Product Junkie

I have been meaning to start this thread for awhile now......you are all dear girlfriends that I would love to sit in a room with, pour some wine, and yak fer days.....about what works and what doesn't! Products as well as men...hahahaha

I don't know if any of you are like me this way, but I am absolutely attracted to new stuff, that promises to do....something cool. Like erase lines from the face, poof up lips, grow long gorgeous hair, lose weight....the list is endless.

But the problem I have with my "addiction"....is that I can rarely find testimonials from real people about em'. I'll hear about a new product, search the web, find only the hype. Occasionally a consumer web site will have some truths on a product....if it's been on the market awhile. I've spent millions (seems like it anyway) on all kinds of stuff....that didn't do what it promised, I'm sure many of you have too.


So..... let's share the details....what products have you found, beauty or otherwise, that really work.....and which ones don't?

A new product me and my girlfriend just tried is Pantene Pro V shampoo and conditioner, I know its been around but she tried it first and called me and said OMG you have to get this stuff!!! I did buy it and I would never ever switch to anything else, It is the best and the label is true, after a few days your hair is great, Infact after the first day my hair was really soft. It also combs easy wet, and mine is long and was tangled after sleeping or screwing around with King, but now its easy to comb out!!!
I was always a "salon" product girl, Aveda, Nexus, not anymore Pantene has them all beat and only 4 bucks a bottle!

Infusium-23 I had quite a bit of heat damage, etc, in my hair from blow drying, curling, etc...and this stuff really does work wonders. Its a leave-in conditioner but does not leave your hair feeling greasy or sticky in the least. It really improved the condition of my hair.
Next please? I am keeping notes on this thread... :)

Yes! Pantene! I've always changed shampoos until I found that one! I also their the Clarifying shampoo, makes my hair thicker.

I started using some great products a friend gave me, all hemp, from Bath and Body....I know, go figure :) but wow, very silky hand lotion, lip balm, body butter....I'm lovin' it.

I ordered some cool stuff online last month, a line eraser, it's a gel that dries clear, while on it hides little lines around the eyes and mouth, nice when I'm dressin' up and goin' out...then washes off.

I've been trying to brighten up my teeth for months, tried a lot of different products, but so far the Crest strips are working, and I've only used em' for a week.

Do NOT bother with ProVitamin Extreme Shine.....paid 4 or 5 bucks, sprayed it on after shampooing....I dry and dry, can't figure why my hair is still wet.....it's not...it's become a total greasy mess! :eek:

hahahaha, now that I've started this, I'm digging thru my bathroom drawers looking for all the crap I bought, used, and tossed in there....I'll keep ya posted ;)

Does the line eraser work well? And where did ya get it...
I wonder if I could just order a barrel and ummm dip myself in it? LOL No actually, I am awfully bothered by delicate skin under my eyes complete with dark circles and fine lines, but only right there under my eyes? The rest of the skin on my face is fairly good...Anyone have some good products for the thin delicate skin under the eyes and/or dark circles? (besides more sleep? *smiles*)

yes! Jonnalee, I found a good under eye thingee:
Sudden Change Dark Circle Concealer. I have thin skin under my eyes, so they appear dark. This product has a vitamin K so over time, the skin lightens....but it also has a tint which hides the darkness, I'm really happy with it, been using it a month and have seen a big diff. Costs about $9 or so and is at drugstores.

Cosmeticsolutions.com has quite a few products I've purchased, lot's of cool little things like the line eraser and anti-feather lip conditioner, Vitamin C for face, etc...good prices too.

This only works in the movies and viedio games. But if you sacrifice and bathe in the blood of teenage girls. You could look twenty years younger. Don't do this at home. Killing is illegal and IT's tough to function right after a murder.

Nivea for Men products rock!

:D

Jason, Clinique for men is a pretty good product too....they have this little tube, or stick thingee, it's a zit zapper more or less....when I would get one....I dapped it on at night, it was gone in the morning. They also have good after shave stuff.

My husband is 27 (today!) and doesn't need the creams n' things yet, but he does like a soothing after shave without scent, so far Clinique is the only one I know of.....many have a lot of perfumes in them....do you know of any good ones?

I was wondering if anyone's tried Avon's, Anew? It's suppose to take away puffiness around the eyes and minimize fine lines.

I would appreciate any feedback on this product, not that I need it or anthing... Baaaah! :rolleyes:

Freeman's Mega Papaya shampoo and ABBA's True mint conditioner! I always use salon quality stuff when I can get good deals.

Originally posted by betzguido
Jason, Clinique for men is a pretty good product too....they have this little tube, or stick thingee, it's a zit zapper more or less....when I would get one....I dapped it on at night, it was gone in the morning. They also have good after shave stuff.

My husband is 27 (today!) and doesn't need the creams n' things yet, but he does like a soothing after shave without scent, so far Clinique is the only one I know of.....many have a lot of perfumes in them....do you know of any good ones?

Just recently I started using Nivea Aftershave Balm, because I sometimes get a rash after shaving so I started using this and it works pretty good. It is scented, but its not strong, and a few minutes after applying I've forgotten that I've put it on. And its alcohol free too. I can't recommend anything else cause I've never been big on aftershave and haven't used any others much.

cali_ladi,
Yes, I've tried the whole Anew line as well as their other products for mature skin. I wasn't too impressed....I can get the same results....which are not too fan-tab-ulous or anything, by going to the local drugstore and picking up some L'Oreal creams.

Funny story: I bought this product from Avon once, similar to the line eraser I mentioned before, clear drying gel, temporarily hides lines, except this stuff was for the whole face....I smear it on....it dries....o.m.g I'm 12 again! I was stunned, this stuff really works!.....I look in the mirror, with a big grin.....my whole face cracked....hahahahahaha.....yes it works, just don't move a muscle! :)

I used to buy only Shisedo and Lauder, but found the same ingredients in less expensive stuff. So far the best combo I've found is Alpha Hydroxy face wash, only about $6 at drugstores, a retinol cream and a Vitamin C serum....my skin is looking great, less lines, brighter, smaller pores.

I also tried the Anew line, and I was not very impressed. I also tried something called Revita-Lift? it seems...and several other under eye products. So far the best thing I have found for the puffiness is a cold washrag unfortunately.
I, too, have just gone back to simple. I use an alpha-hydroxy wash and an alpha-hydroxy mask once a week. I still use Oil of Olay (my kids call it "Oil of Old Ladies) every night when I go to bed. I use a good moisturizer under make-up and the rest of the time with a sun screen.
The Bath and Body Works skin lotions are awesome...I am partial to the cucumber fragrance, kind of clean and refresing smelling. I also use Bath and Body Works Peppermint refreshing foot lotion. I have yet to try a Bath and Body Works product I did not like. It's one of my most favorite places to browse around *smiles*
I am open to any other suggestions, and not even just limited to beauty products. I'm a single mom with three kids, so I am up for suggestions on anything from the best laundry soap and paper towels, to the best car products, to the best hair products to the best vitamins....whatever! Which reminds me...has anyone ever tried those Shaklee products? The "all natural" stuff? (My boss is starting a distributorship). Thanks. And Betz, I am definitely gonna try the eye stuff you recommended and the line eraser!

Chad, your comment was HILARIOUS! I have a teen-aged boy, will that work? Maybe I can threaten him with it anyway, next time he mouths off! :D

My hair is naturally wavy, and I have to do stuff to make it not frizz. I highlight it every 2 months, so of course, the coloring dries it out. I SWEAR BY Redken Climatress Dry Hair Treatment. Per my hairdressers instructions, I wash my hair (with L'oreal shampoo for treated hair) and towel dry. Then I generously apply the Redken stuff and comb through to the ends. I put on a plastic cap and blow dry over it to get the hair hot. I sit for 20 minutes with it on "processing", then I take the cap off and if it's cold outside, go out for a minute to cool hair off. What happens is, heat opens up the hair shaft so it will absorb the moisturizer more and then cold closes the shaft back up, sealing the stuff in the shaft. I then rinse it out and style. Sometimes, I use Redken "CAT" protien reconstructer with the dry hair treatment and process the same way. The CAT restores damaged hair to 85% of it's original condition, even broken hair!

I always use a gentle facial wash on my face, never soap, and I never wash around the eyes. Mary Kay reps tell you to remove makeup with a make-up remover, never wash around the eyes. It stretches and dries out the skin.

My favorite mascara? Illegal Lengths by Maybelline (I think it's Maybelline). I have dinky, thin lashes, and this increases their volume by about 3X! They don't look clumpy either. The brush is very full, and seperates them well. Little trick? When applying mascara, wiggle the brush delicately back and forth at the base of your lashes. It makes them seperate and appear fuller.

Remember the cucumber and melon body lotion Victoria's Secret used to carry? I can't find it anywhere! I loved that stuff, the scent was fantastic! St. Ives lotion seems to do the same thing for a lot less, however.

Other stuff:
- jjill.com has great and gorgeous clothes, usually all natural type stuff, a bit pricey, but oh those plum velvet sailor pants! :)

- trashy.com, way sexy lingerie

- bmg.com, great music...once you join and do their buy so many at full price thing, you get emails all the time for 1 day sales, buy 1 get unlimited at 70% off....I've spent a small fortune there, but have a huge CD collection of some very groovy hard to find stuff!

- Lysol's new fabric freshener, smells much better than Febreeze

- you can find 350 count egyptian cotton sheets at Ross's and Marshall's for 50% to 70% less, they usually run well over $100

- Tan Perfect....that stuff once only on T.V. (put on with a glove) is the first tanning product I've ever used that really works.....and I've tried em' all, I'm as white as a sheet, nothing ever works right, or stays on long.....I bought it at Eckerd's recently($20).....was golden for more than 7 days, then it faded gradually....no streaks!

- I'm way lovin' my new Hemp facial moisturizer, in just a couple of days I've already seen a difference.

This is a great post!

I have recently decided to quit the super duper expensive stuff and switched to the lesser expensive products. I've been trying all the different hair mousse that sells for under $2 but just can't find anything that beats my darned $8 Tigi mousse. I absolutely hate, hate, hate spending that kind of money. I need a mousse that thickens up my hair and gives it some elevation off my scalp. I've got gazillions of hairs but they are flat as a pancake on my head. No body, no life, no zing.

Cindy

Mascara....ugh....I have tried so many, and haven't found the right one yet! I am totally blonde, can't see my eyelashes or eyebrows, so make-up is me best pal. Once the mascara is on, I have a curl and length....but for some reason they all clump on me....cheap, expensive...doesn't matter...suggestions anyone?

Lipstick....another ugh....maybe because I have somewhat of an overbite, but the stuff will not stay on! I've used every new-fangled supposedly stay on forever type product....nada....I've tried the model's tricks, powder, lipstick, blot.....nope. I LOVE lipstick, but it just doesn't love me :(

I'm waiting for a new product I just ordered (product junkie-ism, can't help myself) It's called Lip Explosion....it apparently puffs up the lips. I have a full mouth, but have little lines on and around the lips, so I'm looking to get rid of those. It got good reviews, so we'll see.....

As a curly haired chick, I swear by the use of Be Curly by Aveda and Frizz Ease...plus a liberal use of either mousse or gel (any type seems to do ok). For shampoo, I use Aveda Sap Moss...hair is totally silky. And as a conditioner...yup, Pantene wins with me too! I'm totally looking for a moisturizer that is great for combination skin (I'm so dried out right now) and has an SPF of at least 15...any ideas?

Polly says:
I always use a gentle facial wash on my face, never soap, and I never wash around the eyes. Mary Kay reps tell you to remove makeup with a make-up remover, never wash around the eyes. It stretches and dries out the skin.

OH NO!!!! I didn't know this, I am on a tight budget, for removing eye makeup how about baby oil on a cotton ball??



A cleaner we use at work, *I clean houses too, is Snow-Bol toilet cleaner.http://www.graphicsbydezign.com/clipart/202dust.gif
We use it on everything, it eats away any rust. I put some in my dishwasher and ran it through, not a spot of rust. I also put some in the back of my toilet tank, let it sit until the next flush and Voila!! No rust in the tank. We use it on sinks, tubs, toilets, stains, oven tops lots of things, but be careful on soft materials. Its about 2 bucks a bottle at the dollar store.
Also we only buy dollar store cleaning supplies, window cleaner, bathroom cleaners, furniture polish, they work just the same as the high brand names.

Another thing flea and tick collars and oils, I get mine at the dollar store for about 2 bucks, and I live in the woods with tons of ticks, the cheapy I bought for 2 bucks is much better than the spendy name brand stuff they sell at the vets like frontline. My dogs wore 1 collar each all this year and between the 2 of them had maybe 4 ticks, and no fleas!

I am a dollar store shopper. I get my thongs for a buck a pair! And I have found good bras for 2 bucks

ah-ha! that's how to get rust stains out of my dishwasher!

I have a maid service come in every 2 weeks, they use Simple Green, love the smell, but it doesn't seem to clean as well as chemicals....after they leave, I pour some bleach on the bathroom floor....to eat away at all the sticky hairspray residue that builds up :)

I got some paint on my favorite jeans (they fit!) and can not get it out....tried everything.....anybody have a cure-all for this?

In my humble opinion, Mary Kay mascara is the best mascara is the best I've ever used.

Dang, I have to run take the boys to school.

Cindy

Remember the mousse question. Help!

Girls!
Thank you so much for your feedback! I think I'll try that alpha-hydroxy!

(shoot..I wanna use what ever Betz uses, she's gorgeous!)

Polly's right about that mascara by Mabeline, I love it too

Oh, and I have a tip for those really dry heels, I started using vitamin e, like 10,000 I.U.'s, and OMG! Amazing! It works right away!

Cindy, I like a good mousse too, gives my hair some oompah!

I've used quite a few that didn't do anything, but found one a couple months ago I love: John Frieda....I use the one for blondes, it's got a lavendar tint, which gives me blonder streaks and highlights, ...... blondes don't go grey, our hair just turns piss yellow :p .....he also has mousse for other hair colors as well....and it gives my hair some fluff, easier to style. Found it at Wal-Mart for about $3 or $4.

Polly, my sister owns a salon in Laguna Beach, CA, very fancy-schmancy....lot of famous clients, she always tells them to rinse in cool water (shinier hair), and sells tons of Redkin.....it's a great product. For treated hair she uses Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer, once a month....gobs it on, puts on a cap, dries. It makes my hair really strong and keeps it from splitting and from ending up in the hair brush! I think you can find that a upscale salons.

One of the coolest cosmetic lines I've seen in years is out of CA, called Benefit Cosmetics http://www.benefitcosmetics.com
they have great kooky names for their products, and lots of stuff that conceals, enhances, etc. Like Dr. Feelgood, a little compact that has this creamy powdery stuff....you put it on when your skin looks tired, it brightens right up, and it's organic. Also ooh La Lift, it brightens under the eye, and tightens the skin. Lip Plump, a flesh colored cream, goes on the lips, giving them a fuller look, then put lipstick over. Smooch; a lip mask...smear on, rub off in five min., gets rid of dry flakes

hahahaha....as I write all this, I can see that I am just way too much of a product junkie....no wonder I'm always broke! :)

Really? Vitamin E on the heels? (betz dashes to the store)
I get rough cracked ones, cause I love going barefoot :)

Vitamin C powder...hmmm, I'll have to try that, I use the serum and it's really working well. I'm always afraid of the sloughing, though, don't want to tear the pores, but this mix sounds good.

I will check out the mousse. Sounds good.

I used to sell Mary Kay a little bit and I've used their mascara for years and swear by it. But I will try the Maybelline because it is cheaper. I also have little, itty, bitty eyelashes. I was actually thinking of getting them dyed. It doesn't seem to be that expensive. Anyone hear of that?

I also use Mary Kay makeup on my skin, the liquid makeup. Although right now I am not doing anything on my skin. I only started doing facial make up a few years ago and hate it. But I got a little too red in spots and thought I'd try it.

For cleaning in my home, I wouldn't know, I don't clean. It's a disaster in my house. I couldn't afford my housekeeper anymore and had to stop a few months ago. It hasn't been clean since. When I do attempt to clean I use plain ole ammonia and water.

I really like Almay nail polish but can hardly find it anymore. They seem to have reduced that part of their product line.

For lipstick I have tried really super duper expensive stuff; don't remember the names, bought some at Nordstrom. Didn't work, came right off. I bought several of the revlons, l'oreal, that stuff. Didn't work. Tried avon for a few years, the price was right but didn't do much. I use Mary Kay cream lipsticks and they aren't all that good but do about the best job for $10.

Cindy

You must, must, must try Mary Kay's tanless lotion. I have heard many people say it is the best they have ever used. I had never used any till a few years ago and I tried it and wow it is good stuff. My legs are the last to tan always and I cheated with this stuff and it was ultimate cool. Give it a try.

Oh and I pay $80 to $100 for my hair color. This has to stop. I can't pay it anymore. I've always had multi-color hair. Blonde, red, and brown... All mixed together. Now add lots of gray to this combo. So I pay tons of money for those weaves that put all the different colors in. I truly can't do this anymore and right now my hair is looking horrible because I can't go back to the hairdresser. I've never colored my hair by myself. When I was a teen I used to do the 'go-go blonde' stuff but that's it.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what product would be safest to try at home? I'm scared to death

Thanks
Cindy

This is great. I am always looking for products that may work better than the ones I use. I tried the expensive ones, found out that ingredients are basically the same as those sold in drug stores (not to mention, I just could not afford them!) and settled on those.

Nivea products work well for me. I use Nivea's Plus night and day cream moisturizers and the circle eraser and line reducing products for the eyes. I also use the scrubbing face wash with exfoliants before the toner. And...I will not give up the Clinique Toner. Exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing your face is the best defense against aging.

I have tried ALL kinds of undereye circle erasers (including Sudden Change, which was awful for me) and because of my dark pigmentation and the fact that I was probably born with these, nothing works well, but Nivea's circle eraser has come the closest. Nivea also make a great anti-blemish cream mixed with an age-fighting cream (comes in a tube) that I use to prevent "mature acne" as they call it (cruel!)

Snow, a million thanks for that tidbit on rust-removal for d/w & tanks! Also, your props on Pantene-ProV Wonderful product. Since I can have my hair either curly or straight, Pantene keeps it full no matter which way I wear it. I spray Pumping Curls by L'oreal Studio on it when curly to keep curls soft and not stiff. Love it!

LadyInWaiting, thanks for the Vaseline and the rose hip oil tips.

For everyday care of dry skin on feet, I scrub with stone and Peppermint Scrub. Works like a charm. I also lotion them every morning and night. :cool:

Although i live in other country i can suggest some products: I use them and is ok but not big miracle.
Neutrogena Pore Refining for wash, tone and moisturize in the morning.
Neutrogena Foam.... for clean face and eye make up, Avon Vitamin C Serum for face and Anew eye cream in the night before bed. Sometimes Anew Retinol Cream.
I use many brands of shampoo, but i agree with Snow, Pantene Pro V is very good, also the Pantene Clarifying shampoo
Coz i highlight my hair i use Alfa Parf matifying and nourishing creme in silver, this make my hair look less yellow.
Polly when you can´t afford Redken just mix one egg yolk and olive oil and do the same procedure, you´ll see!!!
Baby Oil when i´m still wet after shower make my body skin soft and smell like a baby.
My make Up purse have a extensive variety of brands, but my favorite is "Corn Silk Zero Shine Skin Perfecting powder" make my tend to oily skin , a perfect one and IT LAST!!!.
I agree with Illegal Lenghts Mascara , Volum Express also from Maybilline make my lashes look fuller and not messy.
I like Snow, buy in "999 bolivares" (One Dollar) stores all products to clean the house , i like ammonia for bathrooms, sinks, toillets and kitchen because it takes grease easily, also Chlorine do it well.

I will test the vaseline and the Vitamin C powder (Is a kind of exfoliator i see).

Chau!!!

MIM

If your feet are really cracked or painful, a product called "Bag Balm" which was recommended by my doctor works absolute wonders. You slather the stuff on there, put on a pair of socks and go to bed. Awesome results! Available at any drug store. I also use a stone and peppermint scrub and have not had problems for years!
MIM! Your skin is just beautiful,BTW.
I also use the dollar store cleaning products, and I think that Betz should send her maid our way once in a while! We could definitely keep her busy for a day or two (or 10).
I agree with Julianne about the hair colors, Loreal is the way to go if your gonna do your own. And hey Cindy, don't worry. It's easy as pie.
As for the good moisturizer, I have to confess I do use the Mary Kay moisturizer with SPF-15. It just feels really light on my skin, and not greasy which is the last thing I need.
Polly, I have always used makeup removers around my eyes...darn it. That could be the best way to resolve the thin/delicate skin right there. Thanks.

I use the exact same products as you and love them also...

My hair is also natually wavy (just not as thick and beautiful as yours) and have it highlighted every 3 months...Per my hairdresser i use Clairols Shimmer Lights (Purple Bottle)...it's a conditioning shampoo for gray, white, highlighted and light blonde tinted hair...takes that yellow out...love it!!! and cheap!!! ...Also Aussie Sprunch Spray is a must for me....works great and leaves your hair soft not stiff but adds volume if you use a diffuser as i do for the wavy hair...

Lady...i've been doing the Vaseline on the feet and wearing socks to bed for years, as does my mom....it really works!!! ...Good on hands at nite before bedtime, too..

What a great thread...this one may go on for years!!!

Sorry i forgot....
ThanK You Betz for this "light" thread!!!!
You see... everyone have something to suggest!!!


:cool:

MIM

hahahaha, thanx Mimosita! as you can see, it's somewhat of a hobby :)

Julianne: I tried the Feria....when my hair gets darker in the winter I look for a red hair dye....but that stuff turned my hair pink!....my husband just about wet his pants when I emerged from the bathroom ( 2 years ago)....I spent 4 hours at a salon and a barter for a web site just to get it out! But I'm glad it worked for you. I'm a light blonde, so maybe I shouldn't have tried it without using some kind of de-blondifier first :)

HotCaramel : trust me on this.....I've used a ton of products, and have found that the cheaper versions work just as good! But be sure they are generic versions of the original.

Speaking of which; I just replaced my chintzy computer speakers with a mini home theater system......only $29 at Wal-Mart, and oh my, what groovy sound! As I type this, I have Norah Jones new CD on, .....super sound, rich deep bass! Why pay oodles for a big system, eh?

Vaseline...hmmmm...a forgotten product, remember all the women we knew once upon a time that used it as a moisturizer? :) I'm gonna try that...my feet need some work!

I know a lot of European women that use only olive oil on their faces, and they look fantastic! After washing, they slather on the oil.....did you know that Raquel Welch only uses Crisco on her face? she says it's made with all natural vegetable oils....if it works for her.....

....also, I heard a little tid-bit many years ago....Preparation H, yup, that stuff for hemorrhoids....put it on a wrinkle and it poufs up....it works too, I've tried it....but (no pun intended) I just can't seem to bring myself to slathering it all over me face....when it was intended for...ummmm...anal problems....ok, so I'm a snob when it comes to wrinkle treatments :p

also, another cool product: when I don't want to blow dry my hair straight....I use L'Oreal's Pumping Curls, my hair is naturally wavy....and sometimes I like to go for the the phoofy curly look....like Polly's hair, very sexy looking! .....a "just got out of bed" look ...... no wonder she's got such a gorgeous hunk o' man :)

When I moved to my house, and started packing up my "products", I was dismayed to find I'd filled two boxes!
I use Oil of Olay age defying daily renewal cleanser, twice a day, every morning I use Alamy Kinetin, with SPF 15, (I've used sunscreen on my face EVERY day for years) and about 3 times a week at bedtime I use the 30% glycolic acid stuff I got from skinstore.com.
I use lots of Almay stuff, I'm allergic to lots of makeups, and Almay and Clinique are two I know I can use. Clinique is too expensive though.
Almay milk is wonderful smelling. In the winter, I soak in baby oil baths, to get rid of the winter dryness. I'm right now into the Herbal Essence Intensive shampoos and conditioner, but the Pantene is wonderful too.
I color my own hair too, I've been using the Open, keep getting redder. Right now its deep copper blonde, but I don't know where the blonde is supposed to be. I like the way it feels colored, I have tons of hair, but its baby fine, so the coloring gives it some texture. Beauticians were always shocked when I got perms that I had that much hair to roll, since it never looks like it.
David never knows what color he's going to come home to, I impulse buy it usually.
I love Dollar stores, and close out stores to try new things.
Cleaning, bleach, vinegar, ammonia for tough stuff, the basics.

(I keep typing Mousturizer :P Maybe I'm really turning into a cat...)

Good thread Betz! I wanted to respond to onetiger's question on moisturizers because I've had the same issue. I didn't start using them at all until a few years ago because I'd found -nothing- I could tolerate, but then winters just made them a necessity.

Things I found I could use, with varying depth of effect: Oil of Olay Oil-Free, I think it was, until I found the Equate version at Wal-Mart for $2 or so - was the lightest. On dry days now, I use Oil of Olay Total Effects (I always get oil-free if possible; I -think- this is...haven't had any trouble), and it's a good medium weight. For really bad winters, I've used Laura Mercier's emu oil moisturizer. I could handle it ok, apparently bird oil is less of a problem than other types, and I just don't like the idea of using petroleum products on my skin.

I used to love the cheapo Queen Helene cocoa butter lotion for general hand/body (although it's now 4 times as expensive as it used to be at $4 a bottle, bah ;) ), but it is mineral oil based. I suppose I should check if there really is anything to be said against mineral oils. I really liked St. Ives's oil-free Tea Tree lotion for hand/body, but of COURSE they discontinued it :( I hear the collective moan already, as we've all had our faves ripped cruelly from our vanity shelves ;P

GoldieCat, always meant to tell ya....you are just gorgeous!

Ok, so anyway....the emu thing....tried it...and with copper, another product junkies fav....didn't do much...I give everything 2 months, if I see no visable results....off to the trash can it goes! But I'm older than you and looking for super duper moisture....good creams and a bazillion glasses of water per day help :)

Hey Bella, I love Almay too, never tried the Almay milk tho' and haven't seen it....is that for the bath....or face?

Dang Betz, you are a beauty products junkie...Wow, you 've tried everything and you know about all. You are very beautiful though, so whatever you are doing, keep it up.

Now, about the Preparation H thing...my daughter was in the Speech and Debate (Forensics) Team through college and she suggested that a secret they use after a long night of cramming and getting prepared for a week of tournaments is to use Prep H before going to bed. So, what can I say, a bunch of crazy college students debating each other for hours can't be wrong!:p

How about lips, ladies, how do you keep them moisturized? Here I could use a couple of pointers.:confused:

I, like Snow P, clean houses full time and have been doing it for about 10 years. I've tried everything under the sun. Here are my fave products and why:

Pine-Sol with LEMON:

It's an all-purpose cleaner that cleans and degreases. I use it on counters, stove-tops, inside the microwave, on refrigerators, and in the bathroom. I take a spray bottle and mix half Pine-Sol with Lemon and half water. It leaves the room smelling lemony fresh and sparkling clean! My customers absolutely love the smell. Be careful with it on toilet seats though. Spray on the cleaning rag, not directly on the seat. It seems to discolor certain ones.

Soft Scrub Gel Cleaner with BLEACH:

This stuff is a must for white shower stalls. Use it with a scrub brush on the shower floor, especially a fiberglass one, and it makes a dirty shower totally white! It also removes mildew from the grout in between shower tiles. Nothing else, even Tilex, works as well, and you don't have those awful fumes. I also use it in sinks. It doesn't leave that "chalky" residue after rinsing.

Sno-Bowl:

Great, as Snow P says, for toilets.

Windex original formula:

Great for no streaks on mirrors and glass. Spray and wipe in a circular motion. Don't use the "no drip" formula. It leaves streaks and smears.

Murphy's Oil Soap:

Builders will tell you not to use it on your new wood floor. I've always used it, it does a great job, leaves a nice sheen, and smells wonderful! Builders will tell you it leaves a build up. I've never seen it. I also use it on kitchen cabinets to get fingerprints and grime off. Works like a charm!

Pledge in a sprayer bottle:

Doesn't leave smears or build up. I also spray it on an extended duster to get ceiling fans, baseboards and cobwebs. I spray it on rag to get door moldings. It repels dust, so the ceiling fans, baseboards and door moldings only have to be done every month or two.

Oreck:

Fave vaccuum! Picks up well on any carpet surface, and leaves a nice nap!

To get you motivated to clean, get the book, "Speed Cleaning" by Jeff Campbell and the Speed Clean Team. It'll give you a "system" for each room. You'll get your entire house done in about 2 hours, leaving the rest of the week free!

Lets stretch it a little here:
Streeeeeetccch marks
Yucka!
I find that tanning helps fade mine.
But has anyone found anything for them?
And not to prevent them, but to tame down existing ones!

´Hey Joanny!! You look wonderful in your pic!!!! Yor hair is great i imagine you brunette...
I´m considering let my hair grow again, like you, Betz and Polly....
Maybe i´ll do it....

As many pics i see i can say WooWW!!! We are a very very beautyful ladies!!! .:) :)

Hot, again vaseline at night for your lips can help.


Chau!!


MIM

Originally posted by SnowPrincess
Lets stretch it a little here:
Streeeeeetccch marks
Yucka!
I find that tanning helps fade mine.
But has anyone found anything for them?
And not to prevent them, but to tame down existing ones!

Snowy P try pure Vit E oil smoothed on twice daily, it is great for reducing scars too :) I also use Palmer's Cocoa butter formula with Vit E Again it is really good for helping to reduce marks an scars, stretch marks etc ...........

I also use these on my face and they keep my skin looking pretty good ...... Good thing too as I don't wear any make-up, can't put the darn stuff on :( ...........anything more than lip gloss an mascara an I look like a clown!! lol

Thank you Mim for the sweet compliments. You are the third person who has told me they imagined me brunette! *smiles*
As far the as the stretch marks go, I have never found anything that helped very much, and i have the worst stretch marks on my tummy I have ever seen. I have even considered plastic surgery, but then thought, what the heck. It is just part of me.
I use all the same cleaning products as Polly, and she's a professional! Woo hoo! Now if I can just make myself use the products!
Does anyone know of a good light-scented perfume? What does everyone else wear? I have just switched to Abercrombie (sp?) No. 7. I love perfume and body sprays and things that leave me smelling all happy!

I love scent too! My fav light scent is Pear Fantasy, by Parfums de Coeur....it's a cheapie spray you can get at Wal-Mart, but smells fantastic! For a more upscale scent, I use COCO by Chanel almost exclusively. It's pricey, but my husband knows I love it....so while he was in Greece, he found the oil and a mixing kit....he said I have enough now for years! :)

I also have this little roll on natural oil, called Sunflowers, it has a fresh clean scent to it. I like Patchouli as well, but it's too strong, so I blend it with a little pear oil, cool scent!

I love the sweet smells for me of Tabu, Poison & Opium.
King wears Obsession for men, which is sweet too.

wow! I just got that new product I ordered, Lip Explosion...smeared it on my lips, and right away the little lines disappeared! I'm impressed! and I'm rarely impressed by products anymore, I usually have to wait a month or more to see results.

It tastes like cinnamon, and made my lips a little deeper color, then they looked a poofier! how cool is that? :)

It usually sells around the web for almost $50, but some sites had it for $34 or $45....I found a great site and even talked to the head guy when I ordered, they are selling it for a little under $30. It took 4 days to get here, not bad.

http://www.hcisecure.com/store/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=NG&Category_Code=BI

scroll down to the product

Eternity, by Calvin Klein. The only other one I love is Extreme (sp.?) by Bulgari. They are my absolute faves for when I am going out. Men seem to really like the fragrance of Eternity, whenever I wear it I get complimented. The Extreme is very sensual (strong) so only a touch will do. For everyday, I like very light musk or Heaven from The Gap (yes, like the school girls!):D

Mim, thanks for the little drop of that compliment that fell my way (or am I being too pretentious?) I agree with you. Many beautiful ladies (goes without saying, you included) in this place, who obviously seem to know how to keep themselves beautiful &, nice-smelling, and at the same time keep THE house clean and nice-smelling as well.:p

Since we started on fragrances, remember this one? "I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let you forget you're a man...'cause I'm a woman...Enjolie";)

hahahaha, oh gawd, I remember that one!....and then we all ended up singing it all day! yikes, no wonder we suffer from so many stress related problems.....we're still trying to live up to that song! :p

here's another type product I'd love some advise on....corsets!
Yup, the sexy lingerie with the stocking holder thingees. Never had one, but have always thought about getting one.

I'm on the countdown, gurlz, I need you! I'm starting to get into panic mode, I wanna look fan-tab-ulous when my husband gets here on Dec. 20th. I've lost about 15 pounds since he left, and worked like crazy on getting my skin youthful looking, as the above posts attest to!

THE PLAN:
I am already planning the outfit I want to wear when I meet his ship, this gorgeous Betsy Johnson red velvet mini dress, with Doc's of course!...and under it I want to do the corset thing, with black stockings.....so he'll get just a peek, then have to suffer on the 30 minute drive home, (I'm so mean)

I have a full length fur coat on loan from a friend, I want to stay totally covered, he doesn't know I've lost the weight...and keep it closed til I get near him, then voila'...I'm thinner! :)
I know I'll be standing on those docks for hours til he finally appears...he'll walk down the ships stairs and see me....sea bag on his back, wearing his sexy lookin' dress blues and sailor cap...the press will be in full force, his ship was in the Gulf and the Arabian near Afghanistan, and saw some action....so I have to be careful about looking too sexy (naked woman meets ship....film at 11:00)......then before I know it, he's in my arms...and this horrible nightmare of a separation is over....thank gawd!

Okay, so I went off into fantasy land for a moment ....anyhoo....corsets.....I've searched throughout the web and have seen some great ones, but which one will be best for me? the kind with the ties in the back so I can tighten the hell out of it and look like I have a 12 inch waist? The stocking holder thingees....do they work? or will I need to glue the stockings to my skin? :) I've lost weight, but I'm a full figured Italian mama in no uncertain terms, will I have little blobs peeking out from the corset? yikes, that would be bad, I plan on keeping it on while I seduce the heck-ola out of him....I want to keep those stretch marks and cellulite covered!

Any suggestions ladies? need groovy/sexy lingerie advise! :)

Ok Betz, I am in on this one with you!!
Next time William comes here, well.........It's forever, He's moving here. ok now that I sprung the suprise on everyone!
I know a change of plans, were thinking in a month or so, He felt its easier for us now if he moves here to Minnesota and we wait a year or so than move to Chicago!! so I have time to lose more weight and do lots about what your talking about too.

So anyway I have a corsette thingy with strings, but my big butted girlfriend tried it on and she ripped it!:eek:
The thing about wearing anything too tight is that when it comes off, you have all the marks on your body from it. How about a sexy camisal *sp and nice matching panties? Guys just love those things! As for the nylons, Thigh Highs work well if you get the good ones that have great elastic on the top.
A couple sessions in a tanning bed work wonders for cellulite and stretch marks, makes them diminish.
By the way, something funny here, I used virgin olive oil on my face today, and omg what wonders it does!
I want to be perfect next time I see My King.

This thread ROCKS!!! I have spent alot of time on myself since you started it Betz, I mean I have been a mom for over 19 years, It's time for me to pamper myself and thanks for this thread!!!!!
Keep it rolling girls!!!!

ok wait, I'm smiling so much and soooo happy for you, Snow, that I didn;\''t get past the first paragraph!!!!

Sigh....little sis, you SOOOO deserve the best....ok now I'll read the rest of your post....after I clear the tears :)

hmmmm, maybe a sexy teddy thing? I want a little skin peeking out when I drive him home.....I want him to go crazy....just like I have been these past bazillion months.... :)

so kick down girly, this is for real!? You and King, well we always knew it....I'm sure no one here is surprised..... I'm sooooo happy for you...sigh....at least someone I know it gittin' it! :)

yup! Snow was way right on....how many of us have put our beauty on hold? I know I have been raising kids since time began....taking a shower used ta be a luxury :)

Now that they (kids) are either gone or almost, I have the time and a few pesos to spend on me...I'm going into the "golden" years...but I want to look fantastic as I do....and it costs....so? After all the years we spent making sure everybody had nice underwear and sensible shoes....it's OUR TURN! Lotions n' potions galore...we are gonna be the sexiest grandmas out there....that's my justification for all the moolah I spend on products....and I'm stickin' to it! :)

Betz, its time for us now.
William and I talked so may times about kids and what we decided is no.
We will raise mine, 9, 13, and 19 lol, and King is so good with the boys!!
Than we want time to travel and just be with each other, I LOVE IT!!!!!!

So now I am pampering me! And Like I said, I LOVE THIS THREAD!!

I try everything any one suggests!! IT FEELS SO GOOD!
I am so sick of thinking no tears shampoo is a luxury to shave my legs with, now its????? suggestions LOL, I don't even know!!!

OK now I want, and got some "sex" tips but if you don't want to read further than DON'T!!

Ok I have a thing with lifesavers, King loves them in me and I only use a quarter of one at a time because they get so sticky!
But its all good, beleive me!!

But..............
Ok you know the when you do alot of sex and the guy cums in you alot, and you know the next day sex smell even after you shower, what do ya do?? My friend swears by douches of water only, I dunno!!! What is a gal to do! I mean me and King were hot for 9 nights LOL, and not to be graphic but I was a washing maniac! Maybe guys should post on this one on how we "smell" the day after sex!!!:confused:
Sorry to be so blunt, but ya know gals how it is.....
Can I say HELP??
:D :D

So true, Snow.....enough with the babies already! I want....stuff! I want to travel, I want to buy little goodies, I want my house to have something other than barf-proof carpeting. Oh the gandbabies can come over anytime....and I'll clean up after em'....but when they are gone....I want to party, have sex in the living room....drink and get goofy....spend my hard yearned dollars on art, wine and matching wine glasses from Pier 1!

My cure-all for a night of passion? Ye olde bathtub faucet....it's a two for one deal...if ya know what I mean? ;) Douches can be dangerous for some of us, I never use em'.

Lifesavers? ok, I'm naive....what do you mean? PM me if you don't want to post it. I was thinking a little tray laid out with ice and hot coffee, kama sutra, feathers, scarves....but the lifesavers things goes right over my head....I'm not getting a visual :)

This entire thread is great!
Thanks betz, for starting it.Lifesavers huh snow?
I think I know what she means......but not completely sure.
I do know that altoid mints work great too.
O.K..how do I say this delicately.....when sucking on the mint.........you.......ummmm.........well lets just say your partner will feel the heat down there..lol

As far as the day after scent............i kinda like it myself..I mean it makes me think of him all day long;)

No Tears shampoo for shaving? hmmmm, never thought of that. Here's a good tip I only discovered a few years ago.....when shaving the ummm...bikini area....and more....I use conditioner. I have sensitive skin and can easily break out in a rash. So shaving with a good hair conditioner cuts the rash and itching way down. But the razor is history :) Then after, I use pure Aloe.

I did find a good depilatory recently....and cheaper than most, called Marzena, it's in a lavender tube, costs about $2 or $3. I can use it on legs, etc....and it seems to inhibit new growth as well. Not a powerful scent, and no burning.....so it can used for sensitive areas as well....I just hate shaving at all, it's such a time consuming drag :0

Oh yeah....NADS? .....what a waste of time and money, I tried it several times....hair on my legs was somewhat overgrown, or several days after shaving....still didn't work. And the goo was a mess everywhere. The product appeared to have turned into sugar, I had to keep zapping it in the microwave...still didn't work. Thumbs down on that product!

I'm always afraid of the sloughing, though, don't want to tear the pores, but this mix sounds good.

Betz, what is this? sloughing? Is that like scrubs with grainy stuff in it? I thought that was good for the face, the scrub stuff, but is it?? Tear pores? Oh my will that happen?
I have a big jug of face scrub, should I just use it on my bod and not the face??

YES! use it on your bod....no problem, but the face....don't even think about it! :)....as we age, our skin becomes more delicate....and I mean age as in over 30....all those scrubs have almond bits or some other type of rough stuff. I've seen pictures of the pores after a scrub....not pretty. Some better scrubs have little beads....those are fine, but be careful about too much scrubbing...instead get an alpha hydroxy wash for the face and use daily, if not twice....that will remove a lot of dead skin, and make your skin soft, bump free and more receptive to moisture. Once a week, do the scrubs, but be sure to follow with good moisturizers...and moisture masks. You're still young, but trust me, those crinkles n' wrinkles will suddenly appear, so start now....find products and a regime that suit you....as you've read here, a lot of good products don't even cost that much and can be picked up at the local drugstore.

I had a facial last month, and they did a glycolic peel...only cost about 50 bucks and was worth every penny, my face glowed, and it got rid of little bumps, blackheads....tightened the pores....not a bad investment :)

Don't forget to treat your neck, chest and back of hands with the same program you use for your face....the neck starts showing signs of age first, so do the hands. Our hormones change, and the skin starts to dry.

I know it sounds like a lot of work....once you get into it though, it's no big deal.....and the payoff is well worth it! Drinking a lot of water really makes a big diff too....I hate drinking water, but force myself to at least 4 glasses a day (can I put a little scotch in it?) hahahahaha

You are a beautiful woman, Tammy....if you start now with some serious skin care, you'll stay that way for eons to come!

Betz......I think you need to write a book! You're full of great beauty info.
Keep this going:)

Ok I bought the John Freida Mousse at our Fred Meyer here for like $6.00 - forgot you had said Walmart, dang it. But what the heck.

I also bought the L'oreal stuff that Julianne said. I bought the blonde highlight one and it didn't say permanent color. I am scared to death. Then Betz said something about her hair turning pink, so I am holding back at this point. I mean, I can always return it and get a different product.

Great ideas and advice.

Polly - your cleaning advice is great. I went to the website as well that you mentioned and put it on my faves list. I may order the books as well. I don't have a clue about cleaning or organizing.

Thanks everyone.
Cindy

hahahahaha, thanks Josy....maybe I will!

I had no idea how into it all I really am, til I started this thing....and it just pours out....yikes....I'm soooo vain, too vain....I gotta chill, nuthin' worse than an aging beauty queen :D

Well, I was never a beauty queen, but I did model my way thru college back in the covered wagon days. I've always been fascinated by all things relating to beauty....products, clothes, cosmetic surgery....so I'm a storehouse of info...I've read up on, researched and tested just about everything out there....but started this cause I could never find any real life testimonials from people I know and trust.....just marketing hype. I think our posts can save us oodles of bucks...instead of trying something we saw on TV only to find it's worthless, we can come to each other and ask about the product first.....that's what girlfriends are for....right? :)

Cindy, what color are you going for? if it's red or strawberry, L'oreal has a great one...I forget which, but it's a gel, and permanant....not the Feria if you are a natural blonde, unless you get some kind of chemical first.......it strips your hair and prepares it for the dye.....can't remember the name. I think Julianne mentioned it before...? After I started taking Maca root, my hair got so blonde that I haven't needed to dye it red in the winter, like I used to. Winter and the lack of sunshine, made my hair a dull strawberry, so I'd always oomph it up with an auburn or red dye....then let it fade out by spring.

I picked up the Feria, light blonde something. But I know now that I will be returning it. The box says its for natural blondes. My hair is color treated so back it goes. I just returned from Target and read all the different boxes of L'oreal. There were several that are wash outs after 28 washes. I'm scared of the permanent stuff, at least at first. So I will try one of those. I also thought I'd go to their website and see what they can tell me. I'm pretty confused by the whole thing.

Cindy

Polly!!

Fabulous ideas! Nothin' beats a sparkeling clean house!

But how 'bout rust stains in the fiberglass shower?

cali_lady, for rust stains, Snow P mentioned "Sno-bowl" the toilet bowl cleaner worked on rust stains as well, I don't know, I haven't used it for that, but I have used CLR (stands for Calcium, Lime, Rust) sold at your local Wal-Mart, Walgreens or hardware store. Pour it full-strength on the spot, wait for ten or twenty minutes, and rinse. It works very, very well on rust stains in sinks and toilets, as well as calcium build-up on glass shower doors. It has strong fumes, so open windows and get out of the bathroom while it does its thing. I've used it many times and had good results. :)

Snow P, douches can be dangerous. I read that they interfere with the healthy bacteria in your "female area" that ward off diseases. I read that a certain percentage of women who douched regularly got ovarian cancer, so be careful about that. I'm sure a plain water douche would be just fine, but nothing with chemicals. Life savers??? :D Hey, when I was in high school, I put "Tiger Balm" on my bf's "member" just to "see what it would do". Well, it didn't have the desired effect! He jumped up and down and ran to the bathroom and into the shower! Ah well, live and learn, right?

Does anyone know anything about "Firming Lotion"? I see all these "firming" products. Do they do anything? I went from the "Reigning Queen of Jealousy" to the "Reigning Queen of Cellulite!" Oh Geez, don't TELL me I have to exercise!!! Can't I just buy it in a bottle???

I predict this thread will top "The Old Body Thing" in the Sexual forum. :)

Yes!! Snow-Bol works great on any rust, for fiber glass or any plastics on a damp rag squirt some snow-bol on it and wipe to test, if it doesn't come off easily just add more snow-bol, like I said we use it on alot of things!



http://www.gifs.net/animate/9.gif

I read something put out by the FDA sometime ago tha firming creams don't work at all. That by buying and using them them the only thing that disappears is your money.

Also, the reports have just been released (and I knew this a few years back from one of my daughter's team informatives) that antibacterial soap is more damaging than helpful. What happens is that it is not any more effective than regular soap and water and that too much use of it can help create super bacteria strains. Go figure!

Thanks girls, (Polly & Snow)

I'll try it! With my sweetie coming home to live, I want our "Love Nest" to be spic-N-span! :D

Caramel:
I always suspected those "firming" creams were a lot of hogwash! good thing I never made the investment....thanks for the heads up!

I know this is a not so pleasant subject....but I think I have a yeast infection (again!) it's stress, I know....I can go to the drugstore and get the 7 day stuff like I usually do, I'm always afraid to buy the 1 day or 3 day....if it doesn't work, I just gotta go back.....any tips on the best product....ladies?

I just started reading this a few days ago, and its very informative and just plain funny!!!!!

OK Cindy, I know you already bought the other mousse, but when you run out, try Redkin "Guts" - its a spray mousse thats great. I have baby fine hair and it works great. I also use Redkin Hot Sets. Its for blow drying, curling irons and stuff like that.

And the last moisturiser I bought is great!!!! I'd read about it in some comparison thingy and I really do like it. Its Pond's Dramatic Results. It has alpha hydroxy, retinol and vitamin c - all of which are great for your skin. I think it was about $11, not much at all to keep chasing those wrinkles away lol.

Betz and Hot Caramel and Goldie - I havent had the chance yet, but want to say right now, you're just beautiful!!!

Julie - its funny that you mentioned "burgundy" hair LOL Thats exactly what my daughter called my hair once:p and it pretty much WAS burgundy!! I'm fixing to try combing haircolor through my hair tonight and see how it works. I like the look of strands of subtly differerent colors instead of just one color but i'm NOT paying $50 or $60 to have it done lol.

And thanks to everyone for all the cleaning tips - anything that gets the job done faster is good in my book!! There are TOO many other things to do in life that cooking and cleaning:p

OK, I'll keep checking back for more product information, this is great!!

Southerngal

Redkin Guts, and Hot Sets, eh? I'll have to check that out...I have baby fine hair too, but work hard to poof it up, make it look thicker.... thanks southerngal for the hair tips....I'm always on the prowl for the best product! (gee, whadda shocker) :D

Yep, I survived the hair coloring test. But the color I'd bought was pretty close to what it already was, so there is only a very slight difference. Now what I want to do is get like a strawberry blonde and comb through it. Hey, its only hair. It will either grow back OR you can color over it lol.:p Guess I'm getting a little more brave in my "old age" !!

And after i rinsed my hair and took a shower, I did the vaseline and socks thang on my feet :p

Ok, thats my experimental hair report for now.

Southerngal

Ok Today I bought the Snow Bol, Pine Sol w/lemon, Soft Scrub Gel with Bleach. I looked for the book but Target didn't have it. After I get the book, I'm gonna read it, shut my eyes and pray my home will sparkle when I open.

Oh you mean I HAVE to clean it myself!! Oh no!

So the color I am looking for is a light blonde mixed in with my gray, brown, strawberry and already blonde streaks. As I said earlier I have always had my hair weaved with two colors and my own. I cover the gray with a reddy brownish and then a blonde weave too. But I can't do that now. So I want to attempt to do it myself. I like what Southerngal was talking about. Combing it through sounds easy enough. But I'm still scared.

I haven't douched in years and years. Heard also that it was not good for us. But a hundred years ago, wasn't it something like Summer's Eve or something??

Some friends of mine used to use plain yoghurt as a way to treat yeast infections. They would just cover themselves down there with it. Really, then after a while shower it out.

Any ideas on getting that yellow out of your toe nails after they have been covered with nail polish?

Target has great bras and panties. But Walmart is less expensive by a few dollars. Although I think Target has a better selection for me.

This is such an awesome thread.

Cindy

Ross Dress For Less and Marshals have Victoria's Secret bras for only a few bucks....the tricks is finding your size.....if you can do that....then you've saved a bundle! Most decent bras are $35 or more at Victoria's.

Julianne....it's hormones......treat your skin differently now than you did a few years ago.....alpha hydroxy products will dry up the break outs, so will any retinol products.....and keep away the wrinkles. If you are still breaking out at 37, then it's time to change your skin care program....watch out for the scrubs, they can do a lot of damage! The apricot scrub has granules of apricot seed in it, and will tear the pores. St. Ives is good for the body, but not the face, not in my own experience anyway, or of several girlfriends....try L'Oreal's line of anti-aging products......inexpensive and they really seem to work!!

And you're right, the 7 day stuff versus the 3 usually does the trick for yeast infections, just bought some tonight....ugh :( The yogurt works, but from personal experience, has to be followed up the cream. I can't believe I even have one....it's been awhile....I must be more stressed out than I thought!

I need to get that Sno-Bol tomorrow for sure, I have all kinds of rust stains in my dishwasher....does it work on stainless steel sinks too?

hahahahahah, so sorry, I really didn't mean to come off as a know-it-all....I'm not.....I just happen to know quite a few things about beauty products, mostly from my own experiences....I'm no expert, just a product junkie :)

Yogurt has the good yeast.....stuff like bread, wine, soy sauce...and I can't even remember how many other foods have the "bad" yeast in them. Many people aren't as susceptible to yeast in foods, and have no problems......then there are some of us that have to moderate what we eat....so we won't get yeast infections. But stress can bring it on too, so can antibiotics.

Antibiotics kill off the good yeast in our bodies while they kill off whatever virus or problem we have that requires em' in the first place. Some whole health experts say to douche with yogurt (yuk!) while taking antibiotics, to replace and stabilize the good yeasts and PH balance....I just try not to take them all!

I love Ross's! Great store, all brand name stuff at a major discount. You can haggle the price on an item if it's the only one of it's kind....like a pair of gorgeous suede pants I saw there once....they had only about 3 or 4 on the rack, different sizes, the one in my size was flawed because the hem came out....they were $189...on sale for $90-sumpthin'...I took them up to the register and said these were the only ones in my size, I wanted them, but would have to pay a small fortune at a specialty shop to have the hem done....Ross's sold the pants to me for $49! I went home and used some super glue on em' ;)

Any ideas on getting that yellow out of your toe nails after they have been covered with nail polish?
There's a product out there that whitens the nails....I would love to find it myself, but don't know the name of it...I think manicurists use it....anybody know?

There are some yoghurts and milks sold with emphasis on high acidopholous. (spell check) Anyway it is supposed to be really good for you. People with tummy issues do well with it. And ditto on Betz report about the antibiotics. The high acidpholous works great.

I've used the yoghurt (plain only) all over me (ex hippie that I am) while living in Israel and Hawaii nursing sunburns. It feels awesome on the skin to cool down the burns.

Ross' Dress for Less is a large chain. They get some of the overstocks or imperfections from the big guys. And you can get some incredible steals in there. I don't shop there because I am lazy. There is also an incredible amount of junk too. Major junk. We have several Ross here in Portland and I know many, many folks who are very successful at stopping at a Ross, run in, scout it out quickly and pick up a fantastic item. They also have shoes and home stuff and I forget what else. Just some fantastic buys.

There are a couple other cool discount stores like that, TJ Max is the same. Awesome buys. My girlfriends make these stores a regular stop.

I used to shop at Nordstrom Rack. It is Nordstrom's private discount store. I used to get some stellar sales there. I would stop once a week, run in, scope it out and gather what looked good. I had it down to a science. They also bring in some junk to fool you a bit, but you can figure out what the good stuff is pretty fast and if you go regularly, you know what's new coming in. I scored at that store.

Last week I went with my friend Annie to the Factory to You stores. Any of you have that in your area? Gosh, some good buys. Again mostly junk, but then voila, there is that beautiful little blouse, 100% cotton, that works perfectly! Don't the Dollar TRee stores have some clothes too.

I spend most of my time at Walmart these days. I can get the basics there. Or Target. I still go out and get the Docker pants though. And even those prices of $30 ish are more than I want to pay. Sheesh! There was a time a few years ago I would pay $100 for a pair of pants; now I don't look twice. I've got this danged Brahmin bag I carry, I paid close to $200 for it, oh, gosh, maybe 7 years ago. I have used it every day since then. It was soon after that purchase when I stopped thinking I was rich and spending horrible amounts of money on that stuff. Anyway so here I am stuck with this purse! I still get tons of compliments on it and it is still in perfect condition. After 7 years I figure I've factored the cost down to about $30 per year. But I still can't make myself buy a new one!! Man did I change when my babies started growing. Now they need the new clothes, and the good quality shoes and coats. I can keep that purse a little longer!!

Julianne or Southerngal, can you fly out here to Portland and help me color my hair? And Polly and Snow, I've got the supplies, can you come teach me how to clean my house?

Happy Sunday! Today my kids are marching in a neighborhood Halloween parade. My 11 yr old will play his clarinet. Cool!

Cindy

Cidy, All I can say to your post is ditto. I also look for bargains in all those stores you mentioned Nordstrom's Rack is a good tip. Not all the time, but sometimes you can get a great bargain there for good quality stuff.

I'm all into beautifying myself.... cause I'll be seeing my guy
soon, too.. ....oops..
Julie, Super news! That's what's really making your skin go all weird...could this be love??????????????;)

Southerng, thanks right back at ya!

Betz, there is this new prescription pill that takes care of your yeast infection in one day. I may be mispelling it, but I think it's called "Diflucan." I had a problem last year, and that's what my doctor prescribed. One day and pufff...like magic.

Ladies this thread could go on forever...........:eek:

A product not yet mentioned (I don't think) food!

I can do some serious cookin'...when I feel like it....which is not often....so I'm always looking around for quickie recipes or some kind of insta-dinner thing. ....what about the new things by Uncle' Ben's...the bowl of rice and stuff, anybody try those? are they good? fattening?

Any low-cal zippy dinners out there that are tasty too?

I went to the spa recently for the whole shebang (massage, facial, pedicure, manicure, hair, all of it) and I bought a line of products from them by Jan Marini. Now this stuff is expensive, no lie, but it is awesome! It is the glycolic acid based products, and my skin felt so awesome! It kind of stung a little in the first few days, but I did definitely notice a difference in my skin after a week or so...

FOOOOODDD!!! MMMMM, FOOOOODDDD!!

Let's talk about food! This thread WILL go on forever if we talk about that! I could go on forever about foooooddd!!!

Quickie recipes? What are those?

Robin and I make homemade chicken soup every Sunday (when it's chilly outside). We just started our "soup season" the last few weeks. The recipe follows:

Chicken Noodle Soup:

Take a 3-4 lb. whole fryer

Bring to boil with about 3/4 gallon of water and about 1/4 cup of salt. Turn down to Medium low and simmer for about 2 hours.

Remove skin and bones from chicken, and place back in the pot. Cut up several potatoes, 3 carrots, 3 stalks of celery and leaves, and one large onion. Put in the pot with the chicken, and simmer another hour. Bring pot to boil, add thick egg noodles (I like the Amish kind...no snickering, please...just because I'm in OHIO doesn't mean anything...I have a computer, dammit!). Boil the noodles twenty minutes, and soup's on! :) I like to serve it with freshly baked bread (I know, I'm such a carb phreak!). By now, your whole house smells like soup, and everyone's got a warm, fuzzy feeling inside (hopefully NOT a yeast infection!!!) :D

I'll second what Southern had to say about the Redken Hot Sets!!!
I not only have thin, fine hair but it has often been compared to
RAT FUR!!! It holds, poofs, whatever you want it to do!!! Great stuff and a little dab will do ya!!!
Still loving this thread....MAY IT NEVER END!!! This is Best Seller material girls!!!

WAY TO GO SNOW P. !!! You sexy sly devil, you!!! Like we weren't expecting this???? lol.... ~SMILES~ TO YOU AND THE KING...AND NOTHING BUT HAPPY DAYS!!!

hahahaha, Polly, I swear....you kill me! :D

Love chicken soup, ok I'll be right over....ya didn't think I was gonna cook it did ya? Peel the chicken....cut veges....homemade bread.....will you marry me? :p hahahahahaha

Why don't you stick it in mason jars and call it Polly's Perfections, a big thing now to sell homemade products...you make the soup, I'll make your web site....we'll be rich! (just kiddin') But you could start your own food line....never know!

Kick down with some really easy recipes, gurl....the kind that all I have to do is open something... :)

I do have an incredible recipe for wild mushroom feta cheese bruchetta though....serve with chamapagne, great romantic food...it'll knock your socks off....if anybody wants it, PM your email addy, I'll send it on

Betz, I WILL have to get your wild mushroom feta cheese thingy recipe, as Robin and I both LOVE that stuff! We'll wait for a evening alone and make it together. He likes to chop stuff up. He pretends he's killing people or something! :D

Do you like hummus? The Forty Thieves brand is pretty good, and they have all kinds of flavors. We toast pita bread, cut it in triangles, and dip it in the hummus. That's pretty easy!

Nacho Boat is too. Spread taco meat over tortilla chips, spread salsa and then grated cheese over that, and zap in micro wave until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Serve with Strawberry Margaritas. I sometimes substitute taco meat with leftover grilled chicken, cut in strips, or leftover grilled steak.

ok, I'll type it up and send it out tomorrow....sorry, I thought I had it in my files!

I love hummus, and many other exotic foods, which is what I cook....when I cook :) I like to make a kind of California cuisine...good stuff!

Yummy, love that taco recipe, made me so hungry...I ordered a pizza :p but I did write it down, sounds like a good one for a night in front of the TV, movies, friends....drinks...

Oh am I gonna have some recipes for you guyz soon....my nephew is coming this weekend to stay for a month....he's a professional chef in a four-star restaurant! ya-hoooo! No more cookin' :)

I do have an incredible recipe for wild mushroom feta cheese bruchetta though....serve with chamapagne, great romantic food...it'll knock your socks off....if anybody wants it, PM your email addy, I'll send it on
*Raising hand wildly, me me me!
I have a feeling theres gonna be alot of romantic nights around here soon!

Ok I got an easy one for moms on a budget, or anyone, i don't measure, its all depends on how you like it, its a never fail recipe.

Potato soup

In a large casserole dish put cut up raw potatoes covering the greased bottom,
than cut up either ham or hot dogs *yes hot dogs taste just as good, the cheaper the better* add a layer of them
Than cut up some onions and sprinkle them over
Than a few dollops of butter
another layer of potatoes
another layer of ham or hot dogs
salt and pepper
and than pour a bunch of whole milk *whole milk makes it the creamiest, and yes this is my high fat recipe.
Thank bake it in the oven at around 300 for a few hours until its a nice creamy soup.
You can even make this in a crock pot and slow cook it all day, or on the stove top!


DON"T OVER COOK!!! I just overcooked mine tonight! Phewy!!http://www.threelittlewitches.itctv.com/t/threelittlewitches/Images/Witch.jpg

"Mozzarella en Carozza"

Ok...just wanted to add a recipe here to the list.A very simple and fast meal.It's really just a grilled cheese sandwich but this one's Italian style:D Got it from grandma a LONG time ago so how can ya go wrong with a recipe from a little old sicilian grandma huh?So here's what ya need folks...

8 slices of bread,just cut the crusts off of em'
8 slices of mozzarella cheese
Around 4 or 5 eggs
About a half a cup of milk,for this i like whole milk not skim
About 2 teaspoons of thyme,fresh thyme is best
a teaspoon of salt,kosher is what i use,it's good stuff
and some extra virgin olive oil

Now for the directions..just make the sandwiches like a regular grilled cheese.Beat the eggs together till there smooth.Than add the milk and thyme and the kosher salt until it's all blended together.Than dip the sandwich into the egg batter and put the EVOO into the pan and let it get hot and put the sandwich in the pan until it's done and Presto!..you have Mozzarella en Carozza as good ol' grandma use to make!

I'm posting this here as well as sending it, just copy n' paste, print:

WILD MUSHROOM GOAT CHEESE BRUSCHETTA
From the Wine Lovers CookBook

Recommended Wine: Sauvignon/Fume Blanc or Champagne

2 ounces oyster mushrooms
4 ounces shitake mushrooms
5 ounces portobello mushrooms, inner gills removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, minced
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
16 thin slices of french sour baguette
3-4 ounces fresh goat cheese
Garnish: minced lemon zest (lemon peel that has been grated) and minced green onions, mixed together

Trim ends and coarsely chop mushrooms, if there are no fresh shitake in your markets, use the freeze dried kind, soak, then chop. In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and butter. Add garlic and shallots (I use green onions instead) and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Raise heat slightly and add mushrooms. Saute' for 7 to 8 minutes. Add sherry, (I use a small amount of sherry and 1/2 cup of cheapie red cooking wine, tastes much better!) chicken stock, thyme and basil, cook until liquid is evaporated. Season to taste. Keep warm.

Preheat broiler. Put slices of baguette on a broiler pan and spread evenly with goat cheese, (I use feta instead, prefer the taste, and it's cheaper!) Spoon mushroom mixture onto bread slices evenly and in a mound. Broil until mushroom tops begin to brown. Remove and sprinkle with the garnish. (don't forget the garnish! it really pulls all the flavors together and makes it ever so yummy!) After you've made this a couple times, you can play around with the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Put slices on your most gorgeous platter, slip into a very sexy outfit, turn off the T.V. and turn on the music........pour the champagne....serve the slices to your beloved.....then seduce!

Although this recipe takes a bit of work, it's well worth it, the bruschetta melts in your mouth, and for some reason, acts an aphrodisiac as well! :)

they've learned to like my cheater recipes!! When I was married, I cooked and was pretty good at it. But since its just usually my daughter and I home for supper, we eat what we WANT to lol. It might be cereal, or grilled cheese or pizza:p I've just lost all desire to cook and have found there are other things I'd rather do with my time. I still CAN cook, just dont want to lol. Anyways here are a couple of my recipes. They're not bad:eek:


Chicken Spaghetti

Just make however much spaghetti you need and add a big can of Cream of Chicken soup. Voila!!

Chicken and Dumplings

2 big cans of chicken broth and 1 big can of cream of chicken soup
3 cans of biscuits
Flour

Bring broth to a boil, add cream of chicken soup. Pinch biscuits into small pieces and dip in flour and put in boiling broth. The pieces of biscuits puff up and soon you have dumplings!! My daughter loves this because she doesnt like the big pieces of chicken normally found in chicken and dumplings.

Oh, and just so everyone knows, Funtex inspected my hair coloring job and said it looks fine:p Now I want to comb a lighter color through it to make the various colored strands. Maybe this weekend!!

Southerngal

Did ya get Betz's recipe?
Cuz honey your gonna be cooking it!

Yes i did see it hun and i will make it for you.I'd do anything for you;)

hahahaha, so King, you gonna put on a sexy outfit and cook this up for my la sorella preziosa?

So....only fifteen days to go until your attractive queen and you are together and that you love her for always......more than anything in the world? (I know Italian, just a little bit anyway) :D

L'invidio entrambi, ma sono anche cosí molto felice per lei! Manco l'amore di mio marito. Sono contento, nonostante, che le persone piaccio e come responsabile di. ...can è cosí felice insieme. ...yuou fa il mio cuore pieno.

I envy you both, but I am also so very happy for you! I miss the love of my husband. But I am glad, though, that people I enjoy and like very much....can be so happy together....you make my heart full.

my sincero buono fortuna a lei entrambi!
(sincere good luck to you both!)

Hey Betz!

I was thinking that i would just wear a smile while cooking,maybe a figleaf so i dont spill anything on...well ya know:rolleyes:

I use to be more fluent.My grandparents taught me when i was little but since i was just about the only italian kid in the neighborhood,i've forgotten most of it,except for the swear words of course:p but i am learning again to speak the language.

You translated well though betz:D Just a couple of words off!So what kind of italian are you?I'm sicilian!

So when do you want me to make this my queen?

You translated well though betz just a couple of words off!

yeah, I know....my noma would be ashamed...but ah vel :)

While growing up I got used to the Italian grandma's screaming and yelling, cooking, and smacking us around...seemed pretty natural at the time....but my parents divorced when I was about 13, and we moved to another state.

My hubz and I had orders to Sigonella Italy last year, so I started boning up on my rusty Italian.....then Sept. 11th happened, and our orders where changed to Virginia.... admittedly I have a program that translates, although it does a crappy job of it.....good thing I still know some of the stuff :confused:

I'm only second generation American, my maiden name was Malatzo....I still have many relatives in Milazzo Italy, near Palermo. My brother and I are the only blonde/redheads...the rest of the 7 kids look more Florentine....my mother used to say we came from the milkman....which screwed my head up fer years! :)

A fig leaf? awwww, come' on King, you can do better than that! When you cook for Snow, you must be nudo! ;)

So your sicilian too betz!Thats cool!

I'm a fourth generation american.My great-grandparents were from San Marco,Sicily.Outside of Palermo.That's too bad that you weren't able to go to italy last year.The milkman huh?LOLOL!!!

Well ok i guess i'll be in the buff when i cook for my snowy:eek:

I just found out this thread, and although the subject has changed to food, I would like to add some of my experience to the previous subjects...first, yeast infections. I am prone to this kind of infection.I asked my GO about the best thing to do to avoid it, he told me to eat yoghurt and use low pH soaps. Well, I found it strange, because as a pediatrician I used to treat candida infections in babies (yeast, too) with the same family of drugs we women use, plus sodium bicarbonate either to wash their mouths or to wash their clothes (in Brazil you have to use cheap products for some low income families).
http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies/headscratch.gif
So I didn't understand my doctor's advice, told him about my doubts, but he persisted on his opinion. I didn't find anything about it on Medline, on internet, http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies/CompDedDevil.gifso I just went along with what he said. And bang, another yeast infection. Diflucan (an oral drug you take just once for yeast infection) doesn't work anymore for me. So he gave me another cream, and voila, inside I found my answer: it was there, written for the first time in a drug notice, don't use acid soaps!!!
Since I stopped and changed to a neutral soap, I have not had one single infection, even after having been treated with antibiotics some weeks ago.
Ah, another thing I want to share with you: for cellulite I started using a Vichy product, not cheap, but wonderful that really changed my skin in two months, called D-Stock . http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies/worship.gif
It's really good and I don't regret having invested some money on it. I do some massage myself (or he does...http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/kao/otn/pangel2.gif) and this is proved to work well, too.
http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies/zoumzoumzeng.gifIn French TV they've showed some serious programs about it, and all of them say massage is essential...the rest can help!

MariaLux,
you are fortunate to be in Europe, they have many medicines and beauty treatments there that are not in the U.S.

Many years ago, when I had y.i.'s frequently, and had tried everything....my doctor told me that it could be my "monthly" causing the trouble, so he started me on a 7 day cream, 3 days before....and use 4 days after.....after 3 months of doing that, it worked! I rarely if ever get them now....and usually stress brings it on. Your'e right about the soaps! It also helps that I stay away from bubble baths or use any kind of scented soaps, I just use Ivory.

Oh, yes, the baths!! And girl, do I love them! Having lived in Japan for 8 years, I got used to taking a bath every single day, with lots of different products, but they don't use bubble baths, it's usually salts or milky products. I just adore taking a bath, and strange enough, I never had yeast infection in Japan, not even once. I had had them in Brazil, and then here in Europe. The only difference with Japan is sex...almost non-existent in my Japanese life!!! The Japanese bath is also much better if we think about hygiene, because when you enter your bath you've already washed yourself throughly in the shower.
Well, I read somewhere that bath salts are better to avoid infections. I've been doing this and no problems so far.
Just love your thread, I learned a lot with you, girls, and I haven't read all of the posts here yet, I'm still on the page number 3!!http://www.palermoviejo.com/palermoviejo/gifs/jardin/amagnolia.gif

by the way, MariaLux
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!

:D

Hey, thanks, Betzguido!! I saw you are a Libra, too! Good, good people, aren't we? :) Happy belated birthday to you, too!!!

I wanted to report to you my findings on the mousse. I love the John Freida mousse. I bought the blonde stuff and it works really nicely. I love it. It makes my hair thicker for sure and it seems to be getting blonder as well.

I do want to buy the Redken product that someone mentioned. I will check it out one day soon but I imagine that the John Freida is less expensive.

I also want to give you all a recipe that I love. It is a chicken curry recipe. I make several different chicken curry dishes and I love them all but this one is my most recent one.

Ok you can buy a whole chicken or you can buy a package of thighs, maybe 6-8 thighs.

Brown them with an onion quartered. Oh and cut up the whole chicken if you use it instead of the pieces. And you actually can put in several onions if you like. I like onions so I use several. So brown the chicken and onions and throw in as much garlic as you like. After the chicken is browned, cut up a few carrots, as many as you like, maybe three or four. I tend to do them in little circles as opposed to larger pieces. Then I throw in a can of coconut milk and about a tablespoon of whatever curry you like. Then lower the temperature of the stove to a simmer and cook for about an hour. It is so yummy. Oh and you can also cut up three or four potatoes and throw those in too if you like.

I forgot to mention that I use a large pot and cook on the stove not in the oven. The whole process shouldn't take more than a half hour or so. Use salt and pepper as much as you like. It is delicious. You may need to add some liquid like a half a cup of water or broth or even a can of tomatoe sauce. Anything works.

Let me know if you try it.

Cindy

I really dig that mousse too! It does make my hair thicker, first one I've ever found that can do that. I like the blonde highlights it gives me.....I've noticed, that even when I don't use it, my hair still looks blonder....cool! :)

That's my next project on the "beautify betz" list.....lost weight, worked hard to get my skin looking good....now gotta work on my hair. It's grown quite a bit, but the ends are looking raggedy....I was thinking about getting it cut....and am tempted to cut it kind of short, I just love the way Sarah Jessica Parkers hair looked the last few episodes. I'd have to do a perm though....to get that look, which scares the daylights outta me.....I had one eons ago.....and came out looking like a poodle.....for 8 months!

Any recommendations on which perm product is best?

I wrote that the chicken cooks for a half hour. I meant an hour and a half.

I used to perm my hair frequently about ten years ago or even more. I would buy Ogilvie or something like that. You might ask your hairdresser first though especially if you have color treated hair. I remember that the hair can burn and frizz quite easily if you have color on it already. Be careful.

Cindy

PS Your hair looks wonderful now.

Betz, don't do it!!! Don't cut your hair, and NO PERMS!!!

At least wait until Ron gets back. I hear this from Robin all the time: "Guys hate it when their gf cuts her hair!" He has made a point of telling me he hopes I never go short.

I've read in a couple different books that men prefer long hair over short. They like the way our soft tresses fall gently over them, they like the way our hair frames our faces, they like to run their fingers through it, they like the way we can wear it different ways. You can't do that with short hair. I'm not saying short hair is bad-looking on everybody. Some people look really good with it. I'm just saying that in general, guys like longer hair, and if Ron is used to you with long hair, for God's sake, don't surprise him with short hair when he comes home!

Try REDKEN DRY HAIR TREATMENT. Betz, I swear it will make your hair silky soft and healthy. Wash your hair using a very gentle shampoo for dry/damaged hair Towel dry. Apply REDKEN DRY HAIR TREATMENT and comb through to the ends. Put on a plastic cap, and set your blow-dryer on hot. Blow dry over the cap for about two minutes, until all the hair under the cap is hot. Sit with your hair under the cap for twenty minutes. Take the cap off, go outside, and let your hair get cold from the air. Walk around for five minutes with your hair cooling off. This seals in the conditioner. Rinse hair out. Let dry. You will see a dramatic difference. Your hair will be very soft and not frizzy or damaged looking. You should also have your ends trimmed 1/4 and inch every 6 weeks to keep them from splitting.

hahahaha, Polly, there you are! haven't seen ya around in awhile!

Your'e right, after I wrote that, then looked it, I had a flashback of a very bad short hair cut once. I had agreed to be a hair model for a Vidal Sasson show, I was thinkin' free clothes! My hair was very long, Vidal did this boy cut on it....I cried for a month!

Think I'll just get it really healthy and go in for trim .... Ron does like my hair long....he such a guy :p ;)

I'm heading out today to get some Redkin products, seems like a lot of women here have recommended them several times...I haven't used them in years!

Betz, if you do get the REDKEN DRY HAIR TREATMENT, you could also pick up some REDKEN CAT protien reconstructer. You can use it at the same time you use the dry hair treatment. It repairs damaged hair up to 65%.

new product type: booze!

I'm a scotch on the rocks gurl, but do like to keep a few things around for mixed drinks....which I'm not good at.

How does one make the perfect martini?
If I have Bailey's, what can I mix with it besides coffee?
I have a bottle of grenadine (no idea why) what can I do with it?

I'm a margarita type person;) but I like pina coladas too and wine coolers, thats about it. I'm not a big drinker. And I think you can make a tequila sunrise out of the grenadine, but I'm not sure you to make it.

Southerngal

Hi Betz, so you need something to do with that bottle of Grenadine? so you like Bailey's and want to put it in something besides coffee? So you want to show off your bartender's skills to your hubby when he comes back to land? Well, tell you what I'm going to do...

"Cerebral Hemorrhage"

1 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. Peach Schnapps
1 oz. Bailey's
1/8 oz. Grenadine

1. Layer Kahlua, Peach Schnapps, & Bailey's in a rocks glass filled with ice.
2. Add Grenadine & mix

yum, yum....:p

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Apple Martini"

1.5 oz. of Apple Pucker
1.5 oz. Vodka (a good Russian Vodka, not a cheap brand)
1/3 oz. Dry Vermuth

All ingridients in a shaker with ice and serve with a slice of Granny Smith Apple in a Martini Glass and ENJOY!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Malibu Monsoon"

1.5 oz. Bacardi light rum
3/4 oz. Malibu liqueur
1 oz. pineapple juice
just a splash of Grand Marnier
and a splash of cranbery juice ****tail
and a few drops Grenadine

1. Fill mixing glass with ice
2. Add Bacardi, Malibu, Grand Marnier, pineapple juice and cranberry juice
3. Shake & pour into a large goblet
4. Add Grenadine & garnish with a cherry and slice of orange

This is one of the best ****tails I've ever tasted. My niece makes all three of the above all the time at home whe it's trivia night or girls' night and this The Malibu Monsoon has won out everyone who has tasted it.

ENJOY EVERYONE AND SALUD!!!!

I've bartended a couple of different places in my late 20's. My fave recipes follow:

Russian Qualuud:

1/2 shot of vodka
1/2 shot of Grand Marnier
1/2 shot of Bailey's
1/2 shot of Kaluha

Mix together and add ice. Anyone remember 'ludes man? :D

Tequila Sunrise:

One shot of tequila
One shot of grenadine
chilled orange juice

Pour grenadine into the bottom of a glass. Try to layer orange juice over that. Gently pour in shot of tequila. Looks like a sunrise!

Perfect Martini:

(Get out yer fancy, schmancy martini glasses, time to be "foo-foo")

In a shaker, mix 4 shots of Tangeray Gin (or Absolut Vodka), about one shot of dry vermouth, and fill with ice. Shake-shake-shake and pour through strainer into two foo-foo martini glasses. Add two olives on a toothpick, or pearl onions. Then, speak like James Bond.

I, at the monent, have a mud masque on my face. I try to use it every Sunday when I have time. It is Queen Helene's Natural English Clay Mud Pack Masque and it is amazing! It takes 20 years off and is super cheap. The trick is not to put any cream or makeup on after you gently rinse off the masque. The remaining clay acts as mortar for your new, albeit temporary, face. Any cream or makeup would soften the remaining clay and loosen up your face. Some eye makeup and lipstick is all you need, if you are into that. It is especially great when you have a special occasion or are feeling depressed.

Another product I love is made by Nonie of Beverly Hills. It is called AHA! Brilliant Moisturizer. Actually, you should start out with the 5% version and can move up to the 10% version later. I have read that all alpha hydroxy and retinol products should have the percentage of the essential ingredient listed or you can't be sure that the product will be as effective as you want it to be. Here is Nonie's web address:

http://www.nonieofbeverlyhills.com

Actually, the products are a little cheaper at my local healthy supermarkets.

Both the masque and the AHA! are cruelty-free products.

Well, time to rinse off my masque and see the temporary new me! Unfortunately, my boyfriend is working, so he will miss out.

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Metro/9126/wars/hfairy4.gif

Does anyone else use Benefit? Their makeup is OK, but they have great corrective items. For instance, Lemon-aid for the eyes, or eye bright, lip plum, ooh-la-lift. They also have a product called de-groovie which fills in lip lines and stops lipstick bleeding. I haven't tried it because I don't have liplines... yet, but I've heard it its good.

For blondes... I also get my eyelashes and eyebrows dyed there. I never use mascara because it always ends up under my eyes by the end of the day. I have my lashes dyed blue-black and then just use an eyelash curler. Also I get my brows waxed there.

Also, they have something called Dr. Feel Good... it's a mattifyer and pore minimizer that I absolutely love.

I just want you all to know that I've been trying to read this thread in it's entirity, now and then .... catching bits and pieces

I may have something to contribute to the wealth of knowledge, but first would need to read all of it AND take notes (sooooooo much information ;). It is all very informative and helpful ... and, as all who are subscribing to this thread, I'm going to begin trying some of the suggested products ... once I've read the trial responses ... :p

Princessdy :D

Betz!! PLS don´t perm or cut your hair., Take Polly advice!!!!
I´want to let grow my hair... for my ym and its hard, coz somedays i look awful.
I use olive oil and egg yolk to hidrate my hair with the same process Polly suggested with Redken products.

Hey Hot what a drinks!!! i´ll test they next friday.... I will report...


By the way Betz you look terrific;) ;) in your new pic.

Welcome to all newbies!!!


Chau!!

MIM

ok, wait....ix-nay on the John Freida mousse....I just love the stuff, use it all the time.....then I saw a recent pic of me....my hair had a lavendar hue to it! ..... eeeek! I'ts my grandma!

So, another good product for blondes is this stuff called "Beach Blonde" it's a gel....and also by John Freida....but no purple stuff in it :)

http://smilies.networkessence.net/s/contrib/corky/corkysm57.gif
I have always had a tendency to have dark circles under my eyes, since I was very young (my nieces have this, too), and I found out that Uncircle from Estée Lauder works wonderfully.

There is great info in this thread! I am just amazed at the quality of ladies here both in beauty and smarts.

Well here is my 2 cents...
First of all, for rough heels, I use an alpha-hydroxy on them right after a bath or shower. You will be amazed at how soft your heels become... like a baby!

Second, my Mom told me NEVER to use soap on my face. This was drummed into me from childhood on. My mother has always looked 10 to 15 years younger than her age. Every morning, I put Merle Norman's Cleansing Cream on my face, then take a warm to hot wet wash cloth and hold over my face for a few seconds. After that, I gently rub off the cream with the cloth. Then I splash cold water to close the pores.

Third, I am in my 50's and have absolutely NO lines around my eyes. I started using Merle Normans Luxiva collagen support in my early 30's. I put it on under my eyes every morning before putting on the rest of my makeup.
note-I don't think you have to use Merle Norman... just a good face cream and a eye cream with collagen.

Fourth, in my late 30's to early 40's, I started doing a face exercise that keeps the skin under my chin toned and firm. I will try to describe it. You tilt your head back way back and with your chin out... open and close your mouth. If you are doing this correctly, you will feel the tightness in the area under your chin and neck.

Fifth, I use retinal-A every morning just before putting on my makeup. I use I use alpha-hydroxy every night. (don't put it around your eyes!!)

I guess that's all I can think of right now. Thanks again everyone.

I only use clinique. The Emergency Mask is my fav. I sleep in it when I break out and it helps.

Damn no one told me i would have wrinkles, gray hair AND ZITS all at the same time.

Also Clinique turnaround cream is awesome stuff makes my skin look fresher and younger I think,



Originally posted by betzguido
Jason, Clinique for men is a pretty good product too....they have this little tube, or stick thingee, it's a zit zapper more or less....when I would get one....I dapped it on at night, it was gone in the morning. They also have good after shave stuff.

My husband is 27 (today!) and doesn't need the creams n' things yet, but he does like a soothing after shave without scent, so far Clinique is the only one I know of.....many have a lot of perfumes in them....do you know of any good ones?

Just wanted to let you know that I've been using the John Freida mousse faithfully and not one bit of lavendar. I am a little paranoid though, frequently checking to see if a hue is around my head, but alas, none. Still blonde. I am crazy about that good stuff.

Cindy

I hear ya, I love it too! I stopped using it for a bit when I saw the lavendar, but now I just use a little less, then a small dab of his Beach Blonde gel too.....I brush it thru and blow dry....I get full-looking, very blonde hair! The cool thing about the Beach Blonde is that it's heat activated, as you blow dry, your hair gets blonder!

My hair is naturally wavy in all the wrong places, so I blow it out straight, makes it look longer too :)

Has anyone here ever done those body wrap thingees? I know they claim to lose inches, which I doubt, but I am interested in the tightening and toning of the body.....my arms and tummy area could use it! I was thinking of getting a series of 3 of em' at a local day spa, and hoping they would give my skin and more youthful, contoured look.

I just got the grooviest, sexiest gown and robe at Victoria's Secret and want to look fan-tab-u-lous in it when Ron gets home ...18 more days!! :eek: I'm a nervous wreak about it!

I use a wonderful sun lotion called Sport Block Dry Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 by Nature's Gate. I have very sensitive facial skin and this lotion has really evened out my skin tone. It is PABA and oil free and has lots of yummy natural ingredients and is very cheap. I didn't see any aluminum listed in the ingredients. Its main benefit is titanium dioxide, which reflects away the sun. Check it out.

http://virtuallyscentless.com/natgatsporbl.html

I too have been trying to read this in it's entirety, but wow 9 pages of beauty tips!

I've been using vaseline to remove eye make-up ever since I've been wearing it .. at 50, I don't have any lines around my eyes! Just take a tissue on your index finger and skim the vaseline .. it doesn't take much .. you'll know if you used too much when you blink!

As for great scents .. Bath & Beauty Works Cotton Blossom is the best!

OH YEAH Benefit Cosmetics !

I just saw that RainBerkley posted that......Benefit Cosmetics are awesome, I have used many products in their line....I call it camoflauge make-up! And they last for years! Benefit is a west coast thing, I haven't found it at any department stores here, but did just order a catalog so I can get my fix :)

Dr. Feel Good is my favorite, I carry it everywhere, also Eye Bright, after a long day I smooth a little on under the eye and they look fresh again. Lip Plump is great.....makes my lips look fuller and no lines, good for under lipstick.

oops....raininberkeley I meant :)

Betsie, where the heck are ya!
This is the best thread ever!!
I want some new ideas!!

I do contract work for some herbal Companies.

& Do know there more honest with there friends and ppl on the inside.

V-E is the only way to go.
Pure form...v-e in capsules, take as directed depending on the amount of i.u..............mine is 400 i.u and i take 2 a day.

Then you have your moisturizer, it also is pure v-e, in moisturize form for face and where else you feel like applying it, then finally, the v-e oil base you place directly on eyes, and where're you may have the problem areas are thick in form so do not rub it in place it product that is natural is silicea comes in capsule or liquid form, both are orally taken. "used for skin hair and nails".

All other products on the market contains to many ingredients, not to mention they do more damage than good.
Drink eight glasses of water a day at least, 'with some lemon if you prefer'.
many fruits and vegies.

I should also if you want to use a toner after cleansing and before moisturizing. use one without alcohol.....the first ingredient should be water. this will tell you that being the first ingredient being water........it contains a lot of it.
the natural one for use would be best that I've found was, by Adrien Arpel............AROMAFLEUR, flower extract freshener.
once again all natural, is alcohol free botanical mist spray formula to tighten pores and remove any makeup residue after cleansing.

Well that is about as natural as you can get.
there is one other one....but it maybe grouse to some of the ladies here, so pardon my way for a minute.

it is known that a mans semen carried many proteins and vitamins........you know if it's salty or not..........DO NOT USE THE SALTY ONES AT ALL!!! if your man eats many fruits and vegies it should be not as salty and stays away mainly from fast foods if he does he should counter act this with many frui