Hot Tea

Dear Lipton Green Tea With Honey and Lemon,

You are my secret obsession. I have two cups of you every night before bed. You are great with three Splenda and half a lemon wedge. When I first saw you in the grocery store, I was skeptical that we should meet. However, your coupon threw me over the edge and I decided to give you a chance. You have proved me wrong on so many levels. You have brought me back to real hot tea. You're not one of those fake ones that looks good but is all talk. You have calmed me down so I can sleep well. I look forward to spending time with you after a long day. My little green tea pot is quite fond of you as well. She whistles every time she sees you. I see more of you in my future. I plan to have you along at dinner parties, etiquette lessons, and movie dates. We are going to have a lot of fun together. Thanks for being you. Thanks for brewing up something special for me every single time.

Happy Brewing,

Faith

Simply Soothing

"Kind to Skin?" Yes sir.

I love moisturizers. They are a must for men and women no matter what age or what skin type. I have keratosis pilaris on my face and arms. Basically, it is constant goose bumps on both of those places. It is a genetic problem, so, unlikely to ever be "cured." When I get hot or when I cry, my face gets very red. Over the years, this bothered me A LOT. I've tried everything to settle it down because the redness would be quite noticeable. It was hard for me to wear make-up without looking like a white sheet cake, almost impossible to find a good blush, you get the picture. So far, I haven't found any magical treatment except lots and lots of moisture. I am extremely religious about this. If I lay it on thick, I can tell a difference throughout the day. The more moisture I use, the softer my face feels. The more moisture I use as I age, the more it improves. If I haven't lathered up before bed or before make-up, whoa unto me.

Usually, I try a new brand every time I run out. From thick to thin, I like to experiment. I particularly enjoy Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, Sephora Brand Age Defy Moisture Cream, Neutrogena Oil-Free, and my newest fave, Simple Light Hydrating. I've gotten my money's worth out of each of these at all price ranges (from $10 $30). The truth is, moisturizing is something many overlook. You brush your teeth twice a day, right? Yes, please. Don't you need to give the same care to your skin? Yes, please. Like I always say, get on the bandwagon. Your face and I will thank you.

P.S. Target currently has a $1.00 off Simple coupon. Just go HERE

Kohl's, You've Stepped It Up!

I browsed around Kohl's late this evening and found quite a few surprises. Although I didn't buy anything, I was really impressed at the streamlined look they've got going for women and men these days. They are now carrying a "line" of Rock and Republic, a high-end denim rocker look. Also, they have a Marc Anthony line for men that is beautiful. Maybe they've had these for awhile, I don't know. What they do with Rock and Republic/Marc Anthony is similar to their Simply Vera Wang line, also adorable. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've bought clothes there. Not that there's anything wrong with them by all means, I just usually don't think about it for wardrobe. Now, I've changed my mind. Check it out if you haven't been in awhile. Plus, they offer coupons in the paper sometimes. Happy hunting!

A Great Lunch Read

I adore this blog, A Cup of Jo. It is the blog I want mine to be! 30,000 plus followers? Come on! I love this post in particular because I worry WAY to much:
HERE

Valor Vintage

Vintage photos are a great decorating staple. They are featured in blogs, catalogs, and decorating magazines. You need some on your walls. Ready. Set. Search.

These little gems are hiding right under your nose. Old drawers, antique shops, and boxes are a few of their favorite hangouts. You could raid granny's house and have enough of these to open a superstore. It is very inexpensive to dig out the musty and dusty, frame, and make a giant wall collage. Then, your wall art can be as big as you want it, as tall, or as wide.

I am OCD about blank walls. I want them full of life. I want character and things that represent me. A random conglomeration of things is my idea of masterpiece. Personally, I'd rather frame twenty small pictures and make a giant collage than buy a giant picture for one wall. I'm a hodgepodge person. That's just how I roll. I like art of all sorts, but I just can't get that warm and fuzzy feeling over many store items. I want things to have history and purpose.

I found this sheet of school pictures in my basement. Dr.K never passed them out, so out the door they go. How mod? How chic? I must have these. Add a $4.00 frame from Marshall's and magic appears. They've got a brand new life in 932. It's alright to mix frames, black and white pictures, and colored ones, too. Lay your idea out on the floor to make a plan before you make you hammer in your nails. I did a massive wall collage at my last apartment and I loved every bit of it. "Easy, fun, and practical," I say. Mine won't look like yours and yours won't look like mine. They're one of a kind, folks, one of a kind.