Spa Week
When you’re a stay-at-home mom, any kind of time off is wonderful, but the spa week event Thursday, October 7 was a can’t-miss on my list. After arranging for a babysitter, doing some shopping so I could get out of my sweats and feel pretty, I was on my way.
Upon arriving at The Prince George Ballroom the ambiance was already set, with plenty of welcoming people and soft flickering candles. The main event room was equally soothing, with music by DJ Greg, wine from Rioja and a chocolate fountain from Dole.
I began my spa journey at Bare Escentuals with a make-under. Putting myself in the hands make-up artist Alexa, I began my first experience with mineral makeup. I let her know about my acne-prone skin and two children, ages 3 and 5, and she came up with a light and simple palette that covered all my spots.
The next spot I hit was Vada Spa. Under the experienced hands of Ida, who has been doing massage therapy for six years, I relaxed even more. I wondered how she was able to maintain her strength without pain, since my own hands hurt just thinking about what she was doing. Her secret: taking time to massage her own hands, arms and shoulders. And after a year stint on a cruise boat, working 12-hour shifts, she would know. Ida exemplified the #1 MOM rule – take time for yourself.
My next stop was Diva-Spa. I didn’t take time for another massage, but I did inquire about some treatments I found interesting – facials and makeup lessons for teens.
When I spoke with the staff at that booth, they explained they start seeing teens, primarily with acne problems, because when moms came in for their own facials they ask what they could do to help their children. Teens are also sent home with a care pack to help them learn daily skin care. Facials progress to make-up by starting with a turn in the chair for a special occasion like a Sweet Sixteen or prom. Teens are taught to replicate at home what a makeup artist can do in the salon. Of course there are plenty of treatments for moms, too, even moms-to-be. Dads can get in on the action with a Sir-Face, gentlemen’s facial. My mom lesson from this: children learn by example.
So I have to admit that at this point the chocolate fountain called to me and I made my way over to the Dole booth. Dole offered some new yogurt and granola covered dried fruit (not peanut free), which were quite yummy and in snack packs perfect for school lunch. But Dole also offered some beauty tips as well. Their spin on “you are what you eat” came across loud and clear in their handout, which explained how to get glowing skin, luxurious hair and strong nails all from eating well.
With a quick stop for a glass of Rioja wine, a delightful red which I thoroughly enjoyed, I moseyed over to the Spa Chicks table. That’s where I learned how I could have done my nails for that night without taking the time for polish. They were demonstrating Nail Fraud’s Nail Art, which just became available last month. It’s a nail film in funky designs, available online and at Urban Outfitters. It’s a perfect way to feel hip and pretty without much fuss or expense.
The last stop on my spa journey was at the Dove booth. I am totally biased, since I swear by Dove deodorants and shampoos. So that stop was a quick, “Hi, I love you,” before I ventured back into the night towards home and my life as a stay-at-home mom.