Saturday, July 10, 2010

Miami Spa Month

by Meghann on July 10, 2010

First of all, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my brother’s girlfriend Adena who graced the earth with her presence for the first time 29 years ago.

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In honor of Adena’s birthday the city of Miami has decided to host a Spa Month where participating spas offer up their fabulous services at a discounted rate for the entire months of July and August.

Well, actually Spa Month is something Miami hosts every year, but it’s pretty cool that it just so happens that Adena’s birthday falls in those months. I mean what better way to celebrate a birthday then to get a bunch of girlfriend’s together for a day at the spa?

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I was really excited when Adena invited me along for the adventure. I’m always up for a cheap massage, especially when the massage happens to take place at a posh Miami hotel.

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The Setai is one of the fabulously beautiful art deco style hotels in South Beach.

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Everything about this hotel is high class and serene. And rumor has it that standard rooms typically run over $600 a night during busy season!

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The Setai doesn’t just have one pool – they have three. Each one identical and each with relaxing padded lounge chairs opposed to those uncomfortable plastic chairs you usually see poolside.

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We lounged by the incredible pool before heading to the spa for our appointments.

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Disposable underwear anyone?

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For my spa experience I choose the Ancient Balinese Massage

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It was amazing.

At first I was brought to this gigantic room that had a beautiful relaxing view of the pool. I’m just ashamed I was too nervous to take any photos of it! The hotel only has 4 spa treatment rooms and each one is just as luxurious and stunning as the rest. I felt like I should have been paying much more that I was just based on that room alone.

My treatment began with a light foot scrub then moved on to the 60 minute massage. The balinese style massage is very relaxing with a medium pressure and an emphasis on the legs and back. After the 12 miles I ran this morning my legs were very thankful for it.

The whole experience was wonderful, but I particularly enjoyed the hot towels she covered my chest and face with when it was time to roll over. I also was a fan at the end when she arranged the table in a sitting up position before handing me my water so that I could enjoy the lovely view while basking in my massage after glow.

If I lived in Miami I would be taking advantage of spa month every week. I would also be broke, but it would be worth it. :)

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Before the spa my brother and I hit up Ghiradelli on Lincoln Rd for a free sample.

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We headed the the hotel around 1:30 and even though it was lunch time I wasn’t too hungry. I grabbed a yogurt parfait at Starbucks for a light lunch with plans of a heavy snack after our massages.

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I also ordered a venti unsweet passion fruit tea. It was hot and this tasted like heaven. :)

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Sure enough my stomach was growling during the massage! The 4 of us girls headed to a fast food mediterrean place for some appetizers.

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We shared the spread sampler which came with hummus, labneh, muhammara, baba ghanoush, and pita.

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The dips were ok. Kind of watery, generic, and nothing special, but I was hungry and it was food.

I also had two of the Chicken Adena Balls which were also nothing special.

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We’re hitting the town tonight and are going to party it up South Beach style in honor of Adena’s birthday. I’ve never been clubbing in South Beach before and I hear I’m in for an adventure!

Dont wait up!

{ 11 comments }

Sun, Heat, and Humidity

by Meghann on July 10, 2010

Now, let me start off by saying running 12 miles at 7:00am in the dead of summer in Miami, Florida may not have been the best idea I have ever had.

It was HOT. It was SUNNY. And boy, oh boy was it HUMID.

I was suppose to run the 12 miles at a 9:05 pace, but that was clearly not happening in those above conditions. My new goal was to survive and I just happened to get lucky to survive with a 9:30 pace.

I took off on my run around my brother’s place early this morning. I’m not very familiar with the are, so I stuck with a boring route along the street that basically gave me a 6 miles out and back approach. I tried my hardest to stay in the shade and ended up having to stop in both a Burger King and McDonalds to fill my water bottle on two seperate occasions.

Around mile 11 I was running through a construction area and just happened to crash and burn right in front of a police officer. Doh! I had 3 construction workers and the policeman all run to my aide before I even had a chance to get up. I kept telling them “I’m alright. I only have one mile left, please let me finish that last mile.”

I ended up with a few scrapes on my legs and hands, but nothing minor.

With less than half a mile to go I called my brother and had him and Maddie meet me downstairs for breakfast. I am very jealous that my brother is within walking distance of a decent amount of cute little cafe and I didn’t want to waste time showering before breakfast.

We walked a couple of blocks to a cute french cafe called Bon Bon.

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I was thrilled when the owner said Maddie was allowed inside. Three cheers for AC!!

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I immediately ordered a small orange juice when we were seated. I think my body needed it.

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The breakfast menu was short and sweet.

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My brother ordered the crustless quiche of the and which was light, fluffy and served with a side salad.

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I decided to think outside the box and order the Mediterranean Breakfast Platter which came with an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies, and bread.

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It was all amazing. I ended up slathering the thick toast with jam and topping it with the egg and cheeses. Delicious!

Of course it was way to much and I barely made a dent in it.

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I hope my brother enjoys the left overs!

Spa time!! Yippeee!!!

{ 16 comments }

Burger and Beer Joint

July 10, 2010

Welcome to Miami! We’re live from South Beach Baby! My brother’s girlfriend just happens to live in the South Beach area and I have to admit I’m uber-jealous of her adorable apartment that comes complete with incredible views, an incredible beach, and the hundreds of shops, bars, and restaurants all in within walking distace. Love more ยป

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