jagovino This year for my winter break, I decided that I was going to focus on myself. Writing that and saying it out loud makes me a little uncomfortable because, in a way, it seems selfish. Moms are always doing things for everyone else and when we want to just take some time for ourselves, the guilt of being away from our family sometimes clouds the reality that they are fine without us, at least for a few hours! After such a stressful year, especially at work and dealing with two kids who have been home way more than usual, I wanted to take some time to indulge in some self-care. After all, wasn’t self care the theme of 2020? Since the year was coming to an end, I figured I’d check out some local businesses who could make me feel relaxed and taken care of and most of all, could provide me with some much needed “me time”.
First Stop, Madison Reed Color Bar- Westport, CT
When I was contacted by Madison Reed to come in and check out their new salon in Westport, I was so excited! Not only because I had heard such great things about the company, but because my roots were so bad and I was way overdue for a touch-up. As soon as I got to the salon, I was greeted by the stylists who were all super friendly and accommodating. They sit with you before starting any treatment, to discuss what color you want and to match you with the perfect blend. I decided to go with a root touch up and a gloss to tone down the brassiness from my previous balayage color done in the summer. The process was quick and I was able to sit and relax, read a book and scroll my phone, for the 45-minute wait for my color to settle. That in itself was a prize! After washing my hair, I got an amazing blowout and was very impressed by the color and texture of my hair. I walked out of the salon feeling refreshed and renewed and my hair certainly felt that way too!
Second Stop, Haute Healing Oasis- Stamford, CT
I was lucky enough to be gifted a visit to the Haute Healing Oasis Spa by Stamford Moms. My whole experience there, from making my appointment to the tour of the spa, was top notch. I started with a 60-minute infrared sauna treatment in the Exhale room. They have several sauna rooms that make your visit extra special and include space to keep your things and get changed, water, towels, and a diffuser with essential oils, everything you need to get in the zen mindset. At first, I was worried I would not make it the full 60 minutes in the sauna, it’s hot! But once I got comfortable, it was very relaxing. An infrared sauna is not as humid as a traditional sauna, so it was a dry heat, which made the overall experience more doable. I did take breaks every now and then to get some water, but the time flew by and when I was done, I felt amazing! I immediately noticed feeling less bloated and more energized. After the sauna, I went to take a quick shower in one of the private shower rooms decorated with hanging eucalyptus, I felt like I was on vacation! My last treatment was the hydro massage which is a massage table that uses water pressure and is fully customizable. You can change the pressure, the speed, and the location on the body of where the massage takes place. I liked how I was fully clothed and had complete control over which areas of my body the massage focused on. I was able to get a full body massage on my neck, back, and feet! A 20-minute hydro massage is equivalent to a 60-minute deep tissue massage. The hydromassage was a great compliment to the sauna and helped me unwind and decompress. Overall, my experience at Haute Healing Oasis was superb! I can’t wait to go back and try their other services including red light therapy and the sauna wraps The spa also includes a retail section with all types of essential oils and CBD products, made to help you feel your best. Peter and Jessica, the owners of the spa, were so friendly and accomodating. I was so glad I had a chance to take some time for myself and explore this local gem.
Third Stop, SkinLab- Stamford, CT
I have been to SkinLab in Harbor Point before for botox and had a great experience. This time, I wanted to try out their popular hydrafacial. The medispa is clean and sleek and the best part is, while you are waiting for your services, they have so much to shop for, including my favorite skincare line from SkinCeuticals. The facial was relaxing and I felt pampered from the moment I got on the table! My aesthetician, Cassie, was very knowledgeable on overall skin health and gave me some great tips for my own skincare routine. I walked out of the treatment with a glow and a refreshed feeling. I can’t wait to return to SkinLab for a peel!
Other notable local spots for some self-care
Zen Spa and Nails for a very relaxed mani/pedi
LM Salon– best Keratin treatment I’ve ever gotten!
Noelle Spa for great massages!
Indigo Wellness for acupuncture
