Stimulating the economy, one day off at a time

I had a really, really lovely day of freedom on Saturday.  I was well overdue for a little break from the kids, especially after the vacation from hell.  I felt a little bad that I actually wanted a day alone even more than a day with M, but I guess that says something about how much I need to decompress.  I mean, think about it… with the exception of naptime, I’m pretty much never alone! Sigh.

Anyways, I left before they were out of bed, and started the day with a leisurely breakfast at Starbucks.  Ah, the inside of one!  I usually go to the drive-thru!

Then it was time for my facial at Bella Santé, a super fancy day spa in the Boston area.  Apparently voted Best of Boston a whole bunch of times.  Holy moly, I can see why.  You walk in, and immediately feel fabulous.  Everything was super classy, relaxing, lovely.  Not quite ostentatious, but you feel sort of wealthy just being inside.  In a good way, without anyone looking down on you.  If you’re not really the type to do the day spa thing, but feel like splurging every now and then?  Go for the real thing, for sure. Don’t try and save a few bucks.  Go for the best.

The facial itself was awesome. An hour of pampering.  The room was cozy and warm, the massage bed extremely comfortable (complete with contours to rest your knees and warmed sheets).  I got an extended scalp massage, all variety of exfoliation and creams, and even a quite unexpected foot and lower leg massage while my face was being steamed.  I even went nuts and purchased the rather expensive cleanser and moisturizer she recommended. Hell, I turned 30, time to take care of my skin for real.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t spend all day at the spa.  I had a haircut at 10:30.  More luxury! Foils, a cut. My hair seems to keep getting a bit shorter every time, and I think I like it. My hair has been long and longer for ages, so sometimes it feels good to do something different.

It was just after noon when my haircut was over, but I was in no rush to go home.  I would feel occasional twinges of guilt, but always remembered that a) I needed and deserved it, and b) M was fully supportive and was taking great care of the kids without me.  I grabbed some lunch, and then headed for my third and final destination: the quilt shop.

I know, seems a little out of step with my other two pampering choices.  If anything, it was more like something on my to-do list.  I have a quilt that I’m stuck on and needed some guidance, as well as some thread.  Plus, I’m considering starting a new one.  But honestly, I love going to this store.  And I usually only manage it with the kids in tow.  That means I’m rushing to find whatever I need while throwing crackers at my increasingly crabby kids, who just want to run around and pull all of the fabric off the shelves.  So the ability to just go, chit-chat, and take my time looking at things was one more luxury.  I got the bits I need to finish my quilt-in-progress, and… well… I may have picked up some lovely new fabric to make my largest quilt yet: a queen-sized one, possibly for my very own bed.

Doesn’t it look scrumptious?  And so not-winter-y?  I’m not sure if it exactly goes with our bedroom, but I may just have to redecorate to accomodate it.  Hopefully it’ll work nicely with this pattern from The Teacher’s Pet.  It wasn’t a cheap day, by a longshot.  Several hundred dollars were spent.  Totally worth it.

Anyways, got home around 2pm and both kids were still asleep.  It felt really great to have a break and do things by myself.  I highly recommend it, and must aim to do it again before too long.  She did say I should have a facial every three months or so…