IS IT A GO OR IS IT A NO?

OK Ladies-this blog is for you. Anyone who knows me, knows that skin products and jewelry are my two passions. I just can't get enough of either one-ever.  Whether the makeup or jewelry is inexpensive or pricey, I am always intrigued. So when the Today Show reviewed the top drugstore recommendations, I spent two days chasing the items down. Here we go.
    Best Cover Up-Revlon Photo Ready Instafix-I actually liked this a lot. It comes in a fat stick form 
    and you can fit it in your purse. It works well as a foundation or concealer. At CVS. (A GO)


    Best Foundation-Maybelline SuperStay better skin. It does stay all day, but it has no oil/moisture in
    it so it is very drying. If you have oily skin, you may like it. I was not a fan. At CVS. (A NO)
    I still think Covergirl + Olay CC Tone Rehab is fabulous and Loreal's Blur foundation is a close
    equally good. Try both of these instead.


    Best Eyeliner-Sonia Kashluk's twist up longwear liner. It's not waterproof, but stays on ALL
    day and doesn't smudge. It's an amazing product. Comes in 4 colors and is hard to acquire. At
    Target. (A GO)


    Best Nail Topcoat-Essie Gel Setter Top Coat. This can be used on top of any polish. It extends the
    manicure by at least a week with no chipping or peeling. It is extraordinary-love it. At CVS.
    (A GO)


    Best Blush-Flower is a powder to cream blush. It is Drew Barrymore's new line. Interesting con-
    cept but it works best, in my opinion, over another blush. So I am not sure if it's worth the effort
    of finding. Try her lip glosses though. I think they are a home run.
    At Super Walmart locations-don't even ask where I had to drive to for this item! (A NO)


That's it for the Today Show List. Now for some Expensive Items I use and recommend, or I want to try.
    ALL TIME FAVORITE SKIN CARE LINES
      Nutrabisse-anything they make is luxurious and effective. Rob a bank and try their moisturizers.
      Available at Neiman Marcus.


      Jurlique-their superior retexturising facial serum is the best product I use. It changes everything
      about your face for the better in a short time; your tone, less wrinkles, radiant skin appears and
      fine lines disappear. Again this is a luxury item but worth the price. At Sephora.


SKIN AND HAIR SUGGESTIONS ON MY LIST TO TRY
   1.  Touch and Glo-an at home face lift for $100. After 30 days, skin is more toned with fewer lines.
     Hamptonsacupuncture.com
   2.  TRIA age defying line remover for $249. This is getting a ton of buzz. It is a lazer to remove
     wrinkles. People are raving. I am skeptical.
   3.  Dr. Brandt's Needles No More 3D filler mask. This, too, is a product to reduce fine lines and
     wrinkles. It supposedly fills in the cracks. He produces (produced - now deceased) excellent
     products, so I am excited to try it out.
  4. MD Solar Science evening facial repair. This is a night only cream. My theory any cream is great
      as long as you routinely use it.
  5. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer-used by makeup artists on the stars. Supposedly erases
      dark circles, broken capillaries, etc. $28 at Sephora.
SOME NEW PRODUCTS THAT ARE GREAT FOR TRAVEL
   1.  Blingbrush 18-an on the go jewelry cleaner you keep in your purse. How many times do you
        look down at your rings and see a soapy film on them as you exit the ladies room? This does
        the trick. By Baublerella for $18.
    2. Hadaki Jewelry Pouch. This travel pouch has 8 separate compartments for earrings, rings,
        and necklaces. No more tangling. It's a fabulous idea. Fits right in your purse.
        $32 at Hadaki.com
    3. Balance Bead- a bead that comes in small or large size to place at the catch of your necklace. It
        is an ingenious idea which prevents the catch from rolling to the front of the necklace. Buy it
        on Balancebeadshop.com.
    4. Pom Pom ID Luggage Tag-no more rainbow striped straps wrapped around your luggage. This
        new item you tie to the handle of your suitcase and you instantly know that black suitcase is
        yours! It's only $5.99 at Bed and Bath.
    5. Fitkicks-a footware you can leave on at security or just walk around in the comfort of  your
        home without slipping on wood floors. A sock with a rubber sole. It's great for yoga too.
        fitkicksshoes.com
Wishing all of you safe travels, beautiful skin, and a Happy and Healthy New Year! xo, One B
(And to my precious daughters-don't purchase any of  the above items-hint, hint!)
  
  

A cracked pelvis, A missed trip to Ireland, and a very Happy Thanksgiving

  On August 26th, I took a major fall in a NYC restaurant (due to a slippery floor) and long story short, ended up in the hospital that evening. I had a minor concussion and a major fractured pelvis.
Walking was difficult, moving was not fun, and lifting was out of the question. The cure for this: lots of rest and (in my case)  no meds for the pain. So, of course, movies and books were the only remedy for the next 12 weeks. The pain was excruciating, and did not subside for 8 of those weeks. There was no gym time to distract, no taking care of my beautiful grandsons, and lots of alone time. I watched many movies on demand and many in the theaters. I will try to recall as many as I can. I read several books and have many more on my to read list. See below.




MOVIES ON DEMAND
  Dirty Weekend-a layover in an airport allows two work colleagues to discover more about each
  other. Stars Matthew Broderick.  mediocre but held my interest.




 The Duff-a high school senior finds out she is labeled as the Designated Ugly Fat Friend. A teen
 movie starring Mae Whitman from Parenthood. Younger audiences will like it.




 Breakpoint-about an aging doubles tennis player and his brother. Stars Jeremy Sisto. Terrible!




Some Kind of Beautiful-a romantic comedy with Pierce Brosnan, Selma Hayek, and  Jessica Alba.
an entertaining and bad movie!




She's Funny That Way-a screwball comedy by Peter Bogdanovich. A Woody Allen Wannabe. Stars
Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. Worth watching.




The Gallows-a bad horror film starring Kathie Lee Gifford's daughter, Cassidy Gifford. Don't bother.




I'll See You In My Dreams-a funny heartfelt film about a woman who finds love again later in life. Stars Blythe Danner and Sam Elliot. Worth watching.




MOVIES IN THE THEATER
  Black Mass-About Boston Crime Boss, Whitey Bulger. Johnny Depp's best film in years. See it.




  Ricki and The Flash-Jonathan Demme and Diablo Cody's film about unsuccessful aging rocker      and the trials and tribulations with her family. Stars Meryl Streep and real life daughter, Mamie Gummer.
 I loved it-not a good movie, but I love anything with Streep. Now available On Demand. See it.



 The Intern-Robert DeNiro becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site run by Anne Hathaway.
  Charming and entertaining. Nothing fabulous, but worth seeing.




  Danny Collins-Aging rocker, Al Pacino embarks on a journey to rediscover his family and change 
  his hard living ways. Annette Bening stars with Pacino. Pacino delivers a great performance. Fun to
  watch.




  While We're Young-Noah Baumbach's comedy about a childless NYC couple in their mid-forties.
   Stars Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, and Adam Driver.  Interesting and Entertaining. Liked it.




  San Andreas-Earthquake hits California. The "Rock" (Dwayne Johnson) and his extranged wife
  save their daughter. Action packed and stars The Rock-who needs more than that? Love him-my
  fav!




  A Walk In The Woods-Even Robert Redford and Nick Nolte couldn't save this movie. HORRIBLE.




  Trainwreck-Judd Apatow directs Amy Schumer and Bill Hader in this hysterical movie about
  monogamy. LeBron James is AMAZING.  Definitely see-but beware: very raunchy humor.




 Spotlight-The true Boston Globe story about the pervasive and ongoing sexual abuse performed by
 a large number of priests in the Catholic Church. Compelling. All Star Cast. A MUST SEE.






 Brooklyn-story of immigrants from Ireland coming to America. The trailer was better than the
 movie. Very disappointing.




Bridge of Spies-Directed by Spielberg. Do I need to say more? Tom Hanks is fabulous in this Cold
War-set thriller. A true story. Another MUST See.




Creed-Sylvester Stallone and Michael Jordan star in the best "underdog" movie since the original
"Rocky". Stallone as an aging Rocky Balboa trains Apollo Creed's son (Michael Jordan) for a
 major bout. RUN DON'T WALK. Loved every minute. I talked to the screen with the rest of the
 audience. Jordan's acting deserves an academy award.




BOOKS I'VE READ                                                   BOOKS I WANT TO READ


Big Little Lies-Liane Moriarty                                     Boys In The Boat (Brown)
The Luckiest Girl Alive-Jessica Knoll                         Everything I Never Told You (Ng)
In The Unlikely Event-Judy Blume                             Devil In The White City (Larson)
In a Dark Wood-Ruth Ware                                         Purity (Franzen)
Go Set A Watchman-Harper Lee                                 My Brilliant Friend (Ferrante)                            
The Whites-Richard Price
The Round House-Louise Erdrich




TELEVISION I ENJOY
Stephen Colbert (channel 2@11:30)
Seth Meyers (channel 4 @12:30)
Ray Donovan (Showtime-season 3 now On Demand)
The Leftovers (HBO Sunday@9)
The Affair (Showtime Sunday at 10)
The Grinder (Channel 5 on Tuesday at 8:30) Rob Lowe-does this guy ever age?
Grandfathered (Channel 5 on Tuesday at 8) John Stamos-does this guy ever age?




QUOTES I NEED TO TELL YOU
"Getting Older is inevitable. Aging is Optional."


"It's not the big things that people do that make them special. It's the small things they do that make
them big."

New Recs and a little Dreck

    Anyone who knows me, is aware that Summer is my least favorite season. I will admit we have had some glorious days with no humidity that were absolutely perfect. But, they are too few and far between the hot, humid bad hair days. So, I have spent several afternoons and evenings in the cool dark venue of a movie theatre which is my favorite place to be in this heat.
  Some of the movies I have seen:


Infinite Polar bear-stars Mark Ruffalo stars as  a bipolar man attempting to rebuild a relationship with his daughters and wife. It is superb. Loved it!


Love and Mercy-stars John Cusack, Paul Dano, and Paul Giamatti. Another movie focusing on psychosis! This is the story of Beach Boys leader, Brian Wilson. Most of my friends loved this movie. I did not. It was just ok. Good on demand feature for home.


Gallows-stars Cassidy Gifford (Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee's daughter), which was my purpose for viewing it. It was a supposedly scary movie. It was a bad take on the Blair Witch Trial. Thumbs down-DRECK.


Irrational Man-stars Joaquin Phoenix (who is screwy to begin with) as a philosophy (which is a weird subject to boot) professor with an alcohol problem. Emma Stone and Parker Posey both have the hots for this loser and ultimately, he commits an act which turns his life around. Allen's movie is Dreck. However, he is a master with conversation and for that alone I will tell you, it might be
worthwhile.


Southpaw-Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a light heavyweight boxer. I adore boxing and boxing movies. That being said the plot is ridiculous and unconvincing. Gyllenhaal's body transformation is pretty amazing though. Dreck.


Mission Impossible-Tom Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt. The plot is fun and action packed. The stunts are amazing. It is a thrill a minute. Although, I am not a fan of Cruise, he looks great, and plays the part extremely well. Lots of fun to watch. Loved it!


Ricky and The Flash-stars Meryl Streep and her daughter. To quote A.O. Scott, "a gentle-hearted baby boomer guilt-trip family drama." Meryl Streep performs song covers throughout the movie and is believable and pretty mesmerizing in every scene.  Loved it! She's worth the price of admission.




When not seeking refuge from the dog day afternoons of summer, I can be found either reading or watching shows on demand in the wee hours of the night. Some particularly entertaining shows this summer have been ones you probably haven't ever heard of or have ever seen.
    HUMANS-on AMC. A science fiction series where the newest must have gadget is a "Synth". A Synth is a robot servant which looks and acts exactly as Humans do. The plot line  raises very interesting issues and is written well. William Hurt is awesome and Gemma Chan is a magnificent looking robot. I am not usually a fan of Sci-Fi, but this series is worth a look. Chilling...
   WAYWARD PINES-M. Night Shyamalan's show about a secret service agent sent to Idaho to locate two missing federal agents. He is unable to leave alive once in this town for a variety of spooky reasons. Matt Dillon stars with  Carla Gugino. At first, this show had promise, but it fell short and lost my interest quickly. DRECK-don't bother.
    YOUNGER-A single mom decides to lie about her age so she may reboot her career. Great Cast with Sutton Foster, Hillary Duff and Debi Mazar. Watch it on TV Land-geared to a younger audience, but I thought it was really well done. LOVE IT!
    SEX,DRUGS,ROCK & ROLL-Denis Leary and John Corbett star in this FX series about a middle aged rock and roller who never achieved fame and fortune. Super Fun-I recommend it!
     GRACE AND FRANKIE-For all of us who loved Lily Tomlin on SNL, you must watch this series. For all of us 50 and Older, you must watch this series! Jane Fonda looks amazing. Lily is fabulous and the subject matter is hysterical. Watch it on Netflix and laugh out loud!
     PLAYING HOUSE-stars two women I am unfamiliar with. Comedy about two best friends raising a baby. Not Dreck but after several episodes, I am weary. Don't waste your time.
     BALLERS-Dwayne Johnson "The Rock" (my favorite!) stars in a series about football players and their agents. Love this show! On HBO.
     THE BRINK-a geopolitical satire focusing on the crisis in Pakistan. Tim Robbins is super fabulous and Jack Black is also very good. Excellent fun to watch. On HBO
     RAY DONOVAN-what can I say? Possibly the best show on t.v. Liev Schreiber is a HOT MESS and Jon Voight is phenomenal as his out of control father. On SHO.


Ok-so I have only read two books recently. The first being The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins. I felt this was exactly like Gone Girl and a rip off. Very fair read. However, if you liked Gone Girl, you will also like this.
  The Second Book was Harper Lee's Go Set A Watchman. I also thought this was just fair, but it raises some relevant racial issues and I feel it should be required reading along with To Kill a Mockingbird (which was an all time favorite.)


Finally, some skin care recommendations since I am so concerned about avoiding sun and maintaining nice skin.
   These are all recommendations:  Any products by Jurlique, Roc, Nutrabisse, and Skinn (from evine t.v.). All of these produce nice, noticeable transformations in skin appearance.
     Not Dreck but not my Favorites either: Peter Thomas Roth un wrinkle serum, Genius Algenist anti aging vit c serum, ZoSkin Heath by Zen Obagi.  I see little change from these products although they are highly rated.




Now, I want to leave you with a smile on your face. Watch the best commercial on television. You can catch it on You Tube. It is Our Song Commercial/ United Health Care.
Check it out-it's hysterical, I promise!
Enjoy the rest of the summer. As Countess LuAnn de Lesseps says from The Real Housewives of NYC, " Be Cool. Don't be all, like uncool."   (ok-I know I should be quoting Shakespeare or Longfellow or some actual literate human - don't shoot me)

On Being a Daughter and Grandparent-two cherished roles.

 My role as a daughter, a spouse, a parent and as a grandparent are cherished.  To provide eternal and unconditional love to my parents, husband, children and grandchildren is a privilege and a blessing. No one gave us a rule book as to how we take on these roles. We learn by our trials and tribulations and do the best we can, hoping for success.
   In the past month, I have had the unique opportunity of spending "quality" time with my 91 year old Dad and 88 year old mom and shortly after that stint, I had the honor of babysitting my 8 month old and 35 month old grandsons. What I realized is that there are many similarities when caring for these two very different age groups.
     What my parents want most at this point in their lives is to be independent. They don't want help stepping off a curb, or for me to chauffeur them when I am there, or (for me) to buy food and stock their refrigerator. They still want to do everything on their own.  I totally understand their desire to be independent, but at what point, do we suggest no more driving, or that someone else should shlep the groceries and bottled water into the house? I continually worry about their safety. I want to create an accident free environment. No area rugs, bars in the shower and by the toilets, etc.
      Proper nutrition and hydration is also a concept that they really don't value at this age. I am constantly asking them to eat more  and drink more. Please take your medications with food!  Doctors don't coordinate with each other or care about medications being prescribed by other physicians. This is a huge issue that creates added stress. So, I am now their child telling them what to do. This, understandably, creates uneasiness and tension.
     And, finally, I have concerns about their loneliness and their fear and depression that they are outliving their money and their contemporaries. Since they live far and I can't get there every few weeks, this creates a lot of guilt on my end. When I am there, I am consumed  that nothing will happen to them while on "my watch".  I worry about their safety and their needs 24/7 and I never feel I am doing enough to ensure they will be ok.
    On the opposite end of the spectrum, as a grandparent,  you want to foster independence in your grandchildren. You encourage them to take that first step, say their first word, drink from a cup, play by themselves and with friends. Of course, you love that they need you and want to be with you, BUT you still cheer them on when they show you they can do it all by themselves. And at the same time you  want to create an environment that will ensure they are safe.
    As far as nutrition and hydration for our little ones, the parents and grandparents, are constantly aware of providing the proper ratios of vegetables, fruits, fats, carbs, water, protein, and not too many sweets or juices.  All we want is for our grandchildren is for them to thrive, and grow big and strong with very few hiccups along the way.
    We don't worry so much about loneliness as we do with my elderly parents. Rather, with the toddlers, we worry about proper socialization skills: sharing toys, playing nice, no bullying, no hitting or biting, etc.
     Recently, I heard Diane von Furstenberg sum up the essence of motherhood and I think she hit the nail on the head when she said:
  "The first rule of motherhood is to do everything you can to make your children independent and confident. Stay true to yourself, to your love for your kids, and to your values. By the time your kids become parents themselves, you will smile as you watch them repeat to their children all the things they heard you say-but pretended not to!
    I tried to do just that with my daughters. Now the really hard part comes along-raising your parents and grandchildren with the same grace, compassion, humility, and a lot of love.


  

Only Hurrays; Today No Nays....

    For those of us who have a little extra flesh under our chins (the notorious "waddle"), today is a momentous day! A drug called Kybella was FDA approved. This drug should be administered once a month for six months. The cost is yet to be determined. The fat dissolves and presto-no more double chin! Now, if only I could convince myself to do it. Of course, there are side effects, but it may be worth it.
    Speaking of extra skin, I have three new food products that may help you ease  back into your jeans.If, like me, you hibernated for the winter and everyday was a "snow day", you put on a few extra pounds.
    Recently, I tried "the original powdered peanut butter" called Just Great Stuff. Two tablespoons is a mere 45 calories and it is really yummy.  Try it on an apple, or a cracker with sugar free strawberry jelly, or just alone.  It is super satisfying. Available at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
   Another snack I love is Kay's Naturals chile nacho chips, the honey mustard pretzels, or the crispy parmesan chips. One bag is 120 calories, has 12g of Protein; is low glycemic; and has 4g of fiber. If
you love salty and crunchy snacks, these will fill the bill. Available online.
   And, if you like gummy candy, I discovered a product called Rapid Acting Protein (RAP). They come in mixed berry or strawberry, and the pack is 180 calories. They contain 20g. of Protein and the bag could last you for 3 servings.  I buy them at 7-Eleven.
   Now that you've shed those extra lbs., you need to go shopping!  Check out a brand called Essentiel Antwerp from Belgium. They make tops, skirts, bathing suits, and fabulous dresses. I have my eye on a summer sequined creamy but casual feel dress. The line is fabulous. Available online, Lord and Taylor, and a few pieces can be seen at Anthropologie.  www.essentiel-antwerp.com.
  This line has been around forever, but it continues to impress. I fell in love with Ted Baker's light blue piquet pants and jacket for summer. Not the usual white piquet- rather a beautiful soft color just right for work or a night out in the spring and summer months.  Great tailoring and timeless pieces. Available at Lord and Taylor and Nordstrom.
  Off to the beach? I discovered a tote and wide brim sun hat line perfect for those hot summer days.
The raffia bags and hats are handcrafted on the island of Madagascar. I especially love the British flag beach bag. Each tote is unique, and the exquisite hats are a great way to shield yourself from the hot sun. Price points are 40-55 dollars. Super reasonable and super cool. Love the line. Saw them at a local salon in Livingston, NJ. (Midtown Salon). Onigo.com
     One final note having nothing to do with your now fully coiffed face and bodies:
Let's talk the final episode of The Americans on Fx. Up until now, I have disliked this show. It was redundant and I didn't feel any chemistry among the main characters. But, Paige, what were you thinking when you ratted out your parents to your Pastor??? Oy Vay!  And the unrest your father is feeling, that he is actually finding solace in an EST meeting! I have to say I loved this finale. Why couldn't the writing have been this good in the past episodes? It will be interesting to watch next season and see how this will play out. Does a Pastor have a confidentiality agreement between a congregant who confides in him?
  

A Little Bit of This AND A Little Bit of That

Finally, the snow is melting. The temperatures are rising, buds are on the trees, and you can actually feel the hint of Spring in the air! Today I will give you a few facts regarding health, opinions on television and NYC shows, interesting websites, and products that are worth a look.


HEALTH
   * Did you know that brushing your teeth combats the bacteria in your mouth that causes hardening
    of the arteries? Purchase an electric toothbrush and it will remove up to seven times more plaque
    than your manual toothbrush. Added bonus-it removes wine and coffee stains too.
   * Did you know that coffee is one of the causes in adult tooth decay? The high acid content breaks
     down your enamel. A better alternative is drinking tea, which supposedly contains fluoride,
     actually making it a benefit to your mouth.
   * Did you know the spice turmeric neutralizes precancerous cells? So make sure the mustard you
     purchase has this as an ingredient.
   * Did you know that for every extra pound of weight we carry, our knees gain three pounds of
     additional stress? No wonder walking up the steps gets harder as we age!
   * Did you know there is a non surgical procedure that actually removes the waddle under your
     chin, lifts the sagging jowls and tightens the skin around eyebrows? Ultherapy is for those
     of us never willing to go under the knife. The caveat: you will need a local anesthetic and
     it may cause swelling and bruising.
     *Did you know about the presence of arsenic in brown and white rice? Beware of your weekly
     intake of all rice products.
TELEVISION
     * Better Call Saul-This is the prequel to Breaking Bad. No need to watch Breaking Bad if you
     haven't. Bob Odenkirk plays attorney James McGill before he became Saul. Entertaining but not
     spectacular. POP 10p.m. Wednesday
      * Schitt's Creek-Eugene Levy stars as a rich video star magnate who lost his fortune. He and his
     dysfunctional family are broke and move to a small town. Catherine O'Hara as his wife is
     hilarious. Fun to watch.  AMC 10p.m. Monday
      * The Americans-Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are two Soviet spies who pose as a married
     couple with a family. Many viewers love this show. I find it mediocre, redundant, and annoy-
     ing. Yet, I continue to watch.  Keri Russell is especially irksome! FX 10 p.m. Monday
      *  The Jinx-Apparently THE SHOW to binge watch about Robert Durst and his alleged crimes.
     Haven't watched yet, but have been told it is compelling. HBO Finale this Sunday
COMING SOON ON T.V.
       * Going Clear-A documentary on the horrors of Scientology. Should be interesting to see if
     David Miscavige is portrayed as the person who broke up Tom and Nicole. HBO March 29
        * The Royals-Now that we don't have Downton Abbey to watch, we can get our fix with
     Elizabeth Hurley and Joan Collins. Can't wait-should be a hoot. E March 15
        *  Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao-Fight of the decade-one of the biggest ever. Don't
     miss this event. Should be amazing. PPV May 2
HARDEST TICKETS TO SCORE
       * Hamilton The Musical- Presently, an Off Broadway show that is completely sold out
      at The Public Theater. It tells the history of Alexander Hamilton with a hip hop score.
      Very quirky. Coming to Broadway July 13 and many shows already sold out. Call now!
        * Fish in the Dark-Larry David's new play. Completely sold out for months. Stars Larry
      David, Rita Wilson, and Rosie Perez. If you like him, you will love the show-Guaranteed!
COOL PRODUCTS
        * VuPoint Solutions Wireless IPhone Printer. Connects to your IPhone and print photos
       through your WI-FI.  $220.00
        *  "Raincoats for your Pocketbook"- For those of you who carry ultra expensive purses, this
       protective cover fits in your purse for rainy days. It protects when umbrellas won't.
       Thegussy.com $35-$45.
         * Brackitz-For any parent or grandparent, this is the PERFECT building toy. When you have
       exhausted possibilities with Legos and Magna tiles; buy these. They build out, not just up.
       Prices range from $30-$80. Brakitz.com   (free shipping).
         * Yoplait's Greek 100 Whips-Lemon Meringue is the BEST! It's like eating lemon mousse.
       Finally, a yogurt I enjoy!
          *Cyber snail mail-Hellobond.com will compose a note, birthday card, or any type of
       correspondence on stationary you choose and your choice of handwriting style. It places in
       an envelope, seals it with wax and sends it off . Prices start at $2.99 plus postage. No more
       running to CVS or Hallmark for a generic card.   Hellobond.com
     


        




  

Protecting Your Skin-Some Great Products for Winter Weather

No one can deny that our NJ winters have been brutal in the past several years. Noses running, eyes tearing and lips cracked are just a few of the general complaints. There are so many products out there that our heads spin trying to figure out what will best get us through the freezing temperatures.

Here are this season's tried and true favorites:

BODY SOAP

  Dove Deep Moisture liquid soap. Creamy, great scent, and very hydrating.

AFTER SHOWER MOISTURIZER

  Vaseline Spray&Go cocoa radiant. Easy to use. Spray on and rub on. Fast and effective.

LIPS

  Nivea Lip Care stick. Comes in a variety of flavors and tints. I use it around my eyes as well.

MOISTURE FOR ANY BODY PART

   Aquaphor. Heals chapped skin, scrapes, makes everything better.

FACIAL SERUM

   SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum-for all skin types. An anti-aging serum for AM/PM. Best product

   I have ever used.

PRIMER

  Covergirl + Olay serum primer. Apply after moisturizer, and before foundation. Keeps makeup

  staying fresh all day. Gives a beautiful finished look. Can use on eye area as well.

CONCEALER

  Loreal Visible lift Blur Concealer. Available all drugstores. Use on fine lines and under eye circles.

  My all time favorite used to be Sonia Kashuk's concealer palette (Target). I think I like this one even

  better.

NECKCREAM

  Revision Skincare by Nectifirm. Any cream actually works! You MUST apply moisture to your

  neck at least twice a day. I do want to try Dr. Perricone's sub d cream-it is supposedly a miracle

  worker.

FOUNDATION

   Forget Armani, Chanel, and all the fancy brands. Go to the drugstore and try these!

   Loreal Visible lift Blur foundation with SPF 18

   Covergirl+Olay TONE REHAB foundation/base with cc cream.

   Covergirl Outlast stay fabulous 3 in 1 with SPF 20. Lasting power of primer, coverage of a

   concealer and foundation all in one product. Very Matte-not dewy.

EYESHADOW/BLUSH PALETTE

   Laura Mercier-this product comes complete with 8 shadows, 3 eyeliners, 4 brushes, blush and

   bronzer. Great all in one product for travel or work.

   Tarte- Includes 6 shadows, blush, highlighter, and a bronzer. No brushes. Beautiful colors.

MASCARA

   Again, Forget the fancy stuff. I purchased Yves Saint Laurent and it is literally the worst product I

   have used. Clumpy with an inferior wand.

   Rimmel-another brand found in many drugstores. I like their brushes and easy application. Try it.

ALL TIME FAVORITE PRODUCT

   Colorscience illuminating serum in champagne kiss. Keeps your skin looking hydrated and radiant.

   I apply directly on top of my base before going out at night to give a refreshed look.

CLEANSERS

   Nuance Walnut facial scrub by Selma Hayek. Available in CVS. Her facial products are great and

   inexpensive. I use this in the shower with a buff puff.

   Colbert MD Intensify facial disks. Use 3 times a week in a circular motion. Acts like a mini micro-

   dermabrasion session. Keeps skin glowing.