the lines between kitchen and living area. This French country kitchen has a warm, library-like atmosphere that disguises its utilitarian purpose. The designer seamlessly carried over the kitchen's dark green details and elegant lighting fixtures to the hearth's lounging side — or maybe it's vice versa. It's hard to tell where one space ends and the next begins.

Isler Homes, original photo on Houzz

Add a twist to the banquette. This custom banquette was made to look more like a sofa. Low cabinets flank both sides for convenient table space. The lamp casts a warm glow onto the rich flooring, which is finished with a blend of Duraseal's Antique Brown and Coffee Brown. It's enough to make you wonder how the kitchen made its way into this ubercomfy space.

Warning: Do not add a TV to a setup like this, as you might find yourself asleep in the kitchen after hours.

Karen Ellentuck ASID, original photo on Houzz

Glam up the banquette with tufted details. Turn an everyday banquette bench into one that deserves VIP status. This bench, covered in high-quality vinyl from Architex's Authentec collection, is further enhanced with a tufted back. The elegance of the dark fabric, custom table and sleek chairs is punctuated by the walls, painted in Benjamin Moore's Gloucester Sage.

If you're inspired by this look, also check out vinyl selections from Designtex and Brentano Fabrics. 

Earlier this year, Human Touch was able to help Jim Tavare to recover after a devastating car accident by offering him a Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic recliner. The actor, who played Tom the Innkeeper in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, had been in a head-on collision that left him in an Intensive Care Unit, suffering with a broken neck, a punctured lung, 15 broken ribs, fractures in both breastbones and multiple breaks in his right leg. You can read more about his accident, and how Human Touch got involved, by clicking here.

We recently checked in with Jim and his wife, Laura, who updated us on his progress. His physiotherapy has been going well, and he currently works with his therapist 4 times per week. After months of being immobile, he is now walking again and feeling much happier to be able to get around. Although he still suffers from residual pain, Laura shared that the PC-610 has been a huge help on his road to recovery. Here is a video message that Jim created, sharing more about how the PC-610 has impacted him over the past few months.

So, the impact Human Touch has on my life, and the lives of all I know who own their products is uncanny.  I am assuming Human Touch is NOT tracking my physical health (as far as I know).  I recently purchased a Human Touch PC 8500 chair, and did so without knowledge of a circulation issue with one of my legs.  You know…varicose veins, but in my case they were severe and only on one side. Quite unusual.  I immediately went to my primary care physician, who stated that this was the worst case he had seen.  He recommended surgery, but in the mean time to get compression stockings to compensate for gravity.  He said: “You know, one good trick is to make sure to put the compression stockings on while in bed before gravity has had a chance to negatively impact the effect of the compression stockings.  He also recommended sitting with my leg raised. 

It hit me:  Not only does the PC8500 solve the problem of keeping my leg raised: It is one of the main features of the chair, but now I have a way to apply compression stockings which significantly improve their effectiveness.

For compression socks to be truly effective, it is best to put them on when in a position which puts your legs above your heart.  Ideally putting your feet in the air for 10 minutes or so prior to putting on compression socks helps by ensuring blood is not pooled in your feet prior to applying the compression socks.

Before starting my day, I grab a pair of compression stockings, get in the chair putting it in the position with my legs almost straight up, and sit for a few minutes while the blood drains from my legs.  It works so well that you can actually see the varicose veins disappear.  After this short period, I simply put on the compression stockings and start my day!  Watching TV or working in this position means putting off the need for surgery just a bit longer, and provides peace of mind, that I’m not further stressing my body for no reason.

Thank you Human Touch for such brilliant designs!  It is as though the designers at Human Touch are themselves human, and therefore seem to know precisely what “us humans” actually need.

David Marcarian, MA

By Laura Gaskill, Houzz
Photo (Above): Sarah Greenman, original photo on Houzz

Thinking back to my childhood home, I remember the smells most vividly: the jasmine growing by the mailbox; the honeysuckle vines climbing the back fence; the clean, simple scent of baby bubble bath; even the subtle background scent of polished wood floors. Scent tends to be more closely tied to memories than any of the other senses, making it the perfect vehicle for tapping into your most cherished memories. Of course, it’s not all about the past. Delicious smells can make your home and garden a wonderland of sensory pleasures — so you can savor the moment today and create new memories to treasure tomorrow.

Bath time. The hot water of a bath or shower is a great aid in diffusing scent. Take advantage of that fact and choose a special bath product or essential oil that makes you breathe a sigh of relief. Whether you crave the simple, clean scent of Ivory soap or a rich, woodsy essential oil, honor your heart’s desires.

Related: Replace Your Shower Curtain to Freshen Up Your Bathroom 

Breakfast. Do you remember waking up to the smell of pancakes, bacon and freshly squeezed juice? Why not treat yourself to a repeat of your childhood favorite breakfast this weekend — soft-boiled eggs and toast soldiers, anyone?

Amy Renea, original photo on Houzz

Vanilla beans. There is something magical about the vanilla bean. Let the warm, comforting scent of vanilla fill your house by baking a batch of sugar cookies, or place a few drops of vanilla in a bowl of warm water to let the scent diffuse. 

Fragrant flowers. Let Proust have his madeleines — I’ll take flowers by my front door. Jasmine, honeysuckle and other fragrant flowers can prompt powerful emotional memories. If there is a special flower you remember growing near your childhood home, or in another place that was special to you, see if you can plant that same flower at your current home.

Jeni Lee, original photo on Houzz

A row of lavender. A lavender-lined walkway is a wonderful thing. Just imagine coming home each day and brushing your fingers across the leaves, the scent releasing into the air as you go by. 

Related: Bring Lavender Indoors Too For a Beautiful Spring Feel

Tomato vines in the sun. I remember summers in my grandfather’s garden when the tomatoes were ripe on the vine. I would go lie underneath them, the scent of the tomato vines curling around me as the light filtered through the leaves. Tomatoes themselves are not nearly as fragrant — my young son has already noticed this, and loves to sniff the tomato vines in our backyard.

Sarah Greenman, original photo on Houzz

Scents on the evening breeze. As with those rows of lavender along the front walk or that jasmine by the front door, consider where you place other fragrant plants to get as much pleasure from them as possible. Surround your porch with beach roses, plant lilacs under your bedroom window and hang a window box of herbs beside the kitchen sink.

Coffee or tea. Which one does it for you? For me, it’s both! There is nothing like the smell of freshly ground coffee brewing first thing in the morning … but bending over a mug of deliciously fragrant tea can be equally wonderful. If you’ve been having the same beverage every day for years, experiment with something new.

Dreamy Whites, original photo on Houzz

Cut flowers. Treat yourself to cut flowers — whether from your own garden or the farmer’s market — regularly. Smell before you buy and choose the ones you love most. Or place a single fragrant bloom in a glass on the bedside table to encourage sweet dreams.

Perfume. Smelling the perfume or cologne that someone you loved always wore can instantly call up a vivid memory. If you want a blast from the past, track down the scent you wore in high school.

Avocado Sweets Design Studio, original photo on Houzz

Baking bread and bubbling soup. What cooking smells do you most love — baking bread, warm cookies, a bubbling pot of soup or chili? Whatever kitchen creation you most want to smell in your home, put that on the menu for the coming week. Even better, make a few batches so you can stash one in the freezer for quick comfort on another day.

Fire and smoke. The smell of a campfire has to be one of the most primal scent memories around. Channel your inner child — or caveperson — and gather around the fire pit for dinner.

Freshly cut grass. Mowing the lawn may not always top the list of favorite things to do, but the pleasure of smelling freshly cut grass is undeniable. And for those with fond memories of a farm childhood, why not bring back the scent of the hay barn by tossing a bale or two in the backyard to use as summer seating? Covered with old quilts, hay bales make comfy bench seats.

Photo Credit: Thomas Hafeneth

Massage is one of the fastest-growing complementary therapies around the world. Like any other treatment, diabetic massage has several potential benefits and side effects for people with this diagnosis. Some studies show that it has a positive impact on blood glucose levels and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. In fact, one group study found that when parents gave a full-body nightly massage to their diabetic children, the children’s glucose levels dropped from an average of 158 to 117 mg / dL within one month.

Diabetes massage relaxes the muscles and calms the mind, thus reducing the physical and mental ailments associated with diabetic symptoms.

What Are Common Complications of Diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 1 out of 3 diabetics over the age of 50 will suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD occurs when the blood vessels in the legs are narrowed and blocked by fatty deposits, and the blood flow to the feet is decreased. This can result in an alarming number of consequences, ranging from foot ulcers to amputation. Therefore, it is critical for people with diabetes to ensure that the blood flow to their legs is regulated.

Can Diabetics Use Massage Chairs with Foot Massagers?

Massage products—from recliners with foot-and-calf massagers, to targeted foot-and-calf relief solutions—can serve as an incredibly useful tool for patients with diabetes seeking to increase blood flow in their legs and swollen feet. The Figure-Eight^® Technology in many Human Touch^® products delivers an advanced technique that emulates those used by a professional masseuse, and this technique increases the blood flow between the legs and torso.

Benefits of Foot Massage for Diabetics

Massage has been shown to drop glucose levels, which can help to prevent hyperglycemia in diabetics. According to Healthline.com, hyperglycemia can cause eye damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage (neuropathy), skin and gum infections, joint problems and even can result in a diabetic coma. Helping to relax your body will assist in lowering your glucose levels, which can prevent these types of hyperglycemic ailments.

Another benefit of diabetes massage is the increase in flexibility as the muscles are loosened. High blood sugar can result in the thickening of connective tissue, and massage will increase the mobility and elasticity of that tissue. As the muscles, tendons and ligaments are relaxed, patients will find an increase in motion and flexibility in the joints, therefore improving their quality of life. Thus, a foot massager for diabetics is a great way to increase flexibility and mobility in their feet. Diabetics also often have restricted blood flow in their feet, which massage can help increase.

Important Precautions of Massage for People with Diabetes

All of these benefits of massage should be noted by anyone suffering from diabetes. However, if you are diabetic, you need to consider a few important factors when seeking the therapy.

As with any type of physical therapy, you need to consult your physician before beginning massage therapy. It’s a great option for anyone seeking stress and pain relief, but people with diabetes need to be aware of fluctuations in their blood sugar levels at all times. Diabetics especially need to monitor their glucose levels after such therapy. They may not need as much insulin as they normally do after a massage.

It is also important for diabetics to avoid massage in an area where they inject insulin. Pressure in this area may influence the way that their body absorbs the shot and therefore alter their intake. This is one of the things professional athletes suffering from diabetes especially need to be mindful of.

Are Foot Massagers Good for Diabetics with Neuropathy?

As a final recommendation, diabetics should be cautious when assessing the pressure levels and heat options from any massage service, whether from a masseuse, a chair or with a foot massager. Those who want to try foot massage for diabetic neuropathy need to consult with a healthcare professional and also do their own research to determine if the massage technique or heating levels are ideal for a person of their body type and sensitivity levels.