Pampered Mom: A Guide to Self-Care in Cedar Rapids

Mamas deserve to be pampered, but we often don’t carve out the time or set aside the funds. Whether it’s too expensive, not enough time, or it’s not a priority, we can think of a million excuses not to spend money, time, and energy on ourselves. We’ve compiled a list of a few of Cedar Rapids’ Moms favorite local places to help you put back the you in bea-you-tiful.

Step 1: Fund Your “You” Fund.

First, set aside a few hundred dollars (depending on what services you’d like to do). Think of it at your YOU fund. Now, I know. It’s a lot. Especially for those who are conditioned to not spend money on yourself. What I do is a I set aside about $50 a paycheck and save up for a pampered “spa day” a few times a year.

Step 2: Find Your Person.

If you have a stylist, acupuncturist, brow specialist, esthetician, cosmetologist, Botox injector, etc., book with them ASAP to ensure you get on their calendar. If you don’t have someone, we have a list of professionals the Cedar Rapids Moms have personally received pampered services from.

Here’s what The Moms recommend:

• • • For hair: “I had the pleasure of visiting Luxury Looks by Livia for the first time this summer. She specializes in copper/red tones but also does a fantastic job with blondes. She owns her own private salon suite (complete with snacks!) for an intimate visit without the distraction or chatter of other clients. Her prices include a bond building and conditioning treatment plus one-on-one feedback on hair health! I went from major regrowth and damaged ends to voluminous, low lighted/highlighted strands – perfect for summer!”
    • For nails: “I’ve been going to Lilly (the owner!) at Fancy Nails since I moved to CR in 2006. Everyone at the salon takes great pride in their work and they have great prices. Lilly makes a point to get to know her clients, whether they are only there once or are return customers. She even sent my a GIF for 4th of July. So personable and truly takes the time to provide quality work whether you’re doing acrylics, gel, dips, or just a simple pedicure.”
    • For massage: “I swear by Hands in Harmony. Every time I walk in, there is an immediate sense of calmness and relaxation. Talk about pampered! You’re poured a cup of warm tea, coffee, and wine and sit in a relaxing space until your masseuse is ready. You choose your essential oil blend and chat about needs and areas of focus. I’ve seen many LMPs there but Katie Metcalf is one of my favorites. She also does craniosacral therapy and reiki for added spiritual relaxation & release as well.”
    • For facials: “Destini Hoth is my go to for all things skincare. She’s at the SkinLouge Med Spa. I love her so much much that I have even started taking my 15 year old son for semi-regular facials and my 12 year old daughter has her first one later this month. Destini has really gotten to know my skin so I feel like it’s a custom facial each time, as opposed to an off the shelf, you booked x so you will get x. There have even been a couple of times where she’s said, “hey I know you booked this, but I think your skin needs this instead. Is that okay?” I’m also obsessed with the One Society skincare line that she carries.”

• • • For waxing/brows: “I can’t recommend Kristen Sindelar Body Shop Esthetics! She is 110% the best waxer in Cedar Rapids. She is inexpensive and does a fantastic job – she’s warm, personable, and easy to talk with. She is size inclusive and will walk you through step-by-step through each procedure. I get my Brazilians done as well as brow shaping & tinting. I’m a regular!”
    • For tanning: “Since moving to CR I wanted to find somewhere I could get a quality spray tan. The girls at Your Tanning Bar educate you on what’s in their solution but also physically spray you. I’ve gotten sprayed in many different body types, post wedding, pregnant, and postpartum and they’ve always made me feel welcome and beautiful!”
    • For injectables: “I can’t recommend Ritual Med Spa enough! I had the dysport done. From start to finish, I felt so welcome and educated on the service that was being performed. The girls there shared their education levels, made me feel fully aware of the service I was getting, how it compared to other options, and what I should expect as an outcome. The spa was clean, beautiful, and made me feel so pampered.”
    • For professional makeup: “I’ve been seeing Blake at Skin + Brow Bar for many years now, because she’s the best in Cedar Rapids at what she does. She does gorgeous brow shaping and is my go-to gal for makeup any time I have a special occasion like a speaking engagement, video or photo shoot. We just got done with a makeup lesson so I can do my own makeup when travel (because I can’t afford to take her with me… yet!) She made it super easy and listened to my concerns.And, Blake is conscious of keeping her rates very affordable, because everyone deserves to look and feel this great.”

Step 3. Don’t Feel Guilty!

Now that you have your appointment(s) booked and money set aside, DON’T. FEEL. GUILTY. This is your time to recharge and fill up your cup. You may not wear makeup or would ever consider injectables, but maybe you’d like a trim and a basic pedicure. Find the thing that make you feel loved, worthy, and rejuvenated. Invest in yourself – you’ll be a better mom, friend, and partner when you do.

Tell us, how do you make time to be pampered?

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