Review of My Kid's Pretend Nail Spa

Momlogic's Momstrosity: As a busy working mom, my days of pampering at the spa are pretty much ancient history. I have managed to get my nails done a handful of times over the past couple years.
Luckily, last week a nail spa opened up really, really, really close to me -- well, actually, in my bathroom. (Her restaurant has been closed for months) Lily has become obsessed with giving manicures. Granted, her technique takes a little getting used to --- she sits in a bathtub as she works and occasionally pretends to swim like a "fishy." But besides that it's a pretty good experience.
Here's a rundown of what you should expect if you want to try this new kind of manicure that's all the rage at my house.
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She's smart, building up her business slowly. Currently she only has one station and one chair, actually you just sit on her potty on the side of the tub. (Lid closed of course!) But be careful you're not wearing anything you want to keep dry. The manicurist, at unexplained intervals, likes to splash her clients.
Technique
First she scrubs your fingernails with a tiny washcloth until you beg her to stop. Then she inexplicably and quite meticulously shoots each individual nail with her pink water gun. Finally, she "shapes" and "files" each nail using a hair comb.
Color Selection
You won't find the regular brands of nail color at Lily's salon. Instead, you can choose from a bunch of brightly colored bath toys. No need to be overwhelmed by the choices. No matter what color you choose, she ALWAYS recommends pink. She's pretty insistent.
Lily: What color do you want your nails? I have pink, blue, green, yellow, purple...
Me: I like purple.
Lily: I don't have purple. I have pink.
Me: (holding up the purple toy) I'd really like purple.
Lily: Which pink do you want? Light pink or dark pink?
Me: Hmm, how about purple?
Lily: (meltdown time) I don't have purple!! I HAVE PINK!!!
Wow. Touchy. Alrighty then, pink it is.
Cleanliness
You don't have to worry about fungus or any of the other regular nail salon problems. But do be aware that she has been known to poo in the tub. When that happens, the nail studio is shut down and drained.
Hours
Like any establishment worth frequenting, the hours are extremely limited. Just a very narrow window at bath time. Usually right between the ear-piercing screams of "I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A BATH!" and "I DON'T WANT TO GET OUT OF THE TUB!!"
I think I must be running a tab, because not once has she asked me to pay her. I dread the day she shows me the bill. I've been getting a mani-pedi every day since her studio opened. Dad got a manicure the other day and he told me it cost him 3 months -- we're still not sure if that's a currency or a pay schedule.
I always get tons of compliments after I get my nails done -- usually just from the tiny manicurist -- but honestly, isn't that the best kind anyway? I think so.

Has your kid opened a business in your home?
More from Andrea:
omg - cutest story ever!
WAY too cute! My 3 year old has opened an ice cream and candy shop (pretend). I’ll have to try and work towards my own nail salon/spa next - much more effective than pretend candy!
I think this will go on my list of top favorite stories! Nicely done! And sounds like your little girl has quite an entrepreunurial spirit! How great.
how strange. At my nail salon the women just speak Vietnamese
LOVE IT!!!
That is just adorable! The kids always have to find a place to set up their “ice cream” stand whenever we go to the park. My 3 year old will “fix” anythin for a kiss.
ha! too cute. I’d take your manicurist over mine, at least I know she’s not laughing at me while she talks to her friends in vietnamese.
great story!!!, why momlogic don’t have more of this inset of tabloids?????
I remember when my son built the addition to our house with his play tools. He even used to write down measurements and step back to take a look at his handiwork.
Awesome. Thanks for making me giggle uncontrollably.
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Preschooler_opens_nail_salon.. Amazing :)
Preschooler_opens_nail_salon.. Smashing :)
Preschooler_opens_nail_salon.. He-he-he :)
Preschooler_opens_nail_salon.. Peachy :)
Preschooler_opens_nail_salon.. Slap-up :)
Preschooler_opens_nail_salon.. Not so bad :)








OMG that is just TOO cute! I love it! My son “fixes” cars at our house, but in order to get repair service done you need to flip the car upside down so he can get to the bottom. Currently he only services his jeep and his cousins princess car. We have been told that “until you flip the F150 over I WONT FIX IT!” YIKES!!