Fab Friday: Hydrogen Peroxide

I am not a great housewife.

More Lucille Ball than June Cleaver, my housewifery is lackadaisical and haphazard, with the majority of my homemaking artistry concentrated in the fields of Dish-Doing and Bent-Over-Toy-Gathering.

In the Department of Fluff-n-Fold, my know-how is most rudimentary. But I have a secret weapon when it comes to stain removal.

Hydrogen Peroxide.

It's no secret that I have a fondness for OxiClean. I am supremely lazy and use the spray version, usually saturating the area and allowing the garment to sit for long, lonely hours before washing.

But once in a while, my beloved OxiClean just isn't powerful enough to fight the legendary staining power of chocolate. When I spy those milky brown streaks embedded in Big J's favorite shirt, I immediately reach for the Hydrogen Peroxide.

Used in conjunction with OxiClean and a toothbrush, I have found HP to be a problem-solver extraordinaire.

I spray the afflicted area generously with Oxi, douse with HP, scrub gently with the toothbrush, and walk away. If the air is particularly dry (not usually a problem in the bowels of my Eastern Michigan basement), I will ensconce the garment within a Ziploc bag. 12-24 hours later, I wash.

And that's it.

Some may laugh and gently shake their heads at my ignorance. "OxiClean contains HP", they think to themselves, marvelling at my foolishness while they flip through the latest copy of the Robb Report and tap out their meerschaums.

I know that. But there's something about the above approach which just works.

While not infallible, 95% of the darkest, most set-in chocolate ice cream/ pudding/ fudgsicle stains have disappeared. I have used the above on stains which were washed and dried and deeply entrenched. Blood, chocolate, and grass stains have all drifted away before the mighty power of the HP.

So the next time you're faced with the remains of last night's popsicle fest besmirching your favorite garment, give it a go.

What do you have to lose?

(Other than the 69 cents you'll spend?)

*Disclaimer: I am not a laundry expert. The above has worked for me, and may or may not work for you. Before you attempt stain removal, check your garment's care instructions. FYI, sometimes the above doesn't work the first time. In that case, I repeat the steps while the garment is still damp from the wash, and allow it to soak for more time. Good luck!

Fab Friday: April 23

Things I Love Right Now:

1. Dailyburn.com
2. Bath & Body Works Lemon Pomegranate Lip Gloss
3. Sunshine
4. Grilling
5. Sandals
6. Homemade Granola Bars
7. Planning for Summer Fun
8. Windows Open
9. Blackberries
10. Fruit Leather

Fab Friday: March 19

One of my favorite aspects of living in Portland was the fabulous food. Huge Farmer's Market, lots of seafood, a love of the artisanal, and a diversity of restaurants all converged to keep me fat and happy.

For a time, I was in love with Caffe Mingo. Small, crowded, understaffed - despite it's flaws it was my preferred destination for an early dinner or late night repast. Caffe Mingo gave me my first taste of Caprese Salad. A basic mix of tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, Caprese makes my taste buds sing and makes me feel like Spring is truly here.

There's no single recipe for Caprese. I make it with thick slices of cheese, or chop them into bits - but it's always best if the moz is fresh. My preferred tomatoes run the gamut of Roma, homegrown, or grape. Chiffonade some basil, add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. Enjoy this delicate repast while bathed in the light of the setting sun reflected off the lapping waves of Lake Como. Or dig into a bowlful while being serenaded by SpongeBob and the chortles of a slightly manic two year old. Both are delightful.

Fab Friday: March 12

7 straight days of sunshine have helped me to shake off the grey-day blues and kick start my craftiness once again. With a birthday looming, Easter steadily advancing, and school days beginning to wane, there has been much to do.

One tool that recently joined my crafting arsenal is the Fiskars Ultra ShapeXpress.

I've had my eye on this beauty for a while, and with the help of a Joann coupon (keep 'em coming Joann!), I brought it home last month. Clearly made for scrapbookers (which I am most definitely not), this gem has been invaluable in helping me make birthday banners, activity posters, and thank you cards. Paired with their shape templates, the Ultra ShapeXpress makes quick work of those ovals, squares, circles or other shapes so vital to papercraft-creating.

Pick one up today!

Fab Friday: March 5th

Yet another birthday rolls around next weekend, and I am trying, trying, trying to be prepared. No last minute cake making, no frantic gift buying the day before, no late night wrapping parties (for one).

As such, I have been trolling for unique gifts for my boy's boy, spending much time hopping between eBay and etsy. My search for trains, planes, and automobiles in many shapes & forms led me to Happy Family and their FAB tshirts.

First sign of awesomeness: Sheldon from Big Bang Theory has worn their dino t shirt several times. Second sign: their selection! Extensive, varied, creative. Third sign: A high rating with many, many happy customers.

(Images taken from Happy Family shop page. Sorry, but you're awesome!)

I jumped right in and ordered a Robot t, which will go perfectly with his robot moves (he stands still and holds his arms rail straight, then moves them up and down in front of him). And, in a nod to my sweet Hub, I also ordered a Skeleton Diagram t. PLUS - I got a free pirate ship tote bag! What little boy wouldn't want Mama to tote his library books in a bag with a pirate ship on it??

I had a little hiccup in the ordering process, but the owner was responsive, all was smoothed out & my package arrived yesterday. I can't wait for Big J to open these up on his birthday. I hope he's as excited as I am!

Happy Friday!

Fab Friday: February 26

Despite no longer being a home owner, nor home ownership being on the near horizon, I still love to think I am a DIY-er.

I have painted, sanded, stained, plastered, screwed, hammered, wired, dug, planted, demolished, and otherwise made any number of projects my own. But I'm always on the look out for suggestions, success stories, and other drool-worthy projects that others have taken on.

Now that I have been subjugated to the class of renter (and am sans HGTV), I have channeled my DIY impulses into Home & Garden style blogs. I found Young House Love about a year ago, and have faithfully followed them ever since. I like their style, their can-do spirit, and I like that they show the process - flaws & all.

And today? Well, today, I love them even more.

Our lovely little rental house has a myriad of problems, one of which is faulty plumbing.

Although the bathroom was "new" when we moved in, the plumbing was poorly done. EX: Big Daddy had to reinstall the shower fixture so that we actually had access to hot water when we wanted to bathe.

I know. Way to go landlord, way to go.

Along with the new plumbing, we received the world's slowest draining bathtub. Removing the drain stop and flushing the pipes helped a bit, but we resigned ourselves to a painfully slow drain. At least it was draining.

Until yesterday. The drain had slowed to a drip, so I jaunted over to the local market and picked up a bottle of our go-to chemical drain unclogger. I let it glug down the drain & then waited the hour (ok, maybe I waited 2) to flush it through with hot water.

But wait, there's more!

Sadly, my go-to failed me & there was no flushing to be found.

No draining = no flushing.

No draining = no flushing + a bathtub of standing water, now filled with flesh eating chemicals.

(not)Awesome.

We plunged and waited. Plunged and waited. After 2 hours we were left with a damp bathtub ringed with dark hair & pink fuzz.

Sick.

(And no, I'm not sure where the fuzz came from, and I'm not interested in dwelling too long on its origin).

Big Daddy had to shower before heading in at 6:30 this morning, and it took 3 HOURS for the tub to near empty.

So Mama rolled up her sleeves and showed that drain who's Boss around here.

I vaguely remembered that Young House Love had done a post about a clogged drain, and a quick search found me what I was looking for.

I followed Sherry's suggestions, and unscrewed the overflow valve, stuck a damp towel in the opening, and plunged like it was my job. It's a good thing it's not my 9-5, as I was not successful in loosening whatever horrific gunk is embedded in those 60 year old pipes.

So then, I moved to step 2: vinegar, baking soda, & hot water. I poured, it bubbled, and I backed away. I let it work, then plunged again.

No go.

I waited, I plunged.

SUCCESS!

I plunged a bit more, then ran hot water. I swear, it works better than ever now.

So, Sherry, John - THANK YOU. And readers - all 4 of you - please hightail it over to Young House Love & enjoy a little DIY on this Fab Friday.

And now, I must disinfect the bathroom with bleach.

Fab Friday: February 12

This may seem a little silly, but pencil pouches have been a lifesaver in our house.

Big Sis has always been a creative girl. As soon as she could grasp a crayon, she marked, drew, shaded, cross-hatched, painted, splattered, and glued her way through a myriad of projects. As she grew, so did her collection of art supplies.

Around Christmas we realized things were a bit out of control. A purge was in order, and purge we did. And then surprise! Mom and Dad provided a new array of supplies to enhance her creativity - complete with pencil pouches to secure her new rainbow of twist-up crayons & pencils. Now she knows where they are, and more importantly, which crayons are hers & which are her brothers.

**PS, if you haven't used twist-up crayons or pencils, you're missing out. Awesome.

Fab Friday: February 5

The D has been fortunate to have a very mild winter this year. My friends in the DSM have not been so lucky. So, in honor of cold, frosty weather, I give you one of our favorite recipes. It's cheesy, it's warm, and it's super easy. Although this is from my Cooking Light cookbook, I am going to give you the recipe the way I make it. If you want to use the lower sodium, lower fat mods, go for it. It's good either way.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

(adapted from Cooking Light)

1 package chicken flavored Rice-A-Roni

1 Tbs. butter

2 1/4 cups hot water

Cooking spray

1 1/2 lbs. chicken cut into bite-sized pieces (tenderloins or breast)

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

3/4 cup sour cream

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

Shredded Cheese

1. Spray 2-quart casserole pan with cooking spray.

2. Cook rice according to package directions, using the butter and the hot water. When done cooking, place mixture in a large bowl. Wipe pan with paper towel.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4. Coat skillet with cooking spray. Place over high heat until hot. Add chicken, mushrooms & garlic powder. Saute 4 minutes or until chicken is done. Add chicken mixture, sour cream, pepper, and soup to rice mixture. Stir until well blended. Place mixture into casserole dish.

5. Sprinkle with cheese - as much as you'd like.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

(image from Finecooking.com)

Note: Have you seen the cover of The Complete Cooking Light Cookbook? I think I purchased it simply because of the delightful looking Blueberry Pound Cake on the cover..... with Vanilla-Buttermilk Ice Cream!! One of these days I'll get around to making it. Being the only blueberry lover in the house is rough. Real rough.

Fab Friday: January 29

And so with the advent of another year, I once again begin the tedious pursuit of better health & wellness. While I have been reluctantly consistent with my physical exertions, my dietary intake continues to torment me (particularly after 6:30pm).

But lo! What is this tiny treasure I have unearthed in the freezer section of the local grocer? Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Bars? With just 100 calories per bar?

Glory Be & Sakes Alive! My cocoa cravings can now be soothed with the sweet nothings of such delicious bars. Now if I could just motivate my midsection into re-discovering its long lost musculature......

Fab Friday: December 4

I've always believed that it's the little things that can make the biggest difference.

Like marshmallows in hot chocolate.

Or snowflakes on Christmas Eve.

And I can't forget the tiny jolt of pleasure from downloading a new song to get my groove on.

One of the more pedestrian "little things" in my life is my inane pleasure at using Hefty Gripper garbage bags.

That's right, this post is about to extol the virtues of a TRASH BAG.

What can I say? I actually find a little happiness in my trash (can).

Finding the right kind of trash can is difficult, but finding the right bag is almost as challenging. First, you have to make sure you buy the right size (hey, sometimes it's not as easy as it sounds!). Then, if you choose unwisely, you are stuck with 30-60 bags near-useless bags.

My sweet husband actually discovered these gems. Yes, he's a keeper.

Now, for the question burning at your brain: Why do I like them?

Mostly because they do what they say - they Grip. A stretchy, elastic-y ring around the top allows the bag to fit snugly around the top of the bin. No more dirty hands from reaching into that disgusting pit when the bag caves in from the weight of an empty Diet Coke can. I also like these because they have an extra bit of Odor Block - perfect for those too-warm summer days which turn my bin into a cesspool of stink.

Although these are not on my Christmas list, feel free to gift yourself with some. They can be found at your local Wal*Mart, as well as other fine retailers nationwide.

Ho Ho Ho.

Fab Friday: November 6

November has brought cooler weather and sunny skies (thank you for the sunshine!). A few mornings have delivered frosty coatings to our plants and cars, sparkling in the first rays of daybreak as we munch our breakfast cereal.

In effort to organize and reduce the clutter, I've been trying to clean, purge, and sort our bins of stuff. In doing so, I came across my first quilt. Begun in the days when we had moved cross-country to live with my in-laws while Big Daddy started school, this pink creation had languished in storage, nearly forgotten through the course of many moons & many moves. It was near complete, with just half the binding to stitch. I pulled it out and got to sewing, finishing it in a matter of a few hours one evening.

Do you believe in serendipity? I do.

(And no, I don't mean that awful movie with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Blech)

Serendipity, as defined by the ever-trusty Wikipedia, is "the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something entirely unrelated".

The same day I finished stitching away, I came across a blog posting on The Jet Set. She was making quilts for a few charities across the country, and offhandedly mentioned a project to send quilts to Appalachia. An unknown force compelled me to click through and learn more. Rachel Cox is the driving force behind The Mountain Baby Blankets project, which has created a blanket drive for families in Appalachia. Reading her postings and gathering bits of information about the region and its people have struck a chord in me. These are people who are among the poorest in America, with epidemic levels of prescription drug abuse, alcoholism, toothlessness, and the shortest life span in the nation. While I tend to nurture the hard shell around my heart, Rachel's description - "Part of my childhood was seeing babies in the supermarket, wearing only diapers, with little, tiny, dirty feet." tugged at me. My vivid imagination conjured an image of a malnourished babe shivering in the cold morning air, no blanket to be found, no cozy fire to snuggle up to, no fleecy pj's to bundle in.

I'm going to donate that blanket to The Mountain Baby Blankets project, and will make at least 2 more in the next week to send. There's a lot going on around here, but I feel this is something I HAVE to do. Looking at my precious little ones all snuggly in their beds, comforted by their own warm quilts..... No baby should be cold. And what's a blanket to me? Just a few short hours on the sewing machine. If you'd like to donate - and you can make or buy your blankets - please send them to:

Kendra Duck

Christian Appalachian Project

2610 Palumbo Dr

Lexington, KY 40509

I have bins of baby clothes that I've saved from years past, and I think now is the perfect time to continue to sort & disperse. Because if those babies need blankets, I'm sure they can use some very gently worn garments, too.

To learn more about the Appalachian people, please visit Children of the Mountains via ABC News.

I know this post is a digression from my usual self-centered Friday ramblings. But what could be more FAB than a little service??

Fab Friday: October 23

(Better late than never??)

I love me some craigslist. I have bought and sold on craigslist, searched for housing, furniture, vacations, jobs, and even gotten a giggle or two from the "Best of" (Cautionary note: the "Best of" are often R rated).

You have to be flexible - and patient - with craigslist. Those who are selling do not always

share my enthusiasm and eagerness to close the deal. I have learned to steel myself in anticipation of expired listings, repetitious emails, lack of follow-through, extortion-like pricing, no pictures, blurry pictures, misrepresentations in photo and verbiage, a dearth of detail, and of course, the ubiquitous spelling error.

But still.... with time, patience, and a watchful eye, craigslist can work as intended, leaving all parties satisfied.

Case in Point - we turned this:

Into this:

3 trips in the pouring rain, a good scrubbing with vinegar and soapy water, 30 minutes of assembly, and we were in business.

Yes, October is a weird time to buy a playset, but you know me - I was obsessing a little bit & when I can find a deal (and close the deal), I go for it. And 90% off retail is - to me - a GREAT deal. Now if we can just keep the rain away for a few days, the kids might even be able to enjoy it before the snow begins.

Fab Friday: October 16

(Photo by Richard Pierce)

With the advent of Fall, my thoughts turn to the delights of comfort foods of all flavors. Being that we are both a dessert-lovin' and apple-lovin' family, this is one of our new favorite recipes - courtesy of Bon Appetit's October 2009 issue. Don't be daunted by the extensive list of ingredients. It's actually very quick to make, and the free-form cake frosting means you don't have to worry about covering every square inch.

Fuji Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

Cake:

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons bourbon, apple brandy, or rum (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 medium Fuji or Gala apples (13 to 14 ounces total), peeled, halved, cored, cut into 1/3-inch cubes (I use what we have at home, usually Honeycrisp)
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans (about 6 ounces)

Frosting:

• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar (measured, then sifted)
• Coarsely chopped toasted pecans (for garnish)

• Special equipment: 2 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides

Preparation

For cake:
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch high sides. Line bottom of each pan with parchment paper round. (I know, that part seems like extra work, but I swear those cakes popped right out!) Whisk first 7 ingredients in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter in large bowl until fluffy. Add both sugars and beat until smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla, then bourbon, if desired (mixture may look curdled). Add flour mixture to egg mixture in 3 additions alternately with applesauce in 2 additions, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in apples and pecans. Divide batter between cake pans; smooth tops.

Bake cakes until tester inserted into center of each comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Transfer cakes to racks and cool in pans 15 minutes. Cut around pan sides to loosen cakes. Invert cakes onto racks; peel off parchment paper. Place another rack atop 1 cake and invert again so that cake is rounded side up. Repeat with second cake. Cool completely. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap each cake in plastic and store at room temperature.

For frosting:
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until frosting is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Using long serrated knife, trim off rounded tops of cakes to make level; brush off any loose crumbs. (You know I don't do this part) Transfer 1 cake to platter, trimmed side up. Drop half of frosting (about 11/2 cups) by spoonfuls atop cake. Spread frosting evenly to edges of cake. Top with second cake, trimmed side down. Drop remaining frosting by spoonfuls onto top of cake, leaving sides of cake plain. Spread frosting to top edges of cake, swirling and creating peaks, if desired. Sprinkle with pecans. Let cake stand at room temperature 1 hour to allow frosting to set slightly. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate. Let cake stand at room temperature at least 2 hours before serving.

Fab Friday: October 9

Oopsie - I was a little distracted yesterday & forgot to post a Fab Friday!

I'm going to save the flowery rhetoric for another time & just keep it simple.

Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia

What's your favorite ice cream?

Fab Friday: October 2

It's turned cool and windy in the Motor City. It's been well documented that Fall is my favorite season, and one reason is because I can once again adorn myself in my uniform of choice: jeans, Uggs, and long sleeved t-shirts.

I am a huge fan of the long-sleeved t - always with a crew neck. I like to layer them under summer t's and tanks, extending the wearing season of some of my most favored garments. When it gets even more frigid I layer them on top of each other and snuggle them under sweaters.

As with many favored garments, the LST rose to the top of the list through trial and error. There are many impostors out there - garments with material that is too bulky, or sleeves that are too long, or a neckline which doesn't lay flat. Being a girl of most particular tastes, I am always on the lookout for the "perfect" long-sleeved t. Two of my very favorites are by Gap and H & M.

I have several of the Gap Favorite T. Available in a mini-rainbow of colors, I find this T to be made of super-soft cotton, with well proportioned sleeves and a lightly fitted body. Long wearing (I last purchased these in 2001), they make a solid, casual layering piece.

My newest favorites are by H & M. (Unfortunately they don't have online shopping so I don't have an image to share.) I recently obtained a buy-one-get-one-half-off coupon (a benefit of being a Facebook Fan of H & M), and was giddy at the prospective of using it on some new Fall fashions. What did I come away with? Two perfect LST's. One is thin, and black, and made of a silky-soft blend of cotton & Modal. The other is also very thin, but white & ribbed. The black one looks dressy enough to wear as a layering piece with Sunday clothes, and the white will be an ideal foundation under a thick wool sweater. At $12 each (before the coupon), these are a great bargain. And if they hold up like my other H & M t's & tanks, I'll be enjoying their cottony warmth for 4-5 years to come.

~Happy Friday!

Fab Friday: September 25

I have loved books for as long as I can remember. Growing up an only child, books were my constant companion. I have vivid memories of late nights car trips, me bundled in the back seat, desperately trying to read by the light of the passing street lamps – catching a word here, another sentence there. Stop lights were eagerly anticipated, as I could sometimes read almost an entire page lit by the orangey glow of the sodium lights.

I read anything I could get my hands on and had worked my way through my mother’s home library by the time I was 12. I wouldn’t say that Sidney Sheldon is appropriate reading material for a tween, but it was there & I was bored.

Much as songs can evoke memories of a certain time & place, so do books. Late in jr. high school, I read Gone with the Wind. It transported me from the beaches of Southern California to the warm red hills of Georgia, complete with hoop skirt and garden party hat. High school opened the door to the world of Stephen King (and yes, I've been a little afraid of the dark ever since). College brought the revelation of C.S. Lewis (so much more than Narnia). Post-college, I read a number of awful, post-apocalyptic novellas which mirrored my personal relationships. The Harry Potter series was consumed while waiting for the birth of Big Sis. So many wonderful hours perched on the love seat, novel balanced on my belly. Iowa delivered to me the gifts of Pride & Prejudice and To Kill A Mockingbird.

I’ve been experiencing a dry spell of reading. I am desperate to return, to drink from the fountain of knowledge and water the parch of my boredom.

What are your favorite reads?

Fab Friday: September 18

When we moved, we made the commitment to give up cable. I was so sick of paying the huge bill every month, and we were spending way too much time with the TV on in the background of our daily life.

We bought a digital antenna and have happily settled in to a life of 7 channels (and still nothing on!). Fortunately, part of our programming is multiple channels of public TV. I love public television. Better cartoons, good cooking shows & I even get my dose of home renovation with This Old House.

My new favorite show is America's Test Kitchen. Billed as "Public Television's Most Watched Cooking Show", it's associated with Cook's Illustrated and Cook's Kitchen magazines. If you've ever read Cook's Illustrated, the TV show is like a mini-issue come to life. I like that they not only test out recipes and tools, they also tell you why different ingredients/ techniques/ tools work. And when they test tools, they test a wide range of tools - not just the top of the line.

I recently discovered that if you register for an account, you can access all the recipes from the current season. This week I made the Crunchy Baked Pork Chops (after seeing them made on the show - I am SUCH an easy sell), and I can't WAIT to make the Skillet Apple Pie. The video clips will make your mouth water.

Bon Appetit!

Fab Friday: September 11

The wonderful thing about Birthday money is the possibilities. I can think of a hundred things to spend it on, but seldom take the plunge and really treat myself to something I have longed for. I tend to hold on to it, secreting it away, always waiting for the "right" moment - which inevitably means I slowly piecemeal it away on 2pm Diet Coke's and slightly off-color nail polish.

This year I broke my habit of birthday denial and purchased some new makeup.

I've used a few Laura Mercier products in the past and have been satisfied. They were effective - but as with most makeup - only as effective as the hand behind the tool. Past disappointments were put aside and I was eager for change and ready for action. When I stepped into Sephora's wonderland on that Thursday I had my mind set on what I wanted.

You see, my heart covets that elusive balance of value and exactitude. I want what I want, and I don't want to pay too much for it. Enter the tantalizing prospect of the Flawless Face Kit. This lovely set of maquillage promises to show you how to create the above-mentioned Flawless Face in 6 easy steps. Equipped with primer, tinted moisturizer, concealer (the "undercover pot"), powder, and the requisite brushes, sponge, and puff, you have all the tools to complete your desired mission. I prefer buying sets such as this because I always find at least one product I really like, if I don't like something I'm not stuck with a full-size and buyer's remorse, and because I don't tend to wear makeup every day even the pocket-sized portions last months and months.

After using this for several weeks I must admit that I have entered the Golden Triangle of Make-up. I love everything about this set but I am most especially enamored with the Foundation Primer. Much as with paint to adorn your home, your face requires, nay beseeches you, for priming before painting. This primer (unlike others I have sampled - Bare Minerals, I am sending a withering glance in your direction) applies fluidly, effortlessly, and feels like.... nothing. It provides a lovely, level playing field for the application of the next step of your choice and also helps secure that oh-so-tricky eye makeup.

Score one for Laura Mercier. And one for my (now) Flawless Face.

Fab Friday: September 4

Well, hello Fall. It's nice to see you again. Yes, we've been very busy here, chipping away at little projects around the house, enjoying your lovely weather, and prepping for school to start. There's been lots of organizing, cleaning, shopping (clothes & shoes), and talking about the Big Day (ie the Start of School). We've had a school tour, picked out the first day outfit, mapped out our walking route, found a lunch bag, and started getting up earlier in an attempt to acclimate to our new routine.

Fall, if I were Martha Stewart, you'd be tops on my Favorite Things list. But I am not (Whew! But my bank account might not be as relieved as my psyche is). I love your cool yet sunny days, and your even cooler nights. I love wearing sweaters & jeans (my favorite uniform), and breaking out my fuzzy pink slippers in the mornings. I love warming up with a hot cup of tea, baking apple pies, and cooking delicious stews, soups, and casseroles for dinner. I love heading to the pumpkin patch with a cup of hot apple cider in hand and a fresh donut in my belly. I love little girls in knee socks & a cardigan, and little boys in Sunday sweaters. I love boots, I love Honeycrisp apples, and I love snuggling under the down duvet on my cozy bed.

Fall, you are TOTALLY Fab, and I am so glad you've arrived a little early. Why don't you settle in and stay for a while, OK?

Fab Friday: August 28

I am a make-up lover from way back. While I profess to being open to trying new things, deep-down I am a creature of habit & I tend to cling to what works. For years and years, my go-to mascara was Maybelline's Great Lash (waterproof, black-brown). It's an award-winner, a long time fave of many make-up artists, and worked great.

But one day I got a wild hair to try something new. I was ready to explore my options, but I am really picky when it comes to mascara. I need a waterproof formula, and one that is not clumpy, runny, gloppy, or smells weird. Yes, I smell my mascara. Don't ask. After reading through the slew of magazines delivered by my friendly neighborhood mailperson (thank you e-rewards for providing my household with a significant pile of marginal reading material at no charge to me), I decided to give this a whirl:

Can I say "Wow"? Wow. I wanted a little extra volume, but didn't want spider eyes. This stuff delivers. After practicing a time or two, I have the application down pat, and I really like the results. I have small-ish eyes, and my lashes are not as thick as I'd like, but this magic formula lengthens, thickens, and now my lashes frame my baby blues beautifully. A dab of tinted moisturizer, a swipe of mascara, and a smear of lip balm & I feel pulled together on even the worst of my stay-at-home days.

PS - if I had an unlimited budget, I'd love to try out this bank buster:

Hello Dior, are you listening?

What's YOUR favorite makeup product?