AphroditeBeauty

07/08/2022

I've been learning to love my mind and my body again.
Its been quite the roller coaster of symptoms over the last couple of years and my appearance seemed to change dramatically before my eyes!
Literally didn't recognise my self for a while.
I looked so ill for months!
My stomach can swell up to triple the size on any given day if my IBS plays up.
I have so many scars on my face from Hormonal stress break outs which im still getting.
Rapid weight loss has robbed me of my b***s and curves!
I completely lost all confidence in my self. I hated the way i looked and felt.
The constant pain I've been in along with the frustration that my brain and body just don't work properly has been overwhelming.

Im finally starting to get back some sense of control.
Im addressing what i can and making the changes i need to keep getting better. Im learning to trust and love my self fully and to accept that this is how I'm built so i will probably always be like this but It doesn't have to take over my life!
Starting to see me again x

Taking each day at a time, appreciating the good stuff!
🙏💜😜

29/06/2022

Been a tough couple of weeks but I'm trying to find the right balance between coping with life and actually enjoying it!
There will always be a long list of things we need to do or feel like we should be doing.
We should be making sure that we have an enriched, joyful day and don't get bogged down in the to do lists!
This is something i find very difficult, but stopping to appreciate what i have all ready accomplished and what i actually achieve every day, is a good way to remind my self that i 'do' enough!
Taking time for your own well-being is not selfish, it's essential!
Do what you love, love what you do and invest in you and your best self x

28/05/2022

Sometimes I feel like screaming at the state of the World!
I want to say exactly how i feel about everything and physically shake the stupid out of people........... but then i take a moment and breath and post a cute Boyf and Cat pic instead! 😂

Moaning and stressing about it, doesn't change it!
Getting angry or sad, doesn't change it!
Hiding away, doesn't change it!
Bringing other people into a negative spiral, doesn't change it!

Sharing love, appreciation, kindess and Cat's, might just help change it a little x ❤️😽

Whether it's your local community or your online community, what you say and what you do, matters!
Don't give in to the Negativity Gremlin!
Spread those positive vibes, even if it's not what you're really thinking at the time! 🤔🤬🤣

27/05/2022

Definitely fallen victim to the old negativity spiral over the last couple of weeks.
Felt so fed up. Finding any reasons to put things off, not engaging in healthy practices and generally sitting around feeling sorry for my self!

It's bloody hard to pull your self up sometimes but you're the only one that can do it!

Given my self a kick up the butt and had a strong word or two with my self today!
Checking out of that negative mindset!

Had a productive morning getting the Housework done, now its time to relax and have a little me time! 💜🙏

13/05/2022

Happy Friday 13th!
With a Full Moon pretty much upon us and Mercury in Retrograde, you could be forgiven for having a wobble or two today!
I did what i could to shift any negative energies creeping my way!

Hope everyone has managed to have a good day! X

Im working on some new Jewellery for which i will be uploading over the weekend x

28/04/2022

My obsession with Cats doesn't just end at the Fury little Beauties themselve's. Our home is full of them!! They bring me absolute joy every time i look at them!

I could only choose a few of my favourites but between the ornaments, the actual Cats and all of their toys, it's safe to say that i live up to the title of 'Crazy Cat Lady' 🤣😻

If you don't like Cats then i suggest steering well clear of our House!!! 😜🐈

😛🖤
Good job you love them too!

27/04/2022

Reminding my self that i should be kinder to me!!
That it's ok to need help!!
I'm stronger than i think, because I've made it this far!
I still battle my Mental Health issues daily but they definitely have less power and less control now that I'm facing them head on!
Most importantly, that i need to trust my instincts and follow whats in my Heart, because quite frankly my heads a chaotic mess and shouldn't be trusted at all! 🤣

Remind your self every day of your worth!
Appreciate what you receive and be genuine with all that you give.
Be proud of who are you are and the changes you have made.
Have the courage to ask for help if you need it!
Allow your self to Heal and Love your self first! x 🙏💜

18/04/2022

Hope everyone has had a Great Bank Holiday weekend!!
I've enjoyed some Sunshine and self care.
I've been working on some items for AphroditeGemz, getting in plenty of cuddles with the Cats and getting my New Website up and running with the help of 😘🤘😻 (when I say help, i mean he did it while i watched👍) ❤️

Looking forward to a positive, productive week!!!
I have got so much happening at the minute but im feeling good about it and ready to go!
Sending out 'Good week' Vibes to all! 🙏😜🤘

13/04/2022

After nearly hitting breaking point, im starting to feel like i can see a light at the end of the tunnel! 🌞

The Doctor's approach to my Health has been to give me strong Pain and Anxiety Meds to 'MANAGE' my symptoms.
Trying different Medications to treat various 'possible conditions'.

😷Laparoscopy to check for Endometriosis

😷Colonoscopy to check my Bowels for various Diseases.

😷I've had allergy tests and countless blood tests.

😷Waiting for months at a time in extreme pain for the next idea to 'rule things out' and 'see if this medication works'.

🤯Doctors final conclusion is that i have 'IBS' - But generally speaking, I am 'Physically Healthy' 🤣👍

😷The stress and emotional strain that this has put me through, has become a problem of its own and amplified existing Mental Health issues, especially Anxiety.

😷Increased Anxiety can trigger the Physical Symptoms of 'IBS'
The Cycle never ends! 😭😭😭

I have had to battle and practically beg for the Doctors to look at my Mental Health as well as 'treating' the physical symptoms.

When you get stuck in a 'what is wrong with me!?' mentally, it's hard to think of anything else.

Educating my self and taking back CONTROL of my Health is the only way im going to move forwards!!
That is why im trying to focuss on the positive things in my life, change what i can, commit to things that benifit my short and long term health and do the work!!
I will not let my 'symptoms' define me!

Sending love and support to anyone who needs it!!!!
You are not alone x 🙏💕

09/03/2021

I can not recommend this Coconut Oil for value! These tubs last for bloody ages!
Not selling, no commission, Its on Amazon.

Just sharing as this is my go to for everything.
I use it for all my Beauty Essentials 💚

🥥10 Benefits of Coconut Oil

1. It hydrates.
Coconut oil is made up of medium chain fatty acids which help to reduce dryness and allow your skin to retain moisture.

2. It helps to protect skin.
Coconut oil provides a protective barrier, helping shield skin from environmental toxins, dirt and other icky stuff you’re faced with everyday.

3. It smooths skin.
Rub some coconut oil onto your skin and you’ll immediately feel its soft, smoothing effect. And over time it can actually help to improve texture.

4. It minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Coconut oil can actually help to diminish the signs of aging when used regularly. It soaks into skin and makes those little lines and wrinkles appear far less obvious.

5. It calms temporary redness.
This nutty oil has a soothing, calming effect and can help reduce temporary redness when it pops up.

6. It provides antioxidants.
With antioxidant and phytonutrient (plant compounds) components, coconut oil for face can help boost your nutrient factor and fight against environmental stressors that accelerate signs of aging.

7. It absorbs easily.
Coconut oil smooths into skin easily and swiftly, providing instant hydration and protection.

8. It’s a great base for exfoliants.
If you’re into DIY skin care, coconut oil makes a great exfoliant when mixed with a granular substance like sugar or coarse sea salt. Just mix the two, rub it all over your face, and wipe with a warm, wet cloth.

9. It soothes irritated skin.
If you’re prone to irritations or sensitivity, coconut oil can help to alleviate any discomfort and provide soothing relief.

10. Amazing on Hair!! Great for treatments and every day use to rescue dry, tired locks.

KTC Coconut Oil 500ml (Pack of 2)

08/02/2021

Just brushing up on some symbol knowledge for daily practices. I found this very interesting and informative so thought I'd share x

Upright Pentacle/Pentagram Upright pentacles and pentagrams are among the most widely used religious symbols. They have been used in many eras and by many cultures and religions of the world: by ancient Pagans, ancient Israelites, Christians, magicians, Wiccans and others. The following pentagram-us...

03/02/2021

I have such a problem with managing my time. I'm constantly 'doing things' feeling like I have to be being proactive. Whether at work, or at home, I'm always flitting between jobs and never relaxing. Then I get stressed out and feel like I've got no energy left for family, keeping in touch with friends or doing anything for my self.
Keeping busy by cleaning and organising can help with stress, i mean who doesn't feel better after a Spring clean!!? But often we try and distract our selves from our stress by keeping busy. Then the cycle of stress and tiredness continues!!!

Taking time for self care is essential!! Only then are we in the right frame of mind to handle everything that goes on in our crazy lives!
What ever your 'me time' is, make sure you make the most of it.

For me, it's a Bath! Works Everytime!! 🛀
I light my candles, I always have Red ❤️ for love x My music goes on, I shut the door and enjoy!! It's a full Spa job, body scrub, face mask and lots of lovely bubbles.
It's also a great place to set intentions, release unwanted energies and connect with my self x
I've provided a little info on a typical set up I use if you want to check it out 🍃💜🌸💎

There are no right or wrong ways to relax.
Use colours, smells and products that you love for what ever you want from that time x
It's all about you!! x
Also great for couples 🙏😜🖤

🧂Add Bath Salts -
I use Himalayan & Epson Salts. Added to your bath they're an effective way of treating skin conditions. The salt can help reduce the irritation, redness and scaling of eczema and psoriasis to name a few. Himalayan salt baths also are known to treat acne.
Reduce ache's and pains and ease muscle cramps, (great for period pains!)

For Aches/ pains & Stress:
🍃Peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. Added to a warm bath helps relieve stiffness while absorbed through the skin and through Aromatherapy. ( use sparingly to avoid feeling tingly 🤣🍃)

💜Lavender is often used to promote relaxation and balance, which allows for a more restful sleep. Its stress-relieving properties make it an effective mood booster for some people. Lavender also relieves pain and inflammation which make it a great Oil for any skin irritation including Acne. Again, use sparingly to avoid overloading the skin.
I only use oils in the bath twice a week which is appropriate for my skin type. I advise learning the basics about Essential Oil use before trying, especially if under medical supervision for skin issues.

💎Adding crystals to this relaxing activity can help to change your vibration, balance your Chakras and release stress and negativity.
There is no crystal 'quota' when it comes to crafting the perfect therapeutic bath. Choose which ever Crystal's speak to you or match your intention. Even 1 stone can be effective.

Bath crystals for balancing your chakras:
Crown Chakra -
🤍Clear Quartz, Rutilated Quartz
Third Eye Chakra -
💜Amethyst, Apophyllite
Throat Chakra -
💙Blue Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Obsidian
Heart Chakra -
💚Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine
Solar Plexus Chakra -
💛Citrine, Honey Calcite, Yellow Jasper
Sacral Chakra -
🧡Carnelian, Flower Jasper
Root Chakra -
❤️Smokey Quartz, Black Agate, Red Jasper
I have a little 'bath crystal tea bag' along with moss agate, which stays in there x

Common stones that can't get wet include: amber, turquoise, red coral, fire opal, moonstone, calcite, kyanite, kunzite, angelite, azurite, selenite. A good rule of thumb: Many stones that end in “ite” are not water-friendly.)

🙏Finally when I'm ready to get out I do a simple visualisation. I imagine all of the Negativity and unwanted emotions, aches, pains and worries as a liquid in my body. Take out the plug and imagine all that toxic liquid leaving your body and going away with the water. Lay still for a minute while it drains away and keep thinking about it leaving your body. Listen to the water drain and relax your body to fully alow it to flow from you.
You can easily add breathing exercises if you want.
When you're ready, get out of the bath.
Please take caution when doing any kind of meditation around water. I have read a lot of information on meditation and visualisation techniques before practicing this.

I hope this has given you an insight on how to get the most out of your bath!!
Enjoy and feel free to post pics in the comments of your luxury tub experience and crystal combos x Butt please... no nudes 👌🤣

19/01/2021

Had a lovely morning potting up some plants that had outgrown their pots and transferring some baby shoots to some new indoor Fairy Gardens.
Succulents/Cactus are perfect plants for beginners or if you've had bad luck with killing plants in the past.
Most plants need a wet environment to survive, but succulents are able to store water for longer periods of time. This ability makes succulents practical to grow in the dry and warmer conditions typically found in the home.
Not all succulents are suited for indoor growing. Choosing succulents that don't like full sun, but prefer shade or low light will make a big difference in the success of your indoor succulent garden.

There's a lot more to having plants indoors that just looking pretty.
Did you know that plants have many benifits!!!

🌱Boost your mood, productivity, concentration and creativity.

🌱Reduce your stress, fatigue, sore throats and colds.

🌱Help clean indoor air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity & producing oxygen.

🌱Add life to a sterile space, give privacy and reduce noise levels.

🌱Reducing carbon dioxide levels.

🌱Increasing humidity.

🌱Reducing levels of certain pollutants, such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide.

🌱Reducing airborne dust levels.

You don't have to make Fairy Gardens but why wouldn't you!! It's a great way to brighten up your house and add a little magic x 💚🏵️🧚‍♀️

05/06/2020

All set for the Full Moon tonight. Just set a few of my Crystals out to cleanse. These are the main ones I've been using over the last few weeks for general Chakra alignment so these need a good energy charge!
Had a spiritual cleansing bath earlier to really make the most out of the Full Moon energies.

I sadly won't be up late enough to enjoy the Full Moon as I'm absolutely shattered and heading to bed fairly soon!
I will be going up for a long Meditation sesh using Aromatherapy and my usual Oils that have replaced my Painkillers so i pretty much slap that on head to toe 🤣👌

The Moon is an amazing thing to research spiritually and I highly recommend it!!
Make a note of how the Moon affects you, What stages of the Moon are you most drawn to and any physical changes that occur at different phases of it.
Once you start paying attention, you might just learn something key about yourself 🌝 X

There's a few links in the comments if you're interested in starting your own relationship with the Moon and see how it really impacts your life 🙏💜

'The Full Moon is round and completely illuminated. It represents completion, the height of power, the realization of your desires and the peak of clarity. It is a time to celebrate your growth, take note of what progress you have made and to reflect on how far you have come.'

27/05/2020

Daily Gratitude 🙏🌈💚🌞

There is something to be said for setting good Intentions, repeating things regularly and training our brains to focus on the positive and not the negative but how to get started???

Saying out loud 'I AM GRATEFUL' is a powerful statement indeed!

The key aspect is to take a couple of minutes each day and slow down. Breathe deeply and think about all the things you are Grateful for.
It can be a simple short statement or a full blown deceleration with Song and Dance. The point is, it's how ever you wish to do it!

There are loads of ideas and images online to get your imagination going!! 🙏

You might like to dedicate a little area of your House and create a 'GO TO' spot for Deep Breathing and Reflection. Again, let your imagination run wild!!
If you want a full blown Altar with Candles, Crystals and all things Witchy then go for it!
🤗
Or just choose a Window with your favourite view and claim that space!!!
I've dedicated a little page in my Journal to it. Sometimes I read this and make a big deal of it, Meditate, get the Oils and Crystals out. Other days I'm on the move basking in the Sun, breathing in fresh air, listening to birds on my way to work.

It's all about finding what works for you!! X
I find it very grounding and it helps me shift my focus. There is Beauty everywhere if you open your eyes to it x

*DAILY GRATITUDE*

'In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways.Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible.... Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.'

26/05/2020

I thought I'd do a post to go into things a bit more about my journey and why making healthy choices and taking control has become so important and successful for me.
I will try to keep it brief but if you're interested then please take the time to read. It may just have some answers for you or at least spark your desire to find out something for your self😉....

Basically the last few years have been an ongoing struggle with various symptoms and situations causing huge Anxiety and I felt utterly helpless.
I was being seen by a GP which resulted in the conclusion that I have Arthritis in my lower back and Endometriosis (explained in the comments) and Hypersensitivity of the Nervous system. My Sciatic Nerve was often inflamed on the left side which was crippling so I couldn't walk.
Alongside suffering from Anxiety and IBS for what feels like my entire life.
I can't even get into my Fatigue and Sleep problems, it's a hole post of its own 😭
This is just the physical list. Mental Health is also it's own bag of fun!

I was given the following Medication:
Tramadol - pain killer
Citalapram - Anxiety Medication
Naproxen - Anti-inflammatory
Amitriptyline - Help Nervous system/ muscular spasms and aid sleep.

I was on this Medication for nearly 3 years.
In the first year, I was In and out of the Doctor's in tears. I barely left the house, never saw friends or family, work suffered. It was all just one big down wood spiral. I felt completely overwhelmed and struggled to maintain any sort of routine. My Anxiety triggers my OCD so I became overwhelmed by housework and home life as well as work which at the time was as Carer.

I had hit a wall where all the Doctors wanted to do was increase my Meds. Very little information was provided apart from Councilling being offered if I wanted it which I didn't.
I had completely lost my self. I had no confidence, no interest in my self.
My relationship suffered, my family relationships were strained. We had financial worries because I couldn't work and it was all getting out of control.

I made a decision to take things into my own hands! 🙏

I sadly had to leave my job as a Carer which broke my heart but I had to be serious about getting my health sorted.

I had no idea where to start but I figured learning about my 'condition's' was a good place to begin.
From there I looked into the Medication I was on and what it was actually doing to me!
Next came Alternative methods and Physical excercises I could do to help my body become stronger. I learnt about Aromatherapy, , Meditation, Nutrition, Suppliments and Vitimins. I learnt everything I could about the Human body and what I was actually dealing with from the body its self, to Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Once I started, I couldn't stop! Each time I researched something, it took me down a Warren hole of other available topics. My craving for knowledge seemed to come out of no where!!
The more I learnt and introduced to my daily routine, the more I saw a positive change in my self!

I have spent the last 2 years building that information and adding to those changes.
It has not been a quick process and I am in no way 'cured'!
I still ache and hurt and struggle some days. I still worry and feel stressed at times. I have the same daily struggles that we all face in these scary times.
I have things that I can not change but I can react differently and manage the effect those things have on me!

Its an ongoing labour of Love but I am now Medication Free!
I don't even take Paracetamol and I can honestly say I feel better than I have in decades, and in some ways better than ever!!
I have worked hard over the last 2 years to integrate change and reduce the Medication when I felt it was safe to do so!

I use alternative Healing Methods such as Meditation, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindset training, Essential Oil Therapy, Crystal Therapy, Physical Excercises and an in-depth look at Nutrition and lifestyle choices.
There are no quick fixes and real change takes time!

Everything I have learnt has been online! It is all at your finger tips and costs nothing!!
KNOWLEDGE IS FREE!
I hope that the information and experience that I share on this page in the future can help others to start your own journey of healing. Everyone is different and what works for one, doesn't work for all but if we share our knowledge and promote self healing then it may just reach the right person who needs it most at that time xx

I have found a purpose in life and that is to take care of my self so that I can take care of others. Together we build each other up X
Be the best you to inspire in others 👌


*I am NOT a Doctor and I do not recommend stopping any Medication without consulting your GP!!! Always research anything before you introduce it into your life 😘

18/05/2020

I found this quite interesting, thought I'd share.
Some helpful tips on dealing with stress during Covid 19 at the end quite helpful X

https://www.bustle.com/p/what-waking-up-at-different-times-of-night-means-according-to-chinese-medicine-62056

If you sleep through the night without waking up, then you are very lucky. More than 40 percent of Americans report having trouble staying asleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. While there are many theories about why this is, waking up…

07/01/2020

Let's talk Porridge! 🥣

Weight loss success comes down to eating the best diet, filled with nutritious food.
What dieters chose for breakfast can be the difference between losing pounds or struggling to drop fat.
A lot of people turn to Porridge Oats when on a diet but did you know just how good a bowl of Porridge can really be?

🌾If you're going to have a big bowl of carbs-even on a low-carb diet, make it oatmeal! Oats contain beta-glucan, which helps slow digestion. Whether you're going for a serving of old-fashioned or quick oats, they both contain 27 grams of carbs per 1/2 cup dry and are very Low in Calaries at approx 50 per 100g.

🌾Oats are rich in carbs and fiber, but also higher in protein and fat than most other grains. They are very high in many vitamins and minerals.

🌾Oats contain many powerful antioxidants, including avenanthramides. These compounds may help reduce blood pressure and provide other benefits.

🌾Oats are high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which has numerous benefits. It helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes healthy gut bacteria and increases feelings of fullness.

🌾Oats may lower the risk of heart disease by reducing both total and LDL cholesterol and protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation.
Due to the soluble fiber beta-glucan, oats may improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels.

🌾Oatmeal may help you lose weight by making you feel more full. It does this by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and increasing production of the satiety hormone Peptide YY (PYY), a hormone produced in the gut in response to eating. This satiety hormone has been shown to lead to reduced calorie intake and may decrease your risk of obesity.

🌾Studies indicate that oat bran can help reduce constipation in elderly individuals, significantly reducing the need to use laxatives.

I add a handful of dried fruits and a good dollop of Honey!! 👌