Spanista » Self Care Rituals, Reflections & Resources for Joyful Living by Ginny Shiverdecker

  • Spa Style & Self Care Reflections, Rituals and Resources for Joyful Living

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  • About Spanista

    Ginny Shiverdecker, Creator of Spanista is Spa Wellness Enthusiast, Adventurer Seeker and Brand Builder.
    Ginny is……Read more

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spanista’s 5 Favored Stops Around Manhattan is just a glimpse of what I was able to enjoy around the eclectic city. This trip allowed for limited time to window shop or take in some of the more distinguished sites. The range of experiences always impresses whether you are a first timer or seasoned visitor but for me I love to stop at places that became my favorites while living in the city. This Big Apple range feeds the soul of a Spanista as it also includes a stop to my neighborhood Spa to receive a short treatment for relaxing my shoulder muscles that take a beating from carrying heavy shoulder bags at the conference and around the city.

Spanista’s 5 Favored Stops Around Manhattan:

  1. Visit Columbus Circle and Time Warner Center
  2. Visit the MOMA and the Bar
  3. Visit La Cirque old neighborhood restaurant with friends
  4. Enjoy Spa Butterfly near Grand Central Station
  5. Visit Times Square at Dusk with the famed Statue of Liberty

Spanista’s 5 Favored Stops Around Manhattan depicts the range of experiences here for anyone to enjoy. While I do not remember ever feeling so cold in New York in all the years I lived here as on this visit, Spanista’s time here is always inspiring – the trends, the people, the culture, the vibe – all influence Spanista’s view of 2015 and the stories to share with you to encourage Self Care.

Spanista Takeaway:  Travel is a part of feeding your soul and New York City is surely at the top of the list as a destination any time of the year. Where will you go to expand your horizons this coming year? Perhaps in the dead of winter you can begin your planning or better yet jump on a plane for a spring break where you can include a Spa visit? Enjoy the pics and let me know if anything strikes you of interest.

To Your Self Care Journey to Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Dylan’s Candy Bar Spanista’s New York City Playful Indulgence is simply irresistible. On the upper east side across the street from Bloomingdale’s is a small yet mighty store that soothes the savage beast with sugar delights. Yes, Spanista believes in the emotional and physical benefits of the dark chocolate.

If you have not heard Dylan is the daughter of the infamous, Ralph Lauren and his fashion empire. She has a point of view about a ‘candy lover’s playland’ that she envisioned of sharing with the world.

She brought her dream to life a few years ago and now oversees a Candy Empire. Her vision for Dylan’s Candy Bar manifested in a delightful, fun concept three-story concept called  ‘a Bar’.  It is a creative and colorful paradise for young and old alike that is full of unique candy treats with themes carried forward into a collection of apparel that celebrates the happy nature of the brand – t shirts, pj,s tops, toys are just the beginning.

Much of the product and presentation changes with the seasons making it always a fresh and exciting place to visit. The atmosphere is full of happiness.

Here is the Spanista Takeaway: Spanista believes if we deny ourselves little joys of life, like chocolate or gummy bears, it often surfaces in unhappy behaviors of a different nature. These goodies were given to us humans walking on this great earth to enjoy, but the key is to do it in moderation. Pick a small luscious treat, like dark chocolate and pick your time – perhaps once a week and keep it to a time where you can savor it – really feel the goodness of the treat. This small but thoughtful experience will satisfy you for days.

Dylan’s Candy Bar Spanista’s New York City Playful Indulgence is one of a kind, so check out the website – DylanCandyBar.com to see this little paradise. If you get to New York make sure to stop by for a boost of sugar and joy. Just seeing the kiddies delight in the experience is worth the trip. And remember along with the treats, take home a fun set of pajama’s too. While the candy will be gone in minutes the PJ’s will be reminder of all the sweetness Dylan’s and new York City have to offer.

May Your Self Care Journey To Joy Include Something Sweet,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Enjoying Morgan Library Manhattan’s Reflective Winter Refuge is special destination. It is located in mid town at Madison and 36th. While living in New York it is my Winter ‘go to place’ when I find myself hungery for green space, cultural inspiration and serenity.

It’s easy walking distance from both my high rise office and my apartment also in a high rise, overlooking the east river. For someone who grew up in a two story country house with a big green yard all around, a vast garden and an apple orchard, the contrast in lifestyles can be both emotionally and physically confining. Sometimes I  feel so claustrophobic in these limiting spaces the need to get out and set my feet on a solid foundation is essential – real earth underneath my feet was the only relief.

The Morgan Library was once a stately residence of John Pierpont Morgan and his second wife Frances after death of his first wife Amelia after one year of marriage. The crown jewel is the 1906 Library which is in a class by itself along with surrounding rooms – these rooms are luxurious in and old world way. Marble, richly carved woods, massive fireplaces and 18th century furnishings establish a period of exclusivity unparalleled. What really is stunning is experiencing the thoughtfully curated art and sculpture collections featured in their intended environments. These rooms in original state are dark and moody in keeping with the times. One can get lost in viewing priceless book treasures in the main library with the oldest scroll manuscript dating back to 1720 –almost 300 years old!

In addition one can view a fabulous collection of Bibles including a Gutenberg printed in 1455 as only one of three copies made. The medieval manuscripts are one of a kind with handcrafted bindings that have gold gilded covers framed with precious stones like rubies and sapphires. Many are handwritten of great writers, artists and composers. Stunning!

Knowing Mr. Morgan had the fore site to protect these vessels of creativity and historical record enriches my faith in mankind’s emotional capacity to recognize, love and protect such art. As you know my passion for books runs deep and to some degree is unexplainable but is undeniable. I salute Mr. Morgan’s fore site and am thankful for it.

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The Morgan Library was added on to and dedicated to the public viewing for all to enjoy. Another of my favorite aspects is the Cafe located in an open atrium where light floods in to nourish greenery and trees that frame the space. I came out of the cold to be revitalized here after days at the Javits Center surrounded by 35,000 people attending the National Retail Federation Conference. My brain overwhelmed by news of ever changing technology innovations, I felt the need to shift to a real place with substance and culture. And thus, slowing my mind by concentrating on things of historical beauty – the books and art that withstood the test of time.

Being seated by the Cafe windows I started with a hot latte and then indulged in a signature brunch feature on the menu – the eggs, mushrooms and leek skillet that is perfect for this time of year. Yum it is. While enjoying this I watched the light change in the room. This atrium window installation was created by Spencer Finch. A modern juxtaposition compared to the old world estate of the library, there are two clear plexi-glass mobiles that rotate high in the air refracting light beams that dance along all the surfaces. Quite captivating. I allowed myself to enjoy lunch and be taken away on the beams of light.

The modern space addition also boasts exhibit rooms that feature unique limited time showings. This time with lunch behind me, I will see Rousseau’s woodland drawings. No photos were allowed at this exhibit but if you go to The Morgan Library website you will get a one dimensional glimpse.

For me the last stop is the fabulous gift shop full of special things you will not find elsewhere. Of course, I love the book collection but also the jewelry. Great place to find gifts for those you love.

Enjoying Morgan Library Manhattan’s Reflective Winter Refuge is a playground for adults who love the finer things. If you find yourself heading to New York this Winter I suggest a stop for brunch, traditional tea or even dinner in the intimate formal dinning room and an hour to explore the library, as least. This place is truly a national treasure.

Have you been to the Morgan Library? If yes what do you enjoy about it?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: Assouline Remarkable Books Keep Reading Passion Alive is a discovery you find rarely these days. The night of my Spanista New York City Reflection Walk I wondered into Saks Fifth Avenue to experience the luxury side of life. They never fail to inspire me with “What’s New and What’s Next”!  On this particular trip I felt in the mood to head to the top – the home fashions floor to enjoy the latest trends in special touches that make a home distinctive and a bit glamorous yet welcoming.

Working my way through the vast beauty and fragrance first floor I hit the elevator making the trip up to the 7th floor easy – I would take the escalators down floor by floor to see if anything more catches my eye int he fashion arena.

Walking out onto the top floor I was drawn toward a dramatic presentation of books.  Yes books! They were no ordinary books, they had presence, polish and captivated by their cultured titles. The presentation stopped me in my tracks – you see I love books especially coffee table books. They art of them is not celebrated much anymore. But in spite of this trend, I discovered Assouline – The Most Sophisticated Books in the World. Who knew?  The titles covered topics like “Paris in the 1920’s” (Oh please take me there) and Havana! Oh my. This was something I could explore for hours. So I made my self at home taking several pictures to share with you.

My passion for books and the written word run deep. Someday I will share the story as to why I have such a deep bond. I often fear that with  the growth of digital Ebooks that the ‘real thing’ will disappear. The romantic in me loves the texture and tactile nature of  the dust jackets. the binding and the pages.

To find a book purveyor that takes sophisticated storytelling to a high art through books of this nature makes my heart soar. This is a Spansita’s dream come true – to have the opportunity to savor the beauty and adventures of life through books that celebrate magnificent photo essays.

Also you will see they extended the beautiful inspiration from the books into a refined collection of white stationary and journals – just gorgeous and so exclusive looking.

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Please visit Assouline.com to explore the unique world that  have created. It is a wonderful way to escape from the world and learn about culture. One of these books is going on next years Christmas gift list for sure. Enjoy!

Take a look at Good News Monday: Assouline Remarkable Books Keep Passion Alive and the website Assouline.com and tell me what you think?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

New York City Winter Nights Offer Spectacular January Magic for everyone and its free to enjoy if you dress well to brave the night weather. This Friday morning, I thought your heart might be warmed by a visual story.

On the lighter side of life, when I find myself in New York City again in January I make a point of getting out to key landmarks around the city. After living here for several years I discovered the holiday sparkle – especially the outdoor lights and decorations stay up through January. This has now become a Spanista Ritual – a Nighttime Reflection Walk that focuses on one thing – sheer pleasure of taking in the EXPERIENCE of Winter Nights only Manhattan can offer. It creates a great memory.

What I love about it is:

1. It is simply beautiful- somehow when the weather is so very cold (this year wind chills around zero) the lights twinkle and dance in the clear air.

2. It extends the holiday spirit weeks longer making the city atmosphere more joyful and fun.

So today I bring you some of the lovely scenes I was able to capture with my iPhone 6 Plus (gift from hubby) while facing the brutal temps. Frankly I do not remember ever being so cold! I had to jump into stores and coffee shops every so often to warm up. But in the end it was all worth it.

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Just one call out – St. Patrick’s Cathedral was just given its first exterior cleaning and renovation on the exterior. For a long time when I came by to see it was covered with scaffolding. That used a special technique to clean it. Just thinks of the years of city grit and grim on its skin now washed away to revel this amazing light bright site at night! It took my breath away. Juts had to share it. one cannot see the renovation on the interior yet but I can imagine that will be equally spectacular. Cannot wait to see it in the future. Near that of course is Rockefeller Center and the famous Charles Atlas Sculpture.

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Of course, I was so happy to sit by the fireplace with a hot chocolate when I got back to my Hotel on the near central park. It was a night well spent – memories created. Enjoy the pics and let me know which one you like.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Write a Comment

  • Kathleen - Absolutely beautiful!!! Especially St. Patrick’s. Thank you so much for sharing all your travel adventures. Hope to see you soon my friend.ReplyCancel

    • gshiver - Thank you for that Kathleen. More adventures coming your way as I am now headed off to Las Vegas this week. Looking forward to seeing you soon for our Spa Day!ReplyCancel