Editor’s Note: Ah, Sunday… hope to see you out today at the Family Heritage Experience out at The Filberg. We’ve got great heritage activities, tours and a public art quilt. So, head on out. We’re there until 2 p.m. If you missed the morning post, be sure to check out our November Mom Entrepreneur profile of Currently Cumberland’s Kathryn Chung HERE. Now, off to the spa, enjoy:

In my universe, where time spent doing the whole self-care thing should be way up there on my list, but ends up far too close to the bottom I will always vote for an afternoon (or even an hour) at the spa – especially if it’s with my girlfriends.

We all know the basics of why spas are good news for the stress ball that is motherhood – relax, eat well, detox, get some exercise.

And while those are really great and all, I think there are some other major priorities in the spa-going department. When I checked in with my girlfriends, they totally agreed.

Here are what we consider the Top REAL Reasons Women Should Go To The Spa at least Once A Month:

1. It would be nice to get some personal attention as I always care for everyone but myself! KH – Cumberland

2. Usually the only time I spend without listening to the chatter of a little one is in front of the computer working. So at the spa it is quiet and dark, which is such a very special thing. JD – Sunshine Coast

3. Being pampered for a change.. and I’m not referring to diapers! The spa is a wonderful temple where I don’t feel like I have a time crunch for anything… ahhhhhhh the spa.. wish I was there! VM – Vancouver

4. Indulgence, decadence, luxury and mindlessness… and it only happens when I get a gift certificate from someone. MC – Cumberland

5. It forces me to relax, and get the services I need and want, but never take the time to do. PW – Comox

6. Because it’s the only time that I get to be alone without any kids screaming for my attention and I get to focus on no one but my self which is a very rare indulgence in my life. YT – The great white North

7. It’s so quiet and all about me. MS – Vancouver

8. Escape – CD – Ottawa

9. Because I honestly think I look better when I leave… CD – Courtenay

10. It’s nice to go somewhere where they actually call you by your real first name! And it’s the perfect place to go when I want to feel taken care of. Oh, and the lavender/herbal scent smells so much better in a spa than at home… KC – in KC

11. I don’t think I need a reason. It’s there so let’s go! MW – Courtenay

12. 5 children under 9. KF – California

13. Because I live in a houseful of ‘boys’ and they don’t appreciate how long toenail polish takes to dry and I want to feel girly every once in a while. KG – Comox

14. Exfoliation–seriously! IT – Comox

Mine – well – forcing myself to slow down for a while is a decadent moment that I need to stop feeling guilty for. The spa is guilt-free:) Plus, if all the girlfriends are going, I can’t NOT be there. It’s SO hard to get us all together (really, it is… really:)). I can’t miss it.

Now, to plan that girlfriend day at one of the local gems. Want to come? Where would you go?

Have a great Sunday.

Photo courtesy of B. Clempson