I’ll be honest here: thus far in my 24 years, I’ve enjoyed a good amount of pampering. I’ve been spoiled by a loving and generous family. I’ve been spoiled by a first-class education. I’ve been spoiled by opportunity: to live and travel abroad, to experience quality in the performing and visual arts, to live comfortably.
I hope this doesn’t come off as boastful – I certainly am incredibly grateful for each one of these things. While I realize not everyone can share in them, I do believe there is one common thread between us all, and that is the pampering we can provide for ourselves. No matter what circumstances we’ve been dealt by life or simply been born into, I like to think that we all have the ability to treat ourselves well.
Spoiling oneself might mean a purchase. It might mean a meal – at home or in a restaurant. It might mean a night off from hard work, house-cleaning, or caregiving. Whatever the manner, a little self-indulgence truly goes far in the realm of health and self-care.
Some recent ways I’ve spoiled myself?
Yesterday, I took myself on a nice post-work stroll to a store I never go to: Lululemon. Starting April 1st, I am beginning a month of Bikram, and I needed a Yogitoes mat cover. Yes, need. I never treat myself to nice exercise clothes or equipment – honestly, some of my yoga outfits are old cotton leggings that are too large and sports bras I’ve had since the eleventh grade. It’s kind of ridiculous. Spending a little cash on myself to fully enjoy my month in the hot studio was a worthwhile splurge.
coconut-portobella mushroom soup, over brown rice, with a side of roasted brussels. [i'm in a confusing transition period between winter and spring vegetables.]
Of course, the way I choose to eat plays a considerable role in indulging the well-being of both my body and my mind. I love packing in as much energy and nutrition as I can, knowing what good it all does for me. I can’t help but believe all the real, whole food has kept me from getting truly sick in over a year, and I even have to wonder if it has anything to do with the mysterious disappearance of my seasonal allergies, which haven’t significantly plagued me since 2008. The idea that my body is well taken care of after a long period of neglect delights me to no end.
I’m also sure to spoil my tastebuds with chocolate and/or wine pretty much daily [not to mention delicious visits to restaurants whenever I can].
And this evening, I am going to spoil myself in the name of vanity, with a much-needed and too-long-awaited haircut at a quality salon [thanks to a sizable discount courtesy of my sister]. Sometimes all we ladies need is to indulge ourselves in a bit of beauty, whether it be a fresh style for our hair or a new shade highlighting our eyes. Also, my hair has not been cut in 5 months, and it is looking absurd.
Tell me, how do you spoil yourself?
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I have that same yoga mat cover in green! (or I think I do, it looks very similar)
I’m FINALLY on spring break next week so some pampering and spoiling is certainly going to occur! I plan to get my hair-cut, nails done, and eyebrows waxed – all make me feel like a princess! I also am looking forward to being able to relax and make dinners and lunches at my own speed with fresh ingredients without needing to rush to class or work.
Nicole G
Love dark chocolate- such a pleasure.
Ways I spoil myself? Spending a day with my best friends- lunching, indulging, getting manicures, shopping for something absolutely fabulous which I want, making classy cocktails with my friends and just chit chatting, reading Cosmo…then usually going out later :)
oh yum… dark choclate with sea salt… if i had access i would be treating myself as well! that soup sounds good, i wish i could afford all the cool coconut products!
Lindt’s “A Touch of Sea Salt” is one of my go-to chocolate bars! So glad you enjoy it too.
It’s great to hear all the ways you indulge yourself. Pampering is so important for mental sanity. I need to do this more…all I do is work work work ah :( NO play! Gotta get there. Thanks for the inspiration.
massages. I swear that I will marry a masseuse one day because they feel so incredible. So every now and then I will spend a nice day at one of the fabulous spas in ny and get some pampering since none of my friends ever want to help a girl out! Surprise surprise ;)
Your spoilage sounds fun to me! I spoil myself by shopping as well. Lululemon was a visit for me about a month ago, and this week it happens to be jeans. Nothing like a new pair to bring out the confidence, GL on your month!
spoiling? star treatment? overpriced delights? this is my favorite topic!! let’s see here: manicures & pedicures, victoria’s secret undergarments, overpriced makeup (every once in awhile), and the once-a-year treat: anthropologie dress. did i forget thirteen dollar cocktails? yeah, add that to the list.
can’t wait to hear about your bikram adventures! maybe i’ll join you for a class. we can be lulu/ sigg water bottle chicks together. hellzz yeah.
I agree 100%, we can all use a little spoiling now and again!
Oh, Leslie! I agree fulheartedly. I think sometimes people -women especially- feel a lot of guilt when it comes to doing things that are nice for themsleves. We spend so much time making sure that everyone around us is happy, that we’re doing what is “right” and “correct.” And as New Yorkers, always on the go,go,go! we don’t get a lot of time to stop and breathe. So. Pamper away. You deserve all of the niceties Lululemon has to offer. (I want the Yogitoes cover, too.)
Way to give into you! I think treating yourself well creates a ripple effect. The happier you make yourself, the happier you can make those around you.
I spoil myself with nights at home curled up with movies and dark chocolate, occasional trips to the hair salon where I get all highlighted up, and massages (when I can afford them).
Please let us know how Bikram goes! It sounds both daunting and incredibly rejuvenating.
[...] beautiful boutique soon and check out some of the spa services they offer – we all need to spoil ourselves every once in awhile, [...]