I have a new domain name, www.affinitymassages.com, that'll also link to this website. My new client specific cards will show this website name.

I'm also thinking of doing a client referral program--maybe $$ off his/her 3rd massage. They would have cards they would have hole punched, like at a hair salon.

Finally, I'm happy to offer instant gift certificates online. They're the perfect gift for Mothers' Day (May 11), Fathers' Day (June 15). Or if you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand, you'll send them a gift on September 15. Of course, Mothering Sunday in the U.K. was March 2 this year, so you'll have to wait until March 22 of 2009 to give her a lovely gift for that purpose.

Being a mother myself, I'd be happy to receive a gift certificate for massage any day of the week, even if it was 12 days after my birthday.

Of course, only you will know when it's appropriate to by a gift for your anniversary, spouse's birthday, graduation, etc. The great thing about massage gift certificates is that they're non fattening and they make the recipient feel so darn good...

Our dear friend Steve, from Wendling Remodeling, was of great assistance in installing 4 sets of bars into the new office yesterday. As it's a commercial building, the existing studs were large metal ones. Steve and Paul had to make 8 wood studs, install some posts and add some more wood above the drop ceiling tile.

My husband took pictures of me drilling into the studs so that students would be able to see me with wood chips in eyes. Note to self: use protective goggles next time!

The bars look fabulous--they just need to be screwed into the eyebolts, which won't take long. Can't wait to have my first class there!

No, I haven't changed my own name. I've changed the "doing business as" part of my business.  I'm still Mary-Claire Fredette, LMT, LLC.  But my executive board  (my husband) and I have decided that with spring, a new location and a completely diferent feel to my business, that a business name change was in order.

Studio Ashiatsu will now be known as (drumroll, please) Affinity Massage Studio. "Affinity" means "a natural liking to something," so what better name for massage than to naturally be drawn toward it?

It's been ages since I've posted, so I just want to let you know that I've finally moved to a new, larger location. Although my old place had plenty of character, the time was right to move into a new building.

With lots of light, ample parking and a quiet atmosphere, my new studio is off the beaten path and ideal for both classes and massage therapy.

I'm located at 7813 Affinity Place, Cincinnati, OH 45231, in Mt. Healthy. Coffee fans will find College Hill Coffee Company and Starbucks within a few miles...

Despite the treacherous weather, about 200 massage therapists throughout Kentucky (and some from Ohio and Indiana) enjoyed the 2008 annual KY chapter of AMTA's convention. I did about 40 complimentary 15 minute massages at the Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy booth. Clients raved about the pressure and loved the smooth feel of the deep tissue massage.

Thanks to all who joined us at the convention to make it a huge success.

Tomorrow we're heading down to Lexington, KY for the Kentucky chapter AMTA convention. The weather is expected to be rotten between Cincinnati and Lexington, with snow, sleet and ice accumulating up to a possible 8".

If you're brave enough to travel in snow, please drive carefully. I'll be doing Ashiatsu demonstrations for free to any massage therapist who wants to learn about this deep tissue massage style. The convention runs on Saturday 10-2, 4-9 and on Sunday from 8-1:30. Please visit the KY AMTA website for more info.

We have just one space available in the March 29 Fusion-Blend class and two spots for Deepfeet 2. Now's the time to sign up, Ashiatsu grads, if you want advanced classes. Our Barefoot Anterior/Side-Lying on March 26 has 4 openings.

I usually only teach advanced classes in the Midwest twice a year. Next time will probably be in September.

The Kentucky chapter of AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) will be having it's annual conference in Lexington this year. The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Campbell House on Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9, 2008.

Local vendors from both Kentucky and Ohio, as well as nationally known educators, will be present to show off wares and more.

My assistant Naomi and I will be there with Ashiatsu bars giving out free demonstrations all weekend. Well, actually, only I will do the demonstrations as she's only 12. Hope to see you there!

Barefoot Basics class for the end of March is almost full! If you are interested in learning Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy in the Midwest, give me a call. We won't be offering class again until May. That class is scheduled for May 15-17, and Barefoot Anterior/Side-Lying will be held on May 18.

Our class held this week in Denver was fabulous, and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. Thanks to all the therapists (especially those from Omaha, NE) for making the trip!