Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Wood Be Mine.


These wood musical fruit wind ups are simple, solid and I just can't imagine not swopping at least one of them up .
These would be a great gift for a teacher. The apple plays Bacharach's "What The World Needs Now IS Love" and the pear plays Chopin's "Nocturne." you can find them at westelm.com

Holiday Tipping : KPSP Morning Show

Thursday, November 5, 2009

As Seen on CBS KPSP :Tips To Avoiding Cosmetic Hazards

http://www.kpsplocal2.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=449@kpsp.web.entriq.net&navCatId=58

DO A QUICK CHECK OF ANY WOMAN’S BATHROOM DRAWER OR MAKE UP BAG AND CHANCES ARE YOU’LL FIND A COLLECTION OF COSMETICS FAR PAST THEIR PRIME… A LITTLE KNOWN FACT, THIS KIND OF BEAUTY HOARDING HABIT CAN MAKE YOU SICK. BELOW IS A GUIDE TO HELP YOU TOSS YOUR MAKE UP BEFORE IT EXPIRES.

Shelf Life of Your Cosmetics

LIQUID FOUNDATIONS
3-6 MONTHS
You increase the odds of bacterial growth — and, hence, of breakouts or irritation — when you repeatedly dip your brushes and fingers into liquid foundation

When to toss: If it becomes dry or crumbles, smells bad.

MASCARA
3 MONTHS
Mascara is really the beauty enemy—many experts say 6 months lifespan, but beyond 3 months it’s a non- performer

Never "pump" your mascara, air pushes bacteria back into the tube and this is one of those dark delicious places bacteria loves to live . Liquid eye liner- same rules apply here.

When to toss: If mascara becomes dry, smells bad, throw it away.

LIP + EYE LINERS
Lip pencil eyeliners have a longer shelf life because you can create a fresh, clean surface each time you sharpen them. Just be sure to regularly sanitize your sharpener with rubbing alcohol and sharpen once a week to prevent bacteria to coming in contact with eyes or lips.

When to toss: If pencil becomes soft or no longer sharpens properly


LIP STICK/LIP GLOSS
We have all squeezed gloss within an inch of it’s life or tried to salvage a dying lip stick where you put your finger in to get the last bit—a big NO NO as you are just spreading germs.

When to toss: When your lipstick gets dried out, smells bad or changes color and texture.

SUNSCREEN
2 YEARS
Many experts will give this a longer shelf life, however, any products that are in the sun as much as these, should really be replaced more often as sun exposure decreases effectiveness.

NAIL POLISH
1-2 YEARS
I When polish expires, the consistency turns gooey or hardens. Formulas are especially sensitive to temperature extremes and humidity, so avoid storing in the bathroom.

When to toss: When product texture changes.

ANTI AGING PRODUCTS
6 MONTHS
Ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, and hydroquinone degrade more rapidly if they’re left in direct sunlight or exposed to air but more alarmingly — products with active ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid become more concentrated as their bases degrade, separate, or evaporate so be aware as your skin may get irritated. Discontinue use after six months, and look for products that come in a pump, which helps keep air out.


TIPS FOR EXTENDING THE SHELF LIFE OF YOUR MAKE UP
• Keep containers tightly closed, and store them in a cool, dry place.

• If it smells or has a distinct odor , throw it away

• Don’t share cosmetics.

• 
Don’t put your fingers into the product. Use the applicator provided, or a makeup sponge, cotton.

• 
Immediately toss the product out if there is a change of color, texture, 
or consistency; if the ingredients settle or separate