“First Class” Pedicure

For years I’ve gone to cheap, independently owned Asian nail salons to get pedicures.  I’ve enjoyed the massage chairs, the foot rubs and the lively chatter among the service people.  Anjelah Johnson captures the experience perfectly in this hilarious clip from one of her stand up routines.

Hilarious, right?!  I’ve SO been there where I find myself nodding along because I have no idea what they’re saying.  At only $25, it’s hard to consider going anywhere else for a pedicure.  I mean, how much better could they be at higher end spas?

Oh.  My.  Gosh.

It’s like flying first class and then trying to imagine riding in coach ever again.  I’ve been spoiled.

Mark Driscoll says that women generally fall into two categories:

Ginger

Mary Ann

I’m a Ginger.  I walk into a store and fall in love with something, then I flip over the tag and realize it’s $300.  I love great food, clothes, shoes and service.  The problem is that I have champagne taste…and a beer budget!

The solution?  The Aveda Institute in Royal Oak.  I didn’t understand at first that it was just a school, not an “actual” Aveda spa.  And when the experience was over, I can’t think of anything that would have made it any better. 

We walked in, picked our polish (which you get to keep by the way!) and were led upstairs to a peaceful room painted a soothing sage green.  We saw a row of contoured black leather chairs and breathed in the soothing aromatherapy.  The girls who did our pedicures were adorable and engaging.  We donned heated neck wraps that applied optimal pressure on our shoulders while we sipped on perfectly sweetened, hot peppermint tea.  They soaked our feet in big bowls of warm, sudsy water.  After our soak, the chairs were tipped back into the most comfortable position ever.  I can’t even describe it, but I felt like I’d been freed from gravity and I instantly relaxed.  My head was supported perfectly, my lower back was hugged by the curve of the chair, my knees were supported just right and my feet were at the perfect height for Katrina’s magic hands. 

We relished rounds of exfoliating scrub, calming masks applied with brushes (between every toe…bliss!), hot towels, lotion and other magical substances.  It was unbelievably wonderful.

And, at $35 with a bottle of quality polish included and no tipping allowed I don’t think I can ever go back to the cheap shops. 

It’s Cristal on a Bud Light budget. 

I’m a believer and will definitely be going back!