I know I just wrote about another product dealing with dry hands.  But with this uber dry winter weather, I can't help but find ways to relieve my poor suffering hands.  This No Crack Super Hand Cream from Restoration Hardware works so well.  My boyfriend's mom actually introduced me to it since she lives in super duper dry and cold Colorado as opposed to my apparently more moist section in the east coast.  Anyway, I just bought myself a nice 16oz tub of it which stays at home so I can apply it after handwashing.  It feels and smells great, so I just keep putting it on (I got the sweet orange).  I still use the Chapped Hands Remedy, but since it is in a smaller container, that one is more portable.  Though, if you like the No Crack better, it also comes in mini sizes.  As for now, I can't decide which I like better, so they'll just have to share my attention. ^_^

It's that time of the year again when your skin looks ashen and flaky, especially your hands.  And if you worked in a job that requires frequent washing (i.e. my old preschool gig with germ-infested toddlers), it's probably annoyingly to the point where it is chapped enough to form mini cuts on your hand!  Thankfully, last year I found this life saver.  Since, at that time,  it was 50% off, I gave it a try.  Just the name itself inspired confidence: Chapped Hands Remedy.  Why yes, I do need such a thing!  After application, my hands felt silky smooth.  The fragrance was also just light enough for my sensitive nose's sensibilities.  Sadly, I have to reapply after I scrub my hands.  But, it's in a small enough container that I can bring it with me wherever I go.  And it somehow lasted me all last season of dryness.  Not bad.

Oh dress,
so cute you are.
It hurts that I can only
admire from afar.

Your fitting bodice
and color of ivory
and swirling skirt
all covered in cherry
.......

I absolutely adore this dress!  Tried it on this past summer and knew it was a mistake because I'd love it too much!  Finally I find it at a good discount... (well, good for Betsey Johnson) and I still can't afford it cuz I'm in school!  Ahh!

Okay, just had to vent because I wish wish wish wish I could get this dress!

I've only shopped at Lord & Taylor once.  However, I decided to be added to the mailing list and I am so glad I did!

Every now and then, they send out an email called Lunch Break.  For 2 hours, they put a big discount on certain products like cashmere sweaters or Cole Haan bags.  It's so fun! 

I have yet to get something because sadly I missed out on the cashmere sweater deal.  But I'm keeping an eye on my emails for the next great deal.

During an evening chauffering my very pregnant auntie on her errands, we found our way to Century 21(a hallowed place of designers at discount prices).  

As I helped her search for a robe, I noticed that the children's section had Bearpaw boots for sale.  Now, most people I know (maybe not who you know) have never heard of these.  Around here, UGG is pretty much the keyword and maybe Emu (which are the ones I owned the last two winters).  Anyway, my boyfriend has a pair of these boots and he loves them.  So due to sentimentality (and the fact that he lives 2,000 miles away and I miss him), I decided to find a pair for me at the women's section. 

Sure enough, they were there in all colors and sizes, right next to the UGGs and Emus, of course.  Those were sold for more than the Bearpaw ones.   However, when I slipped my feet into its soft, sheepskin layer, I fell in love.  They felt so much more snugly and warm than the other boots of this variety.  I checked the price ($39.97).  Perfect.

When I went to pay for it, the cashier ran into a problem.  Apparently, it rang up as $49.97, contrary to the label.  He called his manager.  After 5 minutes of some decisions on their part, the manager declared that she would give it to me at the price on the label.  Awesome!  That little thing definitely made my day.

By the way. if you want to have cute little boots like these and not pay the exhorbitant price of a popular brand, try these.  

Oh such lovely words to see on the subject line of an email: Kate Spade Sample Sale.  I eagerly click on the link and find an array of cute little things that I know I don't really need but feel I must have.  I decide to narrow down to something I actually might need a new one of... like a wallet!  I like this Mulberry Street Noel Neda in red.  But at $99?  Hmmm... Do I really need to save money for grad school?  Damn it.. I do.  

Well, for all you lucky ones with money to spare, head over to katespade.com.  The shipping is only $5 on all orders!