Sweet Dreams at Beach Sweets

Article and photo by Becca Lyn

People in OB tend to live out their dreams. Whether they dream simply, of daily coffee by the water, or more precisely like owning a candy store by the water, people here do what they dream.

Lara Smith, co-owner of Beach Sweets, had precise dreams, and now lives them. Beach Sweets, OB's candy store, opened in June 2007. After dreaming of her store Smith and her partner, Eric Thomson, now get to celebrate its first year in operation.

Smith said she dreamed of the everyday stuff: opening in the morning, sweeping the floors, and even being here at all hours. Yes, here. She dreamed the exact location. "I always wanted it right in this location where we are," she said, patting the counter.

Thomson literally shared her dream: "We'd walk by this place and I'd go 'yea, I know'. She had it all planned out." In fact, Smith and Thomson walked by this location for 5 years while dreaming of it. When it became reality he spent about six months getting the place ready to open.

Apart from dreaming, Smith had the business plan written and ready for potential landlords. She explained how she and Thomson saw the 'For Rent' sign during one of their frequent trips between Boston and San Diego, and immediately programmed the phone number into their cell phone as 'Candy Store'.

A year later, Smith, a trained chef, said she's still learning. When not in the store she studies chocolateering and other methods so she can offer more of her eclectic creations. When not working on her art, Smith works with Thomson on their business.

Beach Sweets offers 80 bulk candy bins and carries top-quality known brands not found in large chain stores. OB's candy store also offers nostalgia candy and other beach-themed novelties.

Smith said she's gearing up for summer and bringing in an Icee machine for those hot summer days. During June the store will feature raffles and offer prizes to celebrate their first year.

The house specialty at Beach Sweets is the Wipe Out: a simple and sweet concoction of white chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies. But Smith loves all her creations and is proud of everything she offers--even if she thinks her chocolate-covered strawberries are a bit messy that day.

"I always thought OB needed a candy store and a bakery," said Smith. She dreamed her store, and now she and Thomson celebrate it.

Beach Sweets, located at 5022 Newport Ave. is open everyday from 11am to 8pm. They can be reached at 619.222.3322, or visit them at www.oceanbeachsweets.com.

Hey, check out one of our hidden delights in Ocean Beach...

Article by Mark and Alex Chrisman

A good massage is one of life's simple pleasures, often put aside as an unnecessary luxury expense as economic times get tough. But with all the proven health benefits that massages and skin treatments can provide, not to mention the sheer pleasure, we may want to reconsider our priorities. Among many other benefits, massage therapy has been known to help alleviate physical ailments such as back pain and migraines, increase joint flexibility, exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles, and even ease dependence on medications. Skin treatments have been known to improve the overall condition of the skin and promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

Enter The Hidden Spa, one of the newest members of Ocean Beach's business community, located at 4969 Santa Monica Avenue, Suite C, directly behind Apple Tree Market. Jill Pomi, an aesthetician for over 8 years and an OB resident for 10 years, is the sole proprietor.

The Hidden Spa is a full service and all natural day spa, offering spa services including manicures and pedicures, waxing, facials, and massages. What makes The Hidden Spa unique is its focus on all natural ingredients. According to Jill, "my emphasis has been all organic, all-natural care for your skin and body". The spa features organic manicures and facials. An organic mani/pedi-cure uses a water-based polish made from all natural ingredients which are mixed on the premises, which means it's healthier for your nails. Similarly, the raw materials used for an organic facial and massage are purchased individually and mixed on-site, ensuring that every treatment is truly all natural. Jill buys raw materials such as aloe, almond oil, hemp and grape seed oils, dried lavender, mango butter and shea butter directly from an orchard in Georgia. Her sea salt is purchased and shipped directly from Israel. Other spas that purport to be organic often purchase their products from suppliers who manufacture their items commercially and are not always all natural. Buying direct from the source not only means that Jill has control of what ingredients go into her products, but it also means that she can cut out the middle man and keep her prices low.

One of The Hidden Spa's most popular facials is the pumpkin peel facial (which has received rave reviews online). This facial feature uses an all natural enzyme derived from pumpkins, which naturally and effectively absorbs dead skin cells, eats away oils, and gently rejuvenates skin. Among many other treatment options, they offer a traditional European facial, great for first-timers, a facial for acne prone skin, and a mini facial, perfect for a quick skin refresher. Undecided? Each client meets with a trained aesthetician who recommends the perfect treatment for that client based on their unique needs and objectives.

Another unique feature of The Hidden Spa stems from Jill's business philosophy. She hires aestheticians and massage therapists that instinctively want to help others and are not just interested in making a quick buck. Unlike massage technicians that you may find at other spas, each of her massage therapists are HHPs or holistic health care professionals which means that they have achieved the highest level of certification. The Hidden Spa's primary focus is on helping their clients feel great and customizing programs that fit their needs. She never feels that she or any of her staff needs to "sell" their services, so you will never experience any pushy up-selling. Jill and her employees realize that if they focus on the well-being of their clients, the results will speak for themselves.

Here are some of The Hidden Spa's great packages, perfect as a gift to others or a gift to yourself.

• For $299, you can indulge in a treatment package of 6 one-hour massages.
• For $140, you can pamper yourself and a friend or loved one in a couples' massage. This package includes a 1 hour massage for each of you, flowers, chocolate, sparkling cider, and a peppermint foot scrub, in a serene, relaxing atmosphere, with side by side massage beds.
  
• For that special occasion, whether it's a bridal shower, bachelorette party, or just a day at the spa, you can book the entire facility and spend the day with up to 30 friends, pampering yourself with all the services that The Hidden Spa offers. They can customize your special day to make it unique and memorable.
  

The Hidden Spa is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and by special appointment outside regular business hours. You can call the spa directly at 619-224-2160 for an appointment and can obtain more information at their website: www.obhiddenspa.com.