Hello everyone
How are you all doing? I’ve begun to do more things out in the community but being very, very cautious as the virus is still circulating here in the UK – see the latest figures which contain information about local areas. But last week, I went to a pharmacy, the Post Office (that blouse!) and a small local shop where I bought a lovely knitted hat for my expected new grandchild. In each I wore a medical mask, and amazingly I was the only customer present so I guess that this was OK.
So what with hairdressers and beauticians opening their doors, will I be returning to old habits? No, I probably won’t. Note I say probably, as never say never. I mean I would if numbers contracting the virus were reducing down to single figures but as they’re not, I’ll wait it out. So how will I be maintaining the body beautiful in these challenging times. Here are some of my thoughts.
Exercise
Well, it has crossed my mind, how could I have this heart condition when I don’t fit what I thought was the criteria to have a problem with the heart, which was mainly, in my eyes, someone who never exercised and was rather overweight. But actually I don’t think I ever did enough aerobic exercise. Haven’t started the running – yet. One day! What I do instead is the ‘walk’, which has been in one place nearly every day, and I never get tired of it mainly because the sea is different every day – I love the sight and sound of the sea. Where’s your favourite walk these days?
This was taken in the week that was excessively windy even for our small island. And yes, this is July in England, and we’ve had many days when you need a jacket, scarf and hat – the latter two items being, ta-da, charity shop items! The pink jacket is from Mango.
Here’s another pic of me and Mr F, he doesn’t have such a huge chin btw, that’s a selfie angle for you!
The exercise, which for me has become a life-saver is Pilates. I don’t think it matters too much whether you do Pilates or Yoga or whatever, but it is important to do something. My Pilates teacher specialises in people with medical problems and I do a gentle Pilates, which caters for that category. It’s very safe, and then on another day I do a 1-2-1 with the teacher when we work on posture, balance and other areas that need stretching and loosening. I have started using weights again – love it.
The thing I would advise is find the teacher, and go from there. Only advice I’d give is shy away from those class teachers that just want you to copy them without looking at you or correcting your posture and form. They do exist! It took me a year to find my Pilates teacher but gosh am I glad I found her. Because always do exercises at home including weights under supervision, otherwise injury beckons. What is interesting is we all love our Zoom classes and don’t want to return to the gym, and thankfully our teacher is totally committed from a safety point of view to continue using Zoom until there is a vaccine, and that, people, will be this time next year if we are lucky. So..
The verdict on returning to a gym: Not until there is a vaccine, but walking and Zoom exercise classes at home are great and perfectly adequate in keeping us all fit.
Nails
Feet: I used to have regular pedicures, plus I always had a 3-monthly trip to the chiropodist. That appointment was due in January, and you know the score, I didn’t make it. So now I cut my own toenails and slather them in foot cream, but I do admit to feeling a little scared when I get to the big toes. Those nails are not the easiest to cut and I am hopeless when it comes to using a nail clipper. Really would like a chiropody appointment.
Hands: My nails have never looked so good, and that’s partly because I haven’t visited the beauticians for a manicure and gel paint, and partly, I think, because I am taking Zinc every day. The nails that used to crumble to the quick and needed nail varnish to hold them together have never been stronger. So I’m not bothered by my not having a professional manicure.
Verdict: I shall continue taking Zinc for the duration as it’s obviously helped to strengthen my nails, and I shall continue to not paint my nails! See the NHS link for more information on vitamins and minerals. As along with Zinc I am also taking Vitamin D, and magnesium.
However, I’d love to have a chiropody appointment as I have other problems with my feet and I’d really like some attention there, so it might be one of the first appointments I make. I shall let you know what I do and how chiropodists are coping with Covid.
Hair (on the head!)
My hair is getting really long and that’s because the last time I went to the hairdresser was, unbelievably (looked it up) in September of last year! I should have gone to the hairdresser in January, but as you know I became unwell. Yup, it can look good at a longer length because it’s thick, but it gets to the stage where it’s just a little bit too long and it’s straggly and limp, and I’ve reached that moment!
Also I feel as though it’s thinning. I don’t know how many times I’ve reassured women, who feel they’re losing their hair, that after an illness the hair shuts up shop when you’re ill, including the shedding of hair, and once you are better it goes back to hair production and hair shedding and you feel as though you are losing a lot of hair, but you’re not. I know all that, but gosh it’s not a good feeling when you see, not handfuls, but a lot of hair in your hairbrush and around your fingers after you wash your hair. That started a week or so ago, I know, it’s normal to do this but even so…
So will I go to the hairdresser? It needs to be shorter. I wear it mostly with a scrunchie, as I’m not all that good at putting it up in buns and what have you. It needs the straggly length cut, but…
The Verdict: I shall wait for the stats to drop before I go to the hairdressers again. Also I shall ask what precautions they are taking, I’d like to know that everyone is wearing a mask with the hairdresser also wearing a visor.
Teeth
Oh my word, do I need to go to the dentist! I was just about to have a veneer put on my two front teeth and had in mind January….. I rang the dentist when they opened their doors, as forget the veneers, I need a hygiene appointment. Told him about my illness and the verdict from him – stay away!!!
Verdict: I’m cleaning my teeth as best I can!
Eyes
Several things going on here. First is that I need new reading glasses. I have yet to make the appointment, but no need to go in as my eyes were tested in November (phew) and the decision then was that the slight change in prescription didn’t need acting on. But because I have been doing so much reading and working on the laptop, I rather feel my glasses should be improved, so I will get new glasses. And this can be done remotely via, I suppose Zoom, but will find out today.
Second is, I’m thankful for the current glasses which are hiding a multitude of sins, mainly some awful bags under the eyes. Because I’ve been bit poorly my blepharitis flared up twice, all OK now as I’m very au fait dealing with it, but gosh my eyes and eyelids have taken a pummelling. So I have ordered Look Fabulous Forever’s new eye cream. I shall report back on how it does and whether the additional lines under and around my eyes are improved.
Verdict: No need to go into the opticians and it’s self-care for the bags under the eyes!
Hair removal (face)
Oh. My Word. Talk about going backwards, which was a theme in my last post, but I started electrolysis for the hair on my face when I was 23 or so, that’s 50 years of treatment. You might say, well if it’s been 50 years it can’t have worked, but back then laser removal of hair was not even thought of, and anyway, laser hair removal doesn’t work on fair hair. I have downy hair on my face and there’s a lot of it, and some hairs grow just that little bit longer and stick out more. I used to have an appointment once a month. My last appointment was in March, and since then? The thing is never pluck the hair. I did when I was a teenager and by the time I’d reached 23, those facial hairs were dark brown, near black really, and strong, almost stubbly. Plucking distorts the root so that’s a no. Instead I’m cutting those longer hairs. But that makes for a blunt edge. Not a happy bunny, as although beauticians are open any treatment on or near the face is banned, so I just have to put up with it and continue the cutting.
Verdict: Not able to have electrolysis as it involves close work near the face. And would I want it anyway while Covid is still active in the population? No. I wouldn’t.
Hair removal (legs)
Ditto with removing strong growth of hair from the legs, I’ve been having my legs waxed for decades. But not having an appointment hasn’t been too bad. Instead I shaved my lower legs for the first time since I was 30, but I’m not too bothered by missing out on these appointments.
Verdict: I shall go back to waxing when the pandemic is over.
Skin (face)
I do love a facial, but these treatments won’t happen for the duration, I think, so it’s been the usual, cleanse and moisturise. To cleanse I use Simple’s purifying cleansing lotion, then a splash of cold water, followed by Look Fabulous Forever’s Hydration Hold Face Serum, which I consider to be excellent, followed by Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced day cream. And finally to give me colour and even out my skin tone I put on Boots Protect & Perfect Advanced All in One foundation, which I’ve found to be very effective, as in some lights I can see I positively glow! I really like this foundation and with its price at £17 it’s terrific value for money. Throughout the pandemic I have bought all of the above online but so far I haven’t bought a face mask, as in, not the medical masks but the exfoliating ones. Would anybody recommend…..?
Verdict: I will return to having a facial in a salon when the pandemic is over.
Skin (hands)
I have to say the Nursem products have been a huge success. Their substitute soap and hand cream saved me from a serious eruption of, I don’t know what, on my hands. In the early days of lockdown I was probably a bit too enthusiastic with the washing of hands and a month on the skin was near to breaking down. Nursem saved my hands getting into a serious situation and I can’t recommend these products enough. Although I told you the story of Nursem before, it is so good to know that a midwife took 7 years to research and produce these products, and for every one item you buy she donates a month’s supply to nursing and midwifery staff.
Verdict: I shall continue buying Nursem products for some time to come.
Finally here’s a photo from yesterday’s walk entitled The Height of Summer in South East England!
That’s all for now but do let me know what you’re managing at home
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
I ventured to the hairdressers last week! I couldn’t have felt safer. I had a temperature checked before I could enter, I was given a face mask and hand sanitizer, no magazines, it was card only payment or cash if you had the exact money. I filled in a health questionnaire and she sanitized the pen first, she used disposable gown and towel, there was perspex screen between me and the next client, there were only two customers allowed and you had to turn up at exactly the time of the appointment, there was no blow drying, no coffee and you were asked to bring minimal possessions with you. It was worth it as i needed a cut very badly!
Sounds really, really good! I’ll go back if my hairdresser is doing that and if the stats go down, they’ve plateaued at the moment, so am watching out for the numbers in the next 2-3 weeks.
Yes I would endorse Nursem products too, brilliant. Saved my hands!
They are so good! Glad you found them too 🙂
Found them thanks to the gorgeous Dillie Keane and her shityoudontneed.blog. 😀
I too had a health scare just before the lockdown started, a heart attack and I too wasn’t an expected candidate. Exercised 3x per week, low BMI, vegetarian, never smoked. Stumped the doctors. Say it’s genes, great ☹️ So I’m not venturing anywhere soon. My hair needs a cut but my hairdresser is still closed so I’ll be snipping it myself soon I think.
I use Nursem too. Not keen on smell but it works and that’s what matters.
Keep posting Penny, it’s keeping me going in these dark times.
Oh gosh, an unexpected heart attack! Solidarity my friend! I get what you’ve gone through.
I’m going to get some proper hairdressing scissors, and the Nursem smell must be the essential oils that are in it. But the product works so well, I’m very thankful.
I will keep posting, thanks 🙂
Not venturing to the hairdresser, gym or beautician until things settle down. Not missing them either apart from the social side. All my classes are either on Zoom or YouTube and I’m enjoying exploring the home maintenance with new lotions & potions. We live at the other end of England to you Penny so we have been following the Scottish rules. Face mask wearing is well established in the local shops here. (Next big thing for fashion accessories). Personally, I don’t see the problem with face masks, it seems a small thing to do for the safety of ourselves and others around us but as for all those MPs whinging about it being an infringement of their human rights. Really? After all we have been through, have a word with yourselves.
Re the waxing, I’ve used Superdrug wax strips on my legs for years and they are quick and easy, they work quite well (maybe not quite up to the standard of a salon but hey, in these times…) and no sticky mess.
Have a word with yourselves! I love your turn of phrase! So very, very true, what are they thinking demanding ‘their rights’? It’s selfish as well. Enuf said about MPs but I’m think the same as you.
It is so helpful and good to hear that others are not rushing out to do all the things we’re meant to do. I’m going to do what I can at home for some time to come. Will look at the Superdrug wax strips – thanks.
My PT has started coming to me at home again which is so much better than skype. I’ve been exercising for nearly a year now and I’m much more flexible and can walk faster and further. I do 2 sessions with music on my own as well. We drove to the sea last week – takes about an hour. Not that many people about where we had a walk. Not worried at all about doing that. We also walked into our city centre, a round trip of over 7 miles and lots of gradients. I went to Boots and husband to Pound Shop. That was a week ago and all well so far. We’re having friends for lunch in garden on Sunday – whether should be OK according to forecast!
I’ve never had regular beauty treatment, waxing, nails etc. so don’t miss them. Always done my own nails ; I think taking fish oils have improved them though. Never had much body hair and hardly any now. I do either pluck or shave long white chin hairs – does not seem to have increased or darkened them. Going to get my hair cut soon but now it’s grown I’m going to keep it longer for a while. I may try the Boots foundation but would prefer to go to shop as so difficult to get colour right online. Still searching for the best foundation for my blotchy veined skin. I thought LFF would be the answer but not. Using Vichy at present but not very happy with it. Perhaps it’s really my face I’m not very happy with really, seem to be ageing fast!
It is just so heart-warming to know you found a PT – you are a perfect example of someone reaping the benefits of personal attention.
And yes, it is a challenge choosing the right shade for that Boots foundation as there are so many to choose from. I have very pale skin yet it’s summer and I wanted a little colour so I chose Warm Ivory and it was absolutely right for me as it’s not too orange but there is a hint of a tan, which is exactly what I wanted. I do think it good value for money at £17. Some of the LFF products are really very good especially the skin care range, but after using their foundations for some time I’ve actually found they don’t go on as well – not sure why. I think the Boots No 7 products though are just as good and better value.
And nil desperandum re: the ageing. I quite often don’t like what I see, but think that vivacity and interest in the world plus just a little bit of makeup goes a long way. Thanks so much Lynda, for your interesting comment 🙂
No the sea never bores me either, especially at that beautiful sea front. What is that high thing where the eye used to be?
Ah the sea!!! That structure is the zip-wire, which is tethered on the beach – it’s started functioning again.
I have never had any beauty treatments, waxing, facials etc also stopped going to the hairdresser nearly thirty years ago. I don’t enjoy being touched. So no massages for me :). The one thing I’m anxious about is that about 18 months ago the opthalmologist said I needed cataracts removed but it was not urgent, he said just make an appointment when you are ready. As I was having a new knee I postponed the cataracts now I don’t want to venture into a hospital for obvious reasons. I’d like to see a dental hygienist though. We are lucky to have escaped the virus, so far, but is amazing how much it has impacted on our lives in other ways. 😷
Yes, it has impacted us all in so many ways. Last time I was at my opticians I was told I was nearing the time when I go on the waiting list for a cataract op. I think there’s reasonable chance we might get a vaccine next year so hopefully you can get your eyes done then. And go to the dentist!
I’ve had my eyes tested recently. The opticians were super careful and I received my new prescription glasses in a padded envelope a couple of weeks later, so I only went into the shop once. I do pluck my upper lip and chin, and really I’ve been quite happy with the results. As for exercise, I ve got the Walk at Home app from your daily walk.com. For US$50, I get daily exercises six days a week for a year. There are various routines based on power walking, and plenty of floor exercises, etc too. I can do them in my living room, and I find the cheerful party atmosphere very uplifting.
Oh that’s good to hear. We can also get to the opticians with them in full PPE, but I’m keeping away for the time being.
And I’ve just gone on YouTube and found a video of the Walk at Home – looks really good. I can see why you do it.
I canceled my gym membership a couple weeks ago and have been very good at walking every day and running about 3 times a week. I am loving the outdoors exercise. I love that you have such a pretty place to walk! I still need to get my nails done but want to call and see if they are doing appointments!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
It’s good that the gym allowed that. My Pilates classes used to be held in one of the friendliest gyms I’ve ever been to. I didn’t join it but often thought about doing so. Now I wonder if they’ll survive as they are an independent gym – I hope they do.
Good that you have such a lot of outdoors near you – your blogs on your hikes with your kids are really interesting.
What a lovely informative and interesting post! Thankyou Penny. Specially for the link to the vitamin info on the NHS website, I am always a bit concerned about “overdosing “ on vitamin supplements, but that site was very clear. Have you tried cutting your own hair ? Start very carefully with perhaps a tiny bit off the bottom ,you may be very happy with the results and if not , it will grow back! I have cut and tinted ,( with occasionally a little help from husband at the back ) my own hair for several years and it’s turned out quite well! I have even had quite a lot of compliments on it! On the body hair problem Veet works well and is cheap, As you can see I go in for a bit of D, I, Y . Best wishes Judy S
I’m going to get some proper hair cutting scissors ASAP! Yes, I have always gone to a lot of professionals for things to do with the body – beauticians especially. That’s why I buy charity shop clothes! Anyway, I will attempt the DIY on the hair.
Best wishes to you too!
That pink jacket, hat and scarf combo looks gorgeous on you. The colour makes your skin glow, could be the wind as well..ha ha. I am very cautious going out, and we have a mandatory mask ruling. I really need my hair shaped, but will hold off for a bit more. My husband says he will cut it for me but that makes me somewhat nervous. I do tweeze my chin area and have for years after the laser treatments did not help much. The arthritis in my hands has made the nail trimming and care a bit more difficult as time goes on, but I never was one for manicures and pedicures, although that would feel like heaven right now. I have become quite happy staying at home and spending most of my days in the gardens and being outside. That is a lifesaver having an area to escape to.Of course having water and beach area would be that extra bit of heaven as well. I certainly enjoyed your fun post today, as always. Good to hear how others are coping.
I agree it is good to hear how others are coping with being at home, which is where I’d rather be at the moment, with the UK stats plateauing and not decreasing anymore. I’m going to get some proper hair cutting scissors, Mr F needs a trim as much as I do!
You take care 🙂
Hi Penny, I do read your blog religiously, so just to say, I’m not trying to sell anything, but I use some long clip things to cut my hair. They have a sort of spirit level affair on the outside so you can judge the angle of the cut, and I’ve found them so useful during lockdown. In case anyone is interested, they are like this eBay one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Hair-Trim-Tool-Professional-Salon-Hair-Cutting-Trimming-Bangs-Clip-UK/381771587256 Although mine also comes with a curved clip for cutting back hair. I hope some of you who read this, and aren’t happy about trimming their own hair, might find this useful. And hopefully in the not too far distant future we will be able to go back to some of our ways, and have time to rethink others for the benefit of the planet. Looking forward to your, always interesting, new posts. Thank you for them all and take care.
Hi Trish and thank you so much for the tip about the clips, I’m definitely going to get some proper haircutting scissors ASAP! And yes, I do hope we don’t go back to our old ways, which pollute this earth so. Not entirely sure that our government wants much of a change though…..
Thank you for your kind words about the posts. You take care too 🙂
I am totally DIY except for hair cuts.
Manicures, pedicures, facials, hair colourings, hair removal (not needed now), I have always done absolutely everything for myself, and enjoy doing it. So I’m not missing anything!!
Opticians and dentists I visit when needed, and until lockdown I went to the local gym. Now I do Pilates or other forms of excercise with vídeos from our gym. Walking is a bit limited at the moment because of the heat, but I do make sure I’m out very early on Saturdays to knock up a good few kilometres. And now in summer we have the pool so most days I try to do about 15 lengths.
So glad that finally masks are deemed neccesary in the UK, can’t wait to see those figures go down, stay well and safe.
Oh well done you re: the DIY. Maybe I’ve been a just a bit too reliant on other people to do stuff like manicures etc, and my nails are so much stronger for no nail varnish although the Zinc probably helped there.
Yes, finally, we have an order to wear masks in shops, but not until the 24th and not out and about, so it’s partial and then again how will it be enforced as there seem to be a lot of ‘this infringes my rights’ types. I now have medical masks and will wear one whenever I go into a shop as it’s such an easy simple thing to do – and kind. But it’s so necessary with numbers plateauing. You stay well and safe too 🙂
It’s a hard call, but the health issues seem so important. One of my friends husband had to wait to start medical treatment because of Covid, and because of the wait he just passed away. How sad.
I know as a retired dentist, we practiced sterile techniques even before this came about, so I’m surprised to hear that your dentist said to wait. Those kind of maintenance appointments are so imperative.
We’ve been going out and about and notice how people are being more careful.
OXOX
Jodie
I’m so sorry for your friend’s loss, it’s the same here with many people having their cancer treatment delayed with dire consequences.
Re: the dentistry, I’ve just googled information about what is available in the UK and as I understand it all dentists will have full PPE and take huge precautions, but as far as I can see not much is available in the way of any aerosol treatments, extractions are allowed though. Antibiotics and pain killers are given first. This is not btw, just NHS (our so-called socialist medicine) dentists, but in private practice as well. My dentist is private and I pay up front with no insurance, as it is still just about affordable to do this. So for the moment, I’m Ok, but there will be huge waiting lists everywhere once we can go back. Challenging times. Take care 🙂 xxx
Yesterday I could not stand my hair and today I had a haircut. I have been going to the same stylist for over 35 years. the salon where she works opened a few weeks ago and I decided to take a chance. I have been gray for over 10 years now and when my hair gets too long it is wispy and has no style. I feel better about myself now. I still walk almost daily and do yoga or use my weights for about 20 minutes. I have rarely had a manicure or pedi so don’t miss that. I usually keep my nails short and will slap some polish on my toes. Also was never much into facials so just try to moisturize and use some eye cream, I never had dark circles but now have them as a result of some eye drops I use to manage glaucoma. I have been using Cera Ve eye cream as I like their moisturizer for my body. I was hoping to have implants to replace an old bridge which finally gave out last Summer. back in march I had a temporary bridge put in but then my dentist closed her practice, the oral surgeon as well and the lab which makes the actual implants. So next month hopefully I will begin the process again. I think overall I am pretty much low maintanance,mostly use products from the local drug store. I have tried more expensive products in the past and really have not seen any real difference. So there you have it. hope you continue to feel well and remain safe.
Darby
Hi Darby, interesting to hear your take on the body beautiful. I think I’ve been a bit over reliant on others. It is interesting that higher priced products often don’t do it. Our national chemist, Boots, has some really good products at reasonable prices and I’m using these again having tried the more expensive ones.
I was very near to going to a hairdresser but found a ‘hair repair’ product in the bathroom and the hair has greatly improved, but I am about to purchase some proper hair cutting scissors.
Walking is a great boon – long may we continue to walk! Also I see you do weights, it’s so good to keep our muscles going at our age.
Yes, you continue to keep safe too 🙂
Found your post really interesting today Penny. I’m the same age as you and I have been wrestling with so many of the things that you mentioned today. I need hair cutting, eye test, dentist, also collecting and having fitted a new hearing aid, chiropodist, so I was really pleased to have your thoughts on this. I used to have a monthly back massage from a wonderful woman. I’m missing those so much and goodness knows when she’ll be able to re-start.
My Pilates teacher has been sending us a class to do every week but I’m not finding it very satisfactory as she speaks quite quietly and I can’t hear her on my laptop. It’s better on my phone but then the picture is so small. She thinks she’ll be having classes in the hall in August and I thought if I bought my own equipment (the small pieces) it might be ok. Although my daughters are not very keen on me doing it. Love getting all your posts. Stay safe.
Jo
My PT does massages and she is going to start again using a full face visor.
I too have wrestled with should I, ought I, could I go to all the places that I yearn to go to like the hairdresser and chiropodist. It is good to know others are in the same frame of mind, as in, not sure, or just not. I think definitely wait a couple of weeks to see where the stats go, and definitely buy and have your own mat and other bits, but the thing is one would have to clean these scrupulously after being on a strange floor. Also will the hall floor be cleaned after every encounter with a class or booking? Our Pilates teacher tells us that the gym where we used to go will clean the floor after every class – phew. But we are continuing with Zoom. Challenging times – but it’s so good that we can share our concerns. You stay safe too 🙂
I’m at the hairdressers tomorrow – what joy! Just for a trim, have coloured it at home already! Also have an appointment for waxing on Friday – yay! Nail, both hands and feet I’ve done myself using my daughters kit! They aren’t the best but look better than nothing, don’t know when she’ll be able to do the, so might book at the salon for a treat! Thanks for sharing Penny. Jacqui x
Enjoy Jacqui, it’ll be lovely to get your hair cut. Me, I’m staying away for a bit longer as I found some Paul Mitchel Hair Repair in the bathroom and my hair is greatly improved. Also will be buying some proper hair cutting scissors ASAP!
Take care x
i am in love with your pink jacket! i can’t tell if it’s courdoroy or leather/faux?
looks so nice and breezy—too hot out here in Northern California : (
xo Eva
http://www.StyleMyThrift.com
Hello Eva, today it’s kind of warm, sticky with a grey sky here in the UK! But we do get sea breezes a lot which are great.
The pink jacket is made from a thick cotton.
Thanks you so much for commenting x
You are wise Penny to hesitate until the numbers improve. At present here there are no active cases so many businesses are trading but with limited numbers and social distance, hand sanitiser, etc. I went to my hairdresser about 8 weeks ago , due again next week , they took my temperature and had fewer chairs so more space between clients. Many thanks on the zinc tip, must follow this up as mine are quite fragile.
I am enjoying long walks with my husband and our dog . Hope to find a Pilates instructor soon. Take care Penny, all the best.
You are so very lucky Jill, although if I put My Other Blog hat on it’s not that your country is lucky it’s that our government is the worst government ever to deal with this country’s safety. It’s not original as I read this elsewhere, but the government should not be put in charge of an outbreak of acne let alone Covid!
Although I have not used nail varnish for 6 months, I do think the Zinc has helped with my nails. And Pilates is brilliant – you’ll love it. You take care too, Jill x
Thank you for such a detailed and informative, post! I have actually been to the dentist, twice. I was due to have a temporary bridge replaced the day after lockdown began but, of course, this didn’t happen. My dentist did keep in touch with me through lockdown. My temporary bridge actually fell out at one point and I just popped it back in and kept my fingers crossed! Cleaning around that area was virtually impossible. Luckily, I was viewed as a priority and was given an appointment the day after the practice was able to open. I felt very safe when I was there and, the following week, I had a scale and polish from my hygienist. It was done the ‘old fashioned’ way, with no machinery involved. I have a problem with plaque build up so I was very relieved to have had it removed.
But what I really want to ask you about is your veneers, as I have been considering some myself, also in the front. So, all info very gratefully received!
As for hair, my husband and son have booked appointments but I’m still waiting. I’m thinking of embracing the grey but, as I have dark hair I’m thinking of having some funky highlights added to enable the process. Watch this space!
Interesting to hear your experience at the dentist. I think I’ll wait for the stats over the next two weeks and then ring my dentist again for a hygiene appointment as I have the same problem as you, and I really need some attention!
But as for the veneers, actually I was dithering a lot, as apparently a dentist can’t guarantee a veneer will be ‘successful’. It’s also quite expensive, but I was just about to make up my mind and have another chat with the dentist, when the year went pear shaped for me! So really I don’t know much more than you. But my two front teeth do need attention as they’re now quite brown and thin, something needs to be done for sure!
Take care and enjoy that lovely puppy!
Great update Penny. You make a good point about aerobic activity. I hate it and keep it to a minimum. I have tried running many times but don’t get on with it. Will also continue with walking. It would be lovely to have seaside walls. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday.
THis post really made me think. I’m in New Zealand so most of our services have resumed (thank you world’s best prime minister!!!!). I almost grew out my colour but caved and didn’t. I just look better with darker hair. Supermarket dye diy. Hair is way too straggly (rat’s tails) will visit a hairdresser soonish. I lost lots of hair after many years of anemia, and had a small round bald parch. I would recommend daily vigorous massage with your knuckles – this is what I did and I grew back lots of baby fine hair. I still do it. I don’t do manicures nor pedicures unless they are gifts. But pumice or similar on the soles, a nail brush on the rest, and vaseline or similar overnight, is fantastic (wear socks to bed). And who can cut their big toenails? It’s really difficult. I have been thinking of buying a small facial expiliator, quite cheap. Eyebrows and eyelashes – I look as though I haven’t got any, really hanging out for a good dye job here, I don’t do it myself as I am a bit klutzy. So – eyebrow pencil and mascara. Exercise – suburban hills where I live, I was tramping around them for a brief walk every day but that’s not happening now. Must resume. Not back at gym yet due to a severe case of paranoia. I do some yoga and light weights and I also do lots of movements for joint flexibility as I have scoliosis (life long). Weight? Yes, well we won’t even mention that (sigh).
Hi! I totally agree with you regarding your wonderful PM and funnily enough there are other women PMs that have led their countries well. I have to say I do think there is a reason behind that, but won’t start a whole essay at this moment!
Our services are now opening but it’s a fools paradise really as the stats are still high and the virus is still circulating in the population. It’s good to be a bit paranoid about what you’re doing – it’s rational.
Interesting to hear that you have a life-long scoliosis. I was developing a scoliosis and had it for several years (?10) I was quite lopsided and crooked for a couple of hours after getting up, but Pilates has worked miracles on me and I don’t do that anymore. No bald patches as yet but still getting a lot of hair in the brush and after washing my hair. I think it’s the natural shedding coming back.
It’s so interesting to hear how others are coping. You are so lucky to be living in New Zealand – lovely to hear from you – take care 🙂
Isn’t it interesting the risk factors different people put on different things? It’s been eye opening to see what people have rushed back to! I’m still taking baby steps towards what used to be normal, and am actually going to the hairdressers this week. I’ve let other people rush in to get the first appointments and asked around to hear what precautions they are taking. Now I’m reassured that full visors will be worn, with all staff taking temperatures every day before starting work, and less people in the salon at any one time – I think I’m good to go!
I’ve still not ventured into a pub or restaurant, but am happy to spend time at friend’s houses where I know they have been as cautious as I have been. I’m wearing a mask inside shops too, because I don’t think things are going to suddenly be any different on Friday, the virus is here already, it’s not waiting for the 24th when our mandatory face covering remit comes into force!