Spa beats the blahs

Happier holidays start with a little pampering

The idea of indulging oneself mid-holiday season is unthinkable to many people. But what about those shopping-weary feet? Dry skin and cracked cuticles? And not to mention your tired brain, which has been working overtime juggling it all? Doing unto others is practically a full-time job at this time of year.

For a second, banish the concept of goodwill. Consider the fact that you, too, need -- scratch that, deserve -- to feel special. Whether it's because the kids run you ragged all year long or simply because paying the bills has you singing the blues, chances are a treat just for you is long overdue.

It's time to go to the spa, to take time out to rejuvenate so you -- yes, you -- can look and feel your best.

Fortunately, these dens of tranquility grasp that you're not feeling cash-flush at the moment. Some are offering special deals; some bring the pampering to your door so you don't have to brave winter weather. Others offer treatments that incorporate seasonal ingredients brimming with beauty benefits.

Here's a list of a few of our faves.

Through Dec. 31, South Loop spa LillieAnns, 2251 S. Michigan, Suite 220 (312-791-1940), is offering half-off gift certificates for its one-hour massages -- a mere $70 at full price. Who's to say you can't stuff one in your own stocking? While you're there, consider upping the ante with a body wrap and a massage combo: it consists of a warm, hydrating body butter wrap, which includes a light, dry-exfoliation for winter weary skin and cocoons you in soothing, heated body butter. Next, you're treated to a massage and offered a cup of tea. The package costs $65.

From the get-go, there's something special about walking into one of the Red Door Salon & Spas, 919 N. Michigan, (312-988-9191); 720 N. Waukegan, Deerfield (847-945-1888); 2171 Northbrook Ct., Northbrook (847-272-9300). And these spas are making pre-holiday pampering services within reach, thanks to reduced rates on numerous packages. For example, the Winter Escape package, normally priced at $321 but now available for $270, includes Red Door signature facial or Red Door signature massage, cream and sugar scrub, warm cream manicure, shampoo, blow dry and finish--plus complimentary makeup.

Mario Tricoci, at multiple locations including 900 N. Michigan (800-874-2624), has a deal for spagoers. Upon redemption of the gift certificates sold throughout the month, guests get a $10 coupon to use toward their next visit. Who's to say you can't give one to yourself? The only catch is you have to use them after Jan. 1. In the meantime, check out the spa's pumpkin-based services, including a manicure ($32) and pedicure ($60) that utilizes pumpkin exfoliant and nutrients as well as a pumpkin peel.

Spa Space, 161 N. Canal (312-466-9585), is getting in the spirit of the season with its Cranapple Pie mani and pedi special, a luxe, effective treatment that includes a mug of warm cider along with vanilla-fizz softening soak, cranberry sugar scrub, spiced apple hydrating mask and spiced apple massage and a mani with vanilla-fizz soak and cranberry scrub that promises soft, silky hands. The cost is $75 combined, a savings of $10.

Promising a truly hassle-free spa experience, Chicago-based Beauty on Call (312-335-5350) or www.beautyoncall.com, offers everything from manicures, pedicures and facials to massages, makeup application, hairstyling, brow shaping and reflexology services in the surrounding of your choice. They'll even bring candles to your abode.

The Spa at Four Seasons, 120 E. Delaware (312-280-8800), is catering specifically to weary shoppers with two hard-to-pass-up services. The first, the Wild Sugar Plum manicure and pedicure, features a luxurious scrub, a sugar plum revitalizing masque and a stimulating massage with sugar plum souffle cream. After the treatment, you get to sip hot tea and dig into a wild sugar plum crisp. The manicure is available for $55, and the pedicure costs $75. Other options include the Shopper's Foot Indulgence and the Apres Shopping Massage. The 25-minute foot indulgence, which costs $50, leaves guests ready to snag perfect holiday gifts -- no matter how much walking is involved. The 30-minute massage, available for $65, eliminates muscle fatigue brought on by carrying heavy shopping bags. When both treatments are booked, guests receive champagne and strawberries to enhance the spa experience.

Jennifer Olvera is a local free-lance writer.

If you can't shake guilt over giving yourself a gift this time of year, give yourself the spa experience at home.

A place that makes at-home beauty rituals within reach, Bliss, 644 N. Lake Shore (312-201-9545), offers the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask, a do-it-yourself facial. It returns moisture, energy, tone and tension to skin. $52.

Dermalogica, a skin-care line, offers products for do-it-yourselfers at spots including Mireille's Skin Care Studio, 49 E. Oak, and Salon 1800, 157 W. North. Those include Exfoliating Body Scrub ($28), Conditioning Body Scrub ($39), Hydro-Active Mineral Salts ($24), Stress Relief Treatment Oil ($24, above) and Ultra Rich Body Cream ($44).

If you can't shake guilt over giving yourself a gift this time of year, give yourself the spa experience at home.

A place that makes at-home beauty rituals within reach, Bliss, 644 N. Lake Shore (312-201-9545), offers the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask, a do-it-yourself facial. It returns moisture, energy, tone and tension to skin. $52.

Dermalogica, a skin-care line, offers products for do-it-yourselfers at spots including Mireille's Skin Care Studio, 49 E. Oak, and Salon 1800, 157 W. North. Those include Exfoliating Body Scrub ($28), Conditioning Body Scrub ($39), Hydro-Active Mineral Salts ($24), Stress Relief Treatment Oil ($24, above) and Ultra Rich Body Cream ($44).