I started by reaching out to my Facebook network for recommendations. I had planned on just getting a facial, but I had no idea where to start, or what to look for. I don't even know my skin type (other than 'burns very easily', but that's never one of the check-box options). Many people recommended Olympus, and I'm definitely still interested in giving that a try, but a student of mine gave me a discount coupon for Soleil Day Spa in Auburn, and I thought it would be PERFECT to celebrate the end of a stressful semester with an evening of relaxation and pampering.
The Aromatic Balancing Cocoon was recommended because it's a great way to add some warmth to a chilly day. I'm pretty sure that I've got some lizard genes mixed in with mine, because I always seem to be impossibly cold, so this sounded perfect. This was also a great way to experience lots of different kinds of pampering--shea butter, scalp and foot massage, heated towels, aromatherapy, and the chance to pretend to be a caterpillar!
I sincerely hope you'll forgive the lack of pictures for this post, but it was nice to get away from my phone for a bit, and I didn't think to have my massage therapist get a picture of me, but I felt a bit like this:
Between the dry brushing, aromatic oils, shea butter being painted on (yes, with a paintbrush) and then wrapped in warm blankets, towels, and a reflective heat blanket, I think I got a good idea of what a Thanksgiving turkey feels like, and it was glorious. I've always loved getting a massage (I go mostly to get all my stress knots worked out) but this was next level pampering. My skin definitely feels softer, and and I left feeling very relaxed. I told the ladies at the front desk that this could very easily become an expensive habit :)
It was a nice and gentle relaxing space to be in though. There was a sand table which was fun to play in, and a tea cabinet for before or after the massage--both of which I enjoyed!
They also gave me a first-time goodie-bag that had additional coupons to entice me back (as if I needed extra convincing), and a few samples of products. Much to my surprise, I discovered that the brand of products they use are all cruelty free! I've made a personal pledge to make all of my future cosmetic purchases cruelty free, so it's great to have another brand that's easily accessible in my arsenal. FarmHouse Fresh is also an animal rescue, so many of the ingredients they use in their products come from rescued animals that are now being raised on their organic farm!
Ultimately, this was a really spectacular way to close out a semester, and while I know I can't afford to do it all the time, I really enjoyed my evening, and would love to do it more in the future.
