I Need to Pamper Myself

You know the saying, ‘Always a bridesmaid, never a bride’? Well, that is kind of how I feel about spa gifts. Yes, I said spa gifts! I write this post with a little bit of jealousy. You see, my Mother and Sister-in-law receive spa gifts each year. I’m not saying they don’t deserve it, they totally do. I, however, have never been in a spa. Never. Okay, I have been inside a spa, but only the reception area.

I’m the gift purchaser. Not the recipient. I’ve waited for family to think this is a good idea and surprise me with a spa gift, but, it’s not working. So, I’m going to go out and treat myself, with my own money. Why does that make me feel like I’m buying flowers for myself and saying they are from a secret lover?

Now that I’ve made the decision to stop waiting for something to give me a spa gift, I’m stuck deciding which spa to go to! Sure, I could go to a spa near where I am in Ontario, but somehow that doesn’t sound too exciting. No offense to Ontario spas. In the summer I’ll be exploring Eastern Europe and then doing the Mongol Rally. I could go to a spa in Turkey or somewhere similar, but there is no way I am showing my naked self to a bunch of strange women. Hell, there is no way I am showing my naked self to anyone! So the Turkish Baths are definitely out!

Paris, do I look for a spa in Paris? I could handle a facial, mani or pedi. Although, a half body massage would be fabulous. There are knots in my shoulder and neck that have been there since 1998.

I realize that Thailand is always an option, but to me the words ‘Thai’ and ‘spa’ do not belong in the same sentence. ‘Thai’ and ‘pain’ go together perfectly. So, Thailand is definitely out.

Which brings me back to Eastern Europe. Is there a spa that doesn’t involved being naked in front of strangers? Maybe I should stick to getting a facial, mani and pedi. But wait! The Mongol Rally is going to be messy and dirty, which means a mani and pedi will be destroyed in no time. Oh, the choices!

You know, as a non-girlie girl, this really is a tough choice for me. Perhaps that is why my family has never given me a spa gift. I would destroy the results in a matter of days. But, I still want to go to a spaaaaa [imagine a 5 year old who really wants pizza when you're serving meatloaf].

Have you been to a spa in Europe? I need some recommendations!!