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Treat Yo Self 2017

If you have ever seen the TV series, Parks & Rec, then you are familiar with the popular “Treat Yo Self” day of the year. If you have not, get your act together and go watch it already. In the show, this is a fictional day in October where the characters, Donna and Tom, treat themselves to anything and everything, because they earned it, after all.

While, I’m a month late on the date, (and probably a dollar short) I still think it’s important to remember to “Treat Yo Self” every once in a while. Why? Because if you work hard and spend time trying to make a career, family, lasting friendships and the like, then you should also find the time to relax, unwind and recharge yourself for more of the hustle.

It is OKAY to spend time on yourself. Believe it or not. I struggle with this too, so you’re not alone. However, one thing I remind my clients is that if you don’t take care of yourself and you keep putting others first, at some point you are going to burn out and someone is going to have to take care of YOU. To be the best version of yourself, every now and again, “Treat Yo Self”.

Weekend Living

I decided to write on this topic today because I realized that the past two weekends I’ve actually laid low and relaxed. I don’t often find myself doing either of those, but I’ve had a nagging cough and cold that seems to be festering. This cold is most likely still here because I push too much and forget to relax. What better way to get over a cold then by pampering yourself, sleeping a little later than normal (hit 7am one morning, that was a record!) and doing things that make you happy inside and out?

I figured, I’d let you guys get a glimpse into the past two weekends, in hopes that you take some time for yourself when you need it. Sit back, relax and Treat Yo Self!

Lady Date Time

Two weekends ago, if you caught me on Instagram, I spent Sunday pampering myself with my friend Nicole. Our husbands gave us gift certificates LAST Christmas for services at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa in Saratoga Springs, NY. We figured we’d better use them before this Christmas comes around, otherwise that would be silly.

Does anyone else get gift cards and delay the use of them, thinking that there will be a “best” time to use them? Guess what? NOW is the best time to use them.

Let’s take a look at the Sunday lady adventure, shall we?

Morning Kettlebells.

I scooped up Nicole at her house and we went started the day at Black Sheep Athletics in Albany. Viv is the best kettle bell guru around, and still makes me straighten up and get my act together every time I go to her class. One day I’ll be able to hold a kettle bell bottoms up overhead without feeling like a weeble wobble, one day.

Brunch at Iron Roost.

I have been following this place on Instagram for quite a while. They are known in the Ballston Spa area for their waffles. Bonus points, they have gluten free waffles. We used the NoWait App when we left Kettlebells, which basically put us in line as we made the 30+ minute trek up the Northway to Ballston Spa. This made wait time significantly shorter. It also helped, as our hanger pains were minutes away from becoming dangerous.

We may have ordered 4 waffles between the 2 of us. No shame in our waffle game! We both got the special which was a Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict on a savory waffle (mine gluten-free) and then I tried a sweet gf waffle with a chocolate avocado mousse on top and Nicole got the biscuits & sausage gravy on a savory waffle. All were eaten in record time, because of the impending hanger pains. (see above).

We also indulged a bit and tried the Pumpkin Cocoa. Too sweet for my liking but it was a special, we had to try! Highly recommend this place and if you go, bring me with you, or at least bring me waffles 🙂

Spa Time at the Roosevelt Spa & Baths.

We used this as our excuse for needing an ENTIRE ladies day. We left brunch and ended up getting here early. The front desk ladies made it easy to check in and get set up.

While we waited, we enjoy some time in the steam room and in the lounge with the coziest robes I’ve ever worn. Once it was our appointment time, we each had a separate room where we took a 20 minute mineral bath followed by a 90 minute massage. I definitely passed out a few times. The masseuse kept asking if I was okay, yessir, just relaxed more than usual and probably twitching myself to sleep, sorry!

Drinks at High Rock Distillery.

Since we were in Ballston Spa, we decided to hit up this local distillery that we were introduced to at Drink Albany. We had Apple Pie Shine Moscow Mules, and I cannot wait to recreate it.

Pedicures at a random place open on Yelp.

We were not ready to return home and submit to the Sunday scaries, so we yelped nail salons, in the area, that were open. Found one, hit it up and got our toe nails taken care of. So glad we did.

It will probably be a while until I have a wonderful day like that again, but man did it feel good to take care of the body inside and out. Not to mention the company was entertaining and enjoyable so I guess I’ll keep her around…

Family Time

This past weekend, we took a trip to Baltimore, MD to visit my family. Luckily, JJ had Veteran’s Day Off (thank you to all who have served) so we took advantage and made it a long weekend. While home, we spent a lot of time watching my dog and my parent’s dog play, run and get into trouble as well as play with my niece and nephews.

Double Trouble! (Abby–Left, Bode–Right) 

While most days were spent relaxing, we did take the opportunity to enjoy some delicious food while there, because, why not? Here are some of the highlights:

Friday’s Lunch at Woodfire Kitchen

My mom suggested we try this place, and it did not disappoint. They source their food from local farms and are known for their pizzas & burgers. I went with a salad because I got distracted by goat cheese, and was very happy with that choice. I added some Ahi Tuna on top (probs NOT local) as I was in a fishy mood.

Friday’s Dinner at my brother’s house with Take Out from Mission BBQ

No pictures from this night. Spent most of the time playing horse-y with a 4 year old, nerf gun fights with a 6 year old and just enjoying the night of mayhem with my niece, nephews and family. Mission BBQ is probably one of JJ’s favorite places. Straight up BBQ, great meat, great sauces and a great cause to support. The pulled pork and brisket (lean) are my fave go-tos.

Saturday Dinner at Birroteca– Bel Air

Spent some QT with my parents. Laughing over artisan pizza and some good wine. We ordered the Brussels Sprouts & Calamari apps to start. I got the Duck Duck Goose Pizza ( a duck egg right smack dab in the middle), JJ ordered salmon and my dad got a Margherita Pizza (both pizzas on a gf crust). We all left stuffed, and satisfied.

It’s always too short when we go home, but always good to see family, relax, and laugh at the dogs (and kids).

Home Time

Finally, I am hoping over the next few weeks I can cherish some time spent at home just relaxing. During the holidays, we’ll be traveling a lot, so, no guarantees here. Hopefully I’ll find time to curl up in my big throw blanket with the dog and a cup of tea (read: wine) and pump the brakes just ever so slightly. Will you join me?

I want to hear from you.
How do you (or how do you plan to) “Treat Yo Self” this year?

xoxo,

Sassy

ps. stay tuned, the next couple of days I am going to be rolling out more Thanksgiving inspired recipes for you to add to your menu this year, hope you enjoy!