Mineral Bath, Roosevelt Baths and Spa, Saratoga Springs, NY

In January, Erin and I, along with our mutual friend "J" all got together for a girls' overnight.  It was J's and my first overnight as moms and Erin somehow convinced both of us to go AND coordinated the whole trip.  Erin had heard about mineral baths in Saratoga Springs, New York.  Saratoga Springs is a cute little historic town where the Roosevelt Baths and Spa is along with the National Museum of Dance.  It's only about three hours from us so just the right distance for an overnight.  I didn't know a whole lot about mineral baths before our trip.  I read that they help soothe inflammation within the body, aid digestion, and are very relaxing.  I was sold when I read "relaxing.'

Our baths were scheduled for 4pm at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.  We had trouble finding the building and once we got there we were a little rushed.  I was a little apprehensive because I didn't know what to expect.  I'd packed a bathing suit because I wasn't sure if it was a large, public bathing area or what.  I was happy that each bath is done privately in a large, private bath tub..  Massages are done in the same rooms so there are massage tables near the tubs.  The tubs didn't look fancy as I would have expected at a spa but that was ok.  The rooms are dark for relaxation and I was also surprised to see that the bath water was dark and kind of murky from the minerals in the water.  The spa attendant warned us about the water but it was still shocking to see and be in at first.  I couldn't see the bottom and that kind of freaked me out.  It took me about ten minutes in the tub, which was thankfully warm, to relax.  The mineral bath was naturally effervescent and had an odor.  It wasn't unpleasant, just different.  I'm not going to lie, for the first ten minutes in the bath I was not relaxed or comfortable at all.  I couldn't get past the water not being clear and the there was a lot of noise from the other rooms and people in the hallway.  Then suddenly magic happened!  I utterly, totally and completely relaxed.  It was pure bliss.  My mind let go, my body floated, the bubbly water felt like heaven in the tub.  For a half hour i relished every second of the deep relaxation I was in.  Almost a month later and I am still day dreaming about the awesomeness in those thirty minutes.  If you ever get the opportunity to check out the Roosevelt Baths and Spa, I highly recommend you do so.  It's affordable, at $40 for a forty minute bath, and the other spa services were competitively priced.  I didn't get a massage or any other spa services, but the sauna and relaxation room were nice.  You can find booking information here.

Have you ever had a mineral bath or visited a hot spring?  Drop a comment below and let me know your experiences!

-Michelle

2017 Michelle

2017 is here and it's my year to rebuild myself.  So much happened in 216 and I lost track of my needs and good habits.  It's time for restoration and rebuilding...maybe even a new start in some ways.

One of the ways I am taking back me and my life is to take a few minutes each day to myself.  I squeeze 5-10 minutes when I can and sit quietly with a mug of green tea.  Green tea has antioxidants and the quiet time really helps me recharge.  I add a little local honey too for sweetness and the local bees' pollen helps with my allergies.  I feel so much better after I have my tea and "having tea" everyday sounds fancy and happy.  I just adore that time of day.

I'm also trying to strengthen my hair.  The past couple of years were rough on it and I lost a ton of hair after having my son.  I am finally feeling more like myself and getting my hair back into good shape is important to my image and confidence.  I know it sounds superficial but being self conscious about my hair loss really affected me.  I am trying to make sure it stays healthy, conditioning with coconut oil weekly, and taking Biotin for growth.  The waiting game is rough.  I can't wait to be able to have a messy bun again. Grow hair! Grow!

What else?

I am easing back into my fitness routine.  I am back in ballet once a week and trying to get to yoga weekly too.  Last year I moved to rural Pennsylvania and being far from a gym is seriously killing my fitness routine.  I want so badly to get to the gym but being so far away, and the crazy winter weather, don't make that easy.  Instead I am trying to squeeze in squats, planks, and as much movement as possible.  At least walking the dog in my hilly neighborhood is a good cardio workout!

Life is about the journey, right?  What are you all up to?  Comment below and let me know!

-Michelle

2017 Trends Have Me SMH

Trends come and trends go. Some are fun, and some aren’t my fav.  Lately though, my mind has been blown with what’s  around the corner this winter.  A lot of beauty bloggers I watch who have impeccable taste, know the good and bad makeup products, fashionable attire, and even tasteful home décor have been doing clothing hauls straight out of my closet of 1997….my closet door that had Seventeen magazine pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio, Antonio Sabado Jr, LeAnn Rimes and Puff Daddy taped to it.

Recent photos and videos highlighting wide corset resembling belts paired with an oversized sweatshirt dress or ripped up sweater. Even more surprising is the Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirts and hats, Calvin Klein tees, and Adidas sweatshirts.  Any and everything I would have been considred #1 dork over the past few years has now returned among the top trends.  In awkward middle school days, in the late 90s some of these were acceptable but added to the awkward look of acne faced teens.  I’m waiting any day for the U-shaped bangs to return.  Actually I think I will wing out the hair left of part by my ear and do the big U shaped hair hardened with hair spray on the right of my side part. This way I will be the trend setter before it takes shape in the months to come. Adidas pants were not cool just a short item ago, underwhelming compared to Lululemon, Lorna Jane, Under Armor, Nike, Carbon 38, Alo yoga, Bombshell brands and more.  The fact that pants sold at Costco have just returned to high fashion all of a sudden is great for our wallets, especially if you still have your 90s tees. I am waiting for the EXP inside out sweatshirts to make their return.  When I was in high school, fashion wasn’t a big deal.  Abercrombie & Fitch started a bit more emphasis on brands, but baggy jeans and flannel shirts were in fashion and that was that.

I hope children growing up now will have a harder time being unpopular based on their clothing since everything is or just was a trend.  Chokers, velvet, suede, fur, short jeans, tight jeans, flare jeans, boyfriend jeans, every toe shape on a shoe, patent leather, all are trendy, so it’s a win win. Jean jackets, moto jackets, bomber jackets, varsity jackets. You can’t be out of style in 2017, which is sort of impressive, and probably tough on designers.  

Either way I hope you enjoy some of my throwbacks.  Please try to look past the quality of photos back then. We barely took them, and these were probably taken on a disposable camera but this is what I found. Follow me on the insta and maybe I will recreate these looks! I quite possible might be able to pull them off without my braces, pimples, and ill fitting bongo jeans rolled up. If champion sweatshirts return with white turtlenecks, I just can’t go that far, but then again, if everyone’s doing it…

  @erinroefit

Calvin Klein t-shirt on the way to London with the drama club. 

Funny I'm in front of Christian Dior accessories at the airport.

That fabric band digital sport watch was my favorite, but I can't find the brand! (age 16)

Adidas pants and Adidas sneakers in London (age 16)

Why I wore a ski jacket to London in April, I have no idea.

Velvet dress, the last time it was cool.

Probably 10th grade based on the hair cut.

Me as a typical teenager in the 90s. (Age 15)

Follow me @erinroefit

All Aboard NY Fashion Week Event

The night of Monday September 12th was filled with more than the typical hustle and bustle of New York because it was New York Fashion Week! I arrived at Pier 81, conveniently next to the ferry I hitched a ride from across the Hudson River to attend the Chasing Sunsets 2017 Fashion Show. I boarded a 160ft yacht, known as the "Fish Bar," in honor of the brand's designer Margaux's father Freddy and his love for the ocean, fishing, and travel.  Every guest was adorned in trendy New York fashion, both daring yet simple, showcasing each attendees individual style. I took in every sight and sound of the city as the sun was slowly setting. Back home, Michelle and I are the only out-of-the box-ers, risking fashion trends that stand out from the ordinary within our circle of friends in the country towns where we reside.  On Monday night, my eyes widened with delight as I saw individualism and personality all around me, including what I call hammer pants paired with pointy toe stilettos, a high waisted tea length circle skirt paired with a sheer cami and caged chunky heeled booties, and more unique pairings which add to New York's lively energy. After checking in with the guest list attendee, we were escorted on board and toured the 3 level yacht. We settled in at the bar listening to a live singer, hired just for the event.  We were enjoying the ambiance where we were anxious to get the first ever look at the Spring Summer 2017 collection by clothing brand Karma For A Cure by Margaux.  I have multiple items from Karma's SS16 line and the soft high quality fabrics are ever-lasting.  Her Fall/Winter 2016 should soon be available at www.KarmaForACure.com come October and I will be checking daily for it's arrival, as well as checking boutiques that carry the elevated resort-wear made to set sail and chase the sun. The event was hosted by Hooch, and after the show, we gathered on the top deck as the yacht set sail for a tour of the beautiful New York skyline.  With wine in hand, the city lights shined bright, & it was an exquisite event with exquisite fashion.  Take a look!

~Erin

*All opinions belong to the blogger, and the post was not sponsored or endorsed.

Turkey Kale Soup Recipe

Some of you fabulous readers may remember that I have recently eliminated several ingredients from my diet.  Dairy, soy, gluten and eggs are some of the things I have to avoid.  A bistro near me makes an incredible turkey kale soup that I practically lived off of for a week while I was finding recipes and learning to shop for my new diet.  I knew turkey kale soup was one of the first things I needed to make!

I used the bistro's recipe as an inspiration and think I came pretty close!  Here is a list of ingredients:

1 pound of ground turkey
1 14oz can or 2 cups of chicken broth
2 cups of water
2-3 cups of kale, washed and torn
1 can of crushed tomatoes
1 cup of sliced carrots
1 cup of sliced celery
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 table spoon of seasoned salt

*Peas, rice and other vegetables optional

This is super easy to make and doesn't need too long to simmer.  First you'll need to brown the turkey.  While that's browning combine the water, broth and crushed tomatoes together in a large pot on medium heat.  Add the celery, carrots, and seasonings.  Those will need to simmer.  When the turkey is done, drain it and combine it with the rest in the pot.  Let everything simmer together until the vegetables are cooked.  Once everything else is done, add the kale and let it wilt into the soup.  It only needs to cook for 3-4 minutes max.  That's it!

You can also add leftover cooked rice, peas, squash or other vegetables.  I have added spaghetti squash to it when I add the kale and it's delicious!

I know we are into Spring time now so you might be tired of soup, but this one is lean and pairs well with a salad or light sandwich.  I hope you enjoy!

-Michelle

Michelle's Favorite Drug Store Buys

Everyone loves a good deal.  I am always on the hunt for ways to save money but aren't we all?  One of the ways I try and save money on my beauty and hygiene products is by purchasing as many as I can at drug stores rather than buying more upscale brands.

 I love Lush's Karma Kreme, which you can read about here, but I also buy more inexpensive lotions too.  One of my favorites is Cocoa Butter by Hollywood Beauty.It also has vitamin E and is very thick and nurturing.  It's wonderful on eczema and a good makeup remover in a pinch.  It's about $5 and a really good value.

I also always buy FrizzEase Touch Up Cream.  My hair is wavy and dry and it takes away frizz in seconds and refreshes my hair partway through the day or when I am having a particularly frizzy day.  Here is a before and after:

Frizz Ease TouchUp Cream is roughly $8 at Walgreens and makes a huge difference as you can see.  I have been routinely purchasing it for the last seven or eight years.  I love it!

Ever since I had my baby in September, my hair has been dry and falling out.  My usual Paul Mitchell and Redken shampoos and conditioners weren't helping.  Deep conditioner, coconut oil, and vitamin E helped a little but not enough.  I was close to having a few inches of hair cut off when I grabbed a new shampoo and conditioner at Target.  I just wanted some inexpensive ones to get me through until I had my hair appointment and could purchase my usuals at the salon.  I am pleased to announce that my hair is shiny and soft again thanks to Argan Oil of Morocco renewing shampoo and conditioner.  The difference is crazy great!  My hair feels healthier and looks so much better.  I recommend these and will definitely be purchasing again!  Best part is that they are affordable.  

What are your favorite drugstore buys?

-Michelle

Becca Brightening Corrector

My makeup routine has come a long way from foundation and eyeliner to a full layered 'system' of first skincare, then makeup!

I have my I'm running errands today makeup and my girls night out makeup, as well as my must haves and my I shouldn't have bought this piles.

I have my weekend getaway and vacation minimal products, and my buy a 2nd to stock up on in case this product ever gets discontinued items.

One of my virtual You Tube friends Samantha Schuerman did a video on how to get what she calls "instagram face."  Sam has oily skin like I do, so I take her word on all her reviews, even more than the word of professional makeup artists.  Sam recommended Becca Brighener for under the eyes.  I had never tried a Becca product before, even though I know the Becca highlighters were all the rage.  Let's be honest here. I am just a normal girl, so I don't need 3 Ikea Alex drawers and a separate 'beauty room' to store 100s of barely used makeup products.  I need just my essentials. 
Okay I do have one Ikea Alex drawer because it looks oh-so-chic and I'm a sucker for organizational items and it really did keep me from having 7 different areas in my bathroom, bedroom, purse, junk drawer, and basement bin where my makeup was stored prior to purchasing the Alex drawers.  That aside, I didn't know which Becca highlighter to pick, why it was so expensive, or why I needed to be highlighted to begin with.  I had no desire to look like Edward Cullen in the sunlight, blinding people in the Target parking light from the light reflecting off of the $30 something dollar sparkles I took time applying to my cheekbones.  I knew 'strobing' was the new facial trend, creating a dewy look that looked natural but wasn't, but I'm not a follower of each and every trend.  I think Michelle would tend to agree that we each walk to the beat of our own drum, sometimes with inspiration from fellow fashionistas and sometimes from our own unique creative flares. We both would be more likely than 99% of our friends to walk out in public with an 'abnormal' look, yet don't confirm to the replications of every trend of the moment in beauty and fashion.  If that was the case, in just the last 2 seasons we would have gone from blue hair to Kylie lip color, to pink hair, to silver grey hair to vamp lip, and from tanned brown contoured cheeks to glistening dewy pale skin, from double lined winged eyes to no wing, from eyelash extensions and denim culottes to pierced noses and chins and plaid shirts.  I digress.  I didn't know which Becca brightener to buy since Jaclyn Hill's was sold out so I bought none.  No go on the highlighter for me, but I trust Sam and I decided to splurge on her recommendation of a brightener instead, after seeing how GORG her skin looked in her tutorial. 

Watch it here!

It really does photograph well and can be purchased at Sephora HERE!

 

-Erin

*This is not sponsored and the opinions and photos of this blog belong to the blogger.