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A Pampered Me

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A Pampered Me

A Pampered Me ... provides holistic massage treatments in a tranquil cabin located in the heart of Baldock

Relax your body & mind with specialist treatments from A Pampered Me ...
We promise to promote feelings of wellbeing & restfulness. As a busy professional and Mum, I know only too well the importance of finding time and calm space for yourself, so I offer this time and space in my tranquil cabin in the heart of Baldock. I am passionate about my work and committed to help easing the busy lives we l

ead. I offer a wide range of massage treatments as outlined below and all are tailored to your needs. To request further information about these treatments please call me on 07889530723 or email ruth@apamperedme.co.uk and I will send you my brochure. Swedish Body Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Hot & Cold Stones Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Facials
Indian Head Massage
Reflexology
Aromatherapy Massage
I also offer gift vouchers. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries
07889530723
ruth@apamperedme.co.uk

18/04/2026

Hi 👋

This may be a long one so bear with me! I will cut to the chase quickly but I want to waffle at you a bit because you're used to that in my posts!!

I have made the decision to wrap up A Pampered Me with immediate effect.

This is a big decision that I have been mulling and churning over for some time, but know that it is the right decision.

It's important for me to stress that when I paused my business back in October to look after my mother in law, I absolutely had every intention of coming back. I said at the time, timescales were unknown, but the reality was that it was longer than we (my family) anticipated. However, I have no regrets about doing it for her because she gave me so much key support in the early days of getting my business going - always on hand last minute to help with childcare.

So, please indulge me as I talk about those early days....

Before I started A Pampered Me, I worked at the District Council in Business Development and then on to be Web Manager....I know, I know, doesn't sound like a bit of me at all does it! Anyway, when I had Daisy, I returned to work at the council and hated it. My heart was at home with her and I really felt that I couldn't do either job as well as I wanted to, so I became a stay a home mum.

I was in the early stages of my pregnancy with Lewis when my husband joined the Police and by the time he turned 1 was ready to return to work.

I needed something that fit around Marc's shifts and the children - family was always my priority. My mum had in her own career introduced me and my sisters to the world of complementary therapies and another long story short this is what I embarked on and operated on a mobile basis. I did this around nursery hours , then school hours as well as shift patterns and then 7 years ago, around the arrival of a dog!

For quite some time Marc and I were like passing ships, but the business really got going and I have wonderful clients - some of whom I have treated since day 1 and some of whom followed me from Dollie Mixtures and then over the last 5, nearly 6 years, into the cabin.

And fast forward to today. I have had a period away from A Pampered Me. I realised in that time that my body wasn't hurting like it had been, I was enjoying having my evenings back and the positive effect that had not just on me but the household.

Then last month, we had to make the heart breaking decision to have Bella put to sleep. She was my dog, my little shadow and my little work day mate - between clients she would sit outside the cabin in the sunshine or in the winter, in front of the heater whilst I reset the room.

So I found myself at a point in my life where I have no ties to the house if that makes sense. I have two wonderful children hurtling into adulthood and an equally wonderful husband who is whole heartedly supporting me in stepping into something new.

I have loved being a Massage Therapist. But I know deep in my core that I really don't want to do it anymore! I have truly wonderful clients but working on my own for so long was often quite lonely. And importantly I am at a point in my working life where I am free of dependencies in terms of young children and a dog! And I am ready for a new adventure and need to take the leap before I feel (more!) scared or think that I am too old!

I have learnt so much from you all over the years .... And I have learnt a lot about myself - and most recently that I am an all in or an all out kinda gal! When I commit, I commit, and equally when I am out, I am very much out. This is why I am not returning for any period to slowly exit. I would find it incredibly hard to extract myself if I restarted as I am very much invested in you all, and also returning would be the "easy" option and I really need to be brave!

I have contacted clients that have vouchers that were due to expire during the period that I was on pause to provide a refund. I may have missed some, so please drop me a line. However, those that expired before October will not be refunded.

So, I will finish by saying the biggest, biggest thank you for choosing me for your treatments, it was an absolute privilege.

Thank you ... very best wishes ... And a big cheers to living life and taking leaps, big or small. ###

14/03/2026

Good morning 🙂

Hi hope you're all well. As per my previous posts, I had taken time out to look after a family member. Well, sadly but peacefully my mother in law passed last month. Since then I have continued to support my father in law as we adjust into a new routine.

Well, yesterday my little shadow who has featured in my posts over the years, was put to sleep 💔

I am telling you this because, well honestly I am exhausted... The tank is empty and I need a little bit of time to rest and recover and listen to the words that I would say to my clients when advocating taking time for yourselves.

So this is to say, thank you for your patience.

Ruth x

04/02/2026

Hi 👋

Apologies for the radio silence. I am currently still on pause from A Pampered Me. Please do not hesitate to drop me a line - it may take me a little longer to reply, but I am still contactable x

21/10/2025

Hi 👋 I hope you're all doing well.

I love my little business...it's been going nearly 15 years now!!

I set it up after taking time to be a stay at home mum and start a career that I could make work around my family. 15 years on and that is still my priority, and as such I am pausing my business temporarily to be able to care for a family member.

The timescale is currently unknown. But It is important to reassure/clarify two things:
1. This pause happens in earnest next week, so all appointments booked till then are still in place.
2. Vouchers due to expire within the period that I am unavailable will be honoured - they will be extended and if this causes a problem for anyone then drop me a line.

I just want to take the opportunity to say in advance, thanks for understanding.

Ruth x

20/08/2025

Hellooooo! I am still here!

This may resonate more with a particular "group" within those following my page, but I have hit that phase where some very basic tasks become bigger than they actually are. Like keeping this page updated with content!!! The truth is that my business comes from repeat custom and those lovely clients recommending me to others, not through my content. The other truth is, I rarely have anything new to say!! But have a constant nagging voice in my head saying that it's another thing i'm not on top of, then tie myself up in knots over what to post, for it to go in the "will deal with later pile" ... And here we are about 4 months after my last post 🙈

Talking about time passing. It's 3 years to the day that I posted a photo of my daughter on the eve of her GCSE results. And here I am on the eve of results day tomorrow with a photo of my boy 😍.

The last 2 years have been an endurance test and I absolutely wished the first part of this year away to get to the end of the exams.

So this post is to say ... To all those parents/carers who have also endured the last two years and have navigated their young people through GCSEs or A Levels, well done! Bloody well done! These kids have experienced a deeply disruptive education through the pandemic, where one of the most significant things they learnt was resilience.

So, this is my boy. He is kind, he is funny he has empathy. He is more capable than he knows and the thing he criticises himself most about - thinking too deeply about almost everything, is the thing that I know will be an important skill he will be able to hone and manage as he matures, and also use in the big wide world effectively .... Once he works out what he wants to do!!!

Good luck to your young people if they're getting results tomorrow.

And if you're feeling the effects of exams stress or have been running yourself ragged balancing work and the school holidays ... Not long left before school starts!! And I am here ready for when you have the opportunity to make some time for yourself.

Hope you're having a great summer.
Ruth xx

02/04/2025

Hi 👋

I hope you're well and like my pooch, enjoying the sunny days we're having.

I have been procrastinating for a looooong time about updating not only my page with some content, but also my prices.

It was some time before covid that I increased my prices last, and once the pandemic hit, it felt like the worst time to do it. But actually things haven't got easier (or cheaper!) for anyone, so it really is time that I pay due attention to the business side of my business rather than just the making people feel good side of things!

I would absolutely encourage you to compare against other local services, as I am more than confident that you will find me very competitively placed. Some would say cheap 😣 but I would argue that I am good value.

It's always been my intention to provide a space and time for anyone who needs relaxation, stress relief, some calm - whatever that time for you is, and at a price that is accessible rather than some thing that may feel particularly indulgent price wise and therefore less attainable perhaps.

However, please note that 30 minute treatment costs will remain the same. All other price increases will come into effect w/c 21st April. Any vouchers that were purchased under the old prices will be honoured at those prices. Package discounts still apply and I will be dropping clients a line individually ahead of upcoming appointments to confirm all the above!

Indian Head Massage £35 40 mins
Deep Tissue & Swedish Massage £25 for 30 mins and £40 for an hour
Pregnancy Massage £30 for 30 mins and £45 for an hour
Reflexology £40 for 45 minutes
Aromatherapy Massage £30 for 30 mins and £50 for 1 hour
Hot Stones massage £35 for 30 mins and £55 for 1 hour
I will only be offering a 40 minute holistic facial £40 for 40 minutes.
I will no longer be offering Ear Candling.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Ruth x

08/07/2024

Well as usual it's been too long since my last post!

The cabin has had a fresh coat of paint and some new blinds put up, and I took the opportunity to have a little move around of a couple of bits.

I contemplated not putting my certificates back up - but I like to think that it instills confidence in clients that they're in good (qualified) hands.....
... That's until I stepped back and took a look at my handy work! 🧐🙈. Do you see it too?!

It has been rectified!!

11/04/2024

Having a break, a KitKat and a little sit in the sun with my little shadow and my handsome boy ... A pretty lovely combo!!

I have to say, the last few weeks and indeed months, as I think more about it, have been "a lot" (and that really doesn't do it justice!) for many of my female clients and some very close friends. My thoughts and wishes for the most positive outcomes are with all these wonderful women and I hope that the universe is letting them know that in some way! That sounds more cryptic than I mean it to! But you know when someone is just having a run of, well, s**t, you are just willing them to have a win, so that there is a change in the tide for the better. I am willing the tide to change by the power of thought!!!! 😂🙄 Hopefully you know what I mean!

I hope you have a moment to sit in the sun too ... It's bloody lovely!

On another note, I was out with a cold recently, I think I have rescheduled everyone, but if I have missed you, please poke me!!!

24/03/2024

Hey! Hope you're having a lovely chilled Sunday.

This post has been on my mind to compose for some weeks and I have tussled with whether to and how best to. But it has occupied quite a bit of the work side of my brain, so I feel compelled to get it down "on paper!" (WARNING it's a long read, but I really appreciate the time and consideration).

I think my hesitation over posting, is because it addresses something quite personal, or at least I don't think I can make what I want to say clear unless I touch on the personal.

So, back to a few weeks ago ...

Sometimes there is a theme in the cabin of things that are said/conversations had. And over a course of a couple of days, the issue of body image/dissatisfaction came up. Sadly it often does.

1. I had one client say that their partner was in need of a treatment, but they were very conscious that they were of a larger size and that prevented them from even stepping through the door.

2. I had another wonderful client, who apologised for their body and that they'd put on weight since I had last treated them.

3. And another wonderful client who was talking about trying to access physiotherapy for a troublesome knee. This is someone who had clocked up 20k+ steps per day on a recent holiday and was instantly dismissed (over the phone) because she is overweight.

*takes a looooooong sigh*

To that first client, I said my job was to make anyone who chooses A Pampered Me, as comfortable as possible. Literally everyBODY is welcome and not judged. I have a screen that I step behind to allow each client to undress and clamber onto the couch in the best way that they can - lets face it - there is no delicate way to do that!! I am not judging in any way, I am focussing on easing your muscles and making you feel you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If you need extra arm support, I have them, if you are particularly tall I have a face rest insert ... if you would like these, please, please ask.

To the client who apologised for their body, my heart broke. If they had put weight on, I didn't see it. If they had ... so what ... does that mean you are less deserving of having muscles aches and strains eased? Of taking a little bit of time for yourself? Does it make you a less worthy some how?

To the client treated so poorly by the physiotherapist. Arrrrrgh ffs. This made me so, so angry. They were instantly dismissed over the phone ... no physical assessment - literally the first question asked. We talked at length about things that had been said to us in formative years that (hurt, really hurt) and stuck into adulthood. To the physiotherapist I would say, cancer patients, as the result of smoking are not denied treatment ......

The reason this is a personal post, is these client experiences I have described are also all me.

I have held back from doing things because of the discomfort, and if I am really honest, the dislike I have felt (and sometimes still feel) about my body - the list is rather long sadly and include turning down a hen party with a very poor excuse because the fancy dress night absolutely filled me with a deep dread. And countless swimming costume related moments over the years, with my kids - one who is now a teenager and the other teetering on the edge of adulthood.

I have apologised for the size of my bum and all the other parts of my body in various scenarios and often in the guise of humour.

And as some of you know, I have been really struggling with unpleasant pain in my feet for sometime. Again, on speaking on the phone to a physiotherapist, he very quickly asked me if I knew my BMI...cue another long deep sigh ... He knew nothing about me, my job, my lifestyle etc etc. I told him, I did not and that before he followed that line of enquiry, I'd had problems for sometime, including when I was at my lowest weight and peak fitness.

And that ladies and gentlemen (because this is absolutely not unique to women), is where it gets extra personal for me.

I have just tried to describe myself - but realised I am trying to justify myself (deep seated habits). But I am a tall, larger gal. I am so loved by my husband, my children and my family. I mostly haven't shown myself that love. I can pin point landmark moments if my life to date that have been pivotal in terms of my body image - they still happen and I am 46 years young!

I have fallen into that horrible myth we are sold that thinner is better. The moral value that is placed on being thin and how being "plus size" is pathologised.

In the latter part of lockdown, I had the time to see a PT. I lost a lot of weight and was the fittest I have ever been - I even documented on this page about having started running.

BUT, that time fed into the worst feelings I had about weight/food/exercise. Advice I received amongst other gems was when I was hungry, to chew on gum - I continued to not trust and dismiss my natural hunger cues, and would wake in the early hours of the morning starving. I fooled myself in to believing that the hugely restricted food programme he gave me wasn't a "diet" and I sailed past the point of realising I felt good about the exercise to using it to compensate for what I perceived as having over eaten. I lacked balance and developed more bad habits. It exacerbated my binge and restrict behaviours that I had learnt years before.

It was a lightbulb moment when my husband walked passed me as I was huffing and puffing over my reflection in an outfit - he stopped and said "you've lost all that weight and you're still not happy with what you see" and I realised that the problem wasn't my body, it was my head!

I am much, much heavier than I was then. BUT does that make me a less loving mum? Am I a worse wife for it? Does it make me a less effective therapist? F**K NO ... there is no moral value to the number on the scales.

So the point of this post is to say ..... I get it, I completely understand. If this post just reaches one person who has maybe been following my page but holding back from booking because of the feels they are feeling about their bod, then I am more than happy to expose myself and my thoughts in this way. So don't hesitate, drop me a line, tell me if you're feeling a bit awks - it's abso-bloody-lutely-ok!

If you have managed to get to the end of this, Thanks!! If you're in two minds over booking, drop me a line.

Have a good week!
Ruth xx

21/03/2024

Messages I love to see!

08/03/2024

I have said it before, but I have the best clients! I received this beautiful candle today and the smell is gorgeous...take a look at Niki's range at ...

https://www.instagram.com/willowandwarren

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