Double Duty Face Cloths
I started out using Pond's Clean Sweep towelettes just when I traveled or I got home late and was too tired for the full face routine. But, now I use these all the time. They are pre-moistened with a gently bumpy side and a smooth side. The bumps give mild exfolliation, and the smooth side is great for taking off every last little bit of eye makeup. You only need this with a little moisturizer and you are all set for the night. No messy mirrors, no soap in your eyes, no extra steps, no cotton ball fuzz or whatever. And when you're done with your face, use the cloth to take a quick swipe around the sink to keep it fresh and clean, too.

Rice is Nice - - - when you have a cute little red steamer!

Confession - I can't cook rice. It sticks, it splatters, it doesn't get done, it gets too done and dried out. I would try to avoid making it as much as possible. But I like rice, especially brown, which tested my rice-making skills even more. So, for the last year or so, I have been contemplating the purchase of a rice cooker. I really didn't want another kitchen appliance, wasn't completely convinced I needed another kitchen appliance, and my cupboards are already full of kitchen appliances, but finally I had enough of gummy sauce pans of rice goop. I bought the smallest, cheapest (and even kind of cute) rice steamer I could find at Target. It has changed my life (well, that might be a little over the top) but I do love it. It was so worth reshuffling the kitchen cabinets to make room for this little guy. It is easy to use, easy to measure, easy to clean. I think we have used it at least once a week in the last couple of months. The rice is perfect every time. No more excuses - and rice is nice again.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend ~ Euphorbia Diamond Frost

Continuously Blooming ~ Drought Tolerant ~ Never Needs Deadheading ~ Clouds of Airy White Flowers in a Neat Mounded Habit ~ It's the perfect annual! Beautiful on its own but pairs well with others, too. Isn't it gorgeous in the container garden with the Royal Velvet petunias and lavendar Angelonia? I also love it mixed with the light pink Superbells and Pennisetum grass in the lower picture. Here's another tip - check out the Proven Winners website for great container garden ideas and plant combinations. Just click on the 'professional grower' tab (don't worry - they won't ask for your ID) and under 'plants and culture', look for the 'combinations' tab. They even give you a map to follow for goof-proof results.

I Love Lucy ~

~ the Lucy vase from Crate and Barrel!

This little white ceramice vase with the embossed vine design packs a lot of style in a little package. Lucy is just 5 1/4 inches tall, features a nice narrow neck, and sells for only $5.95 - but don't stop with just one, buy this one in multiples of three - at this price you can afford to. For a simple, graphic table arrangement at a reasonable cost, pick up three Gerbera daisies or a small package of spider mums like I have in the picture. - you don't need an expensive bouquet. Try it with your favorite flower and you will fall in love with Lucy, too.

Socks!?

What's so special about socks?

After running several halfs and one full marathon, I can honestly say these are the best socks ever. No Slippage - No Blisters - Cool Feet. Even now that I've transitioned to more walking than running and semi-weekly tennis lessons, I still wear only these socks for exercise. They never slip down, I never get blisters, and my feet stay cool and dry. I don't think you can get them at Dick's, but check out your local running store - they probably sell them. I don't know what makes them so special, but I just know that I love them. Alot.

Cuckoo for Coconuts!

Like the funny little rabbit who is "cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs", the last few months I have been "Cuckoo for Coconuts". Usually, I go for the citrus or herbal scents - nothing too fruity or floral, but lately, I have been loving coconut scented products. I'm not sure what triggered this sudden change - maybe I'm just in a hurry for the lazy days of summer and the memory of the coconut-scented sunscreen or longing for a tropical vacation. My two new favorites are Suave Tropical Coconut Body Wash (a light coconut scent with a little citrus zing - and it's cheap, too!) and The Body Shop's Coconut Body Butter (rich and luxurious - but a little more money - $20 for the larger tub). Hmm, all of the sudden I am craving an Almond Joy....

Mmmmmm!

It was too difficult to pick just one favorite thing from Great Harvest, so I picked the entire store. I don't think we've ever had a Great Harvest bread that we didn't like. You will find the "Dakota" or "9-Grain" in our kitchen most often. Both of them make perfect toast. Some others to try are the "Popeye", "Honey Wheat", or Brent's new favorite, "Vanilla Almond Swirl". Mmmm! But don't stop there . . . the scones, fruit bars and cookies are yummy, too. And it gets even better . . . through the summer and fall Great Harvest can be found at both the farmers' markets in our area. How handy is that!? Another plus - the bread is preservative-free and made with a special kind of wheat that's supposed to be good for you (see their website for more info). Yummy & healthy - you can't beat that!