An Old Hollywood weekend

I had the house to myself last weekend. My husband was off on a last minute work trip before the holidays, so the weekend was wide open and all mine. Instead of frittering my time away, I decided that I was going to make the most of it and have an Old Hollywood-styled weekend full of pampering, in which I carry out exquisite self-care and do relaxing activities.

Saturday morning I tidied up the house so everything was clean, calm, and spic-and-span as the backdrop for my weekend of relaxation. I wasn't in the mood to get the dutch oven out for a big meal, so instead I purchased a fillet of halibut, roasted asparagus for a side, and ingredients for greek salads as my personal "menu." Light but still delicious and bursting with flavor.

I also straightened the bedroom and did a load of laundry so I had fresh sheets and clean towels to enjoy. Ahh there is nothing better than fresh linens, is there? While I was prettying up my abode, I listened to some BBC radio like I imagined an old-timey actress might do.

I kept away from the internet and my cell phone for the majority of the weekend which was a luxury in and of itself. I don't know about you but something about that repetitive "ping" from a notification really disturbs my peace. Before dinner I had "cocktail hour" with some sparkling lemon water (I'm not a big drinker), cheese, and crackers while doing some journaling. It's when I make time to slow down that I get my greatest insights and ideas. 

Later on was the main event: a leisurely bath, with some almond oil sprinkled in the tub and a book in hand. I was in the mood for something a bit more dishy than my usual novel so I picked up an old Hollywood memoir - Self Portrait by Gene Tierney. It's a very honest read, sad at times, but also full of fun show business anecdotes. I had no idea she was married to fashion designer Oleg Cassini or that she had a romance with director Howard Hughes. What scandal.

I applied a dollop of conditioner to my hair and let it soak in for a good 30 minutes before combing it out and wrapping my hair up in a terry towel turban. I shaved my legs, then applied body lotion from head to toe and an unctuous foot cream. After my bath I brewed a pot of herbal tea and cuddled on the sofa for movie night. I chose Cover Girl (1944) starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. So much fun and definitely fit the bill for my night in. The technicolor fashions were complete eye candy. During the film I filed and shaped my nails, and massaged them with a rich oily balm. 

When my husband returned home late Sunday, I almost purred when greeting him at the door. After my weekend of bliss, I felt serene, refreshed, and capable of facing a new week. The best part of all was that it was simple and relatively cost free to carry out. All it takes is the mindset that you deserve it. 

— TYG