Saturday was not a day like any other. Friday night I had to go to bed as if it were a weekday in order to wake up quite early. I was perfectly fine with this however, as it was the most coveted day of all. SPA DAY. My first ever (real) spa day. The first thing I want to tell you is that if you do not have a decent tolerance for pain, don't get anything that includes deep tissue massage. You will be in pain. Even with my high pain tolerance I was sorely pressed at least twice. Surprisingly, there aren't any bruises.
I knew we were expecting several inches of snow, however I did not expect the plows to not touch anything other than the main highways. Which is kind of stupid since they haven't done a decent job yet since we've started getting snow that sticks to the ground. I wish I had taken a picture of our road. If there hadn't been anyone out before me on Saturday morning (I have neighbors that work odd shifts) then it would have looked as if we didn't have a road, the snow was that much and the road was that well covered. In fact, as I was leaving a truck passed up our road. The truck didn't have its blade down or the salt spraying from the back. It seemed like a huge waste of fuel to come wandering down to our little cul-de-sac just to not do anything.
Luckily, I made it safely to Casal's de Spa. When I walked in I liked the fact that they have the salon and spa completely separate, but in the same building. I was a little weirded out that you don't pay ahead of time, but after you leave. I mean they are a service industry, how can you take back a massage and facial? Anyway. From what I've read the prices at Casal's are reasonable and the service is absolutely amazing. When I arrived I was seated and served my choice of refreshment. After that I changed into a robe and came back to a nice hot bubble-filled foot bath. Right there I felt as if I found a new home. I filled out a form and had another drink, then shortly after that I was introduced to my massage therapist. Since I had requested the Chakra Balance Massage it's a bit different. She had tried to explain what chakras are to me, but luckily I already know since things got a little loud with laughter and discussion on other massage services in the waiting room. She brought out these cards with words like insight, wisdom, nourishment and so forth on them. I chose wisdom, insight and harmony. From those choices three scents were chosen to be used during my massage. I didn't ask which ones, unfortunately.
The massage was an hour of bliss, minus the couple of moments of intense pain from the deep tissue part. I lived and breathed through it. I felt really bad about how twitchy my back is. From muscle issues to nerve issues my back is not the best thing to touch. The lovely lady who performed my massage was very patient with me. I would really like to go back to her again in the spring. If I start couponing maybe I can start getting a massage every 4 months (that would be FanTasTic).
The facial was just as fabulous. It was 25 minutes of more massage on my face, neck, shoulders and upper arms. She explained the different things she'd be doing on my face due to dryness (winter...) and went to work. It was fabulous. My face never felt better than that day. The skin was so soft that I couldn't stop touching it and the scent of jasmine followed me for the rest of the day. If I can't go back for an hour long massage, I think a facial would definitely be a good alternative.
So, if you find yourself in Northeast Ohio or Western PA, feel free to hit Casal's De Spa up for a massage, facial or any of their services. Although, you'll want to make an appointment at least two weeks in advance. Or you can always pamper yourself wherever you happen to live. Enjoy!
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