Thrifty Thursday III

I'm just wondering, when was the last time you took some time out for yourself. I don't mean sneaking off to the bathroom with a book tucked under your shirt, and I seriously don't mean feigning illness just to get an extra few minutes in bed in the morning. We've all done it. All of us. In some way or another, we've all neglected ourselves as Mom's.
One of the cooler things about my life as a Mom is my Husband's ability to recognize when I need a break. It may have been after a particularly stressful week, or perhaps after a long week of appointments and meetings, where my brain is tired. Just like I appreciate how hard he works for our family, he too appreciates how hard I work for our family. In order to get a break, I used to just sneak out of the house when Jon got home. I would go shopping and take some time for myself.  I never felt relaxed though when I came home, and felt probably more tired than I did when I left!
About a month ago, Jon was reading our local newspaper, when he came across an ad for a local Wellness Center and Day Spa. The ad said that they could do a full one hour massage for just $45!! Don't you know, Jon was on the phone that night calling to get an appointment for me? Sweet, I know. I was floored, and beyond excited. A massage? $45? I couldn't be, we knew full well that a hour massage was at least $60 if not $80. It must be a misprint. It had to be.
Jon and I are massage afficionados... We have had massages all over the world! On every vacation we go on, our first plan typically, is what type of massage we will have, and when we'll have it. It's certainly something to look forward to. Needless to say, for $45 I wasn't holding my breath on this being the BEST massage in the world, however I figured even if it meant me laying quietly in a room for an hour while someone rubbed my feet? How bad could it really be? Let's be honest with ourselves. $45 is a great deal...
When I arrived at New Leaf, a mere 10 minute drive from my home, I was pleasantly surprised by the professional staff, and the warm atmosphere. This was certainly not "the home of the $45 massage". This was an environment of relaxation... I was so happy to be there, and immediately at ease. I met my therapist Candra and she went over the paperwork I had been given to fill out. She was incredibly thorough and so pleasant... Meeting Candra though was a bit of a shock though. This little girl may weigh, I'm guessing, 90lbs soaking wet. Absolutely adorable, but teeny. Noelle could've given her a run for her money! I explained exactly what I was looking for in my massage. An hour later, when my massage was over... I was in absolute bliss. I never could have imagined that such a tiny person could have so much strength in her hands... She worked out knots that I didn't know that I had, but did it in such a way that was immensely relaxing and soothing and not at all painful. I immediately made an appointment for Jon to come in, especially since the cost was merely $45. He too was in awe of her technique. He said that he never thought she would be able to work out the muscles deep enough for him, but much to his surprise, she did a phenomenal job. We both commented that Candra's massage was topping our list of the top 5 massages that we've ever had. EVER. Right here in Winchester... How is that even possible??
I've made sure to continue to see Candra not because my muscles are all bound up, but because I feel like I deserve an hour to myself every few weeks. I love to have the time to myself, and to really relax. This week I even brought in my own CD to listen to... That was incredibly enjoyable.
New Leaf doesn't just offer massage, they are a full service wellness center. They offer steam treatments, body wraps, ear candling, hot stone massage, customized weight loss programs, and Reiki. The owner, Kelly Peacock is a Reiki Master and has been successfully practicing since 1999. Those of you not familiar with Reiki can find more information here.
Kelly handles all of the wellness aspects of the center.  There are many people that come to visit the center simply for weight loss counselling. New Leaf follows the same guidlelines as the AHDA, so it's not something that we've all never heard of. Kelly is someone to help guide you through your weight loss journey, understanding also that it's not always about weight loss. That it may be more about improving your life, and bettering your future.
Long story short, I'm no longer feeling the pressuree to decompress while trying to grocery shop, or making up fictitious stories about why my belly is so bloated (meanwhile it's actually a stack of magazines under my shirt...)
I'm just going to take my husbands advice and get a massage... It's something to look forward to, and it's really nice to see it on the calendar a few days away. Because if you're anything like me, it's always nice to have something to look forward to!

Comments

[katie K-H]

You are the answer to my prayers, jess! My neck and shoulders are killing me and I think it's from stress (and carrying/nursing the baby). I am CALLING TODAY!!!!!! : ) Thank you, thank you, thank you. Also bought my gas yesterday from Greenwood, which currently has one of the lowest gas prices in town. ; ) I'm loving the Thrifty Thursdays!