Find a Beauty Routine that Works for You

Recently, Martha Stewart shared her beauty routine with the New York Times. And I have to admit that at 72 years old she is still looking pretty put together.  And some might say it is easy for her because she has all the money in the world to spend on lotions and potions.  Not many of us have
hundreds of dollars to spend on cosmetics and spa services. Right?
 

With Groupon (my personal secret) professional facial can is now within reach of many women. I've fount their deals to a great way to find facials and other personal care treats. I can't to treat myself often but Groupon has made the occasional splurge possible.

But I was rather surprised as I started to look at the products Martha mentioned that most of them were not super expensive. Oh, there was the odd hundred dollar an ounce facial mask or lotion but many of them were moderately priced. The Mario Badescu line was priced between $8 and $35 dollars. Even that maybe too pricey for some and personally I am not beyond shopping the dollar store or discount store. T.J.Max and Marshalls are another my secrets for finding luxury products at great price.

Even if our beauty product shopping is limited to aisles of Walmart, Target and the grocery store there are still are things we can take away from the article on Martha’s beauty routine.

·       Its okay to mix and match products. Not everything has to be from the same line. If you like a moisturizer from one manufacturer and cleanser from another use them.

·       Avoid sun exposure, wear sunscreen and a hat.  The sun will age you quickly and increase your risk of skin cancer

·       Don’t go to bed with your make up on. Martha uses baby oil to remove her make up but many of those contain mineral. I prefer using coconut oil or olive oil both found in the grocery store. I also like CeraVe and Cetephil  a big bottle is only about $16.  Cleanse your skin before bed to help avoid clogged pores.

·       Don’t go out with putting something on your face. Just a little moisturizer, lip gloss and mascara and it won’t matter who you see or who sees you.

Most importantly Martha teaches us to have a routine that works for us and to follow it. Whether you are spending hundreds on high end products, shopping at the drug store or the dollar store find products that work for you and use them regularly. No product works unless you actually use it. 

Effective and reasonably priced

One Writer's Gift Guide

With Christmas a week away I thought I would make a gift giving list for all the writers in your life.

.First on my list of great gifts for writer is an Oberon Designs journal cover.   Writers are notorious for  always having a note book on their person.  My Moleskine fits snugly in the cover and the leather has become softer with use. Oberon has wonderful things for non-writers, too. Hand tooled tablet, e-reader covers and leather accessories suitable for men and women are available in a variety of colors.

Consider giving your favorite writer a pair of fingerless gloves to keep the hands and wrist warm while leaving the fingers free to type.  Styles range from wooly Bob Cratchit's to lacey elegance. Fingerless gloves are also great for smart phone and tablet users.  These from Three Bird Nest split the difference with lace and warmth.

Most writers have shelves of grammar books and guides but Writer's Market is fresh every year. Pick up the writer on your list of the 2014 Writer's Market. Specialized guides are available for the poet, free lancer, children's writer or what ever kind of writer you have in your life.

The ultimate Writer's gadget on my list is the Microsoft Surface Pro 2. The Surface has one of the most comfortable keyboards I've ever used. I love the touch screen. Best of all it runs MS Word like a desktop.

Of course nothing goes together like writers and coffee (except maybe peanut butter and jelly) making a coffee shop gift card a perfect gift for a writer. One BIG name in coffee shops has gift cards readily available but I like to support small local businesses whenever I can. Of course, writers need something cool to carry their gift cards, and a pen. I recommend Robin Pedrero's artsy dollar pouches from her Etsy shop.. They are just small enough to stash in your tote bag.

Finally, in my opinion, every writer needs a talisman, some physical artifact that reminds them to keep writing. My personal favorite is this magnetic locket by Polarity. The locket comes with three interchangeable lid to suit your mood. My choice is the reminder to "write what interests you." Good advice. Inside is just enough space to tuck a few writing prompts if they get stuck.

That's my short list. Have a wonderful Holiday.  I'll be back after the big day.