Sara and Melissa Talk About...Me Days

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are now into our seventh year!

Because we both have birthdays in July, we are talking about what we'd do if we took ourselves out on a date. 

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. 😊 We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Sara Steven:

If I were to take myself out on a date, it would be a day-long event! I’d start by hiking San Tan Mountain, which is close to my house. I’d pretty much roll out of bed, throw on some hiking gear, and head on out. Given the heat here in Arizona, an early morning hike is the best way to do it. My favorite trails are the Goldmine and Dynamite trails. Both stretch on for miles, allowing me time to reflect and enjoy my time to myself.

Courtesy of MTHikes.com

Afterwards, on the drive home to take a much-needed shower, I’d stop off at my local Starbucks and score a Venti strawberry-acai refresher. I’ve recently discovered how “refreshing” it can be to have a refresher right after a hot hike. Sometimes I get one before I hike–usually when I know it’s a shorter hike and I can carry the drink with me as I go. It is pretty satisfying, like a treat to myself for all that hard work. 

I’m sure I’ll have worked up an appetite after all that walking, so my next outing would be to a breakfast/lunch diner, like a First Watch or Over Easy. I’d be sure to bring my Kindle along, so I can do some reading while I sit in the booth, enjoying an eggs benedict with a side of fruit. I think the last time I had time to myself in a restaurant was a few years ago, while waiting for a doctor’s appointment. I decided to grab some breakfast and it was so nice and peaceful. I’d do some people watching in between the pages I’d read in my Kindle.

The next stop would be to a spa, like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. I’ve been there a couple of times with friends, but never alone. It’s a long drive there, considering it’s in Scottsdale and I live in Queen Creek, but I have ulterior motives on the way home–I’ll share that in a bit. I might get a massage and/or pedicure, then spend a few hours enjoying their wellness services that you can enjoy all day, despite what you choose to have done in their spa. They have a rooftop pool, water grotto, hot and cold plunges, aromatherapy room and sauna, which would be nice to utilize before and after my service(s).

On the way home, I will conveniently be by Dragon Palace, my favorite Chinese restaurant. When I lived in Arizona back in the late 90s/early 2000s, I would eat there roughly once a week, and even though I live far enough away now that it’s not as much of a temptation, if there’s ever any reason to be out in the Northern Phoenix area, or for my birthday, Dragon Palace is a must-have. For any Phoenix locals, I recommend the lemon chicken, along with an order (or two) of the crab puffs. And their hot tea is really good, too.

Dragon Palace, courtesy of Yelp

After going on an imaginative date with myself, I have to say, it sounds like a pretty perfect way to spend a lovely day. I mentioned this to my husband, who said it sounded like a pretty great date day with him, too, so maybe at some point, I can put this into fruition. And now, I’m craving crab puffs…  

Melissa Amster:

I turned fifty on Monday (Gasp!) and took myself to Woodhouse Spa for some pampering. Technically, the spa visit was a gift from my parents and sister, but it was still an afternoon to myself with no one to answer to. I took the day off from work too. Overall it was a pleasant visit and I felt rich being there as the spa was so opulent. They even offered champagne, but I don't drink alcohol all that much. (Plus, I had to drive home afterward.) The massage was really nice. So relaxing and it got rid of a lot of tension I'd been carrying. I did an herbal bath too, but had to wait a long time due to a scheduling error, so they comped me for it, which was really nice. Afterward, I went to Barnes & Noble and used my birthday gift card to purchase The Calamity Club, since everyone has been raving about it. Then I went to Starbucks to claim my birthday reward.

Courtesy of Yelp

I love having "me days." I've taken myself to the movies a few times in the past. My first birthday after the pandemic wound down was to see Where the Crawdads Sing at a movie theater. I hadn't been to one in two-and-a-half years prior to that. I think, however, the ultimate "me day" would be going into NYC for a day and seeing a couple Broadway shows. I'd take a train or bus in so I could relax and read for a while. I don't even know which musicals I'd want to see as they keep coming and going, so I'd probably wait until there were some musicals I really, really wanted to see. 

For something more local, I'd spend the day at my favorite thrift store as I just love thrift shopping. I'd also go to this amazing used books store that I recently took my mom to when she came for a visit. I could spend tons of time in there browsing books. I also would be interested in trying out a candlelight concert if it's for music I enjoy (such as showtunes or one of my favorite singers/bands). I'm all for simple pleasures. 

Just for fun, this was my idea of a "me day" back in 2013. Although I would still want to do this too!

What would you do if you could take yourself out on a date?

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