To ask what nice thing I can do for myself...

[Spanckd]

...with a nearly 1 year old? Alive come out of a horrid relationship and am now hiding from my abusive ex with our son. I don't have anyone to take him for more than an hour or so. I'm desperate for a spa day, or something nice to treat myself as I haven't done this in years (was never allowed). But I can't do this with my son.

Can anyone suggest something that's a bit of a treat for me that can also include my son? Or shall I just stick to baby groups?

Could you pay a mobile beauty therapist to come round to your house and pamper you whilst your DS is sleeping?

Do you have a mobile beauty therapist in your area? It's not the same as a spa but it would be nice to have someone focus on you for a while. Or even little things you can do to pamper yourself, a really nice face mask and a hair treatment that you can use whenever you want to, and some body lotion that smells amazing.

I'd take the money you'd spend on a spa day and spend it on things you'd never normally justify buying. I got a cashmere dressing gown for £100 in the sale, completely frivolous at the time but it was the best investment ever!

Could you create your own spa day at home? Get a face pack, some of those foot moisturising socks, paint your nails a nice colour, have a glass or 2 of wine and some of your favourite food and only do the things that are essential around the house. Not quite as luxurious I know but better than your usual day?
I also think keep going to baby groups is essential, you will be able to make friends and get support and in the future you might be able to leave your son with someone for longer for a proper spa day.

May be a good idea to take DS for a day out to a museum or the zoo. Tire him out and then once your home put him to bed. Get a takeaway an some junk food. A face mask. Paint your nails an have a soak in the tub. Just feel abit more human but you've had a pamper x

Is it specifically something beauty/pampering you want or just something to make you feel all serene?!

Depending on what you like, I find fresh air is the best tonic. When DS was small and DD was at school I would find a really lovely beauty spot with a cafe and facilities, time it so that DS could have a play/run around and then it would be nap time. While he was sleeping, I would read, take some photos and have a decadent coffee and enormous slice of cake. I would then buy something really nice for dinner or get a small takeaway so I felt that I had spent the day just really thinking about me and not having to cook or clear up much.

It might not be what you're looking for but I loved it.

I'm really glad you're out of a shitty situation and looking after yourself

Depending on finances and how happy you and your son would be with the idea - can you get paid one-off childcare for the day?

I use sitters.co.uk and have been happy with their services. Babysitting isn't necessarily only for evenings.

Or is there anything suitable with a creche - e. g. a day pass to a gym with a spa?

Have you looked into Home Start? They hace volunteers aimed at supporting women with young children that have left abusive relationships. They may be able to find you someone local to give you practical and emotional support which could include giving you some "me time".

Step 1: arrange mobile beauty therapist to come to your house, preferably in the afternoon. Even if it is just for an hour or so, arrange maybe having your nails done or a massage, something relaxing. If this isn't an option, like PP said, grab a face mask, foot mask, hair mask, pore strips, fake tan, anything that will make you feel pampered and glamorous ;)
Step 2: get a couple if cheap scented candles just to make the atmosphere more relaxing
Step 3: find a comfy dressing gown, slipper socks, favourite hoodie, anything that makes you feel snuggly
Step 4: Put your fave thing on TV/Netflix/youtube, something funny, a romance, anything you enjoy
Step 5: Get DS to sleep or just chilled out, take him out in the morning to tucker him out
step 6: order a takeaway, cook your favourite meal, grab some snacks or some wine
Step 7: breathe, rewind, relax and try to have an evening to yourself x