My rainy afternoon in Cold Spring, NY

I have always been my most inspired when it's raining (maybe because I'm a Pisces), and today, my mother and I thought we would get in the Jeep and drive up to a sleepy Hudson River town called Cold Spring. Here I am, shoes untied and surrounded by fog, mid-way to our destination. Sometimes, you need a break from the fast-paced city, and sometimes, you just have to jump out of the car in the middle of a winding road for a photo-op...

​When we finally arrived, not much was open on this tiny little street of antique shops and eclectic cafés. Our usual brunch spot, Hudson Hil's Cafe & Market, happened to be closed (you HAVE to try their granny smith apple, fig, and gouda grilled cheese), so we stopped in the Foundry Cafe instead. Immediately, this spot reminded me of a little place I once spent time in while visiting New Orleans, with the blues blaring from their speakers. We picked a table by the window, though there wasn't much happening outside, and each ordered the vegetarian Molten Foundry Chili. Delicious.
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Once we were fed (we don't do well when we're hungry), we scoured each and every antique shop on the strip. Vintage cameras, old letters from lovers, toys that somehow lost their owners... Whenever I walk into these stores, the heaviness of history within each item weighs on me. My mind rushes to fill in the blanks, wondering how these things ended up right here and with me. It's a hunt, and though I don't always find pieces that I desperately need, the ones I do are that much more meaningful. Here is an old Judy Garland pin-up I found.
Lucky me.
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Then, I hit the major beauty-lover jackpot: Cold Spring Apothecary & Wellness House.

As soon as I walked into this beautiful, spacious store on the corner of Main Street, I knew I had found gold. This local Apothecary & Wellness House, established in 2010, focuses on natural healing remedies using botanicals and herbs - all the hair care, skin care, body care, and home goodies my inner-witch desires. I spent what felt like moments, but was most likely hours, walking around and trying out nearly every single product. The aroma of each was breathtaking, and the quality of the product was incredibly luxurious. No time for tea or a facial or even a cut, color, and blowout (yeah, they have all that, too) - I was fixated on finding which lovely products I would be taking home with me.
These are sure signs of a woman falling in love.
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After much thought, I ended up purchasing the Citrus Wood Soft Hold Pomade for those textured waves, the Acne Spot Treatment for pesky blemishes, and the Abyssinian & Rose Rock Beauty Oil for my insatiable face oil addiction. I was also so kindly offered some samples of the Volume & Scalp Health Tonic Oil which stimulates hair growth (officially adding this to my hair growth regimen), the Chia Seed Oil Eye Makeup Remover which aids lash growth, and the Calendula & Sweet Fennel Facial Cleanser for skin on the sensitive side. I'll keep you all posted on how I'm liking these products, though I'm sure I'll be taking many trips back to Cold Spring to pick up some more (the Sea Salt & Aloe Deodorant was out of stock, but that alone is worth the trip back).

Until the next inspiring rainy day...

What are your favorite things to do when it rains?