Splurge on a Massage – You SO deserve it!

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On Friday, I met a girlfriend at the Ballanytyne Resort & Spa for a massage. Now I know some of you may bash me for spending money this way. But I actually had to sell two of my 4-year-old’s Lilly Pulitzer dresses (remember my eBay addiction?!) to pay for the splurge, and it was worth every penny! Now, I am a firm believer in getting a massage once a month so I can detox and escape. I really think it makes me a healthier, better person. I wish insurance companies would cover this because I do believe that stress is the root of all evil. And there are so many types of massage treatments that can help us release those bad toxins that stress causes.

Before I get into my review of the Ballantyne Resort & Spa, I want to tell you something about our beloved Jen B. And why I think it is so important for us as women, mothers, wives, etc. to take care of ourselves and splurge once in a while on a massage or therapeutic treatment to de-stress. Jen B. is in the hospital right now and may be out of touch for a week or so. We’re not exactly sure what’s wrong, but one thing is certain. When this is all over, she needs to really take some quality time and focus on herself and her health. We all have to take care of ourselves first – kind of like what Jen B. referenced not too long ago about the fact that flight attendants tell you to secure your oxygen mask first, then your children’s.

Back to my spa morning. I had a 50-minute deep tissue massage and my girlfriend had a facial. It was one of the best mornings that I’ve had in a long time. We are so lucky to have this caliber of a spa right in our backyard so to speak. I have lived in Charlotte for 12 years and this was my second time at the Ballantyne Spa. Not for lack of want, but more for convenience. We Charlotteans are all creatures of habit and we are all guilty of staying within our 5-mile comfort zone. Ballantyne is a little further out for me and it is just not top of mind. Well let me tell you, I’m changing my ways! This place is a beautiful, serene, relaxing destination spa and offers all of the amenities you would expect. Before your treatment, you undress and slip into your super-soft spa robe, sip on a complimentary mimosa or hot tea and relax with a beautiful view of the golf course. I am not a golfer, but I can certainly appreciate the beauty of the course. After 5 minutes of chitchat with my friend, off we went to our services. My massage was excellent and I really enjoyed some of the health tips my therapist gave me. My friend and I were reunited at lunch, served in a separate spa dining room so we could dine in our comfy robes. After lunch, I was delighted to learn that I still had enough time to shower with all of the yummy spa products before speeding off to carpool. What a treat that was, although next time I will remember to bring my round brush – I think my hair had a weird kink because I didn’t have my things. But I didn’t really care – I kind of floated through the rest of my day and felt completely rejuvenated. My friend and I vowed that we are going to do this once a month. I’m going to have to find more stuff to sell on eBay to support this habit!

Two final things. One. I will keep you updated on Jen B. She could definitely use some extra prayers and positive thoughts. Two. Hopefully you will not get bored of my perspective over the next week or so. Jen and I worked on editorial through March so our CSP content won’t change a bit, just the voice. And I really have some fun guest bloggers coming up. Oh wait, there is one more thing. To my dismay, the above photo is not of me during my treatment:-)

Do you have a great spa, massage therapist, acupuncturist (I really need a good referral here) or any other de-stress tips to share?