Taking it to you

Some days you just don't want to get out of bed. Or simply want to spend the day in your robe. But what to do about your aching back or stressed tresses? These companies make house calls, to serve you at your place. You'll not only save big bucks on parking -- you'll also obviate the need for an appointment secretary. -- DEBBI K. KICKHAM

Rolling River Massage
781-641-2525
Luxury boutique hotels like XV Beacon know that their customers deserve the best -- and when a client requests an in-house massage, the concierge calls Rolling River. "We exclusively do 'outcall' massages and primarily go to people's homes and hotels," says Lily Perry, massage therapist. Rolling River offers nine therapists who primarily travel within the Route 128 loop, and about 25 miles outside of that. Massages cost $110 an hour, and run the gamut from sports and pregnancy to Swedish.

Optimum Image
60 GIBSON ST., #103, BOSTON
617-436-4848
OPTIMUMIMAGEIC.COM
Feeling blue? Hate the weather? Dislike your clothing even more? Boost your spirits -- and your wardrobe -- with an at-home visit by Evangelia Souris, a certified image professional who has worked wonders for politicians, major league sports figures, Lloyds of London, the law firm of Ropes & Gray -- even the president of Cypress. The former Escada model, with a master's degree in public administration and law, consults at your home from two to four hours, starting at $200, all priced individually. She'll even do online and phone consultations. Souris will come in, perform a closet audit of your ensembles, and discover what works and doesn't. She also assesses your hair, grooming, makeup, posture, poise, and non verbal communications. Thrilled clients describe her services as life-changing; one man, an entrepreneurial owner of four companies, traded his ripped pants and shoddy shoes for tailored suits and Italian footwear. "People stopped him on the street," says Souris. "He looked like a new man, and got engaged in about six months." Frequently Souris takes her clients shopping at Armani, Ann Taylor, and Saks -- but prefers to bag bargains at Filene's Basement in Newton. And she always brings clients to Wendy Schofield, the creative director at Safar Coiffures, 235 Newbury St. "Wendy has a really unique approach I've not seen in any other hairdressers," says Souris. "She takes time to find out about the client's lifestyle, and matches the hairstyle to the client's personal and professional lif e . . . plus she's warm and genuine."

Antoine Cosmetics
539 ADAMS ST., MILTON
617- 696-1217
ANTOINECOSMETICS.COM
Want to impress at your high-school reunion? Black-tie-event? Anniversary, wedding, or special birthday? Makeup artist Nancy Antoine makes house calls, to give your face complexion perfection with her private-label line of cosmetics. "My services are for the busy woman who doesn't have time to come into my studio," says Antoine, who's been in the beauty industry for more than 22 years. Prices start at $75, plus travel expenses. Antoine also incorporates the newest techniques. The hottest trend right now? "Individual fake eyelashes, mineral makeup, and red lips. Red lips are back!" she says with a laugh.

Wedding Tresses Hair Design & Makeup Artistry
368 MAIN ST., PLYMPTON
781- 585-0600
WEDDINGTRESSES.COM
Have hairbrush, will travel -- that should be the motto of this company, which exclusively travels to make brides, and everyone else, more beautiful. "They can come to the studio for a trial run, but we pack everything up and go to their hotel or home," says owner Jacki Norrie. Besides weddings, the company also books bat mitzvahs, prom parties, and special occasions. $175 per person ; group rates start at $400 for four people or more, with travel anywhere in Massachusetts.

Focusing on Abilities Fitness
135 BEACH ST., QUINCY
781-964-1229
FOAFITNESS.COM
Sick of dragging yourself to the gym? Personal trainer Olivia Chamberland's your gal. She packs up her weights, exercise ball, resistance bands, bosu (a half-ball used for stability), and Pilates ring -- and brings it right to your door. "It's amazing what you can do with that, and your own body weight. You have to be creative," she says. "My favorite thing to do is to go into people's homes." Chamberland charges $55 and hour plus travel time, and recommends twice -weekly visits for eight weeks at a time, for optimum results.

Debbi Kickham can be reached at Debbikkickham@hotmail.com