In Defense of Pampering

Last weekend, I treated myself to a chair massage at my favorite nail spa, Dashing Diva.

After 20 minutes of enjoying TLC for my back and shoulders, I couldn’t help thinking about pampering – and how it’s more important than ever in times like this to make room for it.

In a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, 80% of respondents said the economy is a significant cause of stress. Not surprisingly, the recession has many people cutting back on pampering rituals, including one of my favorites, travel.

Travel Therapy: The title of a new book and one of my favorite things

A feature in last Friday’s USA Today talked about the increasing trend of consumers feeling so guilty about taking trips that they’re not even talking about it. More consumers still are holding off on getting away and, with a government-endorsed dropoff in business travel as well, the industry is feeling the pinch. Commerce Department data predicts the loss of 247,000 travel-related jobs this year.

Stimulus package or not, our economy won’t get moving until people get moving with the business of spending, even if it's spending in recessionary fashion. And as someone who works in travel PR, I’m seeing firsthand the flurry of great deals available in the U.S., Caribbean and beyond.

Looking for inspiration for your next vacation? Check out Karen Schaler’s new book, Travel Therapy Travel Therapy.). Whether you’re planning a girlfriends getaway or seeking spa-infused solace, this is a great guide to get you there.

With spring right around the corner, I’m already looking into potential trips. Because sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what you need to feel at home again.

Election Night At Southern Hospitality

Last night, my good friend Tiffany and I headed over to Justin Timberlake’s BBQ joint Southern Hospitality, to join other revelers for an election results viewing party.

All Smiles on Election Night: Tiffany and I at Southern Hospitality’s soiree

Taking advantage of unseasonably warm weather, we grabbed a table outside, enjoying a perfect view of the standing room-only crowd and TV sets tuned to CNN. We skipped the $2 Donkey and Elephant shots, splurging calorically instead on warm apple fritters with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

As we watched Obama’s historic win unfold, Tiffany and I talked about how the current economic downturn compares to the Great Depression, clogging up cell phone memory with communications from old flames and shifting global perceptions of the U.S. And then, we watched a seismic shift in the electoral vote tally, joining in the cheers and applause that elicited Obama’s decisive landslide victory.

Earlier, when I was hesitating to go out for the Decision ‘08 festivities because of my recovering foot, Tiffany said we’d probably regret it 20 years from now if we spent this historic night as couch potatoes. She was right. Such a watershed moment deserves the fanfare of celebrating en masse -- and it's even more meaningful when it’s shared with a wonderful friend.