Monday Musings: Lasers, Yarn, and a Little Gua Sha For Jaw Tension
Happy Monday, ladies! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are easing into the week with a hot cup of something that makes you smile. I have many things rattling around in my head this morning…lasers, yarn, Gua Sha for jaw tension, dumbbells, and earrings. A strange combination, but here we are.
Shopping
SILK SCARF – tell her I sent you if you order one
I won’t admit to outright stalking the store that carries this throw pillow, but it may appear that way to some. I’ve wanted to own it since I spotted it last year, but I refuse to pay the insane asking price. Every time my daughter and I cruise through the shop, I keep checking. The chair is on sale now, but not the pillow 😒.
**A note about my crossbody above. Mine is deep navy, and it’s also available in other shades. It’s a buttery soft lambskin, and light as a feather. It has additional straps that allow me to convert it into a shoulder bag, a shorter shoulder bag, a crossbody, and a handheld. I could not love it more! It’s made by a small woman-owned company in NY that makes my other travel bags. There’s a side zipper to easily stow my phone, and it has an inner leash to clip my keys on so I never have to dig for them.
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?
Hi Jennifer! Good for you in challenging your mind with knitting, and addressing some body issues with weights, Gua Sha, and laser treatments. I find that 3-pound weights work better when I’m starting out – I have shoulder and neck issues from years hunched over a computer and carrying too-heavy totes. I seem to start over a lot; it’s hard for me to be consistent with a weight routine!
I have lots of jewelry, but my go-to are a pair of small diamond studs, and a series of bracelet watch bands I have made. Beading is one of my relaxing hobbies, although I also knit. I just purchased yarn for a sleeveless shell/vest pattern that I saw in our local yarn shop. It’s been years since I knit anything for me to wear, so this will be a challenge, even though it is basically stockinette stitch. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for all the work you put into the blog. Love reading it.
I knit this cable sweater (Aimee is a great designer, and her patterns are so clearly written with great explanations – beautiful end product; you can see so many versions on Ravelry) https://aimeeshermakes.com/products/friendship-pullover
That’s gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it. I will check it out.
Hello!
I’m just starting to use a Gua Sha and am finding it to be very relaxing. I hope it’s ok to share this video that was shared with me
Susie
https://youtu.be/6aw-fJF59Q4
That’s a fabulous video, thanks for sharing Susie
I’ve been doing gua sha since 2017, and I LOOOOOVE it.
I use the smaller kind of tools (like you posted) on my face, but have bigger ones for pain points on my body. My original Bian Stone ones are probably my favorite, but are discontinued (boo!). Stainless steel ones can be great for hardcore work or travel. I also have large wood and plastic ones for working on my plantar fasciitis–a nice activity to do while watching TV!
Best of luck to everyone who is new to the gua sha!
My go-to jewelry is a gold filigree cross – so old I’m not even sure I remember where I got it! I like wearing a symbol of my faith.
Bags? Crossbody are my favorite now – love the hands free and most of them are small enough to force me to minimize what I carry. I think that’s a good thing!
I’ve been enjoying your blog for a few months now. Keeps me thinking and looking for ways to incorporate style in my wardrobe. Thanks so much for your musings and for your inspiration!
Your blog is so fun to read and I’ve learned so much from you and your readers. You share such a wide range of interests, hobbies, and knowledge on many topics we care about. My question is: how do you find time to do it all? (Knitting, reading, boating, travel, grandkids, incredible up to the minute style and clothing knowledge, health topics!) Any time left for sleep? You do so much good stuff!
lol, I wonder myself…but I don’t do boating and read much less than I wish I could.
Your daughter resembles you and is beautiful. Thank you for your wonderful blog.
Thank you so much
A big YES to strength training. Today it’s 10 years since I began barre classes. I’ve stuck with it and do 3 classes/week, weigh 10 pounds less than when I started. I’m convinced it’s slowing my aging and highly recommend it. I now have my own barre in a spare bedroom along with the same equipment they use in class. I subscribe online and get to choose the time, never have to sign up for class. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made to try it 10 yrs ago!
Yay!
8 recently had a Tixel treatment from my OBGYN (weird, right)? It’s like tiny little branding irons all over my face, after a slathering of numbing gel. It’s a total of 3 treatments a few weeks apart. I could see some improvement after the first one and I’ll have the next one soon. It’s about $2100 for the 3 treatments and I think that was a sale price.
Wow, checking into this, thanks
So glad Deanna asked this question about the Pearl comparison as I own 2 Pearls based on your recommendation. I love the Pearl but am also intrigued with the new style. Thanks for the comparison!!
I bought a pair of gold huggies in 1999 that I wear almost all the time. They are 3/8 wide and slightly smaller in circumference than a U.S. dime. The small size works with my body type, and they are really comfortable. They are the only earrings I can sleep in! I changed to red chandelier-style earrings yesterday because the outfit I was wearing needed an extra punch of color, but when I got home, the huggies went back on!
Jennifer, you had me going from a smile to laughing out loud today on your blog. I can relate to your chaos. I’m 80 and of Finnish ancestry. It is a blessing of beautiful skin that seems to age well as long as I use my moisturizer everyday. Oh and I wear my hat on our mile morning dog walks. I have never heard of the treatments you are talking about. I worried about skin cancer because my mother had many removed from her face, chest and arms. She lived in Florida and gardened and golfed everyday. I never was any found at golf and am a serial plant killer in gardens. I loved knitting things for my grandchildren when they were little and then my great grands until my arthritis became too severe to do it anymore. I miss it a lot. I can’t wear my wedding set anymore and never liked bracelets. I do love light weight earring and studs. Necklaces are for dress up and I rarely wear them. Enjoy you on my morning tea breaks Jennifer. You and your daughter are lovely. Why are our offspring so much taller than we are? I’m 61” tall and very feisty.
I’m now the shortest member of our family, except for the littlest one but he’s only 21 months. I’m sure he will be taller than me in the blink of any eye 🙂
The chair (and the cushion!) look beautiful. Is this an independent store?
Yes, it’s a small shop in Vancouver
Gosh! Where to start? You touched on so many wonderful topics. If you love that pillow, buy it! I feel that if I can’t stop thinking about something, it means that I really want it and should get it!
Sorry your precancerous spots are not responding to treatment. Good luck with the next one you try .
Love the navy bag. It’s so versatile.
The earrings, oh, so nice. I’ll be checking out the hoops you have. .
I don’t always comment but I read your blog daily and like it so much!
Take care and……….get that pillow!
Thanks for being here Nancy
I am not familiar with the term physiotherapist ? Is this a physical therapist or more like an esthetician ? …. and is it a doctor referral thing or no ?
Just wondering ?
He’s a physical therapist/accunpunture/pressure points, specialist. They’re trained differently here than in the US and do more hands on manipulation.
I’ve done Fraxel. I had a series of 3 and my doc did use more than one type of laser. Yes is does make you pretty red and then you peal but it really helps with skin tone etc.. It helped minimize a scar from cancer removal on my husband’s nose. I would do it again. Right now I am doing a series of 3 Potenza treatments jury is still out… I have one more. I’ll let you know. The purse is lovely.
Do keep us posted Cristi
I had the fraxel several years ago. I had a lot of pain and swelling that lasted for days. Didn’t expect that. Was left with smooth skin but not worth the suffering. I hope yours is much better than mine. I will be waiting to hear how yours turns out.
Good luck!
Hooray for you, Jennifer, for finally going for the Fraxel!! When all is said and done and you are healed, the only thing you will say is, “Why did I wait so long!” Don’t be anxious because they do a numbing cream before the actual treatment, so all you actually feel is like a rubber band snapping against your skin. Kudos for being brave and moving forward with this!! Hugs, girlfriend!
Thanks!
OK, that pic of you looking at the price tag was just priceless (pun intended)… cracked me up. The scarves on the alartsilk website are soooo beautiful. I hardly require another scarf, but one of those may have to find a home here! Love the huggie earrings….they are really versatile and beautiful….just a little sparkle for the day. Guasha for the win….i used mine to get rid of the Frankenstein sized scar on my forehead from mohs surgery…..never thought of it for jaw clench but thanks for the tip!
lol, I didn’t know she was snapping that picture 🙂
I love your wit, your fabulous sense of humor. What a delight to start the day with a smile and a laugh!
I love your posts!
Happy Monday Linda!
Good Morning 🙂
You mentioned your shoulder was making new sounds… my new shoulder sounds developed into pain and I was advised to eliminate any over the head exercises which aggravated my shoulder, which worked, and the pain subsided. I just found other exercises instead, with similar benefits on the ol’ arms!
Knitting… I took an immersive class several years ago (several lessons on the basics) and I surprisingly loved the cable knit process. I think I was amazed by what one does to get the cable pattern. You are a far more advanced knitter than I ever became so perhaps I missed out on the challenge by limiting it to my scarf. I needlepoint so I understand how a seemingly simple craft can be stressful! Good luck and show us pics!
I love doing needlepoint too!
I had BBL 2 years ago and somehow it caused vertigo in me for about 8 months afterward. It was bad!
Oh wow, that’s disturbing! I’m so sorry you had that. Did they cover your eyes when you had the procedure?
I learn so much from your blog! I had never heard of a Gua Sha, but I am now enlightened. I have never had any of the facial treatments that you’re speaking of, but I’m not against the idea, and I applaud women who do them. Regarding jewelry, please everyone, don’t sleep in your earrings! I slept for years in diamond studs and now the hole in my left year is ginormous! I have to use very large backs to keep them in place on my ear, and I can’t wear dangling earrings at all. I think the procedure to repair the hole is long and tedious, so I haven’t done it. My one piece of jewelry that I tend to wear most days in a necklace with interlocking circles, each with a name of one of my grandsons. My favorite piece!
I have a pair of Brighton earring that my husband bought me a couple of years ago and I wear them everyday. They are small gold hoops with tiny cubic zirconia stones in them. They add a lot of polish without looking too overdone.
There are so many things in this post that I have never heard of but it’s super interesting. I don’t know about Gua sha but I do know about jaw clenching. I have to wear a mouth guard that was made for me and believe me when I don’t wear it I can sure tell. I think all these skin treatments are fascinating and I’m going to talk to my dermatologist on my next visit. My everyday earrings are a pair of pearl studs that my mom gave me for 8th grade graduation. Also a pair of diamond studs my deceased husband gave me for Christmas. I cherish these earrings. Keep us posted on your knitting project 😊
I wear a nightguard too but I just clench down on it which is the problem apparently.
Hi Jennifer,
I am scheduled for a halo treatment which is very similar to fraxel. I’ve never had anything like this before, so I am nervous about the treatment and downtime. I’ve had four skin cancers on my face – three basal and one squamous. I’ve been fortunate that the doctors who performed the closures did a very good job. Three of the cancers were on my nose! I had some real downtime after those procedures.
Good luck with your fraxel treatment. I’ll be interested to hear what you think about it.
Good luck with your Halo…I will be Googling it to find out more
In June, I had a FX laser treatment. I’ve reacted badly. It took me about ten days to recover I had to go back to the doctor for some creams to help me heal. After all that suffering, I can’t say I noticed much difference.
I hope you have a better outcome. I’m anxious to hear about your experience.
Oh no! I’m sorry
Stay with the weight training, you will love how you feel, after a while. I returned to the gyn 2 years ago, found the treadmill and standard machines boring. I started lifting free weights about 18 months ago and love it, it’s a sense of accomplishment when you are done, and when you get to increase the weight lifted. Have a blessed week!
My “always on” are a gold and silver ring with pave diamonds (2 interlocking palm leaves: one plain gold, the other the diamonds), and a plain gold chain link bracelet with one link pave diamonds. Both from the EFFY shop on a Holland America ship. The ring may sound gaudy from the description, but it’s really quite subtle. The earrings are usually a pair of pearl studs from my great-aunt
I love family jewelry…it’s so special
Love the earrings today, and I may have to have those emerald cut cz’s. My finishing touch to most outfits is a pair of Tiffany gold hoops. Medium size, they go with all. The other most used option would be diamond studs. And I have some dichroic glass earrings that I love too for their pretty unusual colors. Earring girl here!
Just had to comment today. I have several pieces that are always on. Toe rings-must be full circle then you don’t feel them, pinky rings and wedding set, small diamond pendant and 3 freshwater pearl bracelets. These pieces are part of me and are just always on. At yoga one day, the gal beside me said “pretty fancy for yoga”. I waved at what I was wearing and said “just my old clothes”. She smiled and said “no the pearls!” I laughed as it was like commenting on a freckle!
lol! Pearls are forever
I had CO2 Fraxel a couple of years ago. The immediate results were amazing but I do not feel that lasted more than 6 months.
Thanks Val
I bought a Gua Sha and tried it for a couple of weeks but I was worried instead of tightening it was stretching my skin so I stopped. I do not want to create more wrinkles.
Love your bag but unfortunately they are sold out of the black which is what I’m in the market for. My old one is set to retire this fall.
I’ll be interested in your Fraxel laser results. I’ve been tempted but hear it’s painful. I’m a bit hesitant.
Our weather has certainly changed over the last week. It has me thinking all things fall.
Quite a range of topics! I too have 3 precancerous spots on my face that the dermatologist has frozen for the third time. Not sure if photodynamic or Fraxel are in my budget but I’m definitely going to ask about them on my next visit in 6 months. As for knitting – I also love the process and buying yarn, even though in SC we don’t need a lot of items for cold weather. I found a site that lists charities you can knit for, blankets for babies and shawls for dementia patients, are the 2 that got my attention and those are projects within my abilities. Not bothered by jaw problems, hope the Gua Sha helps with yours.
How does your new purse compare with the Lo & Sons Pearl, which I currently own? I like the look of it, and the strap looks great. When full, is it heavy?
It’s softer and more slouchy than the Pearl, which I also LOVE. (I have 2). It will hold more than the Pearl and is more organized but the biggest difference is the look and vibe, slouchy vs structured. I never thought I would be a fan of slouchy, but this one is so convertible it’s one me over.
I also have a tight jaw, and I grind and clench my teeth at night. After braces and dental work, my teeth aren’t properly aligned anymore. I found that acupuncture helps a lot! I was skeptical at first, but went to a Chinese medicine doctor recommended by a friend.
The first appointment was 90 minutes, and follow ups are one hour. The needles are very fine, and at worst you might feel a few just when they are placed. I saw the doctor once a week or so at the start, and now I go every 4 – 6 weeks. The experience actually very relaxing. My jaw is more relaxed, I sleep better, and although I still sometimes clench my jaw, I don’t grind my teeth at night! What really sold me was the first time I had treatment, I had a bruised rib that was painful but I didn’t mention it to the doctor. Getting into my car, I realized it my rib didn’t hurt as much any more. I was surprised, and now I highly recommend.
I agree that strength training is so important as we age. I used to do it in my 20s 30s and 40s but stopped after that due to busyness with life at that time. I started up again a couple years ago (I’m now 71) and it’s given me so much energy and painless movement. I’ve also lost four inches around my waistline. When I started back up a few years ago I was shocked at how difficult some moves were even without weights! I started with one pound weights and quickly moved up to five. I now use a combination of five eight ten and fifteen pound dumbbells depending on the move and how I feel that day. Listen to your body and don’t progress too quickly.
Another thing I began focusing on was mobility work for my body. We spend so much time not moving or not using certain joints in our modern life that I have found this to be just as important as strength training. I do some of this every day while I do the strength training a few times each week.
I also do gua sha on my face and neck. I find when I don’t I have a lot more tension there. I love doing it gently on the back of my neck at the hairline and on my jaw near my ears. I find that releases a lot of tension.
Btw I love your posts and take on personal style. Your honesty is refreshing. And I’ve learned so much about other things in life through your posts and the comments by others. Thank you for all you do for this community.
Thanks for being part of this community. You are one of the reasons it’s so fabulous! xo
Good morning Jennifer! It’s so nice to wake up to your blog. My favorite piece of jewelry that I wear almost daily is a simple white beaded bracelet with one rainbow bead. As an LGBTQ ally, it’s my way of quietly supporting those who often don’t feel it.
I like that, Jenny!
Team diamond studs all the time over here! I rarely switch out earrings. Also team lifting heavy – it makes such a difference. Start slow, build up slowly, give your body time to rest in between. Get a trainer or watch You.Tube videos to be sure you are using proper form. Nothing should hurt (be careful with that shoulder). You can start with body weight. Do squats. One day you’ll grab a grocery bag with ease and notice the difference. Finally, I did two treatments of the laser on my jaw line melasma. It hurt too much to do more but it worked.
I am new to your blog. I love everything from your styles, anything about being healthy, etc. Have a good day.
Welcome, Vicki!
My everyday earrings are tiny 14k pink/mauve pearls. The strength training is a must for senior ladies. Put some music on and have fun with it.
I had Fraxel treatments on my neck to remove sun damage. I have in because I was tired of my ever present red neck and creepy lines.
The headline? It worked! My normal color returned to my neck and the skin tightened slightly. Things I wish I knew ahead of time:
1. It hurts! It may have been because our neck areas have little fat and lots of nerves, so the face could be different. But ouch!
The technician advised me to take over the counter pain relievers an hour before the treatments. They helped, but it still hurt.
2. The redness and soreness is no joke. The good news is that the worst of it lasted only a few days. Plan for some indoor time, because it’s advised to avoid too much sun.
Good luck!
Oh wow, I should ask about my neck too! Let’s see how the face goes and for the second (she recommends) maybe I’ll add that.
I had 2 Fraxel treatments a couple of years ago. They applied a numbing gel an hour before the procedure. And the procedure, imagine someone snapping rubber bands all over your face. Immediate swelling. I wore a face mask when venturing out. Very expensive. I did see minor results but couldn’t justify going back every few months. So instead I invested in the Artemis light therapy system with an added decolletage device. I use it every few days. It takes 10 minutes and I feel like it’s a mini spa treatment.
I’ve had several fraxel treatments. My Derm recommended a series of 4, I’ve done it twice. The results…post puffy and peeling.. are immediate. I’m doing it again in the Fall…also recommended NOT to do it in the Summer when the sun is high UV!!!
This morning you are really talking my language! 😂 I’m with my first cup of coffee, looking out over water and reading your blog.
I had IPL on my face 3 years ago, for cosmetic reasons and I had amazing results. I did it in preparation for my daughter’s wedding, 3 treatments over 5 months, and I think it took 10 years off me.
Weight training—yup. I have a personal trainer because I don’t have the discipline without an appointment. It does everything you mentioned: weight control, posture, bone density, balance, and just plain makes me feel good.
Knitting: I always have at least one project going, usually two. I never travel without a small one ( right now I’m knitting a bunch of washcloths for Christmas stocking stuffers), and a large one (sweater for a grand).
I also always travel with a book.
I don’t have a gua sha yet but a friend just told me last week I need to use one on my arthritic hands. As for relaxation, I am a firm believer in meditation. I use the Waking Up app by Sam Harris, 10 minutes a day. It’s truly life changing for reducing anxiety, tension, and keeping perspective.
I’ve had an IPL but need to ask about BBL. I’ve been frustrated not having something to knit for the last few months so I need be sure I always have something on the go. Even a pot holder!
I had 2 Fraxel treatments last year and am scheduled for another one next month. I found that it really did make a big improvement in my skin tone. The down time of 4 to 5 days is inconvenient although it wasn’t as bad the second time. The black spots that appear by the third day are really weird! The procedure is slightly uncomfortable but tolerable and over quickly. I look forward to reading about your experience!
Hi Jennifer. Happy Monday. I had the Tetra CO2 laser about a year ago. The results were amazing. My skin improved by about 50% (pigmentation, fine lines and redness). However I would not do it again. It is very invasive and downtime was about 2 weeks. I looked so bad (swelling, redness and peeling) I could have starred in a horror movie. I understand Fraxel is not as invasive as the CO2 laser treatment. I also had a BBL treatment about 6 months ago and downtime, swelling and redness wasn’t anything compared to the CO2 laser. My medical spa doesn’t offer Fraxel. I do plan on another BBL or other treatment (Motus+AZ or Halo) in a few months. I feel a few days of downtime is worth the results. Good luck and wishes for a speedy recovery. Have a great week!
CO2 has been recommended many times but I’m worrried about depigmenting which my skin likes to do with any trauma.
Looking forward to hearing about your treatment. I’ve noticed that I’m a bit tired and achy, and was just thinking I need to get back to using my 5 lb weights!
Those dainty hoops are lovely. Are you wearing the Jumbo or the petite jumbo?
These are the jumbo which are tiny
I was scheduled for a fractionated carbon dioxide laser of my face, but had to cancel because of a crown abscess, so I have put it off until the end of our summer. Not sure if this is the same as Fraxel, but only local anaesthetic is needed, unlike the type of Fraxel which needs twilight sedation. Will be interested in how it goes for you. As for jewellery, I was given a little pendant with a fish on it as a gift before my first overseas trip in 1978. I consider it my lucky charm and never travel unless I am wearing it.
You, my dear, provide such insight, humor and direction! Thank you.