Memorial Day weekend 2010 involved me spending 10 hours on trains in the course of 3 days. That's a TON of reading time, and for some reason I wasn't into reading books on this trip. Instead I decided to get magazines. Lots and lots and lost of magazines (about 10, actually). While many magazines are full of the same old useless gimmicks rehased, I did come across a few gems of advice that I thought were valuable. Here are some of my favorite:
An organization called
New Eyes For The Needy takes donations of old eyeglasses for underdeveloped countries and helps people in the US get free glasses. (Source: Good Housekeeping, June 2010 Issue)
Several different magazines have recently rated
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 as the best every day sun defense. I just bought a bottle last month so I'm glad to see it get such high ratings!
Several magazines also highlighted the Lands End
striped beach tote in cotton canvas stripes. I think I might have to get myself one since my old beach bag can be tough to carry (straps are too short to fit easily on my shoulder). My only concern with this one is the snap closure - I prefer a zipper for security.
"Go ask the turtle" - great advice from political commentator and strategist Donna Brazil in this month's "O, The Oprah Magazine". The upshot is that someone saw a turtle by the side of the road, assumed it meant to be by the water, and moved it back. But in reality the turtle had spent months walking up there to lay eggs in the mud and this person had just undone all that effort. The moral of the story is before you try to "help" ask the turtle if they need it.
Two books I'd like to read this summer are
Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived In That House and
Just Let Me Lie Down. The first is a biography written by a woman who got caught up in a real estate obsession in the search for the "perfect" house and the lifestyle she thought it would bring. The latter is written by the managing editor of one of my favorite mags - Real Simple. Both suggestions came from
O Magazine, although there was something odd in the O tidbit on the second one. They said "the last word (we hope) on the complicated life of what Real Simple managing editor Van Ogtrop calls a 'half-insane working mom.'" Not sure what the "we hope" is all about. If they're recommending the book they wouldn't also be digging it, right?
Tankinis aren't flattering on anyone, at least not according to O Magazine's Adam Glassman. I had been disappointed in the fit of every tankini I'd ever tried on. Now I don't feel so bad!
Chain-strap cross-body bags are no longer lame. They are now considered appropriate options for going out so you can dance freely without having to worry about your purse. Yeah! (mom will also be happy as she LOVES chain strap cross-body bags but hasn't been able to find one in 15 years)
Glamour's June 2010 issue has a great (if high level) summary of the new healthcare legislation and how it impacts many of the common issues of concern to 20- and 30-something women.
Elizabeth Gore and Ivanka Trump have started a great sounding organization called GirlUp (www.girlup.org) that enables young women in this country to help girls across the world go to school and have other opportunities that are proven to give them a better life and lift their entire communities.
Target is issuing coupons inside magazines. I now have 2 coupons for 20% off any one Merona item, one from each of two magazines. They expire 7/15/2010 so you still have time to go get your own! One came from People StyleWatch. The other was I think from Real Simple though I can't be certain.
There are far more good concerts coming to Boston this summer than I knew about. Thanks to an ad in Improper Bostonian I may have to scope out tickets to see Buffet, Foreigner/Styx, Chicago, Meatloaf, Bret Michaels/Lynard Skynard, and Heart. (Geez, am I a classic rock 80s child or what?!)
You can microwave lipstick to melt it then put it in another container to resolidify and allow you to use the rest. This tip came from People StyleWatch in connection with a product - the Japonesque Lipstick Pallette with melting cup. The magazine says it's for sale at Ulta.com but I couldn't find it there. Only Amazon seems to have it. Better fire that factchecker, People!
You can buy sunscreen wipes to take with you on the go. They're by Supergoop and are available (supposedly) at Nordstrom.
They now make a line of OPI nailpolish that is the color of Shrek's skin. I think I'll pass!
Bright fuscia bags are in to dress up a low key outfit with a pop of color. I love this idea.
Quality, stylish weekend bags are EXPENSIVE! I found two that I really liked but both were $300 plus. I want to replace my logowear gym bag from my last employer but not sure that I want to spend that much. The search will be on this summer for a less expensive alternative. But just to dream, here's my favorite, a canvas bag with leather trip by designer T. Anthony. I don't like the colors on the site, though. The one in the magazine was purple with black trim. I like that best. The ones on the site are BORING!
According to InStyle magazine, swimsuits in 1935 covered 35% of the body. By 1942 that had gone down to 24%. Today it ranges from 14% to single digits. Just one question though - who measures this, and how?! They also say that women on average buy 2 new suits a year, have 4 in their closet, and expect a suit to last 3 years.
Drink suggestion from InStyle - put a vanilla bean pod at the bottom of a champagne glass instead of a strawberry.
That's enough for now, I think! I still have about 5 more magazines to go through for the best tips and tricks. But I'll save those for another post. At least I know I got some value from all of the money I spent on these things!
