Creating Luxury in Everyday Life

mrs. west approved

Book a date with yourself

words by katrine west
photography by stephen davis phillips

Everyday life. It’s different for everyone but jammed packed schedules and busy routines are a common thread that we can all relate to. Particularly with summer days still a stretch away, there can be a tendency to succumb to the daily grind as we wait. Be it juggling work deadlines and pressures or the demands of family obligations, everyday life can feel like a never-ending wash, rinse and repeat cycle in the middle of Maine’s Mud Season. 

To break the cycle, why not book a local date with yourself? 

Mrs. West enjoying a Diamond Glow Facial at Akari.

Whether it be a urban strut or a nature stroll, get outside and enjoy your backyard.

Long before self-care was trending, I’ve been a firm believer in carving out me-time—putting time on the calendar to do something deliciously solo. I know, I know—it can be tricky. For some, the whole idea might feel overly indulgent. Trust me when I say that there is something incredibly liberating and revitalizing about intentionally and regularly taking time to do something on your own. 

A lunch for one at the beloved Eventide.

I promise you the results are well worth the effort. The anticipation of a sojourn-for-one is an instant mood booster. And long after the experience, I find myself feeling energized, resilient to stressors and frankly, my relationships with others benefit from my cheerful disposition. (Just ask Mr. West!) 

It’s not often that I have more than a few hours to spare for a self-date. And that is okay—sometimes even just an hour to two does the trick! I wanted to share with you a few ideas of solo dates that I’ve been known to book up in hopes it will inspire you to seek the luxury of a little me-time in the near future. Even if you don’t live in Portland, use this as an invitation to sketch out a date in your own backyard, whatever that looks like to you.

The Spa Date 

The whole notion that someone else is going to pamper me and make me feel special is more than half the fun of this date. Akari Salon and Spa is a full-service spa and my absolute go-to in Portland. From massages that make me feel supple and relaxed, to lash lifts and brow shaping that elevate my look, I am in expert hands. After a long, dry winter, my spa treatment of choice is the DiamondGlow facial. Gentle yet powerful, I immediately feel the benefit from the diamond-tipped wand’s deep exfoliation followed by a series of hydrating serums. The results are smoother texture and brighter skin tone that lasts for weeks. This is me-time that delivers radiant results inside and out. 

The Movie Date 

Coincidentally around the corner from Akari are the Nickelodeon Cinemas if you wanted to double down on your date time. I have very fond childhood memories of field trips into Portland from my hometown of Brownfield to catch a matinee at this theater. The smell of buttered popcorn and the dark cozy theater would transport me into whole new worlds that sparked my imagination, inspired other possibilities and introduced me to entirely new cultures.The solo movie date is special. No need to chit chat, no debate over the remote control, no distractions, and most important—no sharing Milk Duds. This me-date is a chance to get away without the need to book an airline ticket. 

The Lunch Date

I know the whole idea of grabbing lunch is something we all aspire to daily. For me, it’s usually a few cheese and crackers wedged in between Zoom calls at 3 p.m. So, when I get the chance to take myself out to lunch, I take it. For more than a decade, Eventide has been my ultimate oyster destination and often a solo diner can grab a seat in short order. I love sitting at the bar and watching the pro shucker prepare pristine plates of oysters, getting the chance to learn about new farms and trying new variations on each visit. It gives me a chance to explore one of Maine’s most luxurious exports. And not to be missed is their crave-worthy fish sandwich and the rotating specials always have a hidden gem. This me-time feeds both my appetite and desire to know more about our Maine oyster culture.  

The Nature Date

Maine is arguably the most beautiful state. No matter where you look there are gorgeous views of rocky shorelines, pebbly beaches, lush forests, dappled meadows and more. Sometimes just stepping away from the daily drill to reconnect with the stunning natural beauty that is Maine is enough to recharge the batteries. I am lucky enough to live in the East End of Portland and find its ocean views restorative. When in need of some me-time pronto, I head to the Eastern Prom for a solo stroll to take in the majestic beauty, breathe in the salty air and hit the reset button.