Hang nails (day 1)

This is day one of my hang nail experiment to test whether Argan oil prevents hang nails better than olive oil. I coated my left hand finger tips with Argan oil while soaking my right hand in a bowl of EVOO. Even I can smell the olive stench despite my lingering sinus congestion. Yum.

I really don't know how long I'm supposed to bathe in oil. I probably should have asked the sales lady when I bought the Argan. I figure five minutes oughta do it. And hopefully washing away the oil with soap and water won't eliminate any benefit my skin may have just had from soaking in oil. But I really can't go out smelling like my Italian great grandmother's kitchen all day. It is what it is. Let's see if I notice a difference tomorrow...

(Day 2)

Softer cuticles on both hands, but there's not a noticable difference between the right and left. More later...

(Day 3)

Hang nail forming on right thumb. Is it because I use it so much it dries out quicker or does EVOO not hold up in comparison to Argan? Time will tell.

Argan today, hang nails gone tomorrow?

Well, the craftshow was great, but no luck on the mugs. Hopefully my potter man will show up for the Bizarre Bazaar...But Mountain Mist was there as expected! I stocked up on their incredible lip balm, including their new strawberry flavor, and even purchased a few other items. Mango body butter. Yum. And Argan oil.

What the H is that?

According to Mountain Mist's website, "Argan oil is exceptionally rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E), phenols, carotenes, squalene, and essential fatty acids. What does this mean for your skin? In short, it is a fabulous skin moisturizer that absorbs quickly and has a transparent, lightweight feel."

It's supposed to be good for your nails, skin and hair. Once my hair grows long again, I'll likely have to try it out on my inevitable split ends, but for now I thought I'd oil up my lovely hang nails that line each of my fingernails year-round...Huh. As fate should have it, I recently read on Celebrity Beauty Tips that Julia Roberts soaks her nails in olive oil to soften her cuticles and prevent hang nails. Looks like we have more in common than just our big 80s hair.

Naturally, I'd love to know whether my $15 Argan oil works wonders over plain ol' olive oil. So I'll be soaking one hand in Argan and the other in EVOO throughout the week and will report back on the results. Back to you soon!

How to kick the winter lip-split

I cannot wait for the Craftsman Christmas Show at the Richmond Raceway this weekend! You never know what new and interesting jewelry, crafts, and art you will find. Two crafters I'm especially hoping to see is one particular potter from whom I mistakenly bought two beautiful mugs last year when I should have bought a set of 10. I went to all the spring shows hoping to find him again, but failed miserably. Potter man (whose company name I can't remember), don't let me down! I tossed all of my husband's Denny's-style mugs to make room in our small cabinet for your gorgeous creations and I'll never hear the end of it if you're a no-show this weekend.

I digress. The other vendor that I'm almost certain will be here (if not, they'll be here in December for the Christmas Bazaar) is the Mountain Mist company. This company is single-handedly responsible for ending my annual lip-split, which I used to enjoy each winter. I wear it everyday-- EVERYDAY. I also love lip treatments by MAC and FRESH, but Mountain Mist's lip balm is a fraction of the price and works as well or better. Ingredients include "sweet almond oil, lanolin, aloe, and Vitamin E and all-natural lip balm flavors".

They're now offering a pack of all five flavors for $12 at http://www.mtnmist.com/. I especially love the cherry shimmer and honey flavors and am still holding out hope that they'll make almond or orange spice flavors as well. I stock up twice a year when I see Mountain Mist at the spring and winter shows, even though one tube lasts me about a year. Hope you enjoy them!

Everyday Nails

First impressions are important-- especially when interviewing for a new job, which so many people are doing these days. Apparently, first impressions start with how you look, for better or worse.

Sharp haircut? Check. Modest accessories? Check. Polished shoes and a Frebrezed suit? Check, check. Manicured nails?...Oops.

Manicures. They look great, but only last a week or less. And at $25 plus, they can add up fast.

I went to Richmond's Woman Show and ran into a lady selling home manicure kits. Because I've tried these before and have never been impressed, I walked passed her booth. My then boyfriend (now husband) had to use the restroom, which of course was right next to her booth. Ew. So I had no choice but to listen to her product pitch. She polished my nail. Clean, shiny, nice. But before I could be sold, I needed to know I could shine them myself without having to put my back into it. Step 1) File and shape. 2) Clean. 3) Condition. 4) Shine. 5) Erase cuticles with the cuticle coconut oil pen.

EASY! Best of all, NO MORE HANGNAILS! I was pretty excited to find a kit that I could reuse for months (or years) at the price of only two manicures.

Bottom line: If you want polished nails everyday, call Archie (205) 863-8024 (she doesn't have a website) and order the Nail Strong Set for $34.95. Let me know what you think!