Friday, August 28, 2009

20% SALE!!



Click on the SKINSTORE icon on the right

At checkout use the code 20AUG to save 20% on your order

This SALE will last approximately 3 days ONLY!!!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Living below your means....it really is easy!

For some reason our yard is the place to be in the afternoon for the neighborhood kids.  Probably b/c of our Chihuahua....

Monday there was a group of them hanging out in our driveway on their bikes...one said to me..

"when are you moving?"
I answered "oh we have to sell our house first...so not for while"
He then looked in our garage with a puzzled look on his face and said "well where is all of your stuff"..
I looked in our very neat and organized garage and answered "well we really don't have a lot of stuff - just things we need."
He looked at me with amazement in his eyes (keep in mind he is no more than 8 years old) and responded "well that is great so you only buy things that you need....what a fantastic way to live!!"

Well spoken my 8 year old friend!!

This is how we live.  We only purchase items that we need.  We only buy an item when we are out of another item.  We only buy in bulk as my husband calls it when there is a nice price reduction.  Plus I hate the clutter!!!  I never become emotionally attached to material items...

The joke at our house is if it has been sitting around too long watch out b/c Mindy will sell it on Ebay or Craigslist.  

We also do everything ourselves.  We mow our own grass (much to my hubs dismay), we clean our own home, no personal shopper or personal chef for us...

We limit our going out to eat to 2x per week and we only get water with our meals (this is more of a health reason than a money saving reason).   We take our own lunch to work, eat breakfast at home or on the run.

I never leave the lights on in a room that I am not it.  I turn the water off when not in use.

I shop online for sales and at discount stores like TJ Max....trying never to pay full price.  

It is a lifestyle that works for us....a way to to feel in control of your money and to not waste on items that in 6 months you ask yourself why you purchased it.  

I have lived paycheck to paycheck in the past BUT many years ago I made the switch to a much simpler type of lifestyle and it is sooo much better for me this way.  

FREEDOM!!!!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hyperpigmentation

I know that I have talked about hyperpigmentation in the past BUT I feel that their is soooo much misinformation out there I must discuss it again.

Hyperpigmentation is the darkened area of the skin usually in the form of sun spots or large  discolored areas.  The main cause is from too much sun exposure and hormones, caused from birth control and pregnancy  It can affect men or women mainly starting in the mid 20's.  

What can you do about it?  

Limiting your time in the sun and wearing a sunblock on a daily basis is the best way to protect yourself from getting these spots.  Look for SPF 30 or higher with one of these ingredients - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, or Parasol 1789 (avobenzone).  Again you must wear SPF daily - not just when you are out in the sun or at the beach....daily is best for prevention.  Remember to take the SPF all the way down your neck and chest - men that goes for you too!!!

If you already have hyperpigmentaion - look for products that contain Retinol, Glycolic Acid, and Hydroquinone.  The Retinol is an over-the-counter product that will help over time to diminish the spots as will the Glycolic Acid.  Hydroquinone is a product that will help to lighten the areas - only use it for 6-8 weeks then stop using it for a month or so and then start back...you will achieve the best results this way.

Remember the moment you step back into the sun the spots WILL come back so you must protect yourself DAILY!!!  

On the right of my blog are products that I prefer for  helping to diminish those pesky dark areas!!  

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

SALE - at Skin Store!!

Type in AUG15 at checkout to save 15%

Typically these sales last 4-5 days ONLY so don't miss out!


CLICK on the skinstore icon on the right and SHOP!!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Tanning bed usage - huge risk for skin cancer

I have shared with you before that I had melanoma in my mid 20's.  I was a huge sun worshipper and was proud to say that I went to the tanning bed every single day my senior year of high school.  WOW - what an accomplishment!!

A new study recently published in Lancet Oncology states the following:

the risk of skin cancer increases by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. “We’ve known for a long time that UV light is a carcinogen, and it’s a bad idea to sit in one of those things,” says Dr. Whelan. “Whatever the short term pleasures you get from the positive effects of having a tan are not worth the ultimate price.”

I have been preaching to young girls for years to stay out of the sun and especially cancer causing tanning beds.  Finally a study that proves just this!!!

So once and for all - STOP TANNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!