Inspiration for living a luxuriously and balanced life

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Self Care Package Give-a-way



NOTE: ----  Date to join be to be eligible to win this give-away has been extended to January 4th

Once you are a member - go to group - and leave a comment BELOW the give-away post.. It's that easy! and you are in the draw!!! Good luck everyone!! Draw closes January 5th, 2016 - Winner announced January 6th, 2016 ..


Are you a Resilientista Social Lounge VIP?
 
The Resilientista Social Lounge is a place where women from around the globe can come together over a virtual cup of tea/coffee or a little bubbly to share stories, struggles and AHA moments. It's a place where women can find inspiration for taking better care of themselves, and be inspired to create a beautiful life. 

MEMBERSHIP HAS IT'S PRIVILEGES

  • 24/7 access to the exclusive members only Facebook group
  • Connect with women who are facing or have already conquered the same challenges you face.
  • 52 weeks of Self Care prompts: posted weekly to keep you motivated with your self care practice.
  • Giveaway gifts exclusive to Resilientista Social Lounge members only.
Did I mention it's FREE!! Become a VP today ... Click Here


You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

 photo a7ceed8b-ce4f-45e6-8e44-5208e41b8eab_zps61970480.jpg
Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...
Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates 

Thursday, December 17, 2015

A Hidden Gem in the city - Windsor Arms Spa


My love affair with Windsor Arms goes back to the days of the cigar lounge - when I would go with one of my girl friends to mix, mingle, enjoy the music, atmosphere and kick back on a Thursday or Saturday night after a long week at the office. The smell of a good cigar in the air was intoxicating while we sipped cognac. Yes, the good "old" days. An other friend introduced me to afternoon tea after Christmas shopping in Yorkville one afternoon - and it became an annual outing with many tea adventures throughout the year as well. But I had never checked out the Windsor Arms Spa... until today! 

In my quest to find unique places to explore in Toronto and bring you wonderful experiences to inspire you to practice your own self care, I came across the December Delights spa specials at Windsor Arms. The Candy Wrap and Butter Rum manicure and pedicure really intrigued me.. so here goes, I invite you to come along my dear readers ...
Upon arriving I was greeted with a warm welcome and smile, from Tamar. I seated myself in the greeting area stocked with fruit infused water, tea, and coffee (Starbucks - ah  yes please!!) and cookies.


After taking a few moments to enjoy my Starbucks - I was guided to the women's change room. Plenty of plush white towels, lockers, dressing table with essential amenities, showers and facilities can be found here. Everything you need to prepare for some self care. I was also introduce to Daniela, who would be transforming me from holiday stressed to relaxed and rejuvenated.



The sink area was breath taking !!! the sink reminds me of murano glass (it may be, I forgot to ask).


Once undressed and robed - I was ready to be candy wrapped. The treatment begins with a full body peppermint exfoliation followed by a delicious chocolate chip mask and is finished with a white chocolate souffle massage that leaves you relaxed and rejuvenated!


Here you go ladies the lengths I go to, to find you new places and things for inspiring you to self care.
I may or may not have sampled the chocolate mask. The aroma of chocolate was beyond divine!! It was after all neck to toe!! and ignited my senses.


after showering off the peppermint exfoliation and chocolate mask, came the chocolate souffle massage can you say after me  - BLISS!!!!!!


that was just the beginning .. next a butter rum pedicure



These warm booties helped the oils to penetrate leaving my feet hydrated and silky smooth. 



next up ... a butter rum manicure ....


just like the booties .. my hands were also placed in warm mitts treating my hands too!!


Sugar cane, butter rum, and sweet vanilla exfoliate, smooth, and nourish hands and feet.


The Spa is spacious and offers many sitting areas to sit back and take a break before, after or in-between treatments. I learned there are some spa packages which include a light lunch ...and the area is filled with an abundance of natural sunlight. I noticed a large terrace off this area - which I could envision sitting back with a glass (or two) of bubbly with my girl friends in the summer after self care treatments.

image credit - Windsor Arms
 The holidays can be both exciting and stressful - so make sure that you are taking time to practice some self care whether you treat yourself to some spa treatments or some DIY treatments at home.

If you can't make it before the holidays - Tamar shared with me, that the December specials will be extended to the month of January. But ladies I suggest securing your spa reservation as soon as possible, as times fill up quickly.

I'm beyond thrilled to have discovered this little hidden gem in the city. Unlike most elite spas this one offers a relaxed atmosphere while offering upscale treatments and services. As a long time client, whom I had the opportunity to chat with while getting my pedi said "this is a well kept secret".  I hope you will give it a try and experience your own bliss. I'm already dreaming of experiencing a full day at the spa in the new year.

Oh did I mention ...
the scrumptious cookies? or how
wonderfully relaxed and rejuvenated I felt?

For readers who may not be familiar with Windsor Arms I invite you to visit their website and discover this unique boutique hotel and all the wonderful services it has to offer.


And if all the amazing spa services are not enough ... 
in February the spa launched the Healing Salt Cave .. which is complimentary with spa services exceeding $150. It can be booked as an independent treatment as well. I will be sharing more of my experience in the salt cave in the next week or two.

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

 photo a7ceed8b-ce4f-45e6-8e44-5208e41b8eab_zps61970480.jpg
Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...
Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Being a Holt Icon has its Privileges - Holiday Lounge & Birthday Gift

Long time readers of HHL already know how much I love shopping at Holt Renfrew (especially the Bloor location) ... after all I've been mentioning them since my early days of blogging in 2010. And when they introduced Holt Icon Privileges, I didn't have to be asked twice to become a member ... and the best part its FREE and the benefits are amazing!!!



One of the benefits is access to the Holiday Lounge, which I got to experience on my
latest trip to pick up my birthday gift from Holt's (more on that later).


The living room setting is welcoming and perfect for resting your high heeled toes ladies! 
- and for the gentlemen too. There's a television, lots of  complimentary snacks and beverages and a powder room too.




and of course a wrapping area!! 


Where the staff are friendly and skilled at wrapping. Though they are Hostesses ... I told them to me they are wonderful magical wrapping elves - making each gift look beautifully wrapped and ready to be popped under tree when you get home. No more paper cuts, fighting with the tape dispenser, or trying to cut the right size of wrapping paper, trying to fold even corners, or getting that bow just right. Good bye wrapping frustration, or trying to find a hiding spot until you find time to wrap.

Thank you Lexie, Linda and Brigitte for the warm welcome and taking the frustration out of wrapping 
for us busy and/or gift wrapping challenged persons.



Wrapping is complimentary for Holt Icon Privileges members ...
Fabulous gift selections for everyone on your list - including YOU!! a stylish rest area to kick back and rest between shopping, complimentary snacks and beverages and gift wrapping  .. YUP! I would say membership has its privileges

Wrapping and the Holiday Lounge is available until December 24th at the Bloor location.


Another wonderful privilege of being a Holt Icon member is a birthday gift!  


yes ladies in the month of your birthday you will receive 
an invite to visit the concierge desk ...


to pick up your birthday gift!!


Loving my new black leather Holt Icon Privileges luggage tag. And a little travel inspiration from Mr. & Mrs. Smith - I checked out their site and was in awe of the offerings - from the once in a life time, luxurious experience to luxe for less and everything in between. Though my milestone bday is this Saturday ... I'm not officially celebrating until 2016, so may need to check out some spa destinations.

Check out this fabulous and unique gift idea ... perfect stocking stuffer!!


You don't have to be a Holt Icon Privilege member to create a personalized nutella jar, 
for that sweet tooth on your list (along with picking up jars for 
a couple of people on my list I may or may not have also picked one up for moi)... 
How amazing is this unique gift idea??

Are you done, almost done, or just starting your Christmas shopping?

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

 photo a7ceed8b-ce4f-45e6-8e44-5208e41b8eab_zps61970480.jpg
Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...
Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates