Each Monday in January, I wrote about how to keep your New Year’s resolutions while traveling in Minnesota. (Part 1: Save Money; Part 2: Exercise; Part 3: Read More; Part 4: Eat Well.)
For the last part in this blog series, let’s talk about you. How are you? How are you really? Maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions is to take more time for yourself, to sit back and take a breath, to learn to relax a little more. I know finding a little more “me time” is always on the top of a mother’s list especially (though it’s usually the first thing to fall off said list, too).
For me, when I need some time to myself (or my husband pushes me out the door), I head to the spa. Even when I’m traveling, I try to carve out time for relaxation because business trips or sightseeing vacations can be so go-go-go. It’s amazing what a quick pedicure, massage or haircut can do for the spirit. And in most cities, you don’t have to look too far to find a spa.
Fortunately for us (and you), Minnesota is the headquarters for Aveda. We not only have the Aveda Institute (salon services for a fraction of the price), but several Aveda spas located throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. Try the one in Minneapolis’ Gaviidae Common or along St. Paul’s Grand Avenue. Aveda is an environmentally conscious organization and all their products are made from all natural products. I’m very sensitive to scents and lotions and I’ve never had a bad reaction to an Aveda product.
Ivy Spa Club
Photo by Todd Buchanan
I think having Aveda in town only makes every other spa that much better, too. My husband and I have enjoyed several couples’ massages at Spalon Montage (three locations), while I’ve had a lovely French manicure at Edina’s The Day Spa. Many hotels have spas attached as well, so you don’t have to go far for a treatment: Ivy Spa Club in the Hotel Ivy, The Spa at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (the nine-head shower is to die for), Trillium Spa at Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America, Glacial Waters Spa at Grand View Lodge in Brainerd, the Waves of Superior Spa at Bluefin Bay in Tofte, and so many more.
So, next time you have a break between business meetings, pop over to a spa and get a massage. Or, while your spouse takes the kids to Nickelodeon Universe, stop in Progressions Spa for a haircut or manicure (yes, men can get manicures, too). There’s nothing wrong with carving out a little “me time” no matter where you are. It’ll make you more relaxed, more centered, and more fun!
Here’s to a healthy and happy 2012!
