Secret Stash
I’m a sucker like everybody else when it comes to believing product claims – though I’m a little more cynical than most, having spent over a decade in advertising. So, as a service to my readers, I’m going to share those products that I have found to be all or more than they claim. In other works, I’m going to share my own “secret stash.”
Broadway Nails
God, I love these! They’re really easy to apply (takes me about 5 minutes every Sunday night) and only cost about $5-$6 for a package of 24 (about 2 weeks worth). But the real reason I love them is that I get tons of compliments. . . from co-workers, from women I pass in shopping, from receptionists (and who knows better than them?). I even had a (male) client disparagingly ask me how much I spent on my nails every month. When I told him less than $15, he didn’t believe me.
Everyone has fake nails now, if they’re willing to spend the money. I say, why pay someone for you to spend time you don’t have, sitting in a nail salon when you can do it yourself (and not risk infection, since you replace them weekly)? And you don’t have to worry about spoiling your expensive manicure when you garden, do crafts, or whatever.
L’Oreal Couleur Experte
Don’t try to pretend you don’t color your hair. Even if you have just a tiny bit of gray, you probably use some
off-the-shelf color or get it done at a salon. (If you don’t, you’re looking older than you have to, unless you have really dynamite gray.) Personally, I can’t stand to pay anyone to do something I can do myself (except clean house), so I’m of the do-it-yourself mindset. I’m recommending L’Oreal Couleur Experte (oooh, French!), but, honestly, I buy whatever I find on sale. I mention this particular product because, believe it or not, it is incredibly easy to highlight your own hair and this one makes it even easier.
That said, I only buy this when it’s on sale; other times I look for other highlighters because I don’t highlight every time I color. But here’s what I do do (and here’s my secret): I use one of those old caps with the pull-through holes in it. This way, I get even highlighting all throughout my hair. Of course, at least once I’ve left the highlighter on too long (didn’t hear the timer) and had to pull the hair color bottle out of the trash and reapply over the highlights for a few minutes. Believe it or not, I got tons of compliments.
Restora Fuzz Removal Comb
This is something I buy friends as little giftees. It’s only a couple of dollars (I get mine from Vincent, my dry cleaner, on Bethany Rd. in Hazlet), and it is perfect for removing pilling from all kinds of clothes. Many an article of clothing that was bound for Goodwill was granted a longer life with Restora.
Heel Protectors
The heel protectors that I have are simply called “The Invisible Heel Protector” but I have a feeling almost any brand will do the trick. These are virtually invisible plastic sleeves that go over your heels, then shrunk with a hair dryer. Other brands use adhesive, but I like this kind because they’re less likely to peel off or be affected by rain and snow. They really don’t show and they eliminate the tears we get on our favorite shoes. Ouch!
Heel Grips, Forefoot Cushions, etc.
Apara makes a ton of shoe accessories that I can’t live without (for obvious reasons). My two favorites are printz, which are cushions for the ball of your feet that can even be used with sandlals, and Heel Appeal, which keeps my shoes from slipping off. There are lots of other gel cushioning products which come in really handy when I find a pair of size 8 shoes that my size 7s slip out of. A simple gel insole does the trick!
Dr. Scholl’s has some of these products, too.
Sole Mates
In all honesty, I have not tried this product, but it looks like a great idea, especially for you women who do a lot of city walking. I’m sick and tired of walking over grates, cracked sidewalks and around other obstacles simply put there to destroy my favorite shoes.
These are even good for stopping your heels from sinking into the grass.
Pocketbook Hangar
Make fun of me if you will, but I’m not getting my purse snatched from the back of my chair! (Marlene knows what I’m talking about) I’m also not picking up all the germs and bacteria from the floor (read how your purse is bringing e coli into your house http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/purse.asp), or passing them onto a table or desk. This nifty little gadget (thanks, Suzanne!) goes everywhere with me. You can buy them in Harmon’s, Annie Sez and tons of places online. And what a great stocking stuffer!
Do My Back
I don’t have one yet, but I’m gonna! Do My Back allows you to apply lotion to your
own back. It swivels, it folds, it has a soft foam pad (that can be replaced). There is nothing more annoying than being on the beach and struggling to apply suntan lotion to your back. Aaaaah!
Use it on the beach, after a shower, or just when your back needs some pampering. Who needs a man? www.domyback.com (Still don’t have this yet, so if you’re trying to think of a birthday gift. . . )
Patio Mister
I no longer have it and I don’t have a picture, but I absolutely needed and used my S-shaped mister during the long, hot summer days when I actually had sun in my backyard. Roberta Gale was giving them away on-air (we both worked for Nassau Broadcasting), and when I told her how much I wanted one, she gave the one she had left. I think Gary made me throw it away when we had to clear out our attic for the new roof installation. Bummer!
Mitchum’s Anti-Perspirant
Love it! Especially the powder fresh scent. It works, it lasts and I’ve been using it for years. And, unless anyone out there has noticed a funky odor emanating from me, I guess I’ll keep on using it.
Strivectin
Better than Botox?® I don’t know, since I am staying away from Botox. But I’ve been using this for the last 6-8 weeks and I think it’s working. . . I’ll know for sure when I take my after pix (and post them, of course). But I’m going to give it a couple of months before I make my decision. Of course, I got my tube really, really cheap at Marshall’s. But if it does what it’s supposed to (reduce wrinkles), I’m going to Costco and stocking up!
Strivectin was originally developed to reduce/remove stretch marks and began being marketed as a wrinkle reducer after it was remarkably successful at reducing crow’s feet, wrinkles and fine lines. I’ll keep you posted on my results!
*This originally appeared in Cool Stuff
Tags: real finds, Secret, shopping
The pocketbook hanger can also be used by us manly men comfortable with our macho masculinity (like me and Gary) who occasionally have to carry a manbag (for business or gym items, of course!) and don’t want it to get it dirty on the floor while we’re sipping a latte at Panera Bread or a white wine spritzer at Mix.
I am suppose to read this babble
I have got to try Broadway nails. Had my acrylic manicures for a long time, but within the past year or so, I resent having to sit for so long in one place when I have places to go, people to meet…, so I gave up my nails. I miss them so much. This looks like a great solution to saving time and my budget. Just hope the glue holds. These are all great suggestions. Thank you so much “oh great babe”!
Thanks for the tips Lucille we can all use helpful hints like these especially in today’s economy.
Ron – I’ll bet I know someone who wishes you took my advice!