Oatmeal Raisin Tresses and Raising Money for Pediatric Cancer - Beauty All Around

A few days ago, I sat down at the common table in my office which over looks our patio in a vain attempt to sort through my inbox. When I looked up there was an enormous smile strung across a dear little face staring back at me through the window. At first I thought, "What a gift to see such a beautiful smile on this little girl." Then I noticed that small tufts of wispy short hair took the place of what could have a been normal first grader's head of hair. She was suffering from some form of pediatric cancer though "suffering" didn't seem to have anything to do with this jovial spirit as she darted her little hands in and out of the railing in an attempt to catch her mother. Smiles, laughter and a knowing wink put not only my day, but also my life, in perspective and left me wishing there was something I could do to bring her half of the joy she brought me.

Today, sorting through another inbox, I find that there is, actually, something I can do - and something (two somethings, really) that you can do.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, an organization created to raise awareness of and funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancer through the concept of hosting local bake sales, (http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/) makes it easy for anyone that wants to get involved in the fight against pediatric cancer by detailing the 4 easy steps to throw a bake sale of your very own (planning, details, bake, sell!)

Alternately, from August 15th to October 15th philosophy will be donating 100% of the net proceeds of their oatmeal raisin high foaming shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer --Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eye Hope For Most Budgets

My eyes are the newest part of my body to declare decline. Just this year they have become incurably dry, puffy, and accented with an odd impermeable dark circles that scream "Dear God! Someone start paying this woman to blog!" Clearly my age is causing this decline and not the fact that I'm tied to a laptop whenever I'm not walking beneath the Carolina blue sky or swimming in my little country neighborhood's pool. To provide some hope, I've selected and eye cream for most budgets. If those fail, I refer you the best concealer ever made (its also an eye lifter!)

The RSF Eye Serum is divine. Made by smart-science types who really dig chemistry more than beauty which tells you why it works so well, smells a little funny, and costs a fortune! I don't understand their ad copy. You give it a shot. "Collagen cross-linking, due to glycation, is one of the main causes of the formation of eye bags, therefore, inhibiting this cross-linking prevents the loss of elasticity and subsequent eye bag formation. Tetapeptide also has vascular permeability inhibition properties, which gives draining and antioedema effects to prevent liquid accumulation." I may not know what that means but I do know that I adore it. $175

philosophy introduces eye hope: Adorable packaging, promising first week of testing, and paraben-free! Don't get this anywhere near your eyelids or you'll resemble your reptilian predecessors. This new and clinically proven product claims to improve fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. In just six weeks, 4 out of 5 people saw significant improvement in fine lines, dark circles, puffiness and smoothness. $48

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex: Skin Ceuticals is endorsed by many renowned plastic surgeons. After seeing what their body lotion did to my skin (not to mention my self esteem) I'd wager a pretty penny or 850 pretty pennies that this is at is claims -"a breakthrough eye treatment, that dramatically decreases inflammation and dark circles around the eye." $85

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beauty's Product: Philosophy, The Haunted House Edition

Pumpkin Spice Muffin and Caramel Apple scented Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath? I won't know whether to wash my hair or eat my bubbles.

These new launches from philosophy turn Halloween into a delicious epidermal indulgence. Philosophy’s four new shower treats are intended to put you in THE mood to celebrate the most mischievous night of the year. Interestingly enough, studies show that the aroma of black licorice and pumpkin pie spice are among the top scents that turn women on. Personally black licorice makes me want to vomit but I get the pumpkin spice muffin and caramel apple bit. So, if you’re looking for a “scentual” way to get in the mood, indulge in philosophy’s new black licorice and pumpkin spice muffin high foaming shampoo, shower gel & bubble baths.

The haunted house bath trio is my favorite. It is packed full of three delicious treats, including 6 oz. bottles of black licorice, caramel apple and pumpkin spice muffin high foaming shampoo, shower gel and bubble baths.
$30.00 at philosophy.com

Beauty's Product: Soda Fountain philosophy

For those of us who live below the mason dixon line, old time soda shops are not a distant reality or something best left to the imagination of Hollywood sound stage set designers. They are in fact a place where lovely young southern girls serve up the tastiest burgers in town with a perfectly drawn, rouge-colored smile. I love the idea of taking this old-time, simplistic, fun atmosphere of the soda shop into my beauty routine.

philosophy is serving up a trip to the place where red and white checked dreams come true and juke boxes rain supreme. philosophy’s new limited edition soda fountain 3-in-1 shampoo, bubble bath and shower gel and soda fountain lip sets will transport you back to your favorite old-fashioned diner.

Slurp up the deliciousness of these calorie-free treats in your shower or a bath. Available in root beer float, not the pits cherry cola or fruit punch, you can savor every last drop because these good-for-you shower and bath indulgences are formulated to cleanse and condition your skin and thoroughly quench its thirst.

And, if it’s a yummy summer time shine that you crave, give your pucker a little pop with all new the soda fountain lip set. These three tasty lip shines will give you a smooth and glossy pout with a hint of root beer float, cherry cola or fruit punch flavored goodness. Your lips will smell so sweet and delicious, you'll definitely want seconds!

philosophy’s the soda fountain 3-in-1 shampoo, bubble bath and shower gel trio ($30) and philosophy’s the soda fountain lip set ($28), are limited edition and available here.

philosophy launches interactive website for Mother's Day

Philosophy is celebrating mother's day by asking you to share your mother's wisdom and offering abundant prizes in return. Wouldn't you like to share the pearls of wisdom your mother dropped at your feet and win her $1,200 shopping spree in return? If you really think your mom is the best you can add video and pictures and ask others to view and rate your efforts to honor mom. There are plenty of runner up prizes including lots of philosophy hair care, make up, bath and body products. Good Luck!

If you need an example here is what I offered as my mother's most valuable advice:

My mother never told me what to do. She explained that I had choices and consequences and adeptly used the waspy guilt passed on to her by generations of Swedish stiff upper lip types to urge me in one direction or another. Except once. Once I called home from college at the beginning of my senior year and told her I couldn't go on and that I needed to drop out. She said in the clearest words I have ever heard her speak, “I have never told you what to do but if you drop out of school I will cut you into small pieces." My mother is a vegetarian and saves turtles who wander into the middle of the road on a regular basis. I knew she meant business and she most likely saved my future.