A few Sundays ago, my cousin, Katie, and I visited The Spa at Bear Creek. What an experience! Every Christmas, my dad’s side of the family chooses names from a hat and purchases gifts for selected family members. This past Christmas was my first time to buy. After much thought, I decided that spending time with Katie and doing something together would be much more thoughtful than wrapping up a sweater that she may or may not end up liking.

Thus, I decided on a relaxing spa afternoon. Let me tell you! I am so not a spa girl. I was completely beside myself and questioning everything from tipping to what the heck am I going to do with my hair after the sauna.

We arrived to an inviting atmosphere and friendly staff. Everyone was incredibly accommodating and answered any and all questions with a smile. It’s beautiful there. I can’t compare it to any other spa, though, because this was my first. Good thing Katie had some practice.

The locker room was bright and spotlessly clean save for a few water glasses left behind by guests. But, they were quickly whisked away to the dishwasher within the blink of an eye. After getting ourselves comfortable and dressed in proper spa attire, we exited the locker room to relax in comfy chairs and awaited our services. Soft, soothing music played. Cool, refreshing water with the perfect hint of orange was ready for pouring at any time. Cookies, nuts, tea, and wine were also available.

We each decided on a sea salt scrub, because, what the heck, we’ve never had it done before. What better way to welcome in spring with a nice exfoliation to rid of winter’s dead skin cells? Going in, I knew it was going to be awkward. And I knew I was going to be awkward about it. And yes, the whole time I thought it was awkward. I could hardly relax because I was too busy thinking about how chilly it was inside the room and how I thought the lights could have been dimmer.

Oh, well! After our scrubs we checked out the sauna. It was the perfect way to help the moisture seep into our glowing skin. We hit up the outdoor Jacuzzi and I sort of felt like I was smack dab in the middle of the Swiss Alps with the mountainous backdrop. Of course, the Alps are obviously much taller. And we weren’t in Switzerland. But anyway, after the bubbly soak we headed back inside for fresh and healthy lunches including a yummy caprese salad and Katie’s greens with strawberries. We raised our glasses of white wine and toasted to our lovely spa day.

I wouldn’t say this was the best part, but honestly, I was so excited to leave with a free The Spa at Bear Creek lip balm that I raved about it for days! Aside from the awkwardness that ensued on my part, the overall experience was delightful. I would totally do it again, but I’m just not the kind of girl who goes for a pedi every other week and massage every month. If you’re reading this, thanks for a great afternoon staff at The Spa!

Winter and I have a love-hate relationship. Most of the time he’s rather dull and unattractive, but from time to time we actually get along with one another.

Like today, for instance, I quite enjoy these lovely warmer temperatures. But I know he’s going to turn a cold shoulder and show me his ugly face without warning. The funny thing is, I snowboard. So when I say I hate winter, people tend to ponder my choice to partake in such a winter sport. I may not exactly love the cold, but what I do love is the adrenaline rush that comes with snowboarding.

This season, my first trip to the mountain actually came on New Year’s Day for a nice evening session at Windham Mountain in New York. Really nice place! Unfortunately, only the lower half of the mountain is lighted so my group and I didn’t really have the opportunity to experience the more challenging runs. It snowed the entire time we were there so it was really nice to ride on real snow rather than the man-made stuff you find around here.

Speaking of man-made, on Wednesday night I drove up to Bear Creek for a quick two hours. Did you know they added a Waffle Hut at the bottom of the mountain? They had one of those at Windham, too. Must be the new thing.

Another thing they had at Windham was a Big Air Bag. Skiers and snowboarders launch off a small-ish kicker and land onto a huge air bag that sort of just immediately dumps you off. A few of us really wanted to try it at Windham, but riders need to wear helmets. Fortunately, Blue Mountain just added one, so perhaps in the very near future I will check it out.

Despite the cold that winter brings, the after-Christmas sales are seriously hot. I’ve managed to avoid the mall, surprisingly, but today at lunch Gap was calling my name as I walked by. I gave in. And walked out with a great sweater dress, two button-down shirts with ruffles, and a pair of tights for next to nothing. All sale items were an additional 25 percent off. How could I say no? I’m having a bit of buyer’s remorse, but I know as soon as I wear those items I’ll realize it was totally worth it.

Winter, sometimes I love you and most of the time I hate you. Actually, I just love to hate you. Spring, I am so incredibly looking forward to our reunion.