A happy poll: What's your preferred pleasure?

[Chefzhat]

I was at the local beauty college today getting a nice (cheap!!) facial and was thinking that I'd rather have a facial out of any of the personal services available. Then I would prefer reflexology, massage, pedicure in that order.

So, ladies . . . what's your preference? Let's all have a mental spa day!!!

Debie (with the glowing complexion!)

[Peggy C.]

I'd sell my soul to beable to afford regular pedicures.:o No really I would.:eek:

[m4star]

MASSAGE!!

But being a registered massage therapist, I am biased :p

By the way, I've never had a professional facial but I'm thinking of getting on for my birthday as a gift from me!

[tbb113]

Massage comes in first, followed closely by manicure/pedicure. Had one facial, didn't do a thing for me personally...and I don't think I've had the others.

Tyra

[stefania4]

Definitely massage.

My sister had never been to a spa, so I got her a gift certificate for her 30th birthday. She booked a 1/2 hour massage and a facial; turns out that while she enjoyed the massage, she LOVED the facial. different strokes, so to speak!

[emily]

Massage, hands down. I'm hoping to get a spa gift certificate for my birthday :) Although pedicures are nice. I don't know that I've ever really had a facial... Hmm, maybe I should branch out.

Emily

[RD chef]

But, if there were an option for a "day of all of the above", I'd be in absolute heaven! :p

[kwormann]

FACIAL!!!!!

2nd best experience on earth...;) ;) :D :D

[Kayla]

Originally posted by kwormann
FACIAL!!!!!

2nd best experience on earth...;) ;) :D :D

Hold on now, ... what would the 1st be then??? *she asks innocently*

[AndreaU]

I voted massage.

I was going to vote "other" and type in CHOCOLATE! but then I re-read your post and saw that it said "personal service." ;)

[crazyquilter]

Mmmm. Facial. If you get a good one, you get your neck arms, and hands massaged, too. And you come out feeling beautiful! Massage is my second choice. I've never had any reflexology done. Do they do that in spas?

[JHolcomb]

...I have this thing about being touched by people (can't stand it!!), so I voted other---a nice warm bath in scented bath salts at home.

[aggie94]

I'm with you, Jen. I have issues with people invading my personal space. :rolleyes: I'd take a relaxing fragrant bubble bath over a massage, facial, or manicure any day.

[Wendy w]

I voted other. There is a very nice day spa that is about 45 minutes from where I live. They offer traditional spa services such as facials, massages, pedicures, etc., but this place is known for mud baths and mineral water. I love going there, soaking in the various pools (mineral, salt, etc.)and then going into the mud bath.

You literally go into a pool and then put mud upon yourself, let it dry and then brush it off and rinse in an outdoor shower. The mud application makes your skin so soft. People either love it or dislike getting dirty. They offer food, which is ok, but how I wish I could take over their kitchen. They have a water aerobics class every afternoon as well. I always take a book and since I am fair and no longer a sunworshipper, I find a shady spot to read in between. I refer to it as my Disneyland. Ahhhh!

Around the block, there is a really nice complex of fruit, veggies, and gourmet goodies and I always stop by there.

[JHolcomb]

Originally posted by aggie94
I'm with you, Jen. I have issues with people invading my personal space. :rolleyes: I'd take a relaxing fragrant bubble bath over a massage, facial, or manicure any day.

You would have died in my Pilates class, too, then. We got a new instructor who, without warning and without permission grabs my crotch to position me correctly. I don't even like strangers to touch me on the arm, and I'm not hot about being hugged even by close friends, so you can imagine how that went over. I never went back!

[aggie94]

Originally posted by JHolcomb
We got a new instructor who, without warning and without permission grabs my crotch to position me correctly.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

After the shock and horror of what she had done passed, I think I'd have had a few choice words for her. And I wouldn't have gone back either.

:eek:

[BosunsWife]

I voted pedicure. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having my feet "done". Its the most relaxing thing in the world to me. Two days before #2 was born I went and had a pedicure (my MIL paid for me to have it). I got them regularly before #1 and #2 were born. Now I just have to settle for using my own massaging footbath and doing it myself when I have the time.

Dh would say massage. He has them at least monthly. He does it for a double reason, stress reliever and it really helps his back stay adjusted. He had one just before he left for the Gulf - my treat. I'm sure that will be one of his first stops when he gets back to the United States.

[mochadelsol]

Love a full body massage, going next week, DH surprized me with a gift cert.:D gotta love that guy:p

[HejazSunKat]

I love having a facial especially the end when they do the nice facial/shoulder massage. Ummm...lovely. The only bad thing about that is the way they wrap your hair so it's all sticking up in front afterwards like Cameron Diaz in 'There's Something About Mary'. Scheduling is key :). You're not going to want to do anything but go straight home and wet down your hair when it's over.

My second favorite would be a pedicure although 1. I think they're very expensive (though I don't seem to have a problem spending more on a facial) and 2. I feel sorry for the person having to do it because having to mess with somebody's feet for an hour strikes me as one of the biggest sh!t jobs on the planet. I like how my feet and toes look when it's done though.

[Peggy C.]

Originally posted by HejazSunKat


My second favorite would be a pedicure although 1. I think they're very expensive (though I don't seem to have a problem spending more on a facial) and 2. I feel sorry for the person having to do it because having to mess with somebody's feet for an hour strikes me as one of the biggest sh!t jobs on the planet. I like how my feet and toes look when it's done though.

Read your #2 and that explains #1. I feel bad for the person doing my feet because I have absolutely alien looking little toe nails. (ie just the nail on the little toe):rolleyes:

[HDgirl]

I voted facial. I have never felt comfortable getting facials, massages, etc. Not so much about someone touching me as the enviornment in some of those up-scaled salons. Attitude! Totally not down on that.

Like Debie, I go to a school now. My future sister-in-law runs it. It is so inexpensive, I go monthly. I have an appointment tonight!

I just recently found a hair salon that I feel comfortable going to. Better late than never I guess.

Peggy - I have a little toenail issue too. What's that about?

[JHolcomb]

Originally posted by HDgirl

Peggy - I have a little toenail issue too. What's that about?

I thought everybody had a shrimp toe! Maybe we should band together and form a support group (my shrimp toe does have a toenail, though. I know some people who don't have a toenail on their s.t. and just paint the skin!).

[m4star]

Originally posted by JHolcomb


I thought everybody had a shrimp toe! Maybe we should band together and form a support group (my shrimp toe does have a toenail, though. I know some people who don't have a toenail on their s.t. and just paint the skin!).

NO WAY!! They really just paint the skin?? :eek: I have a shrimp toe and I'm not too thrilled with it either. But mine has a toenail.

But I totally got over the horror of having someone touch my feet when I realized that the whole scrubbing takes place in warm, bubbled, good smelling water. For some reason that makes me feel like I can "hide" the shrimp toe.

[HDgirl]

Originally posted by JHolcomb


I thought everybody had a shrimp toe! Maybe we should band together and form a support group (my shrimp toe does have a toenail, though. I know some people who don't have a toenail on their s.t. and just paint the skin!).

Ok, help me out here. What is a shrimp toe? Never heard that before. Is it because it's little and curled up like a shrimp?

[Peggy C.]

OMG, SHRIMP TOE! That is the perfect description! Mine has a nail...but it isn't pretty. Fortunatley (:confused:?) is turns at such a weird angle most people would never know if I painted the nail the skin or nothing! :o

[slknight]

I voted "Other," because I have had a few combo body/massage treatments that have been absolutely heavenly:

The Bindi Herbal Body treatment
Using an intoxicating blend of herbs and oils from India, this Ayurvedic treatment will bring the body into balance by providing nourishment to the skin, profound relaxation to the central nervous system and quiet peace to the mind and soul. This serenity is accomplished through gentle exfoliation and warm oil applied into muscle tissue. Together these techniques improve circulation which releases energy blockages and transports you to a new level of relaxation

Thermal Mineral Kur
Based on the native Sonoma tradition of using medicinal mud, healing waters and massage therapy, this deluxe treatment has a detoxifying and totally relaxing effect. Three treatments in one, this kur begins with an organic Moor Mud body-cleansing wrap. The body is then immersed in a bath laden with therapeutic mineral bath crystals, followed by a full body massage using a soothing mineral crème mixed with a detoxifying essential oil.

I am melting just thinking about this!

BTW, I can't stand getting pedicures. My feet are incredibly ticklish.

[Little Bit]

I voted other too, since I can't imagine the sort of hygiene problems those places must have to cope with and I'm not big on having strangers touch me. (My yoga teacher is very sensible and respectful, though, and I don't mind her adjustments.)

If I had an SO, however, I think a nice massage would beat out even a LUSH bubblebath. For the time being, however, I'm a Bath Ballistic/Bubble Bar fan! :)

I like experimenting with different skin care products, so consider the cost of 'playing at home' a pretty decent savings over the cost of a day at the spa.

[mrswaz]

Okay, I voted other. I also have an issue with other people's hands "kneading" my body, hands, feet, face, etc. I can't even let DH give me a massage.

However, I am more than happy to let him draw me a steamy bubble bath, light some candles, pour me a glass of wine, and lock me in the bathroom with a book and a small piece of dark chocolate.

Talk about selling your soul...:D

[Beth]

I voted eearlier but didn't post -- now I have to say that I found certificates for a massage, facial and pedicure today, so I don;t have to chose!!! :) DH and I bought the package at a silent auction before we moved and they got lost in the shuffle. The longer they were lost, the more I wanted them and the less I thought I would find them.

[Chefzhat]

Wow, Beth! What a find! Enjoy!

Looks like massage is the favorite so far! I love everyone's responses. Shrimp toe - tee hee hee!

Debie

[Zinnia]

Originally posted by Peggy C.


Read your #2 and that explains #1. I feel bad for the person doing my feet because I have absolutely alien looking little toe nails. (ie just the nail on the little toe):rolleyes:

Peggy C. I totally agree with your first post as well-I voted pedicure. If I could afford it, I would get a pedicure regularly! I am on my feet alot and it is heaven-I don't even like giving myself a pedicure-I wish I could pay someone regularly to do it.
The shrimp toe thing had me ROFLMAO!! Mine has a nail too :oZinnia

[claire797]

Originally posted by JHolcomb
...I have this thing about being touched by people (can't stand it!!), so I voted other---a nice warm bath in scented bath salts at home.

Me too. I chose "Other". To me, luxury is going shopping while someone cleans my house.

[sunberst]

well i have never been to a salon/spa to get any of these services done. :(

well i did get a pedicure once at a asian nail salon for $20, but i was not too impressed. i can do a better job myself.

dbf LOVES to give me massages himself, and i love that!

[MKSquared]

I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who's never had a single one of these luxuries!

Hmmmm ... I have a little extra $$ right now, maybe I should treat myself. How much would that rock?

[RebeccaT]

Mary Kate, you should TOTALLY treat yourself! As hard as you work, waiting tables and going to school, I think you deserve it. And since you asked me... :rolleyes: :p

My favorite is a manicure/pedicure. I love it. I love how it looks afterwards, and I love how it feels during! I have a little place I go that does the mani/pedi combo for $20, it's my little "I'm feeling sorry for myself," pick-me-up!

But a massage is pretty great too, even a pay-by-the-minute chair massage! I love those!

[NancyR]

Originally posted by aggie94


:eek: :eek: :eek:

After the shock and horror of what she had done passed, I think I'd have had a few choice words for her. And I wouldn't have gone back either.

:eek:

I'm trying to decide for sure if this was a "he" or a "she" instructor and which would be more shocking. Yikes!

I feel the same way about my "personal space". I was waiting to get my hair cut at a day spa one time and someone sat next to me and grabbed my hand. She explained she was going to give me a complimentary hand massage and proceeded to wiggle my fingers all around. I was so uncomfortable I wanted to die. I kept saying no thanks but she just kept telling me I was tense and needed to relax and enjoy it. I almost felt sorry for her that her boss was obviously making her go around and do this. I never went back to that salon.

[Vicanddi]

I voted pedicure. I get one every 2-3 months just for the sheer pleasure of it. Due to my bad back, it is difficult for me to do my own pedicure. But, I still like to have pretty feet, especially in the summer. I've talked my DH into shaving my legs (thankfully I only need help sometimes!), but don't think he'd be into painting my toes. I can convince him that having my legs shaved is a ncessity, but think I'd have a hard time convincing that about my toes. Plus, the gal who does my pedicure is wonderful. She spends a whole hour. My feet are nice and soft for weeks, and my polish lasts about 2 months.

[sunberst]

Originally posted by sunberst
well i have never been to a salon/spa to get any of these services done. :(i splurged! got a pedicure- at a salon/spa! it was really nice, but the lady doing my feet kept wanting to make small talk with me and i just wanted to close my eyes & meditate. then this woman comes in and gets a pedicure next to me. she was OBNOXIOUS! her cell phone rang non-stop (literally over 15 times in that one hour) and she kept talking, rather loudly (VERY loudly) about how she is a strong independent woman and that she makes all this money, blah, blah, blah. all she did was brag, and it just made her look stupid and made me mad because i couldnt relax. then she has the nerve to start talking to me WHILE MY EYES WERE CLOSED. obviously i was resting & relaxing and not wanting to be bothered. but she didnt care. she wanted to brag to me about how she saved $3,000 and got some guy at a fence company fired. she called me honey over and over. honey this, honey that. argh. so i *think* my pedicure was really heavenly, just couldnt fully enjoy it because of all that. not something i would get on a regular basis, couldnt afford that, but i will maybe go once a year. :)

[Beth]

Well, I'm still in that never done that either column, but I had a miserable test done today -- made me hurt something awful. When I calm down, I think I'll splurge. If the lady with the cell phone comes in next to me, I'm gonna take the cell phone and drown it! ;) :D

[ChristieinMB]

I have acrylic nails and get a nail and and spa pedicure every two weeks. Today I wanted to panper myself so I got an extra 15 minute foot massage, it was soooo relaxing. I really like the new pedicure chairs that vibrate up and down massaging my back. Maybe chair isn't a good term since it includes the foot bath, maybe it is called a pedicure station. I go to medium priced salons and don't find it very expensive. I love facials but don't get regular ones. I used to dislike massages and felt uncomfortable, my DH loved it so much I tried it again, now I'm hooked, I have had some people that I feel weird being naked with (okay not really naked but you get the point), but mostly I relax and enjoy it.
Christie

[Grace]

Beth - hope you're doing ok after your test.

I received a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure from an Aveda salon as a birthday gift from my bosses. Since I too just had the MOST miserable last 4 months with numerous horrible medical procedures and surgeries, I needed some destressing in the worst way. I went last week and it was wonderful. The pedicure was great, and the polish lasts forever (only on my toes though - my fingernails chipped after about the 4th day :rolleyes: ). I'm going on vacation to Florida at the end of October and I will be going back so my hands/feet look good for vacation. I'm also going to do Mystic Tan (the spray on tan). I can't wait for vacation! :D

I had a massage once and it was nice, but the relaxing feeling I got didn't last very long at all, so to me it's not worth it. I prefer my DH to rub my back for me, or to sit in a warm jacuzzi for 10 minutes or so. I had a facial once too, and that didn't do anything for me at all. My skin is sensitive anyway and all that goop they put on made me break out :rolleyes:

I don't have any touch issues though - I'm actually SUPER touchy-feely and actually like others who are too! Pretty much anyone can touch me anywhere and it doesn't bother me in the least. It would have never occured to me that there are so many people who don't care to be touched until I read this thread. Very interesting.

And mrswaz - this made me laugh:
However, I am more than happy to let him draw me a steamy bubble bath, light some candles, pour me a glass of wine, and lock me in the bathroom with a book and a small piece of dark chocolate.

I would have said the same thing, except I'd change the last part! I would have said this instead:

However, I am more than happy to let him draw me a steamy bubble bath, light some candles, pour me a glass of wine, and lock me in the bathroom with HIM :D :o Much more enjoyable than a book or even chocolate! :D

[Beth]

Grace, glad you are doing better and getting a little pampering. You definitely deserve it.

Thanks for your concern. I kept feeling worse after the test was over, but it seems to have stopped getting worse. If that holds, I'll be fine. After my accident, I noticed my neck continued to tighten up for about a week. :( This was a series of tests to see how much they could make my neck hurt (my perspective, not the official version), and by the end of it, my head was throbbing, my neck arm and shoulder aching and I was hearing my 7-yr old's voice saying, "I feel like I'm gonna hurl!" :D Funny sometimes what will make you smile and get through a momment. He's a cutie --- and he likes to give massages. ;) :D

[bmonczka]

I voted mani/pedi, I am a slob when it comes to my nails so having some else do them is a true luxury! Altough I would have to say that my vote might tie with facial, I try to treat myself once a year to a facial- I love them...almost as much as I like clean, polished toes:) I am too ticklish for massages!

[stefania4]

Grace, I'm glad you got to pamper yourself for a little bit! You have had a horrendous past few months, and you definitely deserve a little pretty-time. It made all the difference in the world for me; after one of my operations, my first outing was a haircut. Two people had to help me lean back in the shampoo chair and get me back up, but I didn't care - I felt like I had rejoined the world once I had bouncy, swingy hair. I'm such a GIRL!