A Hippie's journey through health, beauty and spirituality
Month: September 2021
Gone are the compression stockings, and loo seat raiser!! It’s a start to feeling more normal and ordinary. Makes the glutes and quads really work, just going to the loo.
Starting to do more housework wise though with my hands it’s not easy at all, roll on 20th October when I get steroid injections again. I like to stick to above waist height in the things I do, so doing things like light cooking, prepping food, washing up etc. But as I said hands are bad too.
Rainy days brings more achy joints, but I’m keeping on top of pain relief, not ready to drop tramadol and paracetamol. I was going to drop the crutches around the house, but with recent pain flares I’m back to at least using 1 around the house. And it has admittedly helped using it again. Clearly not ready at all.
Night time brings its own hell. I’m struggling to sleep due to deep aching pains in the thigh, my back is horrendous, and my ankle/foot feels crushed. So at night I feel like a whole different person, angry, exhausted and so so painful. Two hot water bottles are needed, one on the ankle which is also elevated with pillows, and a long hot water bottle on the lower back, as that’s pure hell.
Still got weeks before I see the surgeon for my post op review, so taking things easy, resting and realising I can’t rush the process (though my mind really wants too)
My subscription has been stopped and started so many times. I like to stock up and then stop to fully use the items I’ve gained over the months. Some I save for particular events like camping, or getaways.
I spotted an #Ameliorate exfoliation in the box and I knew I had to have it, it’s a saving grace for my reptile legs after wearing compression stockings for 6 weeks!!
Not the biggest fan of eyeliner as I’m rubbish at wings!! But this had a chocolate brown felt tip pen one by #3ina and I used it for a rare cinema date (saw Shang-Chi HIGHLY RECOMMEND) and the make up god’s were shining down on me for once.
A sheet mask by #BeautyPro is always a lovely addition, especially once the heating goes back on indoors, and walks outside are chilly winds. It’s a Brightening mask, just perfect for me.
After bleaching my hair and making the pink brighter and bolder, I knew I needed some tlc to stop the wiry straw hair feeling, and #ChristopheRobin is a brand I love love love, and it’s a hair mask, talk about perfect timing.
I have cried so so much for obvious reasons all month, and my eyes are tired, sore and tender to touch, and this product was one I’ve never had before, but I dived in to use immediately #SVR it’s an eyelid cream and it’s been lovely.
#ByTerry Rose Lip Balm is just an item I can’t fault, I enjoy using it, and it will always be in my handbag. It feels light and nourishing.
#ADGIFTED All opinions and thoughts are my own x I always choose murder mystery as that is where my interest lies.
THE SUPPER CLUB (Smart Woman’s Mystery Series #3)
The phones are out. The roads have flooded. There’s no way in or out. And the murders have begun.
Ursula Smart and her mother, Pandora, are invited to a supper safari at Greystone Castle, with their ever-adventurous book club.
Their hosts are Lord and Lady Black, who bought their titles and have taken up residence in the castle at the edge of a picturesque Dartmoor village.
But the quaint, idyllic façade soon fades as festering resentments begin to surface. Ursula and Pandora sense all is not well at Greystone. And when the Midnight Gun fires, their suspicions are proved right.
Death is all around them in this ancient castle — in the priest hole, the murder hole, on the ducking stool.
The Smart women race to solve a seemingly impossible murder, even as the body count rises.
Who will be next?
A DARK, COMEDY WITH AN IMPOSSIBLE LOCKED-ROOM MURDER MYSTERY AT THE CENTRE.
Victoria Dowd’s brilliant whodunnit is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood, Agatha Christie, Anthony Horowitz, Faith Martin and Sophie Hannah.
ABOUT VICTORIA DOWD Victoria Dowd is a criminal barrister-turned-crime writer. She lives with her husband and two children, splitting her time between London and Devon, where she indulges her passion for all things Agatha Christie. Her first book won the People’s Book Prize 2021.
PRAISE FOR VICTORIA DOWD:
“Ursula Smart is on waspish good form in this sequel to The Smart Woman’s Guide To Murder. Victoria Dowd juxtaposes compelling insights into psychological trauma with hilarious reflections on toxic relationships — all nicely wrapped in a satisfying mystery. Highly entertaining!” Margaret Murphy, bestselling author of Before He Kills Again
“I love Victoria Dowd’s style of writing, she is descriptive, funny and shows some acerbic wit. It makes the book enjoyable and a joy to read and the chapters flow by.” Zoe H.
“What a cozy murder mystery this book is. I didn’t realise that this is the second book in the series but it does read well as a standalone.” Louise W.
“What is better than a traditional whodunnit? This takes the classic premise of a group of people forced together only to find murder and mystery abounding and adds a strong character base. The relationships and interactions are fascinating and could probably stand alone without the mystery element, which is also a great read. Agatha Christie would be proud to see her legacy here!” Louise G.
“If you like chilling and eerie descriptions with loads of goosebumps, do pick up this book.” Brenda C.
“A witty, clever and darkly delicious take on the country house murder genre. I relished the twists and turns that came at me faster than an Alpine switchback and the characters who are at times all too horribly familiar. Hugely enjoyable.” Amanda Lees, author of Selling Out
“This book was exactly what I needed! A breath of fresh air. A modern day cozy mystery where a group of despicable characters with deadly humor and sarcasm!” Helga H.
“A fun and quirky take on the classic whodunit mystery!” Lyndie D.
“I didn’t know what to expect from this novel but I adored it, and devoured it in a few hours . . . It bounces along and is thoroughly enjoyable, lots of wickedly astute moments from the most unsuspecting of characters. Please can I have more?” Aine T.
“What a fabulous whodunnit, that kept me gripped from the start . . . Spooky setting, creepy cast and twisty turny storylines make this book the perfect read.” Emma M.
“I was worried at first that it might be a bit too slow but after the first chapter, you are instantly thrown into the drama and this book is definitely full of it. I have different thoughts of who the killer was the whole way through, but I did not come close to working it out. I love the way the story was written.” Rebecca H.
ALSO BY VICTORIA DOWD SMART WOMAN’S MYSTERY SERIES Book 1: THE SMART WOMAN’S GUIDE TO MURDER Book 2: BODY ON THE ISLAND Book 3: THE SUPPER CLUB MURDERS
My Review
I’m sure I’ve read Book 1, and enjoyed it, but I think I may have missed book 2. No matter though as these easily stand alone in their own right, great reads, and totally addictive!!
It’s light hearted and a fabulous way to pass the dark cold nights that are coming thick and fast. The characters have me eye rolling and chortling so many times.
The dynamic relationship between the mother and daughter is once we all recognise somewhere in our lives, 8 like that you can relate to them and grow to love them, in their own ways.
These books are perfect murder mysteries, I think BBC should adapt that for that afternoon slot, when they usually have #FatherBrown #ShakespearAndHathaway my favourite guilty pleasure is to settle down and watch these.
Wow the pain increase lately has been awful, my knee and ankle, even tender to touch if you put hands on hips (though I noticed right hip is tender to touch too). Hands and shoulders are joining the pain gang, so it’s either EDS not playing nicely, or weather is starting to affect me too.
While I’ve been ok doing the Clam, Squat to Sit and Step ups exercises, I’ve added some to mix it up on alternate days, so I don’t get bored, or muscle fatigue.
Heel to Buttocks, Slow and controlled, using a side or chair for support. 10reps X 1 or 2 if possible
These are fairly easy to do, and I started added them in, between the step ups and squat to sit exercises.
Hip Flexion standing, slow and controlled and using a chair to stabilise. 10 reps X 1 or 2 if possible.
I find standing on the newly replaced leg easier than the opposite leg for some reason, it’s more stable. Less of an ache too.
Small Squats 10 reps X 1, 2 if possible
Squat to sitting is deeper and more intense, but these can be done while boiling the kettle. Small squats are all about the control movement rather than how far down you can squat, And holding your core in.
Stamina is my biggest issue, and obviously the leg length, though I must be getting used to it as it’s not annoying me as much. Just need to build up the stamina as best as I can.
Scar is looking worse than last week??
Parts of the scar are looking redder, more bruised and wider like its opening. So going to have to keep an eye on this, as that’s a bit scary!
I’ve noticed I’m getting knee pain on this operated side, I do remember this from last hip replacement surgery, so I’m not too concerned, but another thing I will be noting over the weeks to see what is flaring it up.
Wednesday 22nd September 2021 Sun enters Libra 20:21 BST
Time to honour the Dark Goddess
As we think about those heady lazy summer days of passed, we now stretch our thoughts of Autumn. Here its making itself known with little touches here and there. With a last burst of energies the sun colours the leaves for a fiery and dramatic display of life before its final decline.Now is the time to get ourselves busy – from bringing in the last of the harvest (though Samhain is the true last harvest, this is really the second harvest) and preserving it for the lean times to come, which actually is never lean in this day and age, but with Brexit it maybe lean this year. We know this time is one of reckoning – for we shall reap as we sowed, all those plans, ideas and projects should be falling into place. But plans can still be prepared for over the winter months if necessary. Today is a day of equilibrium – night and day are if equal lengths – but tomorrow the dark forces are beginning to win the upper hand.
Autumn Equinox is a time to celebrate the harvest, a perfect time to make bread, make a roast and enjoy the gifts of the earth. It is a time to reflect and be grateful for that which nourishes and sustains us.
Usually we manage to get outside and enjoy nature and I hope we can this time too. Though made harder with recovering from a hip replacement, as I can’t walk far.
Stop the press….. I got in the bath!! I had been longing for it, but I knew I didn’t have the strength or flexibility for it, until today. The day started well, with a small bout of cooking a veggie chilli with tomatoes we grew and Quorn mince.
Added Cous Cous (even though it’s not my favourite, ended up a lovely meal) prepared enough for another 4 teas.
From this spurt of energy, and yet recovering from yesterday’s heavy physio session, we did some house maintenance, some tidying up and feeling generally a little bit better than we have for a month.
Candle lit, Hair Mask, CBD Oil based Shampoo and Conditioner from newly received beauty boxes (yep started them again) and a Body Shop Face Mask. Time for a bit of self care as I’ve let things slide in grief and I know she would be calling me an idiot.
From 4 weeks to 5 weeks I’ve been more consistent with physio and walking. But I’m still taking rest days as they are important. If the hip aches too much from the day before, I take a day off exercise.
I’ve started really focusing on the isolation of the muscles, in the step ups on the Areobic Step. Going slowly up and slowly down, controlled. My goodness my hip feels it. Really targets those glutes and quadriceps, and hamstrings (I confess I don’t have much feeling at the moment in the hamstrings) I think it’s where the muscles are held and have lost some sensation.
Grateful I bought an aerobic step, it’s so handy to have your own equipment at home.
I always get Piriformis and Sciatica Pain and Lower Back Pain, so to tackle this I’m doing my most hated exercise which is the clamshell ones. But this will tone, tighten and lift the leg, all while helping to relieve back and sciatic pains. Small lifts and very controlled holds for a few seconds.
Clam raise I will add is barely raising, it’s not about how high, more can 6ou raise it and hold, in a controlled manner. So if only a few centimetres that’s perfectly fine, form over height every time.
Focus on your form to get the most out of these exercises. I hate them, but I see merit in doing them. For now I use a pillow between knees to stop hip dropping.
Once more an excellent exercise for Glutes, and Quadriceps, and your core stability are the Sit to Squats, small controlled movements, (don’t actually sit, to work legs harder) but this will also help balance, and improve back strength too, which I definitely need.
Make sure you start at a height that doesn’t affect the 90degree rule
Scar update, looking neat and healed well. It’s itchy at times and can sting too sometimes, but overall really pleased.
Pains are becoming more apparent now, like deep groin pain when inflammation flares up. And deep thigh (end of stem pain) thankfully all can be eased with rest, tramadol and hot water bottles.
#ADGIFTED Back again trying to distract and occupy myself with decent reads, and new authors found. All opinions are my own.
THE ABBERLEY BEACH MURDERS by D. E. White
THE ELECTRIFYING NEWEST NOVEL STARRING DETECTIVE DOVE MILSON.
Four dead. One clinging to life. Are they tragic accidents or is someone out to kill?
Detective Dove Milson is called out to a gruesome scene under the pier: four bodies floating in a flooded escape room. What really happened after midnight in room 6?
Then Dove discovers one of the dead was a person of interest in a cold case involving Olympian in-the-making Mickey Delaney. She was left for dead in an abandoned quarry and has been in a coma for five years.
What’s the connection between these cases and do they have anything to do with the attacks on the beach?
One thing is clear.
Dove’s in a dangerous game of cat and mouse and only one of them will escape with their life.
Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, K.L. Slater, Robert Bryndza, Helen Fields and Angela Marsons.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT D.E. WHITE:
“This mystery thriller novel is wrapped in loads of sinister suspense and will have you clambering to the edge of your seat . . . full of twists and turns you would never expect!” The Daily Mirror, on Glass Dolls
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “What a rollercoaster of a book!” Jacqueline
“I couldn’t stop reading, I had to know what happened next!” Amy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A very strong plot with twists and turns to keep you guessing along the way.” Michelle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Incredibly well-written with so many twists I finished it in less than a day.” Alyce
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Without doubt this is the best thriller I have read this year so far.” Barbara
“A perfect read for a cold winter night. Just don’t expect to be able to put it down!” Victoria Dowd, award-winning author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Murder
“Another cracker of a book.” Aileen G.
“I was kept guessing all the way through. Gripping so gripping you won’t put it down.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Booklover BEV
“Thoroughly enjoyed this!” Nerys R.
DETECTIVE DOVE MILSON SERIES Book 1: GLASS DOLLS Book 2: THE ICE DAUGHTERS Book 3: THE ABBERLEY BEACH MURDERS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D. E. WHITE Daisy White started writing fifteen years ago, scribbling ideas on napkins at work on the night shift. After various jobs, including working as cabin crew, in a hospital, a supermarket, and as a 999 call handler for the ambulance service, she began writing full time in 2018. She writes cosy crime as Daisy White, including the Amazon bestselling RUBY BAKER MYSTERIES (Joffe Books), and psychological thrillers as D.E. White; REMEMBER ME and THE FORGOTTEN CHILD (HarperCollins). Her latest book, THE FORGOTTEN CHILD, was released on kindle, audiobook and paperback in October 2019, and charted at number 15 in the US Amazon Kindle Top 100. It has been described as ‘…an explosive gangland thriller.’ Daisy’s new police procedural, GLASS DOLLS, featuring DC Dove Wilson, was published by Joffe Books in 2020. She is also working on a new cosy crime series and another standalone psychological thriller. Rep’d by Lina Langlee at the Kate Nash Literary Agency. BOOKS BY D. E. WHITE DETECTIVE RUBY BAKER SERIES: • BEFORE I LEFT • BEFORE I FOUND YOU • BEFORE I TRUST YOU DOVE MILSON SERIES: • GLASS DOLLS • THE ICE DAUGHTERS • THE ABBERLEY BEACH MURDERS FOLLOW D. E. WHITE ON AUTHOR WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM GOODREADS
MY REVIEW I hate escape rooms they give me high anxiety, and reading this reinforced that feeling. Feeling trapped along with the victims, the adrenaline pumping, and fear rising!! but oh my god it’s tense, exciting, nerve wrecking and what a ride!! Holy moly of a page turner, and I just wanted to discuss it with everyone who would listen. I wish these were TV films or series at times as I can visualize this on TV. Real game of cat and mouse, will keep you guessing and turning those pages. Fast paced and made my heart race reading it.
There is something so lovely about just getting outside to clear the mind. Never before has it been so apparent that I’m happier outside in the countryside.
I swear there is a deer there! Just hiding a bit.
First little decline and incline walking with 1 crutch. I can certainly feel it on the outer hip. So just a small walk, sit down and contemplate life, listening to the subdued birdsong, feeling soft gentle raindrops and feeling lucky to feel them, while acknowledging those that no longer can.
Can’t say I’m not sad or have finished crying, as that would be a lie. But I like to come here to honour and think about her, in a more peaceful way. I do feel soothed with nature, enjoying the simplest of sights, the insects, the birds, and squirrels are all a new delight I truly appreciate, and I make sure I enjoy them all the more, being thankful I can.
Deer off in the distance.
When stuck indoors I am grateful for the routine of Physiotherapy, as that too focuses the mind as best as it can, while also wearing me out, so when I’m at rest I’m exhausted and more likely to sleep. It’s in our downtime our greatest sorrow comes out, so I will be using everything to distract myself for now.
Physio time, and hopefully see my favourite one too. As I’ve been to this physio department for many many years.
Usually your first session is more of a chat, to explain what you’ve had done, how long and what your expectations are.
Then they work out a plan for Land physio and if you are lucky Hydrotherapy is offered too.
First off I have a new therapist, so we work through what surgeries I’ve had, listing the 2 X Triple Pelvic Osteotomies, and 2 X Femoral Osteotomies, 1 X Arthroscopy Labrum removal and Femoral Head Debridement, and now 2 X Custom Made Symbios Hip Replacements.
The leg length was measured and it’s coming up as 1.5inches difference, so I may have to have some ortho shoe raiser. But advised to ask the surgeon his advice in Oct at my 6 week post appointment (which really is near my 9 week mark)
My new exercises have been given as they feel I’m quite strong in muscles to move on, but with sticking to the 90 degree restrictions.
Clam exercises, always hated but always needed. 10reps X 2 if possible. Start with just 10reps per day at first.
Step up with operated leg, and go slowly down. 10reps X 2 if possible. Start with 10reps per day at first.
Following from small squats, now a little deeper into sitting squats, again 10reps X 2 a day if possible. Start with 10reps per day at first.
No appointments now for 5 weeks, so I will just focus on getting as strong as possible. Let’s hope I don’t have to have orthotics.
debbiehipster 