Tales from The Shire

beanielou

You are not a temple spa girl are you?

ruby_eskimo

Glad to hear you're up and about a bit more now Fortune.  I agree with you on the need for self care, especially in amongst the day to day grind, a little "me" time definitely helps.  I've had a pretty solid skincare routine going for a while which was influenced by my mum's struggles when I was a teenager; she has pretty bad rosacea and eczema so taught me the importance of looking after your skin.  I've also for a very long time, treated myself to an hour in the bathroom every Sunday evening for a bath and a pamper.  Doesn't have to be anything extravagant, just some bubbles a face mask and a good book at least, but usually take the time for a body scrub, some de-fuzzing of various body parts and then finish with a nice body butter - another one here trying to work through products which were mostly presents.

Fortune_Smiles

ruby_eskimo said:

Glad to hear you're up and about a bit more now Fortune.  I agree with you on the need for self care, especially in amongst the day to day grind, a little "me" time definitely helps.  I've had a pretty solid skincare routine going for a while which was influenced by my mum's struggles when I was a teenager; she has pretty bad rosacea and eczema so taught me the importance of looking after your skin.  I've also for a very long time, treated myself to an hour in the bathroom every Sunday evening for a bath and a pamper.  Doesn't have to be anything extravagant, just some bubbles a face mask and a good book at least, but usually take the time for a body scrub, some de-fuzzing of various body parts and then finish with a nice body butter - another one here trying to work through products which were mostly presents.

Sounds like a restorative bath is top of the self-care list for lots of us Ruby.  And the right skin care products can make the world of difference.

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

beanielou said:

You are not a temple spa girl are you?

Tropic Skincare @beanielou.  I loved the products so much I became an Ambassador for them.  It's not a secret - I just don't want to break any site rules about advertising/selling. 

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

Two steps forward...

I was on my feet yesterday but made it an easy day.  Mr F went out for a bike ride so I packed him up a cheese and pickle roll and some snacks for lunch and had the same myself.  There were Masala Carrots leftover for supper so I didn't have to do much in the way of cooking.  I even managed a restorative bath - not with a candle this time as I have a gorgeous Tahitian Vanilla & Coconut bath foam and wanted to enjoy the fragrance.  I also used a clear skin face mask on a few blemishes that were threatening which knocked those on the head 😎  And we had a video call with the Younger Fortunates.  All is well with them now although one couple has has had a rough January as both came down with Covid and their pooch got this horrible dog virus that is going round and has been very sick indeed.

Today, I am back in bed as my back is painful and twitchy again.  Very frustrating as I am itching to get on with things.  I've had to cancel a hair appointment for tomorrow as I'm certainly not going to be able to drive or sit in a chair for too long 😢  I am managing without pain killers though which means I am at least clear headed enough to do some computer stuff.  I will get up and move around as much as I can as it's not good to stay immobile.  Mr F has back to back video calls all day today so won't be able to pick up much of the load.  I'll check the meal plan and see what's on there that's quick and easy.

So Health and Happiness are taking a bit of a hit.  Wealth-wise:

• I've made two skin care sales this month and put in a personal order to top up somethings we were low on
• I'll pay the credit card bill today to make sure we don't incur any interest (we use the credit card for pretty much everything to get the reward points but always pay it off in full by the due date)
• Mr F should get paid this week so I'll send some money then to HMRC to cover his tax bill
• as part of my renewed focus on Health, I'd intended to buy a thicker, yoga mat (on-going knee issue) and some resistance bands.  Seems a bit futile at the moment though as I can't do anything.  If I leave it, I suspect the items will be sold out by the time I get round to it so maybe I'll just go ahead.  Will have a think 🤔

Now what to do with the rest of the day?  I think I'm going to have to look at what commitments are coming up and manage some expectations 😢

Blimming nuisance this whole back thing.

Fortune x

Suffolk_lass

Sorry to hear your back problem is still around, recurring just when you hoped you had it under control.

I'm a bit like Cheery - although I probably only have a bath twice a year, I add lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus oils and whatever bubbles are to hand. I shower the rest of the time, just rubbing briskly with a nice towel and checking my feet are not building up hard skin or weird nails. Apart from that I wash my face with a flannel squeezing out hot water and giving it at least 3-4 seconds of steaming, then use my preferred day and night creams (my one extravagance) and if my skin feels dry elsewhere, I treat it to a dob of aqueous cream or maybe something I have been given with a perfume if I am just slouching at home. That's it really. I suppose I am probably building up problems for my future self but as I don't wear make up i rarely use cleanser or toner, and if I do they are probably ten years old (at least!). I feel quite neglectful compared to others

Fortune_Smiles

Suffolk_lass said:

Sorry to hear your back problem is still around, recurring just when you hoped you had it under control.

I'm a bit like Cheery - although I probably only have a bath twice a year, I add lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus oils and whatever bubbles are to hand. I shower the rest of the time, just rubbing briskly with a nice towel and checking my feet are not building up hard skin or weird nails. Apart from that I wash my face with a flannel squeezing out hot water and giving it at least 3-4 seconds of steaming, then use my preferred day and night creams (my one extravagance) and if my skin feels dry elsewhere, I treat it to a dob of aqueous cream or maybe something I have been given with a perfume if I am just slouching at home. That's it really. I suppose I am probably building up problems for my future self but as I don't wear make up i rarely use cleanser or toner, and if I do they are probably ten years old (at least!). I feel quite neglectful compared to others

You have to find what works for you SL and what fits your budget.  We all practice self-care differently and what is a pamper or indulgence for one might be a frippery or inconvenience for another.

My staples are cleanser, toner, moisturiser, eye cream and a body cleansing bar which I use in an exfoliating pouch.  However, having a skin care business, means I'm always trying out products and I have a variety of masks and serums I can use for any specific needs that come up or when I fancy a proper pamper.  For dry skin, eczema, scratches, burns and bites I use a balm with tamanu oil in it which I find very effective.

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

A good use of time

Well I've done what I can from a prone position today:

• contacted some friends to thank them for their well wishes and offers of help
• contacted some friends who I've been a little worried about
• cancelled my hairdressers appointment for tomorrow (they were fab about it) and a WI meeting on Wednesday
• managed expectations for a couple of social events I have coming up
• dealt with some emails
• submitted three short stories to a publisher 😲 I'm sure nothing will come of it but nothing ventured, nothing gained
• got up to make bagels with cream cheese, red onion and salad for lunch.  A slice of Mincemeat Banana Bread might have sneaked onto the plate too 😲
• spent quite a bit of time catching up with and commenting on diaries.  That's been lovely actually as I'm normally reading in a rush and wanting to comment but not being able to.  It's nice to be able to return some of the support that I've received here.

I've still got to pay the credit card bill but I do that on-line so there's still plenty of time.  And I have something in mind that Mr F can cook for supper.

So I feel as though I haven't entirely wasted another day.  Really, really hoping I can get up tomorrow though.

I think I will go ahead and order the yoga mat etc.  It will be an incentive to get going again when I can.

Happy Monday all

Fortune x

beanielou

I got one of those body clense bar recently.
I like it.
Will try to google the pouch.

Hope you feel more like yourself soon.
It's no fun.

Fortune_Smiles

beanielou said:

I got one of those body clense bar recently.
I like it.
Will try to google the pouch.

Hope you feel more like yourself soon.
It's no fun.

I find they're so much better for my skin Beanie - and better for the environment too 🌳  Is it a Tropic one you've got?

Fortune x