Monday Musings – Face Masks, Hair, and Ballet

Happy Monday ladies. It’s Memorial Day here in the USA and we are doing absolutely nothing out of the ordinary at our house so I’m actively looking for distractions.

Here are a couple of things on my mind this week-

Ballet

I began taking Royal Ballet classes in downtown Toronto at 5. By the time I was 15, I was taking Cecchetti Ballet classes, dancing many hours a day, 6 days a week. To say I love ballet is a gross understatement. It’s the most elegant form of exercise I’ve ever found and also calms my mind.

I found an online adult Ballet class this weekend and almost wept with joy. I’ve been gradually losing my flexibility and as much as I enjoy Yoga, it’s hard on my wrists and hurts my arthritic thumbs. Ballet builds strength, increases our flexibility and if I close my eyes, I can feel my body moving with the sort of grace that feels calm and restorative. Perfect for me, then and now.

Masks

Face masks are all the rage and I don’t expect that to fade anytime soon. Many people here seem to be relaxing their usage but I suspect we’ll be seeing them for a long time. They’re going from a necessity to a fashion statement They’ve Many brands and designers are making face masks so there is enough variety to have your make a fashion statement. If you love boho, Anthropologie has masks for you. More of a minimalist? There are pattern free simple ones in neutrals everywhere. Even Disney has facemasks to order which will put a smile on every face, literally. If animal print is your thing you can find them in a mask here, and here.

There are plenty of Hermes “type” scarves available or you can buy one sewn from a real Hermes scarf. How cool is that?

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is super popular so I’m surprised I haven’t taken it up until now. I’m vigilant about using body oil and lotion yet my skin has taken on a lizardy look that I’m not happy with. Dry brushing is done on dry skin, before your shower. You use a body brush with medium to stiff, plant-based bristles and brush towards your heart. It’s reported to improve cellulite and lymph drainage but honestly, I suspect it just helps exfoliate dry skin which is what I need. It’s not recommended for sensitive skin and you need to be gentle.

Thinning Hair

I’ve shared my struggle with thinning hair here, and here, and here. When I got my health scare earlier this year, I reexamined everything I was putting in and on my body. I’ve been a devotee of clean beauty products for years but made exceptions for my hair. However armed with a health worry and since my hair was looking pretty good, I stopped using the Rogaine. I’m here to report that the package directions are correct. When you stop using Rogaine, any regrowth you’ve gotten from the product will come out, and it did. Now that my health worries have been cleared up I have begun using Minoxidil again. It doesn’t help every woman with thinning hair but it did help me so I hope it will again.

Many of you recommend this Viviscal product which has excellent reviews online.

This Nutrafol also has excellent reviews so I may try one of those.

I have had my eye on this helmet for a long time and am getting very tempted. It’s FDA cleared and proven effective…I just wish it didn’t look so dumb.

*Here’s how I apply Rogaine.

Bird Update

I hate to keep talking about my Hummingbirds, but I’m simply obsessed. I’ve hauled out our binoculars to get a closer look and find myself waiting for a sighting at the expense of my book and magazine reading. Yup, I’m obsessed. I do have an aggressive little fellow who spends his energy shooing other birds away from the feeders. I know they’re territorial but I’ve ordered a few more feeders so there’s plenty for everyone.

I’m having problems with bees so I’ve ordered several dish feeders that are designed to prevent bees and ants from being able to access the nectar. I also ordered a feeder to stick on the window for up-close viewing. Yup…obsessed:)

What’s on your radar this week?

Be well and remember to wear what you love that makes you feel confident.