Yesterday I went to Aveda for my every-3-week manicure. This is one luxury that I have kept since I retired. I don't know why it makes such a difference, but it does! It is one time that I do something just for myself, and it does impact how I feel. It makes me feel prettier when my nails look nice.
Once in a great while, (usually at the beginning of summer or before a special occasion), I also get a pedicure. This is a rarity, but I feel pampered.
It's an interesting experience to go to Aveda. It is especially interesting when I compare it to experiences when I was young. My mother used to get her hair done at the beauty shop when she could afford it. It was very different from what I see when I go to get my nails done. For one thing, I go to a SpaSalon. Just the name indicates that you are in for a different experience.
As I walk in the door, I am greeted with a subtle change as the currently promoted aroma assails my nose. There are sleek styling stations for those people having their hair done. The salon entrance looks like a boutique with hair and nail products, make up, jewelry, and scarves. A stylish technician welcomes me and offers me something to drink.
I then go to a dark, quiet relaxation room with comfy chairs and a mesmerizing aquarium. I next go into the area with pedicure chairs and sinks. If you are there for a pedicure, you can choose different types of massages and heat settings in the chair; you also choose either a relaxing or energizing scent and are offered a warm neck wrap which feels wonderful. For the manicure, I move to my technician's station where we are given the impression of being secluded from the other clients. All of these are very different from the days when my mother went to get her hair done. It was much like the stereotype promoted by Madge in the old Palmolive commercials!
All of these little touches are designed to make you feel special and beautiful. It works!
Have you found your joy today?
Once in a great while, (usually at the beginning of summer or before a special occasion), I also get a pedicure. This is a rarity, but I feel pampered. 
I trained for a marathon last summer, and the callouses along the edges of my feet were valuable protection for 15+ mile runs, but closed-style footwear was a must. Just days after the marathon, I got my first pedicure ever. The process was very relaxing and I put on sandals as soon as I arrived home. Definitely an experience to repeat. (I mean, the pedicure; not necessarily the marathon.)
ReplyDelete-Gina