How To Get Sand Off Of Your Body Parts EASILY After A Day At The Beach

Sand On, Sand Off!

Well Hello Sunshine:)

I hope this little note from paradise finds you well.  I know I've been on a bit of a vacation but I must say I miss you all and will catch up with your comments and blogs as soon as I can find a decent internet connection.  I love hearing from all of you!! So I hope you can forgive me; you see, I've prepared this little BRB S.O.S. to make it up to you.

Like me, if you have been enjoying the "extended" version of the long weekend as an excuse to take a vacation on a sandy beach under the hot sun, then this tip is just for you.

Throughout the Summer (and yes, it's almost here), and especially this weekend in particular, we have planned and packed for the long haul.  It's been days since we've seen the car (where'd we park again?).  We have staked our claim on some prime real estate in front of the vast aquamarine sea, set at the perfect distance so that the tide will certainly Not soak our perfectly peaceful dream come true.

  

 Many times we stay at the beach and continue the festivities to the local bar or bonfire gathering.  Some of us are lucky enough to have a nearby beachhouse to go to.  Many of us change with supreme finesse under our towels.  Most of us cannot muster the energy to treck back to our vehicles so we do what we can near the showers and the public restrooms. 

Either way, the step from wet, sandy swimsuit to dry, comfortable dress is never quite as easy as it should be, am I right?

Sand is so nice...until you have to get the grainy nuisance out of the, well um, more hidden areas of your body!!

Here's How To Get Sand Off in A Flash:

(works well getting it off of your children too!)

1. Grab the Talcum Powder

(Burt's Bees has an incredible powder and it smells subtle and fresh.

Baby Powder works but do You want to smell like a freshly changed diaper before that potentially romantic bonfire, hmmmm??)

2. Sprinkle It Liberally Where Needed

(Under the bikini bottom area, Under Armpits, On the back, neck, and sparingly behind the ears)

3. Towel It All Off

4. Now that the sand is off, you can use a wet washcloth and some lotion to get you back to Glowing Goddess/God;)

AND IN THE LOVELY EVENT THAT SOMEONE WALKS BY YOU AND KICKS SAND ON YOU,

Talcum Powder also Helps:

TO GET SAND OUT OF EYES - close eyes and sprinkle some on face then gently brush off sand with ease

TO GET SAND OUT OF HAIR - put a little in your hands and rub it gently into your scalp then use fingers to work it out of hair (this absorbs oil too)

TO GET IT OUT OF A BABY'S DIAPER - again, sprinkle on then gently towel off.

Hope This Helps You Too.

I love having powder on hand.  It's gotten me out of so many binds. I can't tell you how many times it's saved me the trouble of getting all that crusty sand off of my body parts, hence no annoying dirt on perfectly prepared outfits.  Enjoy your newfound comfort and easily slip into your next activity with confidence!

Hopefully, you have at least one more day in the sun my lovelies.  Don't forget your sunscreen;)

I'll see your sunkissed faces soon.

 xBRB

How to Get Rid of Pins and Needles

In A Prickle?

Do you ever find yourself working on a project for hours but spread out all over the floor?  Maybe you sit at the computer all day working on research or reports?  Don't you hate when you've been sitting on a leg wrong or laying your head in your hand  for a little too long only to experience the oh-so-uncomfortable feelings of pins and needles shooting through your extremities?

First, enter the pregnant pause as you first get up; it is now when the initial tingle begins, but you know the pain is coming...

Finally, your hands, fingers, feet, and/or toes are filled with an internal, massive and unrelenting explosion of unnerving, prickly fire.

I Think you'll like the Results of This Solution! 

So I was up late the other night watching this new show with Bear Grylls called, "Worst Case Scenario."

(*Aside: I'm the first to agree that he's done some raunchy stunts on "Man v. Wild" for survival, but he did redeem himself in my eyes after sharing the following piece of advice.)

Basically, Bear shares a tip that you'll never forget because you'll probably use it a lot from now on...  

As soon as you feel the lack of circulation pause before the rush of the storm, 

SLOWLY and GENTLY Rock Your Head from side to side 

(ear down towards shoulder)

to get the circulation going.

If done correctly, you may be able to avoid the whole pins and needles experience entirely.

Phew!!

Now, I can't think of one person who won't appreciate this one, so feel free to Share!

 xBRB

How to Get Rid of Dark Under Eye Circles and Stop Looking So Puff and Stuff

Party Pooped After the Dreaded Walk o' Shame

Ahem...Hi there.  Are you just coming home right now???  Heeeyyy, weren't you wearing that last nigh-...ohhhh, I see:)  Well,  I'm glad you had a good time!  What's that you say?  Key Lime Pie Martinis and Late Night food from the Koji BBQ Truck?  Mmmmm, sounds Divine! All right, you can share the dirty details later.  For now, I know you're tired.  Why don't you go and wash your face and then meet me in the kitchen? Before you hit the sack, I'll share a couple of magic tricks with you...

FashionIndie

Silja Magg

(*btw, I'm not trying to endorse smoking.  I am close to someone who is dying of lung disease - it's pretty uncomfortable for them. These images just seemed to fit with the theme...)

Also, you may have Dark Circles from Staying Up All Night Studying, Slaving At Work, or Taking Care of Baby.  This post is especially written to help you;)

K, Ready?

Erase Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes

Have Some Water. It'll Help.

Dehydration only adds to dark circles and puffiness.

Besides, 8 oz. (at least) before bed will really ease the headache and the hangover.

Baccarat and JPG

Chop Some Cucumber Slices and Lay On Your Eyes

I know you've heard this before, but cucumber oils are soothing to the dilated blood vessels pushing against your eye skin

-chop 1/4 in. thick and keep several on hand so you can change them when they get warm

Leave on eyes for 10-20 min.

Polly Put A Kettle of Chamomile Tea On

Chamomile is GOOD for the Nervous System.  It's an Anti-Inflammatory and an Anti-Spasmodic.

After Steeping some Tea for yourself to drink, place teabags to cool on saucer (wait a few minutes).

Put on your iPod and place cooled bags onto closed eyelids.

10-20min, 

but in my experience Chamomile Tea is such a great pain reliever/muscle relaxer that I usually fall asleep almost immediately in this situation.

**always check with a Dr. before incorporating new herbal teas to your diet**

Teavana

While you are waiting...

Cut A Raw Potato into Slices Then Soak in Water, leave in a Tupperware, AND Refrigerate. ADD Lemon to the Water to keep it from oxidizing quickly.

These may not be helpful right now, but later on in the day or in the week, you'll have them and be very grateful;)

10-15min.

***Don't let them stay on too long.  They may oxidize and turn brown while they're on your face - Not a good idea.***

What to Buy At The Store If You Must:

HR Collaser-5X

I have tried practically every under eye cream known to the free world and I have yet to see results as amazing as this baby. So if you must spend your money and don't want to use the previous Cheaper methods, then go ahead I won't stop you.  Pricey but waaayyyy worth it!  I even keep mine in the fridge...

Kate

Flaming June by Lord Leighton

Nighty Night Loves.  When you wake, you may want to walk and get the blood circulating, you know, get the  fresh air flowing through your body, go to work...
May you glow radiantly this weekend and well into the week!  And definitely let me know how this works out for you!

xBRB

Pickled in Polyester - Removing Perspiration Odor from Clothes

"Do you wanna be a Polyester Bride?"

Gotta love all of these classy ladies esp. Brigitte Bardot ...

Classic Poly Tunic w/Belt

ONE DOWNFALL WITH MANY VINTAGE ITEMS IS THAT POLYESTER WAS AT ONE TIME KING 
And polyester "finds" from thrift stores sometimes...well, most times, stink "b.odorously" (sure it's a word!).  The better the piece, the more likely it was worn at full-bore - singing and dancing the night away.
We can only assume that these pieces moved about during exciting times, but we do not desire for the garment to retain the malodorous remainder of those days, do we?

Fortunately, my Mom took really good care of hers so there is no problem with the ones I've received from her lovely and well-scented closet. And if you find a reputable vintage store online, they will send you pieces that were screened/cleaned and don't carry too much of a lingering odor (A special Thank You to Lulu's.com! Shipping was quick and the vintage top smelled fine - post coming soon).

Vintage Windsor Top Arrived!

However, I have spent several afternoons around the country at some of the best kept secret, secondhand spots with the most outstanding fashion.  And these spectacular pieces more likely than not are worth the maintenance required to "De-mustify".
Ahhh...segue to BRB Post on Getting Rid of Polyester P.U.

During my research, I found great ideas from iVillage.com.
I loved some ideas better than others, BUT understanding a bit about chemistry, I strongly advise AGAINST ammonia ever being added to a clothes washer, sink, or tub (because if it ever mixed with chlorine bleach - that means hair dye bleach too - KABOOM!).

But I'll tell you a few of the following methods that have worked for many, myself included.
DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES TO DEODORIZE
*Note: Each number indicates a SEPARATE technique
Charcoal

Place Charcoal (non-lighter fluid soaked) into a small plastic tub and poke small holes in the lid.  

Put container inside a larger plastic bag along with garment holding stench. 

 **I might even use a higher thread count cheese cloth or nylon in which to wrap the charcoal
 instead of the small tub.**
I'm thinking that this might allow more exposure to the charcoal for filtration...

Seal bag and leave for a few days.  

The charcoal should filter out the odor.  Think water filtration system, but with air.

Be careful not to let charcoal dust get onto clothing.

20 Mule Team Borax

*also gets rid of urine smell (I know gross, right? Well, it does!)

Regular Washing Machine Load:  1/2 cup + detergent of choice to regular load of laundry

Delicates:  1/4 cup + 1-2 TBSP detergent of choice dissolved into warm water, soak for 20 min., rinse in cold water

Baking Soda

*Some detergents have baking soda already included in the ingredients

1 cup + detergent added to your regular wash load

Soak for 1/2 hour

1/2 Cup White Vinegar to Rinse Cycle

Salt

*not recommended for washing machines

1 Cup + detergent and warm water

Soak overnight.

Here's a Tip for DRY CLEAN ONLY garments:

Take an issue of your latest fashion mag that has perfume inserts 

OR a piece of charcoal wrapped in cheesecloth (or, again, placed inside nylon),

Put into Large Gallon Freezer Bag with Garment and Seal.

Leave Overnight.

And finally,

For a FRESH CLOSET (esp. one lovingly stocked with Shoes)
I suggest a strategically placed box of Baking Soda and Cedar Hangers (also keeps moths away);)

Those are my tips for now:)  Have a great week and 

I'll be here if you need me.

xBRB

A Breath of Fresh Feet - How to Deal with the Side Effects of Shoe Fetish

Socks Rock...

Speaking of shoes, I am relieved that there is even an avant garde nod to the idea of wearing socks with our favorite shoes as seen here at the Hermes show.  This totally brings me back to my childhood:)  I used to rock the socks with my sandals all the time...

courtesy Elle

This season I'll attempt to properly incorporate this much more sensible approach into my everyday style. In the meantime, I will share a great Beauty S.O.S. on keeping feet fresh when socks are not an option.

...but Smelly Feet Stink!

We should be nicer to our feet, right?  They do so much for us despite our demands. 

Slip (Squeeze) into this feet.

Walk feet.

Go there feet.

Look Good feet.

Keep it going feet!

After long, hot days in lovely shoes, I find that Sweat is an inevitable adversary.  Now that the days are lengthening and the chances of bare (or exposed) feet are increasing, we often run right into Smelly Feet 911 after a long day in the trenches. 

Invited last minute by someone special to Happy Hour cocktails?

Girlfriends ready to hit the dance floor in strappy sandals?

After-work meeting with clients at the new Hot Spot in town?

Did your spouse just inform you that you're having dinner with VIPs (Boss, neighbors, friends, kids)?

Don't Soak Your Head Silly, Soak Your Feet;)

Where?
Under your workdesk
In the restroom
In your car
Pretty much anywhere there's privacy
How?
1. Grab some Mouthwash*
2. Fill a medium, shallow pan/tub/container (anything that will fit your feet will do) with enough Mouthwash to cover at least halfway up your foot.
3. Soak for 10 minutes
4. Towel Dry.
5. Go:)
*If you have cuts or open wounds, I'd suggest Epsom salts and warm water til you heal.

 +

This is all I have on hand.

It may be beneficial to use one with antiseptic properties...

=

Victory.

I worked a Trend Show Weekend in 2007 that had me running so much that by Sunday my feet were too swollen to fit into my shoes.  If I only knew then what I know now.  Probably could've used it during the last trimester of pregnancy too...
Give it a try.  I think you'll like the results!
xBRB

Update on Beauty S.O.S. for Burns

Well, I'm on a roll this morning with reviews so I'll also do a brief update on my research with Moshi's Burn Solution.  Let's just say I was cooking *gasp!*...(quiet all you in the peanut gallery...) and let's just say that I went to unplug the rice cooker and burned myself. 

I don't think my forearm made contact for more than a second, but yowwza...that hurt!  I stuck my arm under the cold running water for many minutes.  When I looked at it, the skin wasn't even pink.  But it was still painful and gave my skin this sensitivity thing.  Where was the mark?  How was I supposed to gain any sympathy from anyone if I look unscathed?  Hmph.

So, seeing as that it was "minor" I took the initiative to explore the Toothpaste option.  I used a whitening gel because that's what was at the sink.

Here's what it did:

-Eased the pain and gave a refreshing, cooling sensation
-Got all over my couch and clothes
-Tightened the skin on my forearm
-Gained me a little sympathy;) (heehee, such a drama queen!)
-8 hrs later, I removed the toothpaste and there was no blister, just a little red mark.
 (5 hrs earlier I could see a distinct bump on the burn site)

Anywho, great tip!  My arm still feels cool and minty fresh (it even made me cold - see the goosebumps?).  Wow.  Toothpaste alleviated my pain.  I did put a dab o bacitracin and a band-aid so there's no funny business with scarring.
More later.

xBRB

Lalala Love Lush - Dry Hands Get Help

Seduced through a Doorway...

I've been trying to publish a Lush Haul post, but due to technical difficulties, what I've already produced is held up in "Drafts."  Oh well, nothing is on accident.  So let's try a different approach.  First, I'll admit and agree that Lush is nothing short of Luscious.

*deeply inhaling the delicious smells currently permeating my room*

So many of you have done reviews and videos, so today I'm going to focus purely on BRB territory:

DRY SKIN
...or specifically Dry, Cracked Skin on Hands

Why, oh why, are the hands on my skin like a black hole for moisture?  After a year of washing to the extent that rivals someone with OCD in order to prevent the spread of well, EVERYTHING, I am left with ashy, cracked, and red hands. I don't want wrinkles on my hands.  I don't want my hands to age me. I don't like petroleum products, they suck the life out of my largest organ.  After constant abuse from the fickle weather and anti-bacterial invasion, I have been in search of:

Relief.

Moisture.

After being pleasantly surprised by my cousin, C, with Chox Away and Noubar soap, I noticed a significant difference in levels of moisture on my legs long after my usually hot shower.  And after seeing all the hype on YT, my curiosity was peaked.  So I set a goal to seek out this revered brand.  And luckily, lo and behold, I found a store (not so close, but not too far).=)

I think I floated behind my nose, through the glass doorway, and into a vividly colored and soothingly scented mecca. Basically, it's everything I ever wanted in my bathroom, but didn't know it til that moment.

Am I in Heaven?
Everyone was smiling in there.  There were gatherings around glass bowls of water into which the reps would drop things that would fizz and bubble.  I constantly spotted people dramatically closing their eyes to smell items in a slow and luxurious manner.  I thought, 'What's going on here people? What must they be pumping through the vents?'

Then someone, Laura, spotted me and swept me away into an hour long (not that I noticed time) journey into product demo 411 a.k.a. my mini-spa tour.

The first stop was here:

Restore, Revitalize, Replenish

Step 1: Cuticle Cream that soothes the most stubborn skin and permeates the air like Lemongrass Tea

Step 2: Aqua Blue Exfoliator that sloughs dead skin and leaves a cooling herbal ocean scentsation

Step 3: A decadent light yellow, chamomile scented Body Lotion that truly is "as good as it gets,".

SCORE.

And it's organic and environmentally friendly?

SOLD.

Yes, it is a bit pricier than your drugstore brands, but it's worth it.  A little seems to go a long way.  Besides, if you turn in 5 clean, black pots, you get a free fresh face mask.

As a matter of fact, Laura did demonstrate four masks on my hand from what I refer to as the "salad bar" area.  It's made fresh and refrigerated but it does smell more like veggies...

The most moisturizing seemed to be Sacred Truth (green).

Anyhow, I left the store last week with samples (amongst a few of your recommendations like Buffy and Porridge) but couldn't get myself back there fast enough to get the three items for my hands (why do samples make us do that?).  Why?  Well, my hands looked great well into the week even after much contact with soap and water.  And these work on feet so you have something to do between pedis...

I guess it's all well and good, because I also picked up some of the Easter Bath Bombs and the Giant Egg (filled w/goodies) for Baskets;)  Well worth the 2nd trip.

May your hands remain undeniably holdable this season.

Happy Easter!

xBRB

Got Burned?

spend a minute with brow raised beauty
Have you been burned lately?  No, no,  Physically.  Well, here's something I also picked up at the counter the other day - a perfectly appropriate BRB Tip.  My friend Moshi uses toothpaste on barely there but unfortunately there burns (we're talking MINOR barely burned skin like a tiny curling iron mishap, you hear?  Otherwise call 911 because burns are no joke).   This would have helped me last week when I decided to drop the flat iron on my ear and it produced a really cute red mark that looked like a hickey.  Thank goodness for hair...

I'm not looking forward to my next bout with this issue, but I'm curious to see how toothpaste actually works:)  *Disclaimer: Try it at your own risk.  

As a responsible beauty advisor, I must EMPHASIZE that you should Go Here to the MayoClinic.com for the 411 on Burns.  PLEASE.  It walks you through identifying what level burn you have and deciphers what to do when working with Chemical burns (may help some of you at-home colorists).  It also helps you determine whether or not to go to the ER STAT.

Quick stop-drop-and roll call (this is directly copied from the above site as of today for those of you too lazy to click the link)

By Mayo Clinic Staff

To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the extent of damage to body tissues. The three burn classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:

First-degree burn

The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. The skin is usually red, with swelling, and pain sometimes is present. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.

Second-degree burn

When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.

For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, take the following action:

• Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

Caution

• Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a burn victim's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
• Don't apply butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.
• Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.

Third-degree burn

The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

1. Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
2. Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR.
4. Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
5. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.

Get a tetanus shot. Burns are susceptible to tetanus. Doctors recommend you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your last shot was more than five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot booster.

Be Careful out there my friends,
xBRB

No Tweezers? Please... try these.

9:56am and the red light is brightly blinking in urgency.  All morning, alerts on my mobile annoyed me with countless emails offering 20%-30% discounts or free gwp of some caliber or another.  But this time the blinking felt different - important.  And when I picked up my phone, it was confirmed. 

Bff text: "omg, i mean. i cant find my tweezers anywhere. my guy-brows are starting to set in!"

I have this "connection" with her that I just cannot explain.  When one of us is in need, the other just knows. Does that happen to you ever? I mean, the incidences range from small things such as buying the same item just in a different color to big things like picking up the phone to call as it rings.  what? why are you laugh-  We rock different styles and the chances of either of us having free time for the phone is practically null!  you may smirk, but I think it's ESP;)  I know, I know, make fun all you want.  It's true though.  And yes, having "guybrows" IS an emergency when you are supposed to be groomed as a professional under the careful watch of everyone around you.  Be honest everyone.  Guybrows = Emergency.

As you can see here, fuller brows are more fashionable these days, but notice, Camilla Belle: oy vey.

So let's move on to the solution.

Have you spent the night at your boyfriend's apartment? pulled an all-nighter at work? tweezers fell in the toilet mid-tweeze because "someone" left the seat up?  Just have a few strays that you missed at home but caught while you were out? Fear not.

Grab your Sunnies or your Specs

SECRET:  Fold in one arm. Hold the frame of your glasses still (you can hold the middle of the frame if you want). With your writing hand, leverage the arm so that you can pinch the hair, then pluck.

Get it?  Pinch, Pull, Pluck.

...or try this...

open... 

pinch,

and

pluck!

If you feel like an expert, I suppose you could also try plucking with the curved bobby pins too, but it might be a bit slippery slope straight into the eye. besides, I don't like the look of that overhang. 

ouch...

I know it's a bit crude. But if it's all you've got, then you do what you have to do!

*much love and respect to my muse, EJ, for the inspiration,
and to IrishDancingNerd 

for sharing a funny story that fueled my blog.  And I quote:
 "It was challenging, yet more successful than one might think."

nuff said! Happy Friday my Friends:)

xBRB

How To Prevent Bruising - Acting Quickly on the Cheap

Fight or Flight Fail

Let's just say it was for a good cause.  I mean, I heard blood curdling screams coming from the other room for goodness sake!  Primal Instinct took hold. I wasn't even awake yet, but in one clumsy but unified movement, I bolted upright then flew into an automatic run...  almost. Here's where it could've gone wrong: 

1) Eyes trying to see through stubborn eyelids that refused to raise and reveal the clear path to the doorway.

2) Lack of sleep hence coordination of a jello, stick figure. 

3) Adrenaline Rush Fail.

As I hurled forward out of my bed, somehow one foot caught in the sheet or the comforter/duvet what have you and I tripped.  An onomotopeia? Crack! BOOM Yelp.  Now, imagine falling - hard - knee first onto the sharp, wood corner of the ironically well-cushioned ottoman. Nice. Before this particular incident, it's placement at the foot of the bed seemed harmless - helpful even!  Usually, it just sits pretty, doesn't do much... Et Tu Brute?

"I'm okay... uh, maybe not."

What transpired next was a series of expletives synchronized with a wail/whine/cry sound that came from way down deep inside where my soul had abruptly become disrupted from peace. 

Maybe it hurt because:

1) the muscle was momentarily separated where the corner had made contact.  (I heard a crunch.)

2) Possibly, it was the fact that the corner actually hit bone.  (pretend to not think about crunch sound)

3) Was it my Pride that it had cut so deeply? 

4) Nope. Just Pure Pain. (Breathing. B/w screams).

Why do I tell you this story? Why do I show you this ugly pic of my knee?  I told you I'd help you with embarassing things like the aftermath of your clumsiness;)   Don't tell me those fantabulous platforms or 6-inch heels never turned on you at the most inopportune moment.  Even in a flat shoe, slipping and falling is not out of the question.  Were you at work? on a Date? New York Fashion Week?  It's okay.  I totally understand.  Remember, I'm your girl and I'm going to offer you a hand.  Stand up my friend and listen to me.

You betchyer Aqua Net...

HAIRSPRAY sprayed directly on the site of the injury (potential and probable Bruise - **caveat: NOT recommended for Broken skin) WILL PREVENT MOST BRUISES FROM EITHER FORMING OR TURNING BLACK AND BLUE.

So you ask why is my knee bruised here?  Remember the blood curdling scream that I was attempting to rescue?  Well, let's just say, I didn't get to my bruise in time and this pic was taken a day later.  When I did finally remember to apply Hairspray and had the stamina to overcome all obstacles and execute the task, it was already swirling into the darker colors of the rainbow.  But I must say, it never got worse. 

So you ask why you should believe me when I say this works?  Because it does.  I've tried it over and over on shins, elbows, cheeks, knees, you name it.  No, don't worry, I've only been victim to my inner adrenaline junkie.  Let's just say I heart certain sports that require a special relationship with jumping which leads to falling...and rolling from time to time (not to be confused with "falling down the stairs," though)...

Anyway, I use THIS ONE:

Make sure it has alcohol and it is aerosol (sorry ozone)

It probably works without aerosol too...

Yes, let it dry on you even if it turns white.  You can wipe it off later!

You'll find that a small travel size in the purse will save you time and time again (do your friends' coffee tables come to mind?).

I'm not a Doctor and I'm not telling you to do this instead of go to one if you need.  By all means, go.

This is just one of those SECRETS that you happen to hear your personal glamorati urgent care whisper in your ear to get you through the small stuff, k?

There, there, all better now?  Good:)

Hugs and BandAids,

xBRB