Fascination

Recently I took the kids, along with Isabelle's friend Amanda, to the Pacific Science Center. Our primary goal was to see the Harry Potter Exhibition before it leaves Seattle February 13, but I was aiming to get our money's worth so the kids and I checked out everything to see what was new since we'd visited last.

It's always an experience to see things through my kids' eyes, but no more so than Hudson right now. Sometimes the big things I expect to get him excited don't phase him at all, and then there are other times that I'm amazed at, well, his amazement.

The Pacific Science Center has a year-round butterfly exhibit, along with a couple of Koi ponds. It's not huge, but the kids just love it. I thought Hudson would be entertained, but never could I imagine his utter and total fascination. He was captivated with the fact that the butterflies were flying around him, and would point out each and every one he found that had landed. And on occassion, he would just sit and stare. It's moments like these that I will never forget.

Not to say I told you so, but...

please note that I was just saying that this canvas/leather backpack is on my Top Five winter items...

And then I open up my Lucky to see this article about canvas and leather bags. So...I told you so.

Top Five

So, this isn't the regular Top Five.

The fun and hot Top Five.

With the yummy guys.

(Robert Pattinson..nomnomnomnom)

But rather, this is my Winter Top Five

of items I'm in love with RIGHT NOW

and that will hopefully get me through these

crappy winter months without pulling out my hair.

Yah for not pulling out hair!

I've seen a lot of blogs lately with people highlighting

their "must haves" of winter and figured I could

definitely get on board.

I've got some things to rave about.

And I've got a blog.

A+B=C

Let's hit it....

1. North Face Catalyst Jacket

Um, all I can say is WOW.

I got this jacket for Christmas from the fam (they rock

and are very good at following directions when

making key purchases for me) and I LOVE it.

I wore this to the Seahawks game last weekend

with just a thin shirt underneath and was

literally in a sweat it kept me so warm.

It's a keeper.

And it has a hoodie.

It's true love.

2. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends in Sunkissed

So, I'm not a blush girl.

In fact, I can say with 100% certainty that I have never

NEVER

NEVER

NEVER

owned a container of blush in my life.

(did I mention never?)

But I saw a lovely girl talking about this product

on her blog and thought, "self, maybe we

should give the not pasty look a try this winter."

I know, wild and crazy.

I started using it and was amazed.

It truly gives you a sunkissed-glowy look.

I have always feared blush as I don't want to look like a hooker.

Cause the hooker look is very popular with bad blush users.

You know the look....

Bright pink blush smeared across someone's checkbones.

Bleech.

Get those girls mirrors.

Unless?

They actually ARE hookers.

In which case, my bad.

3. Frederic Fekkai Shampoo and Conditioner

I went to get the ole mop of hair tamed the other day

and my hair stylist was beside herself.

"I can't believe how much your hair has grown!

And it looks so healthy!"

Yeah, my hair is neither a fast grower, nor

anything you'd normally describe as healthy.

HOWEVER...

I seem to have found something to help battle nature.

Frederic Fekkai products are not cheap (ain't gonna lie!)

but this stuff is fantastic.

My hair grows (quickly) and can stand up to the daily blow drying.

Mine is the version for color treated hair cause

well...

obviously this look ain't natural.

4. Ecote Canvas and Leather Backpack from Urban Outfitters

This backpack requires no words except one...

PERFECTION.

There truly is no greater backpack alive in my book.

I got this the other day and am trying to restrain

myself from turning it into my purse.

Cause, well, I'm not in college anymore and should

probably maintain some sense of professionalism.

Material is great. Pockets are great. Zippers in just the right places.

I could go on.

But really you should just go buy one.

They have lots of colors, but I went for the green.

Yum.

5. Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Eye Cream

2010 turned out to be the year of living in fear of wrinkles for me.

Up until that point I accepted I had some crow's feet coming on

but I sort of shrugged them off and acted like I didn't care.

Uh, I care.

A LOT.

Turns out I'm not willing to go quietly into that good night of wrinkling.

Apparently I've decided I'm gonna battle aging to the bitter end.

Starting now.

I'm embarassed to list the number of items I use

(3...no, wait, 4)

(4!!!)

on a daily basis.

Two things I've found are really good.

(I've still yet to find a good cleanser that I think makes a difference.

Honestly I'm accepting the goal of the cleanser is to

just clean and not dry out my face.)

1. Oil of OlayRegenerist Daily Regenerating Serum

I slather this stuff on twice a day.

It makes my skin soft like a baby's butt.

No lie.

However, it still wasn't doing what I wanted with the wrinkles.

Then just the other day I was reading another blog

that mentioned this Garnier product.

I was unaware they made anything for the face.

And I was skeptical.

Did I mention it's only $3.50 a jar?

My bad.

$3.50 A JAR, PEOPLE!!

And it works.

No lie, it works.

Again, I use it twice a day as directed and I've noticed a difference.

I might have a small supply in my hall cabinet

in case of apocalyse.

Or discontinuation.

Which are probably one in the same for my face.