Looking Out for Number One

Burnt out, bagged and knackered. Exhausted, depleted and bushed. Done in, worn out, fatigued and used up. For every way you can say “tired,” we have a way you can recharge those batteries.
Remember the old days, when it was all about you? Well, even though now it’s so not, it pays to remember that you’re a better mom when you take good care of yourself. Here’s an assortment of our faves to choose from (we know you won’t get to try them all):

Curl Up—But Not at Home
Need some peace and quiet? Head to a place where no one’s going to call you mama. Visit a bookstore for something to read, then take it down the street to your favorite coffee shop. Pairings we like: Mother Tongue Books and Bridgehead Coffeehouse in Old Ottawa South; Octopus Books and Morala Coffee in the Glebe; Books on Beechwood and Jaz’zoo for coffee in New Edinburgh; Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeebar (the espresso is right on the premises!) in Wellington Village; Nicholas Hoare Books and Planet Coffee in the Byward Market.

Baby Your Piggies
Get a pedicure. The ones from Third Avenue Spa in the Glebe are famous city-wide. Or consider The Spa with three west-end locations.

Go Scandinavian
For something more exotic, book a few hours off with girlfriends or your one true love, and spend them soaking in the hot tubs, steamrooms and waterfalls of Le Nordik, an outdoor Scandinavian spa in Chelsea that operates year-round. Just $35 gets you an all-day pass. If you have extra to spend, treat yourself to a massage while you’re there.