Soak it up

So, admittedly, Resolution No. 13: Blog More is not going well. And, at the risk violating Resolution No. 32: No Excuses, I’d like to offer some for my recent hiatus. Okay, I’ll limit the rationalization. But, how about just one? It’s a good one too – major: A beloved sister’s wedding.

Now, naturally there was lots of shopping involved for the occasion (that whole old, new, borrowed, blue is not as benign an errand as one might think), but could I file any of the pre-nuptial running around as therapy? Er, no. Why does no one tell you that the after-effects of a wedding weekend leave you feeling like you’ve just suffered through a transatlantic flight wedged in the middle seat of economy class? Not that the event itself wasn’t roses, it was. But, phew. No doubt I’ll be spending the next few weeks in my favorite shops, recovering from it all with shoes. And earrings. And purses.

But, in all the going-to-the-chapel chaos, there were a few moments of Zen – both for the lovely bride and her slightly frazzled, “seriously-you-want-me-to-write-how-many-place-cards?” MOH. Actually, we enjoyed a full hour of Zen, with a little foot maintenance thrown in, thanks to the women of Soakology.

Now, for those of you who find pedicures relaxing, Soak may feel a bit redundant, but if you’re like me and constantly worried that you’ll end up with too-short nails, color choice resentment or cut cuticles, Soak was created for you. A deep ceramic bowl filled with hot water plus an assortment of herbs, petals and other elements to treat and heal your feet. We booked the place (downstairs can accommodate up to 10 soaks), and assorted bridesmaids and friends joined in the fun. The Bride chose the Sweet Rose Melt, a softening soak filled with pretty pink petals, and added a foot massage to get her aisle (and dance-floor) ready. Other soaks included the Massala (Chai plus elements including fig), Omega-3s and Rose Hips, and I chose Energizing, a Chinese herbs plus citrus soak. It was both relaxing and restorative – perfection-plus. Each Soak ranges from $20-$50, and I’d say most average around $35. You can also add massages including foot; head/neck/shoulder or hand, or other treatments such as pumice at additional cost.

While we soaked, some munched on cupcakes while others sipped all-natural smoothies and pomegranate spritzers. Soak offers a teahouse menu of light fare plus teas, milkshakes and smoothies. And, yes, we were a very girly bunch, but this place is hardly ladies-only. Men too could easily get comfy in the oversized chairs and couches, and one foot in the soak erases any manly hang-ups you might have about telling friends where you spent your lunch hour or evening. But, caveat emptor: Soaking can be addictive. I’m already planning my return.