COVER STORY

The Candy Lady
by Monika Dziamka
Photos by Marie Leslie Photography

FEATURES

ROMANCE New Mexico Style
By Andrea S. Lee

Pamper and Cherish Yourself

The Candy Lady
by Monika Dziamka
Photos by Marie Leslie Photography

Debbie’s philosophy toward her business and her customers is different from those of other businesses – and from the success of her store, her philosophy is working.

Amid the various pots and pans, the multiple refrigerators and freezers stocked with waiting delicacies, the employees shuffling trays of truffles or dipping cherries into chocolate, stands Deborrah Ball, The Candy Lady. With one hand on her hip and the other wielding a frosting cone, she works quickly and confidently like a culinary Zorro, crafting and carving the cake before her.

Behind her, there is a back room attached to the store, and a customer stands there, a police officer who visited the Candy Lady shop for the first time just a week before. He is buying a custom- order cake for his girlfriend, and he and Debbie chat like old friends. He leans against an oven tentatively, trying to scoot out of the way as an employee hands Debbie a fresh bowl of whipped cream.

“This is service here,” he says, laughing. It is not often that a customer gets to hang out in the business behind-the-scenes area with the owner, much less even get a chance to see the owner. But Debbie’s philosophy toward her business and her customers is different from those of other businesses–and from the success of her store, her philosophy is working.

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ROMANCE New Mexico Style
By Andrea S. Lee

How do you define romance? You and your sweetheart in a secluded spot, surrounded by beauty on a grand and minute scale? The two of you on horseback, or hiking or exploring new haunts? Unwinding in an outdoor hot tub with only distant stars as your companions? Two New Mexico bed and breakfasts can help you make romance more than a word. And though February is already here, it’s not too late for you to plan your Valentine getaway.

Most bed and breakfast places are established in a renovated home, mansion, or small hotel. Travelers are welcomed to stay and enjoy a full breakfast—included in the price of the room. Bed and breakfasts are located throughout the world and originally started in Britain. Although you may not be traveling internationally for your plush date, traveling locally is just as luxurious. New Mexico has some of the finest B&B accommodations anywhere. Among them are Casa de Sueños in La Union, N.M. at the southernmost end of the state, and Heavenly Lodge near the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, both of which are ideal launching off spots for visiting nearby attractions, but are also cozy enough to make one cuddle up and stay awhile.

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Pamper and Cherish Yourself

Each workday morning, we attempt to peel ourselves away from our beds. Springing out of bed seems to be increasingly out of the question. Look closer at what type of lifestyle we have, and we may discover we are keeping ourselves away from the most important relationship of all—the one with ourselves.

We are given one body, spirit, and mind - and we need to keep all three healthy. Aside from eating right and exercising, the services offered by spas can help one relax toward the goal of a happy, fully refreshed body and mind. Take the time to pamper and cherish the forgotten relationship with yourself.

Seek out spas to get a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or body wrap. Certain spas offer hair treatments as well. Each spa should have a relaxing environment with soothing music. It is recommended to start off with a massage.

Many people consider massaging a pampering experience, which it is, but it also has vital health benefits. Actually, if massages become apart of your regular wellness routine, you will gain endless benefits. Massages may also help improve or protect your memory.

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