Pampered at the Red Door Spa in Mystic County

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The Red Door Spa at the Mystic Marriott

One of my favorite lines in the movie Steel Magnolia's is when Truvy (played by Dolly Parton in the big screen version) has all her favorite friends in for a salon visit during a pivotal scene. Truvy (Parton) gushes in delight and exclaims...

"I'm going to paint my front door RED and change my name to ELIZABETH ARDEN!" 

The Red Door Spa at the Mystic Marriott

That's the same delight I experienced when the wonderful people at the Red Door Spa reached out to invite me for a visit to experience some of their spa services.

Friendly Faces at Check In
At The Red Door Spa

You see, summer is coming to an end here in Connecticut. August always seems to be the shortest month of the year as we bid adieu to warm weather and usher in the cooler temperatures of fall in New England. Before we retire all our favorite sandals and open-toed shoes, we like to give them one last hurrah.

But what's a girl to do when she's neglected her hands and feet all summer?

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa to the rescue! 

So, of course, I requested a manicure / pedicure package!

 (http://www.thereddoor.com/packages/signature-package)

This was my very first time visiting the Red Door Spa, although I'm very familiar with their location at the Mystic Marriott. My sister and I spent a fun weekend there a few years ago, and while we were traveling we so regretted not being able to visit the spa!

I requested a Sunday afternoon appointment and was given a grand tour upon my arrival. I discovered that all spa visitors at the Mystic location are also allowed to use the Marriott's indoor pool, sauna, and exercise room on the day of their visit. When you book your signature package  be sure you arrive early to enjoy the amenities.

The Red Door Spa
Partnering with the Mystic Marriott for the Indoor Pool

The Exercise Room at the Red Door Spa in the Mystic Marriott

Bring a suit to lounge in the pool area, or steam out those tired muscles in the sauna - the spa is yours to enjoy no matter the reason for your spa visit at this location!

And if that's not your thing you can curl up under a soft blanket in their Relaxation Room and get some reading done - or sip some coffee in the mini-cafe!

The Red Door Spa Relaxation Room

I mean really, who wouldn't want to escape the house for a few hours and relax at a spa for the afternoon!

The Red Door Spa Coffee Bar

I opted to relax in one of their super comfy robes in order to get the full spa experience.

I asked for some help picking out polish colors - as I had a picture of a pale pink I wanted to replicate, and Sevil, who would be assisting me this afternoon recommended a bright pink for my pedicure (Essie: Chastity) and and pale pink for my manicure (Essie: French Affair).

These colors were picture perfect!

(Left) Brand - Essie: Color: French Affair
(Right):Brand - Essie: Color - Chastity) 

Then the best parts of the day began! The Mani/Pedi.

We started with the pedicure where I  eased into the large overstuffed comfortable chair station in the pedicure section of the room. Believe me, it was so relaxing and zen like with natural light flooding in through the windows.

It was absolute heaven having The Red Door Signature Pedicure.

A warm neck pillow sets the stage for some total relaxation. After a long soak in the whirlpool foot bath and some much needed foot pampering, there was slathers of shea butter, a sugar scrub exfoliate, followed by a warm paraffin that seals all the moisture in, and a reflexology foot and lower leg massage.

Next we moved on to The Red Door Signature Manicure, with this season's Mint Julep special.

After some pampering, hands are exfoliated with a light citrus grass salt scrub, followed by a massage with mint-julep and lavender shea butter. Lastly, the paraffin treatment seals in the hydration, and my nails were finished off with Essie Brand's French Affair shade.

I ended my little mini spa retreat with a quick cup of coffee from the coffee bar and nibbled on some fruit while I waited for my nails to completely set and dry.

There are so many other great packages to enjoy at The Red Door Spa! Bridal retreats, facials, massages, and full hair service (cut, color. blow-dry etc.). In addition, you'll find a full line of beauty products available. Treat yourself to a makeup lesson and some fabulous new products!

Be sure to visit a Red Door Spa near you soon!

Book your visit today!

Here are some helpful links for The Red Door Spa

• Signature Packages: http://www.thereddoor.com/packages/signature-package
• Find a Location Near You: http://www.thereddoor.com/locations
• Buy Someone You Love a Red Door Gift/Certificate http://www.thereddoor.com/gifts-purchase

In the Connecticut Area? There's easy access right off CT's I-95!

Visit The Red Door Spa at the Mystic Marriott

625 Connecticut 117
Groton, CT 06340
Phone: (860) 446-2500
http://www.thereddoor.com/

About the Red Door Spa

The Red Door Spa has welcomed guests since 1910 when Elizabeth Arden opened her first location on New York's Fifth Avenue. The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa continues to promote the legendary techniques of Ms. Arden and her fundamental belief that beauty should be an "intelligent union of nature and science to develop one's finest natural assets."

The holistic approach to skincare remains at the core of The Red Door Spa's innovative treatments, using the finest quality products and services, partnered with the highest level of technical expertise.

Disclosure: 

I was invited to experience the spa services at the Red Door Spa by members of their management and marketing team, however all views expressed are my own.

Chico's at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet

Back to School With Chico's Outlet

Every year my local Chico's Outlet at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets holds a Teacher Appreciation - Back to School event. Whether you're a teacher, or a student, or not... it's a great opportunity to start working on your fall wardrobe!

This year's Back to School event was an afternoon "iced tea" affair that included fun activities, a glimpse into some great fall fashions, information on upcoming trends, and some informal modeling by the Chico's associates.

Love the color of this top!

And we even had a little sampling tasting. Because cookies aren't just for after school snacks! Especially when they're gluten free! These treats were provided by Still Delicious out of Westbrook CT, a bakery known for being allergen free!

YUM!

Back to shopping!!!

I loved the continuation of bright colors and jewel tones that will be transitioning us into the fall season. And Chico's offers some great pieces to complete your look. Jean jackets, lightweight sweaters, and effortless tops, that mix and match with so many great things.

The girls of Chico's!
Modeling some new fall fashions.
Love the fabulous jewelry!

There is always room for traditional fall colors light burnt orange, golds, and earth tones.

Traditional fall colors abound

But I also loved the muted tones of pale rose and grays 

Muted tones with a geometric edge
and a little animal print thrown in for good measure!

This new line of "perfect" pants features some great colors and prints and there's even a built in tummy control! They're comfortable and figure flattering!

OMG! These jeans are AMAZING

Chico's is a specialty retailer of exclusively designed, private label, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, complimentary accessories and other non-clothing gift items. Virtually all of the clothing, accessories and non-clothing gift items offered at Chico's stores are designed by the company's in-house product development team and bears the "Chico's" trademark. (From Clinton Premium Outlet Store Dirctory at http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/clinton-crossing/stores/)

Visit a Chico's near you soon!

My closest Chico's is at the Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Center - but you can find your local Chico's here https://stores.chicos.com/

Chico's at Clinton Crossing

20-A Killingworth Turnpike, Suite 160. 
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 669-2097 
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/clinton-crossing/stores/chicos
https://www.chicos.com/store/

Johnny Utah's Country Fun in Connecticut

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Two Step over the Threshold to Johnny Utah's in SoNo

In the township known as South Norwalk or SoNo for short, is a community of small shops, boutiques, and some of Fairfield county's best restaurants.

We finally were able to make it up to one we've been waiting to try for what seems like forever, Johnny Utah's on Washington Street in South Norwalk.

Why have we been so anxious to try this place?

How about it's a country-western inspired destination that I knew my husband (aka the cowboy) would love - and it serves great Americana pub food with a fun flair that I knew I would adore!

How country-western is it? Try a mechanical bull, a beer can flag wall, deer antler chandeliers, and cowhide covered chairs and booths! And country line dancing on Friday nights!

What? A bucking bronco is not your thing?

How about a swing over the back bar on your way to the outhouse instead?

What ever your thing, Johnny Utah's is a fun destination to grab some great bar grub and have a good time.  Operated by the same management group who oversee Stamford's popular Sign of the Whale at Harbor Point, Johnny Utah’s is a one-of-a-kind social hybrid which embraces its inner Blake Shelton, wrapped in Cowboy Boots, Old No. 7 Jack Daniels Sippin' Whiskey,  Respectable BBQ, Burgers and Brews.

Here's a snapshot pictorial of some of the items we sampled on our visit.

Cocktails at Johnny Utah's

The Johnny Utah Moscow Mule

 The Johnny Utah (Jim Beam Ghost White Whiskey,
coconut rum, spiced rum, pineapple and cranberry juice);

Appetizers / Small Plates / Sides at Johnny Utah's

Lo and Slo Barbecue Ribs

Johnny Utahs Down Home Chili

Johnny Utah Fries

 Onion Tumbleweeds
(thinly sliced onions battered and fried and served with chipotle mayo)

Johnny Utah's Egg Rolls

And we really had some fun with Johnny Utah's over the top chicken wings prepared every which way! lightly dusted and deep fried and sauced up, Guinness, Sriracha, house spicy, teriyaki, or even smothered with peanut butter and jelly and served with a Fluff dipping sauce. You name it! They make it!

Johnny Utah's Wings

Burgers at Johnny Utah's in South Norwalk

The true stars of the show that night were the 10 ounce grass fed, certified all natural beef burgers in every shape and form that are available. This juicy, all natural, naked burger can be topped with any number of saucy, cheesy, fried, cold, hot, or even healthy additions. Because a fried egg is considered healthy, right???

Johnny Utah's Burger
The simple burger is always best
Red Onions, Tomatoes, and Crisp Lettuce

Johnny Utah's Burger
Is it a nacho or is it a burger?
With Spicy Pepper Jack Cheese, Jalapenos, and Peppers

Johnny Utah's Burger
Man oh Man! With Mushrooms and Fried Onions

Johnny Utah's Burger
With Diced Peppers, Tomatoes, Garlic, Onion
and Slices of Red Onion on a Brioche Bun

Johnny Utah's Burger
The Breakfast Burger with a Fried Egg
Cheddar Cheese and Slab Bacon

Johnny Utah's Burger
Red Peppers and Grilled Onions with Melted Artisan Cheese

And you can even have a pulled pork selection

Johnny Utah's Pulled Pork
Jalapenos, Cheddar Cheese and BBQ Sauce

Or, the Big Bucking Burger, a beautiful burger stuffed between TWO grilled cheese sandwiches (on the top and the bottom of course) slathered with pulled pork, with slab bacon, lettuce, tomato and house made burger sauce.

The Big Bucking Burger
at Johnny Utah's in South Norwalk

Dessert Milkshakes at Johnny Utah's

Believe it or not after all that beef we saved some room for dessert. This dessert came more in the liquid form as in some decadent summer milkshakes. Flavors include Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake topped with Hershey's chocolate bar, Reese’s peanut butter cups, whipped cream and roasted marshmallows, Cookies & Cream Milkshake topped with cookie crisp, whipped cream and Oreos, Cherry Milkshake blended with skittles, rimmed with vanilla frosting and various candies, topped with whipped cream, skittle shavings, a cherry pop-tart and cherry pie, Blueberry Milkshake rimmed and topped with vanilla frosting blueberries, blueberry muffins and whipped cream, Vanilla Milkshake blended with bits of bacon topped with bacon, whipped cream and French fries. (well, maybe we should have tried that one for dinner instead!)

Johnny Utah's Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake

Johnny Utah's Blueberry Muffin Milkshake

So, embrace your inner Johnny Cash or Brad Paisley or Patsy Cline or Miranda Lambert and head on down to Johnny Utah's for some country western fun and grub!

And, best of all, it's cowboy approved!

Johnny Utah's SoNo

80 Washington Street
Norwalk, Connecticut 06854
203.299.0711
http://www.johnnyutahssono.com/


Disclaimer: We were invited to this sampling event by members of Johnny Utah's management and marketing team, however, all views and opinions expressed are our own.


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