My six beauty resolutions for 2012

When I look in the mirror I see two things I don't like, no three, maybe four. Sheesh. It's probably not good to count.

There are wrinkles, gray hairs, dark circles under my eyes, too many chins and little sun spots on my cheeks.

And then there are my fingernails. I love when they're painted and all pretty. I just haven't taken the time get a manicure or do one at home in a while. It's time.

So where to start. Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about the dark circles. I've inherited those from the Elliott family - thank you very much. I'm going to test out some new concealers and try to get more sleep. Maybe that will help.

Let's tackle things I can do something about.

1. Wrinkles - I picked up Oil of Olay Regenerist to help with the battle of the wrinkles. I've been using Oil of Olay products for a while and are pretty pleased with them. But I usually just purchase the basic day and night creams. It's time to up the ante. I need serious wrinkle relief. I'll keep you posted.

I also bought a PRO-X face cleansing system. I've been meaning to try one of these systems. I found this one on sale at Walgreens. Can't wait to try it. I'm expecting to walk out of the shower a new woman.

2. Nails - there are a ton of cute Essie polishes at Walgreens. I had no idea. I picked up a few. So watch for some fabulous nails coming your way soon.

3. Hair - I'm scared to color my own hair. I've never done it. Ever. So I'm going to have to ask around for some advice on this one.

4. Sunscreen - I have to wear more sunscreen. The sun has not been my friend. My face is begging me. My new face lotion has SPF in it. That will help a lot.

5. Skin - Elli and I have both vowed to apply lotion everyday. The dry winter air is really killing our skin. Eucerin Cream is our favorite. It feels really silky. Now we just need to remember to use it.

6. Lose 10 pounds - My goal is to lose 10 pounds in the next 10 weeks. I'm hoping to lose a pound a week. Sounds reasonable, right?. They lose like 15 pounds a week on The Biggest Loser. Surely I can lose one measly pound a week. Now if I could just get Bob, the trainer, to come live with us.

You can stop laughing now. I really do have those thoughts. I could clean out the guest room, set it up all nice.

Ha, ha, ha.  I'm kidding.

Really, I am.

I'm not crazy you know. Just goofy.

Nails - this is just a few of the Essie polishes they have. It's awesome.

Sunscreen. Check.

Eucerin Creme - our favorite lotion.

Regenerist - My going-to-battle-against-wrinkles partner.

This PRO-X is going to be the miracle maker. I just know it.

What about you?

What's your beauty routine? Are you trying anything new this year? I'd love to hear. I'll take all the advice and tips you have.

I really need some help with the gray hair. Anyone want to share their secret?


Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

My New Year's Resolutions

Wow. There are so many things I want for 2010. I don't even know where to begin. I don't want to overwhelm myself with resolutions, but I really feel energized to do a lot in 2010. So why not make a big 'ol list right? I'm not going to make 'em sound all pretty either. I'm just going to say it as it is.

My long list for 2010:
1. Exercise. I'm getting fat. I need to lose 10 lbs. (Then I won't need to buy a new pair of jeans.)
2. Make more money. I went backwards last year. I need to reverse this!!!
3. Quit complaining. No one wants to hear a whiner.
4. Drink (a little) less wine.
5. Watch tv with Don sometimes. (instead of going upstairs to watch reality tv.)
6. Be more patient with Elli and her homework.
7. Quit fantasizing about living somewhere else. I need to get over it.
8. Do what makes me happy. Like writing this blog, photography and cooking.
9. Make new friends. Sad, I know. But true.
10. Be nicer to my co-workers. Try to make my account better to work on for everyone.
11. Talk to Don about the store finances without having a panic attack.
12. Keep the house cleaner. This will involve the family. Hope they are ready to pitch in!
13. Don't spend money on anything we don't need. Wanting something is OUT for 2010. It's all about need. I need new tires. I don't need a new pair of jeans. This is a Kris and Don resolution.
14. Eat out less. It's expensive and it's making me fat.
15. Go hiking and biking more.
16. Invite people over. Who cares if our townhouse is small.
17. Watch less tv and read a book every once in a while.
18. Spend more time with Don and Elli as a family - playing games, going outside, reading.
19. Get a physical. It's been a long, long time. Enough said.
20. Learn how to use all the functions on our super cool camera.
21. Get my lazy bum off the couch!

Ok. I feel better already. I'm going to go for a walk. Have a great day everyone!
Anyone want to join me?