Must Try: Dry Salt Therapy

Ever have one of those days where everything and anything goes completely wrong. Well, that's me 8 times out of 10 basically every day. Sometimes the stress really starts to pile on, adding weight to my lower back - pretty sure that's not healthy.

I've mentioned my ongoing struggle with anxiety before and found holistic relief in a few ways: exercise (via Classpass + running), facials (take advantage of those Gilt & Groupon deals), and massages (the Soothe app makes this super easy - get $30 off with code HYBUE). My mom, an avid aromatherapy enthusiast, made me curious about what else is out there. And, you guys, there's a lot out there for us to explore.

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One new-to-me approach is Dry Salt Therapy which I got learn more about at Breathe Easy, New York City's only Dry Salt Therapy Center. They graciously offered me a session to experience it firsthand and I happily obliged. One cold day I walked over to their location, conveniently located near Grand Central for all you commuters. Inside I was greeted by the front desk and directed to the lockers where I could change into something a little more comfortable or simply store my things. FYI, it's totally ok to come in your street clothes if you're not partaking in their Salty Yoga class.

After leaving the locker rooms I entered this heavenly light pink room which I later learned were blocks of Himalayan Salt. In fact, the entire room, top to bottom, is covered in Himalayan Salt. I then went over to a chair, took a few deep breaths, and felt myself slowly de-stressing from the day's events.

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If you're wondering, what exactly are the benefits of salt therapy - don't worry, I got the full scoop. By spending, at least, half an hour in one of Breathe Easy's rooms you'll inhale micro-particles of pure Himalayan salt which in turn will help you breathe better (say goodbye to snoring), alleviate symptoms of major respiratory illness (such as asthma), allergies, as well as help you relax.

images via Breathe Easy

images via Breathe Easy

After one session, I felt so at peace and am definitely going to include Breathe Easy as a must-do when needing a moment to myself. (Fun fact: because of the micro-particles of salt floating in the air my lips did taste a little salty, similar to eating a bag of potato chips). If you're in NYC, definitely check them out if you're ever feeling stressed, dealing with allergies, or asthma. They have an awesome intro package ($50 for 5 sessions) and have four locations in New York.

Wellness Center Hours & Tidbits:
1 Park Avenue (in their lower level)
Hours: M-F 9a-9p, Sa-Su 9a-6p

www.breathesaltrooms.com

Monogrammed Moments

If you’re wondering, yes I am still living the nomadic life and trekking my things from Brooklyn to Queens to Manhattan to Brooklyn again. It’s just one vicious commuter cycle. No worries, though, this is my last month living out of my suitcase before semi-settling into a new apartment.

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With all this shuffling around, I’ve lost a lot of my favorites (tear) and find myself in Target rebuying “lost” skincare essentials. My little Vaseline Lip Tins are one of the victims, often getting left behind on bookshelves in different boroughs. Not necessarily a bad thing since each home is now fully stocked with my favorite balm and in all the different varieties: Original, Rosy Lips (love this one!), Cocoa and Aloe Vera.

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After re-buying another Vaseline Lip Tin (thankfully they’re super affordable at under four dollars a pop), I had a Marie Kondo moment. Instead of losing all my faves why not create a space for that fave to live in. Then I heard about GiGi New York Lip Tin Holder – it’s like they read my mind.

Now here’s my case for the for the monogrammed GiGi New York Lip Tin Holder: ever reach into your tote looking for something, freak out because you think you lost it, and then realize after emptying your bag on the dirty sidewalk that it’s been in your bag all day long. Guilty.

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No joke, the Lip Tin Holder has kept that mini-panic attack at bay throughout the shuffle of multi-borough living and when commuting with my GiGi New York Teddie Tote.  Everything is within easy reach. While we’re at it, make sure to check out their other accessories that can help keep things contained.

Not to mention that the gorgeous leather Teddie Tote is big enough to carry everything and has lots of pockets & compartments to keep everything tidy. (And the pop of red brightens up the gloomiest of days.) You’ll for sure be seeing this styled on the blog again but first let me tell you about this amazing Vaseline & GiGi New York partnership to create personalized pieces for us – just in time for spring.

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Until March 19th with every personalized GiGi New York purchase of $100+, you will receive a FREE customized Vaseline Lip Therapy Tin and monogrammed leather Lip Therapy Tin holder. You can also purchase the Lip Therapy Tin holder separately and still get it monogrammed at no charge (this also includes a FREE customized Vaseline Lip Therapy Tin.

Visit GiGiNewYork.com for more details.
If you’re interested, take advantage while supplies last.

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Sunglasses: Rented via Ditto (use THESTYLEBORO to get your first month free)  Coat: H&M (similar)  Bow TieAsos  Shirt: Equipment  Pants: DL 1961  Loafers: Zara (similar)  Tote: c/o GiGi New York  Lip Therapy Tin Holder: c/o GiGi New York  Lip Balm: Vaseline  LipstickLolita 2 via Kat Von D

If you need a little bit of more motivation, I’ve mentioned before how amazing Vaseline’s new Lip Tins are for us liquid lipstick loving gals here, but they’re also great as a skin salve. Anywhere I find dry rough skin, I use the Original or Aloe Vera and massage into my skin for a smooth, hydrated feeling.

Today's post was created in collaboration with GiGi New York x Vaseline. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Photos by Victor Cerejo.

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Coming Up Rosy

Earlier this year I swore to everyone I would give up on buying lippies. Two days later I went on a major matte binge thanks to all the latest spring colors being released. (FYI, I think matte is being phased out for velvety finishes).

Haha, anyone else go weak in the knees when it comes to makeup?! Because of my recent splurge, I had to blog about keeping lips soft & hydrated. You know, since I got new lippies on their way to me.

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My poor lips (those matte colors can be so harsh) are always in need of some TLC after a long night of a liquid lipstick. Those matte lippies are no joke; they dry out your lips but yet they look so good on. Another no-fun factor is that dry and non-exfoliated lips will look 10x worse when going matte. Add in the wintry elements as of late and you got yourself a hot mess situation.

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Since I obviously can’t contain myself when it comes liquid lipsticks, why not embrace the moment and share how I prep my lips before a big date or a shoot with Lydia. You know, take those lemons and make a margarita situation.

  • In the AM, I gently scrub my lips with a soft toothbrush to get rid of dead skin
  • Then I massage in a light layer of Vaseline’s Lip Therapy
  • Before I head out the door I apply one of my favorite matte colors
  • Bonus Points: At night before I finish up for the night I apply a thicker layer of Vaseline’s Lip Therapy – it’s like a hydrating mask for your lips when you apply a bit more
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As obsessive I am about matte lippies, I am equally as obsessed with the new Vaseline Lip Therapy Collection. Life without lip balm does give me anxiety and for some reason my lips become even drier – it’s like they know. To prevent that situation I always make sure my purse, desk, and nightstand is stocked with the Vaseline Lip Therapy Tins (before they were stocked with the cute mini jar version).

If you haven’t heard about the Vaseline Lip Tins, that because it’s a new and improved formula + packaging. To be completely honest, the new container is way better and allows for easier application (a godsend). You can find the Lip Tins in Original, Rosy, Cocoa Butter, & Aloe.

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I’m a fan of the Rosy since it gives a very light tint (perfect for those no-makeup runs) and decided to let the balm inspire today's look. I'm wearing Ramy Brook, but don't worry I'll go into more #ootd specifics next week - promise!

Now that you know a little more, which Vaseline Lip Tin are you going to try first?

Today's post was created in collaboration with Vaseline. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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