Well, it’s official. I’m 100% NOT ready for the weekend to end.
It’s just that I had such a good time in Napa yesterday (with the exception of the mud bath!) that it’s making me dread Monday morning. Two of my best girlfriends from childhood, Jen and Cindy, went up with me, and we began the adventure with snacks at Dean & DeLuca, a fancy shmancy market in a little town called St. Helena. I had the gigantic bread ring in the picture at the top.
From there it was over to Castello di Amorosa Winery in neighboring Calistoga, a town at the northern end of the Napa Valley, for a tour and tasting.
The castle’s relatively new… How often does one say that? — “The castle’s relatively new.” It’s a replica of a real one in Tuscany; I have to assume that one’s a lot older. 🙂
Mark, our guide, gave us a tour of the grounds, throwing in tidbits about the winemaking process and ancient castles, of which he knew A LOT!
One of the castle’s two tabby cat guards
As one often does after wine tasting, I left with a slight buzz and a renewed appreciation for modern plumbing (did you know Medieval moats were used for sewage?).
The wine got us ready for our next stop, the Indian Springs Spa, also in Calistoga. I didn’t really take pics of the spa area (lots of nekkid ladies milling about), but the place looked pretty cool until I saw where they do the mud baths.
Based on the website, I expected blissful and relaxing, but…
The tubs were these huge concrete troughs lined up side by side in a big noisy room that looked a little like a barn. Once you disrobed, you laid back in your own trough, which was like being suspended in a hot, goopy vat of black tapioca pudding. I couldn’t really move my arms or legs in it, which made me anxious (I get a little claustrophobic), so I just laid there sweating like Keith, with my eyes closed and my heart racing, for an eternal 10 minutes.
It was all worth it, though, because after the bath and the peepshow shower (no doors!), I had a great deep tissue massage and a relaxing hour spent lounging by the pool.
All in all, a great day. 🙂
I don’t go to very many spas (once a year if I’m lucky), but I wish I could go more.
Do you spa?
- What were your best and worst spa treatments?
- How do you feel about PDNs (public displays of nekkidness!) at spas?
- Can you recommend a great spa?
Oh, and if you’re new to the open thread, welcome! It’s just a chat session where we talk about whatever strikes our fancy in the comments. Please pop in and say hi. You could ask a beauty question, talk about movies, TV, or just share what’s new with you.
See you soon!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Shirley says
Hi Karen and ladies,
It’s getting hot and humid here in NYC and I’ve been looking for the perfect waterproof volumizing and lengthening black mascara. I really don’t like smudging and flakes! I’m willing to splurge! Any recommendations? Thanks!
Kayann says
The mascara that I use isn’t waterproof but tubular! It only comes off with warm water and a light rub! It’s Loreal Double Extend tubes. You get a primer and a mascara! The con…It clumps the lashes together!
Karen says
Hi Shirley,
Stila Lash Visor is one of my faves:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/stila-lash-visor-waterproof-mascara-stands-up-to-stair-steppers-and-sweat/
I’ve also had good luck with Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara. They don’t bill it as waterproof on the Clinique site but I’ve never had trubs w/smudging or flakes.
Amy says
I agree, Clinique High Impact Curling DOES. NOT. BUDGE. It will literally stay on for 5 days on me, and that’s after actually trying to get it off!
I went swimming with it the other day and my lashes stayed perfectly curled the whole day and night!
I like Clinique High Impact mascara (the regular one) for everyday because while it doesn’t budge, it will come off when you want it to.
Glosslizard says
My new HG mascara is Armani Eyes to Kill waterproof! I almost always have trubs with smudging, and this one stays on like a champ while delivering long, glossy lashes!
Agnes says
I have always stuck with my covergirl lashblast volume blasting mascara! 🙂 Its seriously the only thing (so far) that keeps my asian lashes curled and volumized. Theres no smudging and the formula lasts all day long! but because it is waterproof.. it does take a bit more effort to remove.
.-= Agnes’s last blog post… EOTD – Annabelle Pigments Karma & Azure =-.
Kayann says
I seriously think that the bread ring would go great with the lasagna in the oven! 🙂
The only “spa” thing I’ve done is a Brazilan wax… Which didn’t hurt all that bad! I don’t think I could ever do PDN!!
Unfortunately, we don’t have any great spas in Oklahoma…at least none that I’ve discovered!!
Karen says
That sounds really good right now. Mmm, lasagna!!
Sonja says
Uh I’m not that interested in spa-s. Soaking all day and resting is not my thing, it would only get on my nerves. Wine tasting, now that’s something for me *sipping on some midnight porto*!!
Oh and on the beauty talk- I’ve bought so much make up this week in duty frees that I have to prohibit myself from even coming close to a make up counter!!!
Karen says
I have no problems with resting and soaking all day, LOL. I get too much stimulus on a regular basis so it’s a much welcome change!!
What are your favorite wines, btw?
Sonja says
Cabernet sauvignon and plavac mali (croatian kind) from the reds and I especially love white dessert vine called muscat (it’s sweet&fruity)!!
Karen says
Oh yeah, I’ve had muscat before. Yummy!
I actually picked up a dessert wine yesterday — a very nice rose. 🙂
Steph B says
I dig the spa thing from time to time but couldn’t do a full day or half day of it. I get antsy after a while. One treatment is all I get at a time. Usually it is a massage. I’m not real big on the public nekkidness thing (I mean really, where are you supposed to look???) so I skip the group nekkid whirlpools and saunas. I’ve never gotten any kind of wrap because I think that could be a bit claustrophobic. I’m thinking about a scrub/massage kind of thing in my near future.
I get to cat sit next weekend! Looking forward to playing with the cute kitties.
Karen says
That was one of the uncomfortable things about the mud bath yesterday. I had NO IDEA where to look (hence the closed eyes).
Oooh, whose kitties are watching? How many? You know the cat ladies need details.
Steph B says
A good friend of mine has two kitties. They are really cute but very mischievous. I can’t wait to play with them!
Karen says
How fun!
Maybe if you pop by the pet store to buy them some cat grass beforehand that’ll butter them up. Then they’ll be less naughty? Maybe? LOL…
gina says
the pictures of the winery look beautiful! sorry about the mud bath experience, i’ve never had one but i also assumed it would be in a private room. i try to get massages at least twice a year,or however much i can afford it 😉
.-= gina’s last blog post… i might like this one better =-.
Karen says
Hi Gina,
What kind of massage do you usually get? I love the deep tissue ones, even though sometimes I have to grit my teeth through ’em.
Glosslizard says
I love spas! I don’t get to go very often, but if I had the $$$ I’d be there at least every other week! 🙂
My fave treatment is the Herbie facial at the Bliss spa, a simultaneous body wrap and facial! Sooooo relaxing! My worst ever was a deep tissue massage that left bruises all over my back and shoulders!
I don’t really mind PDN on other people’s part, but I’m not that comfy walking around in the altogether myself! Overall, I prefer robes for everyone!
I love the Bliss spa (at the SF Hotel W), especially if I can meet friends for a drink in the lobby afterwards!
Karen says
I haven’t had that yet. I did try the detox wrap there once and it was the bomb.com!!
Pearl says
I’m not a big spa fan, to be honest. I just don’t feel comfortable disrobing so I usually insist on keeping my underwear on during massages. I really liked Bliss Spa though if I had to recommend a place.
I just got back from Napa on Wednesday and LOVED Castello di Amorosa. I think I took about 25 pics of that ADORABLE orange tabby. Made me miss my kitties more during my vacation. Amazing castle and view, isn’t it? Did you get a chance to go to Sterling (across from the castle)? I just had a blast also!
Karen says
I love the Bliss spa! Have you had their Detox wrap? It’s so relaxing.
As for Napa…the cats at Castello were the cutest. Did you see the black and gray tabby? He (she?) was skulking about, but I didn’t get the chance to get a pic.
We didn’t make it to Sterling, but I definitely have that on my list of things to do next. 🙂
Nina says
Hi Karen!
I’m glad you had a beautiful day =) It’s raining like mad here (again) and so cold that although I don’t like wine that much I wouldn’t refuse that relatively new castle and some wine tasting =( today was not that good for me, my brow lady really messed my brows up and when I got home I spent a catastrophic 45 minutes to make them normal again, now I do feel thankful I have a brow pencil, grr.. then while we were preparing to celebrate our anniversary, my fiance got sick and he still is =( so.. tonight is a little bit of Nutella night for me 😀 anywaay, I’m in a way glad that weekend’s over.. and, I’m totally not comfortable with public displays of nekkidness both with me and the others, and if I were you, I think I couldn’t bring myself to go into that mud bath under those circumstances 😀 you’re so brave!
Karen says
Hi Nina,
Sorry to hear about your brows. Something similar happened to me last year…thank goodness for brow pencils, powder and kits!
Hopefully your fiancee will get better soon so you guys can do a proper anniversary celebration! What did you guys have planned?
As for the bath, ugh, the only reason why I stuck it out was because I had already paid for it. Plus, I figure you need to do everything once, right?
Nina says
Right, but this one requires a lot of bravery (even more than confronting with a clown) for me 😀 we planned to go have a nice dinner at a pretty restaurant on the coastline and then a midnight walk by the sea, a perfect evening in my book. now, if I knew how to make a proper chicken soup..
Karen says
Aww, that sounds so romantic and fun. Well, I’m sure you’ll get to make up for it when he feels better.
As for chicken soup, I have no clue! My idea of cooking it is opening up a can. 😀
Danielle says
Those pictures make me miss home. I’m from St. Helena. Have you ever walked around downtown St. Helena? You have to try Guigni’s sandwich deli on Main Street – best sandwiches ever!!
I go to school in San Luis Obispo and finish finals on Tuesday. I can’t wait to spend the summer back in the valley!
Mmm, I love that bread at Dean & Deluca. It looks like the one from Bouchon Bakery – maybe it is? I’m glad you had a good trip 🙂
Karen says
Hi Danielle,
I love St. Helena. I haven’t been to Guigni’s, but I’ll put that on my list of places to check out.
Good luck with your finals! How many do you have left?
Danielle says
Okay, great! Let me know how you like it. (PS: You have to try the special Guigni juice on your sandwich)
I have one final monday and another tuesday, along with a presentation and then I’m done! Not too bad this quarter.
I remember you asking about skincare a couple of weeks ago. My face was breaking out a while ago so I changed my whole routine. I’m now using Aveeno Positively Radiant face wash, daily scrub and moisturizer. It’s really calming and has evened out my skin. I rarely break out now. Has anyone else tried it?
Agnes says
oo.. i havent tried it before, but am really curious about the daily scrub! I am in need of a good exfoliant and Aveeno seems to be good with the whole natural ingredients stuff! I love using their body moisturizer with the oatmeal so im really looking forward to purchasing it! what do you think of it? would it be something you recommend?
thanks 🙂 and good luck on your finals and presentation!
.-= Agnes’s last blog post… EOTD – Annabelle Pigments Karma & Azure =-.
Danielle says
The scrub is amazing. The exfoliating “beads” are really fine so it doesn’t feel like you’re damaging your skin when scrubbing – like st. ives. Also, the smell is really nice, sort of like a spa. My skin tends to get dry towards the end of the day and this scrub gets all the dead skin off and makes it silky smooth! Definitely give it a try 🙂
Karen says
I’ve tried the warming scrub and loooove it! Here’s a review from a while back:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/skin-care/splurge-or-steal-mac-volcanic-ash-exfoliator-versus-aveeno-positively-ageless-warming-scrub/
Hyzenthlay says
I had and used that scrub for a long time. When I first was diagnosed with eczema, aveeno was the only thing that didn’t cause flare-ups. I got annoyed by the micro beads, though, because they’d run out by the time I was halfway through the tube/bottle! Now I use philosophy microdelivery daily face wash, and it feels the same, but the beads are more homogenously dispersed. I highly recommend giving it a try if you like the aveeno 🙂
Karen says
I love that scrub too! The beads are very fine and they don’t scratch!
Kate & Zena says
Oh yea, I totally knew about the moats. If the castle didn’t have moats, they usually used a running source of water like rivers; hence why nobody before the 1700s drank water. The closest you got to water is mead, which is an alcoholic beverage containing yeast, honey and water. The castles in and around London used the Thames River (icky).
In other news, I think Zena has gone psycho. I think she’s possessed by the Energizer Bunny. She’s keeps going and going and going and it’s like she NEVER sleeps. This is the dog that’s the Queen of Naps people. She naps for a living. If she isn’t running around, she’s whining or clawing my chair or slamming herself into my back (which has a bruise in the shape of a paw print now. I checked). It’s bizarre!
And if you haven’t noticed, my avatar finally shows little miss me. I’m as pale as a vampire. XD
Ooo, garlic bread, my favorite.
Karen says
Weird! Maybe the weather is sending her into a frenzy? I’ve noticed when it’s sunny outside it turns Tabs into a nut.
Kate & Zena says
We have no idea. We’re pretty used to her being pretty active in the summer as it’s nice and warm, but she still has at least three naps. Today it was mainly overcast with one teeny tiny thunderstorm but she was bonkers for most of the day. Maybe it was Annoy My Family Day and I missed the memo.
Have you seen this? I saw it in PetSugar’s June Picks and it screams Tabs Heaven. The price tag is a wee bit high though. The Cat Veranda
Karen says
OH how nice! Tabs would love that. Unfortch our windows don’t open that way (they open horizontally). I’d also have to put in some fine mesh to keep out the bugs (where we live is much more country than our old place…there are bugs everywhere).
I do love the idea though!
Kate & Zena says
I would love it if my windows opened horizontally (if it slides over the other, it’s Oriental style) or outward (French style). Mine open the traditional English style.
Oh, tell me about bugs. The June bugs have officially come to my area…along with the mosquitoes. There’s a reason why I mention the June Bugs though–Zena hunts them. She’ll watch them fly around and then snaps them out of the air with her jaw. It’s rather amusing to watch until she eats the bug she catches which is just gross.
We have regular screens on our windows and we still manage to get earwigs and spiders in the house…two bugs Zena doesn’t hunt. I can kill earwigs no problem but spiders? Nu uh, not me. I’ve killed a few but I remained paranoid and beyond the realm of twitchy for the next hour. I’m not cut out for spider killing; the arachnophobia takes over!
Karen says
Ugh…where we live there are a lot of mosquitoes too. It’s quite the change from our old place. I learned the hard way that there’s a certain time right after the sun sets when one should NOT venture outside. 🙁
snoopysteph says
I watched a show on the Travel Channel and the lady went to the same place to get a mud bath! It definitely did not look appealing one bit. How did your skin feel afterwards?
I love, love, love getting massages. They’re so good for you and I really need to get them more often. Here in Chicago I really like going to Nordstrom Spa downtown. I had a massage done while I was preggo a few years back and it was outstanding! Nothing like someone rubbing your hips & butt when you’re 7 months pregnant. 🙂
I stopped in a Benefit boutique yesterday after my sewing class and I had my eyebrows waxed & tinted for the first time! I also had my lashes tinted. It was….interesting, to say the least but I do like the way my brows & eyelashes look! Unfortunately I dropped a pretty penny there on some new makeup goodies. I just keep thinking of it as an “investment” because a lot of what I bought will last a really long time!
Karen says
My skin felt a little softer afterwards, but it wasn’t significant. 🙁
Yay re: your trip to Benefit. I’ve always wanted to try getting my lashes tinted, but I figure what’s the point? They’re already dark, LOL!
Anywho, tell me about your haul. Share with the class!
snoopysteph says
I have medium brown lashes and the esthetician tinted them a blue-black, pretty much as dark black as you can get. They look like I have mascara on! My brows are cleaned up and are a little deeper brown than normal so that I don’t have to use a brow pencil if I don’t want to.
Ok, my haul! I actually wandered in because I’d never been to a Benefit boutique before and I was curious about their creaseless cream shadow/liner and their invisible lipliner. I walked out with a whole lot more than that! I actually picked up their Depuffing Action Eye Gel (which feels soooo good, especially if it’s stored in the fridge), You Rebel Lite tinted moisturizer, Dandelion face powder, Stay Don’t Stray primer, BadGal waterproof liner (I was finally shown how to line my upper waterline!), Brow Zings in the lightest shade, High Brow highlighting pencil, and Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/liner in Birthday Suite. Phew! That’s a lot of stuff! I love everything though, especially the creaseless cream eyeshadow & the tinted moisturizer. I’ve been wanting to try something different than Stila’s and I really like Benefit’s.
Karen says
Nice! Gotta love having “instant” mascara. 🙂
And WOOT…your haul has some serious “work horse” products. You could easily use all those items every day!
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting more Creaseless Creams! They are eyeshadow crack.
snoopysteph says
Are the Creaseless Creams similar to MAC’s Paint Pots?
I think that’s what I love most about what I bought – they’re staples that I can use all the time, not just for special occasions. I’m a Mommy so I don’t always have all the time in the world to get ready in the morning and I love anything that’s quick & easy to apply! I’d actually like to pick up one of their lipglosses and their Sugarbomb powder the next time I go in for more tinting.
My son turns 3 on the 19th…yikes!
Kate & Zena says
Oh, Benefit Creaseless Creams. They are eyeshadow crack. I have “Strut” and I keep pestering my mom to take me back to Ulta so I can get s’more!
snoopysteph–what I have heard is that the Paint Pots tend to crease on some people. Those who do get creases with the Paint Pots have no creasing with the Creaseless Creams. I love the CC’s because they don’t crease, don’t stray and don’t fade on my lids (mine are pretty normal and not dry or oily). It’s really versatile too. A liiiiiitle bit goes a long way. The color comes off really easily with makeup wipes.
A word of caution: the minute it goes on your lid, you have 30 seconds to blend the hell out of it if you wish to blend it. After 30 seconds, you’re screwed.
Karen says
Kinda. The Creaseless Creams feel a bit softer and slightly fluffier. I also find them easier to blend. 🙂
If you like Birthday Suit you might also like Sambady Loves me and RSVP. Skinny Jeans is another good one, too.
Amy says
Ooh there’s an eyelash tinting place opening up near my house. How long is the tint supposed to last?
And I love love love birthday suit and dandelion! Good choices!
Danielle says
Karen – how do you wear ‘skinny jeans?’ I like the charcoal color on my lids, but I find that when I blend it upwards it’s too dark… Have you done any tutorials with it?
Karen says
Hi Danielle,
You could try keeping it just on the lid, with Birthday Suit in the inner corner and on the brow bone. Here’s an example from an older post. The pics here aren’t the greatest, but it should give you an idea:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/benefit-creaseless-cream-shadow-a-quick-look/
You could also use it as a liner!
snoopysteph says
The lady at the Benefit boutique told me I could expect the tint to last 6 weeks on my lashes and about 5 weeks on my brow. I don’t even need mascara, it’s awesome!!
I’m totally in love with Dandelion – next time I go I’m picking up Sugarbomb too!
Tiffany says
Amazing photos! Wow you were brave with the mud bath. Sorry it was a dissappointment 🙁 does your skin feel good?
The only spa stuff I’ve done is mani/pedis. I would love to try a massage but never can justify the cost.
What kinds of wines do you like?
Karen says
Not really…it felt marginally softer for about two seconds!
As for wines, I love reds, but have grown to appreciate whites. Yesterday I bought a bottle of merlot…can’t wait to drink it! Yes, I’m a wino.
How about you?
Tiffany says
awww, boo, I was hoping at least your skin would feel amazing!
I’m a white gal myself. my faves are riesling, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio…
have you ever tried this stuff? http://www.savidasangria.com/ it’s pretty yummy!
Karen says
I like riesling and pinot grigio! Yummy!
So I’ve never heard of that Sangria. I will have to order some…perfect for a summer barbeque!
makeup morsels says
The mud bath doesn’t sound all that fun. loll PDN makes me feel so awkward! I prefer when they let you wear a swimsuit, although I suppose you shouldn’t do that if you’re lounging in mud. The only spa treatments I’ve ever done were in Taiwan. It wasn’t really a “spa” spa, but basically everyone got a private room where you sit in a bucket of freaking ice-cold mountain spring water for half an hour or so. Apparently it was supposed to be good for your skin or something? I thought I was going to die in that tub, it was like sitting in a bucket of ice and my skin was turning blue lol. Not the most relaxing experience
.-= makeup morsels’s last blog post… I Came, I Saw, I Hauled =-.
Karen says
Oh gosh, that treatment sounds like my nightmare. I can’t stand the cold!
Did they at least play music or something to take your mind off the temp?
makeup morsels says
LOLL nope. The only cool thing was that the entire room and the tub were made out of this gray slate/rocky stuff so it looked nice. But yeah other than that I was just shivering the whole time
.-= makeup morsels’s last blog post… I Came, I Saw, I Hauled =-.
Karen says
Definitely my nightmare!!
Well, when it was over did they put you in another room to warm you up again? It seems kinda dangerous to let people get so darn cold and then just leave ’em like that!
Nina says
Just got home from the bestie’s boitday @ CPK. Cheat meal much? 😛
Personal nekkidness is par for the course in a spa … there are just some who push the boundaries of what is proper and what is not … That scurss me! 🙂
Karen says
OMG please tell me you ordered the artichoke dip! That’s my favorite thing.
Nina says
Yes ma’am. That and a thin crust pepperoni pizza, a jambalaya pasta (OMG so good) and 2 other pizzas to share.
There was also this vegetarian spring roll thing-o that was pretty good but a bit too cheesy for me.
I also had half a cupcake (caramel-coconut) from a really nifty place called the Dessert Gallery!
Ive been bad. 😀
snoopysteph says
Their artichoke dip is the bomb! I get their lettuce wraps every single time I go to CPK…I might go as far as to say they are better than PF Chang’s lettuce wraps!
Karen says
El Hub looooves their jambalaya. I can’t hang — too spicy.
Ya know, sometimes you need to indulge. I think it soothes the soul.
Gosh, now I’m hungry for pizza and cupcakes!
Nina says
I agree w/ you with the indulging thing — as long as its not too often 🙂
It can get a bit spicy, that jambalaya pasta. But its soooo good. Yum.
Karen says
In general I’m not a fan of overly spicy/hot food. If my tongue feels like it’s sweating then I can’t taste the flavors, ya know?
Ashley says
Egads! I hate hate HATE public displays of nakedness! When I was in Japan 3 years ago, I was at a hot spring/bath house & we weren’t allowed towels or ANYTHING. It was just… one who naked feast of men & woman. I felt so awkward & self conscious… Talk about unrelaxing @___@
Karen says
Seriously…not even a towel?!? I would feel extremely weird about sitting down.
Nina says
I agree – I want a little kick to my food but I dont want a wallop! 🙂
That pasta can be a bit spicy, youre right, I can take it as it is sometimes but the Hubs adds Tabasco. I always tell him that will burn his tastebuds!
Karen says
Oh gosh, don’t get me started on that stuff. El Hub drowns his food in it. We go through a lot of bottles at our house.
Do you have a TJ’s near you? The Traitor J makes something similar called Chili Pepper sauce which the boy LOOOOOVES! Your honey might like it if he’s into spicy stuff.
Nina says
Unfortunately nope. But we found this Jamaican Habanero sauce – the smell of which makes me cry! 😀
Karen says
OMIGOSH did I tell you about the Jalepeno ice cream I tried last week at the Memorial Day barbeque? Somebody made it from scratch…it seriously took my break away. I don’t know what I was thinking when I tried it!
Nina says
Oh wow youre a brave one!
The thought of jalapeno icecream makes me scurrd!!!
Amber says
The only spa I’ve been to was at the Wynn in Las Vegas. It was AMAZING. We got a couple’s massage for our anniversary. Any spa treatment gets you access to the rest of the spa (otherwise $25, which would still be a steal). The only sad thing is that there is no co-ed pool or sauna area, so I was all alone for the rest of the time we’d agreed to spend there. I got a little bored…could have used some crosswords. 😉
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Six- and eight-legged farm friends =-.
Karen says
Ooh, noted! I don’t know when I’ll make it out to Vegas next but I’ll put that on my wish list of things to do.
Amber says
Oops, I don’t know why I said Wynn. It was the Encore. Anyway, if it had been any more peaceful and luxurious I might have suspected I was dead and in heaven. I’m not kidding, it was surreal in the awesomest way possible.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Choosing sunscreen =-.
Karen says
Peaceful and luxurious are my two key spa words!! Okay, I may have to find an excuse to visit Vegas, STAT!
Rachel says
well aside from the questionable spa experience, the trip looks amazing! what a beautiful setting for a winery. i used to be weird about nekkidness, but i’ve gotten used to it. i go to a women’s college so people tend to walk around with no clothes on, and it’s become pretty normal to me. the staff at the coffee shop dance naked under the full moon at the end of the semester (i don’t work there, but my friends who do say it’s awesome), and the seniors have a naked champagne party in the rose garden as part of their graduation festivities. and let me tell you, there is not a lot of hair removal going on, lol 🙂
.-= Rachel’s last blog post… 4 MINUTE MAKEUP =-.
Karen says
Oh wow! Talk about an experience!
Um, even if my cohorts were furry, if i was going to a nekkid champagne party I’d so sure to trim beforehand. LOLOL
Rachel says
I love Spas!! I love facials and massages the most and my one mud bath was horrible! It was like sitting in a large tub of hot manure pressing down on my chest. Never again. Next rims you are on your way to Napa, stop at Oakville Grocery on Oakville and stock up on yummy cheeses! it’s like locally owned, more down home Dean and Deluca!
Karen says
Ugh, totally. Live and learn about the mud, I guess…
Thanks for the Oakville Grocery rec. I plan on going up there a few times this summer so I’ll try to pop by. I love me some cheese! 😀
Amy says
I’ve never had a spa experience. 🙁 my birthday is next month… Maybe I should hint at the bf
Karen says
Happy early birthday, Amy!
Saku says
I love castles, hopefully some day I will get a chance and explore the ones in Europe. That guard cat is so cute, reminds me of my cat I had. 🙁
Karen says
When I went a few years ago I got to see a few cool ones. It’s neat to see buildings that are so old!
Aww, what happened to your kitty?
Saku says
I like old buildings. She died I had her since I was young. But lol she was so stubborn, but cute.
beautylogicblog says
Hey karen,
My best spa treatment was my recent maternity massage. it rocked my world like nothing else.
my least favorite was this korean scrub I did recently that left my body riddled with cuts, not cute.
A great spa in NYC is silk day spa. I love that place.
Hope you’re doing great hon.
Hugs,
Karen says
Hi! So, what do they do when you get a maternity massage? I’m assuming they don’t make you lie on your belly, but on your side, right?
And thanks for the NYC rec. That should come in handy if/when I make it out there!
Kim says
I always miss the open threads but just wanted to say that I’m super jealous of your Napa trip! A (replica) castle, wine and a ginormous bread ring? If life gets any better than that, I’m not sure how! Well, maybe adding a hunk of cheese to the snack. 🙂 Sorry about the mud bath/ public shower. Neither would be my cup of tea. Sounds like you had a fun day with the gals though, and that’s what’s important!
Karen says
LOL…there was a HUGE hunk of goat cheese, but it was devoured before I could take a pic of it.
Have a great week!
Scientific Housewife says
1. What were your best and worst spa treatments? The best was the 50 minute pedicure I got complete with a chocolate martini 🙂 The worst was a facial when I was really young, I remember hating how slippery my face was.
2. How do you feel about PDNs (public displays of nekkidness!) at spas? I don’t mind wearing robes but I don’t want to see anyone nekkid!
3. Can you recommend a great spa? The spa I really like in Tampa is Spa Moritz, it’s great!
Karen says
OOH, a martini takes it any spa treatment to the next level, LOL!
Asu says
😀 actually is “compreso” and “guidata” :DD
greetings from an italian reader!!
Katrina says
Oh, I’m sorry the mud bath wasn’t pleasant for you! When I was on my honeymoon I did a bath full of oils and flower petals…now that was relaxing.
I love to go to spas, but its not something I get to do often! I’d love to go more. The best was on our honeymoon in the Mexican Riviera, but close to home there is one in Newport we went to on our anniversary that was also really nice. The hubby and I love to get the couples massage
Sonja | hello beauty! says
Ugh! I’ve been to Indian Springs and hated it. I felt like they were herding us like cattle and I hated walking around naked in front of everyone. It was so the opposite of a relaxing spa experience. I much prefer Golden Haven in Calistoga. It’s laid back, so much more relaxing and PRIVATE. I don’t know how Indian Springs stays in business. Bleh!
.-= Sonja | hello beauty!’s last blog post… Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss: Pocket-friendly and oh so nice on the lips =-.
lexi says
That castle is very pretty – I’ll have to take a trip to Napa soon.
The first spa I went to was just a few months ago – The Claremont in Berkeley. It was FABULOUS! At first I was hesitant because of the heft price tag but I figure if I add up my montly shopping total for cosmetics it would come out the same amount as my the 2 treatments I got. I got a coconut scrub and an herbal wrap w/scalp massage. My skin has never been so soft and I was glowing so much from the wrap and scalp massage my sister thought I just had a facial. I am now hooked! I then booked a couples massage and private bath for the hubs and me for our 2nd wedding anniversary back in April. We got to sit in our own tubs on a rooftop bamboo garden. I would have enjoyed my massage if the girl massaging me didn’t leave my arms bruised. Nevertheless, I can’t wait to go back to a spa. I think my next spa outing will be Bliss Spa at the W Hotel here in SF!
Rica says
I attended MAC warehouse sale yesterday…. It’s my first time… It was like heaven!!! But too overwhelming LOL. And I bought too much stuff, which I didn’t think through, so it was too impulsive. I ended up have to sell these products on my blog.
Also, since I spent so much, my conscience put a shopping ban on me 🙁
But on the upside, I’m loving what I decided to keep! Loving them all!
x
Rica
.-= Rica’s last blog post… My blog sale =-.