“L” Online

This isn’t a “beauty care guide.” It doesn’t really fall under “health care guides” or any of the like. This entire post is completely based on my own opinion and experiences. I also wanted to try a couple things I had learned recently, in regards to writing for search.  Other than that, I really did visit those establishments to receive one of my favorite indulgences: pedicures!

So this might be like comparing apples and oranges, but I’m just going to mention what I like and dislike about these Nail Salons/Spas. The entire concept of a pedicure seems like such an odd and useless service for women to indulge in, I mean really, who cares if your toenails are painted or not? I also have to say, I feel bad for those people who give those services. Let’s face it, some people have gross feet! Now, as for me, I have pretty feet.  Biased? Maybe.  The whole reason I started getting pedicures in the first place, was because I didn’t like my feet. When I was younger, I was teased for having big feet. I use to be pretty self-conscious about my feet for the longest t time. So, a few years ago, I reasoned with myself that if I painted my toenails pink, they would be prettier. Ever since, I’ve always had my toenails painted pink, sometimes different shades of pink and once in a blue moon, I’ve even gone red! What a rebel, right?

So, getting to my point, women don’t get pedicures just to change the color of their toenails. If that were the sole reason, it would be far cheaper to spend the five bucks on the bottle of nail polish and diy. The whole joy in the pedicures is two-fold, the experience of being indulged in a pedicure and the end results of enjoying pretty feet. The experience itself is relaxing and a great way to unwind. Everything from the foot soak to the salt scrub to the foot massage and more, make the pedicure experience a “needed” luxury. Everyone needs to unwind and be a little self-indulgent, from time to time. I absolutely love the foot rubs and parafin dips. The pumice stone, well, I’m actually pretty ticklish, so every time the nail tech sloughs my feet with that darned thing, I end up giggling like a little girl.

I have had so many pedicures, hard to remember all the places I’ve been. Clearly, pedicures are one of my favorite indulgences. If you are going to get a pedicure and it’s your first time, I suggest going to a nail salon within a spa. The nail salons within the spa setting (like  Gene Juarez) generally have a better grasp about training their employees to focus on giving their clients an amazing experience and not just a new color on their toenails. Anyhow, so obviously, I love pedicures!

Read on for my opinion on different places providing pedicure services.

Gene Juarez in Bellevue, WA: Grade – A +

I’ve been a few times and they are consistently awesome. I enjoy the atmosphere. I love the leg and foot rubs.  The nail technicians are not overly-chatty, they are perfectionists and detail oriented. They make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.

Mandalay Bay Day Spa in Las Vegas, NV: Grade – A +

Jen took me to the spa for a pedicure at the Mandalay Bay during a trip to Vegas. Yowser, everything was perfect. Not much to add to that. Jen has always had exquisite taste. It was expensive, but no more than any other spa pedicure. The bonuses were worth the price. When you get a spa pedicure (or any spa service), they give you access to their beautiful spa hot tub and sauna. Their spa was other-worldly and gorgeous. It’s a full service, beautiful environment and very relaxing. Jen and I fell asleep in the relaxing environment.

Tacoma Women’s Fitness Day Spa in Tacoma, WA: Grade – C

Okay, so I was looking for a place to take my aunt and myself for mother’s day. I should’ve gone with what I already know, but I like to explore and see what’s out there. I found this place through SpaFinder.com. I made an appointment for myself and my aunt to get a swedish massage and a spa pedicure for mother’s day. The facilities were subpar and still in progress. It looked like a new business. The customer service was good. They were lacking in all of the luxurious spa equipment, but they made up for it in good customer service. I probably won’t go back because I think that for the amount I paid, I could get better overall, elsewhere. But they have good potential.

Safari Nails in Auburn, WA: Grade – F

Safari Nails in Auburn, WA (Lakeland) is probably the worst place I’ve ever been. The customer service was awful and that pretty much kills it for me. That is the most important aspect of any service oriented company. I will never go back. I did give them a second and third chance to prove themselves, but each time they failed to deliver.