friday miscellany

brown sugar scrub
fresh brown sugar body polish

Pampering even a Type A can love…

True confession: I am not a Happy Spa Gal. After about 30 minutes of whatever treatment I’m undergoing, I start to get twitchy thinking of all the other things I could be doing. So I love products that I can incorporate as part of my normal routine that provide spa-level results. I began using this scrub a few months ago and I am HOOKED. I use in the shower, and it’s a multi-tasker that both smoothes and moisturizes dry winter skin. (Yes, I know it’s probably something I could make myself for less but this smells so good!)

Fitbit update…

I’ve been wearing my Fitbit Flex constantly (except when charging the battery) and have logged at least 10,000 steps almost every day (The day I cleared out my closet, almost double that). At first I was a little bit obsessive about checking my progress, but now find I check once, maybe twice per day.

We like to watch…

Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders
Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders

Last month we watched Peaky Blinders (both seasons) on Netflix. Yes, there’s some violence, but the characters and stories are compelling, and it’s based on historical gangs in Birmingham, England in the early 20th century. We were bereft when we finished Season 2, and look forward to Season 3, whenever it gets released.

We recently watched the first season of Jessica Jones which is also a dark one, but also very compelling and Krysten Ritter does an amazing job in the lead role. I enjoyed the “people with special powers trying to lead normal lives” aspect of it, and the way the scenes are visually framed to deliver a graphic novel look and feel.

Next up, we’ll be starting River, which comes highly recommended.

Blog update…

wardrobe refresh

I’ve updated my SHOP page with some recent favorite finds, and pieces that will give your winter wardrobe a lift now and that you can wear well into Spring.

In the news…

What a very sad week with the passing of David Bowie and Alan Rickman, both gone too soon. I’ve read many tributes to Bowie the past few days, but probably the one that I like the best was from Tom and Lorenzo, “…he made the pursuit of weirdness…beautiful.” We were lucky enough to be able to see the special “David Bowie Is…” exhibit at the V&A in London in 2013, and I’m very glad now we did.

Looking forward to a long weekend….how about you?

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19 Comments

  1. I love going for a facial to a spa here in Ottawa. Especially when winter weather, outdoors and in, makes my skin so dry. But I’m never totally comfortable relaxing in dimmed light with soft music while someone I can’t see massages my face. Partly because I have a hard time not talking for that length of time. Partly because all that hushed atmosphere and pampering just feels silly. I like the results though.
    Have you watched the Masterpiece Theatre version of Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch? We just watched a new one which as usual played with all the usual Sherlock symbols in a clever ironic way. It is brilliant. I’ve tried watching other takes on the series, but they pale in comparison.
    Have a good long weekend, Sue!

  2. I remember first seeing David Bowie, and realizing that being truly individual, no matter how far “out there,” had an allure and a magic that no amount of imitation could ever achieve. The memory of that realization will never leave me, and have been a priceless lodestone in my life.
    big hugs,
    Janice

  3. Une Femme, on our Canadian Netflix we have a British tv show called ‘River’. It’s 6 or 8 episodes and stars Stellan Skarsgard as a police detective. I won’t say any more, but if you get the chance, watch it, it’s really good!

      1. After each episode, I also enjoyed reading the recaps on The Guardian website. (And if you are a Downton fan, the Guardian recaps are a scream!)

  4. I was so shocked and saddened about David Bowie (doesn’t it feel like the entire world is mourning him.?) I felt compelled to do something so I went to Heddon Street in London where there’s a Ziggy Stardust plaque (the album cover is an image of the street) and laid some Ziggy Stardust coloured roses.

  5. And poet C.D.Wright died this week as well, at 67…
    We’ve started Peaky Blinders as well and are finding it eminently bingeable!
    A full-body salt or sugar scrub at a spa is so invigorating, one of the most delightful treatments possible, imo, although a hot stone massage runs a close second. But it’s the opposite of relaxing if you’re twitching to get back to your to-do list and would rather save the treat time for a glass of bubbles in your favourite patio chair. Have a good weekend!

  6. If you enjoyed Jessica Jones, give Daredevil a try! On your recommendation, we’ll add Peaky Blinders to our list 🙂

  7. I’m so happy you said that about spas. I can’t stand them. It seems like everyone thinks going to the spa is the ultimate thing women like to do, and is always suggested as the women’s alternative to a golf outing for business. Gag!

  8. I am not a spa gal either, definitely not. NO.
    I’m happy to hear the feedback on what you’ve been watching. I just finished watching River – I ADORE the lead actor and his main haunt.

  9. Try Fresh’s Sugar Scrub with real strawberries. Gently exfoliates when scrubbed on , leave for 5-10 minutes and oil softens skin. Great for quick pick up while emptying dishwasher and folding towels. Spa treatment on the run.

  10. I will have to check out Peaky Blinders. As for JJ – started watching. The Man doesn’t care much for it, but imo anything w/ David Tennant wins.

  11. Other than necessary mani/pedi appointments, I don’t like spa treatments either. I remember my last massage: the masseuse said, “you really have control issues, don’t you.” Duh.
    ANYWAY, I was writing to ask about the sugar scrub you recommend. I find with most products like this that the shower/tub is left slippery and death-inspiring for the person going in next, and the LAST thing I want to do after having an “in-home spa” treatment is to clean the tub. Is it oily/slickery?

    1. Hi Michelle, I have not found this to be the case, at least not in my experience. Whatever oil is in the product seems to wash away pretty well and doesn’t create a slick floor. (That said, our tiles are a bit textured like stone, not smooth, not sure how it would be on very smooth surfaces.)

  12. I just want to say thank you. I really look forward to reading your blog every AM while getting my caffeine fix.I am a spa girl but do not always have the time or $.Will try the Fresh scrub you recommended.Love all the other Fresh products I have tried. Your new Spring update contains a few items I am having a serious crush on. Everything you have featured that I purchased in the past I have been very pleased to wear or spritz. Time to binge watch a few shows…I wish.

    Cheers,Kim

  13. I see you feature Rue Cambon, and that got me to wondering if you’ve ever done a feature on fragrance. (You very well may have, and I missed it.) I would love to hear about some of your favorites, and any opinions you have on fragrance in general.

    1. Hi Linda, I haven’t posted about fragrance for a while, but am working on something that should be up in the next couple of weeks.

  14. I don’t spa very well either – true type A with a touch of OCD thrown in here! I loved P. Blinders and liked Jessica Jones (got too violent at times) – and thanks for the rec. for River. I will try that next, when we finish Fargo Season 2. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com