Have you seen Michael McIntyre’s sketch People with no kids don’t know? Dr husband and I watched it recently, and it had us both in stitches. Retelling jokes is not my strong point, so if you want to watch it click here. The basic premise is that people without kids have freedom. They can decide at any point to go to dinner, walk out the door or to get their hair done. Whilst this is a gross over simplification, the truth remains that, as parents, to do anything on our own requires serious logistics. Beauty treatments are a luxury, made even rarer by the addition of a child. I once visited my local nail bar with Daisy asleep in the pram, but she woke mid way through screaming her lungs out. Two therapists looked after me that day, one doing my nails and the other as a baby sitter, trying her best to calm Daisy down. My guilt was reflected in the tip.
So when I discovered City Swish, I thought you’d want to hear about them. It’s a remarkably simple concept designed to make our lives that little bit easier; by bringing beauty, hair and massage to the comfort of our home, office or hotel.
So with Daisy fast asleep, manicurist Joanna turned up at my home. The challenge? To transform my half bitten, peeling nails. The occasion? Well, who needs an occasion to get your nails done? But I do have dinner with a friend tonight.
The Experience
Joanna did a wonderful job of tidying up my nails and sorting out my dry cuticles. She shared with me a great tip for getting rid of unwanted dry skin that’s grown onto your nail. Soak your nails in warm water so the cuticles are soft and then buff the excess skin off, voila, much more easy to do at home than using a metal tool as they do in salons. She then applied the Bio Sculpture Gel, which I’ve had several times before and is great because your nails look perfect for a couple of weeks, regardless of the number of nappies you change.
The Verdict
Prices aren’t the cheapest in London, but are very reasonable. A gel manicure is £35, and massages start at £65. I say get a group of friends together, tag team baby sitting and have an afternoon of pampering with nibbles and bubbles. Joanna changed my toy ridden flat into an oasis of calm within minutes of arriving. My nails now look beautiful and Daisy didn’t wake, so all in all a roaring success.
If you’d like to treat yourself then visit City Swish and quote code N4MUMMY for a 15% discount. Appointments are available in London.
N4 Mummy was a guest of City Swish, a big thank you to Ellen, Francesca and Joanna for arranging.
All Photos by N4 Mummy