Just For You
So many times women are focused on duties, their
families, and the other people around them that they tend to neglect
themselves. You should always put others first and do everything you can to
bless your family, but you also need to find some time for yourself. You can
actually do more for your family when you take care of yourself, physically,
spiritually, and emotionally. It is all a balancing act to keep from getting
stressed or even physically ill. The key to all of this is relying on Him to
renew you and give you His peace and rest.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28,29
He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some
rest.”
Mark 6:31b
The Lord knows how important rest is for us. He wants us to take care of
ourselves. We are His temples! Rely on Him, take a little time, and slow
down. These are just a few ideas to help us slow down and get revived.
Ideas will be added monthly.
*********************************************************************************
Bubble Bath & Magazine
Lock the bathroom door (keep the key with you) and take
a bubble bath with an issue of Romantic Homes magazine.
Old Chick Flick
Watch an old chick flick - Audrey Hepburn movies are great!
At Home Facial
Do an "At Home, Skin-Refining Facial" for perfect pores- this comes from a day spa in California called, "Spoiled."
1. Stir 2 T. milk and 1/2 C. cornmeal to create a paste; use to gently scrub skin. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Mix 1 t. honey and 1 egg white until blended. Apply to face, avoiding eyes; when dry, rinse.
3. Mash 1 banana and 1 T. avocado; apply to skin for 10 minutes; rinse.
4. Finish with a layer of your regular moisturizer.
Check-up
Last weekend at the Women of Faith Conference, I heard Robin McGraw talk about women not taking
care of themselves. I don't know what schedule you have for annual check-ups, but I try to schedule
mine around the time of my birthday. It is just an easy reminder. If you haven't had one lately, pamper
yourself and your family in the form of a check-up.
Tea Room with an Old Friend
Have lunch with an old friend at a good tearoom. If you need some suggestions, Sally's is good in
Greenville, and Her Secret Garden is my choice in Rockwall.
Outside with the Lord
Since the weather has cooled down somewhat, spend some quiet time with the Lord outside. Find a comfortable chair or swing to read His Word. There is nothing like hearing God speak directly to you through His Word, while hearing the sounds of His creation!
Shopping Trip
Plan a Shopping Day! About twice a year, my mom, sister, daughter, & I
start out around 8 AM and make it home around 11:30 PM. We try to change it
up each year. You can plan these trips around Canton weekend, head to the
mall, go to the Harry Hines area, or start out at old downtown areas. A few
of my favorites are McKinney and Plano. If you enjoy shopping, this is the
ultimate pampering!
Private Tea
I am not much on tea, but I love teacups & saucers! Pick a
time to either prepare a hot cup of tea or chocolate and enjoy using a fancy
cup & saucer. Even when you are alone, there is something special about
using the prettiest china you can find. If you can find some extra time,
invite a friend over to share in the "tea party."
Manicure
This suggestion is a little bit out of my element. However, I
have a good friend who loves to get her nails done. Just hearing her talk
about it sounds very pampering. When my grandmother was living, she always
kept her nails in tip top shape. This is one area I fail miserably. However,
I am going to look at my friend's and my grandmother's example. Whether you
do it yourself or go get a professional manicure, join with me in taking
care of my nails this month.
Christmas Focus
Trying to get everything done during the holidays can be very stressful.
To help eliminate some of the pressure, focus on the true meaning of
Christmas. This will help to relieve any stress that comes along with
holiday planning. Read the Christmas story with your family and find some
advent activities to do. Just taking a little time to focus on Christ during
this busy time will help keep it all in perspective.
Date Night
If you are married, plan a date night for one night in December. If you are
not married, plan a night out with the girls. Go ahead and get it on your
calendar. If it is not planned in advance, it probably will not happen. This
does not have to be anything elaborate. We usually go out for dates, but one
of our best dates was when the kids had plans away from home. We stayed
home, cooked steaks on the grill, and watched a movie together. If you do
this, take the phone off of the hook!
Aromatherapy
This year for Christmas, my mother-in-law gave me an aromatherapy set.
If you have one or can get some of the pieces, I would encourage you to do
so. Included in mine is a candle, bubble bath, pillow mist, and lotion. With
aromatherapy, different scents serve different purposes. I did a little
research and found:
*Any citrus scents improve alertness.
*Mints (especially peppermint) help with memory.
*Lavender relieves anxiety & improves sleep.
*Chamomile helps with relaxation.
There are many other scents to choose from. Each item should give you a
description on the label. You can find aromatherapy products almost anywhere
these days, from Bath & Body Works to Wal-Mart. If you are interested
specifically in lavender, I have linked a website to the bottom of this
section. It has everything "lavender" you can think of at very good prices.
Lavender
Love
Before everything gets back to a hectic schedule, take a little time to sit
back with a favorite CD and enjoy some aromatherapy.
New Make-Up
Go through your make-up and throw away anything that is old, especially
make-up sponges. Start the new year out with fresh, bacteria-free make-up
and accessories.
Microderm Abrasion
Microderm abrasion is very beneficial for your skin.. It removes any
impurities and dead skin cells, allowing new skin cells to grow. It helps
with blemishes and wrinkles. You can have this done professionally or get a
home kit. There is definitely a difference, but both are good. If you are
interested in having this done professionally, or just to get more
information about microderm, I can highly recommend Lori Northcutt in Emory,
Texas. Her business phone number is 903-473-2220.
Fresh Flowers
It is getting close to Spring. However, until the flowers are actually in
bloom, go ahead and buy some fresh flowers and set them around your house.
They have a way of bringing a cheerfulness to a room.
A Walk in the Park
On days when the weather is nice, find a park or boardwalk to get some fresh
air. You can either get exercise, visit with a friend, or take a book or
magazine with you to read. If you are in my area, the best place I know of
is The Harbor in Rockwall. You can do any of the mentioned ideas, take your
dogs for a walk, get a bite to eat, shop, or look for other activities such
as outdoor concerts.
Relaxation Time
Set aside some time this week, just for you. Think about the things that are
relaxing to you:
Crochet
Sudoku puzzles
Crossword puzzles
Scrapbooking
Reading your favorite Magazine
Playing Solitaire on the computer
Whatever your avenue for relaxation, find time this week to enjoy it.
Pedicure
It is getting close to "sandal" weather. In fact, here in Texas
it has already begun. Take some time to get a pedicure. You can have one
professionally done, do it yourself, or go to a local beauty school and let
them do it for a fraction of the price.
Swing
Since the weather is getting warmer, enjoy some down time outside in a
swing. If you have one at home, take a cup of tea or coffee along with a
magazine, devotional book, or Bible with you. At this point, you may need a
blanket as well. It is so enjoyable though!
Baking Soda Facial
I have heard of using baking soda as an exfoliate for your skin
for quite some time. My family & I finally tried it, and we love it. It
leaves your skin feeling extremely soft and clean. It is great for clearing
up acne - it is inexpensive also. However, no one in my family has dry skin,
so I do not know what the results would be for someone with a dry
complexion.
To use this daily, mix 3 T. of baking soda with 1 T. of water to make
a paste. After washing your face, apply the paste, making sure not to get it
in the eye area. Leave it on for about 3 minutes and rinse off completely.
Caution: The first 1-2 times you use it, you may have a burning sensation,
and your face may be a little red. It isn't bad though, and after you get
past that, the results are wonderful!
After I wrote this in the newsletter, I ran out of baking soda and bought a
generic brand. This is one area that generic will NOT work! For best results
use Arm & Hammer.
Enjoyable Exercising
One way to get a little exercise and get to socialize is to find
a walking partner in your neighborhood. You may not be able to walk
everyday, but when you have a partner and you hold each other accountable,
you will be more successful and enjoy it more.
Rest
On occasion, take a short Sunday nap.
Tour of Gardens
A great way to start the summer is with a tour of gardens. Check with
your local extension office to see if there is one in your area. If you are
in the Greenville area, June 2nd is the date. It looks like it will be a
good one too!
Magazine Subscription
Subscribe to your favorite magazine. There are several that I love (Romantic
Homes, Woman's Day, Real Simple). When you subscribe instead of purchasing
each month from the store, you save money, they come directly to you, and
you usually get them before they reach the stores.
Enjoy a Pool
If you have access to a somewhat private pool this summer, find a float, a
drink, and a favorite magazine. Enjoy a time of solitude!
Eyebrows Waxed
I have been trying for a month to get by the local beauty school to have my
eyebrows done. I have never had them waxed before, but a friend of ours,
Jenny Holland, is there and I plan on getting her to do this for me. If you get
a chance, try it out.
Movie
Go to a movie that you have been wanting to see. Going alone is a lot more
enjoyable than it seems. However, invite a friend if you don't think you'd
like to be by yourself.
*The new Jane Austen movie comes out Aug. 3rd!
Pet Therapy
If you have pets, spend some time just playing with them. This is true
therapy!
Victoria Magazine
*If any of you loved Victoria magazine as much as I did, you will be excited
to know that it is coming back this November. You can subscribe to the
magazine using the link below.
http://www.victoriamag.com
Fresh Air
*Open your windows and let the fresh air in.
Milk Bath
*Add a cup or 2 of milk to your bath water to leave your skin silky
soft.
Plan a game night with your family.
Regardless of age, games are great ways to fellowship with one another.
*Experiment with a new flavored coffee or tea.
I found the neatest tea. It comes in a little pod that you drop in the
teapot. (It is best in a clear glass teapot so you can watch it.) As it
steeps in the hot water, the pod becomes a gorgeous flower! See the link
below for ordering information.
Sterling Tea is in Rockwall, Texas if you live nearby.
*Find a good inspirational book and read a small section each day.
*Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in front of a fireplace.
*Hire a teenager to do your Christmas gift wrapping.
*Take time out to read a good children's novel.
*A friend of mine, Chasity, hooked me up with Playlist. If you
are not familiar with it, you must check it out. You set up your own free
account and add all your favorite songs. Anytime you are at a computer you
can pull it up and listen. You can see mine and create your own from the
link below.
http://www.pplaylist.com/user/17603988
*Studies have proven that laughter is good for you. Rent or go
see a good comedy. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is one of the funniest
movies I have ever seen.
*Get involved in something you strongly believe in. I am finding out
that the energy you spend is quickly replenished due to the joy and
fulfillment that comes from it.
*Make your own "Blessings" List. I can't really put into words
the joy it brings about. You may have to make it an ongoing poem. Once you
start, the words just keep coming.
*Keep a journal of the ways the Lord speaks to you on a daily basis.
I have a friend who used to tell me how powerful this was, but I would never
try it. I have been doing this now for several weeks - she was right. It not
only serves as an outlet of expression, but it helps you internalize
everything as you reflect, and you end up with written testimony.
*If you are fair skinned like me, get some of the sunless tanning lotion
or try a spray-on tan. They have really improved upon the lotions.
However, I have never tried the spray-on. If any of you have experience with
this, please let me know.
Using Lavender
*Take a relaxing lavender bath by hanging a lavender nosegay over the faucet
while the tub fills.
*Enjoy a cup of lavender lemonade. Brew 2 cups of lavender infused leaf tea,
cool, and add the juice of 4 lemons, honey, and lavender. Serve over ice.
* I know I have mentioned walking before, but I have found the secret -
get an MP3 player and load it with your favorite songs. My husband &
I (who have never enjoyed walking) are loving it. It can even turn into a
praise & worship time.
*Choose a "girly" place and go to lunch with your best friends - at
least once a month.