News Flash

I don't think I've watched the evening news in years.  My son is eight years old and quite frankly, I think it is too scary and overwhelming to have the news on in the house.  Of course, I can try to stay up and watch the 11 o'clock news at night - but I'm usually too exhausted.  Let's list the alternatives.  If I had the choice of watching The Big Bang Theory or How I Met Your Mother or The King of Queens - I know all cheesy sitcoms, or the news at 11 o'clock in the evening, I choose to enjoy the cheesy sitcom before going to sleep.

Over time, I felt like I had lost touch with current events.  I wasn't keeping up with the news on television.  I didn't get a newspaper delivered to my house.  I could look up current events on the internet or get an app on my phone of a major news organization but it is just too much to sort through.  I'd like to think I am a bright and intelligent person who likes to empower myself with information and knowledge about the world around me. I definitely felt out of touch.  My husband would come home from work and talk to me about things that are going on in the world and I just didn't have much to contribute to the conversation.  Like a deer in headlights and it frustrated me.

About a month ago, on Facebook one of those little boxes appeared with a notice that several of my friends LIKED theSkimm.  theSkimm is an email newsletter you can subscribe to that you will find in your inbox first thing every morning.  Summarizing international and domestic events it really is a wonderful source of information for Moms, or anyone, who wants to incorporate absorbing this information in their daily lives but are simply too short on time.  I subscribed about a month ago and am really happy I did.  Now each morning while I enjoy my coffee, I read theSkimm and catch up with the news in only a couple of minutes.  Now I won't look like a deer in headlights when my husband talks to me about current events.  Not only can I contribute to the conversation thanks to theSkimm, I might stump him with a news event he might not be aware of.

Do you watch the news with young children at home?  Do you find yourself out of the loop with current events?  What are your sources for getting information about current events?

photo credit: brighter than sunshine via photopin cc

Argan Oil, A Beauty Must Have

This weekend I purchased a new bottle of Josie Maran Argan Oil.  I have a confession to make -  there are few products I consistently repurchase.  Once I finish a product, I usually move on and try something new.  Since I have purchased this product at least a dozen times, I had to share it with you.

A few years ago I was flipping through television channels.  I stopped on a home shopping channel where Josie Maran was talking about the benefits of argan oil.  I was inspired to learn more about the product.  What I found was that argan oil is grown in Morocco and for years women have used it to help nourish their skin, hair and nails in the dry, harsh climate.  With extremely high levels of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil is great at healing the skin with anti-aging benefits.

A few years ago my Mom underwent rigorous medical treatment that wreaked havoc on her skin, hair and nails.  I recommended this product and not only did it help heal and soothe her skin, it restored a luminosity her skin had lost.  People constantly ask her what she uses on her skin and the one staple in her beauty routine over the years has been argan oil.  If I've purchased a dozen bottles, she's purchased two dozen.

I use it as a serum under my facial moisturizer.  I use it to heal dry patches of skin.  I use it to nourish my hair.  I use it as a cuticle oil.  I use it on my children's skin if they have a little dryness or scratches.  There aren't any other skincare products I've come across that addresses so many issues.  It's worth the investment.

p.s.  I love that Josie Maran's argan oil is paraben free, certified organic and 100% pure.

Casual Summer

I have to admit, as much as I love a nice wedge or jeweled sandal, I usually reach for my flip flops during the summer.  I worked in the women's footwear industry for 13 years, so I have an appreciation for beautiful shoes, but there is something about the ease of wearing flip flops that I love.

To me, flip flops are synonymous with well manicured feet.  I don't have time to get pedicures.  I personally would rather make an appointment for a massage than sit in a pedicure chair.  Every other week, I maintain my nails and change the polish.  There is one tool I can not live without, my callus rasp.

I have tried everything.  From pumice stones and callus lotions to pedicure files.  My feet initially felt smooth, but once the lotion had absorbed into my skin, my heels would get rough.  I decided to give a stainless callus rasp a try and it has been an excellent addition to my pedicure routine.  In the shower I simply file my heels for about 30 seconds each.  I finish by applying a heavy cream and my feet are soft and smooth.  I am not embarrassed by dry, cracked heels when I wear my flip flops.

 

 

Do you have summer beauty tools?  Have you ever heard of a callus rasp?  Do you feel pedicures are worth the money and time or you feel you can achieve the same results at home?

Beauty Essentials

If your days begin anything like mine, you are pulled in a million directions first thing in the morning.  Making beds, getting breakfast on the table and kids off to school, I'm often left feeling like I've run a marathon.  I concentrate on my children looking clean and pulled together when they leave the house.  There are times after I drop off my son at school,  I look in the mirror and ask myself how I went out looking like a mess! 

I have a ton of makeup and beauty products!  This is no joke, I am obsessed with makeup.  When I share this information with people, they usually tell me I don't look like I wear much makeup.  That is the best compliment to me.  I want to look natural and effortlessly pulled together.

There are a few beauty essentials I think every mom should have in her arsenal.  Whether committing to apply daily, or have on hand for a meeting at your child's school or date night, these items will help you achieve a natural look.

A tinted moisturizer will give you a no-makeup look and provide a soft, natural glow. 

Applying a peachy pink blush is the best way to enhance your complexion and cheekbones.

Mascara will darken, lengthen, thicken and define your eyelashes.  The easiest way to enhance your eyes.

Finishing with a pink lip gloss will give lips glossy lustre and subtle color.

I love Laura Mercier Cosmetics and have been using their products for over ten years. These are my favorites that I reach for daily.

Laura Mercier Blush in Wild Bouquet & Lip Gloss in Baby Doll

Some of my friends tell me they don't know where to start with makeup and how to apply. Here is where you can never understimate the power of You Tube.  The absolute best tutorials for teaching basic looks easy for moms to achieve are Lisa Eldridge and Pixiwoo.  You will not be disappointed and will find a natural look you can replicate!

I have promised myself I will apply the beauty essentials each day!  When I spend a few minutes pulling myself together, I find it lifts my spirits and quite honestly puts me in a better mood. 

What are your beauty staples?  What are your holy grail products you can't live without?