It's That Time Again...

Well, girls, football season is back. Pre-season is in full swing and those of us involved in Fantasy leagues have researched, crossed our fingers, and held our drafts (I am stacked this year... No injuries, now guys, please!!). I posted last  year about the basics of football in the spirit that a little understanding goes a long way on the enjoyment front. (Yes : Enjoyment. You may actually enjoy watching a game.)

So just wanted to give you a jump start on the regular season, and offer a link to those little info tidbits HERE.

Let the games begin!

Image courtesy of LullabyeBaby.com

Tap In

I know, I know, ANOTHER link to someone else's content. But as I stated from the beginning, I solemnly swear to post only good stuff on this blog, remember? And I've stuck to it, yes? Alright then.

I recently discovered Crowd Tap via a friend's Facebook post, and I'm diggin' it. You know those product survey results you're always hearing about and wonder "just who, exactly, is this "THEY" that does theses surveys?!" Well, it's you if you join this free site.

Basically you answer questions with a click or a sentence, and earn points and cash.
No, really.
Once you've earned said cash, you can either have an Amazon.com gift card sent to you in the amount, or donate it directly to a charity of your choice. Mine is the ASPCA (animal rights - not the crazy ones who throw blood, fyi), and the logo is loud and proud on my "profile" on Crowd Tap.

And not only that, but a lot of the companies will send you free product to be tested in the market place. I'm currently awaiting Old Navy's newly redesigned flip-flops to show up in my mailbox. No. Purchase. Required.

Free stuff and good works? I'm tapping in.

Because I'm Nuts

I got engaged recently (Eeeeeeee! Okay, had to get that out of the way.), and because I'm nostalgic... or nuts, you decide... I've decided to start a second blog to record my moments and projects along the way. Only one post thus far, but you can check it out here if you're so inclined.

Step Up[Grade]

Want to get in on the tribal trend without breaking the bank? Check out the latest DIY entry from Geneva on A Pair and A Spare. Best part? Works on heels OR flats, and it's hardly a bank buster - Pick up a couple cheap-o necklaces from Forever 21, break 'em apart, and use the beads on some craft store-bought black string or elastic (or pick up a few packs of beads from your local craft store while you're there) . Drape on a pair of tired black shoes in your closet. New shoes for $10 or less... Just how I like it.

Here are her inspirational shots, from the Burberry money-suckers to her finished project product:

Hot tip: If you have an idea for bead colors you want but can't find them, go the route of buying ready-made necklaces*, pick up a can of spray paint (I like Rustoleum brand), and make them the color(s) you desire. You can do this with any jewelry... And believe me I'm going to.

*It's easier to shellac the ready made strands rather than trying to spray loose beads as they roll around. Not that I have any experience with the latter... *cough cough*

Mani-cure

Trouble making your at home mani-pedi look pro? Check out this step-by-step image via one of my all time fave blogs ...love Maegan

I find it handy even without reading the text, but Maegan has a larger copy on her site, along with some dreamy nail art inspiration shots. Dig in.

Urban[e] Errands

Have you heard of Polyvore.com? It may be pricey at times (okay, most of the time) but it's a fun site to gather some fashion inspiration when you're feeling lackluster about your own closet. I just put together this outfit - Try your hand at your own and get a chance at winning your very own Chanel bag! Fun to create, and hey, even more fun if you win.  Urban[e] Errands by ashleykat17 featuring eugenia kim hats

Victoria s Secret racer back tank
$44 - victoriassecret.com

CIMARRON cropped jeans
$135 - stylebop.com

Teal handbag
$66 - topshop.com

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen goldtone jewelry
$110 - net-a-porter.com

Silver jewelry
oliverbonas.com

Eugenia kim hat
$335 - net-a-porter.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors lightweight sunglasses
$57 - nordstrom.com

Nixing the Chicken

Keratosis pilaris (KP), known commonly as 'Chicken Skin', affects - ready? - nearly 50% of the population. That's half the world, we're talkin' here!

What is it, exactly? Well, the scary scientific definition is that KP is  an incurable and chronic genetic follicular disease. The reality is that it's those ugly but harmless bumpy and/or red patches of skin that run most commonly on the backs of your arms. They're caused by too much skin growing around each of your hair follicles.

Image courtesy of BumpsOnSkin.com

It's something I've dealt with my whole life - Trips to the dermatologist as a kid, lactic acid lotions, oatmeal soap, and, since mine is on my arms, calves, and entire jawline, forever having people ask me if my "bad sunburn" hurts. I have scars all over my arms from picking at these unsightly blights for 25+ years, and it's flat out embarrassing. My friends and I even refer to my jawline as "The Beard" because it becomes so inflamed when I exercise or drink.

Lovely, right? Yeah.

Now after all that depression, here's a ray of light: DERMAdoctor's KP Duty Lotion. I've heard about this magic elixer for a while, but at $36 for 3 ounces.... Ouch. You'd think I would have been desperate enough to bite the bullet, but no... I'm cheap.

I finally did though, and let me tell you: After three days - THREE DAYS - I see a difference. I am significantly less red, and my skin is noticeably smoother. Three frikken' days. Even I can't believe it. I'm not using it on my face (some reviewers say you can), but there is marked improvement on my arms. I plan to give it a go on my calves post-haste.

What makes it work? Basically it combines three acids (don't be scared.): Glycolic and Lactic for exfoliation, and Azelaic for pore refinement. Mixed in with those heavy hitters you've got soothing willow bark and tea tree oil, which also reduce redness, and lastly Dimethicone, which hangs on to moisture like camel in the Sahara.

Sold? Buy it here for $36. Also offered up for sale are a body scrub and wrinkle cream with the same medicinal properties.

I don't know why the chicken crossed the road, but at least now it's taking it's skin with it instead of leaving it with me.

 

Image courtesy of LiveStrong.com

Note: I have extremely sensitive skin when it comes to medicated potions (no benzoyl peroxide, very little salicylic acid, etc.), and this hasn't irritated my skin in any way.