Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Self care...rituals and comfort during the Pandemic.

 


Taking time for self care is not "selfish."
It is important for our mental well being.

My hands work hard
and
with all the hand washing and hand sanitizing my hands take a beating!

I recently discovered Derma E Rosehip and Almond Hand and Cuticle Cream.
The cream absorbs well into the skin and is not overly greasy.
It really helps my cuticles which have become quite dry.
Nothing ruins the look of a manicure like ragged or torn cuticles.


Pacifica
Crimson Kimono
Cruelty Free Formula
Long lasing polish.


Brew a pot of tea...

Enjoy
a relaxing soak in warm water mixed with a few spoonfuls of bath salts.
File nails with an emery board, push back cuticles and they are ready for polish.


Manicure done...
Pop on my red ballet flats and I feel a lightness of spirit.
Energized and hopeful...

I don't know about you but I find I NEED (crave) more TLC these days.

The pandemic has changed the way I look at my days.
My attitude often needs a gentle nudge...

Routines and Rituals are key players for me.

Each morning after my shower I put on my make up.
Dab on Perfume

Dressing in jeans and a Tee
 simple comfy basics
I add an accessory like my pearls, or a colourful scarf
to elevate my spirit.

I seem to have more time to "fill."
Do you feel that way too?

Frustrated that 
I am unable to resume the activities that I enjoyed before Covid.
Bridge games and weekly lessons, Mah Jong, French class, and Yoga.

Many of my friends are playing bridge online.
While others are doing Yoga and language lessons with ZOOM.

I've been keeping pretty busy here at home and in the garden.
Cooking most meals in The Humble Bungalow Kitchen since mid March.


Seeing our grandchildren always makes me feel happy.
We took them out for lunch at Fisherman"s Wharf.

We were able to eat at a picnic table outside which felt very "safe"
A totally wonderful tonic and a fun filled "outing."


Reading with a pot of tea in the afternoon has become a daily ritual.

Beware!
This book is quite provacative and deals with many sensitive subjects.


It doesn't take much effort to arrange afternoon tea on a tray.
It tastes so much better in a china cup.

I would like to open up a dialogue about self care and hear from you.

Are you finding time to elevate your daily routines?

How are you beautifying your day?

Do you practise self care?

I'm going to pop the kettle on now and brew a pot of hot tea...
I'll come back soon and read any comments that you have shared.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


14 comments:

Lorrie said...

I feel like I have been busier since the pandemic began - first teaching on line, then a busy summer with family, and now a very full semester of teaching in the time of covid. I am so looking forward to retiring at the end of January and hope to have more leisure time.
In the midst of being busy I find it important to take time for me. I've been using a face mask (Vichy) regularly and while that dries I do my nails - no polish. I love L'Occitane's Almond Milk body cream and slather that on after my shower. Taking care of me relaxes me.
Take care, Leslie. Love those red ballet flats.

Madame La-Bas said...

You really have that "pop of red" going. I need those self-care moments. I've backed off working because my mother's health(89) is declining and I need to be available for her. I'm uncertain about exposures in schools at age 68. I love my rose scented daycream and my lavender scrub. Walking, cooking and reading are great for covid times although I do miss friends and travel. Take care.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Good for you for taking care of yourself. I love fig fragrance in any for...candle, perfume, incense. You have encouraged me to give myself a pedicure this afternoon. Thank you.

La Contessa said...

I had a MANI/PEDI TODAY after SEVEN MONTHS...........Only ME in the SALON fully MASKED.Self Care is important but I had let my manicures go NO POLISH and as you say dry cuticles.
Tried to go to a NURSERY today to pick out a pumpkin!Second try with this NURSERY........Now they are closed TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS!
I may have to rely on my neighborhood market.........for $5.99 NO PERSONALITY!

Ann said...

Just found your blog from A Well Styled Life! Yes...trying to take better care of my hands. Recently purchased goat milk cuticle cream and keep the little pot on my side table to use while reading or watching a movie. AMAZED at the difference it makes. As with you I miss so many things due to Covid...travel, friends, family, and entertaining! This has been the longest we have not had friends/family to our home for brunch, lunch, dinner, tea...I miss that so much. So glad to find your blog - take care and stay safe! www.ournewvista.com

Sheila said...

My days feel emptier, for sure! I have been on reduced hours since the beginning of April, and miss the contact of all my 250+ coworkers. My work days are not busy (they are usually non-stop), and my days off are often empty, although I've been working to create routines, like my Mental Health Walk every Thursday morning following my weekly grocery shop.

For self-care, I am making sure I get dressed on my days off, although sometimes that's a challenge! I've been reading too, and making time to safely see my mom and my friends.

Take care, L!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I love the almond milk cream by L'Occitane too...it is so rich and the scent is soft. You have been busy! I admire how you manage to juggle it all...the garden, work, family, boating, walking, and you do it with such grace.
Take care

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Red is a "happy" colour for me...and I love bright sunny yellow.
I hope your mom is enjoying your time together...you are wise to keep your work on the back burner right now.
Travel seems like a dream...I read a lot of books...I think they are a welcome and mich needed escape from "reality!"
Stay safe

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Fig is a wonderful fragrance! I bought a fig scent from Bastide when I was in Aix en Provence...they have a lovely shop with oodles of wonderful products! Hope you enjoyed your pedicure.
Take care Adrienne

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh what a wonderful treat!!! I am sure you savoured the pampering.
Our nurseries are open and busy...it is a bulb buying frenzy...I bought more daffodils and purple alliums. We have 2 small white pumpkins and some ornamental gourds.
Enjoy your week!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you for popping by Ann, I hope you will enjoy reading my blog. Now I am going to pop over and visit your blog!
Take care and stay safe.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am getting used to all the time that i have npw that I am not so social...you'd think my house would be much tidier but it is not! Working from home must be so different...I have a friend who loves it as she can multi task and take breaks to pop out in her garden, flip loads of laundry and prepare meals and cook them!
Sounds like you are keeping well and focusing on staying safe...as Bonnie Henry says it's not forever it is just for now!

A Lovely Inconsequence said...

I started ballet classes again. They de-stress me and keep me distracted from the virus, etc. I do online classes called Calm Ballet. It works!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sounds like a wonderful idea...I remember taking ballet classes with dreams of becoming a ballerina but that was not to be!
Have fun at the Barre!