1. 

   wildernessbarbie
   

   offline

   Member

   Inspired by the mani-pedi thread... how do you pamper yourself when you're stressed or deserve a little special something? Or perhaps it's a quiet daily ritual you do to take time out for yourself. Curious how people take time out to get centered and focus.

   My pampering involves the following things: naps, hammock, dog cuddling, tea, drinking chocolate, popcorn with truffle salt, making jewelry, new book/magazine/cd, self inflicted facial & mani-pedi, smelly flowers, hats, fireplace, cheese, yoga, watching the view, reviewing photos, writing.

   (It would awfully swell if the people who have nothing but negative things to say would give this thread a break. As long as children aren't starving as a result, it's not for others to judge how you choose to pamper yourself.)

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   sunset
   

   offline

   Member

   Aside from yoga and truffle salt (which sounds very interesting and would love to try - whee do you get it?) and a couple of other things, you pretty much covered it. When I get home on time from work (which is rare) and the weather is cooperating, I love to go down to Golden Gardens with my beloved dog, walk to the end of sidewalk by the bird preserve and sit on the benches there and watch the sunset. I don't get to do it as much as I want. Come summertime - I'm out until the sun goes down. It is my time of year - sitting/lying down reading a good book, favorite beverage and my dog.
   Right now I'm trying to find a resource that has a possible double wide chaise of some sort so I can totally "chill out" this summer. I usually fall asleep reading and would be great to have something comfortable to lie down on with my dog and catch a few zzzz
   s. Anybody know a good resource?

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   Nora Charles
   

   offline

   Member

   Sunset, Where, pray tell, is the bird preserve at GG? I love walking to GG but had no idea there is a bird preserve there! Share the deets (details).

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   Nora Charles
   

   offline

   Member

   How do I pamper myself? I LOVE taking long walks, being in the sun with nice fresh air, reading a good book, watching a fine movie, and spending time with good friends and family.

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   wildernessbarbie
   

   offline

   Member

   Oh god, truffle salt is so damn good! You can get it most any decent grocery store now, comes in a short, round, squat jar. Savor also carries it I believe. Oh, and there was a gourmet salt guy at the Farmer's market who carried it for about $16 I think. Not cheap, about $22 in stores, but one lasts me about a year+. Fabulous on popcorn, pasta, pizza, chicken dishes, omelets, my finger... :-) Just opening the jar makes my mouth water.

   Love the double chaise idea... I'll keep an eye out too! Do you want that to be an outdoor one?

   Posted 4 months ago #
6. 

   wildernessbarbie
   

   offline

   Member

   Found this one, for out doors. Funny enough, it's from Ballard Designs!

   http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Outdoor-Living/Outdoor-Furniture/Outdoor-Chaises/Amalfi-Double-Chaise/p/10596?path=1%2C2%2C1464%2C1500%2C2559&iProductID=10596&rel=C&relid=12229

   They had another one for around $500. "Double Chaise" seems to be a good key word to search for. Here's another: http://www.amazon.com/Marilla-Wicker-Double-Chaise-Lounge/dp/B000I7RCJ2

   And, here's another website: http://www.chaiseloungesandmore.com/asp/keyword.asp?keyword=double+chaise&maid=&minprice=0&maxprice=0&catcount=0&shipsin=&command=dosearch&stype=2&ListFormat=1&LayoutFormat=1&MatchType=&KeyWordValue=&CurrentListFormat=1&CurrentLayoutFormat=1&sb_mvs=1&sortby=&itemsperpage=96

   Off to eat popcorn and truffle salt now. :-)

   Posted 4 months ago #
7. 

   pennygirl
   

   online

   Member

   I wait until everyone is out of the house, and then root through my record collection. Lie back on the couch - and play the tunes at full blast. Followed by a relaxing salt bath.

   Posted 4 months ago #
8. 

   raisedbed
   

   offline

   Member

   Mmmm, relaxing, what is that?!? I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old, so my relaxing is done out of the house when I get a massage. I'm one of the lucky ones who has insurance that covers it (45 visits/yr), and I have had the same massage therapist since '03... she knows when I need relaxation vs. deep tissue massages and sometimes she works such miracles, I love her more than I love my husband ;o)

   WB, I have tons of beading/jewelry making supplies that I never use anymore since I have little ones! You just reminded me that I haven't done that in a LONG while. I also like making cards for my family/friends, but haven't done that in forever either. One day, I'll have little ones who can participate (hopefully)!

   Pampering one's self is crucial to feeling productive and happy when the rest of your life is busy and hectic! I think everyone should make time to do something that relaxes and fulfils them as often as possible...

   Posted 4 months ago #
9. 

   Rudy
   

   online

   Member

   I don't really have any rituals, but I should start some. I find reading out in the sun (when there is any) to be very relaxing...reminds me of vacation.

   Posted 4 months ago #
10. 

    malia
    

    offline

    Member

    Pamper - a massage, Fran's coconut gold bars, have (pay) someone else clean the car; read a book late into the night; buy tickets to Mark Morris
    Relax - bath with lavender salts; turn off all phones; putter in the garden; play with dogs;listen to music only I enjoy at the volume I prefer; innumerable craft projects; comfort food; talk on phone with dear friends or my sister.

    Posted 4 months ago #
11. 

    BriarRose
    

    offline

    Member

    naps

    Posted 4 months ago #
12. 

    teigyr
    

    offline

    Member

    I think I need to start doing some of that stuff! Salon time is functional. I love it and my salon has wine and really great people but I'm looking toward what I have to do next. This is funny. I was just looking at the Ummalina website thinking I need to go back. That place is truly relaxing.

    In an odd way, running is relaxing too. That is also functional and is always for a purpose but the feeling after a long run (half marathon to marathon distance) is incredible.

    Posted 4 months ago #
13. 

    ballardgirl
    

    offline

    Member

    Teigyr, which salon has wine?

    Posted 4 months ago #
14. 

    Bamber
    

    offline

    Member

    teigyr - Ummelina is one of my most FAVORITE spots in the world. I haven't been in far too long. I took my MIL there about 2 years ago for one of the packages that had a facial, massage, mani-pedi. She just about DIED. She had NEVER been to a spa, or had a facial or a massage. Pre-kids...I spent WAY too much time and money there. I would love to go back!

    So yeah...that's how I'd like to unwind.

    Now, taking a walk, taking deep breaths, looking at the Sound, sipping a fabulous cappuccino.

    Posted 4 months ago #
15. 

    wally
    

    offline

    Member

    Raisedbeds, you have my life! I have a 3 yo and a 4 mth old. Relaxing is not something I do much these days. When I can, though, I really like to do is putter in the yard. I'm trying to build/install some raised beds now and will plant veggies/herbs soon. That isn't really puttering but is more like hard work (but I love it!). After everything starts growing, let the puttering in the yard begin.

    Also, naps, sudoku, bad television, cooking/baking. Oh, drinking wine and having dinner with friends. And reading (or just sitting) in the sun. sigh

    Posted 4 months ago #
16. 

    teigyr
    

    offline

    Member

    ballardgirl, it's not in Ballard but the Derby Salon has wine AND at least one or two dogs sometimes: http://www.derbysalon.com Dogs are relaxing but I suppose it's because I don't have one. I wish I could!

    bamber, Ummalina's is incredible. I just thought it would be another spa but oh my gosh the foot soak/massage and showers and tub...I think I need to go.

    Posted 4 months ago #
17. 

    pennygirl
    

    online

    Member

    thread hijack!

    BallardGirl - email me. I have your geraniums!

    Posted 4 months ago #
18. 

    sunset
    

    offline

    Member

    wilderness - thanks and yes it is for outdoors. I checked out thoese websites and I have one picked out. Man, the price range for these are something else. But i definiely have one in mind and will probably order.
    Thanks so, so much. Saved me a lot of searching. I tried searching last week and didn't come up with either of these.
    Now if we have 100 degree days like last summer, I can see me sleeping outside on this double chaise. (thankfully my neighborhood is extremely safe and I always have my "noise maker" (my dog) to alert me of anything and close neighbors.Thanks again.
    Now tomorrow off to find that truffle salt.

    Posted 4 months ago #
19. 

    old_lady
    

    offline

    Member

    Pampering - good food and good wine. Gourmet Mac & Cheese is my comfort food.
    Stress relief - gardening, escapist books and movies.

    Posted 4 months ago #
20. 

    ballardgirl
    

    offline

    Member

    Pennygirl, I will email you shortly, hope you are feeling better.

    Teigyr, The dogs sound great too!

    Posted 4 months ago #

RSS feed for this topic

Reply

You must log in to post.