New York Fashion Week

Was it all a dream?

Last night I attended my first New York Fashion Week show, Tadashi Shoji. The whole experience was too amazing not to share on the blog. Let me start from the very top. 

The night began by rushing out of work and heading straight to my apartment. Becca, my NYFW sidekick, arrived shortly after. The primping was now in full force. A glass of wine and a couple Snapchat pics later, it was time to call a cab. "Toward Penn station, please." We sat in the back seats anxious and extremely giddy. It's not everyday you get to attend Fashion Week! 

The taxi ride threw us a bit of a curveball. With heavy traffic and blocked off streets, we were cutting it pretty close to start time. The driver took us as close to the venue as he could, but we were still a few avenues away. Yes, those are the long blocks. So we did what any girls trying to make it to their first NYFW show on time would do: we ran the avenues in our four inch heels. Relief, we made it. In fact, we were early. I guess 8:00pm means 8:45pm in fashion world... Thank goodness.

Arriving at the building and seeing the NYFW sign lit up gave me immediate chills. Chills that stayed with me throughout the rest of the night. After letting out an excited squeal, we headed inside and took our seats. Four rows back... not too shabby. I sat down beaming from ear-to-ear and taking it all in. The energy of the room was already amazing and the show hadn't even kicked off. Photographers everywhere, people being interviewed, beautiful outfits — I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. 

Everyone scurried to their seats as the lights began to dim. Everything was pitch black, except for two screens at the front of the runway. Here we go! Funky music started playing and the models started strutting. Flashing lights were everywhere, just like you'd imagine. Or maybe more so. Dress after dress passed by and I wanted them all. I even found myself Ooo-ing and Ahhh-ing at the designs like I was at a 4th of July fireworks show. Definitely a newbie to NYFW!

      

The show felt like it was over in a blink. I wanted an encore! While many people quickly fled the scene, Becca and I took full advantage of the empty runway. Twirling, strutting, and snapping pics, we soaked up every last drop of the moment. What an experience. Definitely a New York night I'll never ever forget. After the show, we continued to channel our inner Carrie Bradshaw and headed to 230 Fifth, a rooftop bar with the most beautiful view of the Empire State Building. We claimed our seats, ordered strawberry champagnes, and admired our city. New York, you'll forever inspire me.

    

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This old remedy is back and better than ever

What goes around, comes around.

Like all quality fashion trends, it seems as though popular health and wellness movements trickle in and out of the spotlight too. Making its way back around (at this moment) is a ye olde remedy that goes by the name of "Epsom salt." Say that three times fast. 

There's a good chance you haven't heard of this so-called "salt." There's a better chance your parents have. And your grandparents, they're 100 percent in the know. G-Ma for the win! So, what is it? For starters, this salt gets its name by being present in saline springs throughout Epsom — a town in England. Although I keep saying "salt," these crystal-like bits are unlike the flavoring we love and adore on our soft pretzels; instead, it's a pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. When flushed with warm water in a tub, this dynamic compound is broken down and said to seep through the skin and into the body.  

Now, the why. Why should we want magnesium and sulfate soaked into our body? Sounds daunting and harmful. First, both minerals are needed in the body — and note that their levels are commonly lower than they should be. While magnesium regulates enzyme activity, sulfate helps with the formation of tissues and joint proteins. Both are necessary to keep the body running smoothly. Because of the presence of this combo, Epsom salt is said to work wonders. Especially if you have aches, pains and sore muscles. Soaking in an Epsom bath is supposed to leave you feeling relaxed and loosey goosey. Perfect for a post-workout detox. That's not all! Epsom salt helps remove splinters, relieves stress, rids dead skin through exfoliation, clears blackheads, soothes skin, etc. It can even serve a purpose in the garden or through household chores. Magic. 

I decided this all sounded too good to be true. So, after my evening workout, I strolled into the nearest Duane Reade and picked up a hefty bag o' salt for myself. You can find plastic bags of Epsom in most any local drug store, as well as the grocery store. Yup, me, myself and my Epsom. When I got back to my apartment, I quickly filled the tub with hot water and added the recommended two cups of Epsom salt. I sat, soaked... thought about the day/remainder of the week... all with a cup of hot tea in-hand. After 12 to 15 minutes, I hopped out. It may have been the relaxing atmosphere or I could've just be extremely worn-out; regardless, it's now out with the bubble bath and in with the Epsom salt. The bath felt great. Not to mention, the salt I picked out had a lavender scent. Mmmmm.

After a single soak, it's hard to tell if all the mentioned magic (above) took place. That's to be expected. From my own investigation, articles state that if you really want to feel the soothing benefits, you need more frequent Epsom baths. About two to three a week. Still, after bath numero uno, I feel relaxed already – I'll take it.

Have you ever tried an Epsom bath? If so, comment below with your thoughts!

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