Friday, October 28, 2011

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!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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!