Hi all, I’m joining #WeekendCoffeeShare, even though I already had my evening coffee and my soft drink for today. I think I’m going to just have some water with my late evening medications soon and that’s it for today. However, like I’ve said before, I can always make you a Senseo coffee. I’m afraid we no longer have green tea, so if you’d like tea, you’ll have to pick regular or some variety of fruit-flavored tea. Anyway, let’s have a drink of medicine water for me and coffee, tea or a soft drink for you and let’s catch up.
If we were having coffee, I’d share that I’m still relatively stable mentally. I have been slightly in flight mode, ie. distracting myself from my feelings by keeping busy. That’s okay though if it doesn’t last too long. Yesterday, it had maybe lasted too long and I had a meltdown over a necklace I’d made that snapped just as I’d finished it. I was able to get myself back together though.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you about the shopping spree I went on at Action, a budget store. I bought another hair clip and some scrunchies, socks, a coat hanger and some other things. In total, I spent less than €10. I also went to HEMA, another large store, because I wanted silicone straws. You know how plastic straws have been banned in the EU? Well, I have never tried drinking from a paper straw, but I’m not intending on trying either. The straws were quite expensive compared to all that I’d bought at Action: €4 for four straws and a cleaner brush.
If we were having coffee, I’d also share I’ve resolved not to make any more unnecessary purchases until my benefits arrive on the 23rd. You see, the €10 at Action and €4 at HEMA were the least of my expenses recently and, though I’m by no means broke, I do want to make sure I stay financially secure.
If we were having coffee, I’d proudly tell you that I made a lip balm for a fellow client. He has Down Syndrome and this apparently goes with chronically dry lips. Last week, I had told one of my staff that I had been making lip balms for myself but would be throwing them out in a while, as they won’t last me till winter and I don’t tend to use lip balms in summertime. This staff suggested I give the lip balms to said client, but I had touched them with my fingers. For this reason, I decided to make a new batch of lip balm while making sure to work hygienically. Thankfully, we have a huge stash of gloves at the facility.
The lip balm still was a bit of an experiment, since I used coconut oil this time rather than sweet almond oil. Other than that, I used the same ingredients I had for my own product: beeswax, cocoa butter and a drop of flavor oil.
As it turned out, the man was really pleased with it. The staff tell me he keeps asking for “his” lip balm rather than the standard store-bought one that he used to wear. I’m pretty sure this little pot will last him several months, but I’m already thinking of buying lip balm tubes so that the lip balm will be easier to apply.
If we were having coffee, I’d share how grateful I am not to live in an area of the country affected by the flood of the past few days. In the southern province of Limburg, as well as in Belgium and western Germany, heavy rainfall led to a lot of flooding. I don’t know the details, but it does kind of worry me. I mean, I was taught in school that climate is something that’s relatively stable over a period of about 30 years. Over the past five years or so, I seem to have heard of more and more extreme weather though.
If we were having coffee, lastly I’d share that the rise in COVID cases also really worries me. Today, there were over 11,000 new cases in a single day. People try to reassure me that they’re all partying youth, but I’m so worried about who else those partying youth might’ve infected. I am not really worried for my own health, as neither a partying youth nor a vulnerable elderly person. I am, however, worried for another lockdown.
Sorry for ending this post on a negative note. I really hope you all have been doing well.
A Multitude of Musings 
Sounds like you had a good week overall. The rise of covid-19 case numbers is worrisome. Stay safe and well. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.
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Thank you for commenting. Yes, I had a good week overall, thanks for the reminder.
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I made a batch of lip balm a few years ago, and I”m still using some of it. It lasts forever. I’m so happy you found someone to appreciate your balms. We’ve had some flooding in my town here in Northern Arizona, and it’s not nearly as bad as what’s going on in Europe, but it’s worrisome. I hope you have a happy week.
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Oh, I’m glad you’re still able to use your lip balm. What did you use that made it last so long? I mean, beeswax has a practically indefinite shelf life, but carrier oils and butters certainly don’t. Anyway, I’m sorry about the flooding where you are. Hope you’re unaffected by it. Have a nice week.
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That was really great to share the lip balm with someone who needs it. We saw some of the flooding on the news and our prayers go to all those affected. We’re having a rise in Covid cases but we are not overly worried, everyone is behaving themselves and being cautious. I hope you have a fabulous week!
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Thanks for commenting. Oh, I had no idea the flooding over here made it onto the international news. I am so glad you are not overly worried about COVID but keep yourself as safe as possible. Take care!
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I’d heard about the flooding too, it’s been pretty bad. Covid cases in the U.K. are over 50,000 a day now and the government are removing all rules tomorrow. I’m glad you are staying safe, making lip balm sounds wonderful.
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Oh wow, that’s a shame that the UK are removing the rules despite the rising case numbers! We still don’t have that many restrictions either, mostly because despite infection numbers rising, hospitals aren’t overloaded. At least, not yet.
Yes, making lip balm is a very satisfying activity.
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That is brilliant that you make your own lip balm. I use a lot of essential oils with carrier oils for my body care. If I have dry lips I just swish my hands over them with the rest of oils sticking to them. I used to live a little North of Limburg for a while and those flooding are awful. I don’t know anyone affected but it bothers me despite that. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday 😊
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I’m so glad you don’t know anyone personally who was affected by the flooding. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience of skin care product making.
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I have been thinking about making my own lip balm, body lotion, and shampoo. I purchased a book with different recipe for homemade stuff last year, still so many I haven’t tried. Your post inspire me to actually try some. Thank you for the coffee! Stay safe ❤
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I’m so glad I inspired you. I’ve tried making body lotion, but this is quite hard. Try body butter instead if you find that the emulsifying thing is hard for you too. Shampoo, I’ve never tried, because until recently I erroneously thought it involved lye. I’ll try it someday. Lip balms are quite easy to make.
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Hi Astrid.
There is one Mexican restaurant near us still using paper straws. . . ugh! I hate those things and am tempted to stop for an ice tea somewhere just to get the straw before enjoying an otherwise excellent Mexican lunch.
That’s so cool that you have figured a way to safely make lip balm for your peer. I’d love doing something like that. Bravo for you.
I hope your “meltdown” was quickly over. We all get frustrated and loose some control from time to time. I suspect yours and more difficult for you and hope your and your medical team find that path to better comfort each day.
It sounds like a mixed week for you. I hope this week is better.
Blessings.
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Yes, I was so grateful to be able to get my fellow client to smile because of my lip balm. As for my meltdown, this one was over within about fifteen minutes, although I suffered with hightened arousal for several hours afterwards. By the way, I’ve missed your coffee share so far this week, but will check now to see if you’ve popped in today. Thanks so much for your supportive comment.
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Hi Astrid.
My coffee share is there now, but just don’t take it very seriously. I had a busy week and just wanted to write something funny, so I started with something that actually happened to me but then spun off into complete sarcastic make-believe. I hope it makes you laugh. In case it helps, here’s the link:
https://garyawilsonstories.wordpress.com/coffee-share-210716-adventure-coffee/
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Oh, thank you for sharing and for the advance warning. I’ll see if I can have a look later today.
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