There’s something so satisfying about freshly done nails. The smooth polish, the perfect shape, and the feeling of being just a little more put together—it’s a small luxury I absolutely love. Once a month, I make my way to see Trang, my manicurist, for my nail appointment. It’s not just about the nails; it’s about the time spent catching up, unwinding (or at least trying to), and enjoying a little self-care.

Trang is a sweet, 40-something young lady of Korean descent, born and raised in the U.S. She and her husband are in the middle of fixing up their new home, so our conversations often include updates on their latest renovations. In return, I tell her all about my adventures and travels. She doesn’t have children of her own, but she adores her niece and nephew, and I love hearing about their antics.

One of my little quirks is that I have a hard time relaxing—always have. Without even realizing it, I tense up, especially during my nail appointments. Poor Trang spends a good portion of our time together shaking my hand, trying to get me to loosen up. I don’t even feel myself tensing, but she notices instantly. Ugh, I must be such a handful sometimes! LOL.

Last month, I went with a pearly white gel color, but today I switched it up with a light, creamy pink. It’s soft, elegant, and I absolutely love it. Trang is a perfectionist, which means she never rushes—every detail is flawless by the time she’s finished. And let’s be honest, there’s something so fun about showing off freshly done nails!

Do you get your nails done? Hair? Something self-care?

Eydie