I think every girl had this jewelry box Image: zhouxuan12345678.

After my emotionally heavy post on Friday about the other side of Mother’s Day, I’m lightening up a bit today.  I’m not the girliest of girls.  I don’t conform to many of the girly stereotypes – I don’t live to shop, I can’t stand pink,  I rarely buy make-up and wear it maybe 4 times a year but every now and then I enjoy being reminded that I am indeed, female.

When my friend Mr. Pasadena arranged a date a complimentary blow-out at the Dry Bar in Pasadena for Rachel of Glassofwin.com and me a few weeks ago, it made me want to sing, “I Feel Pretty” out loud (almost)!

It was so uncharacteristic for me that I figured that it might be fun to share 3 easy ways to enjoy being a girl.

Simple Way #1 – Achieve Hair Greatness

When my hair looks good, I can’t lie, I feel better about myself.  I’m lazy and my hair rarely is out of a ponytail most days.  As much as I want my hair to look like Gwyneth Paltrow’s, I’m not putting in the effort to do so.  My philosophy is that good hair is like a good salad – always better when someone else does it for you  – and they do it so very well at Dry Bar.

The Dry Bar experience gives you more than just a good blow out and style,  it’s a luxury experience.  I can’t imagine things being much better than having champagne while watching a chick flick, eating some nibblies (yes, I just got all AbFab on you) AND being able to walk out of a place feeling and looking gorgeous!

Upon walking in, you feel like you’ve walked into modern, sleek spa.  The “bartenders” (receptionists) and the stylists were welcoming and friendly.

The grey, white and yellow decor throughout the salon felt ultra-luxe but blow-outs are $35 no matter what style you desire (I chose the “Manhattan” of course) or hair length.

I enjoyed my Pasadena experience so much I that patronized one of the Dry Bar on a “girls day out” NYC with a bestie and I’ll definitely be back again soon!

Simple Way #2 – Afternoon Delight

Get your minds out of the gutter!  It’s afternoon tea, my friends. I love afternoon tea.  I’ve been to a few upscale spots (feeling much like a misplaced clod) but mini sandwiches, scones with clotted cream or jam, pastries and flowery smells of delicious hot beverages make me want to adopt an English accent pronto!

However, the NY accent is the only one I’ll likely ever have so I did the next best thing and had an early afternoon tea with my favorite British friend (and blogger), Victoria,  a few weeks ago while I was in NYC.

Having small portions of delicious food, great conversation and the encouragement of lingering at the table is close to my idea of heaven.  Sharing the experience with a great friend or two or ten can allow one to catch up with friends who are often busy with parenting and/or demanding jobs and the hour or two at tea can feel like a much-needed vacation.

Simple Way #3 – A Little Polish Goes A Long Way

Image: daftgirly

Manicured hands and feet make me feel polished and put together in a way workout clothes can never will.  When my fingers and toes are well cared for I feel like I’m telling the world that I make taking care of myself a priority even if it isn’t true.

I rarely get anything but a neutral polish on my nails but sometimes I’ll get a crazy color on my toes.  It’s my own little rebellion of Girl Power!

In NYC, it’s easy to walk a block and find a plethora of clean, nice nail salons where you can get an inexpensive mani/pedi.  In LA, it’s not as easy but it’s do-able.

It’s not always easy to find the time to have a spa day, go for brunch/lunch/dinner/drinks or to take an actual vacation but things as simple as a blow dry, afternoon tea or a mani/pedi can help me revive my inner girl and my outer Grrrl!

I was given a complimentary blow out by Dry Bar in Pasadena (not in NYC) but was not obligated or monetarily compensated to write this post.  All opinions are my own.