Five Favorites on Friday
Readers often ask my favorite this or that, so I thought I would share that today. Here are five things I’m loving this week that you may also enjoy.
This portable power bank has been used more times than I expected since I bought it last month. I used a different one for our overseas trip earlier this summer but discovered it couldn’t be brought through security, so I couldn’t use it on the plane! That’s usually when I need it, so it didn’t have too much value when flying. This one can be carried on and is powerful enough to charge several devices at the same time. It has a plug that pops out and easily goes into any socket to charge.
This also has the charging cords for my phone built right into the side, so I don’t have to carry any. It comes in lots of colors, and I chose blue so it would be easy to spot. Until we travel again, I keep it in my car in case I discover a dead or dying phone as I’m getting out of the car to run errands or do a try-on session. I hate to be out and about without a working cell phone.
This refillable Noshinku Pocket hand sanitizer is my new constant companion. I was a nut about using hand sanitizer long before COVID, and it’s not changed since. I love that it’s as tiny as a credit card but holds lots of sprays and fits into my small bag or my pocket. It comes in lots of scents, but since my favorite is always lavender, I couldn’t resist. Organic Provence lavender with notes of cardamom is blended with 70% organic sugar cane-derived alcohol. The formulas all include jojoba, argan, rosehip, and coconut natural oils, so it doesn’t dry out your hands.
I use a refillable water bottle when I go to the gym, and I hate to goop up the rim with lipstick. If I don’t put anything on my lips, they dry out horribly, so I’m loving this MDSolarSciences SPF 30 Tinted lip balm. It comes in a bunch of colors, but I don’t want color on my water bottle so I use this shade called Dream, which is almost invisible on me. I dislike the taste of flavored lip balm, so I’m happy that this has no added flavor.
My lips also appreciate the SPF for going to and from the gym because sun damage is never an option for me. It’s very hydrating with green tea, peptides, niacinamide, and other helpful ingredients. It slicks on easily, keeps my lips hydrated, and doesn’t make a mess of my water bottle. And yes, I wash my water bottle when I get home anyway 🙂
So, the sad story is that my dry eyes have gotten out of hand again. I was doing all the same things to control it…but ocular rosacea has a mind of its own and rears its ugly head whenever it darn well pleases. I had to go back on the low dose of Doxycycline to try to knock the inflammation down, and I also switched from my regular micellar water to this Bausch + Lomb Lumify Micellar water to remove my eye makeup. In fact, I just use the same damp cotton pad to remove the rest of my makeup after my eyes are clean. It does a great job and doesn’t irritate anything.
It’s hypoallergenic and was developed by Ophthalmologists and Dermatologists for the sensitive area around the eye. I honestly don’t know if this formula is any gentler than regular micellar water, but with irritated eyes, I’m willing to try anything, and I like it.
I have always struggled to get a good night’s sleep. I used to take my Ashwagandha in the AM before I learned that it could help with sleep, so I switched to taking it at bedtime. When I was ordering mine about 6 months ago, I came across this Cortisol Manager, which contains Ashwagandha and L-Theanine. Both are reported to help calm your nerves and lower cortisol levels so you can fall asleep easier. I’m not a doctor and not recommending that you take this, but I did check with my physician, and she said it was fine to add to my nighttime regime.
I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend!
I have a question. A couple of weeks ago you suggested using Alverian (not sure about spelling) an herbal sleep aid. I’m confused do use it or the cortisol manager you featured today? Thank.
Valerian. I take both.
Please let us know if the sleep aid helps. I have tried many and still can’t get through the night. My doctor prescribed Trazadone that I take when I am desperate. If anyone has found the magic pill or concoction please let me know!
Regarding falls as we age, I fell last year and broke a knee and elbow. My ortho surgeon said a lot of falls could be prevented by strengthening our quads as we age. So now I always make sure to do my leg exercises when I work out. PT also taught me to focus on the ten feet in front of me while walking.
Ouch, I’m so sorry to hear about your fall!
Well, I’m abnormal. I have to take steroids to keep my cortisol level up. If I took something to lower my level it wouldn’t be good. But I’m glad there is something for normal folks.
I have been struggling with my feet since Christmas last year . First it was plantar fasciitis and after months of working on that through exercise and trying different shoes it is almost gone now the pain has moved to my ankle and top of foot I’m the same age as you Jennifer so I think it is a common problem as you get older. I have been listening to a Dr Angela Walk for a while now and she has some different ideas for helping your feet. I’ll also be interested in anything that you learn on feet as well. I can’t believe how much my feet issues have impacted my life. I read your blog everyday and really appreciate the time you devote. Thanks Robyn.
I’ll check out Dr Walk (interesting name). I’m wondering about how my my hip and back issues could be related to my feet!
The hand sanitizer is a great stocking stuffer! I want the blue portable charging unit. I also am getting the lip balm. I don’t wear lipstick as it dries my lips but I do love a quality tinted lip conditioner. This is a great help to me. Thanks for telling us the products that you actually use.
Thanks for the ideas. I really like when you post what you REALLY use. Take care. Have a fun weekend.
You too!
Jennifer, once again you come through with amazing ideas and information! My wish list just grew! Thanks for all you insights.
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday! Timely recommendation for the eye makeup remover. I just ran out of mine, so will try this! I suffer from dry eye too. It is so annoying! Hope you get relief soon.
Thanks Mary. Hope you like it too.
I have extremely dry eyes also. I appreciate your recommendation for the eye makeup remover. Hope it helps. Have a fun weekend 😊
Your posts/blog are just fantastic! I have similar style to you so I eagerly await your emails on a daily basis! Thank you for your candidness, honesty and for being “real!”
Thanks Stephanie. I’m grateful for you being here too!
Jennifer, I am 82 years old and am very into eating healthy and exercising to keep myself fit. Magnesium is necessary for calm and peaceful sleep. I work out 3x/ week with aerobics and weights to stay strong and balanced. I have scoliosis so work with a holistic chiropractor in Florida ( I live in MI) to maintain my spine without surgery. I have read a lot lately on Red Light Therapy and the consensus is very compelling on all the benefits such as hair growth, feet neuropathy, bone health, brain health, etc…….and many more benefits. I have followed you for many years and enjoy my morning coffee reading your articles. Good health to YOU!
I take magnesium too on the advice of my Cardiologist and know it hells with sleep! Thanks Rose
Hi Jennifer,
I seldom comment but know that I read your blog each and every day. You inspire me and yes, you are my fav!
I am amazed at how much information you share with us.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you Mary Ann. That’s so kind of you. Have a great day and weekend!
Hi Jenifer
Hey I loved the cute hand sanitizer and Power Bank great little
Stocking fillers . I have started my Christmas shopping really early this year and doing well. Amazon U.K. and Royal Mail busy already !
They are always on the ball with deliveries but a few times already they have been quite late. So as it gets near to Christmas they will be flat out.
Any more little gem gifts ideas are welcome Jenifer , we can usually get on
UK Amazon what you get in States . Take care and thanks for all you do .
Best wishes Pamela UK x
Our U.S. Amazon is delivering a bit slower these days too so it’s smart to early. I think I’ll do the same. Great idea Pamela. Xo
I love the idea of that hand sanitizer! During the pandemic, Williams Sonoma had a really nice lavender sanitizer in travel size bottles that didn’t irritate my skin. But it’s gone, and all the others I have tried smell awful and dry my hands out badly. Will definitely try this one!
I hope you like it! I love lavender everything.