Le Fil Rouge linen blanket (purchased w/credits at Garmentory) & Dagny
So, I aimed to get my super-comprehensive linen post up today with mini-reviews, thoughts, and links to all my linen items, BUT, I’d really like to wait for my linen Amour Vert tee to arrive so I can compare it to my Zady & Everlane ones before I do the final post. I’ll have it ready by Monday, I promise. In the meantime, please enjoy Dagny snuggling with my linen blanket. Also, you can check Instagram later today for a sneak peek of my favorite linen piece 😉
Just a quick note on the linen blanket though – I ordered it with credits from Garmentory a while ago because I’ve been intrigued by linen blankets/bedding since we had a bit of a discussion here on Rough Linen following my Coyuchi post. I always keep a blanket on the sofa in my office for when I read on the weekends, and of course, for Dagny to snuggle in (she takes over everything), and it was getting too hot for cashmere. The blanket is so nicely made, and heavy, but not hot. It’s thick, and soft (could be softer), and came with instructions to wash it and dry it in the dryer for a few minutes to help soften it up even more. I haven’t done that yet, but I will.
I have come to appreciate how sturdy and truly indestructible linen is, and envision using this for many many years as a blanket on the sofa, on a pool chair, on the grass for a picnic….you name it. Now I’m definitely convinced I’d like to try a linen duvet. How to get my husband on board is a different story altogether!
On to the random-ness:
I’ve never had a facial. Or had anything done to my face at all besides the occasional threading/waxing. And generally, I feel like I have pretty healthy skin, no problems at all, except some minor spots, and increasingly, my sagging neck-skin-area, which is hereditary. But I know it’s time to take even BETTER care of my skin, and have been looking into getting facials, microdermabrasion, and even micro planing. I have NO IDEA WHERE TO START.
I actually found a spa rather close that uses only organic/natural products, so I’ll start there and get a consultation first, but I wonder what you do? Do you get facials? How often? What else do you have done?
Happy Friday 🙂
I had my first facial for my 40th birthday and the esthetician told me I didn’t need one. I tried again 2x since and was told the same thing (I’m 55 now). So I’m not sure who’s “supposed” to have facials these days. However, I’ve found it to be a fun, relaxing experience, kind of like a massage. But if your skin is in good shape, you may find you don’t really need one!
I bought a linen sheet and pillow cases from Parachute this year and I love them. I would love a linen blanket and duvet.
I’ve had facials before but never with any regularity. They’re nice but I’m not sure they make a huge long-term difference in my skin. Right now I’m trying to schedule monthly massages. I get more benefits from that right now.
Thank you for the adorable picture of Dagney!! That pup is just the cutest thing. 🙂
As for linen with regard to bedding, etc, I think it’s just wonderful. I’ve never had a linen blanket, but I spent a great deal of time in Northern Ireland where I have family, and came home with dozens of Irish linen tea towels, and a full set of pure snowy linen sheets and pillow cases. That was 22 years ago, and I still have those marvelous sheets in rotation! When first purchased, they were quite stiff and scratchy, but years and countless washings later, they are the softest, fluffiest, most luxurious sheets I own. They have a supple heaviness and drape that you just don’t get with other fabrics, even the highest thread-count cotton. It’s such a treat when we have them on our bed. If you purchase tightly woven bed linen, it is extremely strong. Though good quality pure linen is very pricey, I think it’s worth it because it lasts so long and is so soft and cozy and breathable. It feels warm in winter and cool in summer. I wash them on the gentle cycle and put them in the dryer and they’ve lasted for ages. Ditto my tea towels. They’ve been my dish towels for years, are now soft and fluffy, and I love the feel of them. And I DO love the idea of a linen blanket. Yours looks awesome and I intend to order one. Now if you could just send a duplicate of Dagney along with it…..
🙂
Hi Grechen, I have a facial every once and a while, but we are talking once a year or so (I’m almost 56). Nonetheless I am very interested in skincare etc. I heartily recommend you take a look at Caroline Hiron’s blog ( http://www.carolinehirons.com ) – she is a British facialist/beauty expert, has been in the business for many years. If you look at the top right of her page, you will see a list of ‘cheat sheet’ posts which are a very good introduction to how to deal with your skin. Since reading her I have stared double cleansing after wearing sunscreen and/or makeup and I am also using acid pads by First Aid Beauty. She also has a Youtube channel and is very entertaining (bossy but fair! :0) ).
Love the idea of a linen blanket! Brahm’s Mount makes incredible heirloom quality blankets and a linen one is on my wishlist…
As for facials, I get them pretty regularly (every couple of months). I have somewhat problematic skin, and they make a huge difference in keeping my skin clear. It’s worth it to me given my “issues”, but I can understand where if you are pretty happy with your skin overall, you might not really feel the need or notice a difference. I go to an esthetician that uses Rhonda Allison products (I believe Rhonda Allison is somewhere in TX), and her line is all natural, which I like.
I am so happy to see pictures of Dagny. Cutie.
I am obsessed with linen bedding. I was originally a skeptic because I love the smooth cool feel of cotton. But when my neighbor shrunk a linen sheet that she ordered from Etsy, she offered it to me. It is wonderful, and gets softer and softer over time. Last year I bought a duvet cover from Gilt, and though the linen is much thinner, my husband and I both love it in warm weather. I just ordered a fitted sheet from a different seller on Etsy because her Baltic region is famous for their linen…and it was about half the price of Rough Linen (which I want to save up for). So far it is quite stiff, but I’ll see how it works over time.
I have problem skin, and have had a handful of facials over the years. I can’t say they have resulted in an improvement in my skin, but it is fun to be pampered. These days, there are so many organic luxury products out there that I keep thinking “If I don’t go for a facial, maybe I can splurge on that May Lindstrom mask…”
I went through many years of hormonal acne and tried everything, including facials, peels, and microdermabrasion to deal with it. The peels and microdermabrasion worked the best, but the facial FEELS the best! Now that I’m 56, and post-menopausal, I don’t break out anymore. Wouldn’t ya know…
I’ve got the “turkey wattle” and I once teased about getting it removed, when my 2-yr old daughter, who was still nursing at the time said, “No, Mama! What would I play with when I’m on your lap?” Keep your neck. I say, get the facial if you require extractions and want to be pampered. Otherwise, I’d pay for a massage a thousand times over!!!
Linen sheets and a duvet by Eileen Fisher are an items that I yearn for in natural tones. Pricey, but probably worth it.
I’ve never had a facial, either. I do get regular massages and it makes such a difference to me, since I have a lot of joint pain from autoimmune issues. It’s a great stress reliever, too. My massage therapist has a studio in her home, so it’s completely private and relaxing.
I love facials!! I have really good skin and I aim to keep it that way. I have a lovely organic shop I visit about 3 times a year and I do one spa trip a year w friends that usually involves a facial. I do have congestion that they deal w but it also is some pampering as well. I do try and do monthly massages but that’s more trying to deal w the travel I do. The more maintenance I do the less I have to do daily.
I agree,massage! If I had to choose between the two, it would definitely be massage.
Dear Grechen- I’m 52 and started getting facials more often with this electro treatment (Ill find out the exact name) The owner of the salon calls it ‘gym for the face’ it tightens the muscles under the skin. So if done monthly you will see results. I also started massaging/scrubbing my face daily with a cotton/linen sponge after I cleanse for 3-5 minutes and that has definitely helped tighten that chin area you mentioned. Try it and let me know what you think, Ole Henriksen sells the sponges but I bet you can get them at the place near you.
Ps I am exhausted from tidying, not even done yet with clothes ! That Marie Kondo is a task master 🙂 Going for my armoir that has all my jeans, etc today and Im decorating the door of my walk in closet- Thank you Grechen…
thank you so much for the suggestion!! i’ll try the neck massage 🙂
and good on you for keeping up with your kondo-ing!! it’s worth it when you’re finished…