Whether or not you're a fan of Sex and the City - TV series and movies - there's no denying Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda touched a nerve with women everywhere about the importance of female friendship. It's probably one of women's greatest strengths that they allow themselves to 'share' with other women and so build the emotional bonds that carry them through life's challenges - however big or small.

Recent economic times and the resulting consumer belt tightening have challenged all of us to identify and focus on untapped opportunities. For instance, a current consumer trend is to move the entertaining hub back home.

August is traditionally the big vacation month. For families, it's the month to get away with the kids before they go back to school. With continued uncertainty about the economy, however, a "staycation" is the popular new way to get that much needed break.

Green tea has long been known for its antioxidants that help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. It is now being promoted to clients in skin care as beauty is not skin deep... it's all the way to the cell.

Any plans for the summer? If you haven't already booked something, here's an idea. Why not explore some of America's historic hotels. Many of them are both spa resorts and hotels so you not only can relax, you also have an opportunity to find out about new special spa treatments that you may want to incorporate into your own service offering.

I have always been invested in improving the value of my services by fine tuning my client's experience. In the last year it has become my priority to ensure client retention by increasing the relevance of their sessions. To be relevant is to provide meaningful services that meet your client's needs when they need them the most.