This Sunday marks the 84th Annual Academy Awards. I'm more drawn to the Red Carpet preshow than the actual awards ceremony. I'm intrigued by the glamour and poise of the Hollywood elite. Is their elegance solely due to wearing vintage Valentino and having their earlobes adorned with Harry Winston? Or, is it the appearance of relaxed confidence that exudes such grace and elegance?
It comes as no surprise to learn that most nominees spend Oscar day at the spa. They're scrubbed, peeled, waxed, massaged, polished and pampered into a sublime state of body and mind. No wonder they appear relaxed and confident on the Red Carpet. Who wouldn't? At some point we all find ourselves saying it, "if had their money, I could look that good too". For many of us, it's not only about the cost of pampering, it's about managing to find the time to spend on ourselves and justify it without feeling guilty.
Relax and rejuvenate - as women, this concept seems as far out of reach as an Academy Award. We find that, by necessity, we tend to put ourselves last on our priority lists. We work, cook, clean, chauffeur......etc. We are efficient multitaskers and our to-do lists are both daunting and overwhelming. It's no wonder we find ourselves feeling stressed and exhausted. We hope to relieve some of our stress by systematically chipping away at our to-do lists. The truth is, the list is never completed - as the old saying goes, "a woman's work is never done".
It was not until age 49 that I finally treated myself to my first pedicure. It was also then that I realized that I was the one who had been depriving myself of pampering. The self-indulging and relaxing experience of my pedicure was what I benefited most from and what lures me back in to my salon again and again. The nail polish on my toes is merely a bonus.
I live in the Hudson Valley in New York State and I am a regular client at a privately owned salon, Allure Hair Salon (http://www.allureandspa.com/). Owner/operator Gina Palmeteer and her expert staff offer both salon and spa services and products for hair, skin and nails - all without the spa price tag.
When I first arrive at Allure, I am greeted at the door by Gina or one of her attentive staff - Marissa, Kayla or Martha. Before I have time to remove my jacket, I am offered a complimentary hot or cold beverage. Then, I'm escorted to a private room where I sit in a heated, massaging chair while my feet soak in a mineral whirlpool. The lights are dimmed while I savour a cup of green tea and immerse myself in the luxury of this rare and tranquil solitude. I make a point to turn off my cell phone, giving me a well deserved break from it all.
Women are masters at making sure everything and everyone else is taken care of ahead of themselves - job, home and family. Why do we find it so difficult to make time for us? Even though we're not nominated for an Academy Award - we still deserve a little pampering every now and then. It's proven that stress management is very important to both our physical and mental well-being. Feeling and looking more relaxed and refreshed is worth a little time and money - because, after all, we're worth it!
