Hello everyone, my name is Kelsey and I am an addict…
…and by addict, I mean beauty product addict. Nothing else makes me feel as good as buying a new lipstick. I make pilgrimages to far away cities to shop the cosmetic counters of Nordstrom and Saks. I spend copious amounts of time online in search of whatever is deemed the “it” product by the beauty editors. And like millions of other women (and a few men) I pray to the church of Sephora. Beauty products are my heroin.
I am …

About six years ago, a few of my girlfriends and I started have “Personal Wellness Days” every few months. These were days designed for relaxation and fun, or what most people would call a “Girls’ Day Out.” The activities varied from brunch to massages to dinners out and they were always great. In more recent times, however, the economy has changed the way we approach our time together. We do more nights in, making appetizers and sharing bottles of wine at someone’s house or apartment. And even though we’re not …

As of today, there are 10 shopping days left before you’re expected to have every gift neatly wrapped, labeled and under the tree. While you can certainly join the masses at Target, Walmart or (if you’re brave) the mall, we think you’ll also enjoy perusing these great local shops. You’ll find fewer crowds, unique merchandise and friendly (and helpful!) staff, turning holiday shopping from a chore into something that’s actually kinda fun.
And now… our recommendations:
For the product junkie:

Give your favorite product junkie something she can’t get anywhere else …

Moving to a new city is stressful enough without worrying about finding a stylist. Every woman (and a fair number of dudes) wishes it was as easy as picking a salon out of the phone book (wait – people still use phone books?) and taking your chances. I mean, you can still go that route, but you may end up with hair so bleached that it’s falling out and an unintentionally asymmetrical bob. I’ve been there. The rest of the story involves a lot of tears and a new hat …

O, makeup. How do I love yet resent thee? For most women, cosmetics are a bane and a blessing. They can be employed to play up your best features and mask your perceived flaws. But each day is like painting the Sistine Chapel just to wash it off at the end of the day.
Not all cosmetics are created equally. I’ll admit, I practically go into heat when I’m at the MAC counter. All the pigments all the weights and sheens and lusters. Yes, vanity is a sin. But so is …