I needed to include some photos from the year as part of a holiday surprise. A very simple post of just photos from year 1. Here is looking forward to year 2 and beyond … Cheers!
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A year in pictures…
Month: December 2013
Yesterday I ran outside. The trail was beautiful and cold. It was 36 degrees with a fair bit of wind and sunshine. I have found that I love running cold. I managed a wonderful five miles with my cap and sunglasses, gloves, running capris and 2 Under Armor long sleeve shirts.
As a lounged on the couch feeling all warm and toasty, it occurred to me that perhaps a cold weather product review may be in order for my readers. I have happened upon some excellent items that save my skin from the ravages of cold weather, sun, and hours in chlorinated pools. These products are unisex tested as well. Hugh now uses them as well. His skin is proving to be the better for it.
Runners and swimmers who log any type of distance must be mindful of chafing. Clothing will rub and irritate the skin. I came across Waxelene in a forum for marathon swimmers. Swim suits and salt water are notorious for rubbing skin raw. Waxelene is both a sturdy and organic alternative to petroleum jelly for reducing friction on the skin – for any athlete. I now use it fairly regularly for both running and swimming. A typically apply small amounts (you do not need a lot) under my running bra and around the straps of my swim suit. I purchased mine from Amazon, but it is fairly easy to find and affordable.
For a great and easy to apply all-over body lotion, I once again recommend the Fair Trade Everyday Coconut Body Lotion that I hailed in my earlier Coconut posting of June 10. Hugh and I have a regular monthly date night of hitting a local Thai restaurant and then heading over to Wegman’s. This past summer I delighted in their coconut display and have continued to use the Everyday Coconut products. I love the body lotion and use it daily. It is easy to apply and is not overly heavy and applies easily to the hard to reach areas around the back and shoulder blades (a notoriously itchy spot for swimmers). It absorbs super quickly into the skin. The large 32 ounce container has a great pump and lasts forever. The price is also right at $9.99 at Wegman’s.
Who does not love Aquaphor, and furthermore, is there anything this little jar cannot do? Runners hail the powers of this ointment and I can now understand why. Many distance runners apply generous amounts to their feet before a run to reduce friction and blisters. The ointment is think and sticky to the touch. I have been using it nightly for the best several weeks. Prior to climbing under the covers, I rub each foot with a nickel size amount, rub it all over the foot (top , bottom and heal) and then put on a pair of socks (so my feet are not sticking to the sheets). When I remove the socks in the morning, my feet feel like heaven. I no longer have problems with dried , cracked skin at the heal or sore toes. Aquaphor is also heavily recommended to reduce chafing during runs as well and to repair damaged, chafed skin.
We got a coupon in the mail for Nature Made VitaMelts and they are great. We tried the Zinc to boost immunity and the melts are really just that. Very tasty, mild melts that are an easy and enjoyable boost at the end of the day.
The weather and swimming basically will kill your lips. The one lipstick I refuse to live without during the winter is Elizabeth Arden’s 18 hour Lip Protectant. While on the pricey side at $19.50 , it is worth every penny and lasts forever as well. You only need a little. Hugh now uses it as well. It is light but stays on forever. There is no tint and it is fragrance free ( you can purchase it with some tinting).
The other luxury item is something I raved about in March. Last winter Hugh and I had fun shopping at King of Prussia and I stopped by the Lush Cosmetic store at the recommendation of one of my students. Lush specializes in safe, organically prepared cosmetics. Their products are luxurious and creative. I like the sparse, eco friendly marketing and packaging as well. One of the items I tried was the King of Skin body butter. It is wonderful. What I like most about using this in the winter when my skin is seriously dried by the weather and elements (primarily hours in the pool) , is that this product literally melts when held against the body and/or under warm running water. Just hold it against your shoulder in the shower and let it melt. It really works wonders. It is on the pricey side at $13.95 and it can melt very quickly. I only use it 1-2x weekly and remove it from the shower so it does not dissolve when not being used.
So those are some of my best cold weather product recommendations. Take my word for it, they work!
Until next time, be good to one another and cheers!
Finding at 50 