Ahhh, love is in the air. Oh wait, it’s just the smell of nail polish.

Getting your nails done can be an expensive pleasure, and getting a specific design can cost even more. But how can you say no to such beauty on your hands? There is a saying that nails are the cherry on top for any look, and we cannot agree more.  

So, for those of you who want to enjoy the pampering without emptying your wallet, here are three places that can satisfy any nail needs.  

Nails in Haidilao (海底捞） 

Haidilao is a Chinese popular hot pot place. It is not your ordinary restaurant – it includes multiple little privileges, like free snacks, free drinks, secret menus, and, that’s right, free nails.  

While you enjoy your meal you can enjoy a free manicure. They do a massage for your hands and you can choose a color to use. Haidilao lets you enjoy everything at once while just coming to eat. There are locations all over the city, but my favorite for when I want my nails done for free is in Sanlitun.

Find It:
1F, Sanlitun SOHO Bldg 6, 8 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路8号三里屯SOHO6号商场西院1层
Tel: 6595 0079, 6595 2982

湫.实美学.NAIDU  

If you go on Dianping, this place has some great reviews and the prices are not bad (RMB 77 to RMB 288+). In addition to nails, they can also do lash extensions, which are popular this year.  

You have an excellent choice of colors to choose from, from dark to light, in any shades, so any design might be possible. They move fast, too, so you do not have to wait for a long time. 

If you feel bored, you can play with the cat that lives there – a small friend to accompany you while you are there.  

Find It:
707, 7F, Bldg A, Shuangjing Youshige, 8 Guangqumenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区广渠门外大街8号双井优士阁A座7层707室
Tel: 186 0041 9527 

星辰美甲  (Xing Chen Mei Jia Nail Salon)

Over the last few years, this place has become a major hit for teenagers to go to.  

To do a basic nail gel color, after the Dianping online discount, it only costs you RMB 68. You can choose from 180 colors. Because of cheap prices, the salon became popular in no time.  

Modern style, gorgeous colors – what more do you need in life?

Find It:
3 Shuizuizi Beili, Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区姚家园路水碓子北里3号楼底商
Tel: 185 0087 6457

When all else fails, at least you can have nice nails! So, achieve your nail dreams with these great on-budget nail salons.

Images: Pexels, DIanping

Life before new motherhood meant that I used home services not only for the convenience but also for the luxury of it. The notion of having my hairstylist care for my tresses while binge-watching my Game of Thrones box set, or having my beautician tend to my weary cuticles in the comfort of my own home would have seemed far-fetched, and not to mention an expensive non-option before moving to this great city, where almost everything is at your fingertips.

Nails, hair, massage, groceries – whether working from home, starting life as a new mother or just plain lazy and needing a break from the outside world, Beijing’s online community and platforms make it easy for anyone to live life as a hermit for a day or two depending on your in-house needs.

Nowadays, five weeks into caring for a newborn, it’s vital that I take advantage of services that offer the option to remain indoors. This has mostly been due to poor air quality, but has not been a bad excuse for times when I just don’t want to leave my apartment. A few days ago, my mom watched in astonishment as I sat in my rocking chair, baby in hand, while I was pampered hand to toe by one of the finest nail technicians in the city – I’ll tell you what I told her, give hermit life a go!

Nails – Xiao Fei
Xiao Fei will polish, buff, clip and soak you into happiness with her professional nail-care service. Xiao Fei and her trusty partner travel all over Beijing, offering a number of beauty services in the comfort of your abode. Not only does she give excellent manicures and pedicures finished off with neatly applied shellac of all colors but can tend to your eyebrows and waxing needs. If you are looking for convenience wrapped up in professionalism, then give her a try. She’s always on time and arrives with a smile. You have to be quick though, her services are in demand, so it’s worth booking at least a few days in advance. WeChat: ZXF19930710

Massage – Angela
Angela is not only a wonderful masseuse but is highly trained in prenatal massage. She is a wonder with all kinds of strains and pains and can click you right back into place where you will find blissful respite from everyday stresses. I used Angela throughout my pregnancy and was extremely happy with her professional service. Her schedule is flexible, and she can work miracles with her hands. Angela doesn’t speak any English, but what’s WeChat good for, if not for its handy translation capabilities, and if you’re anything like me, who wants or needs conversation during a peaceful massage? Make sure to have your preferred lotion or oil on hand. My preference is Arnica Oil – smells divine, soothes, and leaves skin moisturized but not sticky! WeChat: qin635041

Hair – Jasmine
Jasmine has experience handling different hair types, she not only cuts and styles but is a wizard with color. As far as color technicians go, you will do well to find someone as awesome with highlights and new trends as Jasmine. Although working for a high-end hair salon in Sanlitun, Jasmine often makes time for home visits on evenings or on the weekends. Reasonably priced, when she works her magic on locks of any kind, tresses long or short, curly or straight will be left looking salon-finished. My suggestion? Kick back, get the kettle on or the wine on ice, get box-set ready and be prepared to be beautified hermit style – in your home! WeChat: Jasmine523698

Groceries – Carrefour
If you’re not already familiar with the French supermarket chain, Carrefour, then you also might not be aware of the same day and next day delivery options available using their online service. Not only can you have your groceries delivered in time slots between 9am and 10pm, you can sign up for home deliveries using the English version of the website. Take advantage of the convenience of a comprehensive customer service line accessible via email or telephone, also all in English. Order before 9am and have your items delivered to your door on the same day, or select a time slot for the following morning, afternoon or evening. Sign up is quick and easy. Tip: have your address in Chinese handy to help with the sign up for accuracy. www.carrefour.cn

It’s time to treat yourself, and indulge in services accessed and secured through the touch of a button and executed in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Don’t fight the hermit in you, take a break from the notorious stifling Beijing summer heat and crowds, and put that change you’ll spend on a Didi towards a bottle of your favorite wine. Enjoy!

Photos: Adobe Creative Cloud

I heard about WeChat three hours after arriving in Beijing. I thought, Tthis is a unnecessary app. I have Whatsapp, I don’t need WeChat.” Boy I was wrong! We all need WeChat, my life has been so much easier since I got WeChat and I wish the rest of the world would get WeChat too.  I have made many, many friends though WeChat. I have had many questions answered, many shopping experiences, and also great services at home. Here I’ll share some of my favorite WeChat contacts. Do you have any great WeChat contacts?

Bread

Bread for life not only makes amazing tasting bread and cakes, this organization creates work for disabled orphans. Don’t just eat any bread, eat bread for life and do some good. Add on WeChat: BreadofLifeBakery

Nails

I adore going to get my nails done at the salon. But now that I am a working mother I have less time to do so. This is my favorite couple, they come to the house, and do amazing pedicures and manicures. Nails that are salon worthy, English speaking, clean, honest and their prices are fair. Add on WeChat: ZXF19930710

Wine

I am not a wine connoisseur but love a glass, or two. This lady will listen to your wine taste and send some bottles to your home. I actually live very close to her warehouse so when I ordered on a Friday night I received 3 bottles of wine chilled within 2 hours. What a great surprise. The best part? she added a wine opener. Add on WeChat: fanigurevich

Creams

I have many favorite skincare contacts, but I just ordered some hand creams here and I am hooked! Shangrila Botanicals, Add on WeChat: 15601193751

Sausage and Meats

Andy is the sausage guy to add if you have meat cravings. The chorizo sausage is to die for; combined with eggs, it’s the perfect breakfast. Add on WeChat: andy706588

Life coaching and Mindfulness

These two ladies are my tickets to sanity in Beijing. They do personal life couching and mindfulness sessions. add them to start living to your full potential. For life coaching add Carnissa WeChat:BerryThoughtfulLife and for Mindfulness add Nathalie WeChat: nathaliedorbes

Nut Butters

These two girls are breaking new grounds with their nut butters and just a short wechat away. Nut butter delivered to your front door. Add on WeChat: NAKEDnutbutters

Pollution Masks

This mask is a must have in Beijing. kids masks and adult masks are available. Preston is the fasted ever in delivering the goods, one very polluted day he even personally delivered a mask to my home. For a safe breathing experience in Beijing. Add him on WeChat: 18515359601 

Balloons

Have a party but don’t want to blow up the balloons? This contact is the answer. Balloons delivered to your door on the day of the festivities. Add on WeChat: balloons88

Salmon

Have a yearning for smoked salmon? This trusted viking will get some salmon delivered to your door. Add him on WeChat: viking-salmon

Coconut Yogurt

These yogurts are a sure delight and can be delivered to your home. For lactose intolerant these are the greatest. Add on WeChat: yeyo-yogurt

Yoga at Home

Get your yoga on in the comfort of your own home. Or find out where he teaches yoga . Add this yogi for more information on WeChat: helloleo1234

Kids Entertainment

If you are looking for some entertainment for the toddlers and kids, get this lady into your home. Or follow her to one of her musical movement sessions. Add her on WeChat:Ilovematisse102

Doula and Baby Slings

This mother is passionate about childbirth and having a doula can be a great experience for your birth. She can care for mothers after birth as well. This all-rounder also makes baby slings. Add her on WeChat: alessia_chizzoniti

Photographer

These are two of my favorite photographers in Beijing. Perfect for family shoots or other great things that need to be put in a picture to never forget. Add on WeChat Dave: dlhzao or this other fabulous photographer Chiara: chiarayeph

Housing Agent

I have met my share of house agents and this one is one in a million: fair, honest and hard working. His name is Frank and he found us a home. Add on WeChat:13910813378

Make up

Need some fabulous make up done for a event? This amazing artist is a gem and will make you look the prettiest you have been. Add on WeChat: frau_romanova

Arts and Crafts

Need to get your kids busy? Don’t know where to buy arts and crafts supplies in Beijing? No problem, this innovative mother has all the goods. Add her on WeChat: Gemma Jiang

Photos: pixabay, courtesy of the vendors,  chairmanmigo.com

Net Savings is a regular series in which we spotlight businesses and services that accept mobile payment methods like online banking, Alipay, WeChat Wallet, and Baidu Wallet to help you get the most out of life in Beijing.

How many times have you sat around with a kid or a girlfriend at home thinking “You know what would make this better? A manicure.” Well, this is China and there’s an app for that.

My esthetician recently told me about a company called Helijia that offers on-demand manicures and pedicures, facials, eyelash treatments, hair styling, and other beauty treatments. Once you book and pay for an appointment through the app (available for iPhone and Android), a Helijia manicurist comes and does your nails in the comfort of your own home.

The app is pretty easy to use even if you don’t understand Chinese. To book an appointment, first select a category on the home screen: 美容 (waxing, facials, and massages), 美神 (nails and eyelashes), 美妆美发 (hair and makeup), and 健身教练 (personal trainers and yoga teachers).

The final category, 高颜值, contains a grab bag of discounted services and classes such as coffee barista classes, moxibustion, concert tickets, and henna.

Say you want to book a manicure. Tap 美神. Narrow down your choices by manicure type (简约 for simple color, 彩绘 for patterns, or 法式 for French nails) or start browsing selections by scrolling down.

When you see something you like, tap on it. The screen will show any current promotions, how much time the manicure will take (100 minutes), and how long the manicure should last (20 days). You can also save the selection for later browsing (收藏) or contact the manicurist (联系). To book the manicure, tap the pink button (购买).

On the booking screen, you’ll need to specify a time and date for the appointment and your address in Chinese.

Under time and date, any entries in black are available and any entries in gray are already booked.

The last step is payment. Helijia accepts WeChat Wallet, Alipay, Baidu Wallet, and online banking. You can also pre-pay money to your Helijia account using any of these payment methods.

There are some family-friendly services on Helijia, including kids’ haircuts starting from RMB 58, parent-child haircuts starting from RMB 99, and couples’ hatha yoga lessons starting from RMB 268.

Coincidentally, Helijia is running a promotion until midnight tonight. Spend RMB 100 and get RMB 30 off, spend RMB 200 and get RMB 100 off, or spend RMB 500 and get RMB 200 off on selected services.

Sijia Chen is a contributing editor at beijingkids and a freelance writer specializing in parenting, education, travel, environment, and culture. Her work has appeared in The Independent, Midnight Poutine, Rover Arts, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @sijiawrites or email her at sijiachen@beijing-kids.com.

Photo by chloemiriam (Flickr), screenshots by Sijia Chen

I’m the man of the house. Don’t believe me; just ask the six females in my household. There are a great many tasks that only the man can do around the home. For example, no one seems to be able to do the laundry quite as well as I do. Go figure. If a toy is broken, it ends up on my desk for repairs. It might take weeks, but I fix it (or throw it away once it has been forgotten). Not surprisingly, I’m also the only one who leans out to clean outside windows. That’s right; these are tough, arduous tasks that have long been the domain of manly men.

Now, I’m adding one more task to the man-pile: baby nail cutting. For reasons wholly unknown to me, no one is willing to cut the nails of our twin boys (now 9 months).

When our daughter was a tiny tot, we had a neighbor who could cut all ten of her fingernails in the time it took me to retrieve the nail clippers. It was so staggeringly quick that we took our daughter to her simply to marvel at her speed and accuracy. Alas, we moved and that solution is long gone.

These days, the task falls to me, and I have taken up the mantle of responsibility with the same urgency that I apply to broken toys. Of course I will cut their nails … eventually.

The only problem is that I’m sometimes so busy doing other manly things about the house that I neglect to cut the tiny nails on my boys’ fingers and toes. This can result in babies and adults being lacerated by their tiny, razor sharp claws. The reason this is my responsibilities at all is that the ladies of the house are a bit faint of heart when it comes to the prospect of accidentally nipping baby fingers or toes.

Frankly speaking, this is one responsibility that few talk about before the birth of a baby. I’ve seen couples being brought to tears fighting over who should cut a baby’s nails. The problem is that it takes a steady hand and keen eyesight. My hands are steady like a photographer’s, but I give thanks every day to the people who invented autofocus.

Consequently, every week (or two), you will find me pinning down an arm or a leg and trying to distract two squirmy babies while maintaining Zen-like calm as I attempt to pare down all 40 nails. It’s dangerous work, but when it’s over, the boys immediately show their appreciation and reach out for mama.

Photo by Christopher Lay