Showing posts with label rosacea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rosacea. Show all posts

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Wee luxuries...and remembering MOM


Willows Beach in Oak Bay

(a favourite spot of my late mom's and mine)

I took my coffee in a thermos and sat in the stillness
watched the sea, the sun and the clouds
listened to the waves as they met the shore
embraced
the sound of the gulls as they soared overhead.

A few precious moments of peace outdoors in nature to start the day
sets the tone for the hours ahead.


Unwrapped a lovely soap from Fragonard in Paris.
The porcelain soap dish accompanied the soap which was in a recent 
My French Country Home Box.

The scent is soft, subtle and sweet.

Hand washing happens many many times a day here in The Humble Bungalow.

I can still hear my mom's voice
her mantra was
"Soap and Water are Cheap."

Mom always kept a few bars of triple milled soap unwrapped in her lingerie drawer.
I think her favourite was Yardley's English Lavender Soap.

Mom was an avid gardener and worked for many hours outside 
before coming in and soaking in the tub...
a cup of restorative tea on the edge of the bath.

Lavender scents wafted throughout the house.

She'd dress up for my father's arrival home from work.

A dainty apron worn atop of her dress...
mom was a much tidier cook than I.

I remember so many lovely snippets of mom and learned so much from her.
Not a day goes by that I don't think of her.


Mom sipped her tea in a pretty cup and saucer.
She had a fondness for those decorated with flowers.

While I don't ALWAYS choose one of mine for tea.
(several inherited from mom)

I do more often than not.


My face is getting some serious TLC
the recent and ongoing IPL treatments are reducing the rosacea redness 
the broken capillaries are slowly disappearing...

My skin however is dry 
so I purchased a hardworking moisturizer to use in tandem 
with the IS Clinical Pro Health Serum.

Fingers crossed it will perform as was suggested at the clinic.


Healthy lunch at Brown's Social House
Tuna Poke Bowl

loaded with fresh veggies
delicious!

Eating mindfully 
adding lots of veggies with lean protein
 high on my radar.

Choosing healthier alternatives is becoming much easier...
although
the lure of french fries is still very strong.

If my husband orders them I ask to sample a few :-))

The interesting thing about eating tons of veggies and a small amount of protein is that I don't feel "stuffed" after I eat.

It is such a different feeling than when I order a burger and fries.
I actually prefer it and I am not hungry afterwards.


Sale item from Joe Fresh.
A simple basic which will get worn on my walks
and
paired with jeans perhaps layered overtop of a denim shirt.


Love the warm cozy feel..
great texture.

So many thoughts are swimming around in my head today 
as I sit here in The Humble Bungalow kitchen and type.

I am not sure how to wrap up this post...

writing about and remembering mom 
often skews my thought process
with
emotions tugging at my heartstrings...


Auriculas are starting to put on a show!
Perhaps it is time to find or build a theatre to display them?
They are all the rage in the UK.

How are things with you?

Hope that you are enjoying the start to the week.
Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, April 3, 2022

April Showers ~ flowers and an OOTD

 


Star Magnolia Blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Sprinkled with raindrops


The daffodils are nodding their heads weighed down by the raindrops.


We ventured out to Butchart Gardens on a sunny morning...
the flowers were exquisite...
Masses of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths.
The grandchildren rode the carousel which was a highlight!


Summer Snowflake Snowdrops
these are much taller than the usual varieties and they bloom later.
I want to buy a bunch more of these as they are so precious.
I am definitely a greedy gardener.



Yesterday I walked to the Cook Street Village on a mission 
to buy some veggies at the Root Cellar.

These daffs caught my eye and I just had to stop and take a picture.
When I walk, I look around...and the gardens always offer up something beautiful.

I make it a priority to stop and smell the flowers!


My current book...
just started this one yesterday and already I am eager to read more.
Love it when a book hooks you and holds your interest right from the start!

Readers have emailed me to say that my book suggestions are inspiring you to read.
It is a pleasure to share the love of reading, when I worked in the school libraries I tried very hard to get students matched up with great books.

What are you reading?

Today
My OOTD is a very casual one today...


~ OOTD ~ 

Rough Linen black linen apron 
Old Navy Denim shirt 
(an oldie but a goodie ~ it is a workhorse in my minimal wardrobe)
pearls
what you cannot see are my black Yoga pants.
I told you it was casual :-))

I am cooking a big roast beef Sunday dinner...



Yorkshire Puddings
Roast Beef
Mashed turnips
Roasted parsnips and sweet potatoes with cherry tomatoes
a potato casserole 
from "The Best of The Best of Bridge" cookbook
(page 176)
~ Schwarties Hash Browns ~
carrots
peas

Dessert 
strawberries and ice cream



I've had two IPL laser treatments in the past few months to help with my rosacea.
Another is scheduled for the end of the month.

The broken capillaries were quite noticeable and my cheeks red.
 I had not been for a treatment since early 2019
Covid kept me away from the clinic.

The only red I like on my face is this Italian lipstick!

Do you wear red lipstick?

Since I keep my make-up very subtle I like the pop of colour it provides.


Windowsill Orchids are in bloom.
Phalaenopsis

We have several orchids on the sill above the farmhouse sink...
they love the humidity and the north exposure.
These gems bloom several times a year and their flowers last for months.
Great value for the price...
this one was purchased at Home Depot.

Well I must get back to my cooking...
take care and thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Skin care products that I rely on to help keep my rosacea under control.

Are you on 
De-cluttering your spaces?
Feathering the Nest?
Editing your closet?

Working my way through The Humble Bungalow 
culling stuff from cupboards and drawers
Ridding ourselves of things that are no longer wanted
are out of date
&
 dusty and dull.

The bag of donations grows each day!

I tackled the skincare products and only kept the top performers.
You may not know that I have rosacea or that my skin is VERY sensitive.

I must be careful to use only the gentlest products.
No HOT water
no excessive rubbing
GENTLE but EFFECTIVE medical grade serums are worth the expense.


Here are my reliable trusted stalwarts in skincare.


Gentle cleanser and Micellar Lotion
by Avene

Rose Mask and Exfoliator
by Andalou



Pro Health Advance and Hydra Cool Serums
from IS Clinical

I use 3 drops of Pro Health Serum in the morning dabbing gently on cleansed skin
followed by Sukin Enriching Night Cream 
(it is super hydrating as my skin tends to be dry)

After cleansing at night I use 3 drops of the Hydra Cool Serum 
followed by the Sukin Enriching Night Cream


I use the Andalou CC cream every morning 
followed by La Bella Donna Mineral powder with additional sunscreen.

I use the Moroccan oil once a week as an intensive treatment.

It would be lovely to go to the spa for a facial 
but with Covid still active I am not planning a visit anytime soon.

Any skin care pampering will have to be done by me!

“Beauty is not in the face; 
beauty is a light in the heart.” 

~ Khalil Gibran ~



A January Rose bud that was blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
The rosebuds have all faded after the recent snowfall!

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
I hope that you are staying safe.
and
Taking good care of yourself.

We are living in a precarious time... self care is important
being proactive and soothing one's spirit is not being selfish.

XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, August 23, 2019

Pretty in Pink ~ rosacea and skincare.


The Pink McCartney Rose


Long time readers will know that I suffer from a skin condition called rosacea...
there is no "cure" one needs to be proactive to manage the condition and deal with the occasional flare ups.

Some of the triggers for Rosacea are stress, sunshine, hot and cold temperatures, wind, red wine, spicy foods, and certain chemicals in skincare products.

One never knows when a bout of rosacea may occur.
I try my best to manage the condition.


I use the Avene line of products for sensitive skin.

My routine:

I wash my skin in the morning 
using Anti redness lotion
warm water
with a very a light touch 
then I gently pat my skin dry.

I apply 3 drops of IS Clinical serum 
followed by Avene Hydrance Intense.

I wait a few minutes to allow the products to be absorbed
before applying Bella Donna mineral powder.
It has an SPF of 50 which I use everyday all year long.
The powder covers most of the redness.

In the evening 
I remove all the powder with a cotton pad soaked in Micellar Water.
Then I wash my face with the Avene lotion, add the 3 drops of serum and apply  Fresh Rose Deep Hydration moisturizer.
( It smells wonderful!)

I occasionally go to a medical based Spa in Oak Bay Derma Spa 
 for laser treatments which target the broken capillaries and redness.
They are super knowledgable and provide many services 
to patients like myself who have skin conditions.
They also sell IS Clinical serums and Bella Donna mineral make up.

I have read a lot about Rocasea and there are many great sites online where you can find out more about the condition.

I hope that you have found this information helpful.

To those of you who have this condition I hope that you have found some ways to cope with the redness and the inevitable flare ups.

I welcome your thoughts and ideas on what works for you...


Jude the Obscure and McCartney roses.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, May 10, 2019

Linen frock...rosacea update and flowers...

I bought a new frock this week...
it is linen, made in Italy.



Stripes of navy and white


The back detail
cool, loose and floaty.

The perfect kind of dress for the hot days we are currently experiencing.
Add flip flops and a sun hat and I am good to go.

Heat and cold are rosacea triggers so I am trying very hard to keep my temperature variations to a minimum.

Further update on the rosacea flare up...

It has been a month since I had the laser treatment.
The skin on my face is not quite so red 
but there are visible broken capillaries.

 I went back for a follow up visit yesterday and had another session with the YAG laser.

I was advised to start using a medical grade serum.
The serum targets inflammation, weak blood vessels and redness.


It is expensive but so are the laser treatments.
If the results are as good as the technician claims I will be satisfied.

Today my face is puffy and pink where the nurse/technician targeted the laser.
Nothing so severe that I would need to stay cocooned indoors.
I put on mineral sunscreen and headed out for a walk with my hat and sunglasses.

Enjoyed a long lunch with some girlfriends.

Later this afternoon
 I hand watered the garden and took some pictures to share with you.


Purple Honesty 
creamy smillacena racemosa
one of our rain barrels


Clematis Montana reubens and hostas


Hostas, variegated iris, black mondo grass, Spanish bluebells.


Flowers for a friend...
lily of the valley.

Hope you have a lovely weekend and to all the Moms
Happy Mothers Day!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Monday, May 6, 2019

Pretty Pinks...

May is such a beautiful month here in Victoria.

Our garden is putting on a lovely show...
The roses are not yet in flower but we have lily of the valley, clematis, hellebores, geraniums, white anemones, irises, tulips, and many more.


I captured this rhododendron on my walk.
A fly photo bombed my shot!
Its iridescent wings look quite like a jewel.


A pale pink soft rhododendron...
we don't have enough room for rhodos
roses take priority.

We worked in the garden on Saturday and some of Sunday.
Mr. HB planted tomatoes and cucumbers in the greenhouse.
Radish seeds will be sown soon.

Russell Nursery
was hosting a
a pop up Vintage Fair.

I did not find any "rusty vintage items" for the garden 
but I did find a new apron!


Made locally 
I can use it both in the garden and kitchen.
The pockets are handy too!



Love the fuchsia fish !


My hands take such a beating working in the home and garden
despite rich creams and cuticle balms
mine rarely look cared for...


GRRRRR!

I've been experiencing a breakout of rosacea.
this condition surfaced in my early 30's.
The dermatologist started me on a round of antibiotics and a topical cream.
 We got it under control but since then over several decades 
more outbreaks crop up.

There is no "cure" for rosacea.

Redness control skincare products 
(Avene)
using a gentle
 touch 
avoiding the sun 
and 
temperature extremes are also essential.

A cycle of IPL laser treatments 
help to manage the condition.

I have had one IPL treatment and will need a few more...
the flushing, redness and bumps are difficult to camouflage.
It is frustrating and I do try to keep calm.






It's sunny outside this morning and the birds are chirping.



My to do list today:

 ~ wash the slipcovers ~

~ hand water pots and plants in the garden ~

~ write and publish a blog post ~

~ deep clean the sink ~

~ wash the sheets ~

~ walk ~




Love this soft almond scented milk concentrate...
I use this after my shower every morning.

Well I must stop procrastinating and get busy with my to do list...
(you may have noticed that I started the "do list" with my favourite activity)

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope your week is off to a fabulous start...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Rosacea...a post in repsonse to a reader's question.

Please forgive me as I have been remiss in not posting a timely response from a reader.
Her question asked me to discuss in a blog post how I manage my rosacea.
Other than the crucial habits of eating healthy food, drinking lots of Perrier, avoiding red wine, reducing stress I rely on a line of gentle products by Avene that are specifically created for sensitive skin.


My skincare regime is simple.


Morning and evening cleansing with a foaming cleanser
 sunscreen
moisturizer
followed by a moisturizing tinted cream
(my mature skin is dry and the extra moisture is absorbed like a sponge!)
In the evening I remove all my make up spritz with thermal water and gently pat on serum.


Weekly or bi-weekly I'll have a spa morning treatment.
I use Bio-Gommage an exfoliating product by Methode Physiodermie
and then slather on L'Occitane Divine Cream and go about my domestics.


My favourite sunscreen by La Roche Posay
 Sea Buckthorn Salve which I use if I have a flare up of redness.
I use this at night as it is rather greasy and not suitable for wearing under tinted moisturizer or make up.

I am not a dermatologist and would never suggest that I am an expert on rosacea so if you do have this condition I would strongly advise you to seek medical attention.
I saw a specialist years ago and have learned that my skin reacts to strong chemicals in skin care products so I avoid using them on my face.

Changing my diet made a big difference in how my skin looks.

When I worked I would have a facial every few months at The Willowstream Spa in the Victoria Fairmont Empress and they customize a facial after consulting with you about your skin.
I loved how my skin felt after having a spa facial.
 Now that I am on a pension, and saving for my trip to Paris I do my own facials...


My favourite tinted moisturizing cream by Sweet Lei Lani
created by a woman in Langley BC
for a friend who was undergoing chemotherapy 
and still wanted to look lovely during her treatment.

It is gentle and light and adds a dewy finish and comes in a variety of colours.


In addition to these skincare thoughts...

 I try to get lots of fresh air by walking outdoors by the ocean everyday.
Rest and relaxation is vital, as is sleep.
It is high on my list of healthy priorities but can often be a challenge at my age
it seems to be broken up
 not as long
and as a result is not as restful as I would like.

If I have a restless night I will try to take a longer walk.
The sights and sounds out and about in nature are so soothing.

So with those thoughts in mind I am off for my walk and will be back soon.
Enjoy your week!

Hostess