- Tanning without the sun - My first job (in high school) was working at a tanning salon. I started as a "Bed Cleaner." It really was as gross as it sounds: wiping wet and sometimes crusty sweat off of fiberglass tanning beds. Also, people stink after tanning because of aforementioned sweat, close quarters, and indoor tanning lotions. I also folded towels, vacuumed the salon, emptied waste paper baskets, and restocked the tanning lotions --I mean, accelerators; tanning accelerators. I had a uniform. Along with minimum wage, I also got to tan for free. Eventually, I worked my way up the ladder to "Tanning Technician" (selling memberships and deciding how many minutes was a "safe" session to prevent the client from burning --but also feel like they were getting their money's worth). Clients liked to feel "prickly" and "taught" after a tanning session so they knew the bulbs were baking them sufficiently. We sold little heart-shaped stickers. Clients used a sticker, placed carefully, on their usually naked body, that would leave behind evidence of their darkening skin. I never used the stickers but I carry lots of evidence on my skin that proves how well the bulbs worked. *sigh* These days, we know better. I love sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats. I love cover-ups and umbrellas. However, I still also love a "golden glow" and have been conditioned to feel "healthier" with a little color on my legs and arms. Thankfully, I can achieve this sun-kissed coloring (within a week or so) with a little effort, a few bucks, and 3-5 extra minutes in the shower. I've been using Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer (medium to tan) off and on for years. Things I love about it: the price ($9), the fact that you can find it anywhere (Target, Amazon, grocery store), the color builds over time, it's hard to really "mess up" --resulting in streaking and drip marks, it doesn't stain my clothing or sheets, using it leaves my skin feeling more supple. A thing I don't like about it: when I forget to wash my hands after application (more often than you'd think *another sigh*), it leaves behind this regrettable stain between my fingers. Tips: exfoliate beforehand --especially elbows, ankles, knees, and toes *knees and toes* (please tell me y'all started singing along too) scrubbing aggressively with a coarse washcloth is better than nothing, remember not to dry off before you apply --you should be dripping wet from the shower, wrap your hair in a towel before you begin, when you're done applying, pat your skin dry --paying attention to your feet and ankles (drips of water down your legs will result in streaks hours later), wash your with hands with soap afterward. {wow. i had a lot to say about Jergens.}
- Fur Babies - Pets are amazing. Richard Parker is a joy --when he's not meowing at the top of his lungs outside our bedroom door at 3am. For those of you not in the know, Richard Parker (named for the tiger in Life of Pi) is our 23 pound Ragdoll cat. He spends every morning on my lap as I sip coffee in my pajamas atop the couch trying to solve the mysteries of the universe --or mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. He is simple. He is friendly. He is always warm and soft. He's devilishly handsome. He doesn't ask for a lot from anyone and we love him so much.
- Colgate Optic White Toothpaste - I've been on the Crest Train for decades. It's what we've always used. I don't spend any time thinking about it, I just buy Crest in bulk --usually at Costco. A few weeks ago, I went to visit a great friend in Texas. I carried-on for my flight (please be impressed). Without a travel-size on hand, I arrived toothpasteless. Amy hooked me up with a nice fresh tube of Colgate Optic White in a snazzy red box. Wowza. Super refreshing. Maybe it's just nice to have a change? I don't know... what I do know is that I FEEL like my mouth is cleaner and my breath is fresher. When's the last time you thought critically about your toothpaste? Like I said, it may just be the change that is refreshing. In any event, I'm glad to have tried something different.
- Akeelah and the Bee - You've seen the movie, right? Circa 2006. Lawrence Fishburne. So good. If you're lucky enough to live in Charlotte, you have an opportunity to experience the stage production at The Children's Theatre between now and February 16th. Please don't miss this show. It's outstanding. Not only did I have the pleasure of seeing it last weekend --I also got to usher the show with these two lovelies:
- Hints of Spring - It snowed this week --for like a minute. Then the temperatures climbed to the low 70s a day or two later. Today it rained. This weekend we will dip into the 40s. "If you don't like the weather in Charlotte, wait 5 minutes" is something I've heard several times over the last 7 years. I'm actually not complaining. I like variety. I wish the globe were healthier --no doubt. But here's what I'm loving: hydrangeas the size of my head (actual quote from City Stems). On my counter. Do you regularly add fresh flowers to your home? I feel like I go in fits and spurts. This time of year, it's so nice to grab a little "farmer's bunch" from the grocery store or Trader Joe's to brighten up the kitchen. I do need to be better about this.
- A little "I love you" - As I sit here typing up the final edits on my post for this week, I literally just received a text from my brother: "Love you! I hope you're having a good day." Such a simple and easy way to bring a smile to the face of someone you love. Here's your nudge to do the same for someone you love. ***Since writing this post yesterday, I've heard some devastating news about a good friend who lost her father last night in a tragic car accident. My heart is with her and her family. Let's promise not to put off telling our people how much they mean to us.***
As always, thanks for reading along.
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