Monday, August 25, 2008

To Spa or Not to Spa

By Kate

For my birthday, my boss gave me a $150 gift certificate for a massage at a luxurious day spa in my area. My problem is, I received this thoughtful gift on my birthday over a year ago.

That’s right, I haven’t used it yet. What’s wrong with me? I have friends who would absolutely love to spend the day lounging around and pampering themselves at the spa. Me? I’d rather walk on hot coals.

Don’t get me wrong. A few times a year, I do the mani-pedi thing because I admit I like my toenails to look pretty. And those ladies who double-team you with one doing your toes and the other doing your hands? I love those ladies, mainly because they’re so fast! Fast is good. I tell them, the faster you paint my paws and claws and send me on my way, the better I’ll tip you. It’s a win-win.

I have a friend who actually has planned a week-long spa vacation on a beach somewhere, where she’ll spend every single day going from massage to kelp wrap to waxing to—oh dear God—yoga? Then nature hikes, more massage, maybe a cucumber and radish sandwich for lunch and a mid-afternoon parsley juice refresher.

Just shoot me. Really, I’d rather eat dirt. I’m so not a girlie-girl.

Part of my problem may center around that table I have to spread out on. Is it just me, or does it resemble a torture device? Show of hands.

I guess I blame my lack of love for all things spa-centered on my childhood. I grew up with four brothers who treated my attempts to fluff and pamper myself with mockery and cynicism. My mother, while wonderful and thoroughly feminine, was hardly a role model due to her whirlwind life of bandaging or swabbing or rushing to the emergency room after one of my annoying brothers fell out of a tree or got hit by a stick or swallowed ant poisoning.

Because of that houseful of boys, I learned early on to eschew the joys of slathering and lathering in favor of bike riding, kite flying, tetherball and hide-n-seek. Today, I’m pretty much the same way, although I admit I do a lot more slathering in my futile attempt to stave off the many insidious signs of age. But that’s a topic for another day.

I suppose I’ll have to get that massage one of these days, but I’m not looking forward to it.

So help me out. I know many of our Banditas are girlie-girls and day-spa queens, so what do you love most about the spa? If you had the whole day to spend at a spa, what would you do? Sit in a jacuzzi? Wrap yourself in mud? Get a massage? Or would you rather go fly a kite?

76 comments:

Fedora said...

I didn't used to be much of a spa person, but a massage and a mani-pedi sound lovely! :)

Fedora said...

I guess I'm just naturally a bit lazy--having a spa day sounds delish partly because it would involve sitting around not doing much of anything, and possibly have all this down time to read :) As for the treatments, I might or might not be all that into them (some of them sound so over-the-top to me), but I'm all for some slug-like behavior (especially since we recently got back from a week with the kids at amusement parks--too much standing in lines in the heat for my taste ;))

Hope you find something to enjoy, Kate!

Helen said...

Well done flchen have fun with him

Great post Kate and my hand is up in favour of you I have never had a massage or my nails or feet done other than doing them myself.

My mother was a tom boy in her day and I grew up with 3 sisters but I think that we are a bit tomboyish in some ways don't get me wrong I wear make up and enjoy getting dressed up but the whole massage thing not me I actually won a full body massage a couple of years ago and never used it just couldn't bring myself to do it.

So to answer your question Kate I would rather fly a kite or actually read a good book while drinking coffee and eating Tim Tams thats my kinda life LOL.

Have Fun
Helen

jo robertson said...

Great topic, Kate! I'm not so much a girly-girl either, but I do love to get the occasional massage.

One Mothers Day I treated my grown daughters to a spa treat in the mountains. It's lots more fun if you do it with a bunch of girls! We had a great time and their husbands had to babysit the kiddies.

Congrats on getting the chook, Fedora. Maybe you can treat him to a spa day!

Tawny said...

Oooooh, I love the idea of a spa day! Yes, I know I'm one of the girly girls LOL. But a whole day, devoted to pampering and relaxation? *sigh* yum.

What would I do? Melt in pleasure!!!

Kate, go! Go get your massage. Tell yourself its research or something :-D

and Fedora, rock on with the rooster nabbing ;-)

Natalie Hatch said...

I wish I could go to a spa, I once was given a pass to the Gold Coast Versace dayspa (hubby worked for Mercedes so it was a bonus)and that was wonderful. But that was years ago.
But I do have my own day spa here, we have mud baths, when the kids and I get in the garden everyone gets muddy. We have massage therapy when I lie on the floor and abandon myself to the dribble gods (my children) and they crawl/walk/pinch their way up and down my spine thinking it's fun.
Then we have the yoghurt masks which I receive as I try to feed them. Yes the ancient art of spraying mummys face with yoghurt whilst she's trying to feed them.
See who needs to spend $200+ on a spa, come to my place, the kids will do the work for you and you'll leave feeling refreshed and relieved that you don't live here full time.

Carol said...

Kate... Pass the Kite over here!
No...i've never had a spar treatment!
I've had a massage though...I had a really bad back once (or trice) and my wonderful husband massaged my back nearly every night for about 3 months!
Footy trainer style! Ouch and smelling like horse linement...I love him for it...it made life bearable and fixed the sciatica!

As for fingernails etc...don't even look...cleaning is not great for nails...I do like nailpolish on the toenails though!

Congrats flchen1 have a great day with the GR...maybe he'd like his toes painted!!
Cheers Carol

Gillian Layne said...

Kate, I've only been once in my life, and it was for a massage and a mani-pedi.

Trust me ,the massage is where you want to spend that money. By the time the very nice, very strong lady was done, I would have signed over my first born. :)

Go spend that money! You deserve it!

Donna MacMeans said...

Kate!

I so relate! My DH gave me an all day spa treatment package and I waited for a year before I used it - and then only because I'm so cheap, I couldn't abide the thought of him spending money that wasn't used. That day (which was only maybe five years ago) I had my first manicure (I bite my nails), pedicure, facial & massage.

Loved the mani/pedi and have done that often since. Loved, loved, loved the facial. The massage just doesn't do it for me. I've had two now - by different people and other than feeling oiled up enough to slide off a leather couch - I'm not a big fan.

Favorite thing? I already mentioned the facial, but once - as the result of another gift package - I had one of those kelp wrap things. I was just curious. It's incredibly messy, but to wash the green goo off you, you're placed in this room with a gentle waterfall for background noise & a nature tape of birds & crickets and such, with a warm water spray that rains down on you -- very relaxing. Can't say the kelp did anything, though, other that leave a green outline of my squashed down boobs on the white underlying towel.

Donna MacMeans said...

One more spa story...on that second gift package, the spa was having some problems with the ladies locker room - so they directed me to the men's room and put a sign on the door warning the guys to find somewhere else. So I'm in the process of changing & fortunately thought to do it in the stall (the men's locker room is not nearly as elaborate as the women's). Sure enough a guy comes in and starts changing. So the question becomes - when do I make my presence known? (he-he-he) I'm not above sneaking a peek. I caught him with his shirt off (but pants on). Guess the sign slipped.

Caren Crane said...

Fedora, congrats on the GR! I hope he doesn't decide to have a mud bath then run around on your carpet flapping his wings!

Kate, I am someone who has let spa treatment gift certificates expire. I've had a couple of massages and enjoy them, but I don't enjoy the oil in my HAIR. Yes, one place loved to massage the head, which involves getting massage oil all in your hair. Try to get that out! It's not like deep conditioning oil which is meant to wash out, either. *sigh*

Anyway, I adore a facial and would love to have one every day. And my darling hairdresser, Jesus, massages my scalp everytime he shampoos my hair. I've threatened to make him come love with me. *g*

I think Jo got it right that it's more fun to go with someone (at least one other person). For some reason, it's easier for me to give myself permission to relax when I have friends with me.

My perfect day is more like Helen's: books, coffee, a lovely lunch eventually and DVDs. Heaven!

Caren Crane said...

Natalie, you cracked me up! Especially the bit about the relief that we didn't live there. Hang in there, sweetie. Before you know it, your youngest will be starting high school like MINE did today!!

Buffie said...

Well, seems like I am not the only one who hasn't experienced a spa day. Shot, I have never been in a spa. Never had a massage, let along a mani or a pedi. But like someone already mentioned, I just can't see spending that money when the kids like to eat! Maybe in a few years I can do that, just not right now.

Terry Odell said...

I don't mind a little girly-time. I try to work a massage into my schedule once a month (and my massage therapist has turned into a staunch supporter of my books--she's brought me some nice PR). I bought a package of 'buy 6, get 1 free) hoping it would encourage me to get there monthly, but I still get 'too busy'.

A full spa day for me -- I could do it. Massage, facial, manicure, pedicure (they do really nice 'spa' pedicures at that salon, not the quickies I usually get at the walk-in nail places). Not sure about anything like mud wraps, but time to relax (and read) works for me.

EilisFlynn said...

My husband and I both got gift certificates for a certain restaurant during an office holiday party. Three months later he was laid off. That was three years ago -- and we fully intend to use those certificates, once we have an occasion appropriate. It's $250, it's GOT to be something appropriate!

If it had been for a SPA, now, I would have used it immediately!

Kate Carlisle said...

You nabbed him, flchen1! Congrats! I hear he gives one heck of a mani-pedi.

I do love the idea of some down time to read. I can't blame you for seeking some slug time after your sweltering week at the amusement parks!

Kate Carlisle said...

Oh Helen, now you're speaking my language! A good book, some coffee and a box of Tim Tams? Sounds like heaven!

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who hasn't taken advantagement of a gift like that. It seems like I never have enough time to devote strictly to loafing. Well, again, unless there are Tim Tams involved. :-)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Congrats fedora!!

Kate, this is soooooooo funny, because I have gift certificate from my hubby for massage with our massage therapist, (okay, it's his therapist, I've seen her once), that he bought me a few months ago. I need to get my butt in gear and get the appointment made since I did like the one massage I got! It's just I sleep such stupid hours I forget about getting in there!

As for kelp wraps and hot tubs? nah...but the massage, with the quiet music and the water fall and the dim lights, and the rubbing of aching muscles, (especially my feet!) and the warm stone thing.........Ohhhhhhhhhh yeah!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Jo! Now, if you're talking about going to a spa with friends or your daughters or maybe a group of Banditas, count me in. That sounds like a hoot! In fact, let's do it! I'll speak with Sven and have him schedule a full-tilt Bandita spa day.

We might need to hire on some extra cabana boys.

And of course, we'll need something a little more fortifying than parsley juice to sip on. ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Tawny, I knew you'd be up for the challenge of spending the whole day at the spa. ;-)

Hmm, I like your idea of calling it research. It's like "work," right? You're so clever!

Kate Carlisle said...

Ah Natalie, you cracked me up! Your house does sound like a luxurious spa. I love the yoghurt mask and the little feet walking over your back. And the garden mud wrap sounds delightful! LOL. I can see how you finish every day in a state of complete relaxation. Umm, not!

Kate Carlisle said...

Carol, you're a girl after my own heart. I never wear fingernail polish. I can't even make it out of the nail salon before I've smudged something, but in the rare instances I manage to emerge smudge-free, it only takes a day or so at work before I've chipped or scratched something. :-)

But I do like my toenails polished. They look pretty and they last longer since I can't do too much damage to them.

Your darling husband and his back rubs ... now that sounds like a little bit of heaven.

Kate Carlisle said...

Gillian, it sounds like you got an expert masseuse! I would love that.

I confess, part of my hesitation is that I once had a masseuse who pounded and kneaded me so strenuously, I could barely walk out of the place. Seriously, I was bruised for a week!

I'll give it another chance, though, in hopes that I find someone wonderful. Strictly for research, like Tawny says. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Kate, are you going to make me fly down there, snatch that gift certificate out of your hand, and use it myself? Or maybe I'll just get Tawny and we'll go use it together?

I mean, er, not TOGETHER, but you know, together. Separate, but together. Oh heck. :-) We'd have fun, wouldn't we, Tawny?

I'm not a true girly girl (witness my utter lack of ability to wear makeup) but do like a little pampering! I've never had a facial or kelp wrap, but am all about the massage. Here's the thing -- IT'S A MEDICAL PROCEDURE. I should know, because mine are covered by my health plan.

Seriously. I didn't even ask for it! Not that I wouldn't pay for 'em, because I do that too. I just love massages. I love them because I have chronic headaches and neck tension, and they really help with that. I love them because I'm horrible about sitting still, and when I'm paying for it is about the only time I'll stay in one place and RELAX. I love them because my mind goes one million miles a minute in one hundred different directions EXCEPT when I'm getting a massage, and then I slow down and think for an hour straight. It's so lovely.

I love acupuncture for the same reason. It leads to deep relaxation. But acupuncture also involves a level of discomfort that massage doesn't. ;-) Needles, you know. So massage wins.

Go get that massage, you goof! It's medical and time to work on your latest WIP. Not girly girl or self-indulgent at all!

Louisa Cornell said...

Congrats, Fedora! You've nabbed your own personal chicken feet masseuse! Make him work for it!

As I sit here watching the tornado warnings flash across the screen and get ready to drive to work at Wal-Mart, I think - I NEED A SPA WEEK!!!

When I lived in Europe massages, facials and mani-pedis were part of the perks of being an opera singer. And I LOVED it! Of course this was in the late 80's, early 90's but trust me - those Austrians know all about RELAXATION!

Of course my idea of a spa day does NOT include diet food or exercise in any form (not even yoga.)I am perfectly capable of meditating without twisting myself into some pretzel shape from which the instructor is going to have rescue me while laughing her skinny, lithe little butt off.

It has been a while since I have done so, but a long bubble bath in lavender oil or any of the extensive list of bath products I keep on hand is always a treat. Add some great music, scented candles and a good book and I can make the real world go away for hours.

I can even ignore the sets of sad canine and feline eyes that peer over the bathtub as if to say "Are you EVER coming out of there?"

Bring on the Bandita Spa Day!

Trish Milburn said...

Kate, I'm not sure I'd like any of the spa stuff except the massage. But, man, those are awesome, particularly when you sit at a desk all day staring at a computer and your shoulders kink up.

But flying a kite and sitting on the beach reading under a big umbrella with a glass of lemonade sounds very relaxing too.

Had to LOL at Natalie's response and Donna's "peeking". :)

Kate Carlisle said...

Ooh Donna, that rain forest room sounds wonderful! But they can keep their green goop. LOL

And of course you had to peek! I would've done the same. That's just too darn tempting to pass up!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Caren! Again, you torment us with enticing tales of your legendary hairdresser, Jesus. I think we need to invite this paragon into the Lair so we can see him work his magic, up close and personally. ;-)

You and Donna both favor facials. I really need to check all these procedures out, I guess. For research purposes, of course. Hmm, I wonder how a facialist might kill someone who's bugging her...oh, wait. I don't really wanna find out! LOL

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Buffie! Yes, it really is a lot of money to spend when you've got more important things--like your kids--to deal with. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the whole spa experience. I'm sure, like Natalie, you can stir up your own mud baths and yoghurt facials right at home! ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Terry -- You've given me a whole new reason to get a massage. How wonderful that you've also found a reader and a fan in your massage therapist!

So if you go regularly, the "buy 6 get 1 free" plan sounds like a great deal, especially if you've found the perfect masseuse, which it looks like you've got. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

eilisflynn, I don't blame you for waiting for the perfect occasion to use that restaurant certificate. I hope something comes along soon.

Oh, I don't suppose you could break it down into lots of individual small meals, right? Now that would be reasonable, but not as much fun. ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hey Suz! Looks like you and I both have to get our butts in gear and take advantage of the whole massage experience!

And you make it sound fabulous with the rubbing of aching muscles and waterfalls and quiet music...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Kate Carlisle said...

LOL Kirsten! All right, all right! I'll go for medical purposes. And research. :-)

I didn't know you could put it on your health insurance. I'll have to look into that. I get headaches and neckaches, too, but usually just pop a few pain relievers for them.

Okay, must change attitude. Medical purposes. Research. Thinking time. Massage good. :-)

Anna Sugden said...

Kate - I felt the same way. Then I had my first spa day and loved it! It was actually a spa weekend with my 'bridesmaids' before my wedding.

One of the last things I did before leaving the US was use a spa gift certificate my boxing trainer gave me.

I love massages, but only if they're firm. My back and shoulders are always in need of help (I blame the writing!).

I also really like the scrub and wrap thing. I had a fab one in Jamaica where they use ground coffee beans for the scrub and then a coffee-based wrap to follow. Not only does your skin feel wonderful, your body feel rejuvenated, but it's great to just lie there and do nothing!

Manicures are good, but I'm not a real fan of pedis or facials.

Kate Carlisle said...

Oh dear, Louisa, watch out for those tornados! Yikes.

You make a nice long bath sound so wonderful! Even with the sad puppy and kitty faces staring you down. LOL

I laughed at your lithe, skinny butt yoga instructor! I agree, absolutely no diet food or pretzle-twisting body moves should be allowed into a relaxing spa day!

Claudia Dain said...

I am a girl, a total girl, but going to a spa does nothing for me. I think it's boring. And uncomfortable. The second they wrap me up, I have to use the powder room. Lay money on it.

I don't like strangers touching my feet and can paint my own toenails. I don't want to strip down and let some stranger touch my body---eeewwww. I think manicures take too long and then I always bang up my still damp nails getting out my car keys. Being as talented and versatile as I am, I can also paint my own fingernails.

But Kate, I am a true girly girl. I put on lipstick to take out the trash. I shave my legs just for *me*. But spa day? I'd rather take that money and go away for a weekend getaway.

Nancy said...

Kate, I don't think I could spend an entire day at the spa. Some friends once gave me a spa trip for a Christmas gift, and I had a facial, which was incredibly relaxing, and a manicure. Those two things, I could come to love except that nail polish is so high-maintenance. That's why I almost never wear it. In fact, I don't think I currently own any.

The secret to my haircut is that it, too, is low-maintenance and requires no use of "product," with which I've always been inept. *sigh*

I'm not really a girlie-girl, either, but I do have clothes-horse tendencies (bet y'all never would've guessed *g*). Much as I love hanging in jeans and t-shirts, I also love dressing up and looking put together. Except for the shoe issue, which my difficult feet complicate. I have enjoy shoes vicariously, which is easy in the Lair because so many people have cute ones. I have a real weakness for suits, which I seldom have occasion to wear anymore.

So my answer is that I'd love a monthly facial and an occasional manicure, maybe even a once-in-a-while massage, but the rest of it would be overload for me.

Fedora, congrats on the chook!

pjpuppymom said...

Ahhhhh Spa Days. Love them! My hubby gave me one for my birthday about 20 years ago and hooked me for life. Nowadays, I'm on a tighter budget so I don't indulge as much but I still get a monthly pedicure (podiatrist's orders), regular massages (doctor's orders)and facials (PJ's orders). :) The full body massages are my absolute favorite.

Unknown said...

I have never been to a spa, so I guess I would go fly a kite. Although it might be nice to pamper yourself.

Terri Osburn said...

I'm afraid I've never been much of a girly-girl, but I am growing into it a bit. I never plucked my eyebrows until I hit 28 or so. Never had a pedi until after 30. Now I have a girly-girl daughter so we're getting into it all together.

I've done the massage, but oddly enough it did nothing for me. Either time. However, it was the same girl for both so maybe she was the problem. :)

I can't imagine doing a spa vacation. Sitting in mud and wearing cucumbers on my eyes is NOT my idea of a good time.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*raising hand* Kite flying girl here. :) Like others have said, I LURVE a massage, I even love a mani-pedi, but since I had foot surgery a couple of years ago, the pedi part is somewhat uncomfortable. *pout* What's the fun of going and paying for people to make you uncomfortable? Sigh.

A massage now...THAT's fabulous. The best one I ever had, the masseuse lotioned up my hands and fee and put them in these warm mitts. THEN did the massage. OMGosh they practically had to scrape me off the table with a putty knife. Ha!

I get too impatient, however, for most of the Spa stuff. Like TICD said, I usually get all wrapped up and then think of something I have to write down, get an itch I can't scratch, or have to go to the bathroom. Urg.

The only time its fun for me, other than the massage, is if I go with someone.

Nancy, I love suits too, but with so few places to wear them, i can't justify the purchase. Sigh.

Jennifer Lyon said...

Kate, I found you on the right day! I am so proud of myself! So Spas....never been. Don't understand the allure. Mud baths? Seriously? I used to get in trouble for all the mud I got into you!

And you are a woman after my own heart with the mani/pedi thing! I want them to HURRY the few times I even do it.

Me? I'd rather a gift card to Starbucks. I can have my coffee and write. What's not to love about that?

But KUDOS to your boss for giving you something intended to be just for you. It really was thoughtful.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I am not much for "spa treatments"--been there, done that, not a lot of improvement to me. BUT I do love massages. The darkened room, the waterfall music, the hands rubbing out knots you weren't even aware you had knots (I mean, who gets knots in their ass, really? Just me, no surprise there)...And sometimes them rubbing out the knots is a little painful, and you end up popping an IB-profen at the end, but boy do you feel good after. It's lovely. I love massages. Would do them every week if I could.

Right now I am on this plan where I get them once a month, though...and I normally would never spend that sort of money on myself.

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Trish! Oh, now, sitting on the beach under an umbrella sounds blissful! Thanks for that lovely image. If only I were there right now. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Greetings, Anna! The spa weekend with your bridesmaids sounds like so much fun! And I agree on the firm massage, although there are a few spots on me that scream and punch back if there's too much pressure applied. :-)

I do enjoy a manicure, too. I just can't seem to keep from screwing up the polish before it dries!

Maureen Child said...

Hi Kate........

An entire DAY at the spa?? I don't think so....my attention span would prohibit it! Not to mention the parsley refresher and radish sandwiches..yee gods.

I do love a good massage, though. Oooh. And a foot rub. sigh.

Still, all in all, I'd rather sit on a beach, under a big umbrella with a stack of books by my side and Pedro the cabana boy rushing to and fro, bringing me fresh margaritas.....now THAT sounds relaxing.

Kate Carlisle said...

LOL Claudia! That crucial timing issue is clearly a good reason to avoid massages altogether.

How does anyone pay for manicures with wet nails? Take your money out first? It seems weird, especially when you have to include a tip before they've done the work. And then you've got to fish your car keys out of your purse. Do you let the manicurist do it? I suppose so, but it feels strange to have someone rifling about inside my purse, even while I'm watching. Do you leave your purse in the car and just walk in with money and keys? It's a dilemma, I tell you.

But to now be told that TICD does her own manicure? Well, it's inspiring, that's what it is! :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Nancy, you're another one who's weighing in on the side of facials. I had one many years ago and didn't enjoy it. I can't really deal with the idea of someone getting so up close and personal with my pores. I know I'm a weirdo!

I'm also a vicarious lover of beautiful shoes! Can't wear them but love seeing them on the other Banditas!

Kate Carlisle said...

PJ, I hope all those doctors are truly prescribing those treatments so health insurance covers them! It seems only right, doesn't it? After all, you're probably feeling much healthier after all those lovely relaxing massages and pampering pedicures.

I'm liking more and more the idea of massage from the medical angle, as Kirsten mentioned earlier. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Ah Virginia, my fellow kite flyer! To me, there's nothing quite as joyful and lovely and relaxing as standing on the beach, flying a kite. I love it!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Terrio! How fun to be able to enjoy a spa day with your girlie-girl daughter!

But sitting in a tubful of mud? Never! There's something very creepy about all that mud ... and all those creatures that crawl in the mud ... eee-yeww!! LOL

Kate Carlisle said...

Helloo, Duchesse! Ouch, it's no fun when something that's supposed to be comforting is actually painful. Don't blame you for eschewing pedicures.

That massage you described with the lotion and little mittens on your feets and hands sounds like paradise, though!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Jen!! Great to see you! I'm so lucky you found me here today!

I hear you on the Starbucks gift card! A latte, a scone and a book is perfect anytime!

Okay, now I must run off to Murder She Writes to see what you've been up to this week. :-)

http://www.murdershewrites.com/

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi, mshellion! Maybe it's all this writing and computer work we do, sitting at the desk for all hours. It's no wonder we end up with knots in our asses! LOL

But good for you, getting a massage every month. It's therapeutic--as my Bandita friends are forcing me to admit--and will no doubt keep those ass knots in abeyance. ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Maureen!! Glad you stopped by! And you brought Pedro! How delightful!

I love your umbrella and that stack of books. Mind if I join you? Ahhhhhhhh. I could stay here all day long. Well, as long as dear Pedro keeps the margaritas coming. :-)

Esri Rose said...

Congrats on the Rooster, Fedora!

Hey, Kate... I'm betting your brothers also tickled you mercilessly while you were growing up, so the idea of a stranger touching you makes you tense up. Am I right? My husband comes from a family of six. It took YEARS for him to be okay with me touching his neck.

As an only child from a physically gentle and demonstrative family, I ADORE spa treatments. I don't get 'em very often 'cause I'm cheap.

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Esri!! It was great to see you in San Francisco!

Good point about those evil tickling brothers of mine. Yes, I hated that. And whenever anyone mentions foot rubs, I get chills up my spine because my feet are so ticklish, I would go insane if anyone dared to come near my feet!

LOL about being cheap! That's always the first consideration, right? I'm lucky I got a gift certificate because I would never do it on my own. :-)

Christie Kelley said...

I don't know if I could an entire day at a spa, but those have day ones are great. My dh and boys have given me the mani-pedi, plus facial and message. It's soooo relaxing. And I'm not a girlie-girl either but it's so great.

You really need to go and try it. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Gannon Carr said...

Bring on the spa!

Years ago, my hubby and the kids gave me an all day spa gift certificate for Mother's Day. It was absolutely divine!

Kate, go and enjoy your massage. Just think of how relaxed you'll feel. :)

Beth Andrews said...

Hey, Kate, I guess I'm one of those girly girls because I'd love a spa day! Sounds so very relaxing. I think it'd be even more fun with my daughters :-)

I think if I had the chance for a spa day, I'd get as much pampering as I could!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Christie! Everyone's been making massages sound so relaxing and fun, I'm definitely going to go. Just hope I don't get addicted to all the pampering. Of course, I can think of worse things to be addicted to. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Gannon, good to "see" you! Okay, you guys are turning me into a girlie-girl, comment by comment. I'm getting excited now, starting to love the idea of letting go for a few hours and enjoying the peace and quiet of a spa. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Beth! Yes, I definitely pinned you as a girly-girl! *g*

And I think going to a spa with your daughters would be so much fun! I might have to grab my SIL and bring her with me when I go. We'll have a great time. :-)

Christine Wells said...

Kate, I'm with you. Just can't sit still for that long and be self-indulgent. Even when I do the cleanse tone moisturise thing at home, my husband teases me about 'refurbishment'. Men! They want you to look great but they don't want you to put any effort into it. I don't know about kite flying, but I'd rather read a book if I want to indulge myself. Great post!

Ah, Fedora, I think that rooster needs some gilded claws! How about a double pedicure?

Kestrel said...

I have never actually been to a spa, never had a manicure or a pedicure, let alone a massage or a facial... I just have never really been one to spoil myself, I guess...
Now I have always said I wanted to go, been meaning to put aside a little from the refund check each year and run away from hubby and kids for the day, but something has always come up and never done it...
Of course, as I get older, and as my children and hubby drive me closer to the brink, I might consider it, but I would have to add that the spa better have dictation services, since my writing is my only true indulgence...

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Christine! Ah, refurbishment he calls it. Men. How would they react if we showed up with dried out reptilian skin, hmm? LOL, I don't want to find out! I'll just keep slathering and moisterizing, thank you!

And thanks for popping out from the cave to say hello! Now, get back in there!! :-)

Gannon Carr said...

Bring on the spa!

Years ago, my hubby and the kids gave me an all day spa gift certificate for Mother's Day. It was absolutely divine!

Kate, go and enjoy your massage. Just think of how relaxed you'll feel. :)

Kate Carlisle said...

LOL Kestrel! Yes, I get driven to the brink on a regular basis so I really don't know why I'm not a card-carrying member of the local day spa!

Something always comes up for me, too, when I consider spending money to self-indulge. Even with a gift certificate, I can't ever seem to set aside a few hours to spend luxuriating. I always have something else more important to do with my time. But as so many of the Banditas have reminded me today, it's a health issue! We really should take some time to take care of ourselves once in a while. :-)

Gannon Carr said...

Oops! Sorry for the double post.

BTW, congrats on the GR, Fedora!

Caren Crane said...

*tee hee* Kate said "ass knots"!

Every time I sit down in my computer chair at home, my back immediately screams in protest. Have I bought another chair? Do I even think of getting one when I'm out shopping? Does it cross my mind that it would be a lovely Christmas/birthday/Mother's Day gift? NO to all.

I'm really not too smart. Must be the ass knots. *snork*

Caren Crane said...

Kestrel, believe me, your dh and beloved kiddies WILL drive you to the brink many, many times. The older the kids get, the worse it is, too. In a good way. *g*

Maybe you could tell them you would love a gift certificate as a present. Then you would be OBLIGATED to go so as not to have wasted any money. See how that works?

Joan said...

Ok, you spa slugs.....send those certificates to ME c/o Kentucky!

I love the spa.

I started with the occasional massage. Then when I hit the big {whispers}4-0 vowed to have a monthly facial...and I did for about 8 years. Now I have them 4 times a year but I've become friends with my asethetcian Bonnie.

I do pedi's regularly and mani's only when coming to conference (Nurses + nail polish = pain in the patottie)

Only one time did I get the full day treatment. THAT was memorable.

I did not understand what a wrap was. Suddenly a ...um..ROBUST woman named Gloria hands me a tiny little paper thong...and nothing else.

She instructs me to get on "ze table" where she proceeds to smear grit and spinach (or something green)all over me...and I mean ALL OVER ME, wrap me in saran wrap and a blanket and left me to BAKE under a light like a spring roll or something for 30 min!

Then, came in..unwound all the stuff..and used an industrial type sprayer to rinse me off. All I could think of was the song "Going to the Car Wash".

Kestrel said...

LOL, Caren, believe me, the thought has crossed my mind, but if I don't come off the dollar for myself, or have someone plant a very heavy hint in my direction (if I did it myself, they would mock me relentlessly ack, boys!), the DH and kiddies will never come up with that on their own!
However, I am blessed with a most wonderful mother in law, and she has said we should take off one day and do the spa thing, so now its really just a matter of finding the time to go!
You all have made it sound so delish and decadent, I gotta do it at least once just to say I have...

Kate Carlisle said...

Hee hee...you said it too, Caren!!

LOL, it must be late because I'm giggling like a goofball. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Oh Joanie, I bet you'll always remember those special words ...

Get on 'ze table.'

ROTFL!!!

Kate Carlisle said...

Me too, Kestrel. I'm absolutely going off to the spa this weekend. I'll be sure to report back. :-)

And your mother-in-law sounds wonderful. I bet you'll have a great time at the spa!