Blogging season is here! Covering new, cool things in Philadelphia (or even the oldies that I may just have not discovered yet) requires going to a lot of events (which I am so grateful for). Seriously, forcing myself to go out after work was one of the reasons I started this blog, and I can honestly say getting out there has helped me in so many aspects of my life. If you want to start a blogging adventure of your own, it might be worth visiting hostiserver.com for assistance regarding your web hosting needs. But, the one thing about events in this city (that I’ve found, anyway) is, when they’re happening, they’re all happening. After a very boring January, this last week was my first week back out with my normal schedule – and I had so much fun. Come along on a week in my life . . .
My First Time Getting Threaded {Anjuthreads Visit}
My initial thought when I first heard of “threading” (and saw it in the middle of the mall) was: what. is. this. sorcery? Being of Italian descent, I have been getting waxed since high school and truly do not feel my face is looking its best unless my brows are in pristine condition. I never thought I would give threading a try until I moved to Philly and heard of this fun little salon . . .
Anjuthreads (1126 Walnut Street) is a threading salon that opened in 2008. The team moved to their gorgeous (and spotless) Walnut Street location in 2010 and have been threading away ever since! The salon offers several services, for both men and women, but their standard eyebrow threading price is $13. Anju and her team invited me in to try some of their services and I was excited/nervous to finally give threading a try!
Threading is different from other hair removal techniques, mainly because it is safer. Unlike waxing, it is very natural and does not damage the skin, and, unlike tweezing, threading can create perfectly arched lines in a few minutes. The threader removes the hairs by trapping them in the thread and pulling them out from the root. If this sounds scary, don’t worry, I have some tips to make your first time simple.
To start: Just like any hair removal, the first time will hurt. My eyes were watering, big time. While the Anjuthreads studio is a beautiful and serene space, threading is not meant to be a relaxing process. Men: do you see the things we do for you? Take a deep breath & know it will get easier over time, just like waxing has become for me (but not tweezing – tweezing never, ever gets any less painful).
If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend not wearing make-up on your trip to the salon. My make-up was all over the place after the threading (think of all that thread rolling over your skin!) and I did slightly break out afterwards. Anju told me this is not common at all (Story of my life: I am constantly the exception to the rule.), but for someone with skin concerns like me, it’s best to let your threader know so they can suggest a stronger toner afterwards. Speaking of, make sure to take advantage of the toner bar – they have some great products!
When a hair is poking through the skin, the thread can grab it. So if you absolutely hate the thought of plucking out all of those baby hairs one by one, Anju & her team can pull them right out in about 5 minutes. Threading lasts two weeks to one month, depending on the client. 
In addition to the great treatments and beautiful salon space, I really enjoyed meeting Anju and her team. They are all very talented, and Anju is a true small business owner. I was really excited to learn more about why she started her salon and the things she loves about Philadelphia. Stop by Anjuthreads & support a local business – and let me know what you think!
Disclosure: I was provided free threading from Anjuthreads. All opinions are my own.
{Pin-Up Style} My First Bettie Page Dress
We all know I’m not a fashion blogger. We also all know I thoroughly enjoy shopping. I often fall victim to quantity over quality, so when I do give myself the opportunity to splurge on something special for myself, it better be amazing.
I had been passing Bettie Page (1605 Walnut Street) with lustful eyes since it opened. I had popped in a few times and twirled among the gorgeous dresses, but could never bring myself to declare that I deserved to treat myself (dresses start at about $130) to a dress like this. It was not until my friends & I were planning our New Year’s Eve party that I stopped in to Bettie Page for real. To buy.
I had always been greeted by sweet associates during my visits before, and this time was no exception. I had stopped in near closing, but the employees, dressed like little vintage bombshells themselves, couldn’t have been sweeter. They helped me with sizing, similar styles, and checked on me frequently in the dressing room.
I tried on a few different styles, but the sizing was not right for me. One of the associates told me the brand designs for taller women, so to my petite Philly ladies, just be aware. When I first tried on my (winning) dress, I thought I resembled Sailor Moon. But after talking it over with the Bettie gals, I realized this was just a different look for me. I took the dress home, entire shopping process done and over in less than 25 minutes. What . . . I said I came to play, didn’t I?
After some minor buyer’s remorse (about the price tag, only) combined with some mirror shot selfies to my buds in the weeks leading up to the event, I decided to keep the dress, and I am so thrilled I did. I wore my dress to our New Year’s Eve party and got compliments all night. It was different & unique, but it made me feel sexy & happy, and to me, that is worth a few less pieces from Forever 21 and a few more dollars saved for dresses like these.
The gold color of this dress is not available online, but the Glitter Red ($158) is. Bettie Page sizing runs from a 0 – 18 and the associates are truly fantastic to work with. Hey hey, Valentine’s Day is coming up, ladies! And whether you have a date or not, I say treat yourself this year, you’re so worth it! xx
{Get Pampered} LUSH Spa Is Now Open
I have been, and likely always will be, a huge LUSH Cosmetics fan. Since moving to Center City and living within walking distance of this yummy scented oasis, I have continuously enjoyed trying new products and watching the company grow. One day this past summer, I popped in to LUSH Walnut (1525 Walnut Street) to pick up some essentials before their impending brief closing & heard some amazing news – they were opening a spa! And after months of waiting, the spa is finally open for business. It may not be like the best spa in austin, but I’m sure it will come close once opened to the public later this year!
I was invited to visit LUSH Walnut last week to get a peek at the new spa & learn more about the treatments. We started our tour with an intro from Tina Juden, the spa’s manager. The first LUSH Spa was opened in London in 2009, and Philly & NYC now mark the first “English” spas in the United States. The spa’s consultation room is anchored by a gorgeous reclaimed barn wood table and surrounded by empowering words up on the wall. Each client first meets in this room with their therapist to determine their needs and how to personalize each treatment, over a cup of tea at that! (But we had cocktails…)
Once your treatment & personalizations are selected, it’s time to head upstairs. While to some spas, the music playing in the background is just an afterthought, the movements at the LUSH Spa are choreographed to each treatment’s specific soundtrack. Plus, the therapists must train for four months in order to work at the Spa.
We started with the Spa’s signature treatment, Synaesthesia (80 minutes, $230). This treatment is a fully choreographed massage based on how you’d like to feel at that moment. The colors, scents & music you experience are all tailored around your instinctive choice of “emotional state” decided upon in the consultation room.
Our second room featured The Validation (60 minutes, $140), a non-invasive facial meant to treat your skin and make you feel beautiful from the inside out. You get to pick 13 products to use during your session, and even take home the leftovers!
Next, we moved on to The Spell (60 minutes, $120), a “magical” treatment meant to help you let go of worry and move forward in life with ease. This one is literally all devoted to the feet, with the added bonus of a scalp massage. I think I know a few men who would like this one . . .
Our next room was The Good Hour (70 minutes *get it?*, $180). This treatment is a full-body, deep tissue massage that is choreographed to a boisterous soundtrack featuring sailors & mariners from the ’50s & ’60s. The music seemed a little too much for me, but if you’re into that sort of transformative experience, this might be fun.
Our last stop (though there are two more treatments available) was The Comforter (60 minutes, $170), and this may have been my favorite of the bunch. The Comforter is an exfoliation & rolling body massage treatment on a fluffy, heated duvet under a dark room filled with stars. The scents used are chocolate and rose, and I really loved the music.
The Spa was really a treat to experience. And when I get a treatment there, it will also be a treat. Yes, the prices may be a little more than what you’re used to paying in the Philly area, but I can assure you, your experience will be one of a kind.
