Self-care Journey Month 11
Woohoo December! I love decorating for Christmas. At one time, I had four trees up. I had garland everywhere. Somewhere along the way it went from being fun, to a chore. (Stress, life, you know). I scaled back significantly. Now, I just have one tree. But putting it up, as well as decorating the mantel brings me great joy. And G loves when I put everything up. What he doesn’t love is decorating outside. He says he doesn’t get to enjoy it, everyone else does. Last year, I decorated the backyard, and he loved it. I’ll be doing that again, but this year I’ll be doing the front as well. Since none of it will require a ladder – or him – he doesn’t get any say in it. ๐คฃ
I’ve talked a lot this year about self-care. Sometimes it was easy for me. Sometimes it wasn’t. But every month I made sure to do my best. I look back now and know that had I not started this in January, the quarantine and all the craziness that came with it and after would’ve been much, much harder. I really wish I would’ve begun the self-care years ago. It’s so easy to get caught up in our To-Do Lists, family, life, and work, that we forget to take care of who matters most – ourselves. It’s something I’m doing my best to teach both of my kids. Oddly enough, my daughter is the one listening. My son, well…boys are definitely a challenge at the best of times. I’m hoping he’ll find his way, and until he does, I’ll continue to impart my advice even though I know he isn’t listening. Because one day, it’ll all kick in. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
I thought I’d take the opportunity for December to list my…
Top Ten Self-Care Items for 2020
#1 SEAL THE DEAL. This herbal supplement changed my life. As women, our hormones are always seemingly all over the place. What originally drew me to this blend was that it improved hormon health. In addition, it was an energy boosting, anti-inflammatory, and libido boosting. That’s right, ladies. Libido boosting. But this supplement did much more than any of that. I had no idea what my hormones were doing until I began taking this. My hair changed. It began to look and act like it did when I was in my twenties, which is not a small feat! This, out of everything I’ve tried this year is my Top Product that I just can’t say enough about. Learn more here.
#2 DR. JARTS+ CICAPAIR TIGER GRASS COLOR CORRECTING TREATMENT. Like most women, I’ve never been happy with the skin on my face. But this product is like the Holy Grail in evening out skin tone, reducing redness and dryness, as well as dullness. On top of that, it also includes SPF. There is no way to reverse time, but this product sure makes it feel as if that’s exactly what its doing. Check out the reviews and what thousands of other women are saying about this amazing treatment. Learn more here.
#3 YOU DEW YOU. After finding such great results with Apothekary’s Seal the Deal, I expanded my herbal supplements to include YDY. It’s touted as a Brains + Beauty. The skin-restoring, stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory supplement promotes gut health, but has given my skin vibrancy that it hasn’t had in a long time. I have very dry skin, and I take great pains to keep it nourished, and this blend makes my life much easier. Learn more here.
#4 GLOW GETTER. The third herbal supplement from Apothekary that I’m in love with. It is skin restoring, libido boosting, and immunity building. And my skin actually glows! There are so many benefits to using GG that involves lowering cholesterol, providing healing for kidneys and liver, supports skin and hair luster, and the list goes on an on. I take GG, with STD, and YDY every morning in my smoothie or my tea. Don’t like those options? No worries. The Apothekary website has tons of recipe ideas, as well as how to dose and what to mix. Learn more here.
#5 MUSELY’S THE SPOT CREAM. Have melasma or dark spots that you want to get rid of? Then I suggest Musely’s The Spot Cream. I found it through a FB ads (OMG. FB ads get me alllllll the time!), but I’m so glad I gave it a go because it worked! I used the online dermatologist visit and went through everything I use on my face, including my prescription cream for my rosacea. It isn’t a cream you use, then once the spots are gone never use it again. It’s something I’ll use about once or twice a week onward, now that the melasma is faded enough that I no longer see it. I was pleasantly surprised at my results, and only bought it because they had a money back guarantee. I’m so glad I took a chance! Learn more.
#6 SILK PILLOW CASE. I love my silk pillowcase. I can’t believe I didn’t buy one sooner. Even G is in love with it and wanted one of his own. It improves your skin and hair, enhances sleep and reduces wrinkles, and so, so much more. I even bought one for my travel pillow when I start traveling again. There are many variations of the silk pillowcase for as little as $15 and as high as over $200. I got a set of two for about $65. I can’t remember where I got mine, but do a search and make sure its 100% pure mulberry 22-momme silk whatever you buy. They come in a range of colors and sizes, some sippered, some envelope. But they will change the way you sleep.
#7 MEDITATION PILLOW. I had been doing meditation on and off for a bit but sometimes it really hurt my back. It didn’t take me long to learn that I needed a meditation pillow. It made all the difference, allowing me to fully get into the meditation in the most comfortable position. I highly recommend you find a pillow that fits you. This is the one I got, and I’m in love with it! Learn more.
#8 SILK SCRUNCHIES. I used to have long hair. Then I started keeping it at my neck. With the pandemic, I stopped going to get a hair cut, which meant my hair was growing and getting in my way when I did my yoga or anything. All the hair ties I used either got caught in my hair and pulled it, or didn’t hold. Then I stumbled upon these silk hair ties. I now sleep with my hair on top of my head (those with curls will understand), and these have been amazing for that as well. I always have one with me in case I need to put my hair up now that it’s midway down my back. Learn more.
#9 COZY EARTH SWEATS. This purchase I put squarely on the shoulders of my friend, Rachel Van Dyken. I live in yoga and sweatpants. I have a plethora of each, so it take a lot for me to even look at something. She raved at how soft they were. I liked how they looked, and the reviews were great. I mean, if Oprah likes them, why not? So, I got them on sale to try out the set. OMG. They are by far my favorite set of sweats. I love them so much I’d wear them every day. The comfort is out of this world. It was a total splurge for me, but one that I don’t regret in the lest. I got the black set, of course, but I’m going to get the dark gray as well. Learn more.
#10 KOPARI DEODORANT. This actually wasn’t the first all natural deodorant I used. I was told about this from one of my readers, and I fell in love with it! Learn more.
As the end of the year approaches along with the stressors of another wave of the virus, dealing with family who wants to get together (or doesn’t) and everyday life, remember, that our self-care routine can’t be put on the back burner. When stress arises, that’s a cue that we need even more self-care. As a reminder: You arenโt alone. You donโt have to carry the weight of everything yourself. Youโre stronger than you know, and there are others who are around if you need them. Please, please, take time for yourself.
I hope everyone has a joyful holiday season, and that everyone is safe so we’ll be together to celebrate next year as well!
xoxox,
DG
“Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside.”
~ Barry Neil Kaufman
