February is for facials

Congratulations!!!! You did it. You made it through January. I was hearing a lot about how long January felt for many people. It made me wonder why. I know for me I never get used to it getting dark early. And there were a couple days at school pick up that even my teeth felt cold.   

My happy place in January had been coffee during the day and climbing into bed after putting P down and catching up on my shows. To recharge.

I saw a quote that said something like “Christmas break isn't the break. January is. A time to recharge.” I felt that.

January usually consists of new goals, new beginnings. I've been in a business program for the last 4 months and have about 6 more weeks to go. I've learned a lot, which makes me feel good. Empowered. But it has taken up a good amount of my free time.  When it's over, my next goal is to get back to my self-care. I want to get back to yoga. Start walking every day. Get that facial every 6 weeks, which is one thing I haven't given up on. Get MY hair done every 6 weeks, like I preach to all of you. My point is, doing the things that make me feel good. For myself during these long cold months.

Give your skin some love

One of our clients does the same thing. She books herself a facial with Mary once a month. Check out the review she left. 

“Mary is fantastic! She does such a great job with keeping my skin healthy and glowing. I always look forward to my appointments at Halo!”

If you haven't tried a facial at Halo yet, now is a great time. For the rest of February, our estheticians are offering the cherry chocolate facial at a special price of $70. This special runs till the end of the month. Click the link here to treat yourself with a cherry enzyme and dark chocolate mint mask. This will hydrate and brighten your skin, even in the coldest month.

While we know January and February can be hibernation months for most, keep an eye out for some flash sales in your email.  

We’ll also be offering some Galentines packages for a limited time for you and your friends. Stay tuned….

It can be a little quieter at Halo during these cold months. But trust me, it's nice and cozy on the heated bed in our skincare room. 

Community Spotlight

By Julia Mongeau

Think back to a favorite memory that took place over food. Maybe it's baking cookies around the holidays with your family, learning a recipe from a grandparent, or eating pizza and drinking cheap wine with your friends in your first apartment. 

According to Julie Unger from the Kitchen in Melrose, “there is something special about bringing people together around food.”

“Either cooking or eating, you’re engaging in a different way with others, and finding commonalities around food,” said Julie. 

Julie founded The Kitchen in Melrose in 2023, a space where people can come together and learn basic cooking skills while connecting over food with their friends and neighbors. 

Julie has a professional background in community organizing and event planning. While running the Melrose Farmers Market, she offered cooking classes for kids. She also partnered with Seven Hills Pasta Company to host fundraisers and pasta-making classes. From this experience, combined with her love to cook, Julie was inspired to open the Kitchen. 

Julie’s culinary background is diverse and influenced by both of her grandmothers. Her grandmother on her father’s side was born in Egypt, but grew up in Guatemala, so she grew up cooking Middle Eastern and Latin American food. From her grandmother on her mother’s side, she learned how to make traditional Jewish dishes like matzah ball soup and kugel. Julie’s favorite dish to make is a Shakshukah “with a little Guatemalan spin” - poached eggs in spicy sauce made with harissa paste, red pepper, cumin, and roasted tomatoes with green chilis. 

Community, engagement, and enrichment are at the core of the Kitchen’s mission. 

“Not only are people connecting, but they’re gaining new lifelong skill sets, particularly for kids,” said Julie. 

She loves to hear stories of children who took cooking classes, then prepared food at home for their families. 

“One parent told me her son had been struggling to find his niche, and has taken a lot of our classes, and now wants to be a chef when he grows up,” said Julie.

So, who’s ready to cook? Maybe start with a pasta class. 

“There’s something special about making your own pasta,” said Julie. “Everyone gets transported to a kid-like state.”

“It kind of feels like playing with playdough, but you can actually eat it at the end,” she added.  

There’s a class for everyone at the Kitchen. Take a knife skills to learn different cutting methods, learn how to bake the perfect French baguette, or surprise your partner with date night tapas class. 

And a lot more is cooking at The Kitchen this year. David Drew from Cambridge Brewing Company recently joined the team and helped them develop a to-go breakfast and lunch menu. You can also start buying bread and pastries from the Bread Shop at the Kitchen, Wednesday through Sunday when there are no classes.  

If you’re interested in learning more about the Kitchen, email julie@thekitchenmelrose.com or visit thektichenmelrose.com. 

Julie has lived in Melrose for 15 year years, raising her three kids, Solomon (14), Dalya (12), and Lennox (8). As a single mom and business owner, she’s grateful for all of the community support she’s received from the city and residents. 

“I feel so extremely fortunate.”

So stop by the Kitchen and start making memories around food.