I needed an even tan line to match my bright, sun-shiny new hair color before a formal event.

See, my dress was a low cut, strappy thing, while my existing tan was a field-workin’, T-wearin’ thing. Together, they were not pretty.

And I had less than no time to remedy the situation, so I went running with my kid, to …

Urban Tanning Spa, where in no time I was on my way to sun-kissed perfection.

The Ergoline six minute bed I was in had a stereo the kid loved — some sort of Brazillian techno-trance tune played while she told me, in all her 5-year-old earnestness, “Mom, this is, like, my favorite song, EVER!” — and in less time than in took me to fully enjoy the fans, music and super-cool UV lamps, I was out.

From there, on the recommendation of owner Aaron Delatorre (and with the help of the friendly staff) I went on to the spray tan booth where I did the dual running-man positions and then proceeded to taste tanner (note to self: mouth closed, even if you are telling the kid to be patient, please.)

While that was slightly less than pleasant, the end result sun-kissed glow was its own reward, as was the gushing woman’s compliment later that day: “And where have you been vacationing, dear?”

I’m very much afraid I giggled as I responded, “Urban Tanning Spa!”

[Urban Tanning Spa, 717 Pacific Ave., Tacoma,  253.779.4SUN]