Why I Should be the Sego Lily Blogger

Originally from Sandy, I’m in the process to moving back to Salt Lake City after attending graduate school in Wyoming. Wyoming is quite a lovely place, though not the spa-Mecca you would think it is.

During my first year as a clinical psychology graduate student, I noticed deep, dark bags under my eyes and gnarly neglected feet. Exhausted, I resolved I needed to break from my studies and use a small portion of my meager graduate student stipend to rejuvenate myself. I pulled out the phone book, “Hmph, only a few to pick from…Ooh, this one looks promising!” Laramie Plains Day Spa*. I quickly made an appointment for mani-pedi and mini-facial.

How do I say this tactfully… hmmm… Laramie Plains Day Spa is less like a day spa, more like a double-wide with a foot bath. No matter, I was determined to rejuvenate. I was eagerly greeted by Sandra* the spa’s owner (this is actually not unusual at all for Wyoming. Now, whenever I leave Wyoming I often receive weird looks from strangers because I walk around with a stupid grin on my face). Sandra informed me she would be taking care of my treatments today. She asked the typical “what do you do” questions. Usually when I tell people I’m studying to be a clinical psychologist, they say, “I better watch what I say or you’ll analyze me!” (Truthfully, I only analyze and diagnose reality TV stars and Octomom, of course).

Sandra took a different route. I learned all about her husband’s infidelity, daughter’s proclivity for binge drinking, and how to best tame curly hair (mine is straight, not sure I’ll use that bit of knowledge). It was my first year of grad school. I had absolutely NO training in therapy, not even empathic listening. Totally freaked out, it was not the most rejuvenating or relaxing spa experience—and I had to pumice my feet in the shower later that evening to get the calluses off. She was likely as dissatisfied as I was with her makeshift therapy session.

The last four and half years in Laramie I’ve only received a handful of spa treatments, most have been gifts. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE going to the spa. I will sacrifice whatever I need to… even eat Ramen for a week to be pampered. But I left each Laramie spa discontent and cranky about not feeling fully relaxed or rejuvenated. So, I gave up.

Home for my final spring break as a student, my mom surprised (and spoiled) me with Sego Lily Indulgence Pedicures at Sego Lily Mind Body Spa in Midvale. (I know I’m 28 and my mom really shouldn’t be doing this for me, but I do have the BEST mom EVER!). I was immediately impressed by the modern and warm décor. The yoga room also looked fab! Mom and I were kindly greeted by a perky and adorable early 20’s and escorted to a warm and comforting room with a fireplace center stage. It looks much like my posh multi-million dollar dream mountain home in Park City.

Promptly, we were escorted by aestheticians Candice (best name ever!) and Katie to the ABSOLUTELY most incredible spa pedicure room I have witnessed with plush brown leather chairs and huge pillows. Candice and Katie had the challenging task of beautifying our horrendous feet. My mom and I both run regularly. Good for cardiovascular health, not so much for the feet. I also often complain that my feet are “SOOOO far down there” that I neglect them resulting in scraggly irregular toe nails and calluses so firm and rough I can chase away my fiancé with them. Candice and Katie massaged and scrubbed professionally while gracefully maintaining pleasant conversation.

The Indulgence Pedicure also involves a paraffin dip, which sort of feels like if you dip your feet into lava. It is likely just as exciting but sans the danger and horrible disfiguring third degree burns. I pretended I was on Fear Factor (yes, I used to totally love that show).

We were then finished off with beautiful shiny polish. Both, Candice and Katie, did a fantastic job! Smooth and soft skin, perfectly sculptured red toe nails. I coordinated my new and beautiful-looking feet with my cutest sandals to show off the toesies… until it snowed (it is Utah in spring time after all!).

I’m currently finishing my dissertation (well, not right this minute… but please tell my advisor I promise to get back to it A.S.A.P.), planning a wedding, buying a house, prepping to teach a course on Learning and Behavior and one on value wines (guess which one is more fun), dodging invitations to my 10-year class reunion, packing, and commuting to the Salt Lake City area regularly. Also, my fiancé is Asian and will look 30 forever (not fair!). My skin, being the ginger that I am, will likely start to wilt and wrinkle shortly. I (and the skin around my eyes) would definitely appreciate and benefit from some pampering.

Thanks for reading! Here’s the link to the contest:
http://segolilyspa.com/blog/contest-entry/

*Names changed to protect anonymity.