 A Day of Pampering…. resized.jpg) Posted by Jeanne Adams Dec 8 2011, 12:24 am
However, I confess that I was stumped. Books are always good, of course. Socks – gotta love thick woolly socks. I got a new robe last year – divine – but I could use some new PJs, I told him. “What about a spa-day?” he asked, eyes focused on the road as we drove home. Color me dumbfounded. He’s not suggested this in a long time, mostly because the last few years seem to have been a blur of kids and baseball and…well, needless to say that was a “dating present” rather than a “married present” if you know what I mean. I actually had to think about it for a bit, and told him so. Spa day. Hmmmmm. Would that mean…..Massage? The thought of THAT perked me riiiiiiight up. Ohhhhhh yeah, I thought. I could USE a massage. My back is currently akin to rebar and concrete, or perhaps granite and steel. So a But as soon as I thought it, that other part of the Spa-Day-Ritual-Thing leapt to mind. Manicures. Pedicures. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good manicure. I love the colors, the fabulous, fabulous colors of fall and winter nail polishes. My favorite OPI polish – the ones with the fabulous names – are all fall and winter colors. Bogata Blackberry is a delicious deep claret color. Can You Tapas *Tacky buzzer sound* Wrong. I hate the scrubbing and rasping and clipping. I really dislike it when five women in one row (the manicurists) are having a running, laughing conversation with one another in a language only they know, leaving us (the customers), sitting there like wallflowers feeling as if we’re the butt of the joke. I don’t like taking my rings off – or being glared at because it’s one of “those” days and I CAN’T get my rings off. I verge on hyperactive. Really. (Ya’ll would never have guessed this, right?!) If I’m writing, I’m okay because I’m engrossed in the story. But sitting with my hand in dish soap or some like-substance, being ignored as if I were a horse being shod, just really doesn’t keep me riveted. A bored Jeanne is a restless Jeanne. That’s trouble brewing right there. Wiggle-wiggle-shift-shift, and after all her hard work, I usually screw up at least one nail before the manicurist even finishes my hands.
Many, many, many of my fellow women – deep, close friends even! Fellow Banditas! - ADORE this process. And I do mean ADORE it. Weekly sessions. Raptures over the shaping, soaking, scruffing, lotioning and so on. “Ohhhhh,” they moan. “Don’t you just loooovvve when they do your heels?” Ummmmm….actually, NO, I don’t. I’m abominably ticklish. My feet are ultra-sensitive, and someone gripping them like a starving man grips a wet fish makes me wince in discomfort. Oh, and I had foot surgery a few years ago. (As an aside, never, ever do this if you can help it. It never fixes anything, it just screws things up a different way.) So no matter how much I tell the poor little technician to be careful, she usually smiles, nods with no comprehension, and hurts me anyway. Really hurts me. Not just the pinch-and-snip or rub a little-too-hard pain, but real OUCH! pain. This is not bliss. Now, I will say, I have had good pedicures. Really good ones where, had I lived in that city I would indeed have gone back to THAT technician again. (Have to confess that if the local spa had chairs like those cushy brown things, I’d probably be inclined to try them!) Alas, all the good pedi’s I’ve had have been when I was out of town, being “treated” by a friend. Thankfully, in their company, I did! Now if I could just get the pedi gal from Ft. Worth, TX to move to DC…
I nearly ran shrieking in horror. The first time I heard about this, I literally had nightmares. My writer’s mind conjured up alllllll kinds of ways why this was wrong, could be deadly to mankind and perhaps even the galaxy. Yuk. No thank you. All of this raced through my mind as I mulled over the possiblity of a Spa Day as a birthday present. “Could I pick my services?” I asked Hubby quizzically. He looked panicked, “Of course. I mean, you didn’t want me to surprise you with some out-there kind of wrap or cleanse or I told him general was good, and he looked pleased, so I’m anticipating that my Birthday Card will include a lovely gift certificate to my nearby spa for “General Services.”
Hot stone, perhaps. Have you ever done one of these? O.M.Gosh. I had one last winter, thanks to another gift certificate, and when the massage therapist was done, I wasn’t competent to drive home. You could have scraped me off the table with a spatula I was so relaxed. Stupid relaxed, as in non-functional. The only brain cells firing were those focused on emitting celebratory groans of delight. I had to go next door to the Starbucks for water and coffee, and sit for 45 minutes before feeling grounded enough to get behind the wheel. Seriously. Another time, at a marketing conference, I skipped class and had a deep tissue massage with what they described as a “warm finish” – another OMGosh/droolworthy experience. The deep tissue isn’t exactly…pleasant. It’s hard. And it breaks up the crunchy knots and awful tensions, and leaves you feeling pummeled, unlike the rather lovely, Jello-like pile of goo that other massages can turn you into. The “warm finish” however, made all that irrelevant. The therapist wrapped me in a warmed sheet, then put a heated blanket over me, put extra lotion on my hands and feet and slipped them into warming mitts and footies, then proceeded to do the whole warm-mud-mask thing on my face. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven, despite the aches from the deep tissue work. I slept like someone hit me with a rock – rare, when away from home – and the next day? Lordy-dee I was a new woman.
What about you? Do you love a good Pampering? What’s your favorite? Do you love the whole mani/pedi thing? A massage, or The Works? Is this a “treat” or a “must-do” for you? Have you had your nails done with all the new fancy tippings and stylings and designs? Real or acrylic? Would you do the fish pedicure? Anyone done it? (Tell all….) And last but not least….Have you been Naughty or NICE this year? The 12 Days of Bandita Christmas are coming soon!!! Are you ready?? Lots of prezzies and prizes, recipes and fun. Stay tuned and get your stocking ready… TweetPosted in Jeanne Adams, Massage, Pampering Comments86 thoughts on “A Day of Pampering….” |
 
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As we drove home from our Thanksgiving travels, my darling DH asked me what I wanted for my birthday (today) and for Christmas. Ahhhh, prezzies! I love the holidays! I love my birthday! PREZZIES!!! Hahahah!
I have never been to a spa. The only thing that would appeal to me would be a massage. I do love sitting and soaking in hot spring pools though. Does that count?
Have fun with him Kaelee
Helen
Hey Kaelee! You caught the rollicking Golden Rooster for the day! Watch out for him around the hot springs, he’ll steal your towel.
I love the idea of those warm/hot springs. Ahhhhhhh! And yes, a massage is just the ticket, isn’t it?
Happy Birthday Jeanne ! How could I have not said Happy Birthday .
The GR found my stash of cookies last night. I woke up to crumbs all over the place. my two cats just ignore him now.
Kaelee – I never went to a spa until I was in my 50s – and it was a local one at that. That was the first time I’d ever had a facial (heaven!), a massage, or a pedicure. So it’s never too late – or maybe in my case it WAS too late (grin), but something every woman should experience.
Kaelee, you got the rooster!
Do NOT let him near the hot springs. Wet feathers…Oh, they STINK. Bleh.
Delightful post, Jeanne, and a VERY happy birthday to you, fa la la la la!!
One Mothers Day my daughters and I indulged in a Spa Day at a delightful place in Apple Hill, CA, where we sat in a hot tub together, had fake champagne, full body massages and manicures. The best part was doing all this girly stuff with my daughters.
I get a pedicure once a month, but only because my old fee really need the grooming!
What in the world is a fish-pedicure? I’ve never heard of one.
Hi Jo! It sounds so lovely to have gone with your daughters for a “girl’s day” at the Spa. See now, that would be FUN rather than an anxiety producing bit where I worry that they’re going to hurt my feet, again. :> Maybe I’ve just not gone where there’s champagne….
A fish pedicure is just that, the fish do the pedi and nibble off all the dead skin. Afficianados swear by it saying that it doesn’t hurt and the fish get your feet ever so smooth and refreshed, removing virtually all callus material.
They eat it which is the part that give me the quaking horrors.
Yaknow, I’d be game to try the fish pedicure. But I’m thinkin it would tickle. If you’ve ever been in water and had a fish nibble at you, it always tickles.
So I don’t know how I’d do with that. But just the past couple of months I’ve developed these callouses on my heels…never had them before. I dunno if it’s the shoes I’ve been wearing or what, but I want rid of them…I may have to go for a pedicure to do it. I’m working at them with pumice and they’re not budging.
Whooo hooo on the rooster, Kaelee. Maybe HE’LL give you a massage. I’ll bet he would in exchanged for a loaded glass of egg nog!
Tis the season!
LOL, Jeanne!! First, a VERY happy birthday to you!! Hope you’re enjoying your spa treatments and cake!
As for spa treatments, I think I mostly love the idea of the pampering more than some of the actual treatments… I’ve had a couple massages (usually couples ones where DH and I were lying on the beach or something like that while on vacation) that were quite memorably blissful, but I don’t typically love massages–it’s usually a little too hard and I’m a little inconveniently ticklish at odd times
I have loved some mani/pedis–it’s really varied with the technician. I’ve had some great ones and a couple that were a little uncomfortable. I don’t mind the sitting still, but it’s hard to do it without being able to read
I’ve never had acrylics or any of the new fancy designs–just my own nails with some sort of red/pink/brown…
And nope, never done the fish pedicure–it’s a little creepy ;p
And oy–naughty, definitely. We are so, SO NOT ready for Christmas this year… Still unburying the living room in hopes of clearing enough space to put up the tree
Have fun with the GR, Kaelee–maybe he can help with the decorating!
Thanks, Fedora! Isn’t that ticklish thing a pain? And you’re right, of course, about it varying with the technician. If I could just find a good one…but that would mean trying out/going to and paying a host of bad or mediocre ones. Ugh.
I’ve never done acrylics either, and loved your description, since it fits me too – my own nails and red/pink/brown. Ha!
Oh, good, so other people think this fish thing is creepty too, it’s not just me. :>
Oh no, Jeanne–not just you! Can’t wait to see if others have actually been moved to TRY the fish thing…
And yes, I completely agree on the trying–I would love just to find a great technician that someone’s recommended to me–then I would be OK treating myself periodically. Currently I do the mani-pedi thing about once every five years… oy!
Happy birthday Jeanne,
I think i’m a bit naughty this year lol
can’t wait for the lots prizes and i hope santa will land to my house and give me much book
christmas all around the world
Thanks, Eli! It’s fun, isn’t it that no matter what you celebrate December ends up being “Party Month!” Heehee.
As to being a bit naughty, good for you! Ha!
Hey Jeanne,
I love massages, but they’re pricey. When we went to Thailand for a wedding, all the girls got massages and it was pretty cheap. I do want to try the fish pedicure. I’ve read it about it in magazines.
They are pretty dear, aren’t they? But seriously, I’m not sure how much I would have to be paid in order to be willing to rub people all day (people I don’t know, that is…).
And done right, it’s worth every darn penny.
I’ve heard that it’s quite inexpensive for all these kinds of “pampering” services in Thailand. Is that true?
And if you try that fish thing you HAVE to report back!!
I could not think of anything worse than having a stranger pummel my naked fresh. I had enough of naked in hospital. I should have sold tickets.
Give me chocolates & a book thank you.
I’m nice. Who says I’m not ? I want names.
Heeheehee. Goood Morning Mary! Your secret’s safe with us. We’ll swear you were nice. Really. All of us. (Well, maybe not the GR, because although he swears, he seldom gets the ‘keep a secret’ part.)
Chocolate and a book are ALWAYS good. Grins. And the whole “stranger pummeling” part is why I always go to a woman therapist rather than a man.
I’ve had the full spa regimen. Mudbath, massage (by an lippy male masseuse), whirlpool, pedi/mani…by the time I was done, I was so tired that I almost fell face first into my plate of organic wild field greens at a chi-chi restaurant.
I balked at the thalassotherapy (sp?) wrap my friend tried to talk me into. I don’t mind seaweed on a plate, but I don’t want to be wrapped in it.
Happy Birthday!
Pink
Hey Pink! Okay, I’m snorking over the “eat it, don’t wrap me in it” comment. Heehee.
As for the lippy male masseuse, string him up by his thong, I say! No lippiness or snark when I’m trying to relax, drat it!
Now, the face first bit…that could have been an interesting sight. But the tired and noodle like relaxed is good. Didn’t you feel fab the next day?
Hey Pink – I’ve done the seaweed wrap. It was part of a package and I was just curious. They basically take a wide brush and paint you with this thick green-black paste. Then, wrap you up in towels, put on soothing music, and leave you alone for the seaweed to draw out the toxins. The best part of the wrap was when they rinsed you off. I was placed in a room with an indoor waterfall thing going on. They placed me towels and all on a high bed, then pulled a long swing arm shower over my body. Undid the towels and let the warm water wash the seaweed away. The funny thing was that the seaweed left a pattern on the wet towels. You could see the bulge of my boobs on either side – which I thought was pretty funny.
To be honest, I couldn’t tell if there were any beneficial results – but it was an experience.
Aloha, Jeanne! I love LOMI LOMI messages here in Hawaii … how about you join me for one?
Hey Kim! If I knew what it was, I’d say WOOT! and bring it on to the LOMI LOMI massage. However, if it involves fish, seaweed or any noxious substance, I’m not getting in the tank.
Snork!
Just what IS a Lomi Lomi massage?
I don’t care what kind of massage it is. If it’s in Hawaii – I’m there!
Ha! Me too Donna…hey, maybe we could talk about books and all write this trip off of our taxes? *grins, bats eyelashes innocently*
Jeanne
Have a wonderful birthday filled with lots of love and fun.
I had to laugh Jeanne with the pedicure no one touches my feet ever I am happy to soak my feet and rub cream into them but no one else does I have never been able to cope with that LOL and as for putting your feet in a dish of fish no way LOL.
I have never had a massage only from my sone when my shoulders need it and i have a friend at work who is very good massaging my back with a tennis ball she learn’t this from looking after her horses and it really relaxes the muscles. I have never had acrylic nails and have never had a manicure either.
Boy I think I have led a very sheltered life LOL.Maybe I do need to try a day at a spa.
Have Fun
Helen
Thanks Helen! It CAN be fun to do the spa thing and the mani/pedi CAN be really relaxing. As I said, some people swear by it as the best thing evah. Me? Not so much. However, I might be “the converted” if I ever found a GOOD technician who speaks enough English to understand where my feet are totally sensitive and avoids that, and who focuses on what she’s doing rather than chatting. Grins. Can you tell this bothers me a LOT? Hahahah!
I love the tennis ball thing. I keep one in my office drawer for my shoulders when I’m on deadline. I’ll just put it between my back and the back of the chair and roll it around that way. Feels great! (Thank you for reminding me of it…)
Hey, I just tried the tennis ball on my sore shoulders. That works great!
I’ve never been to a day-spa myself, but I’ve heard great things about them. However, I’m not one to go to one… so I don’t really think I’d be going to one.
I did get a pedicure once; and found it the most uncomfortable thing around. I didn’t like people touching my feet except me. The arches of my feet are very ticklish and my toenails aren’t the best ones to get into with a file. Then, they wanted to paint them! Blegh! No thanks. Just make ‘em shine and leave ‘em plain thanks.
Anyway, I was offered a Paraffin Wax treatment where you stick your feet into this hot wax and wait for it to dry, then they peel it off you – along with a layer of your skin cells. Mum got it done and said it was a burning sensation like hot concrete! OHHH! No thank you very much!
When I was in high school, to stop me from biting my nails, Mum paid for false acrylic ones to be put on my nails. I was a horrible nailbiter and it was making me dreadfully sick. So, we got them done. However the chemicals were horrible and the moment they fell off (or I filed off the little bit left over), they snapped and there was no strength in them. So, really it was a waste of money.
Now, I have mostly stopped biting and mainly just pick at my nails; trying to keep myself from biting by filing them down with an emery board.
Yeah, see, there’s that ticklish thing again. It’s SO hard to have someone messing about with your feet when you’re ticklish!
I’ve had the paraffin done on my hands and it shouldn’t have been that hot, so I’m thinking your mom got a bad session. That’s actually pretty nice, when done right.
An emery board is one of the best inventions, ever. :> Patented cure all for all kids of troubles with one’s nails. I have them all over the house.
I remember telling the girl to handle my feet a little more rough than she was; as I found I was curling my feet around and pulling away because she was trying not to hurt me.
Her instructor said that some people need their feet handled a bit rougher than others; and not to be worried about where their thumb goes (under the arch) because if they’re too gentle, some people are just very sensitive that way. It was good because when she filed my toenails, she was as rough with them as I am… she couldn’t believe how rough I was on my own feet… but really, when you think about it, those things really do carry us around a lot; and we forget what we do with them.
Mozette, the wax shouldn’t have been that hot. I’ve had that done and it was wonderful. My skin has never been so soft, before or since.
Happy Birthday Jeanne!
I’m dying to hear if anyone has done the fish thing! All those nibbles! Shiver….
I love a massage, but have only indulged a couple of times. You are making me want one, though! Don’t mind a pedicure, although I’m with you on the time spent. I just want to hurry them along. Don’t they know how much I have to do?!
Hey Deb! Thanks for the birthday wishes!
I think you’ve hit on it…that time’s a wastin’! Hahah! I think, however, that most consider it relaxing and love the enforced sitting time. Me? Arrrrgh! The to-do list grows in my head the longer I sit.
I have been a good girl this year, it was a struggle but I haven’t taken off anyone’s head or anything so yeah, I should be on the nice list.
I have never had a spa day with massages and such but I have had a mani/pedi, it was a gift and it was an okay experience.
In the meantime I have had surgery on my toe and the end result was no toe nail on my great toe, it will never grow back so no more pedi’s for me and the fingernail thing doesn’t last long enough to justify the expense.
Oooh, sympathies on the foot surgery Dianna. It just sucks, doesn’t it? Like I said, it screws up more than it fixes, and it sounds like you had that too.
I find that the professional manicure lasts pretty well, but I do a fairly good job on my own and it’s 1/10th the cost. If I loved the sitting and filing, it would be MORE worth the cost, I think, if I thought of that as relaxation time. Grins. Since I don’t, I tend to be cheap about it.
Dianna – Hugs on the big toe and lack of nail. No one can accuse you of growing long ones to stab the significant other in the middle of the night (grin). Given the difficulty of just reaching my feet (darn spare tire), this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Happy Birthday, Jeanne! Wishing you a wonderful day filled with laughter, hugs and many delightful surprises!
Gosh, I haven’t had a massage is so long! I adore them but they’re so darn expensive and I just can’t justify the cost on a regular basis. Pedicures are a different story. I go to a lovely lady in town who charges $20 and spends at least 20 minutes on my feet while I relax in a massaging chair. Heaven! Did I mention I have awful feet? The podiatrist recommended I get a pedicure once a month and who am I to go against the doctor’s advice?
I grew up on a lake and have had enough fish nibble my toes to last a lifetime. I will not be trying the fish pedicure!
Mornin’ PJ! The massages aren’t cheap, but for those of us who sit at the computer most of the day, it can be a worthwhile expense. My back is always better – and my posture at the computer too – if I’ve had a massage. That said, I don’t do it as often as I’d like to, due to the cost. :>
Oh, I wish I had your little lady. $20? That’s GREAT! And if she doesn’t hurt you….and no, you shouldn’t go against doc’s orders….grins.
Had to LOL about the fish. This is part of my revulsion with it too. It always creeped me out when fish nibbled on me at the lake. Eeek! To willingly let them do this? Double Eeep!
Okay PJ, It’s official. I’m moving to where you are. $20 for a pedicure and she spends that long on your feet????
Oh…where do you live? *sheepish grin*
Jeanne, you always make me smile (sometimes snort) with your blogs.
Ohhhhh, I love massages. (No, Sven, not today.) Anywhooo, I had one about 6 weeks ago and, I agree, driving home is difficult when you are so totally relaxed. The therapist used an electric blanket to keep warm and warm sandbags on my back. My new DIL asked what I wanted for Christmas and I told her a gc for a massage. I live in a small town and the prices are unbelievably low compred to city prices. My sister keeps saying it would be worth the 45-minute drive down here at the prices I pay.
I don’t paint my nails any more. I used to, but my DH really doesn’t like it. But, when I do for special occasions, I will NOT wear the shudderingly awful purples and blues that my 11-year-old daughter likes. Bleh.
Of course I’ve been NICE. Just a touch of naughtiness once in awhile, though, makes for some fun.
*compared
Hey Deb! I need to come to your town too, if the prices are lower and the masseuse can turn you into jelly, and has heated blankets and sand bags. :> That makes me want to have a massage right NOW. Ha!
My DH doesn’t mind the polish, but oddly enough, he hates lipstick. As a result, I don’t wear it very often even tho I love it. Hmmmm. We do adjust for our men, don’t we?
Hope the new DIL gets you that gc. You said “new” was the wedding fun?
I forgot…Happy Birthday, Jeanne!
New…well, maybe not…the wedding was last April. Huh, time flies. It was a very small wedding and a nice reception.
I pay $45/hour; rates in CR where my sister lives can be anwhere from $60-90/hour…ouch.
Well April’s still this year, so that’s newly wed. Grins.
Oooh, $45 an hour? I’d come there for that! Its about $90 an hour here in DC too, and often more.
My dh also dislikes lipstick. I wonder if a lot of guys do.
I think most of them do, Nancy. They don’t like “goop” or “gunk” of a female nature touching their persons. And lipstick on THEM just isn’t that purdy. Grins.
Jeanne, happy birthday!
A fish pedicure?! Seriously?!
No way. Not this SF fan. That just evokes waaay too many images of aliens and peril. No. Ugh. Nuh-UH!
As for the rest, though, I’d love a facial and a massage. I had a manicure for our wedding and liked the results a lot. I think the experience is better when the salon has one manicurist, so she chats with the customer the whole time. Regardless, staff chatting amongst themselves and ignoring their customers is not a way to get people to come back. Not like there aren’t a lot of salons out there.
I’d go for a natural nails look, no fake nails and no glued on stuff, just my nails with a nice coat of polish. Not that I bother, as a rule. But if I were having a manicure, that’s how I’d go.
Regardless, staff chatting amongst themselves and ignoring their customers is not a way to get people to come back. Not like there aren’t a lot of salons out there.
EXACTLY!!! I’m so with this.
And you’re my soul-sister when it comes to the whold fish/SF thing. Eeep!
A spa day always looks so good – especially the message part but it’s something I’ve only done once and won’t do again – hubs gave me a gift certificate and I couldn’t hurt his feelings. I’m not by nature a touchy feely kinda person – I have a huge personal space zone and I absolutely can not stand for a stranger to touch me beyond a handshake.
The thought of a stranger with their hands on my neck or my feet feels as intimate to me as sex. Have no clue as to why, but that’s the way of it.
Here in TX the use of those little fish nibblers is banned because of health and safety concerns – seems the little darlings can nibble to close leaving openings for infections.
Hey Cyberclipper! How intersting that TX has banned the fishies! :> I pretty much have the personal dance space thing too, with strangers. :>
Hey Jeanne!
Love the sound of the “warm ending” to your massage. It would probably have me sound asleep and snoaring!
Now, I’ve never been much of a pamper yourself kind of girl. No manicures, (I have very short nails due to my line of work and we aren’t allowed to have acryllics at all.) And only a rare massage if hubby or someone gifts me one.
BUT, a few years ago my writer friends from TX, (there are 10 of us known as the Foxes due to meeting at a Fox and Hound pub), went on a weekend writer’s retreat in Arkansas. It was up a mountainside in a huge lodge. Next to the lodge was a cabin that the owner’s daughter-in-law used to give massages.
The massage was fabulous, but I really, really, really loved the foot massage followed by hot parafin dip for my hands and feet! Oh! My! God!!!
Hey Suz! Love, love, love the foot massages, don’t you? And I’ve always wondered about the origin of the Foxes’ name! :>
I keep my nails short too, because if they’re too long and I”m typing they are really annoying.
I’ve got to try the parrafin again…And thanks for the birthday wishes!
LOL, on wondering about the Foxes name. We decided Hounds really wasn’t an option!
And Jeanne….HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
While I’ve not had one – my nieces have had the fish pedicure – and loved it. It sounds icky to me, but – hey- I’ll try anything not life-threatening once. However, they’re illegal in Ohio as being unhygenic. Something about a tendency not to change the water frequently enough.
I LOVE pedicures – especially in the summer when we come into sandal weather. Love the look of nail polish on my piggies. Funny thing – I got my first pedicure after I heard someone complaining about grooming at the RWA convention. They groused about women dangling their shoes off their feet (something I do) without a pedicure. I thought – Have I been improperly groomed all these years? So I had my first pedicure before the following RWA conference – loved it and have been back frequently since.
Manicures…not as often. I chew my nails. Always have. It’s embarrassing to have the manicurist examine my nails and make that tsk-tsk-tsk sound. However – when I do have my fingernails done, I’m less likely to chew them. So I guess I really should have manicures more frequently instead of less.
As for acrylic – no way. I’m an all natural woman (grin).
Happy Birthday, Jeanne!
Donna, you natural woman you! Heehee. I’m LOL about the RWA Conference whine about people’s ungroomed feet. SNORK! I’d never manage acrylics either, with all the boy-stuff, typing etc.
Happy Birthday, Jeanne!!!!
But seriously, a FISH pedicure? I had to tweet about that. LOL
I love massages but rarely go for them. In fact, I have two gift certificates waiting to be used. I’m not sure why I haven’t dashed off to the spa to take advantage of them. Maybe because I’m a hermit? Hmm …
Oh, but I do love getting pedicures (NOT by fish! LOL). My local place has those big comfy chairs and I just sit back and zone out while the manicurists all talk amongst themselves. I amuse myself by making up their dialogue in my head. It usually goes something like this: “Check out this funky toe!!” … followed by screams of laughter.
Anyway … I hope you get the exact perfect pampering gift you deserve for your birthday, Jeanne. And how sweet of your DH to think of it all by himself. The man is a definite keeper.
Hey Kate! I had to LOL about the dialogue as the pedicurist works. Snork! And I’m with you there on the fish thing – NOPE!! Hie ye out and get a massage, girlfriend! Your shoulders need it, as much as you’ve been in the writing cave lately.
And yeah, the DH is a definate keeper! :>
Well Jeanne, I have never had a mani or pedi unless you count all the dishwater I have had my hands in or all the laundry I have done over the years. I have not had anything done to my hair in 5 years. If I am lucky I get a hot bath and I can only watch movies when everybody is in bed. When I get to talk to you on this website this is my relaxation.
Hey Gail! I’m so glad you come relax with US! :>
I’ve only had a manicure and pedicure once for my daughter’s wedding. Manicure was fine. 3 years later I am just getting my toe nails back to normal. One of their foot soaking machines was broken and in retrospect I’m thinking the other one was not up to standard. I got a toe infection under the nail and I think she cut way too close. Anyway, since I hate doctors and the thoughts of anyone touching my feet again, I put up with pain for quite a while. I don’t think I’ll give anyone another chance! I would love t get a message some day though.
Hey Catslady! Ugh, an infection…that’s awful! You do really have to go to a reputable place. I have a friend who will go to any of the little fly-by-night places that pop up. I’m too afraid! Hahah! I’d rather pay more and risk less. :>
Actually it was but I never went back to tell them. I still get my hair done there.
I adore spa days. I adore any form of pampering! I’m a major fan of massages, the more luxurious (and less ‘this is for your own good’) the better. Aromatherapy, hot stone, paraffin, they all rock. I love pedicures, too, especially with cute artwork. But not manicures. Manicures just don’t last on me. 2 days and they are chipped or the color is worn at the tips from typing. I’ve tried gel and acrylics, but I never have time to get them maintained, so I tend to do my manicures at home when the mood strikes (which is usually when the words aren’t flowing).
That said, no way on the fishies! Thats creepy!!!
and of course I’ve been nice this year
Nicely naughty!
Hey Tawny! I’d think nicely naughty is de rigeur for you. Snork! Have to be to write the fab Blazes you write! Sex Lies and Mistletoe is out, out, out! I’m so excited!!! My B&N called and has my copy waiting….grins.
LOL about the ixnay on the fishies. I’d love to know if Donna’s nieces found it ticklish or fun or weird…
Love spa days, though I’ve not had that many.
I do remember that collapse-upon-the-floor
feeling and the masseuse instructing me to be
sure to super-hydrate for the next 24 hours!
Hmmm – I never did give Honey my Christmas
list, maybe there’s still time! I’ve been super
nice this year!!
Pat Cochran
Hey Pat! You’re always super nice! We love you. Grins. And it’s NEVER too late to add to the Christmas list, that is, until 11:59 on the 24th. Bwahahahaha!
Jeanne, darling, wonderful, delightful, funny, clever Jeanne – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I hope you have a marvellous day, whatever tortured dh has in store for you at the spa. I had to laugh at you thinking you had to tell us you’re hyperactive. REALLY???!!! Whoda thunk it? Snork. Actually where I lived in Sydney was about five minutes’ walk from quite a famous spa there run by Koreans. I always wanted to go but always chickened out – apparently you spend the day NEKKID. Yup, that’s right. And the idea of exposing my flab to the universe, well, the other spa patrons, was so terrifying, I never backboned up to appear. Sorry now. Apparently it’s an amazing experience involving lots of different massages and hot and cold plunge pools and wonderful scent sessions. I’d have gone if I could have worn my swimsuit! Yup, wimp is my middle name!
Hey Anna! I’m *blushing* over here! You’re so sweet. As to the hyperactive…boing, boing, boing….who ME? Hahahah!
BTW, if you’re a wimp about the no bathing suit rule, then I am too. No matter how many lovely spa treatments there might be, I want a ROBE, at the very least! Hahahaha!
I ain’t bein’ nekkid in front of no other patrons. Not no way, not no how.
Gimme a robe and maybe.
Seriously, even being naked in front of the technician would wig me out, and I’m not squeamish about getting naked for massages at all. There’s a sheet, yaknow?
Oh, how I love a spa day! It’s been quite some time since I’ve been able to do the whole day indulgence, but I think everyone should at least once.
Manicures are nice, but generally the polish chips too quickly—I had gel nails when we live in San Diego and they always looked good. *sigh* Give me a pedicure anytime! I usually indulge during the summer when my toes are showing, but during the winter when they are covered by socks, I’ll do them myself.
I have a great massage therapist—-very reasonable prices—so I try to go at least once a month. I went this week, and my back is soooo tight I’m going again next week to keep it in check. Yay!
Hey Gannon! You live near my sis, and the prices she pays are reasonable too. There’s a premium for living in a big city like DC, I guess. Sigh. Cost of living is much higher here. :> I need to go at least once a month or even step up to going once a quarter because right now, my shoulders are tight enough to have them touching my earrings right now. Yeouch!
LOL, Jeanne! Happy Birthday, lovey!!! Hope you have a brilliant one.
I was laughing and nodding my head all the way through your post. I never get manipedis but this one time I thought I’d try it. Hadn’t shaved my legs as it was winter and I didn’t realize they roll up your trousers and do the leg massage too. AND it was a man who did it! Talk about embarrassment! I had an iPod in and listened to a book while I was there so I was entertained but I can see what you mean about getting the fidgets. It’s like the whole haircut experience these days. I’m lucky if I get out of there in 3 hours!
Anyway, I hope the spa treatment is wonderful for you. You certainly deserve it!
Heeheehee. Okay, I’d forgotten the bit about having to remember to shave – that’s just one more “it’s a PAIN” point aginst a pedi. SNORK!
I’m having a lovely day Christina, so thank you. Between visiting with all of my darling friends here, I’m part of the last day of the invasion over at RomanceAtRandom,com which is going great guns, and to date 175 people have wished me Happy on FB – wow! I didn’t hink I KNEW 175 people! Heeheee!
Okay Jeanne, now you’ve got me hankerin’ for a spa day. I’ve never had a full one. I’ve had just the bits and pieces.
I’ve never had a hot stone massage, but I hear they’re fabulous. But one time, when I was running an event in Nashville, there was a guy set up with his massage chair, giving massages for a dollar a minute. We’d traded with him–space to set up his chair in exchange for massages for the overhead event staff.
Let’s just say it had been the week from hell. I was so tense I was afraid I’d injure myself by turning my head. I finally got enough of a break to get on his schedule, and got in his chair. It was a shiatsu massage–pressure points up and down the spine.
It. Was. A. Miracle. When I got out of the chair, I was smiling. I smiled the whole rest of the day–I couldn’t help it. I was so at peace with the world.
I’ve threatened to go back down to Nashville and find him and book a massage with him. Hmmm…I may just do that.
Happy BIRTHDAY!
Oh, you SHOULD find him, Cassondra! That’s just lovely, if it can relax you and make you smile? So worth it!
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Oh, and the mani-pedi thing…I love them. But they’re most fun when you go with a friend because then you have somebody to talk to.
And I would think that at a real spa, the manicure girls would not be chattering. I might be wrong of course. That would be irritating and would completely break the “all about my time to relax” thing.
I dream of one of the spas where it’s just total luxury–warm outside, cool breezes by the ocean…gorgeous white-columned buildings, umbrella drinks and wine…and a total full-body makeover with massages and lotions and everything you can imagine.
Oh,, yeah…that would be heaven.
Oh, that would be heaven, Cassondra! When can we go? Grins.
I’ll be back in a little bit, everyone! I’m off to see the Muppet Movie!
I have never had a massage at a spa and I have never had a manicure or pedicure. I don’t think I will ever get a pedicure.I don’t want other people touching my feet.no thank you.But a massage I could go for.
Happy Birthday!!!!
Hey Elaine! Its fun to do, but as you read, I too have problems with people messing about with my feet. :> Massage? Oooohhhhhh yeah!
Hey everyone! Thanks for sharing my birthday and laughing about the joys – and weirdnesses – of pampering! My nails are now Can You Tapas This? and I’m a happy soul. It’s been a great birthday!
I’d love a good pampering – a massage, waxing and pedicure for sure!
Loved your post. I’d go for a massage. I don’t know about a fish manicure.
Your husbnad is a keeper. Happy Birthday!