Dry Skin Part I – Moisturizer

Moisture is winter’s million-dollar question. The combination of harsh winter winds and abrasive indoor heaters work a real number on my skin. It’s irritable and dry, laughing in the face of the products I’ve used loyally throughout the year. 

Each year I foolishly think my skin will reject the woes of winter but, predictably, I find myself scouring the Internet for a miracle moisturizer at the first frost. This week, winter hit Dallas, so here I am in my annual state of déjà vu.

Luckily, I have a few at-home remedies that are immediately available, while my arsenal of moisturizers-to-try ships to my doorstep. 

Egyptian Magic is magic. I use a bit of this at night.

Embroylisse is a staple.  Perfect for daytime.

Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream is a great, multi-use product for lips, nails or dry skin. I’ve read some reviews that suggest using it as a mask as well. 

Stay tuned for more product reviews as I battle the winter wind and feel free to leave suggestions.

Holiday Playlist

It's December, the decorations are up and a cold front finally stopped by for a wintery moment. While I think about Christmas shopping, it's only fitting to compile the appropriate soundtrack for the season and procrastinate for another day.

Someday at Christmas - Jack Johnson
Modern dreams for holiday stress.

Jingle Bells - Diana Krall

Jazz goes so well with the holidays.

Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney

Simplyyy, haaaving a wonderful Christmastime.

Marshmallow World - Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra

Good ol' clean fun.

Christmas Time is Here -Vince Guaraldi

Because it's magic. (and everything Charlie Brown)

Happy Xmas - John Lennon

For the reflective holiday spirit.

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin

Just add mistletoe.

All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

If you must limit your holiday sounds to a single selection- make it this one.

Winter Wonderland - James Taylor

Beautiful, storybook lyrics by the flawless JT.

Valuable Pursings

(via)

At 26 years old, adulthood is killing me. Everyday is another lesson learned, leaving me to wonder when I will actually know something besides Bravo’s nightly lineup.

Today, the valuable lesson of product warranties is on the table. Some companies have fabulous customer service principles with great warranties. Nordstrom is the model child for customer service. If there’s a problem, yo, they’ll solve it. The company is willing to stand behind their inventory and ensure that customers remain customers for life. 

However, I took warranties for granted and diversified my purchases. But the buck stops here. After one year, my Kate Spade Gold Coast Maryanne is fraying at the handle and the “quilted leather” is rubbing off. This is not a purse I carry everyday, or throw on the ground, so I was extremely surprised by the deterioration.

I emailed them about my disappointment in the quality of the product, to which they responded there was nothing they could do since the 1-year warranty had expired (by 20 DAYS!).  Not even a capital letter was sent my way.

If I had bought this at Nordstrom, where it is also available, they would replace it effortlessly and apologize for my trouble. But, being the inexperienced consumer, the purchase was made directly on katespade.com and I’m now one purse down.

Lesson of the day:

Research product warranties/return policies before making purchases, especially during the holiday season while deciding on gifts for others.

Honorable mention- Amazon is also very accommodating and responsive with any customer service issues.

Gifting dances

While November advances at an inconsiderately quick pace, it’s hard to ignore the upcoming holidays. And, why would you want to? I love every aspect of this season. The temperatures are finally dropping, the leaves are turning and Starbucks releases red cups for gingerbread lattes. ‘Tis the Season!

 This morning, the first retail gift guide graced my inbox (see the Kate Spade goodies) and I couldn’t help but scroll through the entire list. It had everything, but there's one particular gem that caught my eye: the "This is the year to" bangle. 

 

Everyone loves a good bangle and I'm a firm believer in jewelry that tells a story. Jewelry brings a constant reminder of encouragement and support, which is probably why I don't leave the house without a piece from my grandmother's jewelry collection.

 As the new year approaches, it's important to recognize new beginnings, new goals and new phases in life that bring undeniable hope and happiness. For anyone on your list who may have had a rough year, this little bangle is the perfect opportunity to remind them to "dance till dawn" in style and with the support of the people they love.