Category Archives: Product Reviews

Beach Blanket Treats: Part 2

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Photo courtesy of Oh Happy Day!

Can you tell me why the lighting in dressing rooms is so bad? Especially when trying on a bathing suit! Anyone?
Also? I need a tan.
Fortunately I have a plan that will spare the populace of Maui from witnessing my translucent complexion.
First exfoliate very, very well. I like to use bath gloves and a moisturizing body wash. Make sure to spend extra time on elbows, knees and heels.
Then apply lotion and let it sink in for a few minutes. The self tanner will go on evenly and, if there are any dry patches you’ve missed, it will prevent you from looking splotchy.
Now the self tanning lotion. I use Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel It is a little on the pricy side but for me it’s worth it, as your tan will last about a week, the color is subtle and natural looking, and the scent is light. You won’t smell like a chili cheese corn chip.
Don’t forget to wash your hands immediately after applying.


I’ve been trying out sunscreens in an attempt to find something that doesn’t make my very fussy skin break out. The winner is Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid

All this about tans and swim suits is making me very excited for our vacation!

Favorite Things: Warm Boots

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Man, it’s cold out! That doesn’t mean we can’t look cute and be comfortable. Here are some of my picks to keep our feet warm and fashionable!


I have these. I’ve been putting them through their paces this fall and winter, and so far so awesome! Clarks Orinocco Engineer boots are perfect for walking. You can wear a nice thick pair of socks, and they make your Mom uniform look a bit more “tough girl”.


Ecco Hobart Buckle. I have these too. I bought them to replace a pair that had died. Also, they never fit well in the calf. These fit perfectly! I can tuck in my jeans and I have room left over.


These “Gabby” Hunter boots are just killing me! They are waterproof, as you’d expect a Hunter brand boot to be, and the reviews on the site link are all good.
I can see that they might not be the thing to wear if you need to walk on icy sidewalks, but for winter wet and cold they would work! You could wear them with a nice cozy pair of socks, with jeans or tights and a wool skirt.


These Merrill Angelic Peak boots are also waterproof if the above are not your speed. They have a 16″ shaft circumference, so you’ll have room to tuck in your jeans and still be able to walk!


I ordered these, and as you read this they are on their way. I bought them to replace another pair that, frankly, were a bit ugly on me. They they had a square toe box that became dated right away and looked weird when I wore them with a skirt. I’m hoping the rounded toe and the modern platform heel will go with skinny’s, slacks, and skirts. I’ll update here when I try them.

Update! I wore these shopping yesterday. I’m pleased to report they are warm and stylish. I wore them with skinny jeans and they looked great. They have a non-skid rubber sole that did an excellent job of preventing slipping and sliding on the wet pavement. One suggestion: They run about a 1/2 size big. I didn’t mind because I wore a pair of warm socks (hidden, naturally) with them, but if you’ll be sock-less or wearing mainly hose or tights I’d go ahead and order smaller.

What are your favorite winter weather boots?

Favorite Things: Barnum’s Animal Crackers

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There are three reasons that make these a favorite thing.

First, every time I see this package I’m instantly back in kindergarten and it’s snack time followed by story time then it’s time to go recess.

Secondly after you eat your cookies you have a lovely little carry case for, you know, stuff! My sister and I used to make them into evening bags.

The third and best reason these are one of my favorite things is when you eat them you can first go through the whole box and systematically bite the heads off everyone.

Nice cause, cool shirts

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Last week I clicked over to Out of Print Clothing at the suggestion of a friend and fellow book lover. I’m very glad I did, not only did I get a couple of cool (and really comfortable) shirts but I helped put a book into the hands of a child in need.

Here’s their mission: For each shirt we sell, one book is donated to a community in need through our partner Books For Africa.