Word of the Week: Pamper

                               

Why is it often so difficult to allow ourselves (women in particular) to be truly pampered? 

To enjoy a "spa day". To buy a new outfit that we don't really need, but love. To make ourselves first priority. To "indulge" in a "R and R"  day?

I don't know the answer but I do know from what I've read, heard and seen that this is the case for millions of women around the world.

For myself in recent years, pampering has definitely "taken a backseat" almost completely; for a number of reasons. But lately, I've been re-thinking this and trying to find ways to treat myself a bit more, even if it's only in small ways, throughout each week.

Soaking in a warm tub of bubbles....ah bliss. Applying night cream for a change, not just washing my face with soap and calling it a day. Enjoying a foot rub. Having a glass of good organic red wine with dinner.....little things that can add up to feeling special and nurtured.

It really can make a difference and not just at the time!

Speaking of soaking in the tub...I recently tried an excellent product that I received as a gift:

 Weleda: Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil.

Applied after a shower or bath, this stuff is "bliss in a bottle".  Perhaps a good way to start your own "pamper project" ? :<)  You can read my full review here.

I hope you make/take/find the time for some pampering, this week and to make it a part of life on a continuing basis.

We all deserve to be pampered. It's nothing to feel guilty about.

And the dishes can always wait! LOL

Have a Wonderful Week.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Word of the Week: Empathy

Empathy.

What a blessing and gift it can be, when someone takes the time and reaches out to us to say:

                            

" I care, I understand, I'm sorry for what you are going through...."

                         

It can mean so much. It can change our perception and attitude towards a difficult situation we are struggling with. For me, it's been the difference so many times between coping and despair.

I don't think we should ever underestimate the power of empathy. It is a force for good. 

                                                     

And in case you ever wondered what the difference between empathy and sympathy is, this is what I found over at the Free Dictionary site:

empathy/sympathy  - Empathy denotes a deep emotional understanding of another's feelings or problems, while sympathy is more general and can apply to small annoyances or setbacks.
                                 
                          

***

On a completely different (but timely) topic, I've just posted: 20 Great Gift Suggestions Under $20 featuring some of my favorite products I've reviewed at My Real Life Reviews.

A variety of gift and stocking stuffer ideas; something for everyone.

And they definitely won't break the bank! LOL :<)

Word of the Week: Break

" I love Paris in the Springtime, I love Paris in the Fall...."

Ahhhh..... Monsieur Cheddar; you are tres handsome. 

Doesn't he look dashing?

 I made him this little beret recently and it was no small feat, getting a couple of pics of him, wearing it. A bit of "camera shake" trying too!!! He prefers chewing on it! LOL

We are all so in need of a break here. For many reasons (a lot of them beyond our control) it's been years since Joe and I have had any vacation, long or short. And we all do need a break, don't we? To regroup, re-energize, relax.... I hope one is possible soon.

I've also been thinking about all the ways that the word "break" can be a positive in life.

Some that came to mind:

-getting a break

-break free

-break loose

-a breakthrough

-break away

- a break from the ordinary/tradition/convention

-take a break
-gimme a break!

and of course!!!

-Take A Happy Break

Wishing you a wonderful week.

And do take plenty of breaks. You deserve them!<)

Word of the Week: Courage

Courage can take many forms.

At this time of year, it is the courage of veterans that always comes to mind.

What would the world be like without having those who have served their countries, so bravely? Willing to sacrifice so much.

True courage. 

I thought it was such a fitting word of the week.

My small tribute to veterans.

                           

And a classic poem I never tire of reading.

So evocative and touching.

It always brings tears to my eyes.

THE RED FLANDERS POPPY

The red Flanders’ poppy was first described as a flower of remembrance by Colonel John McCrae (1872-1918), who was Professor of Medicine at McGill University of Canada before World War One. Colonel McCrae had served as a gunner in the Boer War, but went to France in World War One as a medical Officer with the first Canadian Contingent.

At the second battle of Ypres in 1915, when in charge of a small first-aid post, he wrote in pencil on a page torn from his despatch book:

IN FLANDERS’ FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

***

By Major John McCrae, May 1915

Lest We Forget