I love shopping for jewelry at pawn shops.  I’ve been doing it for years.  Pawn shops are everywhere.  You don’t need to go into the inner city to find one.  I’ve been shopping at Dan’s L&L in Waukesha, WI for over 10 years. They have the most awesome selection of jewelry I have ever seen.  I’ve never been a mall shopper for jewelry.  Lately I’ve been really digging sterling silver jewelry.  I don’t care if it’s used, it’s new to me. They have a huge inventory of new items.

I’ve purchased some beautiful silver and gemstone rings from Dan’s.  I’ve been lucky as they have all fit.  When I buy gold rings, I usually have to have them sized up.  Dan does repairs also.  The rings in the photo are all recent purchases.  I spent anywhere from $12 to $20 each.  Most of them have been around $15.

Check out Dan’s L&L, tell them Stacy sent you.  www.waukeshajeweler.com

This is the most amazing primer/smoother I have discovered.  I have tried at least ten other primers, and this is by far the best.  I have found since I started using the 5 Sec Blur that I do not have to wear foundation.  It’s that good.  The results are instant. The fine lines around my eyes virtually disappear after I put the smoother on.  It also evens out your skin tone.  The flaws I have on my face are erased. I do think my skin’s overall appearance improved as the package claimed.  I don’t smoke or really drink which helps me maintain a great complexion.  I also use a 30 SPF moisturizer before using the 5 Sec Blur.

This is one product where everything they say on the packaging is correct. The directions tell you to use a dime size amount, I’ve been using a pea size and it works fine.  The pricing is a good value at $16.99 at www.ulta.com.  My first tube lasted about 6 weeks with daily use.  I’m an Ulta Rewards member so I never seem to pay full price for anything there.  Ulta usually has coupons every few weeks that come with the Sunday newspaper.  I’ve used several other Garnier skin care products, but the 5 Sec Blur is truly a miracle worker.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6390732&skuId=2269179&_requestid=257376 

I’ve had a love/ hate relationship with my hair for over 40 years.  My hair was straight until I went through puberty. I basically woke up when I was 13 and had spiral curls everywhere, almost had a blonde afro.  Back in the 1970’s no one knew how to cut naturally curly hair.  Needless to say it was a pain.  My hair is very fine and it started getting thin when I was in my early 30’s. I didn’t have a lot of options as to how I could wear my hair.  It sucked.  I was thrilled when Rogaine first came out.  It wasn’t cheap and you had to have a prescription. I was bummed as I really couldn’t afford it at the time.

After my son was born, my hair was falling out in handfuls.  I knew it was hormone related, but having thinning hair on top of that didn’t help.  By this time Rogaine was generic and available over the counter.  I gave it a try.  I used the women’s 2% version at first.  I was thrilled when the 5% solution came out.  My dermatologist said the 5% was okay for women.  I’ve been using minoxidil every day for the past fifteen years.

I have found the best price at Wal-Mart on the Equate brand.  I use it once a day.  My thinning was in my crown area, and I’ve been very pleased with the results.  It is a lifelong commitment though.  Once you stop using the product your new hair growth will fall out.  A three bottle supply of the 5% from www.walmart.com is $18.76.  This is a great value as I get six months use from the three bottle supply.  The Equate 5% foam at www.walmart.com is $19.92 for one can.

I use to use the dropper before going to bed, but it made my head itch.  Now I use it as soon as I get home from work, as it absorbs better.  Losing your hair as a woman is devastating.  So much of our appearance is wrapped up in our hair.  The only side effects I’ve had is that my hair is drier than normal.  I have naturally curly hair that is dry to begin with.

I use the 5% foam on my temple areas, as it’s easier to apply.  I’ve never massaged the liquid into my scalp and it works just fine. I will be using minoxidil for the rest of my life.  My hair will never look like it did when I was in my 20’s, but considering I’m 55, it looks pretty darn good.

This is an amazing new product.  It’s much better than a BB cream, as it’s a powder so it’s easy to apply.  It imparts a nice glow.  I use the translucent and it has a light coverage.  I have been using it for about two months and I have seen a reduction in the few spots I had on my face.  The packaging says you will look 10 years younger instantly.  I’m 55 and actually look better now than I did when I was 45, so yeah I guess it works.

It only has an SPF of 15, I recommend using a 30 SPF moisturizer before applying.

I bought mine from Ulta for $13.99, but had a $3 dollar coupon on the package.   It was well worth the price.  I don’t use foundation anymore, just a primer and this powder.  I use a concealer under my eyes and around my nose.  It really appears as if I have no make- up on.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6380027&skuId=2268677&_requestid=258027 

Check out my new ring from Overstock.com.  I’m into silver these days and wanted another wedding ring.  Silver seems to look so fresh, especially in the summer.  This ring really sparkles and looks just right on my “man hands”. It also matches well with my current manicure. Not too shabby for a 55 year old woman, if I do say so myself. Modesty is just one of my many good qualities. That and finding good deals on cool stuff.   Here is the link -https://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Tressa-Sterling-Silver-White-Round-cut-Prong-set-Bridal-style-Ring-Set/7604288/product.html?fp=f&cid=230956&token=230956-2309562014070714047939436893831855472331502046-1-46df7a&fp=f&TRACK=emailcusts