Weekend Read 19 June 2021

Weekend Read 19 June 2021

Much has been written recently about the ‘pressure-cooker’ effect of living through the pandemic, so as I welcome you to another Weekend Read, let’s take a look at this.  The general consensus is that it would be rather absurd to consider that we can be expected to walk away from this global experience emotionally intact.  As if nothing had happened.  We cannot expect to be the same people as we were, and putting pressure on ourselves to be someone we no longer are, will only increase our anxiety.  Although this is, of course, a generalisation, I believe it is important to acknowledge who and what we are in and of this moment of time.

Whatever this looks like, and we are all different, it is perfectly understandable that the ongoing circumstances have knocked us sideways and inside out for a myriad of reasons.  So as I write these words, let us come together with an acceptance that we are each doing the very best we possibly can.  And be gentle with ourselves and with others.  Because as we nurture, we heal.

So this week I want to begin by talking about the products that help nurture me.  These are the products that bring moments of joy and happiness into my life.  And perhaps in some way they are soul products, because they touch me on the deepest level, for many different reasons.  With these words, please allow me to introduce you to two new products from Roadscents.  And they are both candles.  Of magnitude and magnificence.

If I were to walk you around my home, one of the first things you would notice is that I have candles everywhere.  And just perhaps I am a bit of a candle aficionado because over the years I have tried and tested hundreds upon hundreds of candles.  With total honesty, I could count on one hand the number of candles that have impressed me.  But I don’t want to dwell on that really, so instead I will tell you that when Tina Gaudoin, the founder of Roadscents, told me she wanted to introduce two candles into her Roadscents collection, I tried not to get too over-excited as I needed to manage my expectations.  And Tina knew that.  Because I told her.

I think you know what I’m going to write next because I’ve already stated above that the candles are of magnitude and magnificence.  So let me go on to say that these candles have taken my breath away.  Dramatically.  Of course I love both scents, which I will write about in a moment, but not only does their fragrance fill a room, you can still smell the fragrance in the room the morning after the night before.  And with due respect (perhaps) to all other candles, I have never experienced that phenomenon before.  My mind, and senses, are blown.  Completely.

So let me tell you about GodSmell, which is deeply spiritual in concept.  The inspiration for this candle, which is fragranced with uplifting Patchouli, Sandalwood and Cedar, comes from the Hindu God Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.  RoseRage was inspired by the calming scent of a Norfolk garden during a late, warm summer’s evening with scents of Red Rose, Jasmine and Musk.  I truly cannot separate these two candles, because I am besotted with both.  My home has become a shrine of fragrance and light.  And my heart is filled with love and gratitude.  For their creation.   
GodSmell Candle by Roadscents £35; RoseRage Candle by RoadScents £35; Roadscents

On from that, there are two more products that I want to include in this nurturing section.  The first are Ross J. Barr’s Calm Patches.  I know that I have included them on every Weekend Read since launch, but such is their efficacy and intent, I will probably be talking about them all year.  And perhaps beyond.  I know right now that I am going to give them the Zen Award in the VH Awards, which aren’t until December, although I have to tell you that I’m quite tempted to do monthly awards.  On a Wednesday.  Pondering.
Calm Patches by Ross J. Barr £15 for Ten Patches

The third product is one of those epic VH products.  If you can believe, it appeared in The Sunday Times on 15 November 2005.  Yes, 2005.  And this is what was written:  ‘Love It …. Atlantic Seaweed Bath.  Rich in skin-nourishing vitamins E and A, and high in minerals to soothe aching muscles and encourage detoxification too, there is nothing to beat this brilliant therapeutic addition your bath at the end of a long, hard day.  Close your eyes and you will think you’ve slipped into a warm rock pool at seashore.  You’d pay a fortune in a spa for the same luxuriating experience’.  Nothing to add.  Here.  Except more love.  And gratitude.  That this product exists.    
Atlantic Seaweed Bath £12

Let’s do supplementation.  And let’s do it with Mega Probiotic ND, which as so many of you know, is our bestselling broad spectrum probiotic.  Such is the importance, in our opinion, of taking a probiotic, Shabir has written twelve articles on the subject, all of which are on the Mega P product page.  I’m not too sure which way round you want to do this, buy the product and then read the articles, or read the articles and then buy the product.  But whichever you choose, and in line with my ongoing declaration of sharing wherever I can, I am taking the price of Mega P down to £18 from £21 across the weekend.  Another stash event.  In a long line of them.
Mega Probiotic ND £18 for 60 Capsules (Offer Ends Midnight BST Sunday 20 June)

If I may, I would like to continue the story of Basal Cell Carcinomas, and on from that Hypekeratotic Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis), which are dry scaly patches of skin which have, primarily, been damaged by the sun. We’ll take Basal Cell Carcinomas first and this is just to say that your response to my personal experience has been amazing.  So amazing in fact that we are struggling to keep up the demand for the smaller size of Sheald Recovery Balm, which is of course the epic formulation from iS Clinical that heals all wounds, open or otherwise, and significantly reduces scarring.  So my apologies if you went onto a wait list.  Both sizes are now in stock.  Thankfully.
Sheald Recovery Balm by iS Clinical £20 for 15 grams; Sheald Recovery Balm by iS Clinical £52 for 60 grams

And now, Fulvic Acid Nail Cream.  Over the past few months I have received much anecdotal feedback about how Fulvic Acid Nail Cream has worked its magic on minor skin issues, such as the elimination of non-malignant skin tags.  I have been reluctant to write about this because if there are any changes on your skin, then you absolutely must consult your doctor or dermatologist.  But with that said, I received the following from a customer, with a request to share.  And so I will.  Below.

‘I had a Hypekeratotic Actinic Keratosis above my top lip.  They tried freezing it twice, but this did not work and it came back.  Just as an experiment, and to help soften it, I put on some Fulvic Acid Nail Cream and guess what, it has nearly disappeared’.  No more words on the efficacy on Fulvic Acid Nail Cream, because quite honestly I could write chapter and verse about its brilliance.  So instead of doing that, I am putting together a treat.  A Fulvic treat.  And just because I can, this treat will extend for a week, ending at midnight BST on Friday 25 June.  Shabir may well fall over when he reads this.  Never mind that, I’ll donate a packet of Healing Patches to him.  Maybe.

Right, here it is and this treat does of course reflect my love for all things Fulvic.  So given that our thirsty skin needs all the love and hydration we can give it, with every tube of Fulvic Body Lotion bought, I will automatically include a tube of Fulvic Acid Nail Cream, which is worth £12.  I am not limiting the numbers on this, but I do reserve the right to cancel any single high volume order.  Notwithstanding that, the Fulvic Acid Nail Cream can of course be bought as a stand-alone product.  And on another level, it truly does stand alone as the saviour of weak nails.  And has done since Shabir formulated it.  For us.
Fulvic Body Lotion £20 for 200 ml (Including Fulvic Acid Nail Cream worth £12); Fulvic Acid Nail Cream £12 for 30 ml (Offer Ends Midnight BST Friday 25 June)

And because I’ve just mentioned the Healing Patches, I will tell you that two of my friends have quite major back problems.  One of them has just gone through two back operations, the first of which lasted for nearly eight hours, and the second friend has been in agony for quite a few weeks and may well have to have an operation too.  Except she tells me that the Healing Patches have played a miraculous role in easing her pain, to the extent that she is able to sleep at night without writhing in agony.  Most satisfying.  Let’s celebrate their brilliance.  For one day only, which would be today, I am taking the price of the Healing Patches down from £15 to £12.  Rejoice.
Healing Patches by Ross J. Barr £12 for Five Patches (Offer Ends At Midnight BST Tonight, Saturday 19 June)

I have written many words about our eyes over the past few weeks, notably because we launched the Peep Club products a few weeks ago.  So I just want to share some of the ongoing feedback, which is mostly health related.  And we will start with Hay Fever with the following posted testimonial: ‘Every year during May, June and July my eyes feel like they are full of grit and itch.  I cannot begin to tell you how much the Heated Eye Wand has helped with my Hay Fever.  I bought it hoping it might, and it’s just incredible.  As soon as they start itching I apply a small amount of the Coconut Balm and within a few minutes the itching subsides and I’m relieved from symptoms.  Ingenious product’.

And then a close friend, who suffers from Dry Eye Syndrome, told me that she had gone to her optician for a check-up and entirely unprompted, the optician announced that her eyes were so much better.  The Wand.  Again.  Two more things to say.  The first is that I know some of the products have been on a wait list, but hopefully the one remaining wait list will be conquered within the next two or three weeks.  If not sooner.  And secondly my thanks to Lisa Armstrong, who is also besotted with the Wand and featured it in The Telegraph.  In full transparency Lisa is a close friend, but we have a shared love for the brilliance of cutting-edge products.  And that will always be acknowledged.  In the end.
Heated Eye Wand by Peep Club £60; Instant Eye Relief Spray by Peep Club £15 for 17 ml; Soothing Coconut Eye Balm by Peep Club £20 for 120 ml; Cleansing Lash Foam by Peep Club £20 for 50 ml; Reusable Velvet Bamboo Pads (Eight Pads + One Laundry Bag) by Peep Club £15 (Wait List)

Putting products aside for the moment, I would just like to invite you to another Rapid Tapping event with Poppy Delbridge.  This will be the third free event that Poppy has hosted for us, and although this is not happening until next Sunday 27 June at 7 pm, I wanted to say a few things in advance of that.  For all those who have participated in the previous two Webinars, you will know that these 45 minute sessions can make a profound difference to our health and wellbeing, and I include our mental health and wellbeing in that.  Just to add, you can of course sign in anonymously.  Your face will not appear on the screen, regardless of how you join.

Each Rapid Tapping event has a theme, and the theme for next week will be entitled ‘Energy Is Not Your Enemy’.  In this big guided tap, Poppy will demonstrate how to turn negatives into true positives and how to shift your low energy into higher vibrations, in order to feel a deeper sense of wellbeing.  Such is the importance of this therapy, that I now want to talk about the pro-bono work I mentioned a few weeks ago.  And after much discussion between us, Poppy and I would like to offer this pro-bono initiative by asking you to nominate a person who has been subjected to any form of abuse or bullying and would, in your opinion, benefit from this far-reaching therapy.

And it looks like this.  We are offering a six month Rapid Tapping membership, which is valued at £150, to ten people so they can tap for the rest of this year.  So if you would like to nominate somebody, please email me in response to this bulletin and I will share your emails with Poppy.  If you could do this within the next 48 hours I would be grateful.  There is no need to write a long email, we will understand your words.  And to protect your privacy, I will not be announcing those who have been chosen for this initiative on the next WR, but I will contact you personally in the first instance by the end of this week.

So to wrap, I will of course give you the link to ‘Energy Is Not Your Enemy’ next Saturday and I will try to refrain from sending live messages to each of you when Poppy is tapping.  The thing is that I get over-excited because I know so many of you personally.  And here’s a thing.  I suppose I could set up an entirely different Webinar where we could talk about anything and everything.  Not to do with products.  But about life.  And our experiences.  Something else to ponder about.  Shabir could make a guest appearance.  Too funny.

I think I had better get back to writing about products and just in case you weren’t aware, Shabir has written a series of articles about which supplements to take through the decades.  Whilst some supplements remain a constant, I thought it may be beneficial to put all that information in one place.  Which would be here.  This is not a definitive list because of course health concerns vary whatever our age, but it can be used as a guide to some of the issues we face as the years progress.  As they do.  Quite rapidly, it would seem.  Not that I care.  Wisdom will prevail.  And I have the Wand.  And Hyaluronic Acid.  Thank you.
Supplements To Take In Your 20s; Supplements To Take In Your 30s; Supplements To Take In Your 40s; Vitamins To Take In Your 50s; Vitamins To Take In Your 60s And Beyond; Hyaluronic Capsules High Strength £35 for 30 Capsules

In this week’s Health Notes, Sarah writes about the importance of water and how it is one of the most important things you should get to love and glug.  It helps keep your brain and body healthy and skin fresh and clear.  And it’s free and easy to access via a tap near you.  And me.
In Praise Of Water by Sarah Stacey

Nearly finished, but before we come to the end bits, I would just like to refer back to Hay Fever for a moment by telling you about Sinol-D All-Natural Nasal Spray Decongestant.  Formulated to be used daily to help relieve congestion, headaches and sinus pain, it plays quite a big role in helping to alleviate all allergies, including, of course Hay Fever.  Importantly this clinically proven formulation will not interfere with prescribed medication, so it is safe to use.  And in one final fling, I am taking the price down from £14.95 to £12 until midnight BST next Friday, 25 June.  And into the Saturday only treat we go.
Sinol-D All-Natural Nasal Spray Decongestant £12 for 15 ml

So here it is and with every order placed for £30 and above today, excluding p&p, we will include a 50 ml tube of All Clean from Temple Spa.  Containing intensely calming and moisturising Aloe Vera, soothing Arnica flower extract, it also includes Rosemary, Thyme amongst several other ingredients.  This is a no-rinse formulation and will not irritate your hands, provided you don’t have an essential oil allergy.  Antiseptic Lemon and Lime are also present.  And I’ve listed the full size below, should you feel the need to have more.  And on the subject of Temple Spa, yes, we did have a wait list for Mani-Pedi-Cures.  Now resolved.  And I know it was all about the tin! 
All Clean by Temple Spa £9 for 100 ml; Mani-Pedi-Cures by Temple Spa £30

I have been waiting to write this section all week.  And now it is here, I have so much pleasure in announcing the arrival of the VH Playlist.  This is a compilation of all the music that I have included each week and as you will read, it tells the story of our journey together through the pandemic.  I think the words I have written are pretty self-explanatory, but I would just like to reiterate that music can heal and it can also nurture, which is where we began at the top of this newsletter.  I will keep the link at the top of our site, so in any given moment you can dip into it, always remembering that these are the songs we have sung together.  Because we have a voice.

Each week, we will automatically add our chosen song and this week that song is The Story.  Although The Story was originally performed by Brandi Carlile, I have chosen to link it to the version performed by Sara Ramirez in her role as Callie in Grey’s Anatomy.  All I ask is that you listen to the words.  Because it is not only my story in part, but it will be most of yours too.
The Story by Sara Ramirez; The VH Playlist 

With love

Gill x

 

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions and information expressed in this article and on Victoriahealth.com Ltd are those of the author(s) in an editorial context.  Victoriahealth.com Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this editorial or anywhere else on the site.  Every effort is made by the editorial and content team to see that no inaccurate or misleading information, opinion or statement appear, nor replace or constitute endorsement from medical bodies or trials unless specified.  Victoriahealth.com Ltd accept no liability for the consequences of any inaccurate or misleading data, information, opinion or statement.  Information on Victoriahealth.com Ltd and in the editorials is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.  You should not use the information on this website or in the editorials for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease, or for the replacement of prescription medication or other treatment. 

Prices and products advertised at times of sending and publishing are subject to change and availability. 

*Free gifts will only be granted if the items purchased are physical products and your total basket value exceeds the required amount noted.  Saturday only treats are subject to change should the specified gift run out prior to your purchase and are only included in orders placed between 7.45am (GMT) and Midnight (GMT) on the Saturday the Weekend Read is sent.  VH Addicts membership is a digital product and therefore will be excluded from the basket value.  Some gifts are blocked from international shipping due to local limitations imposed based on the country destination.  If this is the case, we will replace the gift with one that is able to be shipped to your destination.