I’ve been experimenting with gel manicures lately as many of you know. Post gel mani, my nails weren’t in the greatest of shape. This is partly my fault because I decided to remove the gel polish on my own (warning: DO NOT attempt to dismantle a gel mani at home) which wasn’t the best idea. 

After my experience with a couple of gel manicures, I can say that I am steering clear of them for a while. Although it was great to not have my nail polish chip and to actually have it looking good for about two whole weeks (aaaamazing!), I don’t think it’s the mani for me on a regular basis. I’ll save it for special occasions or vacation. Admittedly, my nails weren’t in great shape before the gel mani but it definitely didn’t help. So today I decided to go back to the basics and get a good ol’ fashioned manicure. 

I tried V Spa on Franklin Ave for my no-frills mani. They took me immediately (even though the salon was somewhat busy for a Thursday morning) and every tool they used was either out-of-the-package new or sanitized, which is awesome. I was treated to a great mini shoulder/upper back massage during the mani, which I love. Too often nail salons forget this little perk. The massage was a teeny bit painful at times, but maybe that’s a good thing. I’m sure there were a few knots back there (tension much?) anyway. The cute animal ring holders on the manicure tables were a fun touch.  

My manicurist, Tess, was very nice and seemed well informed. I told her about the current condition of my nails (chipping, peeling, overall weakness) and she recommended a specific nail hardener for me and advised me against using any colored polish today. 

The hardener was only an additional $1 and I went sans color. Tess told me to monitor my nails’ condition over the next few days to see if things are improving. So I don’t have a fun summer color on my fingers today, but I’m happy that they look clean and healthy.  

I will go back to V Spa again for a mani and maybe sample some other services. Have you been to V Spa? What did you think?


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End of summer always seems like a good time to treat your feet to something special. Flip flops, heeled strappy sandals, walking barefoot… these all take a toll on our feet (at least that’s the rationale I use). So I stopped into The Nail Boutique on Franklin Ave the other day for a quick pedi while I had the time (rare) and I wanted to share my wonderful experience!

Instead of the normal pedicure which I usually opt for, I tried an aromatherapy pedicure and it was great! I didn’t know what to expect, having never had one before but my senses were in for a total treat when the aromatic essential oils went in. It was as if an aura of relaxation was created for my feet- more so than from the typical pedi. Of course the comfy spa pedicure chairs didn’t hurt either as my lumbar area received a nice massage. 

I went with a bright, summer-y polish color. I figured I may as well try to hold onto summer just a little bit longer before settling into those fall hues.  

Post pedi, I was treated to a nice little shoulder and upper back massage by the very friendly and professional owner, Yumi, while my toes dried. She has the magic touch as she treats her customers to a little acupressure. Ahhhhhh. A very nice perk which a lot of salons are skimping on. 

As another treat, Yumi is offering a 10% discount off of any services (which includes waxing!) to all Inside Garden City readers- and remember they see men and women there. Just mention that you read this article on Inside Garden City and you’ll get the discount. We love to see this type of generosity from our local business owners! 

Next time you want to treat someone to an unexpected pleasure, give them an aromatherapy pedicure as a gift or just stop in and get one for yourself!

Nail Boutique is located at 729 Franklin Ave, between Seventh St and Stewart Ave. 516-739-0099. Open every day except Sunday. 


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Last weekend, I stumbled into the Nail Boutique at 729 Franklin Ave, Garden City. I like trying different nail salons (and there are a lot of nail spots in and near Garden City), so I decided to give it a try. I know most of you probably have a preferred nail salon, but I encourage you to explore the various options in and around Garden City. After all, isn’t that what Inside Garden City is all about? 

I was immediately greeted with a smile by the new owner/manager, Yumi. She recently bought and renovated the Nail Boutique. Yumi is very friendly. I had a lovely time chatting with her. She makes you feel comfortable and welcome. She even helped me pick out my polish color. As far as the rest of the staff- they were very pleasant as well. The salon was busy- a good sign for sure- but not so busy that you feel like you’re a nuisance for disrupting their schedule when you walk in (I know you know what I’m talking about!).  Here’s a look at some of the nail and waxing services they provide:

I was very impressed with the tool cleanliness at the Nail Boutique (which isn’t always the case). Each package of nail supplies was in a sealed pouch. The tools were completely sanitized- quite a necessity but not always done at every nail salon. Tsk tsk.

During the manicure, I got a shoulder and back massage (another thing a lot of nail salons skimp on these days). I don’t know if it’s just me, but sometimes I feel infinitely better and more relaxed after even just a 30 second neck massage. While I sat with my  hands under the dryer, I was treated to another shoulder massage- short but sweet. On Mondays and Tuesdays, you can grab a deal steal- mani and pedi for just $24. 

Overall, I found the Nail Boutique to be a sanitary and quality spot to get my nails done. I will be back for sure. My mani was flawless and the polish is still doing well, even on day four post-mani (and I wash my hands A LOT). But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.


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Our Mother’s Day post involved spending the day at the track (Belmont) and our Father’s Day post involves a salon. Sound a little backward? Well, doesn’t everyone like a little pampering now and then?

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to get your father or husband for Father’s Day, you could settle on a {boring} pair of socks or a {…yawn…} new tie. Or you can try something different this year. Salon Imperiale is offering 10% off gift certificates for men!

Why not arrange some pampering for dad? Has he been looking a little scruffy these days? Not taking care of himself? Set him up with a mens haircut at Salon Imperiale on Franklin Ave. There he can receive a nice shampoo and conditioning followed by a quality haircut of his choice. Or perhaps he can use some new everyday products. If Dad wants to feel a bit more refreshed than usual, Salon Imperiale also offers coloring for men. They use a subtle protein vegetable color (no dyes here) without peroxide that gradually washes out in about 6 weeks. 

This 10% off gift certificates is Salon Imperiale’s special promotion in honor of fathers and won’t extend past Father’s Day. Mention Inside Garden City when you get there or when you call: 516-747-1027. They may not admit it, but men like to feel good about themselves too!


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Since the weather is finally warm and sunny (for the most part), it’s time to seriously get fit for summer, if you haven’t been doing so already. Below are some tips for you- some obvious, some less-so. Remember, MDW (Memorial Day weekend) waits for no one.

1. Join a gym! We are fairly lucky in GC. There’s a plethora of high quality gyms right in our own backyard. Some of the bigger names are Healthtrax, NYSC, LA Fitness, Xsport and CrossFit and there’s also a number of smaller studios such as The Personal Training Studio, The Physical Fitness Center and Studio Strength- just to name a few.

2. Go to said gym. Womp womp, I know. But this is one thing that cannot be outsourced. You actually need to go. And exercise. Hey- at least most gyms are now set up so can actually watch TV while and exercising!

3. Just get outside and run or walk a few days a week. It’s not magic. You have to get out and move. Even if you work out regularly, an extra walk/run just a couple of times per week can be enough to get you out of a rut or over your plateau. If you’re a nature lover, head to the Garden City bird sanctuary.  If you’re a window shopper,  head to 7th Street. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is pulling a Bill Clinton and running to the local McDonalds (unless of course you’re running for office and want to secure a few more votes from “mainstream” America).

4. Get a trainer. Just joining a gym isn’t enough for some of us. You might find it more effective if you have someone to hold you accountable. Plus, you won’t get stuck in a workout rut. And hopefully you find one who’s fun to be around which makes going to the gym a social as well as a physical outlet.

5. Plan your meals and grocery shop in advance. I love http://www.cookinglight.com and http://www.extremelyfit.com for healthy, delicious recipes. Try making your week’s menu on a Saturday or Sunday so healthy meals are ready for the week. For an easier way out, swing by Food For Thought on Seventh Street and pick up a couple of meal’s worth of food. If you’re lucky, their amaaaazing carrot cake will be available that day.

6. Get a spray tan or try a self tanner. It may sound silly, but a little bit of bronze on your skin puts a little pep in your step. You may feel a little more ready to start wearing those tanks and short sleeve shirts with a little added color. Xsport actually offers this service in the gym, so you can grab a tan after your workout. Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray will give you color just a few hours after spraying it on. So no long wait for color to build-up. Beach Bum Tanning and Airbrush Salon has locations in Greenvale and East Meadow. It’s a lot healthier for your skin than going for a fake & bake or laying out in your backyard.

7. Try a juice cleanse (this is not for everyone) or just go a few days with an emphasis on the veggies, fruits and lots of water. A summer shape-up isn’t instantaneous but it’s possible with a little forethought!

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Hey ladies- did you know GC has it’s own “blow dry bar”? Look no further for a fabulous blowout! I have found an excellent spot. Salon Imperiale at 668 Franklin Ave. When I arrived at the salon, Gino, the owner, was there. He greeted me and took my jacket. The friendly staff was very welcoming. There were clients coming in and out- a true sign of a good business.

My stylist, Nicole, did a great job of not getting water in my ears (a pet peeve!) and the water was a good temperature. Once my shampoo and conditioner was finished, I was offered a beverage. Yes, as a matter of fact, I will. Nicole asked me what I had in mind for my blowout. We discussed the details- bangs, the direction of my part, a wave at the bottom…  I asked her for something simple- just a casual blowout. I love that she probed and discussed my options. She really paid attention to the small details.

Nicole didn’t use any other hot tools aside from a blow dryer, which is great because the other tools can really damage hair. She also gave me some great tips on adding a little bit of volume at the top because the first day of a blowout (for me) can look a little flat. I learned how to properly and subtly tease at the crown so the hair will fall well. She even noticed a wayward curl above my ear that needed some extra attention and told me how to “train” it. Once again, her attention to detail was appreciated. We went light on the post-style products since I wanted the blowout to last a number of days. And it has.

So how did the blowout turn out? I was impressed but I’ll let you decide:

I will definitely be back to this salon- GC’s own blow-dry bar if you will. And the even better news- right now you’ll receive a $30 blowout! Mention Inside Garden City when you call to book ; )
516-747-1027.

You can also purchase a blowout as a gift certificate. Mother’s Day is right around the corner…

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