Relaxation in Many Ways

Saturday was just about perfect.

I started my morning with a walk to the chiropractor and bank and back home.  It was a gorgeous day and I'm feeling much better than I have the last 2 weeks.  I've had a pinched nerve in my neck that has made moving my head and left arm not so fun.  But, I was clearing for a jog on Sunday...yay!

After I got home and showered up I went for lunch and a massage with my sister.  We at Harper's on Main and then it was off to the Oasis Spa.  60 minutes of Swedish massage is like heaven and the masseuse focused on the area in my neck and shoulder where I was still tense.  It was like being back at Canyon Ranch....so wonderful!

There was a WHOOOLE chicken in my half of the leftovers!

When I left Dobbs Ferry I headed up to Mahopac to Dogfish Head Night at Holy Smokes with Heather, Stacy, Frank and some of his friends.  An hour's drive and very much worth it.  I got to try 6 different Dogfish beers and the food was delicious.  My favorite beers of the night were Bitches Brew which is a stout inspired by the Miles Davis album and Noble Rot which is almost a wine.  The rep described it as a "mullet" being wine in the front and beer at the finish.  I had to laugh and the beer is delicious!  I also tired Namaste, Fort, Chateau Jiahu and Saison du Buff.  The Saison stands out the most as it was very grassy tasting...too much for me.

Bathrobes are the best

Seriously, this was an amazing weekend away and the bathrobes were only a part of it.  So you don't get entire bored (because it would be REALLY long) I am doing the weekend recap in 2 or 3 parts, not entirely sure yet.  Today...spa treatments!

I had 2 treatments this weekend, a hot stone massage on Friday and a Lavender Relax wrap on Saturday.  They were both so, so, wonderful.  I was super excited about the hot stones and it was just what I wanted.  I was warm, relaxed and the stones really do help with getting out knots.  My shoulders and upper back are a challenge to any masseuse...for reasons I'm sure you can figure out.  I went in after a good hike (more on that tomorrow) and spent time in my robe in the relaxation room, reading, beforehand.  It was just a great first full day.

The body treatment was something I was nervous about.  I spent a long time in the relaxtion room before trying to just enjoy the whole experience.  It seems much more vulnerable than the massage for some reason but after about 2 minutes I totally didn't care.  The woman giving the treatment also stayed away from "sensitive" areas which made it easier.  I'm not sure if that was because I told her I was a little apprehensive but I will say that after the exfoliation, the shea butter and being wrapped up like a burrito I am hooked.  It's totally cozy and luxurious.

So...Canyon Ranch was indulgent and their bathrobes are amazing.  As are the towels in the rooms, which I would like the next time someone wants to get me an gift.

Hot Stones Here I Come!

It is time for my spa weekend with Erin!!  I am so excited and a little nervous, too.  We are heading to Canyon Ranch tomorrow for 3 days of health, fitness and luxury.  I am so excited about the hot stone massage, the spa treatments, the hikes and the fitness classes, not to mention some quality sister time.  The grounds and surrounding area look amazing from the website and this should be a gorgeous weekend.  I'm looking forward to getting back on the exercise wagon and kicking off the next phase of my life.  I am so glad that my sister chose to share this weekend with me!

I am nervous (and a little excited) about the meeting I chose to set up with a nutritionist.  I want to lose some weight.  This has been an ongoing struggle for a few years now and I am ready to make some lifestyle changes to help with that.  I enjoy the working out and it's time to keep my eating habits from sabotaging that. 

So, I joke about how I want to drop 4 dress sizes this weekend...I really want to lose about 20 lbs by the time R&R comes around this February.  Today is DAY 1 of that journey.