Bath and Body Works Sugar Scrub Review

Not too long ago, I bought the Orange Ginger Sugar Scrub from Bath and Body Works. While it smells amazing and leaves my skin very smooth (two pluses), I went through it in five uses. It doesn't last long at all. I applied it all over my body, just like I do with all of my other scrubs. Usually they last a long time. Not this guy.

I think this would be great if you use it for either hands or feet, but not for a full body scrubbing. I have a scrub from The Body Shop that my husband bought me, which I'm looking forward to using. I love that store.

What scrubs do you use? I'd love suggestions!

Timeless Elegance

Sometimes I like to fantasize about the goodies I would invest in if money weren't an issue. Yes, invest. There are many pieces of fashion that are timeless and are meant to last decades, like a beautiful Burberry trench coat or a pair of pearl earrings. Some investments are for comfort, like a pair of great fitting shoes. I've created a collection of timeless elegance that I would purchase if I had an unlimited budget. Some items I already have, like the Chloe perfume. I love a timeless, understated, elegant look like the items below would create.


I'd love to hear what you think and what items - not necessarily from below, you find timeless and/or elegant.

Burberry slim coat, $1,840 / L.K.Bennett round toe suede pumps, $300 / Kate Spade red crossbody / MELANIE GEORGACOPOULOS 18k earrings / FOSSIL stainless steel watch / Bare Escentuals mineral lipstick / Chloé lily perfume

Pacific NW Style

If you haven't noticed, I love living in Puget Sound, WA. It is such a wonderful place. Seattle and Vancouver, Canada are less than two hours away, and it's so easy to find healthy and natural food/products. It's wonderful. I have trees, I have mountains, and I have the sea. I am in paradise.

I've been adopting a NW style over the months I've been here. So, what exactly is the style like here? It's part sophisticated, part quirky, and part relaxed. Many of us tend to be drawn to the outdoors, and it's reflected in our dress. For me, I love wearing my Bean Boots with yoga pants, a plaid shirt, and a warm zip-up vest topped off with a beanie. Another cute, common look out her and a breezy dress with a cardigan, tights, flats, and scarf. I typically don't wear the last look as I don't have the cute dresses yet. I'm hoping this year more of the dresses will be available in the style I like.

The first style is one I adore. Maybe this will be the year I brave the second look.

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box

I finally decided to start a beauty subscription. Well, I signed up for two, but the other one hasn't arrived yet. The first box I have comes from Vegan Cuts. Each month, for $19.95, you get 4-7 items that are vegan, cruelty-free, and good for both you and the environment. I swear, it's like Christmas each month. The items are really good sizes, so it's a pretty good deal. Yes, there are many other beauty boxes that are cheaper, but with Vegan Cuts I can be sure it's cruelty-free, which is very important to me.

Here's what I got this month:

1. DermOrganic Masque and Shampoo
2. Gourmet Body Treats Scrub
3. Ellovi Butter
4. Modern Minerals Eyeshadow
5. Crazy Rumors Lip Balm
6. Bella Pierre Nail Polish

So far, I've tried the lip balm and love it. The Modern Minerals eyeshadow is a beautiful copper color, which is perfect for my eyes. I'm in the middle of doing my winter clean out in my house, so I've put off playing with these goodies until the weekend. But let me tell you, they smell so good, and they are good sizes to try and use. It's a great way to find new products and test them out before you buy.

Seattle Spots to See

Monday, I went on another excursion to Seattle, one of my favorite cities. I went mostly for the photography I would take, but I also stopped at the Seattle Art Museum. Mostly, I stayed at the touristy places like Pike Place Market. If you're in Seattle, here are some of my favorite places in downtown.

You can't go to Seattle and not visit Pike Place Market. I recommend going during the week in the morning as it won't be as busy. The vendors tend to close up around 4 P.M. There are stores and individual stall since it also has a great farmers market. While there, be sure to check out the Wall of Gum. The original Starbucks is here; it is on the small alley right across from the farmers market. You can find it by the original Starbuck sign that hangs down.

While you're at the Market, a few shops from the Starbucks is a little bit of Heaven called Le Panier. It is a glorious French bakery. The macaroons are the reason I go here. They are scrumptious. There is always a line, but it is worth it. You should get a macaroon in each flavor. I don't have a favorite since they're all so wonderful.

Another gem in the Market is Market Spice. This place is famous for their Cinnamon-Orange tea, which I'm drinking at the moment. Oh my word that tea is good. The store has several other types of tea, spices, and tools of the trade. To find this store, look for the fish being thrown (which is another famous part of the Market).

The Market is wonderful. You can spend hours there. No need to worry about food or restrooms as there are plenty of both. For parking, I recommend parking in the Target garage and walking the couple of blocks to it. Much cheaper than the Market parking lot.