Still working away on my 250th stitching! This is an old Brooke's Books freebie from her free set of 12 monthly birthday cakes. This one is July, and the only change I made was adding the 250 to the ribbon. I stitched it on 32 ct. blue & white petit point linen. Sadly, I don't think these freebies are available anymore. After Brooke passed, her Etsy shop was closed and her website with all her freebies was taken down. Her Facebook page is still up, and you can scroll through the pictures to see this set of cakes, but I don't think there's a way to get a hold of them, unfortunately.
I am sneaking up on getting my finishing done. It's been a stressful year so far, with a difficult health situation in the family (Mr. Wonderful and I are okay, thankfully), and a couple of other challenges. I haven't been settled in my sewing room to work as much as I would like.
I have also developed the most bizarre and annoying allergic reaction to the tree pollen here. It started last spring, but never having had allergies, and mine not looking like everyone else's allergies, I didn't realize what it was until this spring. Throughout April and May, I'm pretty much "carsick." That's what it feels like. No sneezing, no runny nose, no watering eyes, just so much pressure in my face and head that if I move my head too much, I get dizzy and nauseous.
I figured out on my own how to manage it, because all the allergy medicine has too much stuff in it I don't need for symptoms I don't have.
1) saline nasal spray (the non-medicated stuff): the medicated sprays are only supposed to be used for a few days and if used longer, can cause worsening congestion and even become addictive. I use plain old saline spray (with aloe) every night, without fail, and after I've been outside, to keep the pollen flushed out.
2) real Sudafed (from behind the pharmacy counter): it doesn't have any medication in it I don't need; it's just for sinus pressure and congestion. I take one if I'm going to be outside all day.
3) heat masks for my face: I found single-use heating eye masks on Amazon. They warm up nicely; gentle enough for the face but warm enough to soothe. I use one when my face hurts.
That routine got me through April and May this year. Once the tree pollen calms down, the pressure just vanishes. It's so weird. Hopefully none of y'all have this problem, but if you do, I recommend the saline spray and the heat masks.
So that's what has been going on around here. Babies are fat and healthy. Stitching is happening. Finishing... not so much. Fingers crossed! Hope you're all well and enjoying your summer so far.
Happy Stitching!
So sorry you've had the allergy problem. This is exactly what my problem is and it is finally getting better now that the trees and grasses are finishing up with their pollen. I do pretty much what you do, but in addition, I use Flonase and it helps quite a bit. Hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteOh, Jan, I'm so sorry you've been suffering, but I have to say, it makes me feel better to know I'm not a weirdo! 😆 I couldn't find *any* information on allergies that present with only intense sinus pressure. Thank you for the info!
DeleteI'm like you, no sneezing or runny nose. It feels like bricks in my face. So much pressure, even my upper teeth hurt. Get a facial sauna/steamer. Conair makes one that fits over your whole face. Not only does it supply sinus relief, it moisturizes your face. I've had one for years. I also use Flonase.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the suggestion! I've been looking at one of those and wondered if it would help.
DeleteAnother lovely post .I have stitched a few of these cakes
ReplyDeleteI have to have hay fever tablets every day in Summer .
It's the only way for me , being a garden lover.
You you feel better soon, Hugs June.
Thank you, June! Have a good week!
DeleteCute cake! Brooke had cute, unique designs. May she RIP.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found a remedy for your allergy.
The Babies are so pretty.
Marilyn
She was one of my favorites.
DeleteI think there are more of us in this allergy camp than the medical world realizes. I do use saline spray daily. I am going to look for those heated face masks. The birthday cake stitch is darling. Now, I have a hankering for cake. Happy Sunday and Happy Flag Day!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. I told Mr. Wonderful I would actually rather have the sneezing and runny nose. The dizziness and nausea is awful.
DeleteBrookes passing was such a huge loss in the cross stitch community. I stitched 4 or 5 of her pieces and especially loved how pretty the faces were on her pieces. I love the cake you made!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer!
It really was. There was/is nobody doing what she was doing. Such a unique style and talent.
DeleteSorry to hear of the allergies. Hopefully pollen season ends real soon. My entire life I've basically lived in the same environment. Newcomers to the area often talk about doc visits for shots for allergies. I'm not affected at all. Maybe my body has long adjusted for these allergies. The worst ones are juniper and ragweed. I was lucky to have some freebies from Brooke and monthly cake patterns. She had some wonderful patterns😞
ReplyDeleteDon't know if it's true, but I've heard it takes a few years in a new place for allergies to develop. I had no problems the first 3 years we were here.🫤
DeleteOh my goodness, so sorry to hear you have allergies, Marigold and Butterfly are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove the Cake design th fabric you chose is lovely.
Catherine
Thank you, Catherine!
DeleteWhat a cute pattern! I don't have these cake patterns, but I do have several others by Brooke's Books. She was a wonderful designer. I'm sorry to hear it's been a challenging year, health issues can be very difficult. And your allergy issues sound awful, dizziness and nausea can be really debilitating. I'm glad you've found some things that help. Hope you're having a relaxing weekend!
ReplyDeleteMary