Belly Laughs

The SECOND you find out you are pregnant, get IN your car and drive straight to Barnes and Nobles! This book is a definite lifesaver! I'm writing about this book because this blog is about women, and at some point (whether now or a few years from now) most of us will become mommies! It's an amazing moment when you birth that precious angel, I would do it all over again to have my sweet baby girl, Summer Lynn. Rewind! There's 9 months (8 in my case) before that incredible, lifechanging moment! This is THE handbook to get you through pregnancy, and to the delivery room! It's witty, moody, happy, fat, and ultimately vital! When a friend told me about it, my husband and I stopped by a bookstore and purchased it. I started reading it on the way home, aloud! By the time we reached our house, I was halfway though the book, and my husband and I had shared many laughs (almost crying) over the stories and thoughts of Jenny McCarthy!

Verdict - Fresh!
Damage - $12.50 for paperback

Say No to Razor Burn!

One of my favorite magazines is Real Simple. I love the clean, no-fuss layout- and the tagline, "Life Made Easier" (who doesn't want that?!). Each month, I look forward to the decorating and fashion tips, recipes, and home organization ideas... and the "New Uses for Old Things" section.

I think it was the August edition that featured shaving tips: the best razors, creams, lotions and potions, which direction to shave, etc. This tip stuck out to me, so I decided to try it:

Mix two squirts of baby oil and four drops of rubbing alcohol in your palm, then apply to just-shaved areas. The antiseptic-moisturizer combo helps prevent an itchy rash.

So on my next trip to the store, I found myself in the health & beauty section. Upon further examination of bottles of baby oil and rubbing alcohol, I decided that this could be a very messy cocktail. I made a few quick alterations - instead of baby oil, I bought baby oil gel (I opted for the aloe vera one, since I thought a little extra moisture couldn't hurt), and I bought regular rubbing alcohol, but I also bought a tiny (travel-size) spray bottle.

Then I tried it on a Friday evening before leaving for the weekend. A small squirt of gel, and 4 or so squirts of rubbing alcohol. It stung for a second, but I am pleased to report that not only was there NO razorburn to be seen, I had smooth, moisturized legs all weekend (without reapplying).

Downfall: Right after you apply, you might want to avoid rubbing your legs against any furniture - you'll end up with an oily dining room chair like I did.

Other shaving tips: Always use a sharp razor. Also, if you're prone to razorburn, avoid heavily scented lotions, which can irritate sensitive skin. Opt for the lightly scented or non-scented versions- not as much fun, I know, but better than having those ugly red bumps!

Verdict: fresh
Damage: less than $5!

Kraft Food & Family Magazine

My hairdresser introduced me to this magazine one day as I was toasting my highlights under the dryer. It is free to sign up, and you will receive 5 issues a year (one for each season and one "holiday" edition). The recipes are quick and simple, yet they are still tasty and maintain somewhat of a gourmet "flair." Plus the ingredients don't cost an arm and a leg (and it's stuff I've actually heard of before). An added bonus is that they often include "light" versions of old favorites. I am a Food Network junkie, but I don't always have the time (or the energy) to make a 5 course meal. This magazine is perfect for anyone who is always on the go but loves to put a good meal on the table (almost) every night.

Sign up here.

Verdict?: Fresh.
Damage?: FREE.