I tend to have two speeds at which I function. Stop (which is rare) and go. And by go, I mean 100 miles an hour. Some of us are just wired this way. It's an inner drive and an almost palpable fear of being stagnant. We push ourselves constantly and tend to feel that the best competitor is looking at us in the mirror. This is me. Not out to prove anything to anyone ever - except myself. I've been this way for as long as I can remember. Always striving to top my own best accomplishments. And frankly, it has served me well.

But occasionally (like the past few weeks) I could tell I'd been on an extended run of high output. It was time to stop or be stopped. As often happens, a few "coincidences" occurred at once creating the perfect opportunity to unwind. A major project just wrapped (I put the bow on it and tied it up neatly early yesterday morning), the SpaWeek previews began, 70 degree weather hit the Dallas area and my little one began preschool. What does this mean? Five hours of uninterrupted "me time" on a idyllic Texas Monday morning.

First I hit Starbucks for my new favorite order: Tall Decaf Bone Dry Cappuccino Affogato Style... with a spoon. Then I cruised to a girlfriend's house to say hello... Then I rolled over to the Canyon Creek Country Club area located in Richardson for my morning of pampering at The Spa at II Creeks.

Thanks to the wonder that is the Texas interstate system, this charming spa was an easy find. It is nestled in a quaint little shopping center near the UT Dallas campus, just southwest of the intersection of 75 and the Bush Turnpike. From the moment I stepped in the doors I was treated like a princess. The spa is surprisingly large. From the plush front lobby I never would have expected the sheer vastness of the treatment areas and cushy waiting areas.

I was led to a secondary living room and given fresh water and an impressive stack of magazines to peruse as I awaited my first service. Before I knew it I was on a massage table having the stress of the past few months removed from my body's memory (and frankly, my mind).

It had been a while since I'd treated myself to a massage, and I won't make that mistake again. At the hands of this seasoned professional the tension was methodically and peacefully removed from my muscles. {It's important to note here that every staff member at The Spa at II Creeks is experienced. There are no "fresh recruit" employees, right out of beauty school. Each member of the team comes with a uniquely different style and an extensive professional background. It shows in the flawless service, from start to finish.}

But back to this heavenly massage... have you ever had a massage so good that it seemed you were in some otherworldly state? My very first massage was that good. And so was this one. I was in a blissful trance for a good hour. Luckily, a hot stone pedicure gave me time to get my head together... otherwise my drive home might have been problematic.

During this second treatment, my tired feet were buffed and polished to perfection, dipped in paraffin, then caressed with hot stones until any lingering memory of fatigue was erased. Before I knew it my little toes were polished in a fetching shade of pink and I was floating on a cloud. I'm fairly certain I walked out the front door with a huge smile on my face.

Before doing so I did learn a little more about The Spa... when they say it's a 60 minute "hands on" massage, they mean it. It doesn't include dressing time. You'll be massaged for an entire hour if that's the service you book. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but those last 10 minutes on the table are always the best, aren't they?

The Spa at II Creeks was recently voted as having the “Best Value in the Metroplex for Quality of Service and Environment” - and I have to agree. Their prices are outstanding, and the service was unparalleled. Citysearch repeatedly names them "Best of Richardson"... they hold the title every year from 2007 to present. And they do it all: massages, facials, detox treatments, waxing, bridal parties, pulsating light facials... you name it. This award winning beauty is worth a quick jaunt to Richardson if rock star treatment is what you seek (and really, isn't that what we all want?).

I suggest you book a half day with a girlfriend, as the little tree-lined shopping center itself looked adorable. There are at least two great cafes (one with a very impressive patio), several terrific shops for clothing and accessories and a general air of "spend a little time here" happening. The spa staff couldn't say enough nice things about the surrounding shops and restaurants. I was encouraged to spend a little time in the area and sample the goods. Next time I most certainly will. And I'm bringing a friend or two with me.

A Better Body - The Spa at II Creeks
2701 Custer Parkway
Suite 702
Richardson, TX 75080 (SW of George Bush 190 and Central 75)
phone: 972-231-8731
toll free: 866-381-7261