Home & Away

September 30, 2015

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

[Images courtesy of Ojo Caliente]

After an insanely busy month, with New York Fashion Week wedged in there, I can’t help but yearn for a more peaceful, relaxing time, embodied by my experience in late August at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in New Mexico. Situated between Santa Fe and Taos, the springs have been there for a countless number of centuries, however in 1868 the first bath house was built at the site and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs became a pioneer as one of the orginal natural health resorts to open in the U.S.

A self-declared spa addict, I came to know about the spa based on a recommendation from my good friend Dina who used to live in Santa Fe, curious to discover for myself the health benefits of the varied sulfur-free mineral waters of lithia, iron, soda, mudd, and arsenic, as well as observe the spa culture in this part of the country.

The resort area surrounding the mineral springs was serene and tasteful, a nice mix of New Mexico flair mixed with the best of traditional spa motifs, featuring Adirondack and lounge chairs and hammocks for guests to rest in, while tiki torches were lit once it reached dusk to illuminate the largely outdoor spa areas. After taking turns in each of the pools, where 100,000 gallons a day of water steam to the surface, I literally soaked in the benefits of the geothermal mineral springs, such as relieving digestive problems, boost the blood and immune system, and help with arthritis, and skin conditions (see a detailed list here).
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September 18, 2015

T.J.Maxx & Marshalls Fall & Winter Home Preview

by Julia DiNardo

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It’s not every day that you spend a morning among an array of tastefully arranged holiday décor, perfect for the fall, outdoor entertaining, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. T.J.Maxx and Marshalls has the perfect home accents that you’ll love to incorporate into your celebrations and traditions, with some of my favorites pictured in the slideshow above.

Since you most likely won’t want to spend a lot on seasonal decorations, there’s no reason that you will have to, or ever will, especially when you shop at these stores. Over the years, my mom has furnished my apartment with holiday tea towels, for practically every occasion, proudly leaving the price tags on to show me what a great deal they were, all purchased at T.J.Maxx and Marshalls! Enjoy my top picks, which include some super cute salt and pepper shakers, along with some home organization and cleaning supplies, and gourmet food items (in the most well-designed, cool packaging, of course).

September 9, 2015

The Ultimate Desert Oasis: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

by Julia DiNardo

[The main lodge at the resort; image courtesy of Four Seasons]

I think that it’s only fair to admit that after last weekend, my expectations of a relaxing, resort getaway are forever change. For starters, I have a newfound appreciation of being near, but not in the center of, the action. My stay at Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, located about 10 minutes from the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, left me reveling in its breathtaking beauty, nestled among the desert flora and fauna, with unobstructed views for miles, while its services and accommodations were the epitome of true hospitality and relaxation.

[A treatment room at the spa; image courtesy of Four Seasons]

As this marked my first visit to a Four Seasons site, I was most eager to try the renowned cuisine and head to the spa’s treatment rooms, which kicked off my stay at the resort even before I checked in. The treatment rooms were inspired by Pueblo Indian kiva rooms, which felt intimate and luxurious at once. My massage was one of the best I’ve ever had, while the relaxing continued afterward via the private courtyard with a hot tub and sauna.

[Dining in the Terra Restaurant]

My best friend Jeff, who was traveling with me, didn’t receive a treatment, but as a guest, was still able to indulge in the spa’s courtyard facilities. After a quick shower, we reconvened in the gorgeous dining space of Terra Restaurant for a five-course dinner and wine pairing experience, selected by the James Beard Award nominee for “Best Chef: Southwest,” Chef Andrew Cooper. The food was a seamless blend of traditional American and local flavors, starting off with a chive, chile, and corn soup, followed by salad, scallops, salmon, lamb chops, and a sumptuous array of miniature desserts. I had assumed the food to be good, and the wine excellent, but this was on another level of deliciousness.
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December 22, 2014

Bringing Sparkle Home for the Holidays

by Julia DiNardo

As I was packing last night to head home to Pittsburgh for the holidays, I stopped myself from throwing in my usual sweater, black pant, and bootie combo, and decided there was no reason why a little bit of added sparkle couldn’t be introduced into my usual holiday attire. With a few new combinations of vibrantly-hued jewels and glittery pumps and flats, my holiday look has been refreshed, and my suitcase didn’t gain much weight in the process. I also couldn’t resist using this Yayoi Kusama-inspired holiday paper that I picked up for $3 at T.J.Maxx– score!

I’ve also packed some of my makeup essentials in a new Kenzo clutch that I can’t wait to use once there, sure to give a nice pop of color to a sea of winter black that I tend to lean on heavily. Last, I will doing my best to condense it all in the London Fog wheeler duffle bag, making its maiden voyage tomorrow.

In the meanwhile, I’m wishing you all safe and traffic-free travels, wonderful food and company, and a great start to the new year. I will be on a slower posting schedule over the next two weeks, so please be sure to sign up for the newsletter to receive the latest posts as they occur.

Thanks for your support in 2014! Happy holidays!

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