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Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

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  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Halifax! Congratulations, Halifax! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

A Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway
Comment to win a Sephora eGift card

Morning! 🙂 Please, come in. How sweet of you to stop by on my last official Saturday as a 36-year-old.

Got a pre-birthday celebration lined up with my friends Jen and Cindy today. Hard to believe they were also at my 16th birthday party…which was 20 years ago!

We’re spending the day in San Francisco together, first with drinks at the W Hotel, and then with some pampering at the Bliss Spa (located in the W).

I CANNOT WAIT! I could really use a massage. My back has more knots in it than a bad macramé project, I kid you knot. Time to get tenderized like a hunk o’ meat!

After that, it’s over to the Samovar Tea Lounge for tea and noms.

Should be a great day. I don’t get to see Jen and Cindy nearly enough. We’re all so busy now.

Got my iPhone all charged up, and Tabs will be on call here managing the blog.

Have a great day today, and good luck in this weekend’s giveaway. Talk to you soon.

What folks are saying…

“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane

“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel

“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)

“Never before have I been so pleased to check my email right before bed!!! Thank you so, so much! I truly enjoy your blog and check it almost daily! Thanks again! This made my night!”
-Melissa, Edmond, OK

“Hi Karen. Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I won! :O Thank you so much! You, Tabs, and your blog are amazing! Thank you for keeping me updated on all things beauty and more importantly, for keeping me entertained! Keep doing your thing! 🙂 Thank you again.”
-Jacqueline

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

Win a $50 gift card from Sephora

  • One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, have you ever been to a spa? What’s your favorite type of coffee or tea? Have you ever had a bad spa experience? Who are your closest friends? Best birthday you ever had? — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/L94xcc

  • The deadline to enter is Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Halifax! Congratulations, Halifax! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I am loving my new Dior BB cream I ordered from Sephora!!! Amy Rouse dropastitch at yahoo dot com @dropastitch on Twitter

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  2. omg I so need a massage right now. I am older than you (not by much) but girl you look amazing. congrats! Have a wonderful birthday celebration with your friends 🙂

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  6. A spa day with gal pals is a grand way to spend the day — pampering and dishing and probably lots of laughs. Enjoy!

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  7. Hope your birthday celebrations go great! A $50 Sephora card would make my day amazing! Btw, if you want a good massage for free, go with a friend to a chiropractor’s office and while she is in there, sit in the waiting room on one of the massage chairs. They are AMAZING. And FREE!

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  8. Hi Karen! Happy Birthday to you! You don’t look a day over 25! 😉

    Best birthday party ever was a surprise pool party for my 14th birthday. Being a July baby it was always tough having birthdays mid summer when all your friends were out of town, but my mom did it big and I loved it!

    Have a great day at the spa! Loves to Tabs!

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  10. My favorite tea is Earl Gray, and it totally matches the gorgeous Uruguayan fall day we’re having today!

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  13. I hate coffee! My whole family drinks it but I’ve never liked it…they’re always trying to get me to drink it too.

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  14. I’ve never been to a spa, before..but I went to this one “spa-like” place where you can get free eyelash extensions by someone who is practicing…omg…terrible!! TERRIBLE!! I was lying there for 3 hours, tears streaming down my face. It was the most painful thing, EVER! My eyelids got pinched, sharply poked, tugged, and just all around abused. Never, again…

    On a happier note, I recently got myself a keurig with some store credit at Bed bath and beyond! Best purchase ever! i love it! I’m having a ton of fun exploring all the K-cup flavors, out there.

    Have a great weekend!

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  16. I love Darjeeling tea, and have not been able to find them in K-cups, which is dreadful. I can’t be the only Darjeeling and technology fan out there.

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  17. I LOVE coffee any way I can get it – out of your plain old countertop machine, from a fancy shop, hot, iced, latte, cappuccino, frozen, just please make it sweet!

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  22. I’ve had a very bad experience at a nail salon. Last year I took my daughter to get a pedicure for Halloween and decided that I would get a gel manicure and a pedicure. Well ,I sat down for the service and closed my eyes. I felt some stinging but assumed it was just the tech cutting my cuticles. but when i opened my eyes i realized that she had CUT my fingers and toes!! not just lil scratches either. big SLICES! needless to say, i wont ever be going back to that place. >:-(

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  23. Massages are my go to, I work at a computer for over 12 hrs a day, so I need them to feel like a human again. My fav tea are earl grey and red….what can I say, I grew up in a British territory. Ever tried a Hong Kong milk tea?

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  26. Hello Karen! Happy birthday! I hope you are having a great day! Next Saturday will be my birthday, so I can relate. I really have been in the mood to have some delicious cake, so my bday makes it justified. 🙂

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  35. Happy Birthday!

    I know it makes me weird but I am not a fan of massages. We got a couples massage as a wedding gift and we went but I was meh about it. The bonus is the money I don’t spend on massages I can spend on makeup! And clothes, shoes and purses! Oh the possibilities!

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  36. I wished I liked coffee, but I’m more of a tea person. I particularly love Arnold Palmers (half tea, half lemonade)!

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  38. The best birthday I ever had was in New Orleans with my friends! We flew down on my birthday and they bought me in flight fruity cocktails before we even arrived! It was a week of glorious sunny strolls, delicious food, yummy drinks and fun times with my friends. PS – I am going to win this contest one of these years, gosh darn it!

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  41. Happy Birthday, Karen! I hope you have a fantastic birthday weekend! Personally, I love massages but I go for deep-tissue rather than the spas stuff.

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  42. Happy Early Birthday! I’ve always wanted to go to a spa but I’ve never had the chance, I hope you enjoy your own trip there!

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  44. I’ve had a facial and a pedicure at a spa once. It was very relaxing and if I could afford it I would do it again.

    tjbladl at charter dot net

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  58. I love getting massages but I love facials even more. I can be kind of a wimp when it comes to massages…ouch!
    Have a really happy birthday!!!

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  62. Best Birthday was last year. I spent the summer in London(UK) with my boyfriend and he took me out for lunch, dinner, ice cream, movies and drinks. Oh he got me the most beautiful Vivienne Westwood necklace, I had the time of my life!

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  63. The best (and only spa haha) I have ever been to is Glen Ivy Day spa in Corona, CA. It has tons of pools, jacuzzis, and even mud baths and natural sulfur hot springs. Love that place!

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  64. Happy Birthday! Sounds like you’ve got a fab day lined out with friends – what a great way to celebrate! I think it’s awesome that you are still in touch with friends that have known you that long.
    I’m an Earl Grey fan when it comes to tea! Or coffee – I’m an ‘equal opportunity’ caffeine kind of gal!

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  69. I’ve been to a really nice spa in Vancouver, Canada. It’s call Spa Utopia at Pan Pacific. I highly recommend it to anyone. It’s really pretty and the staff are awesome. They used chi nail polish when I was getting my nails done and I really loved the formula. I tried so hard to look for the color, it was called between the sheets. So after much research I discovered Zoya’s Caitlin which is the same color and it’s got an excellent formula. So to anyone who was looking for between the sheets by Chi pick up Caitlin by Zoya. You won’t be disappointed 🙂

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  71. Ahhhh, happy birthday!!!!! Must be so exciting to be able to look back on your life with some of your closest friends.

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  75. Happy early Birthday! 😀 Hope it goes great tomorrow!

    Hmmmm, in regards to birthdays I think I have two that really stand out in my head. One was from a long time ago where I essentially had a big house party with a bunch of my friends who don’t normally mingle too much (school friends vs. family friends vs. church friends), but it turned out to be a blast. ^^ Although I think I got a little bit of feedback from people feeling like I didn’t spend enough time with them that day since I kept running around everywhere. It was fun though. 🙂

    The other was last years and I went on a date with my boyfriend. Down to Seaport Village to have some game meat burgers (ostrich for me, kangaroo for him), and then ice cream at Ghirardelli’s (miss the one in SF T_T). Also the day we made our relationship official with our parents. :3 Got him to do a classic Filipino move and had him ask my parents if it was ok. ^^;;

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  86. Happy Birthday, Karen!!! I hope your spa day is fun and satisfying, and your year head is prosperous and happy! As always, thank you for the giveaway!!!

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  88. I really hope I win so I can invest in some good skin care. I’m at the point where I need to make it a top priority but it isn’t the easiest on such a tight budget. It really is so kind of you to do a giveaway like this! 😊❤

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  89. Hope you have a great birthday! One of my favorite teas is Starbucks Tazo Lotus — like classic Asian green tea with a modern twist =)

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  91. Today is my Dad’s birthday (the big 6-5)! We are celebrating with lots of BBQ and Filipino food. Hope you have an awesome bday!

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  96. Tea snobs will probably turn their noses up, but I love Constant Comment tea. It has a spicy, citrusy flavor that I really love.

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  99. hi karen!
    Happy birthday 🙂
    My best friend offered me a massage session for my last birthday and it was so great!!
    I wish you the best ,
    ps: love your blog!

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  101. GASSPPP Happy day before your birthday! :)) I love boba tea, but I’m super picky about my green tea with it. Otherwise there’s a place I go to that has nom nom green tea along with the BEST boba I have ever had. Gah now I’m craving it!

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  103. I used to be a huge tea drinker, then suddenly I switched to coffee. Now I drink both. It just depends on my mood as to which I want. And I’m one of those people who drinks hot coffee and tea even in the dead heat of summer.

    Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

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  107. I love going to the spa but I can help thinking about how much makeup I could buy after looking at the price list! Needless to say, I generally just end up at Nordstrom.

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  111. I have never boon to a spa but would sure love to! I am preggo with miracle number 3 and pretty miserable 🙁

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  112. I’m not a tea person, but I wish I was! Everytime I go into DavidsTea I just sniff the hell out of everything.. I wish they had a DavidsCandle and put all their teas into scents!

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  114. Mmmmmmmm…. massage… *drools*

    I could srsly use a sugar scrub, too. The lady that does them at my spa dry-brushed me for like 20 minutes, then scrubbed me like a carrot with a milk and honey scrub. It was DIVINE. Then a forty-minute massage – she gave me extra time – as I snoozed on the warmed massage table. I’d punch a baby for that right now.

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  115. I took my daughter to Bliss in NYC for her sixteenth and OMG it was so awesome. I loved the room you wait in before your service. They had all kinds of yummy snacks! My pedicure lasted like 3 months. Dying to go back.

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  116. Favorite tea is either Celestial Seasonings Coconut Chai (it’s decaf) or Twinings Earl Grey, both with milk & a bit of sugar. I have a little one cup coffee maker that makes tea as well & it does an amazing job.

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  118. I am such a tea-aholic! I’m a sucker for fresh flavors that are best consumed out on the porch during journaling time as well as deep ones that merit an oversized cozy sweater, a fire, and a man. 🙂

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  120. Happy Birthday to you! (You have the same name as my older sister) Have a wonderful relaxing and spaaariffic celebration!

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  124. Have a great day with your friends and enjoy the massage! I did some shopping today and had a vegan cupcake with peanut cream.

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  125. happy early birthday, Karen!

    I’ve never been to a spa (other than a Korean-style one in Virginia somewhere), but it is on my bucket list! I’d love to be pampered for a day. I have however, had a massage before! they are ridiculously relaxing, and I wish I could afford more of them (my experience was with a gift from the bf via LivingSocial, I think)
    Soo recently posted … NARS Diablo x Orgasm

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  129. Hey Karen, happy birthday! 🙂 My new go-to drink at Starbucks is a tall cafe vanilla frap– with whipped cream, of course.

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  131. I’ve never been to a spa, but I think I may have to add it to my birthday wishlist for this year… Happy birthday by the way! 🙂

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  135. Hey Karen,
    Thanks of sharing the responses of the previous winners… made me smile on this rainy (MA) day 🙂 Take care.

    -Shauna

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  137. I’m looking into trying more colorful eye makeup. So far, I used a lot of shimmery cream/champagne-ish colors, gold, brown, and a few pretty purples, but I’d like to try some navy or deep blue eyeliner.

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  140. Your birthday plans sound wonderful!
    Today I had some iced tea at the farmer’s market, and it was so refreshing since it was rather warm out today!

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  145. I’ve been to two spas, for massages/wraps and mani/pedis. The first time was awkward but the second time…bliss! I felt drunk when I left I was so relaxed lol 😛

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  149. Hi Karen! I hope that you will have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, you wonderful Gemini!!!! Mine is next weekend, June 10th! Enjoy your Special Day!!!

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  153. This morning was the worst day in my entire life!! Had a fight with my husband… long story… we are still not talking!!

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  157. I’ve never been to a spa. Well, maybe. My boyfriend bought me a massage for Christmas one year, but I don’t know if that counts. When I think of a spa, I think of facials and cucumber eyepatches, getting your hair and nails done, and those weird mud-bath things. Is that what actually happens, or has TV just corrupted my thoughts? I guess I’m just a tomboy at heart.

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  178. Thanks for the giveaway! Happy Early Birthday 🙂 I’ve never been to a spa. I would like to get a massage though lol

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  182. Omg I would so go to a spa right now! Everytime I went, it was perfect!! Except for the people who talk very loud! :p lol

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  184. My spa experiences have been limited to facials and a few massages. Lately though, I’ve been heading to my town’s massage school for great massages that are really affordable. Have fun at Bliss with your girls! You deserve it!

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  193. Nope, never been to a spa. I hit up my chiropractor’s office’s massage therapists when I need a massage.

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  195. I have never been to a spa, but would like to, one day!!
    My best birthday….oh maybe last year, when I turned 40, i went to NYC for the first time…with my hubby and 3 girls.
    It was amazing!!!!!!! They had 3 Sephora stores..all within a short distance of each other!!!!!
    The World Trade center memorial was life changing. I am so glad to have had the chance to visit.

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  197. The last massage I went in for was right after I had my daughter…ummmm 7 years ago! Yea, I’m waaaaay overdue for another !! 😉

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  198. Hi Karen, thanks for the giveaway and happy early birthday! Gemini HOLLA! (my b-day is this thursday!)

    My favorite tea? I guess I really like holiday teas, because the 2 I came up with are harney & sons holiday blends (black tea w/orange, almond and spices) and trader joe’s vanila cinnamon black tea, with a super cute lemur on the box. I have that stockpiled so I don’t run out, though I imagine I eventually will, it’s so yummy with milk and honey!

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  201. Hi Karen. I have already discussed my coffee habits with you. I had a delicious iced coffee with milk from Starbucks today. I also went to Target, finally bought the new Revlon lip balm stain. I love it already. I also went to Ulta so that totally made my day.

    I have never been to a spa, but I hope one day ill go. I hope you had fun with your friends 🙂 and have a great rest of the weekend.

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  207. I had a TERRIBLE spa experience once involving getting follicular is from a bad wax job! It was awful. Ever since then I only go to Benefit for any waxes-I have never had a bad experience there!

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  209. I’m in love with the soy chai tea latte from starbucks, iced. It’s my go to drink! Also, I recently go into L’Occitane products and their shea hand creme and milk body soap are amazing and a must try!

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  213. I got a pedicure a manicure at a spa, but never a spa treatment so it doesn’t feel like I’ve really been to a spa.

    Happy birthday!

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  219. first off, happy birthday!! The weathers been awful these past 2 days so hopefully its working out better for you! In other news i’ve decided to go on a project 10 pan. I was already going on a bit of a makeup purge but I kept justifying more and more blushes (my blush collection has more than doubled since 2012) its my favourite makeup item to buy but even now i’m thinking its getting to be too much. Let’s hope this goes well!

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  221. I like the color palette of MAC Casual Color, but I hate having to dig things out of pots so I will probably not be purchasing any of these. I’m not a germophobe but pots strike me as unhygienic.

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  222. Yes I have been to a spa….mainly when I’m in need of a good deep tissue massage, which isn’t often since I can’t really afford to need it too often. LOL

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  224. My favorite coffee is the americano I make in the mornings with freshly ground beans in my own espresso machine… four espresso shots, too much sugar, and hot hot water the rest of the way up. 🙂

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  225. Have fun, hope your Bday is grand. I’ve actually never had a massage, DH doesn’t like the idea of someone else’s hands on me. Sweet, but frustrating! Thankfully he makes up for it with lots of rubs from him!! 😉

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  227. I got a groupon for an all-in-one spa day that included a hairdo, manicure and pedicure, 1 hour massage, facial and small snack/lunch thing. It sounded great on paper, but when I got there I was less than impressed. It started off with the facial which was kind of odd, the lady kept telling me how awful my skin was. Next came the massage which would have been INCREDIBLE if I hadn’t had to keep reminding the masseuse of the areas I had marked on the sheet not to touch. I’m extremely sensitive about my body and it was a stretch for me to agree to a massage in the first place. Then came the mani/pedi, which is by far the WORST I’ve ever experienced. They looked like they had just opened, the woman was extremely annoying and I only had 5 shades of pink to choose from. Midway through the manicure I decided I’d had enough, and faked an emergency phone call from my family to get out…..

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  233. My old company once paid for me (and a few colleagues) to go to a spa in Callistoga. The mud bath was a *strange* experience. I fell asleep during my massage, because it was so relaxing; I wish I hadn’t, so that I could fully enjoy and remember the experience!

    Happy bday, Karen!

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  234. Happy Birthday, Karen! We are both Geminis! My b-day is the 15th (not saying my age, tho). And I like my coffee black and strong. No sugar or creamer, thank you. ^.^

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  245. Hey karen,
    I look forward to mondays just because i love your question and answer post!! Im graduating sunday from highschool and sephora cards were a major thing on my list haha happy early birthday

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  251. I enjoy drinking tea, maybe less often than some people. I especially love using a sore throat as an excuse to drink my favorite Peet’s Tea Xiao’s Blend. SOOO yummy!

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  259. Never heard of David’s Tea till yesterday and now there have been a few references ti it here, so I’ll have to check out the website.
    Never been to a spa, but I”m more envious of you going to Samovar cause it sounds great. Happy Birthday!

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  260. I have been inside of a spa to buy stuff but not to have a treatment done..at least not yet! I should be getting my first facial by the end of this month! 🙂

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  263. I adore masala chai – and I miss it so much from home, and now that i’ve said this, I feel a bit homesick 🙂

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  273. I love trying different teas but my favorite is always English Breakfast. I hope you have a great day out with your girlfriends and have a great Birthday!

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  277. I had a mediocre spa experience once. I was getting a massage and the lady’s breath smelled very bad! The massage itself was great though.

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  281. Just scheduled myself and the hubs for a couples massage and he is terrified! Should make for a fun spa experience 🙂

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  282. Happy Birthday Karen. I have never been to a spa. I love the Chai Tea Latte at Starbucks. I visited LA and San Diego 2 years ago. I would love to live in San Diego.

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  285. It seems like the older I get, the less I see my friends . . . we are just all so busy with work and our kids. So, I can relate to how you feel. And, you’re reminding me that I need to do something about it. I need some friend time soon!!!

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  286. i had this horrible facial experience where i got an allergic reaction to the facial and got this horrendous rash that lasted for a week 🙁

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  288. I have been to a spa a few times, the one time was on a cruise and we did this thing that said you could lose inches from all over. of course my friend and i did it and after the measuring we bought everything because we lost some inches LMAO so stupid. my hubby said we bought snake oil bwhahahahha I do love to go, though. Massages are awesome

    and Happy Birthday!!!!!

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  289. The best birthday I ever had was dinner and drinks with my family. We always have a great time together but that birthday was really special.

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  291. I’ve been dying to go to a spa … My sister and I are planning a spa day for our moms birthday this July 🙂

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  293. As long as my coffee and tea are cold with plenty of ice I like it. For coffee, I love any icy coffee/chocolate blend like the mocha fraps at Starbucks. And for teas, bubble teas for sure. My favorite flavor is apple black tea with lychee jelly.

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  298. There’s a new Sephora opening this weekend! Would be wonderful to have a gift certificate to spend there! By the way Karen you have a wonderful blog!
    Hi from Montreal, Canada!

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  299. Best birthday was when I was 17 and all my friends through me a surprise party. Almost 20 yrs ago now but it was quite fun, I don’t think anyone could pull that off now!

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  302. HAppy birthday KAren. Never got a massage in my whole life! I have to think about it more seriously….

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  308. Happy birthday! I love massages, but it’s been a really long time since I had one. The boy bought me one for xmas a few years ago, but I haven’t been since.

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  309. I used to be a spa regular before we bought a house. Massage, facial, mani/pedi, wrap – you name it, I liked it. Oh well, at least I can still get the occasional massage at a local place that’s affordable.
    Liz recently posted … Best manicure EVAR

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  313. There was a spa in Danville that I used to go to when I could afford it but it’s been so long since then I can’t even remember the name of it anymore! LoL

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  326. Happy early Birthday!! I’ve never been to a spa, but I’ve been dying to go to one! It’s been on my list of things to do for a long time!

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  329. I’m trying to study for a master’s exam and all I hear in my apt building are people having fun/partying/being rude. 🙁

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  336. I love drinking mostly green teas and my favorite coffee is Kona coffee! I love it! My dad is from Hawaii, so he introduced it to me a long time ago and I’m just so in love with it.

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  342. I purchased Sweetened Tea today at the grocery store. Was such a nice day to have a glass of sweet tea!!

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  343. Happy early birthday Karen! I just celebrated the 4th anniversary of my 29th birthday last week — the same week I finally finished my bachelor’s degree! 😀
    Laci recently posted … Recharging

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  347. ***Happy Birthday Karen*** For your Unsung Hero Profile I really think NARS blush Zen should be an item that is talked about. This blush is an amazing addition to anyone’s makeup collection.Don’t be fooled by it’s simple look. Zen can be used as a beautiful contour color to the cheeks or used under a brighter blush to really pop that color. Zen is one of my favorites. Check it out people the next time you are at the NARS counter.

    ~Gilby~

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  353. If i won this I would use it to buy my mom and aunt something nice. My aunt is sick and my mom is being a real hero supporting her through it. they both deserve someone to be nice to them for no reason.

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  357. I went to a spa on Wednesday to get a massage. It was in a scary part of town and looked just as scary from the outside but inside was a little piece of heaven. Best massage ever.

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  359. I was once at a spa getting a full body scrub and shine and the spa ran out of hot water completely. I was lying on the spa bed naked and was rinsed in freezing cold water. I was so cold I couldn’t stop shivering so they put me in their sauna to warm up. The spa made up for the horrible experience by offering me another spa day with additional services at no charge.

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  361. Going to a spa is one of the most relaxing things I ever do. I feel so refreshed afterwards. Also, I’m a coffee junkie. 🙂

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  363. I have had and enjoyed several facials in the past, but I have had only one massage while I was on vacation. It was very relaxing, but I just couldn’t get over how creepy I felt having a stranger rub all over me! Oh well, maybe it’s just me!

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  367. Happy birthday, Karen!!! I just started a new job after waitressing for the last 6 years! Yeah, I don’t know how I lasted that long, either!! So, besides needing a complete overhaul of my wardrobe (everything is supa-tight!), I also need some office-friendly makeup! Whaddya, say? Make me the happiest (and prettiest, natch!) girl in the office, whydontcha! 😉

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  368. Hey,
    I wanted to share a weird spa story. I used a gift certificate for a mud wrap. I got wrapped in mud and was freezing. Then i was wrapped like a burrito in plastic and a blanket and left for 30 minutes. Apparently it had detox properties. For the rest of the day i felt all fuzzy headed and almost tipsy. Apparently i need my toxins 😉

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  369. I loooove Oolong tea when I want something warm and sweet Southern style tea when I want something cold. I LOVE TEA! Happy almost birthday!

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  371. I love the passion tea from starbucks! I brew it at home, and it is so refreshing to have on a hot day! I also love green tea for the added health benefits, and yummy flavor. 🙂 I have never been to a spa, unfortunately, but if I am lucky enough to win the fabulous sephora gift card, I will definitely be purchasing some spa-worthy items to treat myself to my very own spa day! Glad you had a pampered birthday Karen, you deserve it! 🙂

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  372. I’m into organic teas lately, they do taste different. I mostly prefer green tea, and the Arabic-influenced green tea with mint is a must-have for me in summer.

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  373. Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a blast!! Spas are the best getaway & relaxation that we all deserve!

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  374. I love buying massages on groupon! Saves me some money and allows for massages slightly more frequently. Happy birthday!

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  377. My favorite tea is chai, but I love hazelnut lattes. I have only been to a spa once, and it was wonderful!

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  381. Happy Early Birthday! That Samovar Tea Lounge looks ah-may-zing. I’m sipping tea today too, although not for pure pleasure. This damn spring cold has my throat all scratchy. :-/

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  383. You should join my club ..the girls who celebrate their annual 29th birthday…instead of having to remember all those escalating numbers!

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  387. Happy Birthday Karen! Sounds like you have a fabulous birthday planned.
    Random fact: I am obsessed with London Fog tea lattes. An extra shot of vanilla makes all the delicious difference.
    Angela recently posted … 02/06/12 Link Love

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  388. I’ve just been to the spa for the 1st time last month. I had a hot stone massage and it was amazing! Happy Birthday Karen!!

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  390. Happy birthday! That cupcake looks yummy! It was my sister’s birthday yesterday and we had some delicious red velvet cupcakes.

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  393. Watching Smurfs movie and thinkin about all the wonderful things I would buy if I won the gift card. So far I have, Tarte concealer and the Laura Mercier Eyes and Cheek palette xx

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  399. I’ve gone to a spa in Asia before but I want to go to one here and get extractions done. I have so many clogged pores. =( Any skincare products to help with that?

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  401. Tea-wise, nothing better than good old Earl Grey with loads of sugar and loads of lemon, at least for me. But I love almost any kind of fruit tea (the same way :D) too.

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  402. I’m a teacher….and man am I glad to be out for the summer….I can now take better care of myself….more time!

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  405. I’ve never had a bad spa experience- unless you count mani/pedi in that category. I was preparing for a trip to FL last year and went in for a mani/pedi before I left and not even 24 hours into my trip (I went the day before my flight) my nails were chipping like crazy. I was not pleased!

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  408. I just bought the new Trader Joe’s vanilla chai coffee and am so excited to try it this week! It’s a special treat to perk me up in the mornings, since my new job starts on Tuesday.

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  412. Green tea all the way! I always brew a few packs and keep it in the fridge. Amazing health benefits and the earlier in the day you drink it, the more it helps your metabolism!

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  415. I have never been to a spa but I am thinking of sending my mom and her friend to one soon! They deserve it. 🙂

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  416. I’ve not been to a spa before, but my best friend and I have plans to go to one during a trip to Barcelona in September. She’s not really been to a spa before either, so we’re both excited!

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  420. The closet thing I’ve had to a bad spa experience was when I went for a special hour and a half aromatherapy massage and the lady who was supposed to do it didn’t come to work for some reason. So the spa gave me a free hour and a half regular massage!

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  422. I’ve never been to a spa but would love to go one day. It is just very pricey and i’m sure I can’t get out of there without spending 150+. i got a pedicure with my bff at a spa-ish place though lol.

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  423. happy birthday fellow gemini. Im very much looking forward to my upcoming massage time with my bestie as well.

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  426. Happy birthday! My favourite type of tea is chai or black tea.

    I haven’t been to a spa before but would love to go one day.

    Thank you for the giveaway. Cheers!

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  428. My best birthday/spa experience is when my dad took me and the rest of my family on a trip to Las Vegas! We stayed at the MGM hotel in the penthouse suite…right next to David Copperfield! He even pulled me on stage during one of his shows while I was there. 🙂 I also got treated to a massage and hot stone facial at the hotel’s spa and they were both amazing! I had never had a hot stone massage before, and I was worried that I wouldn’t like it, but now it’s my favorite and I hope to have another one again sometime!

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  445. I’ve lost 22 pounds this year. Still can’t wrap my head around it. Sometime I feel like it’s not much because I’m still shaped the same. Just smaller.

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  449. I love going to spas” my friends & I went for a spa weekend at the Williamsburg (VA) Spa for my 50th birthday. Had my favorite tea there, too – vanilla. ☺

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  451. Today I went to a surprise bridal shower for my cousin in law – she was totally surprised! They had excellent food, and it was a lot fun. I am looking forward to her wedding next month!

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  454. I love all tea!!! especially those by Harney & Sons… although the packaging might be a big reason for that…hehe

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  455. Happy Birthday Karen..you know whenever I see your face shots, I think it would be nice if I would be able to carry off make up with such elegance when I reach my 30’s 🙂
    Have been to a spa bt had a bad experience..the girl just wouldn’t stop talking and I hd no fun !!

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  457. Spa experience depends all on person, that delivers the service. With some u click and with others……..not so much. Nothing worse than getting a massage from smoker though, nothing.

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  458. I’m not much of a tea person, but I LOVE coffee – pretty much any kind that is well-made. I had a really funny adventure trying to get a coffee maker and coffee beans when I was living in China (instant was not cutting it!). One store sold coffee makers, but not beans, and another sold beans, but not the coffee maker.

    I’ve never really been to a spa, but I would love to try a hot stone massage.

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  461. Happy birthday honey I hope you enjoy your special day 🙂 Last Tuesday I dropped off my job application at Sephora 🙂 fingers crossed I get a call back & a interview it would be a dream job for me!! I’m so nervous because I really want this job & I would love to be surrounded by makeup all day & beautiful women who are beauty addicts like me lol 🙂

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  462. Hope your birthday is/was GREAT! Time seriously flies waaaaay too fast! lol
    I’ll be turning 35 this October and can’t understand how this happened?? :-/

    Thank you for all the little Sephora giveaways you tweet.
    And thanks for all the great blog posts! I really enjoy them.

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  465. I hurt my foot yesterday.. been in the bed all day. The good news, I was able to redo my manicure! WooT!

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  466. Well my favorite tea is Earl Grey.I went to a spa once in Mauritius and had a full body massage.
    It was incredible.

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  468. Went to a spa once, it was lovely. I hate coffee, but I had some really good tea today at a girlfriend’s house… mango/blackberry from Trader Joe’s? Yummm!

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  473. My best birthday was this year on May 10th, my 22nd birthday when my long-distance boyfriend who’s in the Marine Corps surprised me and took me out celebrate!

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  474. I’ve never been to a spa but I really want to go to one!! Also, I love coffee, my fave is a iced white chocolate mocha at startbucks. 😀

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  484. I used to be a much bigger tea fiend than I am now. But my favourites remain a tie between a particular Monk’s Blend from a tea store in Calgary, and the Aveda calming tea. Both so tasty!

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  493. Pretty sad right now. Stressed from work, relationships, and life in general.. Hope everyone’s having a better day than I am.

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  494. I’d love to get a specialized service at a spa – like a wrap or massage – but I usually go in for more maintenance services.

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  495. Today was my son’s 3rd birthday. He had a great day and especially loved his birthday cake, which was delicious. 😀

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  496. What type of “natural” daily sunscreen would you recommend I spend my $50 on :-). Real question about the sunscreen though.

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  517. Hope you have a lovely birthday Karen! And hopefully a very relaxing massage. I’ve never been to a spa before, but hopefully someday I’ll go! Favorite coffee…really love Peet’s coffee, black. And then for tea, any green tea is usually a good call 😀 Thanks for the giveaway!
    Makeup Morsels recently posted … Beauty Blog Link Love 6/2/2012

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  519. I am going to IMATS for the first time ever and I cannot stop thinking about it!! I hope I can get everything on my list!

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  521. One of the best birthdays I’ve ever had was last year when I saw U2 in Oakland and Bono sang happy birthday to a friend. I know he wasn’t singing it for me but I pretended he was. He and 44,000 people.

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  524. I love massages!!! Yes, Spas are the greatest!!! We should make trips more often to them!!! LOL!!! BTW, Happy Bday!!!

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  526. Happy Birthday, Karen!

    Have you discovered Hakuhodo brushes? I have over the past few months and have established a beautiful collection. They are pure luxury where applying makeup is concerned. They make my MAC brushes feel like toilet bowl brushes! If you feel like treating yourself, I highly recommend starting with the S103.

    Hope you had a great birthday!

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  529. I’ve gotten facials before, but I’ve never been to an actual spa. It’s usually so expensive… But I guess I wouldn’t know if it’s worth it unless I try!

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  530. I’ve never been to a spa but hopefully that’ll change soon!! =) Hope you had a good time at the Bliss spa =)

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    • Oops, I mean early birthday!
      I’ve had a couple of facials from different spas–neither was that great though, unfortunately (masks that sting!); but I love mani- and especially pedicures; the massage that comes with those always feel really good.

      Reply

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