If you work here, we've got you covered.

You don’t know how many times we’ve snuck out of work for just a little longer at lunch to score a mani-pedi and grab something to eat back at our desk. I was feeling particularly guilty about this at the nail salon one afternoon, until my boss ended up in the chair next to me. She just smiled and acted totally normal, signaling to me that this was actually a very common practice among us corporate girls. I guess our ability to multitask both in and out of the office is one of the main reasons we are so adept at navigating the working world.

Anyhoo, I was thinking about all of you ladies working in the 600 West Chicago Avenue Building and the areas surrounding it today when I spotted a sweet lunch special right next door to a major manicure/pedicure deal…

Monday through Wednesday at H2O Nail & Spa you can indulge in a full manicure and pedicure for just $35! It’s only been there for a few years, but the place still looks brand new and shiny inside and the staff is always friendly. Plus, they offer a rewards card so you can earn your way to a free manicure or pedicure with each sneaky trip.

The @spot cafe's tempting dessert case.

Once you’ve had your nails did, pop in next door to the @spot cafe to pick up some grub. Each day of the summer they offer a different $5 lunch special. Savvy PLRGs will make their appointments for Mondays when the special is Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque- it is sooo yummy.

Oh, and one last tip- though the menu at @spot is delicious, this isn’t some fast food joint, so if you think you’re going to be strapped for time just call in your order ahead of time from the pedicure chair.

(Lacey Brenly)

One of the best movie scenes of all time comes from the classic epic Legally Blonde. As Elle Woods lays in bed, depressed and dejected since her boyfirend broke up with her, her friends come to her rescue saying “What always makes us feel better, no matter what?” The camera flashes to the front of a nail salon, where the girls are getting mani-pedis. It seems silly, but a simple thing like groomed nails can sometimes give you the confidence boost you need.

The PLRG team has two all time favorite spots to go for the hallowed mani-pedi. We’ll start with H2O Nail & Spa (865 Larrabee St.). This nail salon is fairly new, which you will notice right away. The space is clean, bright and welcoming. The price for a mani-pedi combo is $40, and you can sign up for their loyalty program which gets you a free manicure after purchasing seven (or a free pedicure after purchasing seven). After your service, the staff walks you to the dryer and give you a 3 minute shoulder massage- the icing on the cake. Really, a great bang for your buck, plus the equipment they use is made of antimicrobial material, meaning all you’ll leave with is a great set of nails, and no other fungus or crittters!

Our PR Siren, Sally, has another great nail spot she swears by. Her favorite nail tech, Vina, at Fancy Nails (22 E. Elm) gives a $32 mani-pedi to die for. Sally warns that there is some tough love involved, but the results are truly magnificent, especially for the price. Walk ins are welcome, but if you want Vina, we reccomend making an appointment in advance (you aren’t the only girls Sally has shared this secret with you know).

With school back in session and long days at work, make the time this week to pamper yourself. Sometimes something as simple as manicured nails can make it seem that all is right with the world. Even if it is only for an hour.