Tales from The Shire

Fortune_Smiles

SandyShores said:

Nice Indian Masala Carrots Fortune, I've got some left over in the fridge so I'm going to have a go at that tomorrow.

Glad your back is easing up.  I tend to forget about my back until its so stiff it hurts and then its a trip to the chiropractor and I start doing my exercises and stretches again.  Take care, its definitely worth it but I know how easy it is to neglect health.  

Thank you SS.  I use a tin of chopped tomatoes instead of the 2 tomatoes in the recipe.  I find the lentils cook better with more liquid and, if I add more carrots, the recipe will stretch to two meals.

I don't usually suffer with my back... but I'm not as young as I used to be 😢.  Some preventative action wouldn't go a miss.

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

Cheery_Daff said:

Good to see you up and about again Fortune! 😊😊 Hope you get plenty of rest tonight. I'm always intrigued by mention of skin care regimes. My face gets a swipe with a damp flannel and a bit of basic moisturiser and that's it 😂 Can't say I'm an advert that regime mind you, I'm sure I could look a lot better if I tried harder! 😮

Thanks Cheery.  I didn't bother with skincare as much before the menopause and then I discovered the brand that I use now (and sell).  It has made an amazing difference to my skin and self-esteem and it gives me a little pampering and self-care which is always good for the soul.

Fortune x

PS - you're fabulous just as you are 😘

savingholmes

Glad your health is improving. I too am noticing how much skincare matters these days.

StripeyTightsSpottySocks

Hi Fortune sorry you've been in some pain but good you are recovering, I used 3 pamper type things today - a hair treatment, facial exfoliation and used body moisturiser after shower - and all were quick, easy and good for self-esteem 

Hope you continue to feel better x

Fortune_Smiles

savingholmes said:

Glad your health is improving. I too am noticing how much skincare matters these days.

It was the menopause for me SH.  It means big changes for your skin.  It loses the natural ability to retain water, the outer layer becomes more sensitive and your production of collagen can decrease by up to 30% in the five years post menopause.  I found my skin developed wrinkles, fine lines, lost its lustre and generally looked grey.  The skin care I use now has really helped.

Products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and retinol can help with post-menopausal skin.  Ceramides are naturally occuring skin lipids which help lock in moisture and boost your skin's moisture barrier (outer layer of skin which locks in hydration).  Hyaluronic acid reduces the loss of moisture from skin.  Retinol is a form of Vitamin A which speeds up cell turnover and supports your skin's natural production of collagen.  Take care with retinol though, it can increase photosensitivity, so I only use products with retinol in at night.

I use organic, 100% natural products which don't irritate my newly sensitive skin.  It's something I'm prepared to spend money on as it makes such a difference to how I look and feel.  It doesn't have to be expensive though.  A good cleanser, toner and moisturiser are the staples.

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

StripeyTightsSpottySocks said:

Hi Fortune sorry you've been in some pain but good you are recovering, I used 3 pamper type things today - a hair treatment, facial exfoliation and used body moisturiser after shower - and all were quick, easy and good for self-esteem 

Hope you continue to feel better x

Thank you Stripey.  Am I right in thinking you're on a mission to use up your stocks?  One of my favourite 'me time' activities is to have a luxurious bath with bubbles, a face mask, a scented candle and a favourite TV programme.  Lovely to just close the door on the world and relax 🛀

Fortune x

Cheery_Daff

I often have a very long bath with a book (of more likely these days, the MSE forum - I should get back to my book though!) I do usually put lavender and rosemary oil in, but ratemmrely think to bring candles in (although we have plenty in the house) or do anything else pampery.  Need to up my bath game, clearly! I think it's partly because our bathroom is so grotty, with paint peeling off the tiles and a horrid green carpet 😂 doesn't exactly feel like a spa 😂😂 It's on the list for later this year but I can't face another decorating project just yet, especially when the last one isn't finished!

Fortune_Smiles

Cheery_Daff said:

I often have a very long bath with a book (of more likely these days, the MSE forum - I should get back to my book though!) I do usually put lavender and rosemary oil in, but ratemmrely think to bring candles in (although we have plenty in the house) or do anything else pampery.  Need to up my bath game, clearly! I think it's partly because our bathroom is so grotty, with paint peeling off the tiles and a horrid green carpet 😂 doesn't exactly feel like a spa 😂😂 It's on the list for later this year but I can't face another decorating project just yet, especially when the last one isn't finished!

Everything looks better by candelight Cheery 😊  Or with wine... (whispers) I sometimes take a glass of wine in with me too.  I suggest we all up our self-care game in 2022 - it's been a tough couple of years and I suspect we'll be feeling the fallout for a while yet.

I too am having a break from work in the house - to save both my bank balance and my sanity 😆

Fortune x

PS Don't think of it as 'grotty', think of it as 'faded grandeur' - like the Palazzos in Venice.

SandyShores

Another vote here for smelly candles and a bubble bath.  The light in our new white bathroom means it feels more like a hospital ward, so candlelight is definitely a must.  My kindle has backlight so I can read quite easily, although I'm always aware not to drop it in!

Love the talk about skincare.  I'm using up stocks here too - I've got a few bodyshop products and some LOreal ones that were a pressie.  I love the idea of your products though Fortune, skin definitely needs something different after menopause.  I have to remind myself to drink lots of water too as apparently slight dehydration makes a difference to your skin and your brain/thinking.

savingholmes

I use a post shower misting moisturiser, face and eye creams and special foot cream. If I am feeling good I add another moisturiser as well / in between