Gut healing and vanity projects

A progress report

Today’s been rough—lots of time in the bathroom and plenty of pain. Still, I’ve had more good days than bad lately, and I’m not giving up. I haven’t healed my gut, and I don’t expect to. What I’m experiencing is likely a flare-up from microscopic colitis and an autoimmune condition, something I've been dealing with for over 10 years. While I was told it’s irreversible, I know it’s improvable during tough times. I’m encouraged by my progress and remain committed to the process, even on days like today.

My gut healing journey:

After two months of intense pain and far too much bathroom time, I decided it was time to reactivate some of my gut-healing tricks. I've been lucky enough for the past few years that I haven't had to eat super mindfully. I guess I began to think those days were in the rearview. They’re baaaaack!

Starting a couple of weeks ago, I’ve cut out cow dairy, re-committed to as gluten-free as possible, and started making and nourishing my gut with bone broth again. My freezer is now stocked with bones, broth jars, and cooked chicken because my gut seems to need the added support these days.

Things started improving after about ten days, and now, a month in, I’m seeing more good days than bad. It’s not a cure, but it’s progress, as I was cruelly reminded today.

The testing saga:

To really dig into what’s going on, I did two rounds of poop testing, including one of those three-day poop collections (where the samples get to sit in the fridge for a bit 🙄). One of the test is a big financial investment as it's not covered by insurance. I've done this once before and I wanted to find out what if any bacteria or parasites (or other unanticipated surprises) might adding to my long-standing gut issues. While I wait for results, I’m continuing with what I know works and keeping an open mind.

Vanity check-in

Gut healing progress... and now, on to my vanity projects.

Because hey, healing my insides is great, but I’m nothing if not vain. I mean, if I’m going to put this much work into my gut, the least I can do is give my face a little love too, right? So, let me tell you what else I’ve been tinkering with—starting with the fun that is menopause facial hair.

Unwanted facial hair!

When I saw the wise women of TikTok talking about how diluted essential oil of spearmint helps reduce unwanted facial hair, I immediately jumped on the idea. And it was easy to try—because, well, I am a maker. I’ve got a garage fridge stocked with oils and there are roller bottles already on my supplies shelves. All I needed was spearmint essential oil, and I was good to go.

I’m not joking about this menopause-driven facial hair explosion.

I hit menopause in my 40s. My pubic hair immediately thinned, and I've concluded that all that hair migrated to my face because it started popping up all over my upper lip, under my nose, and of course all around my chin. I started carrying tweezers in the car. I invested in electrolysis for a few years which helped but only a little. All that stuff.

I’m getting actual results! The good kind!

In the month since I began applying diluted spearmint oil, there are fewer of those hairs appearing; the rate is slowing down, and what is showing up is less coarse. Dude!

Reduce wrinkles?

For the wrinkles, TikTok came through again with a frankincense oil tip. I don't mind the lines in my forehead, but those divots around the side of my nose and done the sides of my mouth — I don't love them. So why not give it a try?

I’ve been applying diluted frankincense oil to those areas, the puffiness under my eyes, and more recently to my neck — because why not? It’s still early, but maybe I’m seeing some improvement? Time will tell.

A work in progress

So that’s where things stand—gut healing progress and a vanity project on the side. What about you? What have you been curious about and badass enough to take on lately? Have you been following your gut (literally or figuratively), even when it’s hard? I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on, so drop a comment and let’s chat!

Thinking about upgrading?

If you’re not a paid subscriber yet, consider joining. Along with the usual benefits, you’ll receive one of these special greeting cards as a small token of my gratitude. As well as other gifts made by me from time to time.

Not ready to upgrade? Subscribe at the free level and get notified of new posts as they drop. Most of the content is free.

Not ready to subscribe? Make a one-time donation. Your generosity fuels my creativity, and helps keep the articles, books, and tutorial videos coming.

Stay connected

Thanks for continuing on this journey with me. Your support means everything. Feel free to comment or reach out—I always appreciate hearing from you.