Week FOUR!!!
Linz & Erin’s Excellent LOCAL Adventure…
Nourish Boutique Spa!!
This week, the lucky ducks of Linz & Erin’s Excellent LOCAL Adventure (which is me… and Erin) got to experience an incredible afternoon of pampering at Nourish Boutique Spa!!
So for real, we hit the self-love jackpot for this week’s adventure!! An afternoon of pedis, manis, facials… Ohhhhh Emmmm Geeee!!
Nourish Your Sole opened in 2015, exclusively as a manicure and pedicure spa. Co-owner, Cristol Smyth saw a large void in the industry, most likely because she is also a chiropodist (a health care provider educated in the assessment, treatment and prevention of foot disorders… and co-owner of We Fix You Physiotherapy). The number of infections caused by lax regulations, Cristol wanted to offer not only a sterile environment, but a welcoming one. I’m trying to picture a doctor’s office (preferably not during your annual physical), combined with the tranquility of a spa… and heck… I think you’ve nailed it!! From each of the girls that work there (not that boys aren’t allowed!! But hello… girls rule, and boys certainly drool!!), and their incredible “bedside” manner, to the elegant spa-like environment… without the crashing waves, flittering butterflies and chirping birds in the background. It’s the whole experience. With Golden Oldies playing in the background, it’s a fun and unexpected setting.
Some of the absolutely incredible women of Nourish. xo
*As a side-note, while I was getting my mani, a beautiful “grandma-aged” lady had just finished up her pedi, and was now also enjoying a mani… I couldn’t help but overhear (eavesdrop) that she was 92 (ish). She was talking about her boyfriend, (they’ve been together for 10 years now) and all of the neat activities she is involved in at her retirement residence in Palisade Gardens (I’m like the best eavesdropper ever, fyi!!) – and she was singing. And truly just enjoying the moment, and her time at Nourish. Beyond all of that, she mentioned numerous times how she just loved the music. I love the oldies. That’s what we would listen to while cleaning the house on Saturday mornings growing up. But this moment, watching and listening to this lady talk about her past, and her not believing that I was actually putting white nail polish on all of my nails, was my best moment at Nourish – to date.
Note the stylish socks, folks!
Let it be known well in advance – I love Nourish. I have had a NUMBER of pedicures here – cause feet are kinda gross, but hey, they should totally get the opportunity to look the best they possibly can… without me touching them!! So, pedis are my jam. When I hear of ladies (or even men) that have just had their first pedi, like in the 40th year of life – I want to cry for them. To know that they have missed out on this kind of happiness all of their lives. It makes me sad!!
As Erin and I sat back, and enjoyed the work that was cut out for Brittany and Kris on our tootsies, it was the first time in a long time, that we’ve been able to chill out. Chat about life. Share some more (crazy) ideas. Life is hectic. Time passes by in a flash. And it’s only when you make the time, when you schedule yourself and your friends, into your calendar, that you can catch up. It’s in those moments that you can breathe.
Funny enough, Nourish has also realized this – oh lord, if those estheticians talked – Cobourg would come tumbling down, I’m sure!!! It’s one thing to grab a girlfriend and head for a pedi together – but if you’re a Get Along Gang, and you want to hit it up together – book a Pedi Party!! During regular biz hours, or even afterwards, with 6+ ladies you’ll have a blast… I didn’t ask about the guys – but quite honestly I’d love to see a dude pedi party!! Beer pedicures all around – the place would smell like William Street Brewery in no time!! Ummmm, have I just come up with a super ingenious idea!? The beer pedicure actually does exist on Nourish’s menu (I know this because Geoff has had it!), but I want to see the guys kicking it back with other guys, pants rolled up to their knees, and just enjoying the pampering!!
As many of you have seen on FB, Nourish is having a HUGE shoe sale!! If you haven’t already, you need to get in and grab a pair of runners (sneakers, as I like to refer to them as), and maybe if you’re lucky, there will be some cute boots/slippers/shoes left!? Be warned, these are the comfy, be good to your feet, love your sole, kinda shoes. The kinda shoes that you swear must be “mom-shoes” but are actually cooler than you envisioned them to be. Or maybe that’s just me, trying to convince myself!? No no, they really do have some cute stuff in there!! BUUUUUUTTTTT only for a limited time!! Nourish is getting out of the shoe biz, and expanding (again!) to include another spa room, 2 more pedi chairs – and a dedicated waxing room!! Thank gawd it will now be easier to book those appointments for your pesky bikini lines, or shall I be brazen enough to suggest, a Bumkini (it’s a for real thing!) or close my eyes and whisper…. Brazilian (obviously with an accent).
Because these blogs are meant to inform and educate – let’s talk….
BRAZILIAN WAXING STYLES – you’re welcome in advance!!
And if you haven’t already figured it out – we like to use visuals!!!
landing strip (tried and true, it’s so 2011)
mohawk (similar to on the head, but downtown, instead)
martini glass (for the more refined client)
postage stamp (somewhat self explanatory – although, I wonder what the Acre would look like??)
heart attack (I wanna see this one myself!! I believe they bring in an artist!)
clean as a whistle (the “piece de resistance” – AKA Whistling Dixie)
Cheryl Williams – one of the first gorgeous faces you’ll see upon walking inside. Cheryl can also tell you all about the Bumkini!! Be sure to ask!!
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to where the heavens opened up, and we got our facials!! 45 minutes of relaxation and extraction (nothing like a blackhead removal to make the day seem worthwhile!!). The attention to detail that Kris (MY girl) paid to the application of each product and cleansing routine, as well as to make sure that both I, and my skin were comfortable… was incredible. But obvi, the cherry on top was the scalp and shoulder massage!!
When I asked Cristol, what her go-to spa service was (as she was getting a pedi, lol) she immediately said the Eve Taylor Aromatherapy Facial. 90 minutes of “the best Mommy down-time”!! And when Cristol says it’s “the best” – I’m going to believe her!! As a Mom to two kiddies, similar (like exactly the same) in age as mine, plus one more super-surprise 9 month old – with how many successful businesses, in how many towns and cities on the go?? I will take Cristol’s word for it… and book it!! Seriously, Cristol, you are Wonder Woman.
With one more business to add to her repertoire (that I’m sad isn’t coming to Cobourg, but will be a great asset in Belleville), Cristol and Sarah Hutchison (friends, and now business partners), are opening She Thrives. Opening in April, this holistic women’s wellness centre, focuses on making a woman well. In mind, body and soul. When Cristol talks about She Thrives, she lights up. Like beams. And even as I write this, I’m smiling. It sounds like an environment that every woman would benefit from – and maybe, just maybe, Cobourg might be so lucky… in the future?? “When a woman’s whole self is well, She Thrives”… I am so very excited for you and Sarah!!! xo Nourish Boutique Spa is unlike any other spa I’ve been to. Whether it’s the personalized service from the very first time I walked in, to the “Nourish Girls” who are all so ridiculously lovely, take pride in their skill, and have a genuine interest in each of their “guest’s” lives. To the hand-picked products that are used within the spa. Product lines that participate in ethical business practices. All natural and vegan (cruelty free). To the open concept, light and airy surroundings. This spa has heart. And they love to share it.
Now to the nitty gritty!! Where the true journalism skill is revealed!!! We asked Cristol these toughies….
1. When you’re not running from one of your business locations, to the next – what local stores would we find you at?
“The Bra Boutique (the best nursing bras!), Spark, and All Creatures. And when I’m near home – the Castleton General Store for ICE CREAM!” (although Cristol didn’t yell, when I say ICE CREAM – I can’t help but scream it!!)
2. Ummmmm, so what colour are your knickers?? “I don’t wear any.” (what in the actual eff!? lol – note Cristol is wearing jeans – not lulus!!! lol You are one crazy chick!)
3. What else don’t you wear? “Socks.” (as she finishes her pedi, and puts her foot into a calf-high boot, and zips it up – without socks!! Is this a chiropodist thing??)
4. What’s one more exciting piece of info about Nourish?? “We’re launching our own Nourish Nail Polish in the Spring!!” (now that is amazing!!)
Nourish Boutique Spa Hours
Mon: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tues – Thurs 8:00am – 8:00pm
Fri & Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sun: Closed
