lovely jubbly london

Aman Spa at The Connaught

We decided to treat ourselves well this Easter with a little relaxation courtesy of the spa. While we always visit the spa in Portugal, we never do the same closer to home. I think this is the start of a dangerous addiction. Maybe a blog series investigating the UK's best spas?! 

The husband is now hiding my credit card.

Anyway, after a bit of research I was torn between the Four Seasons and the Connaught. The treatment I wanted wasn't offered in most London spas so that helped narrow my choices. In the end, I decided to book us into the Aman Spa at the Connaught Hotel.

Hidden in Mayfair, the Connaught houses the first Aman spa outside of an Aman resort.

On arrival, we were given fresh lemongrass tea and filled out some paperwork including an optional quiz to determine your dosha.

Since the husband I were both having treatment, we were shown to a double treatment room. In our room there was a private changing area with double shower although no toilet. I only say this because after having tea and listening to therapeutic running water I wanted to use the loo before my treatments which meant leaving the main spa area.

After putting on our robes, the treatment started with a footbath and discussion of what was ahead. If you are having a massage, you are given the oils to smell and choose what best suits you. I started with a mud wrap so the therapist asked what I hoped to get out of it and decided which oils to blend with the clay.

Time for another disclaimer- even though there were therapists available of both sexes, I was assigned the male and the husband was given the female. I found it slightly odd since I was having a full body mud wrap but went with it anyway knowing I had a massage to follow and wanted some strong hands.

Now, the treatments. I started with a mud wrap which was made to be moisturising. After the winter we are still having, my skin desperately needed some quenching. While the mud was working its magic, I experienced heaven in the form of a scalp massage. If you are like me and love having your hair brushed or head rubbed, you will love it. I swear I could feel my sinuses opening and my head clearing with each pressure point.

The husband went for an hour and a half massage and I topped up my mud wrap with one as well. The husband and I agreed these were probably some of the best we have ever experienced. They were so thorough that each finger was individually massaged. 

Not quite ready to call it a day, we took a short walk to The Wolseley for an afternoon treat before heading home in a state of absolute bliss.

Aman Spa at the Connaught

Tel: 0203 147 7305

Good Intentions

When I wrote Sunday's post, I was full of good intentions. I had posts planned for the week ahead. I felt like I was getting some of my blogging mojo back.

Then, tragedy.

I got ill.

Like really, really ill.

I caught norovirus.

It was horrific.

Apparently a really bad strain is making its way around the UK this winter. Why am I telling you this? So you're prepared.

If you live in America, you have certain conveniences that you don't have in the UK. There aren't really any 24 hour stores. Your house more than likely doesn't have a gallon of gatorade stashed in a cupboard. You rely on public transport surrounded by strangers rather than sitting in your clean car alone.

So, please keep your hand sanitiser at the ready after you take the tube, train or bus. You don't know who has touched that button or rail before you. Maybe now isn't the best time to be trying the new spring lipsticks at the makeup counters. Why not pick up something with electrolytes with your next trip to the grocery store? Also, the chemist has these things called rehydration sachets which is like UK pedialyte for grown-ups. 

Anyway, use your hand sanitiser like it's going out of style so you don't need the rest. Be healthy my friends.

New Year, New You, New Obsession

I'm not known for working out or going to the gym or being healthy in general.

I definitely like the food that isn't good for you. I may also lack motivation. Yes, there are a few activities I like, I just don't do them enough.

However, the husband's Christmas present changed everything.

Meet the Fitbit One. I now have my own.

It's like crack.

For real.

I stayed off Instagram for 19 hours. That has to be some kind of record.

Why? Because it tracks every.little.thing you do.

This was a good day.

This was a not so good day. Sitting at work all day doesn't help.

It is so motivating.

It also tracks your food and water if you are so inclined.

But, my favourite part?

It tracks your sleep.

This is like validation for me. I often feel like I don't get a good night's sleep and it proved it:

The husband (who gets 97% sleep efficiency every night) never believed me until he saw it in black and white.

So, that resolution you made to do better in 2013? Invest in a Fitbit and make it happen.

The Happiest Time of the Year

Sorry for the unplanned silence. I've been in the US living it up in ways only an expat can understand. Now it's back to reality.

Not fun. Especially when reality involves returning to work less than 24 hours after arriving home.

But there was lots of fun to be had. Mainly involving food, of course. And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Which I also brought home with me.

What is it about eating bad for 3 weeks that makes me want to carry on the trend? I spent all day yesterday at work googling copycat recipes for places like Taco Bell and Olive Garden. You know, just the usual 5 star dining establishments.

Anyway, I better run and do some laundry with those Tide Pods I dragged back so it actually looks like I accomplished something today.

In the USA

I made in home for Christmas and am very busy doing very important things.

Like eating Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Every day. 

Within the first 24 hours I managed to eat Dunkin Donuts, Chipotle and Bare Burger.

Speaking of Bare Burger...

Why yes, that is a burger topped with an onion ring, chopped fries and bacon.

Luckily, we've now made it to Florida where I foresee nightly bike rides on the beach to burn off those extra calories. But if I come home 10 lbs heavier we'll all know why.

Today

listening: to the wind

smelling: vanilla candle

eating: lunch of champions

making: pumpkin bread

drinking: M&S hot choc

(as good as my all time favourite Leon)

What are you up to today?

I'm Loving {September Edition}

Basingstoke

I know, right- you're thinking BASINGSTOKE?! Yes, I spent 3 days there for work and it really wasn't bad. Festival Place with Starbucks serving Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, beautiful countryside and rainbows all made for a pretty pleasant visit. 

Revenge

This show finally made it to these shores and I admit to watching every episode after getting hooked.

America

Nothing like a trip home to pick up essentials!

Costco

Yet again, they tempt me with their homegrown goodies. Frozen waffles and baby carrots reignited my love. 

The Most Popular Song in America: Gangnam Style

For real.

Some people even turned it into their wedding video.

What do you think?

I'm Loving {August Edition}

 

Portugal

August is the month of vacations in Europe and I certainly made up my lack of vitamin D this summer. Portugal is the perfect destination for a few reasons: 1)it's inexpensive, 2)it's in the same time zone, 3)it's a short flight and 4)the weather is perfect.

 

Fancy Fruit

Pretty packaging makes me eat my five a day.

 

Colussi Crackers

My new alternative to Saltines. They are pefect because they are wrapped in personal portions. Get them at Partridges. (They also come in whole wheat and unsalted.)

 

Crafting

I've had a hard time finding some fake flowers that look decent enough for me to want in my house. So I made some out of tissue paper and I quite like them. This isn't their final home, just a resting place while I whip up a few more.

Summer in Sintra

With the weather the way it is in England, it just doesn't feel like summer until I've been to Portugal.

{Previous Portugal posts are here.}