Self care before vacation?

Usually not much. I have never been much of a "girly girl" so nothing listed is part of my prep. I have never "shaped" my eye brows, never gotten a mani/pedi, and waxing just sounds painfull. I thought about getting my hair cut to "even it out" because I discovered my right shoulder is about an inch higher than my left, so my new shoulder length hair looks longer on the right than than the left. But other than that I make to shower the night before and will usually shave my legs/pits.

But like an other poster, the thing I do make sure to do is clean the house. Nothing worse than coming home to a messy house.
 
I get a tan, and really work out real hard and eat less,(Its probably to late to make a notable difference, but I like arriving to my vacation spot, feeling sexy)
 
:o For some odd reason the term "self-care" makes me cringe. :crazy2: It's weirdly grandiose for what amounts to basic grooming.

My nails (all 20) are never not done (I do them myself). I shave every single day and keep my brows shaped by yanking any strays each morning. I do make sure my hair is freshly cut and coloured and I top up my cosmetics bag with new versions of anything that's running low so I don't have to worry about purchasing that kind of stuff while we're gone. DH takes the same inventory of his toiletries and gets a haircut. He's a semi-annual mani/pedi guy so he looks forward to a spa appointment when we holiday.

Actually, I kinda cringe about the word too, but I didn't have a good alternative that quickly came to mind. I usually do my own nails (like you, I keep mine done), but for vacation, I do. I also hit the cosmetics counter right before to just update or replenish anything I might need.
 
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I can't say I call shaving self-care for vacation unless we're talking about a vacation in the off-season when I'm not shaving each and everyday. I'll also be shaving everyday on vacation depending what that vacation entails so that doesn't quite qualify as self-care prep for vacation to me. Plucking eyebrows is a near daily thing in my day to day life so yeah that also wouldn't qualify as self-care prep for vacation (I always bring the tweezers with me anyways).

That said I could see if you really only do waxing, facials, etc for vacation and vacation only that would seem more like prep for it.

Depending on the length of my hair and the last time I cut it I will get my hair cut (thinking about this before our Vegas trip next month) but other than that usually it's getting my ring inspected, diamonds/prongs tightened, cleaned and re-rhodium plating depending on when the last time I had the re-rhodium done.

My eyebrows are the bane of my vanity! I have a scar in one and it's just simply frustrating as... so it's something I sometimes neglect. Professionals tend to make it worse!

Shaving is part of normal grooming but sometimes I go for a wax so I don't have to fuss with it on vacation.

What is re-rhodium? I've never had any of my rings checked out before vacation, or well, if I don't happen to just be in a jewelry store. Is this something I should have been doing? I do have insurance on my ring, my right hand ring, and my watch though.
 
Mani, pedi, at-home facial, exfoliate, color roots, pluck brows, and make sure DH and DS have their nails trimmed and haircuts. I also do a little extra cleaning and make sure the trash is taken out the night before we leave. It’s 2 weeks of to-dos before a vacation for me.
 


Maybe a haircut if I am getting near time for one. Otherwise self- care for me means throwing out anything in the refrigerator that may smell when we get back and making sure nothing is in the dishwasher or sink. Will ask DH if he needs to get a haircut before but since we usually only go away for 5 to 8 nights & his hair is short no big deal.
 
Yeah, not a fan of "self-care", either the expression or worrying about it before a trip. I do try to shave a day before, get a haircut if one is needed, but nothing beyond that. I'm generally too busy getting everything else ready--DH packs for himself, I'm the one who has to make sure the kids are set, and also pack family stuff, like sunscreen, bandaids, etc.

As far as the house goes, I try to have it neat and the laundry all done before we leave. That's partly so everyone can pack, partly so I don't have mountains to do upon our return. We go to a ranch every summer, and they offer laundry service--it's about $1/pound, so it's no more expensive than a local "fluff and fold" would be. So, halfway through the trip, we send out 20 pounds of laundry or so. THAT's my self-care!

I should also add--I'm not a girly-girl. I don't get my nails done, no fancy hair regimen, I find spa treatments boring and useless. I know that some people find value in these things, but I don't.
 
My eyebrows are the bane of my vanity! I have a scar in one and it's just simply frustrating as... so it's something I sometimes neglect. Professionals tend to make it worse!
Oh I gotcha now :)

I did my eyebrows right before my wedding and they must have had the wax too hot or something because there was a lot more irritation than had happened the few other times I had done before (usually for a dance in high school or something) and it was still reddish several days later for my wedding! I had to use some makeup to cover it up and was not happy about that.

Shaving is part of normal grooming but sometimes I go for a wax so I don't have to fuss with it on vacation.
I did a waxing package (and I just did the lower leg) when I was getting married over 6 years ago but once that ran out I just found waxing more of a hassle though I totally get you on not wanting to fuss with shaving. I suppose for me personally shaving is like the less of the two evils in comparison to keeping up on waxing.

What is re-rhodium? I've never had any of my rings checked out before vacation, or well, if I don't happen to just be in a jewelry store. Is this something I should have been doing? I do have insurance on my ring, my right hand ring, and my watch though.
Rhodium is an element that is coated onto my white gold ring. Over time it rubs down (pretty much on the bottom that gets all the abuse and contact with things) thus replating is done over time. If your ring doesn't have the plating you wouldn't need to worry about it :)

Here's a pic of what the rhodium looks like in comparison to not:
upload_2019-5-10_22-3-48.png

My ring was bought and insured through Jared (it didn't cost a lot either) for individual diamond losses as long as I get it inspected every 6 months which is when they do the prong tightening, cleaning, etc. Sometimes I go over the 6 months so if something were to happen during that time they wouldn't cover it.

My ring is insured through my homeowner's insurance but is only insured for the loss, theft, or destruction, etc of the whole ring not for something like a diamond falling out; that aspect is insured through Jared. ETA: Well lemmie check on the diamond falling out part of the homeowner's insurance that's at least what I thought was the policy lol but it's been a while since the ring was added to it. ETA: Well I'd have to do some digging to find the paperwork as I can't easily find it but suffice to say it's not that important to the topic at hand lol so we'll sidestep that part of the comment for now lol.

Technically with my insurance through Jared I can take my ring into them every single day if I wanted to have them clean it I for sure don't do that though lol.
 
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I did a waxing package (and I just did the lower leg) when I was getting married over 6 years ago but once that ran out I just found waxing more of a hassle though I totally get you on not wanting to fuss with shaving. I suppose for me personally shaving is like the less of the two evils in comparison to keeping up on waxing.

Rhodium is an element that is coated onto my white gold ring. Over time it rubs down (pretty much on the bottom that gets all the abuse and contact with things) thus replating is done over time. If your ring doesn't have the plating you wouldn't need to worry about it :)

Here's a pic of what the rhodium looks like in comparison to not:
View attachment 399940

If I wax I just start shaving when it grows out. I've been thinking about the things I can do to simplify the time I need for myself while vacationing with small people:)

Rhodium looks so pretty - so shiny! Actually, I think that's shinier than platinum.
 
I've been thinking about the things I can do to simplify the time I need for myself while vacationing with small people:)
lol Oh I imagine you would :)

I actually forgot to mention in my earlier comment I do paint my own toenails if I'm going somewhere where I'll be wearing open toed shoes. My feet are way too ticklish for a pedi. I long ago stopped painting my fingernails they grow fast anyways. A good nail polish/gel/acrylic though I could see being something good to do before vacation if it made you feel polished (totally no pun intended lol).

Rhodium looks so pretty - so shiny! Actually, I think that's shinier than platinum.
I like the look of it myself too.

It is shinier well at least it is compared to my center mount for my center (main) diamond which is actually a platinum setting. The diamond was slightly too large to fit in the original setting so they installed a bigger one which happened to be platinum. That platinum setting is duller if you will compared to the rest of the ring moreso right after I've had it replated.
 
Self care is important. I don't want to pay vacation prices, or waste time for stuff I can do at home. This is a general idea of what I do regardless of what type of vacay it is.
I start packing 3+ months in advance... no joke. I have a suitcase where, as I aquire things that are specific to my trip, they go straight into it so they dont get lost or clutter up my house (toiletries, kids prizes, etc.) This helps cut down on packing time later. A week or so before my trip I get my hair done, even if its just a trim. I would not suggest experimenting or getting a new stylist. Brassy hair when you wanted to be platinum is depressing in all of your vacation photos. If you want to make a drastic change, do it a few months before, so all you have is maintenance just before you leave
The kids get their hair cut as well the week prior. Mani/pedi (themed of course) happen a couple of days before because they really only last 2-3 weeks. I also try to schedule it for after the big house cleaning as a treat for myself.
If you are going to wax, and you don't do it normally, you should do it twice before you leave. The 1st time will ensure you don't have a horrible reaction, it will also help the hair growth come in at the same time so your 2nd waxing just before your trip, will keep you smoother longer.
This trip, I am seriously considering adding lashes to my list. I hate dealing with mascara, so yeah, its probably going to happen.
I also prep a couple of freezer meals for when we 1st get home. I dont want to stress about dinner when I 1st get back, so if I have something ready to go in my oven or instant pot, it makes life that much easier. Plus I order groceries online for pick up while waiting in the airport.
I also make sure all packing is done 48 hrs in advance at least. There is nothing worse than being up up until 2 am packing for a 6am flight. I travel with toddlers and teenagers. This all helps me stay sane and allows me to enjoy my vacation as well. When you are prepped and you feel pretty, I believe it goes a long way towards increasing the enjoyment of your trip. Good luck!
 
A pedicure is about as wild as I'll get. I usually keep my toes painted during open toe shoe season, but it lasts longer when I have it done professionally.
 
lol Oh I imagine you would :)

I actually forgot to mention in my earlier comment I do paint my own toenails if I'm going somewhere where I'll be wearing open toed shoes. My feet are way too ticklish for a pedi. I long ago stopped painting my fingernails they grow fast anyways. A good nail polish/gel/acrylic though I could see being something good to do before vacation if it made you feel polished (totally no pun intended lol).

I'm like you. Will no longer go for a pedicure. The first time I had one (in a very reputable place) I got a nail fungal infection. I never went back ever but still figured it was fluke. My coworker's daughter was getting pedicures regularly and ended up with a myco infection that took over a year to cure (she had to go to an infectious disease specialist) and is now left with permanent scars on her shins/calves and feet which is going to a cosmetic dermatologist for. Whenever she hears someone is getting a pedicure, she gives them a nice little lecture. So I think I'll continue my avoidance! Ticklishness is an issue for me too.

Generally, I will polish my own toe nails. Don't do the hands though. My nails are crap, don't grow, split, peel and break. I gave up so long ago.

If I can get into my hair stylist, I will often try to get a trim about a week before I go so that my hair is agreeable on vacation.

Otherwise, if it's Disney we are going to and I haven't been regularly exercising, about 3 weeks before the trip I will try to build up my stamina with long walks.
 
I'm like you. Will no longer go for a pedicure. The first time I had one (in a very reputable place) I got a nail fungal infection. I never went back ever but still figured it was fluke. My coworker's daughter was getting pedicures regularly and ended up with a myco infection that took over a year to cure (she had to go to an infectious disease specialist) and is now left with permanent scars on her shins/calves and feet which is going to a cosmetic dermatologist for. Whenever she hears someone is getting a pedicure, she gives them a nice little lecture. So I think I'll continue my avoidance! Ticklishness is an issue for me too.

Generally, I will polish my own toe nails. Don't do the hands though. My nails are crap, don't grow, split, peel and break. I gave up so long ago.

If I can get into my hair stylist, I will often try to get a trim about a week before I go so that my hair is agreeable on vacation.

Otherwise, if it's Disney we are going to and I haven't been regularly exercising, about 3 weeks before the trip I will try to build up my stamina with long walks.
My mom loves to get pedis and get her toenails painted but it's just not for me. That sounds horrible what happened to your coworker's daughter! Yipes.
 

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