Shoe Mad
This one is for you Anna! Forward to 1:27-2:16
Catch all three segments for shoe laughs.
Have you ever forced yourself into a pair?
Golden Globes – Biggest throwback
I love everything Drew Barrymore. She must have participated in #80sphotoday on Twitter, because that was the heyday for the ‘do she was sporting. The ala Angie Dickenson was a little bit of a mismatch with her elegant gown, but she still gets props for being daring. Her dark red clutch and eye-popping ring complimented the ensemble.
Are those druzy earrings? 
(photos via JustJared because sadly, I couldn’t make it)
Beautiful Opportunities: Angel Food Ministries
With unemployment at 7.5%, a lot people who were givers last year are struggling with the realization they need a bit of assistance themselves. It is pretty evident that participation in the down economy is not an opt-in. We know about food banks and stamps, but there is another resource available to assist with the grocery bill.
Enter Angel Food Ministries. Founded in 1994 by Pastors Wingo, this nationwide network based in Georgia “provides food to more than 500,000 families each month” for a reasonable sum of $30.
The ways you can participate:
Establish a new host site
Donate online
Contact local host site to purchase food
Sounds too good to be true, right? Is this food going bad? Goods you wouldn’t give to your grandmother? No, merely food purchased in such big lots they are able to sell near wholesale prices. You can read all about it on the website, but even more convincing was word-of-mouth from a close friend who, after finding out the nearest delivery site was 30 minutes away, eventually set up a host site in her hometown. Laurie’s experience went like this:
– We first ordered a box to test things out, and inquired about becoming a Host site. Pleased to find a lot of meat, and good variety of vegetables and fruit.
– We ordered two more months to be sure that we could see a consistency in variety offered, and the types of products available. We were very impressed.
– We applied for our church to become a Host site in July, and were approved to begin taking orders. November was our first month to distribute. We had 49 regular boxes, 13 senior boxes and several special grill boxes for a total of 94 orders! December was 90 regular boxes, 16 senior, and with specials, came to a total of 96.
We find that it is a great way to help us with our groceries, with my husband being in nursing school FT! A regular box is $30 (which purchased at the grocery store would normally retail between $60 to $80 dollars) and feeds us for about two weeks. We have also seen it as a great opportunity to be able to be of help to a neighbor or a friend that may be struggling at this time or to a single parent trying to provide for their family. The AFM motto: “It isn’t a hand out, it is a hand up,” was what made the difference for us and we have now seen it firsthand.
Purchases are made through local host sites which you can search on the site. You must pick up – there is no delivery. You can buy as many bags as you like. The only option lacking at this time is vegetarian. Anyone can buy – and food stamps are also accepted.
In Milwaukee I was surprised to find only one location, and a second in Kenosha. This is a service that would benefit many in greater Milwaukee. I’ve requested information on requirements to host and encourage anyone who is interested to fill out the online form. Spread the news and donate, host or order as you see fit!
If you’ve had experience with Angel Food Ministries, please share with us in the comments.
Hair Apparent: Clairol nice’neasy root touch up
Okay, I admit it. Back in the day I liked to mix things up with the crowning glory. I never went so crazy as to be all Manic Panic, but I had a thing or two for henna, and just a lot of different boxed color over the years (we will deny the plat blond period – a look my sisters can somehow pull off – because there wasn’t even a movie role to justify such crazy choices). Anyhoo, the love for color accelerated when, around the tender age of 22 I began to get the gray strays. While annoying, nothing, and I mean nothing, prepares you for root rot. When you start getting that silvery patch at the temples and you aren’t Anderson Cooper, life just gets a little less pretty. I envy silver foxes, and I will never be one.
Enter maintenance phase. Imagine this new cycle: Color. 2 weeks roots. Color. 2 weeks later roots. Color. (you get the picture). That’s a lot of chemical going on. Not to mention seriously drying your hair out. So when I saw Clairol’s nice’n easy root touch up it jumped out for two reasons:
1) A way to avoid the salon to save on process and damage
2) A way to save $$$
Here is the thing. This is the second time I’ve tried this method. It promises 100% gray coverage in 10 minutes. I have also used Clairol’s Perfect 10 system (awesome). Root touch up falls short for one main reason:
Formula Amount – too little. I realize this is a root touch up, but if you have grays,this just is not enough. They need to double the portion. You are asked to touch up the area of your desired hairstyle. The formula doesn’t seem to stick even after keeping on the recommended 15 minutes.
On the plus side: If you don’t have massive root exposure, this touch-up does seem to blend in well with existing color (I used Dark Brown).
Unfortunately, this is no bargain. My roots will have to be conquered with Perfect 10, which is triple the price. I’m not about to go granny yet.
Have you tried this product? Let me know your experience in the comments. Photos welcome.
Unsung Heroes: Sally Hansen Natural Shine
Unsung Heroes is a place to discuss products that may miss out on glamorous promotions, but deliver on their promises.
We’ve all been there: No chance to get to the manicurist, yet a swipe of remover is leaving the nails dull and drab. You’ve got minutes to get to your appointment/interview/wedding and the last thing you need is ragged hands. What miracle, save a 10 minute buffing and oil, will do the trick?
Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish
This product brushes on like any polish, but lacks the heavy and super shiny finish of a top coat. It is available in clear and light tint. It dries almost instantly to a smooth, soft shine, so even if neglect is not your excuse, you can wear a very natural look with little effort. It may even work for the metrosexual who likes to keep his digits well groomed.
Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish claims to be free of “toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and formaldehyde” (if you read the print it is actually “added” formaldehyde), and shows the company is keeping up with the times and avoiding known toxins. It wears off evenly, avoiding the chipped look even clear topcoat can cause. It does require nail polish remover for complete removal.
I discovered this gem at Walgreens, and the convenience and ease of use is a bargain under $5. You’ll never worry about your nails again. Go forth and go natural!
Have you tried this product? Let me know your experience in the comments. Photos welcome.
