Do You Believe in Magic?

My sister and I are always searching for great skin products. So I was ecstatic when she called me at work, telling me she found a great cream. Egyptian Magic. I thought to myself hmm, it is called Egyptian Magic? It sounded hookey and weird. So as soon as I got off the phone I began my research. I entered Egyptian Magic into the search engine and hundreds of reviews came up.

Now I am thinking to myself, why have I never heard of this cream? It is sold at Whole Foods and other retailers that I frequent. It has been featured on The View, Vanity Fair magazine, US, People, the list goes on and on. So now I am obsessed and I haven't even tried it. My sister was so kind to purchase a jar for myself ($36) and literally all I could think of was getting home washing my face and trying the cream for the first time.

The first night was great. The cream is more like a petroleum jelly. It is rock hard in the jar and then you have to warm it up in your hands by rubbing your fingers together. At that point it just melts almost into an oil. It is 100% natural and can be used all over the body.

It has been almost a week now and I really like it. My skin in the morning is dewier and I feel like my skin looks a bit brighter. I have rubbed it on my elbows, which worked wonders and my dry spots on my feet. It really softened calluses on my heels and toes. All in all I would definitely recommend it. Try it, if not for the face for the body, especially the feet.

Autumn Begins

September 22, 2009 marks the first day of the Autumn season and the fall equinox. An equinox only occurs twice a year with sunlight and night being equal parts. Today is a day of perfect balance. So with the beginning of a new season, I bring you my favorite things of Autumn.

1. Halloween decorating. With the new season brings fall holidays, my favorite Halloween. Martha Stewart never disappoints with her holiday decor. I thought this looked like a great project for this Halloween. Seems simple, I'll let you know.

2. Hot Cocoa. It seems like the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte is on every one's fall list this year. Don't get me wrong it is delicious, but fall is not fall without some great hot cocoa. Williams Sonoma has a great recipe called Old-Fashioned Hot Cocoa. It is so good and as you can see by the recipe below it is intended for a child to make, so you know it is kid approved. Also, I suggest the whipped cream topping.

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mini marshmallows or whipped cream for serving

Directions:
-Warm the milk. Before you start, be sure an adult is nearby to help.

-In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until tiny bubbles appear around the edges of the pan. Remove from the heat.

-Blend the cocoa

-Put the cocoa, sugar and vanilla in a mug and stir to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of the hot milk to the cocoa mixture and stir until it is smooth with no visible lumps.

-Pour the remaining hot milk into the mug.

-Stir well, top with the marshmallows or whipped cream, and serve immediately. Serves 1. Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Sweet Treats, by Carolyn Beth Weil (Simon & Schuster, 2006).

3. Cozy Blankets. The change of weather equals some great snuggle time on the couch. I found this perfect snugly blanket from Pottery Barn. The Sweater Knit throw. A sweater and a blanket rolled into one? What sounds more perfect?

4. Fall Shoes. There are some amazing shoes this season. What I love best about fall shoes are boots. I particularly love the riding boot look. I found some Frye boots that are gorgeous (and waaayyy out of my price range). They would be the perfect addition to any fall wardrobe and the Bordeaux color is beautiful. Nordstrom online has a great lookbook on Frye boots, check it out; if only to dream.

5. Change of weather. For many Phoenicians the fall means 80 degree days and chilly nights. For me, the change of weather means being outside. Enjoying my backyard again, drinking coffee in the morning on my patio and hitting the mountain trails. My favorite trail is the summit at Piestewa Peak. It is the best work out and the best view. Try it, if you haven't. It very difficult but very rewarding.

I wish you all a wonderful new season full of balance and new challenges. What are your favorite things to do for Autumn?

Anniversary

September 14, 2009 marked our second year anniversary. It is mind blowing to me that one crazy thought sparked a new career path in my life. The two years has definitely flown by and challenged me in ways I never thought possible. There are days when I wanted to walk away and cry and then there are days when I just wanted to jump for joy.

I am happy to have created something that other people enjoy and feel good when they leave Sundrops. It is rewarding when I am out to dinner and hear the next table talking about the cutest pedicure place. It makes me smile to give 10 people jobs in a struggling economy. The best part is having a staff who put their heart and soul into making this the best place. Thanks to everyone who have supported us, gave us incredible feedback, and gave us a second chance. Cheers to two years!