Being a working mom of a young baby has really spun my life into a chaotic state I didn’t anticipate. Everyone (including numerous random strangers) told me “your life will change,” but I didn’t really take into account just how much. Yes, obviously my life is different from my binge-drinking, table-dancing heyday, but I am still able to catch up with friends and make my weekly trip to Target to over-spend on stuff I don’t need - they just take a bit more planning to accommodate my little guy. It’s the previously simple excursions, like getting a mani/pedi, that have become so difficult I don't even bother anymore. The thought of trying to squeeze his big ‘ol Graco into a salon makes me want to erupt in tears (it's hard enough maneuvering through Ralphs). Besides, I don't want to expose my baby to nasty fumes and potentially toxic chemicals (those very same toxins I've been faithfully sucking in for years). When I read about a new kid-friendly salon which just opened in Los Angeles, I stuffed the Graco and baby in the car and sped immediately to Plush Beauty Bar to see if it really was as great as it seemed. This awesome salon is exactly what every mom dreams about – a place to get some pampering while still enjoying the company of your child.
The two lovely ladies who opened this innovative place completely get the whole mom-lugging-baby thing. In speaking with Jennifer and Kathryn (the brilliant masterminds), I quickly felt at ease about doing something for me, but still being able to bring my boy along. As they said, Plush Beauty Bar is “not just about nails, it’s about creating a community for women” and I, for one, am digging this community. The very modern space is adorably decorated with accents of pink and brown, round mirrors which remind me of bubbles, and the sweetest mural of a dandelion blowing in the breeze. They feature custom tables which collapse and shift as needed to accommodate strollers, comfy bench seating (so your child can sit beside you) and the ever-so-important child play area (woo hoo!). The play space is not 6 feet from the nail stations and is protected with a low gate so mom can see everything. They have toys, a flatscreen tv which plays an array of faves, a baby swing, and even a baby cam so mom can view her children playing while she’s getting waxed (of course you’re welcome to bring your child with you to the waxing space if you feel more comfortable). I especially love that Plush Beauty Bar only uses Zoya nail polishes because they are free of toluene, formaldehyde, DPB (phthalates) and camphor, so no inhaling of nasty fumes. I had a fantastic mani ($25.00) which survived the better part of the week, and my son got playtime with the doting staff members. Another highlight for me - they sell an array of great items (which they personally love) including their own soy candles, which smell amazing and burn clean, and these fabulous handmade changing pads crafted by their friend in Montana who doesn’t even have a website (note to friend: get a website!) Plush Beauty Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday and features 1 hour appointment windows, which means if you’re running late because baby decided to have a breakdown, you’re okay because you have an hour to get there for your much-needed mani/pedi. Heck, if you’re running late because you had a massive breakdown, that’s okay too – you can still get pampered.
Photos courtesy of Plush Beauty Bar
Comments