[What to do in Park Slope When...] You Want a Day of Self-Pampering

The holiday season is a craptastic frenzy of finding the right gifts for your family, fulfilling Christmas party obligations and writing stacks of holiday cards. Let's get real: it can be a pain in the ass. While the season is about the joy of giving, there is real joy is giving to yourself. I'm not encouraging a Scrooge-like attitude this season, but a little self-pampering is important for spirit. Plus, you get to feel like the 1% even if it's just for a day.

RELAX

There are tons of nail salons in the neighborhood where you can pop in for a quick pedicure and foot rub. But if you're really committing to self-indulgence, head to D'mai Urban Spa. The neighborhood spa actually feels like you've left the borough completely for a retreat. I'm a fan of their hot stone massage ($120/60 minutes or $170/90 minutes + $15 for the stones), and the body polish ($175-$250) sounds like an amazing way to replenish dry winter skin. Best of all is the sauna, where you can lounge about for hours. You can wile away a morning chilling out, and then use their full-service bathroom to get ready and face the world, stress free.

Applewood

DRINK

By noon, you'll probably be famished from your morning of self-pampering. Treat yourself to a lunch at Applewood. The off-the-beaten-path restaurant is cute and quiet, and their cocktail menu changes seasonally, so there is always something new to try. I'm looking forward to a Charlie Brown with apple-infused brandy. They have an inventive menu for brunch that lasts to 2pm on Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. Try their pork belly omelet or their seafood omelet with mussels and scallops for a rich treat.

SHOP

Forget about the grocery list or the last gift you need to get for your second cousin's girlfriend. Today is about shopping for YOU. Head to Goorin Bros. on Fifth Avenue for a hat. The local haberdashery has that old timey boutique feel and stocks a number of options for both men and women. Repeat after me: Purchasing a $5 beanie from the bodega because our ears are cold isn't going to cut it. Put aside your tendency for reasonable purchasing decisions -- this is about pandering to your love of style. At most you'll set yourself back $150 for the specialty item, but who deserves a speciality item more than you? So treat yo' self (2011)!