Some really good things for January

First I should mention that the wonderful fluffy slippers I doted on have turned out to be a slipper failure. The tag said they are machine washable so my husband threw them in the wash for me, and out came matted, wadded, lumpy ex-slippers. Why would it tell me they are machine washable, only to come out looking like a hairball? Not good. So, alas, my quest for the perfect slipper continues.

I have found a few more good things this month that I thought I would share - none of which can be destroyed in your washing machine. ;)



1. Actually, this could be destroyed in your washing machine along with that great sweater or your favorite pair of jeans, but only if you leave it in a pocket. ;) It's called Zumbo Kiss Shea Butter Lip Balm in Peppermint and it's lovely (manufacturer is Indigo Wild in Kansas City). Just a hint of tingly peppermint that fades slowly into a soothing shea butter balm. Get it for $7.50 at Whole Foods or through their website; they are currently offering a buy one get one free special. It's actually one of those extra fat chapsticks so it's great for applying directly to dry hands, too.

2. I always love a good body scrub, especially this time of year. It's a good idea to exfoliate a few times a week all year round, but especially during these drying winter months. Thanks to the existence of November through February, I can't touch any textile without my chapped fingers and feet snagging the fabric - gross. And my legs start looking like crackled desert sands. Thankfully when I was shopping this weekend I happened upon Victoria's Secret's Smoothing Body Scrub; it was on sale for $3 dollars (originally $12) so I grabbed a couple ... now I'm thinking I should go back and get more because I love this stuff. It smells great, it lathers just a little and it scrubs efficiently. They are on sale on the web, too, but it's not as deep a discount ($5 vs $3) - so try to hit a brick and mortar store if you can for the best deal.

3. In my ongoing quest for home decor, I found some comfortable velvet throw pillows at World Market (always a trusty resource). They come in some great, vibrant colors. The covers zip off and can go in the wash - though I have not yet tested their mettle against the washing machine, so I can't speak to the results. They are $9.99 per pillow; at that price you can get one of each color! I chose the peacock blue, grellow and gold for the living room and 2 gray ones for the master bedroom now that we finally have the bed purchased and set up (at last!). They go perfectly with the deep greens, blues and grays of the paisley quilt and the other toss pillows I put on the bed.

4. Speaking of pillows, I simply must recommend these lovely Extra Firm Density Bed Pillows (Set of 2) I scored at Overstock.com for our master bed (King size). They are $29.99 for a pair - even for King size - and soft but still firm for good neck support. Really comfy, and an unbeatable deal.

5. For a while, I have wanted some flat Oxford-style shoes. I think they are cute and stylish and a little vintage. I found these at Forever21. They are not leather - actually they are entirely vegan and very comfortable. I have worn them with tights and with regular cotton socks, with jeans and skirts. I love them. That's probably just because I *supposedly* have a weird sense of style, but ... there it is. ;)

6. CB2 comes through yet again with adorable and reasonably-priced home accessories. I was thumbing through their latest catalog with some of their new offerings for 2011 and found these cuties: Canary Tealight Holders ... how presh are they? Less than $8 each so you have to buy them in pairs! Too cute to perch on a stack of books or on a window ledge to help welcome Spring.