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

Get Oiled Bags

One of my goals is to try and support small businesses and artisans more.  Admittedly, I am an Etsy addict.  There are so many inventive, one of a kind things on Etsy and I can easily order something neat everyday.  q few of my friends even have Etsy businesses and I try and support them as often as I can.

I've been looking for a small bag that I could fit into my bigger purse but would fit my phone, lipstick, a diaper and wipes.  One of my friends, Jen, is an incredible seamstress and makes custom bags that have little pockets to hold essential oils.  She has an Etsy shop called Get Oiled Bags. I am not hugely into essential oils as to where I would carry them with me, but I like the style of her bags, wanted to support her, and was curious if the little oil pockets on the side of her bags would also hold lipsticks.  I was happy to see that she had a bag that meets all those qualifications and was a fantastic price of $20.00.  I even got to pick my fabrics.

Lipsticks and lip glosses DO fit in place of oils and this bag is just the right size for when I am running into a store with my kids and don't need to carry my giant purse.  It's well made and stylish.  It could also work as a makeup bag.

It's super cute, right?  Here's a couple pictures of the inside:

If you are interested in ordering a similar bag then please check out Jen's Get Oiled Bags on Etsy here.  

Now that I have a bag that carries oils, I am actually a little interested in learning more about oils.  I know a lot of people swear by them.  I know a lot of people think they are just silly but I am trying to open minded about less traditional methods for healing and cleaning.  Anything that eliminates some chemicals in or around us must be worth a shot, right? I am expecting a few samples to arrive next week and will follow up after I try them.  Check back!

-Michelle

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*Photo courtesy of the blogger.  This review was not sponsored.

Snail Mail

I have always loved receiving mail.  I mentioned it in my post about White Lace Dresses, and I don't know why it's so exciting to me.  I see it like life seen through the eyes of a dog.  Dogs never know what is on the other side of the front door or car ride, but they are excited no matter what! They see everything as an exciting possibility for fun!  There might be a treat or tennis ball, or there might not be a treat or tennis ball, but what if there is?!  They exude big jumps and wags in case there is!

I have memories growing up where after school I was in charge of walking our dog, Ruff, and bringing in the mail.  In the summer, I walked to the mailbox every day after lunch because in late summer, the mail would bring the news we awaited all summer, the letter telling us our new teacher for the whole next school year!  This led to a phone chain around town to friends to figure out who was in your class!  In middle school, the late summer letter was even more serious because we were put on two different teams, Blue Team and Gold team, and each team had their own sets of teachers, and homerooms!  I don't know why who was sitting in the room with me during attendance while we all listened to school announcements over the intercom for 15 minutes was so important, but it was the most highly anticipated news each summer.

Christmas and birthday months would bring cards, and I just liked hearing from people who took the time to write.  It is even more personal now that social media has diminished human interaction, and sentimental things are ceasing to exist in general with upcoming generations.  Everything is looked at as replaceable nowadays, whether it be phones, vacuums, or spouses.  Pre-technological advancements, the olden days, had some advantages.

Ironically, I came across some relatives on social media and took a shot at reaching out.  Come to find out, one of my cousins from across the globe enjoys writing as much as I do, and we have since become pen pals, in the modern day sense via the internet of course, but more enjoyably also through hand written letters. Plus, am I really too old to attach stickers to fun colored envelopes?  Nah, I think not.

'Snail mail' has become a term associated with the lack of speed it takes to relay information to someone, so with quicker means ie. online bill pay and text messaging, some may think writing is on its way out, like newspapers and paper books.  There is a nostalgia that would be lost if that comes to fruition though.  The thought behind the message would almost disappear if all of our interactions were done out of speed and convenience.

In college, I received a postcard from anywhere my mom traveled to for work or fun, and going to my dorm mailbox would bring a smile to my face.  Maybe my mom was an old soul like I am.

I still enjoy sending postcard when I travel.  Sometimes to just family, and other times to different friends, or just one friend.  It's funny how when away from home, or during Christmas, it seems more reasonable to contact people versus any other time of the year.

Here are a few articles of 'snail mail' I received over the last few months.

I find that many people seem to enjoy receiving something hand written, because your personal touch was aimed distinctively at that person.  You took the time for that person.  There will still be the people who send you a card during Christmas and just sign From, whoever, with absolutely no note and no ounce of personality to it, but so be it.  Make someone feel special today.  I encourage you to write out at least one hand written card or note a week, or even a month.  I'm sure a parent, sibling who lives away from home, or old friend or even a new one would smile fondly if they opened a card from you that said,
"Hey You, Thinking of you lately!  See ya soon!  Love, Me"

Give it a try, and let me know how many letters you chose to send out!

-Erin

Unplug and Observe

Today I am blogging a bit differently.  Normally I grab my laptop after my kids are in bed and type with approximately sixty seven Facebook and Pinterest breaks.  Today, however, I am going Old School.

"So, why?" You are probably asking yourself.  Or instead, maybe you are wondering what the point is since this will need to be typed anyway.  My answer is because sometime we all need to unplug.  I needed to take a breather from technology and to stop and admire the world and people in it.  Rather than checking Pinterest and Instagram for what people are wearing, I am sitting at a busy Starbucks watching people go by me and seeing what they are wearing in person.  Photos are amazing but sometimes you need real connections and I have been missing those lately.

It's nice.  Sitting at Starbucks and enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds of people going about their work and days around me is refreshing.  Letting my mind wander to where it naturally goes rather than where social media directs it is something that I should let happen more frequently.  Where did my creativity go?  Now I am wondering if anyone else has the same issue.  Anyone?

Sitting at Starbucks to blog was refreshing and empowering.  I had a moment coming to terms with how "plugged in" and distracted I am and now I know that I need to fix that.  My kids need to see the creative side of their Mom.  I need to really see the world...not just pass through it.  I need to experience things and absorb more rather than just going through the motions.  I invite you to take some time this week and do the same thing.  Take a half hour and let your mind wander.  Don't check your phone, tablet, computer or gaming system for anything.  Let yourself be and consider the world around you.  Comment and let me know how you feel once you've done it.  I hope you feel as renewed as I did.

-Michelle

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Do it or shush already

I have wanted a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM for years...Like, a lot of years....Like, a decade....or longer.  Louis Vuitton is classic and a  Louis Vuitton monogram hand bag is iconic in the world of purses and accessories.  I know that I have already said it, but I have wanted one for years.  I've always envisioned having one for years and carrying it to the events that shape a person and his or her life.  But alas, the nearly $1,300 price tag has kept me from owning one.  When I was younger and single I probably could have saved better and purchased one but martinis with friends and new clothes were bigger priorities.  After I got married and shared my Louis Vuitton dreams with my husband, he tried to be supportive but the the look on his face screamed "not happening, Wifey."  Once our kids came the dream was pushed even further back in my mind.  I never stopped day dreaming about that LV though.  Anytime I see a woman carrying a Neverfull my dreams are reignited and I spend time perusing their website and Pinterest, secretly lusting after the same gorgeous hand bag.

And guess what?  My husband has finally told me to just buy it already....And you know what, I just can't commit.

What's my problem?

I should be all over this.  I should be either on the train on my way into New York City, where the closest store is, or dialing their main line and inquiring about availability and shipping.  But yet, I just can't.  I am having trouble committing to spending that amount of money on myself.

So, do I purchase it or not?  I feel like it's my one chance and I either need to complete the transaction or put the dream on the back burner and let it burn.

So here I stand.... Undecided and at a crossroads to owning a luxury purse or being responsible and saving the $1,300.  The moral of the story?  Being an adult is a tough business to be in.

So, tell me, what are your thoughts?

-Michelle

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*Photo from the Louis Vuitton website.  All opinions are that of the blogger.

My Vegan Chocolate "Frosty" Recipe

About two years ago I started seeing a recipe float around Facebook that claimed to make a vegan version of a Wendy's Frosty.  It used cocoa, almond milk, bananas, ice, and a couple of other ingredients that I can't remember right now. At the time that I came across the recipe I was not consuming any dairy or soy, so I was hopeful and excited to make myself a yummy treat.  In my opinion, the recipe was an epic fail.  I was so disappointed when I tried it.  I even tried tweaking the measurements and it still tasted awful to me.  I'm not going to lie, I became determined to make a yummy, chocolate tasting dairy free and soy free version of a milkshake and it became somewhat of an obsession.  I tried several different variations and after two years I finally have almost perfected a vegan version of a Wendy's Frosty at home.  I am excited to share it with you!

For this recipe you will need:
- blender
-vegan chocolate protein powder
-approximately 1/2 frozen pear cut into slices or cubes
-approximately 1/2 frozen banana cut into slices
-8oz of vanilla sweetened coconut milk

To make this milkshake or "Frosty" first add the coconut milk to the blender, then add the vegan chocolate protein powder, frozen pear and frozen banana.  I use Dutch Chocolate pea protein by Now Sports that I purchase using Amazon Prime.  A half a scoop works great for me but you will need to adjust that according to your taste and diet goals.  Some people are looking for ways to add additional protein into their diets and this certainly a great one!  Blend well and enjoy!  The pear gives it a thick consistency and using only half a banana rather than a whole one means that you can't taste banana over powering the chocolate.

If you find that your shake isn't thick enough then add a little more frozen pear or decrease the amount of coconut milk next time.  I have made this several times and I have never needed to add more pear and reblend.  Each time I have made it it has been thick , creamy, and delicious.  I have to use a milkshake straw to drink it but it could also be eaten with a spoon like soft ice cream.  

Please try out this recipe and let me know what you think!  Also be sure to follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook! 

-Michelle

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*This is a non sponsored review.  Photo is courtesy of the blogger

Lokai Bracelet

As a Mom and a wife, I often struggle with finding balance.  Somebody always needs me, there is a constant list of things to be done, things I am forgetting to do, and the battle of keeping up with the house.  I constantly feel overwhelmed and some days struggle with comparing myself to others and even to myself in the past, ie. "the old me would not have forgotten that or left the house such a mess." It's a battle for sure.  I am a recovering sufferer of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and that struggle is generally at my fore front.  This year one of my goal's was to find calmness and a better sense of balance in my life.  I am always looking for ways to better juggle *ahem* balance things so when I came across gorgeous pictures of Lokai bracelets (which I didn't know the name of yet) photographed along side pretty sunsets, beaches, or even everyday activities.  In some of the photos the bracelets are being used as frames for items in the photographs. I knew that I needed to find out more.  What is this magic bracelet that reminds people to stop and enjoy life?!

I also noticed that the beads of the bracelet are mostly clear except for one white bead and one black bead.  I didn't know why but the beads look beautiful in photographs and I can see why people like to hold them up to frame things in the photo.  I also noticed that the vast majority of the photos did not include selfies.  Instead, people are trying to show beauty around them...or at least that's how I saw it.  I was intrigued and quickly learned that these bracelets are Lokai bracelets.

I visited the Lokai website where I learned about the Lokai bracelet story.  On every Lokai bracelet there is one black bead equidistant from a white bead, like I had noticed.  The black bead holds a tiny bit of mud from the Dead Sea.  This bead is to remind the wearer to stay hopeful even when you are at a low point, as the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth.  The white bead holds water from Mount Everest.  The white bead reminds the wearer to stay humble even when they are on top of the world.  Thus, the black bead, across from the white bead, and all the clear beads of the circular shape of the bracelet represent life and being in balance.  Sometimes you are up, and sometimes you are down, but there's lots of in between to appreciate too.  

After reading the Lokai Story I had to order a bracelet.  After all, I can't say no to cute jewelry and especially can't pass up jewelery that reminds me to enjoy life and to stop humble and hopeful.  

The Lokai bracelet is $18 and mine arrived in roughly a week.  I ordered a size small and it definitely fits true to size.  My wrists are tiny and it fits just right.  I almost wish it had another 1/4 inch to it but the medium would probably be too big for me.

I am a little disappointed in the beads of the bracelet because they are made of a rubbery material.  I was expecting beads.  The beads are fused together and definitely more durable than beads would be, so that's a plus.  I don 't have to worry about taking it off to wash my hands.  I also wish that I could somehow see the water from Mt. Everest and the mud from the Black Sea.  I know that would have been hard to design and accommodate into a bracelet but hey, a girl can dream.  

Overall I am glad that I ordered my Lokai bracelet.  It is a fun accessory and so far I have looked for opportunities to step back and reflect on my current place and what's going on in my life.  I try to keep balanced and not focus incessantly on the negative.

Today my Lokai moment was remaining hopeful and admiring the beautiful blue sky.  If you buy a Lokai bracelet then you can hashtag #LiveLokai and your photo may be featured on their website. 

-Michelle

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*This product was personally purchased and all opinions are that of the blogger.  This was a non sponsored review.  Photos courtesy of www.mylokai.com except for the last which is courtesy of the blogger. 

DIY Fringe Scarf

This week I want to share a fun and easy fashion DIY with you.  Fringe is in right now and scarves are a great transitional piece for the spring season so I want to show you a super easy, and fun fringe scarf that you can make at home in just a few minutes!
All you need is a larger size men's t shirt in a color or pattern that you like and scissors.  I purchased an extra large, super soft, purple men's t shirt from a thrift shop for a dollar.
Lay the shirt down and smooth out any bumps and wrinkles.  Align all seams and straighten out the sleeves.  Now you are ready to go!
Here is a picture of the directions:

So carefully out the shirt horizontally across the chest  right under the sleeves.  You can then cut a few inches off the bottom if you don't want the fringe to be super long.  Next cut vertical slits through both sides of the shirt.  Don't make them too narrow or they may rip!  Separate the fringe and pull each strand individually.  Voila!  You are done!

Here is mine:

This whole thing took me maybe 10 minutes and cost a dollar.  I think it would even be cute layered with another color.  Next time I will use a size smaller shirt though.  I am petite with narrow shoulders and the opening is kind of a weird size for me.  

And backing up a bit, the original photo directions have floated around Pinterest for awhile now.  I couldn't find the original poster to credit.  Anyone know?

-Michelle

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*First photo courtesy of Pinterest.  Second photo courtesy of the blogger.