My Top 5 Massage Experiences

NATURA CAVE SPA, GROTTO BAY BEACH RESORT, BERMUDA: Located in Hamilton Parish, this spa has the most amazing location…inside a cave! Stalagmites were dripping and the water of the underground pools reflected the flickering candles.  The hot stone massage I had included a cleansing and exfoliation.  After the massage, we were able to swim in Cathedral Cave.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.

THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK, STOWE, VT: I had the pleasure of spending 5 blissful hours at this fabulous spa! My first treatment was the Stowe Cider Uber Scrub, followed by the Hydra Facial.  After all my pampering I was able to use their Healing Suite. Here I use the jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna, followed by an amazing swim in their heated outdoor pool.  I would highly recommend a trip to this stunning resort during any season!

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Tips for a Getting the Perfect Massage

Treat Yo’ Self

January: Massage!

 

Tips for Getting the Best Massage

 

You are lying face down on a comfortable table with a soft blanket draped over your back.  You look around at the candles illuminating the dimly-lit room as you let the soothing spa music lull you into a tranquil state of relaxation.  A massage is my favorite way to relax and recharge.  There are a few things you can do to make your massage experience perfect!

 

BEFORE YOUR MASSAGE:

·      ARRIVE EARLY– You often have to fill out forms and you’ll want some extra time to relax in the lounge in those fluffy cotton robes.

·      TALK TO YOUR MASSEUSE– They want you to have a wonderful experience and need to know your expectations.  Tell them what you want to get out of this massage (Relaxation? Tension release?). Is there any part of your body that hurts?  What kind of pressure do you prefer? Tell them what you’re comfortable with and if there’s any medical history that will affect your massage.

·      FOOD– Stay away from large meals or too many drinks before your massage.  You won’t feel comfortable if you suddenly have to use the bathroom.

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Buddhi Box

Buddhi Box

 

What do I love about this box?

Buddhi Box is one of the few subscription boxes I actually subscribe to, and I can barely wait each month for my box to show up! It’s a great reminder to be present and take some time for myself once in a while. Each box focuses on the yoga principles of

COMPASSION, UNITY, DISCOVERY.

 

What comes in each box?

Each box has 4-6 sample and full-size products that are meant to enhance your yoga practice and lifestyle.  Each month you will receive products that enrich mind, body, and soul.  It may include healthy food, beauty products, and yoga accessories.  I’ve gotten some amazing products such as candles, scarves, bath products, and jewelry.  They often include a crystal or gemstone, which is perfect since my oldest daughter collects them. I love that they think it’s important that their vendor partners support sustainable, eco-friendly, and humane practices.  

 

What was in this box?

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10 Ways to Reacclimate Your Family After Vacation

10 Ways to Reacclimate Your Family After Vacation

 

Your feet are sifting the grains of sand between your toes as you sip on your frozen cocktail while feeling the ocean breeze on your sun kissed cheeks.  Then suddenly…BAAAAMMMM…back to reality…laundry…BAM… homework…BAM…afterschool sports…BAM…late nights at the office…BAM…the list goes on and on.   It’s very easy to get sad and overwhelmed after a trip as you slip back into your everyday routine.  So how can you make this emersion a little easier for your crew?

Here are 10 ways to reacclimate your family after vacation.   

1.     GET RIGHT BACK INTO ROUTINE: Since you may still be in laid-back mode (or running on island time) it’s all about preparation.  Have your kids pack their backpacks the night before school, lay out their clothes, and even set out their coats and shoes.      

2.    PREP SOME DINNER: The last thing you want to think about when you return is what you’re having for dinner.  Have something on hand that can quickly be reheated like a frozen pizza, canned soup, pasta, or a frozen meal.

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Beaches Ocho Rios

When we decided to go away for Christmas, something we’ve been talking about for years, we had some pretty big requirements.  We wanted a resort that was family-friendly, all-inclusive, had activities we could do as a family, had plenty of restaurant choices, and was a place where we could relax and play together.  Beaches Ocho Rios fit all of these and we soon began counting down the days until our Christmas vacation!

Click here to read all about our Christmas in Jamaica at Beaches Ocho Rio


Treat Yo’ Self 2019!

TREAT YO’ SELF!

 

Kids, relationships, work, health, money, household chores…the list of stressors are never ending! You WILL have stress in your life…that’s a given.  The only aspect of stress you can control is HOW you respond to it.  When you’re balancing so much, even de-stressing can seem like just another thing on your to-do list.  Every now and then you need to give yourself permission to put yourself first and take some time to relax and regroup.  This is my resolution for 2019…make a conscious effort for more ‘Me Time’ so I have more serenity to offer my family.   

This is how Treat Yo’ Self came to be!  Every month I will focus on ways to relax or pamper yourself and write about this act of wellness.  These could include treatments, products, activities, retreats, or home remedies.  Hopefully it will inspire you to also make some time for yourself…you deserve it!

If you have any ideas or experiences you want to share…drop me a line and I’ll gladly feature you!  I know I have some readers who have had some great spa experiences and also some that have chosen to make a lifestyle out of wellness, so I’d love to hear from you to bounce some ideas off of you!

 

Treat Yo’ Self January will be all about MASSAGE!!


10 Things NOT to Do When Boarding a Plane

When we were boarding the plane a few weeks ago, my daughters and I were laughing at all the ridiculous things people do when boarding a plane.  The process could go so smoothly if people would just pay attention to common sense rules.  Most of the time people don’t even realize that what they’re doing is holding up the rest of the passengers, but others are just plain selfish.   So…here are 10 things we thought people should NOT do when they’re boarding a plane:

1.     ARMS AND LEGS:  If you have an aisle seat you will have plenty of time to stretch out during the flight.  I will not feel bad for you if you get your elbow banged while I’m walking if your elbow is halfway across the aisle.  Keep them in your seat until everyone is on board!

2.    OVERHEAD BINS:  Crazy concept… but we are actually ALL sharing the overhead bins, so please set your bag sideways and allow room for others to do the same.  Don’t be that guy that puts it lengthwise right in the middle of the bin!

3.    STANDING IN AISLE: We all have the same task…put our bags up and sit down.  Please do not stand in the aisle taking out your magazines while we all wait for you.

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Top 18 Travel Moments of 2018

Top 18 Travel Moments of 2018

 

It’s always fun to look back on all the amazing travel memories of the year.  It was definitely a year of fun for us filled with laughs.  Here are my top 18 travel memories of 2018.  Can’t wait to see what adventures 2019 will bring!!

 

Going to the top of Mt. Shaw on snow mobiles. 

 

Throwing the fish we just caught while ice fishing to a bald eagle and watching him swoop down to eat it.

 

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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

from our family to yours!


Perfect Gifts for People Who Love to Travel

My favorite way to Christmas shop is sitting by the lit Christmas tree at night, wearing cozy PJ’s, sipping on a glass of wine, and watching a cheesy holiday movie.  No crowds…no searching for a parking spot…no stress.  I’m so excited at how everyone reacted to all my gift lists this Christmas and was thrilled to hear it helped make your shopping a little easier. Here is a recap of all the lists in one spot so you can quickly finish up your shopping. 

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BOOKS: http://mytravelingkids.com/my-favorite-20-books-of-all-time/

GIFTS OR KIDS: http://mytravelingkids.com/amazing-gifts-for-kids-who-love-travel/

GIFTS FOR TEEN GIRLS: http://mytravelingkids.com/15-perfect-gifts-for-the-teen-girl-that-loves-travel/

GIFTS FOR TEEN BOYS: http://mytravelingkids.com/15-amazing-gifts-for-teen-boys-that-travel/

GIFTS FOR MEN: http://mytravelingkids.com/15-ultimate-gifts-for-men-who-love-to-travel/

GIFTS FOR WOMEN: http://mytravelingkids.com/15-ultimate-gifts-for-women-who-love-travel/