I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's day, I have to be honest.
At least not in its current format in today's crazy world.
I remember this being a big deal when I was younger.
The excitement (or disappointment) of a mystery card, or if really lucky a big bunch of flowers.
Today, with the benefit of experience, I don't give anyone else that ability to make or break my day. (There's a piece of life experience learned the hard way ladies - thank me later).
Not to mention it has become super commercialised - miles away from the original sentiment, which is a bit odd anyway...
Christian feasts, martyrdom, doomed love - it really is fascinating how this has evolved into the celebration we recognise today.
But I do think it is a useful reminder to look after ourselves, we are so bad at self love.
You know what I mean.
There's never enough time, so you never get to you.
Time we take for ourselves is an investment in us, and a necessary investment at that.
Not taking time to look after your needs leaves only the leftovers for everyone else.
I find it interesting that as women we find this so hard.
Of course I am the biggest culprit.
It makes sense written down, but somehow carving out time for myself makes me feel guilty.
Especially running a business - there are always more important things to do.
Stop!
Please don't fall into the same trap as me.
Prioritise time for you.
And if you are in the mood for some self indulgence, or you have someone wanting to treat you, here are some of my favourite gifts of love, to cherish and pamper.
The idea behind The Rose Tree is grown up beauty. Less about looking 10 years younger and more about feeling amazing. The best ingredients for the job, not the cheapest. The finest natural and organic plant oils and butters, selected for their effectiveness.
I am all about being small, because small means personal, and comes with great service. I want finding beauty that works to be easy. I am passionate about manufacturing in Britain, sourcing ingredients ethically and being able to give a little back to the world.
My customers tend to be in the 40s, 50s, and upwards - and are juggling busy lives with and adapting to their skin's changing needs, perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
I'm all about ignoring the rules, must have products, must have ingredients, it's exhausting. Let's ditch this idea that you need tens of products and a 10 step skincare routine.
Simplicity is good.
The Independent
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I care about making my products safe and healthy for you—and our planet. I package the majority of products in glass. I am extremely picky about my ingredients. We never test our products on animals.
I also partner up with Buy1Give1 (B1G1), a social enterprise and non-profit organisation with a mission to create a world full of giving. Unlike conventional giving models, B1G1 helps small and medium-sized businesses achieve more social impact by embedding giving activities into everyday business operations and creating unique giving stories.
That means, with your help, we can make a small but positive difference.