Although, according to the calendar, we are only a month into the winter season, I am already thinking spring. I guess that’s because it has been hard to think about winter since where I live (Upstate NY), we have seen less than 6” of snow all season and the temps are almost 40 degrees every day. I have dandelions still growing in my lawn. Let me repeat that: I. Have. Dandelions. Growing. In. My. Lawn. It’s just so wrong on so many levels.
So with the (supposedly) worst month of winter behind us, what did I learn in January? Here are a few things:
1. When it comes to makeup, nothing is forever. I can’t tell you how many times I have said I have found THE best mascara or THE best eye liner. Then, just months or even weeks later, I’m recanting my statement and proclaiming another product is the best. It was just weeks ago I said I couldn’t imagine using any other eyeliner except NYC’s Waterproof Pencil. Then, wham-o!: out comes Maybelline with their Eye Studio Master Drama eyeliner and I’ve fallen in love all over again. What’s next…lipstick? (Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.)
2. Dry air + dry heat = unbearably dry skin. Every winter, I go through the winter blues with dry skin as soon as the heat kicks on, fires start burning, layers of clothes go on, etc. This year, because of the cooler dry air outside resulting in warm, dry air inside, some of my greatest fallback lotions and creams that have worked on my dry skin in the past don’t seem to be getting the job done this year. I had been using fragranced body lotions which even began to burn my skin slightly, so I got away from those. I tried my favorite Brazilian nut body butter, but I still found myself itching even after using it. I turned down the shower temps. Still no help. I think I will dig out my favorite pure almond oil and put that on after showers. Not only does it help soothe the rough skin, but it helps encourage healing and protects your skin from the elements. If that doesn’t work, I may be doing some serious research!
3. Post holiday sales ROCK! Everyone knows that the day after Christmas has some of the best sales around, but when you get even farther into the winter? Things keep getting cheaper and cheaper. And I’m not just talking fashions! Remember, as clothes for spring dribble into the malls and stores, the makeup and skin care companies have to change their lines to match the colors and styles as well. It’s a great time to pick up clearance nail products, bath sets, lipstick shades, even jewelry. Don’t just mad dash right to the tops, pants and pajamas. Stop in jewelry, shoes and handbags as well. My newest favorite bag I am carrying I actually picked up clearance at Marshalls for $40. When I checked out its original price? $270. Yeah, I’m a happy camper.
4. Say “thanks”! With trying and using so many different makeup and skin care/body products, I am going to find some I like and some I don’t. Then, once in a while, I’m going to find something I absolutely LOVE! If someone told you that they loved the outfit you had on, you’d glow, smile, thank them and have it boost your ego all day. It doesn’t hurt to do that when you find a makeup or even a fashion item you like as well. My husband gave me Ole Henriksen’s “Three Little Wonders” skin care set for Christmas, and I was so happy with the changes in my skin that I wrote them a note via email telling them how awesome their products were and how thrilled I am that my skin is looking fabulous. They wrote me back to tell me they were touched by my letter and actually printed a copy to give to EVERYONE who was involved in making those products. I can’t tell you how happy I was to know that their priority was the customer…me!…and they made sure I knew it! It made me feel really good.
February is on its way. The month of love! Be prepared to be bombarded with the colors white, silver, pink and red. Get your sweet tooth ready for candies and truffles. Jewelry commercials will engulf the airwaves. And if you are in love?….. You’ll soak up every second of it. And if you’re not? Well, my suggestion to you is take advantage of more end of season sales and hope that spring will be showing its blooming head very soon! Bring it on February… I’m ready for you!
