Monday Musings: Lasers, Yarn, and a Little Gua Sha For Jaw Tension

Fraxel

After months (okay, years) of talking myself out of it, I’m finally booked for a Fraxel laser treatment this week. I’ve done my fair share of skin procedures over the years, but I’ve always avoided this one because of the downtime. Apparently, I’ll be pink, puffy, and slightly frightening for a few days, then flaking like a croissant after that.

My friend Ellen and I were chatting last week about the different types of lasers for the face, and she said, “I don’t do any of those lasers that take six months to start working. I might not have that kind of time!” I love her, and she has a point, but the one my doctor recommended works immediately.

I have three stubborn precancerous spots that did not resolve with the photodynamic therapy I did last month, and I really want them gone! The dermatologist tells me the Fraxel can help remove them and also generally freshen my complexion. I’ll share the results with you and recommend one if I find it worthwhile. Have you had one? Please share what you know. I’d love to hear. I admit to being nervous about this.

A Craving for Cables

On a cozier note, I found myself in the yarn shop this weekend. I’ve been craving a new knitting project, something that requires enough concentration to keep me out of trouble but not so much that I end up in tears. After fondling half the skeins in the store (do knitters ever just grab and go?), I came home with a couple of balls of gorgeous yarn and a new set of interchangeable needles. When will I learn to always travel with my needles? Never! So now I have a set to keep here and one in California.

I’m planning to knit a cable sweater because apparently I enjoy suffering. But before I tackle that, I’ll be knitting a hat to test the yarn and make sure my gauge is on track. That way, if it all goes sideways, at least I’ll have a Christmas gift made, while I rethink my life choices. I don’t knit for the resulting product. For me, it’s a therapeutic form of relaxing, and I find the process meditative.

Strength training… sort of

And then there’s weights. I’ve been a loyal Pilates devotee a couple of times a week this year, but lately I’ve been dipping my toe into the mysterious world of strength training. Everyone on the internet (and likely all of you) insists that weights are the fountain of youth, the secret to bone health, the cure for achy joints, the answer to world peace…you name it.

My daughter lent me her 5lb dumbbells to get started, and they feel ridiculously heavy to me. What’s sad is that 10 years ago, I was using 8lb weights with ease! I’ve just begun, and let me tell you, my shoulders are making noises I didn’t know they were capable of. Snapping, crackling, popping, like I swallowed a bowl of Rice Krispies. I’ve been told this is precisely why I need to strengthen them. Apparently, carrying shopping bags doesn’t count as resistance training. Who knew?

Everyday earrings

On a much prettier note, a brand recently sent me the most delicate pair of white gold and diamond earrings. They’re small, simple, and somehow manage to go with everything. I find myself reaching for them almost every day. They’re not posts, which makes them super comfortable, so I could even sleep in them, though I don’t. I love the hint of sparkle without feeling flashy. My daughter is wearing these Nadiri emerald cut CZ studs almost every day and loves their simplicity.

It got me wondering what your everyday jewelry staples are? Do you have a necklace you never take off, a watch that feels like part of your arm, or a pair of hoops that finish every outfit? I’d love to know the pieces you wear on repeat.

Gua Sha and my jaw

And then there’s my jaw, which I’ve recently learned is tighter than a drum. My physiotherapist confirmed it last week after poking around and suggesting I “try to relax.” Easier said than done…hence the new knitting project.

I already have a gua sha back in California, but I decided I needed one here, too. The idea is simple: run a smooth stone across your face, and you’re promised everything from a sculpted jawline to a calmer mind. More importantly, it’s supposed to help release jaw tension, so I’m giving it a try.

I bought this really affordable Rose Quartz Gua Sha on Friday and have been giving it a workout. I can actually feel the crunch of tight muscles when I run it along my jawline. I don’t think it will keep me from clenching my teeth at night, but if it helps relax the muscles, I’ll count that as progress.

Have you tried it? Do you think it truly helps, or is it more about the ritual than the result?