On the outside, I try to project an image of having it all together. But underneath that, I'm kind of a disaster. Hence... the name of the site: GlossyVeneer. - Get a Massage:
I’ve never had a massage before (at least not a professional one), but it has always sounded wonderful. It has also sounded like an excessive luxury that I’ve never really felt that I am “worth”. My mom had her first massage recently and said that she slept better that night than she has in years. (It also helped to immensely soothe the muscles across her back that have been so tight ever since she had a mastectomy and reconstruction. She is now convinced that every woman with breast cancer should be encouraged to get massages to help them relax and to recuperate.) Since I haven’t been sleeping well for several years, I figure I’ll treat myself. - Get a Manicure:
I had my first pedicure a few months ago and I loved it. But I’ve never had a manicure. Well, I guess I kind of have, because my grandma took me to get acrylic nails when I was about 10. I hated them, ended up prying them off and had the most awful and destroyed fingernails for a long time after that. I vowed to never get acrylics again. But I do like having neatly groomed nails and I figure I can go have someone paint my nails and make them look lovely. Maybe I’ll do it before my hubby’s formal work Christmas party or something. - Dye My Hair:
I want to change my hair, dramatically. I’m thinking red. But I’m not sure if I want to go with highlights of multiple colors (light blonde, red, brown, etc.) or if I want a solid color. But I’m down for some big change. Maybe I’ll go with purple highlights. I’ve always wanted purple hair. - Sleep:
I’m going to allow myself a day to sleep in as long as I feel like it. If I feel like laying in my bed all day, I’m going to indulge. Instead of getting up every day around 5:30 like I usually do, I’m going to attempt to let myself sleep. If I have to take a day off work to do this, maybe I will. But I never stop moving. I get up and start working really early in the day. I work for 9+ hours often. I average an hour of working out each day. I do housecleaning and/or laundry every day. I cook meals and clean up after them. Sometimes I even blog while standing in my kitchen cooking something. I am going to allow myself an entire day of sloth.
4 Things: Self-Nurturing Things to do Before I Turn 30
No Responses to “4 Things: Self-Nurturing Things to do Before I Turn 30”
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Ok, number 1??? What the HELL? WHAT the hell?? What THE hell???
Massage is probably the best thing ever, ever, ever,ever.
I am convinced that the world would be a much less crappy place is everyone could get a weekly massage.I have horrible back pain and massage is better for pain than any drug.
Last year on the anniversary of Matthew’s death I felt so BAD. I was in a lot of physical and emotional pain. So, my husband packed me off to my massage therapist and by the end I felt 200 times better. It doesn’t just do wonders for the body, but for your spirit as well.
Just make sure that if they aren’t doing something that feels good? TELL THEM. They don’t mind, they like feedback and if you are poite and suffer through it, you will be sorry in the end. Same goes if they aren’t using enough pressure. Me? I could have a jackhammer and still say, “Could you use a harder touch? Thanks”.
And seriously? It is the part that makes every newbie go “ACK” but if they do glut work LET THEM. Your rear is the largest muscle on your bod and it needs it. They are very professional and go to the nth to preserve modesty.
You’ll love it.
Wow. Longest comment. Ever. Who knew it would be about getting your hiney rubbed????
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I must say I’ve never had a massage either. I actually won an hour long free massage at this really beautiful place, but I was too scared to go. I guess I am worried it will hurt or something. I have a really sensitive back, but it also hurts a lot because of an old car crash and a massage might actually help with that.
Manicures are so nice and after your pedicure experience I’m sure you’ll love it. I HATE fake nails too. I last got fake nails for prom and I so regretted it. Just like you it too my nails so long to look nice again. However getting them trimmed, buffed and painted professionally? Fantastic.
Oh! The funky hair sounds fun. My hair used to be pink (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinebright/231004616/) in high school and I love it. People will say things to you and look at you funny so be ready for that. It might be fun though to do your hair purple for like a week and then go to a salon to get the dramatic change to a different color like brown or red. Then you’ll have done both!!
A day of sloth sounds perfect for someone as hardworking as yourself. My tip: Plan slothful things for yourself to do. Such as, sleep till 11 (or whenever), Watch a movie, read, etc…Otherwise I think you’ll be thinking too much about what you should be doing to enjoy it. This way you are still relaxing and enjoying yourself and yet still being productive by accomplishing things on your list.
Sorry I couldn’t help think of things for you to do! Everyone else’s suggestions were so great.
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1. I highly recommend hot stone massages! I prefer them over the standard Swedish massage.
2. I LOVE pedicures, I get them all the time (the desert has ravaged my poor feet). I can’t maintain a manicure because of the chicks. I’m always hand washing things.
3. If you decide to color your hair, I love my hairdresser. She is a genius with color. Happy to recommend, if you are so inclined.
4. I want to sloth!
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Good list!
My favorite indulgence is sleeping until I wake up… no alarm clock… just “Ok, done sleeping.” Typically that means going to bed at 1:00am and waking at about 9:45. ahhhh
Do get a massage. Many people underestimate this!
I’ve had knots in my shoulders since (at least ) college and only one guy has been able to get them out.I like a very strong massage therapist. When I interview them, I explain that I don’t want to be pet like a bunny. I want you take me apart and put me back together muscle by muscle. Deep Tissue massage.
There are some very strong women out there… but I prefer a male massage therapist for strength.
THe problem with this is – I am noisy. When they are yanking my muscles apart – I make noise that must sound like sex noises! (I’ve been abstinent for YEARS so the touch factors in to that. )
Unfortunately, the one guy who was able to get rid of those knots in my shoulders (which returned a week later – consistant massage is key) was a little too intrigued by my noise making.
I wish I had told him to ignore the noise… if you are really hurting me… you’ll know it. … and please, no talking – I’m trying to relax.Sorry, this is long….
but outside of what I’ve shared here, the other thing you need to know is DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!. THe day before, day of, and day after your massage…. Drink lots of water. Or you’ll be really sore. -
I got a professional massage one time, and I really liked it, except that I like the massages on my neck and shoulders mostly, but I felt they spent too much time in places where I didn’t think it helped me really.
I have a free manicure I need to use. I’ve never had one done.
I’m trying to wait until I start going gray before I dye my hair. So, I’ll probably start getting it dyed in about a year.
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I too would like to wait until the gray bothers me before I dye my hair. People used to ask me if I dyed it because it was a unique color of auburn/red, and I don’t want to have to tell people yes any time soon. I am getting a few white ones though.
You seem like you’re so A-type personality, I think your number 4 might be harder for you than it sounds.
I’ve had no manicure or massage either, but I knew a lot of people in the NW that considered it a medical treatment for almost any ailment. -
Loralee: Your reaction sounds like so many people I’ve spoken with. Massage is more than just a momentary feel-good, it’s a therapy for the mind, body and soul. I’m hoping to get a good experience out of it. I appreciate the glute-rubbing advice!
SparklieSunShine: I love the pink hair. That’s always sounded fun to me as well, but I have so much pink/redness in my skin I’m afraid that pink hair would really emphasize that.
LVGurl: We may need to discuss this hairstylist and color when we get together for lunch. I need all the recommendations I can get!
TRS: Thank you for the advice on massages. Honestly I’m a little scared at the thought of a deep-tissue massage. I’m kind of bony lately and I’m afraid that it would hurt. I think I’ll try a swedish massage for my first time and go from there. But I’m glad to know about the water issue and I really hope I don’t make sex sounds while getting the massage. I might die of embarrassment!
Cardine: Go get your manicure. Use that certificate. I had a certificate for a massage once that I never used and I’ve been kicking myself ever since. If it’s something that I don’t have to pay for, I may as well treat myself. And I doubt you’ll start dying your hair in a year. Give it two years!
Tearese: You do have such amazing hair, I wouldn’t want to dye it either. My hair has gotten progressively more “blah” as I’ve gotten older, so I guess I don’t care too much about altering it. And you’re right, the day of sloth is going to be the hardest for me to accomplish. It may seem strange to some people, but it will be so hard for me to convince myself that I can do nothing or whatever I want without focusing on household chores. That’s part of the challenge of this whole plan!
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Jill,
I just got a doctor recommended massage yesterday!
Yes I made noise… but I don’t think they sound like sex noises. It’s just that men seem to add the ability to make noises – and where and why you might make noise… together!Anyway, I went to my friend Katy who is 5ft 2 inches of SOLID MUSCLE. Man is she strong. She worked so hard on me because my muscles are so knotted up and tight that she likened them to bone!
She worked really hard on me and I feel great!
But, if your muscles aren’t knotted and tight… I think Swedish Massage is the way to go for you. The fact that you exercise and work out regularly indicates that you don’t need the deep tissue massage.Enjoy, and drink lots of water!
TRS
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Oh, I meant to tell you that Katy says all her clients make noises. Everything from cat and dog sounds to dolphins!
She’s tempted to record them all and see just how many different sounds she can produce!!Just be sure to let the massage therapist know if you can take the pressure or if you need more.
I was squealing like a cat, but Katy knew to ignore it and do whatever had to be done. whatever was best for me.If you pick a professional, they should be able to do the same.
