Bead Happily Ever After

7 Beauty Essentials

Posted on February 7, 2011 by crystal

I must admit; I’ve always been a tad on the “high maintenance” side. 😉 It’s not so much that I buy a lot of expensive things – it’s more that I love all of the frou-frou and accoutrements that go along with being a woman!

Although I am easing up a bit in recent years, for most of my life I wouldn’t think of venturing out to the grocery store (let alone the places you’d expect to see a girl gussied up) without my hair fixed, full makeup, and jewelry.

These days, I’m busier than ever it seems, so I’ve begun to simplify my everyday “girly” routine. While doing so, I’ve found myself wondering exactly which items would be impossible for me to ever give up . . .

For this week’s Lucky Seven, I have my choices for:

7 Absolutely Essential Beauty Items:

1. A Rich Hand Cream
I use a moderately priced hand lotion most of the time but a few times a week, I like to use a very rich hand cream. My favorite is L’Occitane en Provence. It’s a splurge but since I don’t use it every day, it lasts quite a while! The fragrance is gorgeous and it leaves my hands (and cuticles) feeling super soft.

2. Body Lotion
What good are soft hands if your elbows and heels are rough? I love to use lotion right after a shower.

3. Blistex
I’ve tried ChapStick and all kinds of lip balms but, for me, nothing works as well or feels as good as Blistex. In winter, my lips chap easily whether I’m outside or indoors, so I keep a tube in my purse and one on the nightstand.

4. Cologne
A mild, softly-scented cologne offers a double benefit. When you wear it, you’re not only giving pleasure to others, but you’re also experiencing a little aromatherapy for yourself! 🙂

5. Mascara
It’s amazing how a bit of mascara puts the sparkle in your eyes. It really is the workhorse of the eye makeup category.

6. Lipstick
It’s a rare woman who could give up her lipstick. That touch of color wakes up your whole face. Actually, lipstick can serve as two beauty essentials – in a pinch, you can blend a little to blush your cheeks!

7. Earrings
To paraphrase the American Express commercial….

“I don’t leave home without them!” (Never!) 😉

In fact, I wear earrings at home, too. What can I say? I’m addicted to bling. 😉

C‘mon now, please tell us which beauty items you consider essential!

Hugs,

Friday Favorites

Posted on February 4, 2011 by crystal

Funny how a boring chore can send your mind wandering . . .

I was dusting (only because I have to!) and a series of old “housework” sayings began to whirl around in my head. You know, the kind you’ve seen on magnets, or cross stitch samplers, or heard as jokes. Thinking of them made me laugh, and also realize that if you have to do chores – you might as well be amused in the process. 😉

Are you familiar with these?

*Dust experiment in progress. Please do not move the samples.

*If you come to see me, come anytime. If you come to see my house, make an appointment!!! (This one is my favorite!)

*You may touch the dust, but please do not write your name in it.

And here’s a joke from my childhood . . .

In Sunday school, Johnny learned that the Lord once said: “Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return.” A week or so after that lesson, Johnny’s Mom was startled to hear him frantically calling for her to come up to his bedroom and check under his bed. When she arrived, he whispered nervously: “Look Mom, somebody is either coming or going under there!

Have a super-duper weekend, Sweet Kids!

Hugs and smiles,

You Couldn’t Pay Me

Posted on February 3, 2011 by crystal

Good old Goldilocks was the original “fussy eater”.

I, on the other hand, have always been fairly adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. I even love all vegetables – including spinach and parsnips. It’s true! 🙂

But there are a few things you couldn’t PAY me to eat, and they are:

Sardines
Squid
Olives
Bleu Cheese
Oysters

What’s on your “I won’t eat that!” list?

Hugs,

Playing with Paper

Posted on February 2, 2011 by crystal

When a clever marketing person dubbed Sally Hansen’s combination base and top coat “Double Duty”, I’m pretty sure he was touting the fact that it’s two NAIL products in one.

But I’m using it for two separate purposes: Nails and BEADS!

You remember those paper beads we saw on our group-shopping extravaganza last week? Well, afterwards, I was inspired to grab a piece of scrapbook paper and try my hand at making a paper bead. (Can you imagine? This bead-lover had never made a paper bead before this week!)

Here they are with their manicure, um, I mean glossy top coat. It gives them a slight sheen and will protect them from a stray splash of water!

Now to figure out a jewelry design for them . . .

Hugs,

Show and Tell Tuesday

Posted on February 1, 2011 by crystal

This week, I’m afraid you’re stuck with a Show and Tell Tuesday from me – same-old, same-old! 😉

But you Kids know I’d much rather have your photos! Remember, you can send pictures of anything you like – family, pets, back yard, favorite knick knack or collectible, craft project you are in the middle of (or have finished), last night’s dinner, book you’re reading, favorite snack, sentimental possession (Grandma’s brooch, etc.), the “bargain” you just purchased, or anything you just bought! Or none of the above – but something you choose! 🙂

I was sorting through some old photos and found these pictures of the little gift shop I had 20 years ago {Twenty??? thud! (I just fainted.)}.

Anyway, the shop was located in a refurbished barn. There were about 8 or 10 of us, each with our own section of a two-floor building. It was a charming mix of gifts, gourmet foods, and antiques. Country decor was very much in vogue at that time and my shop had quite a bit of it. A large proportion of my items were made by me, but I also had things on consignment from some wonderfully talented artisans.

Seeing this first photo reminds me of the fun I had during that time. Of course, it was also a lot of work to keep the shop stocked and looking pretty, but when you’re doing something you enjoy, you don’t really mind all the effort it requires.

Won’t you sign the Guest Book? 😉

Pillows and Quilting and Dolls – Oh My!

My mother made the large quilt. 🙂

Believe it or not, these Kitchen Angels were incredibly popular. I actually made hundreds of them during those years. One day, a lady came into the shop and bought all that you see in this photo. I was thrilled, needless to say!

More Cloth Dolls and Bunnies

My daughter pleaded with me not to sell the little doll with a bonnet (the one who’s holding a baby) – so I took her off the shelf after this photo was taken. That doll is here in the room with me now as I type – 20 years later! 😉

So, as Kevin Arnold (from The Wonder Years) would say . . . “And there you have it.”

Hope you liked my little gift shop show and tell.

Hugs,