Last week, my wonderful mom (MOB) surprised me with a gift certificate for a facial and massage at a spa in downtown Chicago. She wanted me to take some time for myself to de-stress and relax before the wedding.
The Spa on Oak offers an Oak Street Refresher package which includes a 45 minute facial and a 30 minute massage. I have never had a facial before so I was looking forward to that experience.
I made an appointment for 3:15 on Thursday. Unfortunately it was raining like crazy, but I caught a cab and made my way to the River North area of the city. I had never spent any time in this area and I was definitely taken aback at how beautiful and high-end the neighborhood was! The spa was surrounded by boutiques such as Jimmy Choo, Hermes and Harry Winston. I couldn’t afford to even look in the windows!
The spa is located on the third floor of a narrow building. I was greeted with a smile, offered a drink and immediately ushered back to my facial room. My facialist, Suzie, gave me a wrap to cover my upper body and had me lie down under warm blankets. The lights were low, the music was soft, and my stress started to melt away. She removed my makeup and warm mist fell on my face during the experience. The smells of lavender, mint, and eucalyptus were very pleasant. I could have had her massage my face for hours! By the end, my face was like butter—super smooth.
Not me but I was wearing a similar head wrap!
Image via archbrows.com
After the facial, I undressed and donned a super fluffy robe and sipped on champagne while I waited for the masseuse, Heather. Heather asked me if I had any trouble areas or health concerns. I asked her to focus on my back, neck and shoulders. I started off on my stomach and the pressure she used was perfect. I don’t enjoy a super deep tissue massage but this was just right and not at all uncomfortable. I flipped over half way through and she really worked the tension out of my neck. That 30 minutes flew by.
Image via KeyLargoMassage.com
I loved the experience and wished it could have lasted longer. Just looking at these spa pictures makes me want to close my eyes and relax. I may have to start pampering myself a little more often! It was such a pleasant treat and I couldn’t thank my mom enough.
Are you taking any time to yourself before the wedding to indulge in some pampering? How do you de-stress pre-wedding?
massage and facial booked for fiance and i week before. wish it was tomorrow after reading about yours! i love the jelly feeling, no care in the world afterward. you know, for about an hour 
make it last!
I so want a massage, considering how much tension I’ve been feeling in my back recently!! Maybe I’ll have to treat myself
I love that your mom surprised you with some time to relax, especially with the wedding so close! Spa on Oak is awesome – I just used a Groupon there in October.
I believe I’ve been there, too! I’m not completely sure, though, if it was that one. My FI gave me a gift certificate during spa week for a massage and a pedi. It was glorious. I have to do that again sometime. So glad you enjoyed yourself, it really is a great refresher!
Your mom is awesome for giving you this gift! What an amazing way to unwind. And I love that area, of course, I’ve never bought anything there, but I like to window shop on my way to lunch.
That sounds just divine. I definitely want to figure out a way to take a day to pamper myself, preferably the week of the wedding – massage, mani/pedi, facial.. yum. I’m such a hussy for massage (obviously!). 
Niiice! Thanks for reminding me to use my Groupon that I have for Spa on Oak!
Ahhh, how relaxing! I have never had a facial or a massage… I think I may have to book myself for one before the wedding.
Sounds amazing and relaxing. We have a Massage Envy here in town, and my best friend has a membership to one in her town. A massage membership is like $50 a month. Do that each month leading up to the wedding? Would work for me!
Mrs. Sunhat, Dyer, IN Age and Occupation: 32, Tax Accountant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Landscape Foreman Engagement Date: September 25, 2010 Wedding Date: December 2011 Venues: St. Andrew the Apostle, Fiesta Palace About Me: I'm a Midwest girl who grew up in the country and now works in the big city! I love cooking, entertaining, reading (addicted to my Kindle) and going to the movies. I don't miss an episode of Hoarders and I start cleaning every time I watch! My profession doesn't call for much creativity so wedding planning has been a great outlet. Mr. Sunhat and I met online three years ago, cheer for rival MLB teams and share a home with our dog, Wrigley. We are planning a traditional, Polish, Catholic wedding with lots of DIY elements and some fun surprises. I'm so excited to be married on New Year's Eve and we can't wait to ring in the new year as husband and wife!
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