Manhattan

Browsing through this weeks random free and almost free publications, I noticed a variety of Mother’s Day spa specials. Doggie moms are moms too, right? And since my pooch don’t got no daddy, I treated myself to an early Mother’s Day present and booked a day of services Friday.

For $89 plus tip, I was promised a papaya mango body polish, a 30 minute massage and a mani/pedi. When I arrived at the spa, I was immediately turned off by the late 70’s style chairs they have at the manicure stands. My brain reminded my mind not to judge a book by the cover, and I moved swiftly past said chairs to check in. The staff were courteous and contained only a little of the New York edge I usually encounter at these spa special joints. I was offered a choice between a Deep Tissue, Swedish or Craniosacral Massage, which I thought sounded like only a doctor should perform. I chose door #1, then took my robed and slippers to change.

The body scrub was okay. This may sound petty, but I get weirded out when I don’t know the brand of products used. I’m fine going to Elizabeth Arden, Bliss or Aveda, but feel skeevy when random “papaya” lotion is lathered on my naked body. The woman scrubbed me all right. She damn near scrubbed this doggie mama raw; but afterward, I felt five pounds lighter and my skin soft like a baby’s. My deep tissue massage made me scream in pain. I request three times not sooooo deep, and eventually she lightened up. Word of warning: if you can’t take the heat, don’t go in the Deep Tissue Massage’s kitchen. Choose #2 or #3.

The mani/pedi concluded my treatment and was pretty standard with a little more scrubbing and massaging on my now nothing-but-bone calves. It was the same caliber you would get at a Bloomie’s but with uglier chairs. My overall rating for this service is a low B. I would probably give it a C if it weren’t so cheap and might even give it a low A if I knew the products used.

Is it worth it? If you need smoother skin and a massage, yes. But like everything these days, it depends on you budget. Should you give a Vada Spa for a gift for your mother? Probably not. But it is totally fine to get a friend or your brother’s wife. No, really.

Vada Spa 387 6th Avenue between Greenwich and Waverly Open 9a.m. to 10p.m. 7 days a week. 212-206-1572

For my Euro-trip 2009 bestie’s birthday, I wanted to do something special. Even in the ‘ol onion, a girl can be at a loss for ideas. She had an appointment in Tribeca, so I let my inner neighborhood guide me to a cozy spot on Duane called Duane Park. A nod to her N’awlins-based alma matter, chef Beau Houck cooks up creole and Cajun laced classics like the black-eyed pea roasted corn salad served with the BBQ quail and the peach pickled ramp relish served with the pork chop. The herb crusted fried potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side and creole mustard vinaigrette would taste good smothered on basically anything.

Thirsty? Please try the champagne Pom Pom cocktail. It’s celebratory deliciousness. Bored? Well, tighten your top hats ladies and gents because not only is Duane Park a beautiful space with understandable prices and a kind staff, it also has…drum roll please… a Friday night burlesque show.

Move over Moulin Rouge, we have a new Satine south of Houston! She twirls, she high kicks, she is your one-stop cellulite free Friday night fantasy. I kid, but I’m serious. The burlesque show at Duane Park damn near knocked our H&M colored tights off. The show begins at 11:30 and Duane Park offers a special late night menu for the occasion. The center of the restaurant turns into a stage and, I’m no burlesque connoisseur, but rumor has it they only book the best acts in town. In any other instance, this could easily turn trashy, but Duane Park’s pristine white tablecloths, seasonal floral arrangements, thoughtfully chosen mismatched wooden chairs and elegant wall decor make for a most delicate dinner dance show.

Duane Park  157 Duane Street between West Broadway & Hudson;  212-732-5555 for reservations; lunch Monday – Friday, brunch Saturday – Sunday, dinner daily. For Friday night burlesque info, please call Duane Park or visit their website www.duaneparknyc.com

The month of April brings about mixed emotions as all New Yorkers are THRILLED that old man winter is on his way out and warmer days are ahead, but the showers that this part of year brings about can be a nightmare for fellow fashionistas. (can I get an Amen from my fellow curly haired friends?) Our pooches on the other had will be begging for the rain to come, as that means they get to strut their stuff in New York Cities finest doggie rainwear!

Wagwear in the East Village knows the importance of combining style and safety for our canines as they stroll down the block and feature a reflective all weather raincoat that retails for $98.00 – $125.00.

If your pup is anything like mine and refuses to go to the bathroom in the rain, check out the pet umbrella on the website Pet Squared.  This handy contraption retails for just $19.99 and will keep fido happy and dry in rainy day weather.

Or maybe your dog is looking for something a bit more classic and timeless when it comes to rainwear fashion.  If so Canine Styles, who has many locations around the city, has a classic raincoat slicker that comes in a variety of fun bright spring colors retails for $45.00 – $65.00

– Lindsey

Parents often look forward to the day when their little girl is the appropriate age to go and get her ears pierced.  It’s a memory most of us women can remember…vividly (personally for me, it’s mostly because of the pain experienced on that day) It seems though, this quasi right of passage has somehow made its way into the dog world, as it seems more pooch parents are following a growing trend of doggie ear piercing.  Now…I know there are probably several of you out there who would consider this an expression of art, but I guess my question is…is it necessary?…and furthermore, how sanitary and safe can this possibly be?

I know from my own experiences with my pups at the dog park, the first thing fellow canine’s go for when playing is the ear.  So why would you put a piece of metal there that is just asking to be ripped out?  I know our four legged friends become children to lots of dog owners, so of course you want them to be as fashionable as possible, but I think a cute jeweled collar could be the happy medium dedicated fashionistas have been looking for.

Does your pooch love a little bling?  The New York Dog has a great rhinestone heart collar that retails for just $24.00.

Or maybe your poochette is more prim and proper? Trixie and Peanut sells a wide range of pearl necklaces in a variety of girlie colors.

-Lindsey