June 2009

Tantejoan here! Recently Meg, in her incredible generosity, gave many of us the opportunity to share our still-haunting recollections of painful or downright dysfunctional childhoods.  My own is so far behind me, me being ancient and all, that it was surprising to discover, looking into the rear-view mirror, that the view can still be blurred by tears.  But children, being incredibly resilient creatures, often find unusual and creative ways to make the unbearable bearable. I had a wardrobe of coping mechanisms, including the support of much-older siblings and some loving, if understandably distracted, aunts and uncles, but my chief avenues of escape from pain were always reliable and, in many ways, shaped me into the person I am today.  I found refuge in the Philadelphia Public Library, my neighborhood’s wonderful movie theaters and in my best babysitter, “Million Dollar Movie.”

This morning, while showering and crying over the still-fresh deaths of FF and MJ (I do my best crying in the shower) I started thinking of Michael’s abusive childhood, and then I thought of how he, as had so many performers, turned to his talent as a way out.  When I posted a response to Angie’s wonderful tribute thread I mentioned Fred Astaire, and then this morning, dripping wet and unable to distinguish between the shower stream and my tears, I suddenly remembered that I had had a wonderful set of parents in my childhood.  I had my Fantasy Parents, Fred and Esther.

When my parents disappointed me, neglected me, burdened me with unrealistic expectations or conflicting requirements, I could retire to my room and remember that I had parents who loved me, cherished me and always taught me Wonderful Things.  My Fantasy Father, Fred Astaire, being the most elegant, tasteful, charming and talented of men, taught me my first lessons in making hard work look effortless.  He always was well dressed, so much so that he, rather than any woman of the screen, gave me my first lessons in Style.  He wore a tie for a belt, for goodness sake, and instantly made regular belts seem, well, vulgar.  And with Ginger (my Fantasy Aunt, but interesting not my Fantasy Mother -- more of that later) or a series of other wonderful ladies, Father Fred showed me that dance was the ultimate expression of romance.  Plus he could dance with things, an amazing talent I could be proud of.  He danced with coat racks, and steam pipes, and shoes!  And he was funny, and sang so beautifully that Irving Berlin said, given a choice of any singer on earth to introduce one of his songs, he would choose My Dad.  I loved Fred Astaire to death, and I love him now.

Katie here! Get it while it's hot and 40% off! Decleor Sale! - Saturdays at Sephora
 
I wish I had stumbled upon this deal earlier - it only lasts until midnight Tuesday! 40% off all Decleor products at Sephora.com!  Decleor was "among the first to introduce essential oils into skincare (over 30 years ago!), Decleor combines unique and natural products with beauty-enhancing techniques for holistic aromatherapy treatments. A beautiful marriage of science and nature is the secret behind their innovative products, which awaken the senses, offer effective results, and promote total body harmony and balance."  Once again, the French really get 'er done!Here's my top 5 picks from Decleor to make you even more beautiful.
 

• Tonifying Lotion - One of the most gentle and softening toners that I have ever used.  It's got a faintly sweet smell and is really great to soothe your tired skin after you wash your makeup off in the evening.
• Phytopeel Natural Exfoliating Lotion - A great exfoliator that is gentle enough to use every day.  Little clay bits act as the scrubbers to smooth your skin gorgeous. Essential oils of Marjoram, Lemon, Lavender, and Thyme smooth, soothe, and brigthen you to a glowing fresh complexion.  Perfect for those with sensitive skin who still want to slough off the gunk.

Gigi here! Time to come clean, literally and figuratively.  I know what you’re doing, just like the rest of us—displaying an expensive container of an exfoliant in your guest bathroom so that guests will think, “How does she afford that?”  Meanwhile, you stockpile an arsenal of St. Ives’ Apricot Scrub.
 
This warm, muggy season can be unduly harsh to skin.  Moisturizers which may work wonders for you throughout the rest of the year can cause problems.  Sunscreen is a blessing, but several have comedogenic components.  Add to that perspiration itself: it can serve as a breeding ground for lovely bacteria (picture the green characters from the Mucinex ad) or, if your complexion is quite dry, exacerbate that problem.  Dermatologists suggest washing your face several times daily.  I love outdoor activities.  Where to conduct my toilette?  Push livestock aside and use their water troughs?  Beg off from a game of volleyball to cleanse with a flowered parasol over my shoulder?  I think not.
 
The answer is clear—exfoliate daily, perhaps twice.  St. Ives became known for its “Gentle Apricot Scrub” (nicely priced at about $4.79).  This admirable company created some smooth moves; the ingredients include Jojoba Beads.  Not only do these make short work of lifting imbedded impurities, but the beads are uniform in size.  Other natural scrubs incorporate uneven pieces of walnut shell and seeds, which can damage rather than benefit.
 
St. Ives has branched out into more Apricot scrubs—“Invigorating,” “Blemish and Blackhead Control,” and “Renew and Firm.”  Evidently they haven’t dealt with Megheads before.  We read labels and analyze ingredients before we throw both caution and dollars to the wind and succumb to marketing ploys (of course, I jest).  What does tend to happen is that four formulas can cloud anyone’s judgment; rather than stand in an aisle and study, it is easier to buy all.  St. Ives knows this, so allow me to give you a “head’s up” before you shop.

Stylemama here!  Yesterday you met my youngest daughter Lizzy, and listened while she dished on the super chic and natural Glop & Glam tween hair care line.  G&G says it best, "The hair industry lacks a children's hair care line that truly takes into consideration the desires of both children and their parents."   Well not anymore, thank you G&G! Today we welcome Lizzy's older sister, Isabelle.  She's here to give us her thoughts on Glop and Glam's Glitter Gum Medium Hold Gel.  So, join us as we enter the mind of a soon to be fourth grader, as she uncovers another layer of G&G's wares.

My name is Isabelle and I am nine and a half years old. I do not have a nickname, but if I did it would be Is.   I had a really great time working on this review!

Here is what happened when I used the Glitter Gum.  First, I took a shower and washed my hair really, really good.  Then my mom put Glitter Gum all over my hair, including my bangs.  Next we blow dried and flat ironed my hair.  I LOVED the way it turned out!  It looked even better than when I go to the hair salon.  We took pictures so all of you could see.  I don't know if you can tell, but I have purple highlights in my hair.  My sister and I get colored highlights every summer as a special treat for working hard the whole school year and getting good grades.  Last year we had pink!  

Just like the name (Glitter Gum) it STICKS.  Even after we blow dried my hair it held the same style.  Usually after my mom does my hair it doesn't hold the style without hairspray, but this time it did.  I don't really like hairspray.  I thought the Glitter Gum smelled like mint bubble gum but my sister said it reminded her of a strawberry Jolly Rancher.  It smells delicious! It made my mom's hands smell real sweet, I could smell them the whole time she was doing my hair.  Even though it has sparkles in the bottle they don't show up in your hair once it's all dry.  I thought you should know that so that you don't think that when you put this in your hair you will have a head full of sparkles.  

I love all that girly stuff.  When I grow up I want to be a fashion designer.   My line of clothes will be made of recycled or energy efficient fabric.  I'm all about saving the planet.  This year in school, I wrote a book called The Easter Bunny And The Kapershkie and it got picked by Young Authors.  They published it and made it into a hard back book.  I dedicated my book to my Grandma Donna, it made her cry, she was so happy.  I really like writing, playing teacher, hair salon, swimming and playing outside.  Meg, I think it was really sweet of you to let me do this, I really appreciate it, it was really sweet of you.