The Pampered Princess

If you’ve never had a pedicure, people, you’re in for a treat!  I used to shy away from them because I was just embarrassed to have my sweaty, walked-on feet handled.  One day I just decided to get over it and give it a try.  It’s a little tickly at first, I’ll admit. But once the initial foot care part is over, the real treat begins. 

They first massage an exfoliating salt rub into the legs and feet.  Once the legs and feet are rinsed, a peppermint mask is rubbed in to the legs and feet, which are then covered by hot, moist towels.  The legs rest in the towels for 5-10 minutes.  After removing the towels, the legs feel amazingly refreshed. The treat doesn’t stop there.  A moisturizing lotion is massaged into the feet and legs, leaving them feel baby soft. 

Of course, the toenails are painted to my preference.  I like to mix this up.  Sometimes I choose a plain color, and sometimes I let them add a flower or some other decoration.  Either way, when I leave my feet feel dainty and pretty, a treat I never encountered before I got my first pedicure.

It makes me want to wear sandals everywhere! 

The nice thing about this every day treat is that you don’t have to go to an expensive spa to enjoy it.  Dozens of affordable nail salons are tucked into shopping strips and malls in many cities, large and small.  A pedicure can range from $25 - $60 depending on the selected options.  I highly recommend paying for the mask on your first trip to get the full experience, but that certainly is not a requirement. 

Gift It!

How can an every-day-girl feel like a pampered princess once or twice a month?  She can start by setting aside the time.  Pick a day that is all yours, whether you schedule a vacation day or set aside a Saturday.  Make it happen, folks.  You will be glad that you did! 

Don’t plan any to-do items – no bills, housework, or anything that remotely sounds like a chore.  This day is for you.  If your special day is going to take place at home, then make sure you have the house to yourself.  Make sure the kids are at school or at “Parent’s Day Out” – after all, that’s what PDO is all about, right? 

Prepare ahead of time as much as possible, so that you won’t have to interrupt your day making coffee or lunch.  You can start the night before by sleeping in your silkiest softest pajamas.  Spend at least part of the day just hanging out in those.  Watch your favorite DVDs, read a book, listen to your favorite music, draw, paint, play solitaire, do crossword puzzles, play Xbox games, make your favorite recipes, or any combination of these things.  Take a bubble bath and a long nap.  Whatever makes you feel rested and happy is exactly how you should spend your day.

If you don’t want to stay home you could always take a quiet reflective drive, take a trip to the mall, catch a movie, go to the bookstore or music store, get a pedicure, or get your hair done.  You could always treat yourself to a sweet coffee treat from your friendly neighborhood Starbuck’s.  While you’re at it, treat yourself to some flowers, too!  Grocery stores usually have a reasonably priced collection near the produce department.

Gift It!

Turning “princess day” into a gift could prove to be a challenge, but it is do-able.  The biggest help you can provide for someone who needs this type of day is to help him or her to find the quiet time to enjoy doing whatever his or her heart desires.  Brace yourself because this may involve offering to keep the kids.  If you can do this, the other stuff might fall into place without much trouble at all, though you can always give gift certificates for some of the activities that you know they will enjoy.  This gift can be as simple as a card with a note and/or gift cards, or it can be as fancy as a gift basket filled with gift cards and ideas for filing the day.  Depending on the combination that you offer, the cost of this gift can range from $0-$60.