Saturday, September 19, 2009

Spa Day

Yesterday, my mother and I pampered our footsies with an afternoon at the spa. Some of you may remember that my dad and I got my mom an "ultimate" pedicure at Coldwater Creek The Spa for Mother's Day. Well, my mom enjoyed it so much, she decided she wanted to get one again-- and this time take me along, too! How could I say no?

I knew the spa's "ultimate" 80-minute pedicure was special, but I didn't remember all that it entailed. But oh my, was it a luxurious experience. I have never been so pampered! We were taken to a back room where we were told to sit in these comfy, reclining chairs that were backed with pillows. The nail therapists, Kris and Kim, put heated wraps around our necks, tilted back our chairs and covered us in white blankets, literally tucking us in. To aid in the relaxation process, we were given eye pillows and aromatherapy oils were brought under our noses.

Then the work on our feet and legs began. At times I felt like laughing, sometimes because I am ticklish, but most times because it all felt a little ridiculous how much my feet were being fussed over! The pedicure was a parade of lotions, scrubs, oils-- even a clay mask! It also included a mini foot and leg massage. Here is the description from the services menu:

A blissful vacation for over-stressed feet. During this therapeutic treatment, your feet are smoothed with an earth-based, mineral-rich sugar exfoliant and warmed with a nourishing, anti-oxidant clay mask. The natural healing properties of our ultra-soothing massage techniques increase circulation and leave your feet feeling wonderfully revived. Following foot buffing, nail grooming and polish, your lower legs and feet are noticeably smoother, with a beautiful satiny gloss. And your toes? More than ready for their close-up.

That last part is particularly true. My toes have never looked so good, and so cute! They are perfectly shaped, perfectly polished, smooth and shiny-- definitely a step up from my at-home pedicures. The color is very fall: a deep purple with a hint of burgundy.

Now, if you are looking to catch up with your girlfriends-- or your mother, whatever the case may be-- this is not the right venue. The eye pillow, the aromatherapy, the soothing music, it is all designed to create a relaxing experience where talking is kept to a minimum. The nail therapists only talk to you, in a low voice, at the very beginning of the service to ask what temperature water you want, what color polish, if you'd like the nails trimmed or just filed, etc... They don't utter another word until you are all done and prettified!

Since we couldn't catch up at the spa, my mom and I went out for lunch at one of our favorite spots: Souplantation. Not so fancy, but yummy nonetheless. Though, we both ate way too much! (Buffets have a way of doing that to you. At least it was salad and soup, right? Ok, ok, it was soft-serve ice cream over a brownie, too.) With our bellies stuffed we hugged goodbye. It was a very nice mother-daughter day, one I hope to do again soon! (And though I already told her this, I want to say it again since I know she is reading this, Thanks so much mom for a fabulous day!) 

The only "downside" is that, after that experience, I think I am spoiled for life. I don't think I can ever suffer to polish my own toes again!

So, when's the last time you were pampered? And do you always go to a spa or salon to get your nails done?

Hope you are having a great Saturday!

4 comments:

Amber said...

I am very lucky to have a "spa-loving" momma - as I like to call her. She gets a massage every week and a pedicure every 4 weeks and anytime we go to a new city/town she HAS to try out their spa. So I've been the lucky recipient of several spa trips with her.

My most recent one was when I went back to FSJ at the beginning of September. For my birthday she took me to the spa for three hours and we each got a massage, a pedicure and a facial. It was heavenly!! I hope to one day have enough money to get regular spa treatments because I honestly can't think of anything more relaxing!

So glad to hear you had fun with your mom and I love the colour you picked for your toes! It's very similar to the one that I got a few weeks ago, although most of it is chipped off by now!

PS: I think you are coming up to Canada soon! I hope you have a really, really great time!!! If the funds would allow it I would so trek down to the island and meet you! Next time for sure :-)

Shoshanah said...

I'm quite a fan of the color you picked out for your toes!

bethany said...

Ooo, lovely! Your feet look fabulous! (Wait. That sounds creepy and fetishish. It isn't--I swear! I just appreciate a good pedicure!)

I'm digging on the autumnal color choice, too. Nice!

rachel said...

Sounds like a FANTASTIC outing! I need to go to a spa sometime soon... I haven't been to one in forever. I usually just make my boyfriend give me massages instead, but of course those only end up lasting about five minutes before he gets tired :)

Hope your week is off to a great start!