Stuff, and more stuff

Ugh, it's been a while again. Never mind.

Here's a lovely write-up by J of her visit on Bank Holiday weekend. So much fun!

This Saturday just gone was a girly pampering day with the Mother and the Sister. For Mum's birthday (which was back in April, but never mind - we were waiting for sister to come home) we decided to take her for a relaxing day out in Chester. First we went for a facial with the Origins people at the Boots there, which was wonderful. I've been to one before, but neither of the other two had, so that was good. It's a fairly detailed process, this facial thing. First there's a skin consultation, which asks things like what kind of skin you have and any particular concerns that should be addressed. Then the girl picks out the products she thinks will be good for your skin, and explains what they all do and what they contain, and then it's on with the show. I don't remember what order she did things in but I recall her using cleanser, toner, moisturiser, a skin guardian, an eye serum, a face mask and a separate eye mask as well as having my neck and shoulders and arms and hands massaged. Pure decadence. Even sitting and reading a magazine while the others had their turn was really relaxing, since it's not something we generally do and the room is soothing, with classical music and lovely smells from all the products.

After we'd all been thoroughly cleansed, toned and moisturised in a multitude of ways Mum had make-up put on (from the same range) and we went out for afternoon tea in the Library of the Chester Grosvenor. More decadence! This is a five-star hotel and spa with its various restaurants and bars open to non-residents too. We opted for the "Grosvenor Tea", which consisted of finger sandwiches filled with salmon, tuna, beef and cheese, fruit and plain scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and "French pastries and fancies" all served on a beautiful three-tiered platter. There was a choice of tea - I had Darjeeling, Mum had Earl Grey and we got the sister some Assam since it's the closest thing to PG Tips they'd have - and these came in silver teapots with velvet covers for the handles so as not to burn ourselves. We were sat tucked away in a corner, but the waiters were attentive and came over to offer us more of anything we wanted. We decided to have more scones, since they were delicious and that meant we could eat more of the clotted cream! Despite everything being quite small we were all stuffed by the end of it, and reluctant to leave the peace and quiet for the bustle of Chester on a sunny Saturday.

We did eventually drag ourselves home, however, taking the country roads with the roof down for pure posing power. Once home we opted to continue the theme of the day by drinking champagne in the sun in the front garden. Also delicious, and a lovely end to an unusual day.

On a completely different note, I came into work early today to avoid the fuel protest. That was successful! We did see it all later, as it came right past the window of the office. So many bikes! Fun to watch, although I'm not sure it will achieve anything. I'm also not entirely sure why it was bikers who were protesting, since they use less fuel than cars anyway (confirmed by the bikers in the office). Oh well.