Baltimore Beauty Examiner

Can't Hardly Wait

Hello, Gorgeous.

Please forgive the lengthy lapse in entries, dear reader. Much to my dismay, your Beauty Examiner had to have emergency back surgery. Hence, I have been unable to answer your e-mails until now, but rest assured I am working on it and will answer every single one of you who were kind enough to write with your questions. Sit tight, ladies, I'm on my way.

The whole surgery experience, and the days leading up to it, were every bit as unpleasant as the previously unbelievable hospital horror stories I had heard . From careless misdiagnoses to dangerously apathetic doctors to wildly unprofessional behavior from staff, all elements came together post-op to ensure that blind rage ( and a steady stream of narcotics) kept my focus off of my excruciating physical pain. 

One thing I learned from this most unseemly episode is just how important it is to appreciate glimpses of beauty in every situation. For instance, there were some people who were exceedingly caring and kind, like one particular E.R. nurse (what up, Jennifer?!) and the M.R.I technician. These women were obviously really bright and acutely skilled, adept at balancing kindness with professionalism despite carrying what is clearly a huge workload, and they had great eyebrows and shiny blonde locks besides.

I  have been unable to sit up these last few weeks, but now I can, and frankly I have never been so excited to perform such a simple activity. Who knew sitting up could be so thrilling? Since I am not allowed to immerse my surgical incision in water (nor vodka presumably, but I am not entirely sure), naturally I want a hot bath more than I ever have in my life. The thought of a bath is almost too sweet; if sitting up is this good, a steamy soak in the tub with Spa Technologies Anti-Stress Bath Oil with Basil and Melissa would be like the Rapture for me at this point.

A friend from The Medical Spa at NoVA gave me this softly scented, therapeutic potion a couple of months ago and I have been rationing it out ever since, as this lovely oasis is the only place in Northern Virginia to carry the line. The first time I poured it into my bath, I immediately fell in love with its subtle lemon balm (also known as Melissa) fragrance and amazingly non-greasy, skin-softening formula. It is petroleum-free, enriched with oils of avocado and grapeseed, and contains Laminaria Algae, which calms inflammation and promotes lymphatic drainage. I swear it has calmed my inflamed spirit of late, too.

 A hot bath with this luscious soul-soother is first on my list of simple pleasures to rediscover as soon as I am able. But you, dear reader, do not have to wait. Get some of your own or schedule a luxurious Marine Algae Wrap at www.novamedspa.com and let me live vicariously through you until I can go myself.  

Topics: bath oil , algae