Giving Thanks

An entire post giving thanks to the products and places that I love or just make life a little easier (in no particular order).

1.) Getting a new cellular phone. There is nothing like getting a new phone with all of its gadgets and things. Learning how to use it. Accidentally hanging up on people. Oh, and actually having a battery that can last an entire conversation (and you know I like to converse!).

2.) Walgreen's. Did you KNOW that you can pick up your Walgreen's prescription at any Walgreen's. Talk about making life easy! No more haggling with the insurance company to let you fill a 'scrip early because you are going on a vacation. Just give them your phone number and you can pick it up!

3.) Rosebud Salve. What in the world was Sephora thinking? I just got this stuff today and I am already addicted! When I go back to Sephora I will be picking up a few more (you know, for the car, my OTHER purse, the desk, etc.). I love my C.O. Bigelow Menthol Lip Shine, but MAN! I think I'm in LUST with the Rosebud Salve. I hope it conditions like it says it does because my Menthol Lip Shine just isn't doing the job like it used to!

4.) Orly Bonder Base Coat. When they say BONDER, they mean it! This is my holy grail base coat and I don't need to try any more! WHY bother?! Fingers and toes. Nail polish doesn't touch them without this base coat!

5.) Sally Hansen Natural Shine Nail Polish. I love this nail polish. It's not clear, really, but it makes your nails have that just buffed look. The advertisements and reviews have said that it doesn't peel and crack like traditional nail polish, but it gradually fades. I don't find that to be exactly true, but the polish did last a long time. Best of all, it dries almost instantly!

Toodles!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

And in honor of "Skin Care Awareness month" I'll explain why I have sunscreen in my care. I'll admit it, I have a preoccupation with aging. I don't want to do it. No, that's not right, I DO want to age, I just want to age GRACEFULLY! Wrinkles are not a good look for anyone without the wisdom to back them up. When I get wrinkles, I want to have experienced LIFE.

The first places that show signs of aging are the face, the neck, and the hands. I apply sunblock to all three of these places on a daily basis. Sunblock is one of the best ways to prevent premature aging due to sun damage. On my face and neck, I use either Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock (spf 45) or Clinique Super City Block. Of course, when I apply, I use gentle upward strokes instead of tugging on the skin (and causing wrinkles). On my hands, I have Aveeno's sunblock (spf 55...I think). Most of the sun we get is by accident. It comes from walking in the sun, driving, riding the bus, etc. I just apply the sunblock to my hands when I get in the car, if I remember, and if not, I apply when I feel like my hands are hot. I keep my sunblock more accessible than the lotion in my car as well. That way, if my hands feel dry, I reach for the sunblock. Tinting your car windows is a good way to protect you skin as well.

Retinoids are another anti-aging measure that I am using, and will continue to use until there is something better. I have also changed the way I use eyeliner. I used to pull my eyelid out to get a great line, but now, I just apply the eyeliner to my lid. No pulling. No tugging. It takes longer, but I'm happy to know that I am doing my part to fight wrinkles! it's probably a little too early for me to start using eye creams, but I'm looking at them, trying to find out what makes a good one. They'll probably be added to my skin care regimine when I hit my mid to late 20's.

If these options aren't available to you, you could also take other measures: wearing sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, and keeping your body as protected from the sun as possible. You should also avoid the sun during the times when it burns the hottest (noon until about 3 p.m.).