BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: gnu
Date: 05 Apr 15 - 07:04 PM

"Ebbie, I am still here. I'm just here less. It's nice to be missed...." You are missed by many... I am sure of that.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Apr 15 - 02:33 PM

Janie, me too-- until the surgery. In the nursing home recovering from the complications, I developed some good habits, a better understanding of why to maintain them, and a clear picture of how little time it takes from other priorities to tend to myself. I wouldn't say I have become a total girly-girl, but I do know how to do better basic self-care-- and how long I can go without a real pampering. A friend of mine helped there-- she reminds me of you in may ways. Her boyfriend sends her to a spa annually. It's very expensive, but the DIY version isn't. (If I had a close girlfriend nearby, we could easily reach and tend to each others' heard-to-reach areas, ourselves. I hope to have that in Ohio!)

Ebbie, I am still here. I'm just here less. It's nice to be missed.... I've always admired your posts. I'm more active on FB and will try to PM you that link to Friend-up there.

Today-- that moment when you try on jeans you were SURE would NEVER fit (overshrunk!!!), and they zip right up! Good thing too, cuz I got TWO pairs on sale. They sure didn't fit last night over new (cotton) undies, but today they fit enough to stretch em back out-- to break in to fit me perfectly. Next time I'll wear em over nylon undies-- until I get rid of the last 7 pounds gained over the winter, which I expect to do easily with the usual increased activity level in Ohio! God willing ad the mechanic releases the van in the AM, I depart this time tomorrow.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Janie
Date: 03 Apr 15 - 03:28 PM

One of those folks who has always tended to live in my head and not pay much attention to the body and caring for it. Short-sighted of me as I get older. I use lotions or creams, or worry about nails when something happens such that it causes discomfort, or in the case of nails, get in the way. Even then, always have a little feeling of resentment that I have to take the time to see to it. Even a few minutes. It is not that I am that busy. Just not that important to me unless a problem arises - and will say again, short-sighted to wait for a problem rather than to take action to prevent a problem. Not sure what that is about but would be interested to know if other folks, wimminzes or menz, are similarly dissociated.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Apr 15 - 03:05 PM

I miss you, Wizzy.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Apr 15 - 02:24 PM

"rest my reets" = rest my FEETS

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Apr 15 - 09:02 PM

Plugs:

Amope dead-skin removing tool As Seen on TV.

Dry skin-brushing.

Korea-Italy towels after a hot.hot.HOT 30 minute soak.

YEARS of not-calluses off my old feet and years of dead skin off my shins. Thank you motel with hot tub in room and the right vinyl-covered chair to rest my reets from the bed to reach with that Amope. Serious power and serious abrasive wheel.

One caution-- a 30 min soak in water that hot (105+ degrees for me) was almost a medical emergency till I added a cold bottle of water and a wet cloth for me head, and started keeping my chest and arms out of the water.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 10:49 AM

I haven't shaved in years. No leg or arm pit hair, since being on methotrexate. Eyebrows are disappearing due to thyroid problem, even though I take replacement hormone regularly.

What is worrying is thick growth of soft fine white fur on my face (even my forehead) since being on steroids. How best to remove?

Scented lotions - there is one I use I tiny bit of at every shower only on my arms. Simply because of the smell Sea Island Cotton from Body Works. It approximates the Cotton Blossom scented lotion Andie bought me (last gift from her). So I use it for memories sake.

I think I would be more inclined to look after myself (inclduing diet and exercise) if I wasn't so exhausted all the time. I conserve all my energy for the job. I am half hoping they make me redundant in this round of restructure. Would give me the time to pay better attention to myself.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Claire M
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 09:50 AM

Hiya,

I think it seems to change as my tastes do. I take things literally, so if the fora I used said it was all about the music I wouldn't bother w/ much else; no earrings, no hair dye, skulls everywhere. The music was the most important thing, "nothing else matters" (great song). My voice can be quite gravelly so I was often mistaken for a boy. Looking back I suspect my ♥ wasn't really in it; oh well.

I'd never have even picked up the Lush catalogue a couple of years back let alone enjoyed going in there; now I have to be dragged out. Now I've tons of unusual, long earrings, toadstools, blackberries, pine cones, sheep......, & part of the fun of going to concerts/renfaires, etc. is picking out clothes. I can't believe I'm writing this.

Medieval dresses seem to fit the type of concerts I frequent now, & cos I'm very short & small they suit me better than band t-shirts ever did – relatives who hadn't seen me for a while said I looked very grown up & a lot nicer (& was, too) .

One would think that when in a nursing home, you'd let everything go cos there's no need to bother if you don't feel up to going out; but the ½ - decent ones help you whether you do or not. There's a lady who works in mine who calls me Sabiha, which is Maltese for "beautiful" ☻

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 03:03 PM

Thyroid is a bitch! (Are you testing often i hhope?)

I am finding it hard to maintain the good habits I acquired in the nursing home but surgical recovery and thyroid recovery have not been playing nicely together! Seeing this thread again is a great reminder!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Claire M
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 10:24 AM

Hiya,

I always feel like that VT, even though I drink a ton. I hate it. Ithink it may be to do w/ my thyroid. If I wore perfume I'd only drop the bottle, so I find scented lotion easier, also to relax my stiff muscles. I love Lush's Karma Kream; it smells amazing.

I've got a lot more girly now, almost changing overnight. A flatmate once said that she'd been told to brush her teeth daily – I'm used to   people finding self-care difficult due to our various problems but I was horrified. I don't want to look like I don't care, but I try to balance what I can actually do w/ what I use (eg see perfume v lotion comment).

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Feb 13 - 02:39 PM

Weekly, "La Toilette:"

It takes over an hour, in five segments.

1. Warm shower (seated in shower) with orange lotion or teatree gel (not hot because that would strip skin oils), wash hair (Pantene), and brush teeth (whitening stuff);
2. Comb hair to airdry as styled, wash/dry glasses, and then lounge around in my towel till dry;
3. Shave legs at bathroom sink with stool for leg support (cocoa butter lotion and a 4-blade shaver);
4. Apply cocoa butter/aveeno lotion all over by hand, washcloth, and scrubber on handle, and
5. Apply anti-perspirant (Mitchum unscented stick) and dress.


The above takes so long because I am still rehabbing from surgery. The least fun part is applying moisturizing lotion to areas that still have no sensation except distant, unpleasant tingling. But I do now have products and implements sorted out to do this reasonably efficiently.

I ditched the Vaniqa because there is no regular time each day I shower/wash face and retire. Often they are done too on-the-run to have the Vaniqa at hand. Maybe someday....

We bought a cocoa-butter massage product that liquefies on contact, for working on the scar tissue. It smells VERY strongly of chocolate. I hope no one objects to whiffs of THAT! :~) The scent does appear to be all-natural, not synthetic. Perhaps I will have to add chocolate kisses, now, to my ministry kit. :~|

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 10:14 AM

Hiya Claire!

I forgot to say what I do with fingernails, which is about to change.

I have been (and will continue) shaping them as needed with my mom's files, all of which I received when she passed. She had one in every purse and I do now, too, as well as one by my recliner where I also apply hand lotion and rub off calluses.

But now that I am on they thyroid meds my nails grow much faster than they used to and are much stronger. I won't be going in for long nails and paint, because I know I would immediately chip it off, but manicures are going to be added now on a regular basis along with more frequent haircuts. I'm aiming for nails just a tad longer than my fingertips (I do not play an instrument requiring otherwise)-- shaped, buffed and shined.

A nice benefit of a recent surgery is that for the first time in 20+ years I can clip my own toenails. When I get them where I want them I will paint THEM!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Claire M
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 09:55 AM

Hiya,

I've got long nails, which I have painted every week. I've got a lovely painted wooden box of nail varnish, topcoat, etc. Other than what I've said already I can't faff about with a lot of beauty stuff, due to not being able to put a lot of it on. I make sure I have a lot of fresh air because I get breathless.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 05:30 PM

Mine, for winter, in the downstairs:

Up, hi-protein brekky, tea (while tea brews feed dog & wash dishes), poop.
Shower seated on tiny shower stool (orange, teatree, or Irish Spring gel), brush teeth in shower, wash hair (Pantene), disinfect hip wound.
Moisturize all over (winter), Vaniqa, comb wet hair to airdry. Use light styling spray (Aussie) if going out.
Wrap in travel towel and, if cold, shawl and slippers. Airdry (over more tea).
Dress hip wound, apply anti-perspirant (Mitchum solid), get dressed.
Moisturize hands (Aveeno knockoff) all day.

Or if it's an evening shower, it is much like the above, but is upstairs in the tub with the extra-long shower hose, on an old folding chair, and may include leg shaving (Venus, weekly or as needed).


Cosmetics, no... part of my ministry involves tears and I do not like waterproof cosmetics. Moisturize yes, just regular hand lotion over wet skin to thin it. Sometimes lip balm with a little color.

Perfume-- depends on occasion. Lightly applied Shalimar or Chantilly. Often nothing, esp. if hospital call. Both scents play well with hubby's Drakkar Noir or One Man Show aftershave.


Firm policy, even on the hop-- a lady must have at least two of these three at all times: clean, neat hair; a smooth chinny chin chin; clean teeth. (I can do two of these in the car while I drive.) However underwear is always optional!

Camping-- fresh lemons with flannel washcloth if no shower/lake.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 05:21 PM

I don't use perfume or cologne or heavily scented soaps of lotions as they give me fierce headache. Even some natural scents flowers and essential oils can make me ill. Narcissus, lily and lavender are no go.

I use baby oil just after shower and Simple ™ between showers to moisturise.

TheSilentOne brushes my hair as my wrist hurts too much to do it. I don't use conditioner on hair as it clogs pores and causes sores on scalp. Can't colour hair for same reason.   Hair is falling out in clumps now due to meds so will soon cut it (myself) to shoulder length.

In near futile attempt to divert gum disease I brush and floss teeth 2 to 5 times a day.   Sjogrens causes malfunctioning salivary glands and when I wake middle of the night feeling like my mouth has been lined with cotton wool, I need to brush to get the salivary glands working again.

Nails are brutally short because I have never been able to stop biting them. Cuticles a mess.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 01:20 AM

For all over moisturizing, I love sesame oil. Neutrogena has it, both scented and unscented. The scented kind has a very light and pleasant smell, so that's what I use. Equate does a knock off and so does Kroger, and I think they're identical to the Neutrogena, but cheaper. I put it in a spray bottle and use it after every shower. I learned about sesame oil when I was studying massage therapy. It is light and readily absorbed by the skin. Coconut oil is nice too, and smells good.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 05:30 PM

Hand-soaps-- a US brand for healthcare workers is Cetaphil, and the Walmart knockoff is just as good. Rinsing optional, no scent. I carry it for camping when there is a water shortage. Wipe on, wipe off. Fresh lemon juice is nicer for camping-- gets the grime and nastier skin oils.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Rara Avis
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 04:36 PM

If I may, I'd like to weigh in on the fragrance issue. Chanel No. 5 was the first perfume to be made without genuine flower oils. Instead, it was made of various chemicals. It was so popular it gave the other perfume houses 'permission' to use the cheaper chemicals instead of expensive flower oils. As far as I am able to determine, the only perfume still made with flower oils today is 'Joy'. Most of those fragrance chemicals in your perfume cost very little to make yet the perfumers charge you as though flower petals were being handpicked and the oils distilled to create the perfume. Perfumers do not disclose what's in those chemicals as it is proprietary information. Think about that the next time you spray some scent on your skin. In the US most of those fragrance chemicals are made in a lab in Camden, NJ. There is another lab in Philadelphia.

If you use a good quality essential oil, it's probably made with flower oils. Remember the "zone of fragrance". It's about 6 inches around you. Scent is meant for someone you know well (think nuzzling your neck); it should not announce your entrance into the room and linger long after you departed.

Years ago my respiratory system was damaged by chemotherapy drugs. I can no longer tolerate fragrance. Before you splash on that perfume, please give a thought to those of us who are sensitive to fragrance. We're not trying to spoil your experience; we only want to breathe.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 02:18 AM

Janie, Udderly Smooth Moo is non-greasy. It's also available in quilting shops, so if you have any quilter friends or a quilting shop in your neighbourhood, you might be able to try it.

sandra

Genie's post from earlier today shows another place to buy it.


Sandra, I was about to add a note about Udderly Smooth lotions and creams too.

I used to buy the big tub of Udderly Smooth cream (basically a bovine udder cream that's now packaged for human skin care) at Trader Joe's, but they haven't carried it in recent years. Then I discovered that most of the Dollar Tree stores carry the small (3 oz., I think) Udderly Smooth hand cream, so I keep those little tubes around.

These creams and lotions do not leave any oily or greasy residue and have only the faintest scent, which does not set off my nose the way most soaps, hand creams, and lotions do.
Crowhugger, I DK if you've tried Udderly Smooth or any other udder cream, but you might find it suits your needs for lotions.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Genie
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 10:54 PM

If you have trouble with rough skin on your hands, etc., I recommend Corn Huskers' Lotion.
It was developed for people who do just that: husk corn. And it works really well.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 10:42 PM

The bottle says:

Moisturizing Lotion
Dry skin formula
oil free
fragrance free

Atlas
Laberatoire Atlas Inc
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

I can't find it online anywhere, although I did find their calamine lotion. The bottle also says (paraphrasing) it was formulated to meet the needs of health care professionals who had to wash their hands frequently. They might very well be a hospital supply company.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Janie
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 09:59 PM

I'm gonna look up that Atlas lotion. Do you have a name for product itself Jeri?   I'd almost rather let my hands hurt than tolerate the greasy feeling while waiting for handcreams and lotions to absorb - or wait the time it takes before I can touch a doorknob, faucet or keyboard without leaving a greasy streak on it. Mostly but not entirely impatience - the tactile sensation gives me a mild case of the creepy-crawlies.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 09:31 PM

Crowhugger, there is a lotion made by Atlas in Montreal that (I believe) was formulated for health care workers who have to wash their hands a lot. It's non-greasy and seems to disappear into your hands, and it's scent free. It's also super-inexpensive. It's not that moisturizing because it isn't oily, but you can re-apply it often and it does have a cumulative effect.

I've also found Gold Bond hand cream is non-greasy and not too stinky, and very effective, but it's possible to put too much on. Not very easy to do that with the Atlas lotion.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Crowhugger
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 08:56 PM

Sandra and Genie, thanks, I'll check it out at some point. If not oily I would expect it is beeswax based.

Another problem I have with commercial lotions comes with spending a fair bit of time with our own and others' dogs, in that I wash my hands frequently. Lotions tend to go slimy when wetted, a sensation I cannot stand. So I end up washing or wiping off the lotion-slime at the first handwash following application. Vitamin E doesn't get slimy like that at all, at least not on my skin, nor does it wash off with castile soap or a couple of the hard soaps I've tried from Bulk Barn (goat milk was one, if memory serves, but I don't recall the other). Actually, a lotion I got at a hotel once, Occitane Après Soleil, didn't go slimy but yikes the perfume was a real choker.

We now return to regularly scheduled disclosures about Self-Care Routines...

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 08:22 PM

a new style of fiddle playing - nails instead of bows!

sandra (idly wondering what the fiddle would sound like)

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 01:31 PM

I went for a manicure once and the person doing the manicure tried to talk me into long acrylic nails. I explained that I play the fiddle and need to keep my nails short for that. She tried to tell me that long acrylic nails would make for better playing. LOL Maybe it does for some, but not for me...no way, no how. Um. NO.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Claire M
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 01:19 PM

Hiya,

Hair very short, stick to using LIVE on it whenever it needs, dyeing. Whole box of nail varnishes.Lots of fused glass jewellery – don't know how I managed without my jewellery organiser.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Genie
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 12:17 PM

Sandra, I was about to add a note about Udderly Smooth lotions and creams too.

I used to buy the big tub of Udderly Smooth cream (basically a bovine udder cream that's now packaged for human skin care) at Trader Joe's, but they haven't carried it in recent years. Then I discovered that most of the Dollar Tree stores carry the small (3 oz., I think) Udderly Smooth hand cream, so I keep those little tubes around.

These creams and lotions do not leave any oily or greasy residue and have only the faintest scent, which does not set off my nose the way most soaps, hand creams, and lotions do.
Crowhugger, I DK if you've tried Udderly Smooth or any other udder cream, but you might find it suits your needs for lotions.

BTW, something I have not used in a while but want to start using again is witch hazel.
It's hard to find the pure extract with no added alcohol or scent, but witch hazel is very useful for skin care (if you aren't prone to roseacea), eye care, and even hemorrhoids.*

I used to sometimes soak cotton pads in witch hazel and rest for about 10 min. with those pads on my eyelids.   This relieves and refreshes tired eyes and removes any bloodshot-iness.      I understand that witch hazel is a natural astringent that doesn't dry your skin the way alcohol and many other astringents do.   It's soothing for sunburn, as well as being a natural cleanser. Witch hazel's antioxidant properties can supposedly destroy some of the free radicals that cause fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing out your skin's texture.   




*BTW, Preparation H applied to the skin below the eyes can be used to tighten the skin and reduced the lines and bagginess there. Just be sure not to get any of it IN your eyes!

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Genie
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 11:51 AM

Hey, Hawk, you do your nails just like I do! ; )

It ain't glamourous, and I personally find the acrylics make it hard to do lots of things with my right hand (e.g., playing piano), but they sure do help with the gee-tar strumming and picking.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: JennieG
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 12:32 AM

Sandra, I keep a tube of that lotion in the box with my hand-quilting stuff - it's very good. When we were in Canada I could have bought a large container at the local supermarket instead of having to find a quilt shop (not that there's anything wrong with that.....I did find a quilt shop or two.....or three......or......)

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 05:50 PM

best hand lotion I've found - Udderly Smooth® Udder Cream for Dry Skin I picked it up at my local quilting shop, as it is non-greasy & therefore perfect for people who are sewing!

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Crowhugger
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 04:59 PM

Okay here's my contribution to this TMI thread:

Warm water, castile or glycerin soap. Whatever shampoo brand has a scent that doesn't make me choke--right now it's Sunsilk which although a bit stinky during use, said scent does not remain on my hair afterwards. No conditioner since I went to short hair. Blow dry in winter only when going outdoors soon after hairwash, otherwise towel, comb & air dry.

Left hand nails short, right hand longer for guitar/banjo unless I'm going through a piano phase. I have very sturdy nails that don't need acrylic unless I'm playing more than 45-60 minutes per day, which isn't lately as I'm primarily singing a cappella. Nail polish only if part of costume at barbershop contests.

Make-up: The full girly-girl deal for performances & contests, starting with primer and going all the way to liquid eye-liner (5 years on and I'm still learning to apply it to both eyes symmetrically and then not to open the eyelid until dry), and colouring and finishing powders. Stays put for hours without collecting in laugh lines when I start with primer. My quartet sings at a lot of retirement residences and people have commented that they can really see our facial expressions from across the room despite failing eyesight. Granting all that, I do prefer not to be seen in public afterwards until I can get home and restore my own face.

With menopause largely behind me the colour boundary between my face and lips has become wide and vague so occasionally I use a felt-tip lipstain to make the outline clear (this never runs on my skin even without primer or foundation, woohoo!). Similarly, as my long, formerly-dark lashes have greyed a fair bit (read: have become all but invisible) I occasionally wear mascara. Both of these I do for times when I'll be "on" in some leadership capacity.

Eyebrows, moustache & armpits deforested as needed for my own sanity. Legs irrelevant because I have to wear compression hose at all times that my legs are lower than my heart--now, there's a fashion statement for you!

Hair natural salt and pepper, more salt each year.

Sunscreen: Children's is the only unscented I can find, even though I think SPF 45 is overkill for me, given that I stick like glue to the shade.

Hand lotion and winter lip protection: For hands, more prevention than treatment--I wear rubber gloves when using chemicals like dish soap or when washing the dogs outdoors in cooler weather. Yes, water gets inside them when doing the dogs, but it then stays close to body temperature. For skin softening/treatment when needed I poke a hole in a vitamin E gelcap and squeeze gently. Sometimes mix with a drop or 2 of hot water before dotting the required area and rubbing it in. It's the second-best fix for fingertips that crack in winter, the best fix being prevention, which for me is to wear gloves ALWAYS when I'm out in temps below 12C.

I've yet to find a prepared hand lotion that doesn't cause my hands at least as much roughness as it cures, usually with an unwanted stink. I mean scent.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 03:04 PM

I could tell ya what Renata does in her daily regimen, but she'd get mad as hell if I did. That wouldn't be good.

So I'm gonna tell ya what I do instead. First off, I open my eyes to a brand new day. I blink a few times and look around. Hmmm. Everthing looks okay. No new bullet holes in the door, walls or windows. No tickin' bombs. No rats in sight. So far so good. I take a deep breath and utter a piercin' SCREEEECH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that should help wake up most of the neighborhood. Ahhhhhh! That felt good!

I get outta bed. Yawn. Stretch. Scratch the itchy spots. Hmmm. Head for the bathroom sink. Gotta see if I am lookin' good today. Take a look at the mirror! HOO-HAH!!! I am lookin' GOOD. That calls for another SCREEEEEEEECHHHHHH!

I brush my teeth, makin' sure to brush the tongue as well. Ahhh! Nice and fresh and ready for action!

I drink a tall glass of cold water. Gotta get hydrated in preparation for the day of heavy drinkin' and smokin' that lies ahead.

I get out the shavin' bowl and lather up some shavin' cream, just like Bogart would. Spread it all over my face. Do a wee bit of trim just around the mouth lines...chimps don't really need to shave...then wipe it all off again.

Start the shower runnin'. Good and HOT. Leap in. EEEEEEE-YAAUUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHH! A bit too hot. Turn up the cold a bit. That's GOOD. Ahhhh.

Leap outta the shower, toss a comb through my hair, put on my duds, make sure the 1911 pistol is loaded, and head out the front door to have breakfast and meet the day. Adventure is my middle name.

- Chongo

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 02:06 PM

I am another of those who appreciates odor-free products. I was caught once on an airplane seated next to a honeymoon couple. The woman/girl was drenched in scent, and although I could appreciate her motivation, proximity was hard to sit with.

I do what I once read: on those occasions when I want to use scent, I put a dab on the skin under my nose, so that I can smell it but no one else needs to.

My own 'beauty' regimen is simple: Daily shower with moisturizing body wash followed by body lotion, followed by hand and face cream. See a pattern here? Daily hair wash with volumizing shampoo.

Ah, age...

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 01:39 PM

While I was up visiting in Calgary my aunt and cousin both raved about George's Cream for dry hands and skin, so I bought a tube. It is so much better than any regular or hypoallergenic hand cream or lotion.

http://www.georgescream.com/faq.html.

It costs more to ship than for the cream itself, but it doesn't take much and I've been working on the same jar for ages (I bought the big one so I wouldn't have to reorder often.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 12:15 PM

In the nursing home I came to appreciate a daily, very long, seated shower. I had never been a daily-shower girl, and that was fine till I got sick and NEEDED a daily shower for infection control. Now I can hardly wait till PT allows me to do these upstairs-- we have a tiny stand-up shower downstairs but I am learning to do some operations seated on the loo before or after I step into the shower.

My skin broke down in several places after 3 months under tape; therefore I also now appreciate daily applications of GOOD moisturizing lotion there-- and on any skin overdried by winter heat or too-hot showers. The OT peeps gave me a nifty sponge on a handle that is only used for lotion, to get my back.

Since the surgery I can reach my own toenails, and I keep them at the length I like for using one foot to scratch the other one. One nail on each foot in particular (same to each foot) grows in an oddly helpful way now that I am on thyroid medicine. That toe COULD play guitar.... :~)

I have a nailfile in every purse like my mom did-- in fact they are her files. Thyroid meds gave me great nails. When I rip one, though, they all get a clip down to the fingertip, and I start over. They grow quite quickly so I file them just a tad every day to keep them from catching on things. No polish-- wouldn't last a minute! I did have a salon quick-manicure once and will keep them up with the haircuts-- I had it all chopped short for surgery so I will have to have it trimmed now more than once a year. And we wax!

It is shocking how long it takes to do the daily stuff, properly-- after a lifetime not doing it... and with the slowness from current surgical complications.... but I have a feeling I will keep most of it up even when we go camping from now on.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 11:20 AM

My nails are dead short on the left hand...long and armoured with a layer of clear acrylic on the right hand.

I'm a guitar player. ;-) Boy, those acrylic-armoured talons sure work great.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Becca72
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 09:03 AM

This is the one area in which I *am* a girlie girl. Shower, shampoo and condition every day. I use special facial cleanser and moisturizer and do full hair and makeup. My hair is short and styled/colored by the very best of all hairdressers (my sister!) I'm naturally a dark blond/light brown but thanks to her magic it's a dark rich red/violet.
I am one of those very sensitive people when it comes to perfume. I work for a hospital and all of our areas are fragrance free. However, there are a few scents I really enjoy and will wear sparingly on weekends/vacation. I cannot stand it when people marinate themselves in fragrance. It is extremely inconsiderate of everyone else, sensitivities or no.
Nails are kept shortish and clean...no polish for me.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 06:58 AM

As a historical aside, I can recall that several of the ladies in the neighborhood in the early 1940s used a mild "scent" that never seemed objectionable. That was while rationing was still in effect and no one could afford fancy perfumes.

The spice rack provided enough vanilla extract to dampen a finger and wipe a quick stroke behind each ear. (That's the artificial vanillin, of course. Nobody could afford the real stuff even if it had been available.)

When "real parfumery" appeared a few years later, I also recall being nearly suffocated by a couple of "old lady aunts" with a "flowery" stench that forced me out of their presence at the first opportunity.

I still recognize that particular smell 60+ years later, and find occasionally that it's still in use and still disagreeable to me if more than barely, very subtly, detectable.

John

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: freda underhill
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 03:31 AM

I make my own cheap lotions, using ingredients like sorbolene, aloe vera gel, castor oil, lavender oil. I carry these in small containers so I can use them whenever I need to.

These days I only use products without parabens, which are toxic chemicals used in many cosmetics. I use henna based lip glosses and in summer use clear zinc sunblock (the healthiest) which I mix with a cheap, paraben free foundation. I sometimes use moroccan oil on my hair - it's a beautiful, light oil with a lovely natural fragrance.

I use natural perfumes from the herbal pharmacy, sandalwood oil or amber oil, sometimes patchouli.

I like to relax in a bath with lavender and eucalyptus water-based oils, with a good book and classical music.

I've also tried to make my room a retreat - quiet, walls painted a darker pink, filmy magenta curtains, books and music. It's my recovery space.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 02:53 AM

en excellent philosophy, Robert

Genie, I also have a small bottle of L'Aire de temps which I found again yesterday. I removed all the stuff on top of my dressing table - folded raincoat, accounts, photocopies, dustpan & marker pen that have to be packed in my camping gear, vintage scarves which need to join other vintage textiles in storage boxes, photos (so that's where Michelle's birthday photos ended up - I'll be able to give them to her next week - about 6 months late!) & other stuff. Now I can see the mini perfume bottles & all my 1920's zylonite plastic dressing table stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 11:16 PM

The Bobert's ***Secret**** beauty formula??? Simple...

...drenk cheap beer and don't step on live critters... That about it...

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 10:58 PM

Time to elaborate a little on the perfume. There are some perfumes which I like the smell of, providing it's kept subtle. There are others that stink like a cheap bordello (I assume...I have never actually been in one!) There are others which are something like paint remover in their effect on the olfactory nerves. So I don't necessarily object to all perfumes on principle, I just object to a good many of them...probably a majority of them.

Probably safer to just do without! ;-)

Yes, Jennie, it STILL lingers on. (sigh)

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Genie
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 10:14 PM

Susan, I don't think of myself as all that girly-girly, but there are some cosmetics I use almost always when I'm out in public, because my face basically doesn't show up without them.   I use a tinted moisturizer in lieu of foundation because my skin is pale, and I usually put a little brown eyeliner on my upper lids and wear lipstick - again because when I don't you can't see my eyes or my mouth from a few yards away.   

I avoid perfumes or scented products because almost all colognes, perfumes, and added scents trigger either an asthma attack or sneezing or both (as of about 20 years ago). The exception is essential oils, which don't have that effect - so I suspect it is not scents themselves that trigger the allergies, but it's some preservatives or other additives in the scented products.      I do occasionally use a dab of vanilla oil behind each ear.

I have guitar-player's nails: longer on the picking hand than on the chording hand (where I cut my nails all the way back).   I've had acrylic nail fill on 4 of the fingers on my right hand for about 15 years now, and the only polish I use is clear, and used to help protect the acrylics.

The one thing I've been doing recently that you might call "girly-girl" is applying a very short, thin line of green eyeliner on top of the brown on each eyelid.   It's subtle and you can't really see it from very far away; mainly, it has the effect of picking up the green in my eyes.

My hair is at that in-between stage, where it's gray or white at the roots except for the lower back part and the rest of my hair is a mixture of brown, gray and white. It's really dull and blotchy without coloring.   Clairol has discontinued the temporary coloring "Loving Care," and I avoid dyes for several reasons, so I often (irregularly) use Fanci-Full, which is a color rinse you apply after shampooing and which washes away with the next shampoo (if it doesn't wear off with brushing before that).



Sandra, Shalimar used to be one of my favorite scents. That, and L'Air du Temps.   I just haven't been able to use any perfumes or colognes for years.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 10:11 PM

The perfume problem affects a number of folks I know. One professor used to have to announce at the beginning of each semester that he had allergies that were so bad that students had to avoid any personal care products with a strong scent and please never wear perfume to the classroom.

I've had family members who wore perfume and it seemed like rooms never lost the smell when they moved out. I have to pull the perfume inserts out of magazines as soon as they arrive and get them out of the house or I get a headache.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Janie
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 10:05 PM

Shower, shampoo, toothbrush and floss, then out the door. I am very much a "plain Jane."

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Genie
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 09:55 PM

Little Hawk, I want to hear about your daily beauty regimen, dammit!

(Yours too, Beau Bear.)

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 08:57 PM

(((blushing)))

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Midchuck
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 08:56 PM

I did once have a woman quit when she found out that included her heavy use of patchouli essential oil!

I'd rather be close to a goat two months dead in hot weather, than a person who uses a lot of that stuff. YMMV.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 08:51 PM

daily showers (can't do without in Sydney)

Simple soap = perfume-free soap,

After my morning shower I use watered down Sorbolene moisturiser on my face & body (cheap basic moisturiser equal to the best in blind tests)

occasional light make up - 2nd palest foundation to suit my skin, brownish blusher, translucent powder, sheer red or sheer other lippie, no eye makeup. Early last year I stopped using makeup all the time (that was a big decision as my skin is pale & sallow & folks have been known to ask was I ok?) This year I intend to wear makeup on social occasions as I've seen several ghastly washed out photos!

I can sit on my hair (white, grey & residual darkish brown) & I wash it twice a week. I confine it in a pony tail with 4 elastics night & day, & in Sydney's hot humid weather I twist it up & keep it off my neck with a big clip.

I use light perfume many days. I've been using Guerlain's Shalimar since 1976 but found a few years back that either they changed the formula (unlikely with a classic that has been around since circa WW1) or my skin changed. Now I use 2 perfume oils, a vanilla & a musk, either together or separately, but they are light & fade very quickly so I hope I don't offend folks with perfume allergies. I've had friends with severe allergies to many things including perfumes.

I like a bit of length to my nails (2 or 3 mm above the tip of my finger makes life easier to file papers & pick up stuff!) but always keep the middle nail on my right hand at the tip as I do a lot of sewing & can't fit a thimble on a longer nail.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 07:59 PM

Always, Chanel No 5

Always, Sparkling eye shadow, all over and under my eyes, going for the Crazy Aged Faery look... :0) (and it makes people smile too)

Always, Kohl and Mascara, my eyes would never go out without it...

Always, blusher, preferably english rose

Always, sparkling teeth

Always, bath every day with smelly stuff of whatever's nearest to hand, must be bubbly though...

Always, clean, long hair, loose fresh and bouncy, (steady boys!) preferably gold, although I'm thinking of letting it go white like Emmy Lou now, 'cos she looks Fantastic, and I'm almost there now, white that is, not fantastic...and long white hair would go with the Crazy Aged Faery look very well...

ALWAYS, Lipstick! Oh, feck the day I get so old I forget to put that on!

And ALWAYS, Pearls....

And always, ALWAYS, a Smile, the most important thing to put on each morning.

Bury me in all of the above please..and sprinkle my coffin with Chanel No 5 and Rose Petals....Those with sensitive noses will just have to bring hankies, for a Gal has to ALWAYS smell nice, ESPECIALLY at the end of her Life.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: open mike
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 07:18 PM

I pull my waist-long hair back in a hair bungee...in a bun.

when i wash it i brush it...ditto on the special brush....

not all of them will go thru my locks....i often put it in a braid.

I try to cut my toenails every solstice and equinox...and often

trim my finger nails by nibbling them off rather than clipping....

I keep some lip balm handy....and use it frequently..

i try to brush my teeth and take my vitamins each evening

(one of my new years resolutions is to be more regular with this)

I take a bath every week if there is hot water and electricity here.

no make up for me....sometimes hand lotion. keep it simple and basic.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: foggers
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 07:01 PM

I use olay moisturiser, and I make some of my own skin care preparations using essential oils. A few spots of rose oil and rosemary oil in a water spray makes a good skin toner. My hair and scalp get very dry, so I use argan oil as a scalp rub with some chamomile oil as a scalp rub a couple of hours before I wash my hair. I have a regular hair appointment every 6-8 weeks as a good cut and colour makes the most of what I got.

My fingernails are short (for banjo picking!) and I recently started using Hoofmaker cream by Mane n Tail and the difference it has made to my nails is amazing. I use it every day at bedtime.

And I use a hemp based foot cream to treat hard skin once a week. I have a chiropody treatment about every 6-8 weeks n which is absolute heaven.


I only wear make up for special occasions (parties and gigs!) I use fairly natural shades that do not look too fakey. I also use a light fragrance at such times, either ones given as gifts or blends I make from essential oils.

I think that having a self care routine is good for body, soul and self-esteem!

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 07:00 PM

Why, thank you, Manuel *blush*. My husband says the same thing!

Jumping into the perfume discussion, I never thought of it one way or another, but when I started my chorus (15 years ago! How did that happen?), several members quietly mentioned to me their allergies/sensitivities to artificial scent of any kind. Since then it's just become part of the "how we help each other's singing" guidelines- no perfumes, etc. I did once have a woman quit when she found out that included her heavy use of patchouli essential oil!

BUT- since then, I too have become more and more aware of the effects of scented products on my sinuses and my singing voice, and I now avoid anything with artificial scent, and my sense of smell has gotten more aware of all things odorific- the sweet smell of summer pines, the toasty smell of the wood stove, kitchen smells, as well as not-so-good smells.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 06:00 PM

My mother many years ago used to like Estee Lauder 'Youth Dew'. My sister and I hated it. It was so strong it stayed in the house for weeks after my parents had gone back home. And like Jennie, I used to wash everything in the guest room, curtains, cushion covers, bedspread, just to eradicate that pong. So I understand how some folk loathe strong perfumes. But my floral ones are very weak and light. In fact, they wear off after a couple of hours. They just give me a tiny reminder of summer.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 05:54 PM

I just checked in to see which men had posted to this thread and no other reason other than to say, "Whatever blows ya'll skirts up", 'er something like that...

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: JennieG
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 05:15 PM

The occasional trim (I have long hair, nearly finished growing out 20 years of colouring)......Dove moisturiser on my face daily......nice hand creams, preferably lightly scented. Am currently using one made by a local woman, lemon myrtle and honey - so nice! If I remember when going out, a light squirt of perfume to waft me along but I frequently forget. I don't like heavy perfumes on me or anyone else.

LH, hasn't that smell gone yet? Sitting next to us a few years ago on a flight from Toronto to LA was a very attractive well-dressed young woman who had really gone overboard with her perfume, so much so that I had to move. (it didn't bother Himself though.......) I could smell that perfume on my clothes all the way from LA back to Oz, and everything I wore had to be washed to get rid of it. I don't know the name of it, but it was really overpowering.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: GUEST,Manuel
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 04:32 PM

I'm sure that lots of us MudGuys have enjoyed the various postings to this thread. I especially like reading what AllisonA has to share. That's the type of woman I like.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Charmion
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 03:54 PM

As Lilyfester says, my workplace, my doctor's office and even the bus are all bedizened with signs warning of the dire effects of scents on certain sensitive souls. I never use much, and even that little guiltily.

Years ago, I caught sight of a colleague picking up my silk scarf when it fallen to the floor. He lifted it to his nose and sniffed gently, and a most beatific smile crossed his face. He was sensitive, all right, but in a good way.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 03:24 PM

AMEN!!!!!!!

You are so right.

Rick Fielding told me that he had once played a gig at a hotel in Bind River...and survived! He was a brave man.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Gurney
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 03:10 PM

I would imagine that the best self-care routine would be to routinely avoid Blind River.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 02:10 PM

I had visitors here for a week a few months back...and one of them used heavy perfume! Well, the room she stayed in still reeks of the stuff. Godawful. I hope that one day the last vestiges of it will vanish. The other 2 ladies, fortunately, did not use perfume. I don't recommend that anyone use it...or if they do, for gosh sakes, find a subtle perfume and use it sparingly! And better yet, just take a bath or shower every day, cos that is really all you need to do to smell good.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:54 PM

Nice warm bath.
Wash hair.
Hair cut by a pro every 5-6 weeks.
Application of 2 meds prescribed by dermatologist.

and finally, my favorite part, applying Perfecting Cream to face. This was once made by Olay. Now I buy the CVS equivalent. I love the way it feels clean yet moisturizes as well.

For state occasions, lipstick and maybe some loose powder.

I was uncomfortable with make-up until I read in an airline magazine that one's makeup should merely be a slightly more intense color than one's one color. That I could understand and do without feeling silly.

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:50 PM

There are signs at my yoga studio that ask people to not wear perfume due to others with allergies. I've seen similar signs at the doctors offices as well. It is also posted in some corporate offices.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:35 PM

Charmion, 'signposted against scent'? Am wondering what you mean?

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:32 PM

My routine is minimal. Warm water "splash" morning and evening (with a castile soap wash a few evenings/week). In the evening I add a rose water spray as toner. Morning and evening I apply a little cocoanut oil mixed with a drop or two of almond oil that is the best dam' moisturizer i have ever used.

Shower /bath 3/4 times/week. One of those times I wash my hair in Redken All-Soft. Because my hair is now below my waste I "detangle" with Redken Heavy Cream conditioner.

Fingernails and toenails kept clean and short.

On chilly days, I get a "foot spa" of epsom salts with a drop of Weleda Arnica Oil.

Hate perfume, never wear makeup, wear my hair in a long braid. I consider myself very feminine, but more on the inside!

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:30 PM

Dang! Here I am just champing at the bit to talk to the world about my self-care routine, and I've been censored out on account of my gender! ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:16 PM

Places sign-posted against scent, Charmion? Geez, that's a bit scary...(not that it affects me of course, before anybody gets any ideas!!) Where and what sort of places are they?

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:15 PM

I'm terrible, never bother with anything except a daily bath and comb my hair! Fingernails are dead short, can't bear them long. But I do like perfume, and especially cheap floral things like rose, lavender and lily-of-the-valley. I have four different ones, and choose one to suit my mood each morning. I've never been one to faff about with beauty stuff. It would be a losing battle anyway! Hope your health improves this year, Wysiwyg, all good wishes xxx

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 12:23 PM

I don't have much of a routine but my hair appointments are vital to my self-esteem and well-being. A good cut and good looking highlights are very important to me.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: Charmion
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 12:15 PM

A ridiculously expensive boar-bristle hair brush.

Chanel No 19 and Calandre perfumes -- although I find more and more places sign-posted against scent.

Badedas or Vitabath bath gel.

A proper pedicure about once every six weeks.

Subject: BS: MudWimminzes: Your Self-Care Routine?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 10:31 AM

I loved my mother dearly; she passed in April.

Mom had not been well-mothered in her own family of origin; I was her second daughter and, very early, became Daddy's girl. So I missed most of the girly-girl role modeling and teaching I think my sister got. They probably learned together.

But once I was old enough to have that interest, we were in profound family chaos; Mom worked hard to support us; doing our nails together just was not a priority. We were working poor. So we just kinda roughed it and "wung" it thru life. I got a little too good at doing things that way. ("Desperado... you don't have to live like a refugee....)

Now that I am on home confinement due to a Sept. surgery and the lengthy complications, I have discovered a new appreciation for taking my time with self-care stuff; I suspect now that I may have been a girly-girl all my life, at heart, without ever realizing it.

At the moment I am in love with Aveeno lotion and envying the home health nurse's dark pink, scented hand sanitizer.... (I am clearly on a slippery slope here!)


Well, I figger folkies tend to be a little less "princessy" than most women in today's culture-- you know, festival camping is fun not a hardship, less wearing of "masks" (heavy makeup).... right? So I hope this is as good a place to ask as any.

MudLadies, what is your daily/weekly/monthly routine? What products are part of your signature femininity?

???

~S~