Guilty Pleasures

The economy is bad and we've been hit pretty hard. We've done a lot of cutting back. So when I indulge, my indulgences are filling not only wants but also fulfilling needs. I'd like to give thanks for the life savers that these products are. Could I do without them? Of course. But after a hard day at work, dealing with my often crazy kids (and sometimes husband), or stressing over trying to make ends meet - having one of these great products at home to indulge in is a slice of heaven. Some of these are recent great finds and others I've been using for years.

Growing up in Seattle I was spoiled by a climate where it didn't matter if I used lotion very often. After moving to Utah with its extreme seasons I've found that often lubricating my skin twice a day is not enough. To complicate the matter I have relatively sensitive skin. This Alba Very Emolient Body Lotion -Dry Skin Formula is pricey but has saved my skin. I absolutely love it!

I'm not shy about sharing the fact that in times of stress I literally pull my hair out. This compulsion first manifest itself when I was 8 or 9 and my parents had separated. I didn't seriously struggle with it again until I was fired from my job and found out I was pregnant - within a week! Since that time I've struggled off and on pretty regularly with the issue. My best tactic in the road back to a healthy head of hair (other than chopping it all off) is to pamper my hair and scalp. This usually involves purchasing a higher end product of one brand or another. My recent favorite is the Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner by Aveda. I had a friend in Flagstaff, AZ on my mission who owned her own Aveda Salon and used to give the missionaries free haircuts. I used to use their Madder root products (especially to for red hair) and more recently have also used their Rosemary products. The Shampure line has a great herbal fragrance and it leaves my hair feeling clean. As soon as I began using Aveda my hair felt stronger and healthier.

Most of my life I've struggled with weight issues. In the past few years those issues have been compounded into chronic health issues of high blood pressure and type II diabetes. One of the best allies I've found in my struggle with all three of these issues has been Yoga. I first discovered it on my mission and have practiced it off and on now for over ten years. I've been buying Yoga Journal, sometimes by subscription and other times just month by month, for at least 5 years now. I've found that it's articles inspire me to strive for a healthier me - emotionally, spiritually, physically, and as a citizen of our planet. I feel like it speaks to me and encourages me like a friend who unwittingly calls you on the phone and answers that question you've been struggling over but had never really voiced. Yoga journal is a friend. When I see it in my mailbox or in the grocery store line and I realize we haven't visited for a while (and I really need a pep talk) - I invite it home and catch up.

A few years ago I was reading an article in Better Homes and Gardens about "Green Cleaning" I had also just seen a blurb on some morning show

about it as well and I decided it was time for me

to try to find a "greener" alternative to the harsh chemicals I was using at home. I stumbled on to Mrs. Meyers Clean Day at the Wild Oat's that I frequented. I picked up the Lemon Verbena All Purpose cleaner and haven't looked back. I love this stuff. It cleans off that greasy, grimy dust that so nasty and ughh and is hard to get off. The product is fabulous. When I'm using it I want to clean my whole house. And the smell is invigorating. I've also used the air freshener, carpet cleaner, counter spray, and toilet cleaner. My other favorite though is Mrs. Meyers hand soaps. I actually buy the big refills so that I can stay stocked . While I love the Lemon Verbena hand soap (I've been using it for two or three years now) I fell in love last fall with their Basil scent.

Last summer I fell in love with some basil that I bought from the farmers market. I ended up buying a bunch of it, drying it and using it up way too soon. Now I'm stuck for another 3+ months waiting for the Salt Lake City farmers market to open up again. I will be very disappointed if that particular vendor is not participating this year. But I digress...that newfound love of Basil was the impetus for trying and discovering my new favorite handsoap scent. I have it at the kitchen sink and its made it such a pleasure to wash my hands. I'm only sad because it's almost gone. I guess I'll just have to get the refill. :) Hence Guilty pleasure.

Lastly and my most recent discovery are these great aromatherapy bath salts by EO. I have tried a few different brands and types of bath salts over the past few years. I had run out and had taken to soaking at the end of work days. I wasn't set on any particular brand and these appealed to me because of the Rose Geranium and Citrus fragrance. I'd had an essential oil that I really loved and used to use in the bath that also used that combination. This product was a great price for the quantity and I ended up adoring it. My job has me sitting for 10 hours a day at the computer. Needless to say by the end of the day I'm a little tense.

A hot bath with soothing salts and calming essential oils is the perfect end to a long day.