The Harpers: Spa Day!

For my birthday, Jon gave me a gift certificate to Liv Aveda for a spa day. I was so excited! I called and scheduled my spa day for Friday July 1st. The week of was a really difficult week. I had some health issues that caused me quite a bit of pain. It was a really tough week for me, but luckily by the time Friday came, I was feeling better and I was definitely ready for a day of relaxation and pampering.

I arrived at the salon at 9:00 am and I was taken back to the spa area of the salon. There I was asked to fill out a sheet for the facial and then to fill out a sheet for what I wanted for lunch. Yes, lunch was included. Once I finished, I changed into a bathrobe, so that I'd be all ready for my one hour massage. Life's been busy and stressful lately and so my back has been very tense and I've been so tired, so I was definitely looking forward to a massage. It was wonderful!! I can't even explain it, except that it was perfect. The masseuse really worked on my neck and back. She was able to get rid of some of the knots in my back. She recommended that I get a back massage every four to six weeks. Sounds great to me! Once she finished, I was so relaxed. I could have gone home and taken a nap and been completely happy with just the massage. I was so relaxed after the massage, it was wonderful!

After the massage I had a one hour facial. I'd never had a facial before, so this was a new experience. It too was very calming and relaxing. She cleansed my face and then she applied an exfoliating mask. While the mask was drying, she turned on a steam machine, that blew steam over me. It was different, but it felt good. Also while the mask was drying, she gave me a foot massage. I love having my feet massaged and they got massaged three times that day, once during my full body massage, during the facial and again during my pedicure. To take the mask off, she placed a hot rag on my face and gently wiped the mask off. The hot towel felt so good. She applied another mask and while this one dried she massaged my hands and arms. Another hot rag and then some cream. The cream wasn't just for my face, she massaged my neck, my upper back and the base of my skull. At times the pressure was a little uncomfortable, but over all it felt good. Finally my back and neck were no longer tense. I don't remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

After my facial I got to have lunch. They ordered lunch from Panera, so it was very yummy. I had a turkey sandwich, fruit and a roll. After lunch I had a pedicure and then a manicure. I used to paint my fingernails all the time, but the paint never lasts, so I don't paint them anymore, not that I have the time, but it was fun having my toenails and my fingernails painted and looking nice. After the manicure I had my hair washed and styled and then the stylist did my make-up. I got the whole works and boy did I feel pampered when I finished. My hair is at a length that you can't do a lot with it, so it didn't look too different from when I do my hair. For my make-up we tried some blues which I was a bit nervous about, but I really liked it. The colors were light which was fun, because I tend to use more browns which make my eyes darker.

My hair didn't look different, but my eye make-up is lighter and I really liked it.

My beautiful fingernails and toenails. I loved the color of the polish. It's called Peru B Ruby.

I felt pretty and relaxed when I left, and then I walked outside and instantly I began to sweat. Great!! It was 96 degrees and at least 88% humidity. It was miserable. Not only that, but my car had been sitting in the sun all day so it was blazing and I had the Honda which takes at least 10 minutes for the air to feel cool. I had a couple of stops to make before going home, so the air finally cooled in the care just before I got home. I felt like my make-up had melted off of my face. I also had a lot of creams and oils on me from the massages and so I felt really sticky. When I made the appointment, I purposely made it on a Friday, so Jon and I could go on a date. Well, that didn't happen. Sophie's friend Elsie turned one on Wednesday, June 29th. Rita had invited us over for Elsie's birthday party, but they were busy Wednesday and Thursday evening, so the party was Friday July 1st. Oh well, I got pampered and dolled up for a one year old birthday party. We had a fun time! Jon made homemade peach ice cream for Elsie's party. Rita actually turned the party into a birthday party/cancer free party for Jon. We found out that week that Jon's tumor is completely gone, which means the cancer is gone. Yay!!! Rita bought Jon a Cookie Monster cookie and the Bluray of The Adjustment Bureau. Thanks Rita for a fun party!