1. An amazing car. Your shined-up Prius will lose its luster after a restored muscle car cruises by it. Live your dream of owning a badass car with a stop at American Dream Machines. They’ve sold cars to Bret Michaels, Billy Joel, Kid Rock and other celebrities, plus hundreds of other muscle-car enthusiasts across the globe. You could join that elite group before the world ends by purchasing one of their buffed beauties. And if the world goes on, look at it as a great investment.
“Gold is the only thing besides classic cars that has held its worth throughout the recession,” said Doug Klein, owner of American Dream Machines. “We have a lot of investment people who buy our cars, because they’re sure to hold their worth.”
Klein always has between 80 and 100 cars on his lot, which is located in the Western Gateway district. He sells between 175,000 and 200,000 a year. “We’re one of the largest muscle car shops in the country, and we’re right here in Des Moines,” he said.
The cars, which range from Chargers to Corvettes to Chevelles and so on, range from about $20,000 to $100,000, with a few more expensive exceptions. Better bring your check book.
Find it: American Dream Machines, 1500 Locust St.
2. A luxury spa package. The end of the world is stressful. So, spend a day at the spa for pampering and relaxation. Book the Sahar’s Signature Spa Package for nearly six hours of full body scrubs, a green tea body wrap, Swedish massage, a lift and tone facial, manicure and pedicure, makeup application and a shampoo and style. It’s pricey, $388 to be exact, but beauty comes at a price.
Find it: Sahar’s Salon and Day Spa, 4100 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines
3. Have your makeup done. Look flawless on these last few days and book an appointment for a professional makeup application. Patrick Boltinghouse, cosmetic artist and owner of Vanity and Glamour, can come to your home (or wherever ) and give you a full makeup session that includes airbrush makeup, a whole face of luxury makeup and lashes for $135.
Find it: Vanity and Glamour, 412 E. Fifth St.
4. Rock an expensive frock. Dress to the nines with an outfit that’s swoon- worthy. There are a few fantastic luxury boutiques in Des Moines that are sure to have something perfect for you, like a $500 custom-made dress at Dornink. Made by designer Sarah Dornink herself, your dress will be beautiful and one-of-a-kind, so you can go out in style.
Find it: Dornink, 518 E. Grand Ave.
