Tag Archives: self care

Shower or Bath?

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This was our bathtub in our Palm Springs home of 28 years. To the left, behind the mirrored door, was the shower. I loved the bathtub faucet because the water flowed like a waterfall. Also, I could lay back and stare out the window at trees against a blue sky. When we lived in Palm Springs, I did take mostly showers, but also indulged in baths.

The other day, I used our bathtub in our new home for the first time in four years! It felt so luxurious and decadent to soak and take my time. I bought epsom salts to help my poor foot, hands and knee that are hurting lately. I wondered why I never pampered myself like this since moving? After my soak in the hot tub, I fell asleep for an afternoon nap. I never can nap, so I think I found the secret.

My normal routine is speeding through a shower and getting dressed and ready for the day early in the morning. Mother’s Day weekend was the perfect time to change it up and indulge myself.

Another view of our bathtub in the Master Bedroom of Casa de Wickham.

Friday, I went with a few friends to our local culinary cooking school. We signed up for “Lunch and Learn” where we watch the meal being prepared and then enjoy a delicious lunch.

The menu was Balsamic-Glazed Steak, Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad, and Individual Lemon Cheesecakes (topped with Lemon Curd.)

Everything was delicious and nothing looked too time consuming or difficult.

Balsamic-Glazed Steak and Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad prepared by the chefs at our cooking school.

Here’s the recipe for Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad:

12 oz eggplant, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

1 small red onion, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

5 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3 TBSP balsamic vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup orzo

2 TBSP chopped fresh chives (you can use basil, mint, etc.)

  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss eggplant, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, 1/4 oil, vinegar, teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together and spread into even layer. Roast until vegetables are slightly softened and charred in sports, about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through roasting.
  3. Meanwhile, bring 2 quarts of water to boil in a large saucepan. Add orzo and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Drain orzo and transfer to large bowl. Stir in remaining tablespoon oil, and more vinegar if desired, chives and roasted vegetables and any accumulated juices. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold. 

I made this during the weekend. I added a dash more balsamic vinegar to the orzo and veggies and topped it with Feta cheese crumbles. I thought about adding Kalmata Olives or chicken.

Are you a bath or a shower person and why?
What would you add to the Orzo Salad?

A month of care

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A jade plant I bought myself the other day. I’m hoping the bunnies stay away from it.

I made a commitment that July was going to be a self-care month. It’s because I have a physical, blood work, EKG and minor surgery scheduled throughout the month.

Why not be the best I can be and pass all my tests with flying colors?

My husband and I embarked on a new schedule. We’re up before the sun rises to get out the door for a three-mile walk. Add to that, we’ve been consistently going to the YMCA for swims three days a week.

We’re taking a cacophony of supplements which I have no idea if they are helping or not. I’m cutting out excess sugar, starch, wine, diet coke — and my beloved white cheddar cheetos (once the bag is empty of course.)

The new early morning schedule makes me tired. I keep thinking I’ll get used to it, but between the wee early mornings and heat, I feel exhausted.

Then add to that, my vision is fuzzy. I have trouble reading books, looking at the computer, and spotting my golf ball. I had my annual eye exam and my optometrist sent me to an ophthalmologist to schedule a YAG procedure. It’s a simple and easy laser treatment that should restore my once perfect vision.

Right before COVID shutdowns, I had cataract surgery. I was born with extreme myopia and astigmatism. My Rx for glasses and contacts was a -16. In case you don’t know, that’s really, really bad.

Then things got worse. My growing cataracts had me seeing three stop signs stacked like a pyramid. And yes, I was driving!

Fast forward to cataract surgery and it was a miracle! I came out with 20/20 vision. I only needed a slight correction for astigmatism and reading. That was Winter of 2019 — but now things are fuzzy in my right eye. Today things were really extra fuzzy. I held my glasses up to the light and discovered the lenses were smudged. Oops.

According to the doctors I’ve seen, a membrane grows over the implanted lens and a quick laser treatment will get rid of it once and for all. I was surprised to learn that this happens to 40% of cataract patients!

Sunday, July 2, my second day of self care — I woke up with a pulled muscle in my butt! I’m stumbling around in pain and skipped my morning walk. July 1 we swam, so maybe I did something then? Who knows. So far, my month of health is off to a rocky start.

What special plans do you have for the month of July?

A simple pleasure

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mother daughter sailing
Sailing in Santa Barbara with my daughter on a friend’s boat.

Yesterday I got a pedicure. I last got one during our beach vacation in August. My daughter and I used to get pedicures together. It was a ritual that we loved, sitting side by side getting pampered. I’d read a book, she was on her phone. Although we weren’t talking much, I look back on those memories with tenderness.

Even when she went to college, we’d make time for pedicures when she’d be home for vacation. Or, if I was visiting her for a swim meet, we’d get pedicures together.

Then the pandemic hit and the nail salon by our house closed. Since I moved away, I’m not sure if it ever reopened. So many small businesses closed forever. I’ve had two pedicures since COVID hit.

Yesterday was a treat to be pampered. But it was bittersweet. I missed my daughter sitting by my side.

Do you have any simple pleasures with your loved ones? What do you like to do together?

Little things that give me comfort

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During this weird time of 2020 shutdowns and lingering isolation into 2021, I discovered two products that make me feel better. They are little things my son introduced me to — self care products that bring a little highlight to my days.

Never would I have imagined that I’d be washing my hands millions of times a day. My poor hands began to look so old, worn, chaffed and red in 2020. My son surprised me with an Australian hand cleanser and rich lotion. FYI, I’m going to link to these products and NO I’m not getting anything in return.

Link to Aesop.

Aesop hand soap
This is the hand soap my son gave me for Mother’s Day during COVID shut down. I used the soap up and didn’t order more because it’s pricey. It was a really nice present, though. I did order their face cleanser and love it, too.
Aesop hand cream
I love this hand cream and still have some left. It’s soothing with all the times I wash my hands these days.

While taking care of my son, post surgery, he received a package of Turkish hand towels. I was completely unfamiliar with them. He instructed me to wash them three times to get then soft and absorbent before we put them out for use. They are beautiful and luxuriously simple made of 100 percent cotton. Something I added to my bathroom when I got home. After I wash my hands — again — I pamper them with the soft Turkish towels.

Link to Cacala.

Cacala Turkish towles
These are the wonderful Turkish hand towels that are so soft and absorbent. They are also kind to my hands.

Have you discovered any self care products or foods that made you feel better during 2020 and 20201? What little ways have your days changed? Are you washing your hands more than ever, too? Have you discovered any routines or habits during these days?