Sanaya Set

 

What do I love about this box?

Since I have two girls, I find it a huge responsibility to empower them to know they are fierce, compassionate, and can do anything they put their minds to.  I love that Sanaya Set, a seasonal subscription box, has a high set of values that mirror my own.  Their company was founded on the premise that each of us can make a positive impact and determine our own future. They feel strongly about intersectional feminism: understanding our overlapping identities and how these factors impact the way we experience oppression and discrimination.

Empowered women empower women!

This is one of the key morals I hope to teach my girls…always build up other women and never push them down. 

What does Sanaya mean?

Sanaya is named after Tarul’s daughter, and it means

 DISTINGUISHED, DIFFERENT IN A GREAT WAY.  

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Tips for a Perfect Bath


Warm sudsy water surrounds you while you shut your eyes and lean your head back onto the cool tub.  The scent of lavender fills the room as you hear the rhythmic drip of the faucet. Bath has been used for healing and relaxation since the beginning of time and they play a large role in most cultures.  It is the easiest way to unwind and focus some time on yourself. 

So, what are some benefits of a bath?

Helps you catch some zzzzzzz’s.

Helps with aching muscles.

Improves your mood.

Eases effects of illness.

Helps you control stress

Soothes skin.

Improves cardiovascular health.

Improves circulation.

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15 Romantic New England Hotels

Everyone must be hoping for a romantic escape for Valentine’s Day because I keep getting emails asking for suggestions for ideas for a last-minute getaway.  Since I often go to my friends when I need a trip idea, I decided to throw it out to them to see where they would suggest and here’s what they said:

The Liberty, Boston

Wentworth Inn, Jackson, NH

New London Inn, New London, NH

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Bubbles and Books

The theme of this month’s Treat Yo’ Self is SOAKING and it was the perfect opportunity to sample this fun subscription box from Bubbles and Books.  There is nothing more enjoyable than a long soak in a warm tub at the end of a stressful day.  Although everyone enjoys a good bath, we often put it off because life gets in the way.  What I love about subscription boxes is they remind you to take some time and put yourself first.  If I’m in a tub, there is always a good book beside me, so I absolutely love the idea behind this box!

What do I love about this box?

You can choose between 3 genres of books:

Contemporary Read:  Relatable and romantic love stories!

Paranormal Read:  Fulfill your otherworldly desires!

Historical Read:  Get swept into the past!

What comes in each box?

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Touristy NYC Restaurants You Should Go To

 

There are more restaurants in NYC than one could ever dream of and if you are craving it then there is a restaurant for you.  The hardest part is choosing the right one.  The restaurants listed here could easily be considered tourist traps, but that is exactly what we were…a mom with two little girls looking for a restaurant that is both fun and delicious.  Had joined my husband on a work trip and the girls were ages 3 & 5.  These restaurants are more than just a meal, they are an experience. They were also places we went during the day for breakfast and lunch.  Since my husband would be working all day, for dinner we would meet up with him and go to places that did not involve fairy wings or ice cream as a main dish.

ALICE’S TEA CUP

If you have young kids that love both fairies and tea parties, this is a MUST-DO when in NYC.  When your children walk into the restaurant, they are given a pair of fairy wings and are sprinkled with fairy dust.  Seriously…what kid wouldn’t love that? The breakfast menu consists of pancakes, eggs, scones, omelets, and crepes. We chose to do an early afternoon tea.  Although there is a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, we opted for the Mad Hatter, which is served on a three-tiered stand and included scones, tea sandwiches, cakes, tarts, and cookies.  For a beverage I had a lovely pot of Indian chai tea and the girls had apple juice in their pots.  We had such a nice lunch and had a ton of food left over. 

Tips:

There are 3 locations: 102 West 73rd Street at Columbus Ave, 156 East 64th Street, and 220 East 81st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.

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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