A Breath of Fresh Air

Photos courtesy of Elle Spa

About 2 weeks ago I was tucked away at the Eden Roc Renaissance’s Elle Spa for a little bloggers relaxation day. I’m already thinking of my next visit. It has such a warm, inviting, and homey vibe. I immediately parked myself in front of the windows overlooking the wate and everyone else followed suit. Aside from being right in front of the fireplace, it’s clearly the choice spot.

Second photo via Electric Blogarella

I love the Plant the Future decor at the spa. Sidenote, they make Munny’s and robot figures like this, how cool right. I love the Elle magazines everywhere, a given of course. From the fitness center, to the gift shop they’re conveniently placed for your pleasure and complimentary of course. A big mantra from the massage and facial experts was for me to drink lots of water and I don’t think I’ve ever been more hydrated in my entire life. There was always someone to make sure I was getting plenty of the good stuff.

Photos courtesy of Elle Spa

I received the Elle Spa Signature Facial which is their “most luxurious facial experience” it was designed exclusively for Elle by famed beauty expert Tammy Fender (who also sat with us later on in the day for a incredibly informative chat). I got to pick the essential oils used during the session, the foot reflexology was so good I fell asleep, and the facial itself was choice. I see why it’s the best of the best. I also did the Flash Glow which I expected to just be a exfoliating body scrub but my massage expert noticed some tension in my shoulders and neck (thanks blogging) and really got in there and worked that out too. Going the extra mile to work on a problem area always seals the deal for me.

Plunge pool photo via @m0m0ney’s instagram

Amanda and I wrapped up the day braving the plunge pool which is apparently really good for you but a little more than I can handle. I’m a baby. It does refresh the heck out of you though. Then we headed back up to the Spa Terrace where we’d all had lunch in the private cabanas (they have tv’s!!) to chat, lay out and have exotic mimosa’s. Our bartender was the BEST!

This visit was complimentary courtesy of Elle Spa, all opinions are still my own.

Chocolate Hair Extensions Review

Chocolate Hair was sent to me for review

Here’s my review of the hair extensions I’ve been wearing for the past few weeks. They are from Evertress and it’s called Chocolate Hair. I was really happy with this hair, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for affordable extensions of quality. This definitely won’t be the last time I use Chocolate Hair. The following photo/outfit posts I can be seen wearing Chocolate Hair:

Cool Cats & Wine
Low Key Camo At LuckyFabb
Did It Again (last shot with the True Blood cast)
My Locks, They Swing Low

I’m in Makeup Heaven

My friend Soo was kind enough to send me samples of her Sugarpill loose shadows. Girl seriously hooked me up. Did I mention how thankful I am? Cuz I’m bowing down to you over here.

Soo’s makeup chart I based my look from

Unif Jesus Saves Tank Free People Micro Tap Pant

I felt pretty glamorous so I decided to snap some shots of my results. It’s a little sloppy because it was my first time using loose shadows in ages, not to mention my first time using makeup out of sample baggies. I’m always cautious using blacks on my lid, because I don’t want to look like I’ve been punched in the eye. Next time I’d go a little heavier on the black.

Products Used

M.A.C. Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe (I can’t live without this)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Sugarpill Cosmetics Loose Shadow in Decora, Weekender, Stella, Gold Lux
Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV – Lost
Urban Decay 24-7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero & Electric
Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara
Bobbi Brown Blush in Cranberry
Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder in Bronze (Discontinued??! Oh no. )
Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Fbomb (O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D)

Blo’s & Quickie Manicures

During Art Basel I scheduled a blow out at Blo Midtown a new outpost of the ever popular blow dry bars. Such a treat, I was pretty excited to get my hair done so I’d be ready for my events of the evening. I came in UBER stressed after a mad morning of running around, sitting in traffic, and driving around for 20 minutes to find parking. Art Basel madness at it’s finest.

One of the lovely pink wig girls took my picture for me as I browsed the hair menu and sipped champagne. So silly of me not to get her name, but I’m sure we’ll meet again since she knows a photographer I know.

I have a keratin treatment (KeraPure) in my hair so I can’t use any products with sulfates if I’d like to maintain it. Just as I was going to tell my bloer that she’d have to use a sulfate free shampoo + conditioner she informed me that they don’t use any products that contain sulfates. How ecstatic was I! No worries for me, I could lean back and relax. For those of you unaware sulfates can be rather harsh for sensitive skin and may strip away color. They can dry your hair if you have naturally curly or dry hair which I do.

The snack bar by Sweet Point Bakery and Cafe was boss! I definitely indulged in all sorts of tiny pastries.

In my rush to get from the salon in midtown back to the beach to my next event I stupidly forgot to take a picture with my actual camera. The bloer did a great job washing my sew-in extensions and my hair was so light and fluffy after. A real deep down clean. Love the bounce and silkiness my curls had too. Above you can see me moments after.

The picture above is of me returning home that night. How is it possible that my curls look even better than moments after getting them done. She said the curls would fall but I didn’t think they’d look this good after a full night out. Needless to say I think I’m kinda hooked on the blow dry bar concept. They’re still doing a grand opening special Saturday (December 10th) from 11am – 7 pm. $21 blo outs. For more info check out my events page. P.S. – How much do I love that you can book online.

One of my stops for the night was at Dzine’s Imperial Nails a pop up shop at The Standard Miami. So much fun getting some fancy nail art on my pinky. It looked majorly cool and paired with my hair I was feeling pretty glamorous by the end of the night. I mean peep my curls!

What I Wore: Evil Twin Tides are Turning Maxi Cape Rebel Against the Recession tank Black Milk lace flares

Food Truck Rallin’

Filthy Magic Leopard Paneled Tee FM Large Round Sunglasses Wildfox Couture Heather High Waist Shorts

Love love these Wildfox Denim high waisted shorts. The acid wash coloring totally sold me. I just wanna throw them on and go hang out at a festival all day. Vanessa Hudgens wore these to Coachella. I don’t know when I’ll be making it to Coachella but I can put some flowers in my hair and pretend in these shorts. These pictures are about a week old as well. I added a purple/pink streak to my hair for the day just for fun. I literally attached it with a bobby pin because I didn’t want any color commitment.

Filthy Magic Boots (similar)

My hair is totally different now like I mentioned I was planning for in my last post. Thanks to everyone that complimented me on my haircut/natural hair though. You guys made me feel so pretty.If you follow me on instagram (riamichelle), on twitter (@riamichelle) or tumblr (riamichelle.tumblr.com) you definitely know what I’ve done to my hair. I haven’t shot anything for the blog yet with it, it’s only been 2 days.

Cult Nails Iconic nail color (gifted) Better shot

I wore this outfit to go to the Hard Rock for the Food Truck Rally. I had Rodeo tacos from Nacho Bizness & cupcakes from Clarabelles To Go (100% dairy free and kosher). See the camera strap in my lobby mirror shot, yeahhh I meant to take pictures AT the rally but forgot to make sure there was a memory card in the camera. Ultimate fail.

Last photos because this is already longer than I planned. Took these last two shots with my iPhone, edited them with the iPhone as well. My latest and greatest discovery in South Florida has to be the Boba Station food truck. The only thing that could be better is if they rolled up to my house. They’ve got my favorite drinks and I even got to try popping boba finally. Follow them on twitter to see where they’ll be in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale next.