"It's OK" Thursday

Today I'm linking up with Amber and Neely for my first "It's OK Thursday." Here we go.

It's OK...

• That I've eaten at least 2 dozen Christmas cookies in the past week
• That I can't stop Christmas shopping for myself
• That I've been humming along to Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift
• That I watched the entire first season of HBO's Girls in less than 24 hours
• That I drove to work instead of taking the bus because it was snow/raining
• That I wore rain boots and big fuzzy socks to work (and then refused to put on "real shoes" because my toes were cold)

What kind of shenanigans have you been up to this week?

Skin-friendly stocking stuffers

I don't know how this happened, but I am *done* with my Christmas shopping. Still looking for a few extra goodies? Treat the people you love to a gift that's both fun and practical. Here are a few skin-friendly favorites that are sure to please (cough cough, hint hint).

Coola Liplux SPF 30 Lip Balm
Coola is an EWG-approved sunscreen company that uses mostly organic ingredients in their products. Don't neglect your lips! They burn, too.

Juice Beauty CC Cream with SPF 30
This product came in my December Birchbox. It's like a BB cream--moisturizer, tint, sunscreen, etc. all in one--and full of skin-loving antioxidants.

Supergood City & Sand Travel Tote
This kit is so, so cute! It's loaded with four different types of sunscreens so that you can try multiple formulas from this brand. I've had this one on my wishlist for a while. Might have to treat myself!

Tea Forte Skin Smart Teas
If you are what you eat, then you are what you drink! I first discovered these teas at a salon last year. Swiss Apple is my favorite flavor. The antioxidants in these teas are essential for repairing skin damage. It doesn't hurt that they taste amazing and that the box is too dang cute.

Boots N7 Hand Cream with SPF 15
Sneak a little SPF into your daily hand cream to help ward off age spots later.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
Argan oil is a beauty staple these days. This argan-infused moisturizer nourishes and protects skin. Bonus: it comes in a mini-size that's perfect for Christmas stockings.

Peace, love & Christmas cookies!
xoxo

Speechless

I've had such a hard time blogging since the shooting in Connecticut last week. In the days following something so horrific, the normal things we gossip about, complain about, and joke about feel so trivial. Instead of prolonging my silence, I wanted to join others from across the nation who have already expressed condolences to the families impacted by the shooting. I admire the bravery of the teachers and administration at Sandy Hook Elementary, and hope that all the beautiful, young souls lost may rest in peace.

Who said it? "Don't Be a Paleface"

 

Did you know that good 'ole Coppertone's slogan used to be "Don't Be a Paleface"? How crazy is that? I wonder what people will be saying 50 years from now about some of our advertising campaigns.

H&M's infamous too-tan advertisement.

Cosmo VoxBox Review 2012

The 2012 Cosmo VoxBox.

This fall, I was selected to receive a VoxBox from Influenster. Basically, the premise is this: companies send you freebies in exchange for your feedback.  Instead of doing something productive on this chilly, Monday evening (laundry, working out, save the world, etc.), I thought I'd blog about my new goodies. I realize this has nothing to do with skin cancer, but sometimes a girl just needs a place to chill out and relax. This blog is my zen :)

FriXion by Pilot Pens - $4.50 for a three pack
I've been out of school for almost five years, but I still get excited about buying new pens and other office supplies every fall. Yes, I'm a nerd. I know. I'm probably going to use these for Christmas cards.

Gillette Venus Embrace & Venus Olay Razor Refill - $3.50 to $4.50 for blade refills
Is it just me or does dry skin make wintery white legs look even whiter? I'm excited to try these (especially the Olay one) because it seems like it's more moisturizing than a normal razor. We shall see.

Forever Red Eau de Parfume Spray from Bath & Body Works - $10 for small size, $44.50 for full size
I loved Bath & Body works when I was younger, but I don't think I've shopped there in years. Most of their scents are too fruity, etc. I didn't think I was going to like this fragrance at all, but this actually smells REALLY good. It's very rich and earthy and surprisingly sophisticated. This could easily become my new daytime scent.

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk Sea Chocolate Escape - $2.79
I hope I fooled you into thinking there is chocolate in this pretty little box--because I ate it already. Whoops! Salted chocolates are my absolute favorite right now. I would have preferred dark chocolate, but lets be real. Chocolate is chocolate. Yum!

Not too shabby of a haul right? If you're not member of Influenster yet, feel free to shoot me and email and I can give you an invite code.

Disclaimer: I received these treats for free in exchange for providing reviews of the products. Opinions contained in this post are my own.

On beauty

Saw this image on Facebook today. The photographer was listed as unknown, but I love it. Isn't it the truth? Test yourself. Which of these models would you rather trade bodies with:

Model #1. Image: Indy Fashion Marketplace

Model #2. Image: Chictopia

My fingers are famous!

Creepy blog post title, I know. Sorry, guys! But how cool is this: My manicure is featured as Julep's Nail of the Day. This pale girl is rockin' it! Happy Monday, all :)