BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Bard Judith
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 11:35 PM

I am a hard-working woman... but I have just realized that I am seriously behind in the pampering department.   In fact, I am run-down, under the weather, burning the candle at both ends, and add-your-own-cliche - doubtless as a result of putting my boss/my/job/my baby/my husband/my online friends first and never taking time for myself.

So thank you, self-indulgent 'ladies of Mudcat', for the elbow in the ribs. I am going to log off the computer and go take a hot soak with a stack of decor magazines and a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream - as soon as I finish preparing for next week's classes - er, no, no, I mean right now! Yes, ok, I'm going, don't all throw Lindt chocolates at me at once! Right this very minu....

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: bobad
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 01:54 PM

Used to do that with the N.Y. Sunday Times but can't get it anywhere near me now. My Sundays have become more productive as a result but I miss it.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Charmion
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 01:50 PM

On Saturday mornings, I sit beside the window and read the Globe & Mail from end to end, without hurrying. If Edmund interrupts with proposals to go somewhere and/or do something, I snarl "I'm reading the Globe & Mail" and continue until I'm finished, at which point I may be ready to consider bathing, dressing and various other preparations for facing the world.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 07:48 AM

The way I see it, I do my best to be good to everyone else, why not be good to myself too?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 07:39 AM

Lonely?!? Because we choose to take restorative soaking baths alone instead of with the mob of relatives, friends and co-workers we spend the rest of the day with?!?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 05:32 AM

This is such a depressing thread. Bunches of lonely traumatised people pampering themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: hilda fish
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 05:26 AM

Just had a weekend with two girlfriends down from the country - we don't see each other often enough. Went to Jung Society to hear an interesting lecture and promised ourselves a drink afterwards (rarely drink alcohol). Turns out Jung Society 30th birthday - free champagne. We started a conga line after only 3 champagnes. We then went to the Spanish Club and danced all night with fabulous old Spanish men who knew how to dance and to flirt. We had to sit in the park for a little while and talk - it was that sorta night. This is pampering - friends, unexpectred fun, predictable craziness, and a lovely walk home. Ahhhh!! my whole life is one long pamper! Friends, family, friends, family, friends, family..........................................

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Janie
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 09:50 PM

Sitting under the hemlock tree at the picnic table, shelling pecans (got 5 lbs. shelled this weekend!)and watching the squirrels and the dance of sun and shadow through the branches.

Going to supper with Dani.

skipping church and sleeping late once a month.

Walking the dog at night, singing under the stars.

Slipping into the clinic here, on the dog walk to check in on the 'Cat.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 09:22 PM

Animaterra, as it happens I don't like heat and the only time I take a long hot bath is when I've gotten thoroughly chilled, but I did get a different perspective on hot tubs once.

It was a cold, snowy night and we were making music in a friend's house, a house he built himself high on a hillside so that one is up in the treetops. On the landing below they have a deck where the hottub sits.

Suddenly the door opened and my friend's wife and another woman came in wearing just swimsuits and wrapped in towels. Their bodies were steaming from the cold air but they were completely warm and relaxed. They said that they had left the tarp off and let the snow fall on their heads. Gave me a different perspective on heat, for sure.

I've heard the same thing from people using outdoor hot springs.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: hesperis
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 05:40 PM

Ahhh. That makes sense, yes.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Peace
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 05:37 PM

I find that type of cynicism very sad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: hesperis
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 05:31 PM

Peace - I don't think that's very sad... very cynical, naybe. Of course, I'm lucky enough to get great foot massages. Time completely alone with no other matters bugging me to be dealt with is a bit more difficult to find or make right now.

However, right now there's no-one else in the apartment, and I really am enjoying this half hour foruming in the lovely silence, even though there's a million other things I *should* be doing.

Why is it so hard to justify taking even 30 minutes off for mental health? *sigh*

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 05:03 PM

On a similar note, an every day pampering event for me includes a lotion from Bath and Body Works called:

Dolce Lemon Meringue Body Souffle.....thick, non-greasy, luxurious, slighty sweet scent and it makes my skin SOOOO soft!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Peace
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 05:02 PM

"Anyway, the reason you don't find us women talking about vibrators when we're talking about pampering, is that it's a lot harder to get a decent foot massage or *time alone to do nothing but relax* than it is to get something up the pussy, whether man or vibe."

That is a very sad statement.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 05:01 PM

Vitabath Green....LOVE THAT!!!! It smells SO GOOD!

*Note to self* Don't look at the price tag, just go get some Vitabath Green and ENJOY!!!!

Thanks for the nice reminder...haven't had that in years!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 02:42 PM

Every other night ritual -- bath with nice smelling bubbly stuff (such as Vitabath Green, lavender, sandalwood, -- vanilla and lavender's a nice combo, too), a good mystery or Barbara Pym (or Victorian or Edwardian -era erotica) to read and relax, and, more than wine or hot buttered rum in season, probably a margarita to sip. Water therapy on a regular basis -- no phone (now that I've taught Curmudgeon NOT to bring me the cordless when someone calls), something interesting but more or less mindless to read (as opposed to all the books, trade pubs, etc. I HAVE to read), a muscle relaxant to sip.

I also try to remind myself to spend more time petting one of the cats -- and not doing anything else at the same time. Really good for both the cat (Mortimer or Sabine) and ME!

During warm weather it's also good to find time to sit on the deck in the sun and gaze out at the flower garden and watch the hummingbirds and dragonflies. And NOT think of all the gardening work that needs to be done!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: maire-aine
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 01:19 PM

Hot bath, most often scented with almond oil. Last year I replaced my old tub, and now I can get knees and shoulders under water at the same time.

Gingerbread latte from Starbucks. They're a seasonal treat. Had one last night, yummm.

This is probably silly, but I bought the first season of "Charmed" on DVD. When I want to disconnect from stress, I just watch them blow something up.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: *daylia*
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 09:00 AM

How do I pamper myself? Ah ... let me count the ways ....

LOOOONG walks alone by the stream, surrounded by the peaceful glories of Nature, at least every other day

Making time every day to practice peaceful, relaxing, invigorating meditation/contemplation/energetic healing exercises.

!!!Chocolate!!!

Sweet smelling body lotions and creams

Taking catnaps when I'm tired

Faithful use of affirmations to silence and replace the negative, stressful, self-defeating thought-habits that pop up regularly. I've discoverd that eventually, these harmful thought-habits just lose their stranglehold and disappear!

Having "call display" on my phone so I can screen my calls. Letting the answering machine take messages when I'm too stressed or tired or otherwise distracted to cope with the public. And returning the most stressful of calls only when I feel relaxed and prepared enough to handle it well. (This is a real stress-saver when you run your own small business out of your home!)

THere's LOTS more, but the tummy's growlin now. So I'm off to pamper myself with some delicious, nutritious, easy-to-prepare food ... ttyl!

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 07:21 AM

Feeding trolls is a lot like shitting on the floor in the middle of a nice hot sauna. Sure, you can do it-- but do you feel right about it, later?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 05:23 AM

Read the thread title - 'Ladies: Pampering *Yourself*' - not 'get someone else to pamper you', and not 'pamper someone else'.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: GUEST,A woman
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 02:21 AM

Do not feed the trolls, even if they're regulars here too. ;)

Anyway, the reason you don't find us women talking about vibrators when we're talking about pampering, is that it's a lot harder to get a decent foot massage or *time alone to do nothing but relax* than it is to get something up the pussy, whether man or vibe. Besides, that's not so much a thing of relaxation - at least, not until afterwards. *g*

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: JennieG
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 11:46 PM

Like the sounds of those lotions and potions, Freda, might have to try some!

I was given a foot spa a year or 2 back - lovely for soaking tired feet.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 11:04 PM

Dream on, men! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 10:56 PM

I am extremely disappointed that no ladies have mentioned anything about their vibrators or personal lubricants.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: bobad
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 10:47 PM

We lads don't need all those lotions, potions, footbaths and emollients to pamper ourselves after a rough day, this usually does the trick for us.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: freda underhill
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 09:50 PM

I mix my own face and body lotions - and like to slather them on after a long day at work.

recipe

into a bowl

half a cup of vitamin e cream (cheap)

half a cup aloe vera gel (clear, not dyed)

a splash of lavender oil (as much as you like)

+ option extras (almond oil, rosehip oil, whatever left over lotion is about)

whip with a fork until fully blended and aerated

you have an easily absorbed cream which is soothing, relaxing and good for your skin.

another easy self indulgence


put a towel on the table that you have your computer on

get a wide low square bucket or heavy plastic container

add warm water and lavender oil

soak feet while mudcatting

dry with towel when finished (then rub feet with lavender lotion)

place feet in fluffy lavender bedsocks

crawl into bed with a good book.

with the body lotion, adding either peppermint oil or tea tree oil will make it a good foot lotion.

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Emma B
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 08:44 PM

sorry that was a rather nice bottle of Australian red wine talking - but - if there are volunteers for a back massage with a nice aromatic hot oil..........

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Emma B
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 08:42 PM

I wanna be pampered NOW!

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: JennieG
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 07:29 PM

Every couple of months or so I treat myself to a lovely pampering massage. It is soooo relaxing that I have a problem with the 20-minute drive home! (Memo to self: time to book the next one.)

At home - scented candles, answering machine turned on, NO TV (which means Himself isn't home), peaceful music, good book or hand sewing in comfy chair. Pussy cats curled up nearby, not on lap.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 07:23 PM

A hot bath with some good smelling bath salts. Getting to bed early enough to get a full night's sleep. Sitting and reading something I want to read, not something for work. Sewing! Especially if I can listen to a favorite old movie as I work, or a good book on tape.

A good . . . oh, well, you know. . . :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: hesperis
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 05:59 PM

Sacred Circle Dance.

A hot bath with rose petals, birch leaves, and english marigold petals right in the water, soak for at least a couple of hours with either romance or sci-fantasy paperback and a snack at the side of the tub.

A yogurt facial.

Doing my toenails after a long footsoak and scrub and moisturizing. (This to me is more pampering that doing my nails, since I often ignore my feet.)

Mango lassi and indian-spiced beef. (Thank god for allergy treatments!)

Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and chocolate cake studded with reeses pieces.

Snuggling.

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 05:04 PM

If we put all these together into one day.... hmmm.....

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 04:54 PM

I eat Mars in the bath. Does that count as pampering?

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 04:29 PM

I can't believe I did this, but I just bought a very-used, reconditioned HOT TUB for my own back yard! The ultimate in self=pampering is to come home late at night after an exhausting day at work followed by a long rehearsal, and sink into instant hotness under the stars. I've been watching Mars for a week!

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 03:16 PM

Ah... yes... a long hot bath with Dove moisturising creme bath and some Sonic Death Monkey, a copy of Cosmo or a good book, the child asleep (preferably in someone elses' house) and the phone off the hook.

I've been planting spring bulbs today in a not too local nature reserve so I can feel a long hot bath coming on..... my knees are telling me it's time for one!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: Morticia
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 02:34 PM

I have one word for you...........LUSH
http://www.lush.com/

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 02:24 PM

Some of my favorites include:

1. Taking a nap in the afternoon....this one is a rarity but definately one of my favorites!

2. If I'm cold, taking a LONG, HOT shower, putting on my jammies and curling up for the aforementioned nap.

3. Sitting near the woodstove with a book of my choice.

4. Doing my nails, have a friend do my nails and if I have the extra money, I love to have my nails done (even though they always try to persuade me to have acrylics put on over my natural nails that I keep short so I can play my violin).

5. I close all the curtains at night and light as many candles as I have available....this is a nightly thing for me.

6. I pamper myself sometimes by just sitting and reading for hours without getting up to do laundry, start dinner, sweep the floor, put stuff away, pay bills, etc....it will all wait for me anyway!

7. I put a little International Sugar Free Swiss Mocha Coffee mix into my coffee.

8. Another daily one, I take a cup of hot coffee with me on the road and to class. I have a mug that cost about $17.00 that is steel on the inside so it holds the heat and has a lid that LOCKS so the coffee WILL NOT come out unless I have it open...one of the best things I have ever purchased!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 01:12 PM

There's a spring gathering planned here for March. Which layabout can be conveyed here by then-- given this amount of prep time I would think the appropriate horizontal transport can be had.

Of course, the Layabouts may need a Ladies' Aux. I've been auditioning for years.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 12:17 PM

I would like to offer the services of Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan.....Layabouts-At-Large. We would be happy to fulfill any requests for your ultimate in relaxation and personal gratification.

Spaw.....Founding Partner, LFPS

Subject: RE: BS: Hard-Working Ladies: Pampering Yourself?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 12:05 PM

Mudcat Ladies, what do YOU do to spoil yourself a bit, especially now that winter's on the doorstep? (And on a very tight budget!)


A few of mine...

The enormous, extra-soft mohair shawl-scarf-- draped over the back of the recliner and ready to draw down as a hood and throat-cosy when I snuggle up with an extra-large cup of tea, the afghan, and the cat. LOL-- the mohair looks and feels like felted cat hair!

An extra pair of slippers (bought cheap, yay) to leave lying around when my feet are cold and I can't recall where I left the other pairs!

A re-organization of unused guest and bathroom space incorporating spa items to use when home alone, right in the middle of a cold, cloudy day...

A full-spectrum bulb in a clamp-lamp attached to a mic stand, and aimed at the same angle as the morning sun... set beneath the window where the sun would appear on a sunny morning....

Remaking a few outdated clothing items to wear as snuggly-feeling thermal layers under or over other clothes.


OK, it's your turn!

~Susan