Mission Accomplished!

Last night was Brianne's birthday. I have been friends with Bri since I was 12, so obviously I was totally stoked when Jake called me 3 weeks ago (Yes, THREE weeks ago...husband of the year award?) to help plan a surprise birthday party. The best part of the whole thing is that it really was a surprise. A big one! She had no idea. Zip. Zero. Nada.

Of course, I forgot to take pics until the very end. So sorry, Bri, I missed some people! But this picture of you and Jake is super cute.

And here is the classic girl photo...(at least of those of us that were left.)

Happy Birthday Bri! I'm so glad that you were genuinely surprised...that was the icing on the cake.

Don't quote me on any of the following...

I haven't learned much of anything, but here it is: (as per Jenny, my micro-derma lady)
Some of these may be obvious if you're not completely inept, like me.
--When you are using any type of exfoliator, stay far away from the eye area. As I mentioned before, only use exfoliators that have perfectly round "micro-beads", otherwise they leave little marks.
--If you are going to go OTC, Neutrogena is probably the best way to go. For cleansers, moisturizers, etc.
--Unless you have really oily skin, there is no need to wash your face in the mornings.
--Glycolic acid is really good for your skin. It basically dissolves the outer layer, revealing the new layer underneath. But only use if you are really good about sunscreen.
--This goes without saying, but sunscreen--above spf 15 on a daily basis is necessary for ALL areas of your skin. Don't forget your hands!
--Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize...especially in the night!

See, not much. I was previously using Cetaphil cleanser, but Jenny said I need to step it up. When we were in Vegas, I got a sweet new cleanser called Cosmedicine at Sephora. I have only been using it for 2 weeks, but I totally like it. It is a make-up remover, cleanser, and toner all in one. Does not dry out your skin at all, but makes it feel super clean. And it is only one-step, you put it on sans water and then rinse. I highly recommend it.

As far as moisturizer goes, in the night I have just been using Neutrogena Healthy Skin Night Cream. It makes your skin oh so soft in the morning. And lastly, sunscreen. There are a lot of good face sunscreens out there. They are better if they have helioplex in them because it increases the amount of time that it is effective. I found a Neutrogena face sunscreen that is spf 70 with helioplex. I think that is probably a little overboard, but I figure, might as well.

Anyways...let's share ideas here so we don't have to resort to plastic surgery and looking like a total freak like Shayne's mom. Let me know what you use or what is good.

What you don't know can't hurt you

Sometimes I get in weird modes where I get overly obsessed with something or the other for a little while. Right now: skin care. I don't know if it's because I'm getting dangerously close to 30, but I finally decided I am going to take better care of my skin. This may prove to be harder than thought. Case in point: yesterday I went to my microdermabrasion appointment, which is basically just a hard-core exfoliation treatment.


While on the table, I start to ask the girl what kind of skin care regimen I should follow, what products to use, etc, etc. To make a long story short, I discovered that the Clinique toner I used religiously in junior high can take permanent marker off of a table top. Uh really...that's awesome.

Don't worry, that was 15 years ago. Well, actually, the exfoliator that I currently use (as in yesterday, pre-treatment) is leaving micro-pock marks on my face because the crystals are uneven. But alas, it is money not wasted because I was informed that I can still use that stuff on my feet. Wow...great news.


Bottom line is that even though I am going to implement some new tactics, given my past history, I'm pretty sure I am going to look like this when I'm 40. Oh well...sorry Peter. And sorry Eunice for using you as an example.

G.T. 2008

Just got back from a Girls Trip to Vegas. SO fun! We all live in different states these days and so we try to get together and meet somewhere once a year. We didn't have everyone, but it was pretty darn close!

We drove down in Amy's husband's Prius and let's just say that I am a total convert. $60 in gas TOTAL round trip. You seriously can't beat it. Wish I had a picture of it, but I didn't take too many pics.

Here I am sandwiched in between the two cute preggers. We held an impromptu shower for Em.


Although we all initially met as sorority girls, don't be fooled; we have always been terribly boring. This is about as wild as it got....tons of treats!


Our last night...I can't wait until next year.