The Pink Mixer

LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins

2012-01-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

We've long coveted these LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins, mostly because we strongly believe in the following: toasty warm feet = a happy girl. For several seasons we looked near the end of winter, hoping to find them on sale, only to find they were always sold out of our specific size and the particular color we wanted. Luckily, this year, Santa took a good hard look at our wish list and knew these slippers were just the thing.

We promise your feet will sing a happy tune the minute you slip into these shearling lined wonders and put a layer - rubber sole and all - between your feet and those chilly hard wood floors. We often wear socks along with these slippers, though they're probably plenty warm on their own, because we like keeping the top of our feet and ankles warm as well. But you can decide that for yourself once you snag your own pair. Wicked Good indeed.

Average price: $59.00 (+ free shipping if you order online!)
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Television Series: Downton Abbey

2011-11-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

We're often more hung up on products rather than television 'round here at The Pink Mixer. However, we recently stumbled upon such a delightful gem of a TV show that it would be a crime not to write about it here.

Downton Abbey, is a British television drama, set in Yorkshire, England. The series opens in 1912, and we follow the drama of both high and low society throughout the era leading up to WWI.

We can't often promise much, but we absolutely swear, that after the very first fifty minute episode, you will be hooked on this series. The concept of the show is so very interesting and if you have even an inkling of being a bibliophile? Well, forget about it. You won't want to get up from the couch until you've devoured every minute of season 1's seven episodes. Good thing too - because the countdown is on for January 8th, when the highly anticipated season 2 begins!

Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Colour

2011-10-21T10:18:00.001-07:00

We can be a tad skeptical about pricier makeup here at The Pink Mixer. We usually wonder if that steeper price tag is really worthwhile or if, in the end, we're just paying extra for the name and department store experience. While we can't speak for all upscale makeup, we've found we can make a pretty solid case for justifying the purchase of Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Colour. After a month or so of using this product we've found you actually end up getting a whole lot of color (er, bang) for your buck.

Not being a fan of the time it can usually take to apply a lot of dramatic makeup, we fell in love with the Caviar Stick the minute we realized it cut our smokey eye prep time in half. The application can take a little getting used to - we've found it's easiest to apply the color stick right to the eyelids versus using a make-up brush...but once you make it over that learning cover you'll most likely fall in love with this little tool as fast as we did.

Seven color options in all, we're using the "jungle" color right now and love the subtle change the green can make in our everyday look. Plus (and this is probably thanks to that higher price tag) this stuff goes on and stays on all day long without the need for a touch-up. Which is something our time-crunched selves are more than happy to bat our eyes at.

Average Price: $24/stick
Rating: 4 out of 5

Platypus File -- Art+Craft+Design

2011-09-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, we were wandering around a downtown outdoor market in Tallahassee, Florida one humid Saturday afternoon. Tucked in between the photography stands and farmer's market tables was a hidden gem of a boutique, Platypus File.

Filled with eccentric, charming, and whimsical pieces the woman behind Platypus File seems to have created something for just about everyone. Between the earrings, hairclips, rings, and adorable bird pillows we had trouble picking out just one item to take home. Luckily, her prices were reasonable enough that we didn't have to settle. In the end, we left with two one of a kind cocktail rings, as well as a quaint pair of delicate earrings.

Along with her etsy shop, Platypus File's line can be found at indivudual shops up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Check out her website and shop listings for where to find her. And, as always, happy colorful, adorable shopping!

Average price: depends on item(s)

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Dud of the Month: Organix Tea tree Mint Shampoo

2011-08-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

We want to love Organix's Hydrating Tea tree Mint Shampoo. We do. It's all natural, organic, and sulfate free. It comes in an aesthetically pleasing bottle, it smells delightful. It's supposed to provide hydrating oils that nourish, moisture, and strengthen hair.

Really, we want to make it work. This shampoo's resume is so impressive and it sounds like pairing it with our fine, long hair would be a match made in heaven. Alas, like any relationship if there's no spark, there's no spark...even if it all works perfectly on paper.

Instead of moisturizing and hydrating, this shampoo leaves our hair feeling dried out and nappy and we're often reaching for more conditioner post hair-wash to compensate. Even though we've given it several chances, (dates) we tend to be left feeling disappointed after each and every use.

Which leaves us no choice but to head back out into the wild world of our local drugstore's shampoo isles. Good thing there's plenty of ~~men~~ bottles in the sea.

Average Price: $5/bottle
Rating: 2 out of 5

Lands End Canvas

2011-07-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Pop quiz, shopper. What do you think of when someone mentions Lands' End? Practical, basic, standard,...err...bland, boring...
Used to be, if your answer involved any of the above adjectives you were right.

Seemingly overnight though, there's been a major shift over at dear old Lands' End. Last summer I found myself wandering through a local Sears (where Lands End apparel is sold - who knew?) and before I knew it, my arms were loaded up with cute, flattering, affordable tops, skirts, and sweaters to try on in the dressing room. And don't even get me started on how much I adore their handbags.

While that transformation seemed all well and good and much needed, it was this past Fall when I discovered the newest, greatest gem in the world of Lands' End. And that gem, dear readers, is Lands End Canvas. (Which they say started in 1963. How I only discovered them in 2010 is a marketing mystery, but whatever. Let's get back to the clothes!) So if Lands' End is the woman who finally got around to getting the hip haircut and treating herself to a few new flattering trends, Lands' End Canvas is the fashionable friend who has known all along where some of the best kept secrets are hidden.

Lands End Canvas has a Jcrew look and feel, without the Jcrew look and feel of skyrocketing prices. Keep your eyes peeled for sales and free shipping codes and their items are downright reasonable. Our favorite part though? With our first order we got a hand written thank you note from a member of their team. And as everyone knows by now, The Pink Mixer is a sucker for cute style combined with a good old-fashioned letter. Swoon.

Average Price: all depends on what you buy...
Rating 5 out of 5!

Ice Breakers Ice Cube Gum

2011-06-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

For most, gum is gum. We're a bit more picky than that over here at The Pink Mixer which is why we're taking a minute to tell you about our new favorite minty blast of chewing gum - Ice Breakers Ice Cubes.

Maybe it's their fun ice cube like shape or their minty flavor crystals. Perhaps it's the cute container these gum cubes come in or maybe it's the fact that, unlike a lot of other minty gum, these don't lose their flavor in the first five seconds of chew-time.

Whatever it is, we dig this combination. Plus, doesn't having a favorite go-to gum make you feel like you're a little kid in the candy aisle again?

Average price: $1.00/10 piece pack
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips

2011-06-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

We won't go into the whole back story on how we first learned about Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips. We're just going to get right down to business and tell you exactly what you need to know.

They are worth it.

Yes, I hear you. Nail polish you peel onto your nails instead of paint? No dry time? Lasts up to ten days? Sounds too good to be true.

First and foremost, you should know this - we are tough on our nails. We keep them short, lest they get in the way. We dig in the dirt, we wash dishes by hand. We spend 40+ hours a week typing away, we twist wires and metals around while making jewelry. Manicures, while lovely, rarely last very long. Never mind that we absolutely do not have an ounce of patience when it comes to drying time and..well...you can imagine how often our nails get painted.

So,after finding a $2 off coupon, we finally decided to give these suckers a try, just in time for a friend's wedding. The color options, while fun, aren't exactly subtle...so we went with "Raise a Glass" - the tamest of the bunch and rather appropriate for the champagne we planned on consuming at said wedding. We opened the box, followed the easy to understand directions, and -no joke- ten minutes later had ten digits ready to go. With no dry time.

In our minds, that's the biggest selling point of these strips. While not quite as perfect as a salon manicure would be, these definitely passed muster and rivaled any of our do-at-home, on-your-own, regular old polish manicures. Oh, and did we mention we didn't have to wait for the polish to dry?

Average price: $10/box (should be able to get two "manicures" from box)
Rating: 4 out of 5.

TOMS Shoes

2011-06-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe The Pink Mixer has vanished for over a month. What can we say? We've been busy. Busy walking, among other things in our brand new TOMS shoes. We'd had our eyes on a pair for several months and finally gave in as a special spring treat. We knew we liked the look and casual style of these shoes but we were a tiny bit worried about how comfortable they'd actually be.

Um.

We fretted over nothing.

These shoes are, without a doubt, some of the most comfortable, low-maintenance, throw on in a second shoes we have ever owned. It would not be an exaggeration to say we fell in love instantly. Which, by all accounts - comfort, style, and good will - is a good thing. How can you NOT get behind a company that promises One for One? With every pair of TOMS shoes purchased, another pair goes to a child indeed.

Which means we've already helped one child get a new pair of shoes. And something tells us it won't be long until we're ready to help another...

Average Price: $50/pair
Rating: 5 out of 5

Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine

2011-04-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that The Pink Mixer adores many Bumble and Bumble hair products. Our newest fan favorite is Brilliantine.

It can be a little difficult to describe what Brilliantine does, exactly. Even Bumble & Bumble admits it can be hard to define. We've found you don't have to do much with it beyond rub it into your (damp or dry) hair and you'll get a little bit of polish, a little bit of sheen, and a certain bed-head, tousled, sexy look without much effort at all.

Which, actually means that Brilliantine somehow does it all, without promising much of anything.

Under promise, over deliver.
Smart.

Average Price: $21/2 oz.
Rating: 3 out of 5.

Pure Beech Jersey Knit Sheets

2011-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

When work and social engagements and plans and events and life spins out of control, there is one haven we rely on time after time.

Our bed.

There is nothing as rewarding as the moment you decide to turn off the cell phone, shut down the laptop, stop worrying about that never-ending to-do list and crawl into bed; ready to be engulfed in sleep and rest.

And if you happen to be crawling into cozy, super soft sheets? Even better. We first discovered Pure Beech Jersey Knit Sheet's Sets several years ago, while crashing with a friend in New York City for a few nights. We would wake refreshed every morning, ready to step out into the world of Manhattan, and comment all the way to the subway about the amazing comfort of those sheets. Exclusive to Bed, Bath & Beyond, (use that 20% off coupon!) these sheets are some of the softest, coziest sheets we've ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. They come in a wide variety of colors, so you can pick one that matches your bedroom decor and then leave the rest to Mr. Sandman. Because even the most energetic of us need to recharge our batteries now and then.

Sweet dreams.

Set prices range from $24.99-$69.99
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Aveeno's Refreshing 24 Hour Moisturizer

2011-03-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

If we had to choose only one fruit to enjoy the rest of our lives, the decision would be an easy one. Sure, we'd miss a lot of other fruits but if we were forced to pick just one?

Blueberries.

The Pink Mixer is head over heels for blueberries. Personally, we think they're best right out of the carton on a warm summer day but when that's not an option - and it's not many months out of the year - we'll take them in any form we can. In fact, our blueberry obsession runs so deep, we've even taken a liking to them in our body lotion.

Aveeno's Positively Nourishing Refreshing 24 hour moisturizer provides all the loveliness we have come to expect with Aveeno products and adds in the scent of blueberry and gogi berries. It's a subtle, calming smell, with just the tiniest hint of summer's beloved fruit. Which, to our starved warm, ripe, blueberries soaked in the summer sun mind, is just about perfect.

It'll help us keep the dream alive until the *real* blueberry season is back.

Average Price: $7.99/bottle
Rating: 4 out of 5

Bigelow French Vanilla Tea

2011-03-07T11:44:00.001-08:00

We don't often post about food or drink on The Pink Mixer, mostly because - be it wise or not - we tend to spend more of our precious pennies on products (more products! always with the product!) than we do on food. Still, we couldn't help but share our love for Bigelow's French Vanilla Tea. The Pink Mixer is a huge advocate of the - large - AM coffee drink; but later in the afternoon or on a cozy weekend we gladly give a nod to that other warm beverage that the UK holds in such high esteem.

There is simply something soothing and luxurious about pouring oneself a cup of tea. Make it a French Vanilla, and you can't help but have a winner. This tea has a smooth and mild flavor, with just a hint of sweetness. Personally, we like it with a dash of sugar and a dollop of milk. Though we think you might be won over by the calming aroma alone.

Average Rating: 5 out of 5
Average Price: $3.29/box

Lavender Lotions

2011-02-24T08:05:00.001-08:00

Our obsession with lavender scents started aproximately ten years ago while backpacking through Provence. Lavender fields abound in the South of France and the scent shows up just about everywhere - in soaps, lotions, shampoos, satchels, stores, hotel rooms, and on one lucky occasion, a creme brulee.

Lavender scents can be tricky. The authentic smell is divine; but the perfumed, made in a laboratory, faux smell is too sacchrain and sweet. Always on the hunt for the real deal - even when we're not lucky enough to be vacationing in Francais - we recently stumbled on these two lotions which were up to the thankfully up to the task.

The L'Occtaine Lavender Hand Cream is divine for helping to curb the dry, cracked skin we all deal with in the cold winter temperatures. We like the travel size as it's easy to stick in a suitcase or purse. A little dab goes a long way and this lotion tends to last awhile, making the $10 price tag worth it.

Kiss My Face's Ultra Moisturizer Lavender Shea is another favorite. It's a good lotion by all accounts and the scent is just right - enough that you know its there but not too overpowering. We keep this one on our desk at the office and reach for a dose of the calming scent whenever things get a bit too stressful at work. Which is to say, we reach for it often. Luckily, $5 for 4 oz. of goodness makes that justifiable.

Average Price - between $5 and $10
Rating: 5 out of 5!

The DeLonghi Oil-Filled Radiator

2011-01-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

Typically, old apartment buildings and their antiquated rooms lend an air of charm and loveliness to the décor. They also, under most circumstances, tend to be quite drafty. Often, that draft morphs into a chill in the Fall and then to downright cold in the middle of the Winter.

Ceramic heaters are helpful regarding the chilly room dilemma but they suck some serious electric power when in use. This wouldn’t be so bad except for the fact that the electric wiring in said antiquated (but lovely!) apartments usually haven’t been updated since, probably 1950 or so. In summary: ceramic heaters = blown power fuses. On repeat.

This little gem – the DeLonghi Oil-Filled Radiator – has quickly become an instant favorite for any of those dealing with less than temperate rooms. Personally, we’re a fan of the model called “Bathroom Radiator” (even though we don’t use it in the bathroom). This radiator uses power too and we’re still a little wary about blowing a fuse, but it seems to happen much less often with this oil-filled system rather than the ceramic style. And for such a little heater the amount of heat it churns out is really quite impressive. And also pleasant. And toasty. And warm.

Really, all the kind of adjectives one wants to hear mid-January.

Average Price: $69.99

(They're sold at Bed, Bath, & Beyond where you can use a 20% off coupon!)

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Dud of the Month: Alba Green Tea Eye Gel

2011-01-07T12:57:00.001-08:00

A Happy New Year - AND - New Decade to Each and Everyone of you.

At the House of The Pink Mixer, we've made a few resolutions to kick off 2011. (Because what would a New Year be without resolutions?) For starters, we aim to post more often than we did in 2010.

And two, we 'd like to make a clean sweep of all the products piling up around our house, the gels and lotions and potions we have lining almost every drawer and shelf in our - ahem, cramped - bathroom. If it works? It stays. If it doesn't? Sianara.

Of course, we're not ones to be wasteful and we almost always dutifully use up a product before it gets tossed. The true test, of course, is whether or not we'd ever plan to buy it again. So to which category does Alba's Green Tea Eye Gel fall? Sadly, she's landed in the use it but don't re-use it pile. This is a shame, really, because we fell head over heels for Alba's face wash and thought surely the magic would be repeated. Alas, the spark just isn't there. It's not that this eye gel is horrible, but it's just...well...a wee bit bland. We don't really notice it doing much when applied and at almost $20 a pop? Bland just doesn't cut it.

Average Price: $20/1 oz.
Rating: 2 out of 5

Target Jeggings

2010-12-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

By now we all know that behind the entrance doors at Target lie many beautiful, lovely, shiny, pretty things. All for the taking. Which is why it's virtually impossible to walk out of those Target doors without spending at least $100.

As if you didn't have enough temptation already, we're here to tell you about the latest denim gem we discovered a few weeks ago thanks to a friend's recommendation - The Target Jegging. Oh, I know what you're thinking. Jeggings of any sort are not for me. But, oh contraire mon frere! Target offers one particular pair of jeggings that are much more like the good ol' skinny jean rather than a pair of (at times unflattering) leggings. The only difference between these and a pair of legit jeans? There is no zipper fly. Oh and the fact that these are FAR more comfortable than any skinny jean. The material stretches and bends and gives and really, you kind of feel like you're wearing a pair of comfy cotton yoga pants more than anything else.

Plus, they come in at a perfect $24.99 price. Which, of course, means you can treat yourself to two pairs.

Average Price: $24.99
Rating: 4 out of 5

John Frieda: Root Awakening

2010-12-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

I’ve long been aware that as the seasons change and winter descends upon New England; my facial beauty routine gets a change-up. Thanks to winter winds and chilly temps drying out my skin, I need thicker moisturizers, gentle, creamy facial cleansers and lots of heavy-duty lip balm.

Beyond acknowledging the fact that I need to blow dry my hair daily as the temperatures fall (lest I walk around with icicles dripping from my head) I’d never given much thought to changing my hair routine with the seasons until recently. In the past month or so I noticed my (very fine) hair had grown dry and brittle. In a word, it just felt tired. I tried the deep conditioning treatments, among other things, but it wasn’t until I gave John Frieda’s Root Awakening line a shot that I truly noticed a difference in my locks.

My hair feels healthier and much less dry after using his product – I like the Nourishing Moisture Shampoo for Dry Hair – though I’m not entirely sure I could use it every day without my hair becoming too moisturized and subsequently, limp. I’ve found that alternating between the Root Awakening shampoo and my old summer time standby, Bed Head shampoo, works wonders. Suddenly I have a much happier head of hair, thank goodness.

This means I can get back to more important things. Like watching the mercury in the thermometer drop and reaching for another sweater to stay warm.

Average Price: $6.99/bottle

Rating: 4 out of 5!

Covergirl Outlast Lipstain

2010-09-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

I want to be a lipstick kinda-girl. I love the shades, the colors, the different packaging. I think the perfect shade of lipstick can make a woman’s look go from basic to sharply pulled together in a heartbeat. But. I’m just not good at keeping up with the stuff. Sure, when I get dressed in the morning I swipe some color on my lips, but by the time I’ve had my first sip of coffee, it’s worn off and I am, frankly, just plain, no good at the upkeep.

This weekend however, I believe I discovered the perfect solution to my quandary in CoverGirl’s Outlast Lipstain. I know, I know, I didn’t believe the claims about how long it would last either until I tried it. The thing about this product is it’s just what they say it is – a stain. It looks like a felt tip marker and honestly, works in the same manner. I highlighted, er, I mean brushed a few strokes on in the morning and my lips took on a healthy, natural looking red shade. There’s no shimmer, no gloss, no wax. It’s not particularly fancy. But! It adds the color I’m always on the hunt for and not only stayed on through my morning coffee ritual but also lasted almost an entire day. At the beach.

That’s what I call a stain.

I went with the “Flirty Nude” shade myself, but there are several options to choose from. Now go forth and stain, you lipstick girl!

Average price: $7.99

Rating: 4 out of 5

Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme

2010-08-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Personally, we have particularly sensitive skin around our eyes. Without applying some sort of daily extra moisturizing eye cream, we get dry, itchy, irritated under-eye skin. It's unpleasant to say the least. While we aren't in love with Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme's higher sticker price, we know how difficult it can be to find good over the counter eye creams. If you find one that works, its best to stick with it.

And this little jar o' cream? Well, it works. It's moisturizing and soft and does exactly the job it promises. My skin feels softer, less irritated, and the cream helps fill in those fine (yes, we all have them) lines. The smell is pleasant and it's simple silver topped jar and glass design is too cute to shove away in a drawer. We keep ours at the ready on our bathroom shelf - but really, the where you store it part is entirely up to you.

Average Price: $17.00/jar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Agnes Magnolia

2010-08-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Seeing as we know two of the artists working behind the scenes here we might be a tad bit biased. Still, that isn't going to stop us from telling you about our new favorite shop on Etsy - Agnes Magnolia.

Founded by three friends, artists, and teachers living and working on the North Shore of Massachusetts, they sell products all hand crafted, hand screen printed and/or sewn in their own studio. These women work to use quality materials and utilize organic fabrics and clothing whenever possible.

Their current line is inspired by their surroundings on the coastal North Shore of Massachusetts. After seeing many of their products in person this past weekend, I can attest to the fact that the t-shirts are some of the softest I've ever felt, their pillows are charming, and I'm a little bit in love with their tea towels, onesies, and tote bags. Agnes Magnolia continues to add more items to their shop and the group is really hitting the ground running. They'll be the next hot New England trend - mark my words, so get it while you can.

Just remember. You heard it here first.

Average Price: Varies by Object/Range of $5-$28
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Beauty Fix

2010-07-27T13:29:00.001-07:00

The Pink Mixer was recently given the opportunity to check out BeautyFix.com. The concept behind this site is simple. Once you've signed up and filled out a profile - your skin type, hair style, etc. - you're able to "shop" (with just the simple click of a mouse! Behold the power of the internet!) and pick out beauty items to be delivered right to your door.

Here's what I liked: Well, it's shopping for beauty products! What product junkie doesn't enjoy that? It's fun to peruse the "shelves" of products and decide what items you might like to try.

Here's what I didn't like: The majority of the products stocked at the site are brands with which I was unfamiliar. While I'm all for finding new lotions and potions (clearly) there's something that makes me a tiny bit wary about selecting creams and makeup and products without having the chance to pick them up and decide in person if they're right for me. Call me old-fashioned but I enjoy a tangible product when I shop.

The flip side, is when I did receive my box o' hand-selected goodies from Beautyfix, I was pleasantly surprised by all of its contents. The colors and shades of make-up I selected were true to what the website showed and I've been nothing but pleased with the products I've been using thus far.

But here's the best part of my review. For once you DON'T just have to take The Pink Mixers word for it! You can, ahem, get your OWN fix...and try BeautyFix.com yourself and if you can enter the code: BFIX1 you'll receive $30 off the $49.99 price and get free shipping! (And really, who isn't a sucker for free shipping these days?)

Average Price: $49.99 (Before discount)
Rating: 3 out of 5

365 Frozen Fruit Bars

2010-07-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

One word: HEATWAVE.

Three words: FROZEN FRUIT BARS.

Three more: PERFECT SUMMER TREAT.

Sold at Whole Foods, these frozen fruit bars are nothing short of a blessing on the hottest summer days and nights. They will cool you down and quench your thirst with a lot less sugar then regular Popsicles. The actual chunks of fruit are a pleasant surprise and while we're partial to the Strawberry flavor, the Mango fruit bars run a close second in our freezer as well.

Ah, summertime....

Average Price: $3.99/box of 4
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Road Trip Worthy: So Runs The World Away by Josh Ritter

2010-05-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

Two truths:

1.) It's been awhile since we featured a road trip worthy CD here on our site.
2.) The Pink Mixer's fascination and love for Josh Ritter is not exactly a secret.

Josh puts feelings, emotion, tales, stories and adventures to lyrics far better than we might ever craft here in this tiny post. This CD hit our hands with much anticipation and hope and to say we've been quite pleased thus far would be an understatement. What a joy to feel yourself personally growing, maturing, and evolving along with an artist. The Pink Mixer will never tire of Sir Ritter. How could we when we're given a gift such as this?

I had a dream last night
And when I opened my eyes
Your shoulder blade your spine
Were shorelines in the moon light
New worlds for the weary
New lands for the living
I could make it if I tried
I closed my eyes I kept on swimming

Average price: $9.99
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Airborne

2010-04-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

There are few things more annoying than a head cold. From the minute that scratch in your throat or itchy sinus feeling starts you know it’ll only be a matter of time before you find yourself walking around in a dense Sudafed-filled, coughing, stuffy nose fog.

I’m sure by now most everyone has heard of the magic that is Airborne. For anyone late to the show, Airborne is a flavored effervescent that works to boost your immune system through a combination of vitamins, herbal extracts, and nutrients. The idea is to drink the stuff down before you hop on an airplane or head into a school or office, warding off those nasty cold germs before they strike.

Frankly, I don’t always remember to use Airborne before I take a flight or jump onto a train. This past week, however, when the dreaded head-cold made another appearance in my own life – at exactly 3pm on a Thursday – I chugged a glass of the bubbly orange drink the minute I got home from the office. For the next several days, I fixed myself a glass of Airborne each morning when I woke up. Despite the fact that the cold had already struck a boost of vitamins never hurt anyone I reasoned. And while I can never take a vitamin pill on an empty stomach (oh, the nausea) this glass of nutrients and vitamins left me feeling fine, even when it was the first thing I put in my system each morning. Perhaps it’s all a placebo effect, but I remain convinced my cold would’ve wiped me out much more if I hadn’t powered up with Airborne each morning.

Average Price: $6.49

Rating: 4 out of 5

Dud of the Month: Schicks Intution Razor

2010-04-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

The idea behind the Schick Intuition (Plus!) Razor is a good one. There is a "wall" of a combo shave gel and moisturizer built around the razor blade allowing you to shave without using any sort of shave gel, bodywash, or soap.

Like so many people we date in this world, it works perfectly on paper, but in real life? Meh, not so much.

The problem lies in the "wall" (for lack of a better word) of soap. This wall is supposed to moisturize while you shave but it's just too darn thick to let the razor get in as close to your skin as it should. With four blades, my legs outta feel as smooth as silk the minute we finish shaving. Instead? While toweling off post-shower my legs feel like I've gone a day or two without shaving at all.

Let's face it. When it comes to shaving, closeness counts. And unfortunately this little razor product just doesn't (wait for it...) cut it.

Average Price:$6.00
Rating 2 out of 5

Johnson & Johnson's Bedtime Bath

2010-03-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

I’m aware it might seem odd that a 30 year old single, childless woman has a baby bath product in her shower. You’d understand once you tried Johnson & Johnson’s Bedtime Bath, though, I swear.

Honestly I’ve never strayed too far away from the J&J baby product line, even as an adult. I love the gentle formulas, subtle scents, and the fact that their products do not break the beauty budget.

Lately the Bedtime Bath has been my go-to in the shower at the end of a long day. With hectic work schedules and social plans and calendars filled with too much going on, it’s not often I follow the childhood routine of dinner, then a bath, then story time before bed. Still, every once in awhile it’s a nice feeling to resurrect – climbing into bed smelling clean and soapy and curling up with a good book before the alarm clock greets me all too soon the next morning.

Plus, now I get to have a glass of wine instead of a glass of warm milk before bed. I suppose adulthood does have its perks.

Average Price: $5.00/bottle

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Alba Coconut Milk Facial Wash

2010-03-03T18:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, we'll admit it. We get a little excited when we run out of face wash. Being a firm believer in getting our money's worth and using every product up until the last drop, we only get the chance to make a face wash purchase a couple of times a year. So even if we loved our last, just-used-up product, we almost always try something new the next time around. We have no better excuse for this behavior than sometimes a girl just needs to indulge her product junkie self.

Last week we got our first chance in the new year to give a new facial wash a try. On a whim, we decided to stretch our face cleanser budget a tiny bit and opted for Alba's Coconut Milk Facial Wash. It's that time of year in New England when our face has had it with harsh winds, dry temps, and abrasive cleansers. For a few months, as we move through the rest of winter and into spring, we need a facial wash that will do the dirty work without drying. Basically, we want clear skin without the product "rough-housing" on our skin. Cleanser commitment fears aside, we took a leap of faith. It didn't hurt that Alba's Wash promised to be "soothing, gentle, and richly hydrating." Oh? And the delicious smell didn't bother us either.

Thankfully, our leap of faith worked and we've been pleased with this product from the very first go-round. Come to think of it, we might want to keep this one in the rotation for quite some time. Which means we're just going to have to indulge our product-loving side somewhere else.

Good thing we're almost out of shampoo.

Rating 5 out of 5!
Average Price: $9.99/bottle

Trader Joe's Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

2010-02-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

Last week, Holly wrote about her new obsession with Trader Joe’s chocolate croissants. Seeing as I found myself in Trader Joe’s yesterday, I steered my cart to the nearest freezer isle with the intent to try them out for myself.

Low and behold, do you know what box I saw just a few rows down from the croissants? Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Now. Before we go any further, here is something you should know about the woman behind The Pink Mixer. I love ice cream. It is, hands down, my favorite dessert, probably a “food group” I’d have a hard time giving up if forced. Beyond loving ice cream, ice cream sandwiches hold a very special place in my heart. As a kid, whenever my family and I would head down to the beach for a day my treat would be an ice cream sandwich. Even now, as a 30 year old woman, if I visit my father in the summer, I beg him to stop at a convenience store on our way off Long Beach Island so I may fulfill my sudden, ravenous ice cream sandwich craving.

So I’m pretty sure you can imagine my delight yesterday when I spied the Trader Joe’s box.

Of course, like all aficionado’s, I’m picky about my ice cream sandwiches. The cookies have to be just soft enough, the ice cream not to runny, and they must always – always – have the mini chocolate chips around the outside. It’s sacrilegious if they don’t. After forcing myself to eat a healthy (salmon, brown rice, salad) dinner last night I finally caved and allowed myself to sample a sandwich. Friends? It was near perfection. The only thing missing, in fact, was salty air, waves crashing outside, and hearing my Dad say “So, you want to stop at Wawa before we head home?”

When Holly wrote her post about the croissants, she mentioned the discouraging fat and calories content in each. I’m not going to do that here. A word to the wise though – bathing suit season is truly just around the corner. We might be wise to limit our intake on these suckers…even as tempting as it is to eat one (or, heck two) after every meal.

Average Price: $3.99/box

Rating: 4 out of 5

Essie Nailpolish: Over the Top

2010-02-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

For years, the hot thing for a cool winter manicure was short black or deep purple nails. Personally, I still think this edgy trend looks cool, but I'm also really digging the new gray shades that have hit the scene as of late.

In particular, I'm in the midst of a crush on Essie's Over the Top. I love the unexpected sheen of metallic gray, especially during the winter months; and I appreciate the fact that with each coat of color you can go as light or as dark as you want on the gray scale.

Keeping your nails short with these dark colors is a must, and as always too many chips are unsightly. Still, it's a fun way to spice up your look. Plus once you're all manicured up, you can say both your nerves - and your nails - are made of steel.

Average Price: $7.99/bottle

Rating: 4 out of 5

Neti-Pot Sinus Cleanse

2010-01-21T11:33:00.000-08:00

About a week ago I had one of the nastiest colds I’ve had in a long while. It wasn’t the flu, it wasn’t strep throat. Instead it was this awful sinus cold, one that caused me to morph into a mouth breathing, stuffy nosed, unable to focus on anything, frustrated girl. Head colds might be just about the worst type of cold in my opinion. They don’t really knock you out completely but you can’t quite function normally either. Desperate to be rid of this cold, I popped over the counter medicine, drank tea, and ate soup morning, noon, and night to no avail.

A friend suggested I try the neti-pot.

"The what?" I asked, skeptical.

"Neti-pot. It’s kind of gross, it’s kind of weird, but I’m telling you it works," she promised.

More than desperate to feel normal again, I knew I’d try anything. Off to CVS I went, where I purchased my very own neti-pot kit. My friend warned me it was best to use the neti-pot in the shower, so home I went and into the shower I climbed. The neti-pot looks like a small watering can. You fill it with a saline solution that comes in the kit and add lukewarm water. Here comes the odd part. You stand (in the shower preferably, my friend was right about that) and insert the tip of the neti-pot into one nostril. Then you tilt your head to the side, which forces the contents of the neti-pot through your nose and out the other uncovered nostril.

Yeah, kinda gross.

It’s a weird sensation, no doubt. You are breathing through your mouth while emptying the neti-pot and the entire ordeal makes you feel like a little kid who is getting ocean water up their nose. I wouldn’t describe the treatment as fun, exactly, but oh my heavens, was it worth it. The saline solution pushes all that gunk out of your nose and helps clear your sinuses faster than any over the counter pill ever has.

After stepping out of the shower I suddenly realized I was able to breathe more easily than I had in a week. I wasn’t miraculously cured and I still did the neti-pot treatment three more times but I am convinced this little gem helped me recover far faster than I would have otherwise.

In fact, I’m ready to take a stab at neti-pot evangelism. Color me converted.

Average Price: $13.00/starter kit
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Scotch Fur Fighter

2010-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

I love my two cats, I really do, and I wouldn’t trade either of them for anything.

The constant shedding though? Not so much.

I like to think I’m a rather clean person. I dust and vacuum on a regular basis, I try to keep most dust bunnies at bay. Still, with two black cats, I seem to find my furniture and bedding covered in their fur no matter what I try.

In an effort to ring in the New Year with a literal clean slate I decided to try Scotch’s Fur Fighter. I worried it might be a gimmick but honestly I was so desperate to be rid of cat hair I would have tried just about anything.

You guys. This is a miracle product. I don’t know exactly how or why it works as well as it does and frankly, I don’t really care. The important thing is that it really, truly grabs up that pet hair just like it promises. It’s super easy to use and I had the light grey quilt on my bed free of hair in a matter of minutes.

I realize we recommend a lot of different things here at The Pink Mixer, but this is one I can’t say enough about. For $10 the stress of seeing cat hair all over my otherwise clean apartment has vanished. That’s worth every - new slate to a clean (cat hair free!) - New Year penny.

Average Price: $9.99/initial starter kit
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick

2009-12-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

I can't think of anything worse than getting an unattractive, gross, large pimple right around the holidays.

Oh wait, yes I can.

Getting that unattractive, gross, large pimple as a 30 year old woman.

(Aren't we supposed to have grown out of that stage by now?)

Of course, said pimple flared its ugly head when I'd already left the city for the holidays and had packed only the bare (3oz!) travel cosmetic essentials, thus I had no ammunition in my cosmetic clutch. Desperate for an end to the madness, I grabbed Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick while out buying last minute stocking stuffers with the hopes that I'd get my own little superficial, facial Christmas miracle.

Sure enough, I did. The stick acts as a roll-on and each morning and night I'd re-apply around the dreaded pimple area. It stings a bit when first applied but within a day, the redness was gone and after another day all unflattering damage had been undone. Thank goodness for that. Now I just need to figure out who I'd like to meet under the mistletoe.

Average Price: $7.99/tube
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics

2009-12-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Earlier this summer I got a makeover at the Laura Mercier counter. As you might expect, they suggest a lot of product, and those suggested products are not exactly cheap. One of the things the woman used on my eyes that night was Eye Basics, an item I initially dismissed as not necessary, thinking it was more a concealer than anything else.

Last week however, while looking to burn a gift card at Sephora, I decided I’d give the product another glance. I remembered the makeup artist telling me I could use it as a primer before adding more eye shadow (it seems to help the color stay on longer) OR if I was in a hurry or feeling lazy – two things I seem to be feeling a lot as of late – on its own for a hint of eye brightening color.

Surprisingly, I’m enjoying this tube of Eye Basics far more than I anticipated. I use the color Linen, and there are six other shades to choose from should you prefer a different tint.

Kind of makes you appreciate the idea of giving things a second chance, doesn’t it?

Average Price: $24.00

Rating: 4 out of 5

Kohl's

2009-11-19T08:25:00.001-08:00

At first glance, Kohl’s looks like your average department store. However, if you’re patient and dig a little deeper, we promise you’ll find some extraordinary values and tres cute items. Our personal favorite is their Simply Vera line designed by Vera Wang. We fawn over her accessories, dresses, tops, and bed linens each time we enter the store and rarely leave without indulging ourselves. To the casual observer, this may seem like an unhealthy trend for our budgets, but Kohl’s offers such fabulous sales and discounts you almost feel like you’re getting away with something you shouldn’t every time you leave the register.

And if you get home and change your mind? Their return policy is one of the best we’ve ever seen – no time limit, no questions asked, no hassle.

Here are a few of our current favorites, all found at Kohl’s stores throughout the country:

Dove Nutrium Moisture Body Washes

2009-11-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, a marketing company asked me if I’d like to sample the newest in Dove body washes. I’ve long been a fan of Dove – both for their products and their Real Beauty campaigns – so I agreed; with the stipulation that I be allowed to tell the truth in my review. (Honesty is The Pink Mixers policy!) And so I was mailed three of their newest body washes – Dove’s Body Wash with Nutrium Moisture.

Now, some might say, who cares? A body wash is a body wash is soap, right? Wrong. For one, I always, always opt for body wash over soap. For me, there’s just this thing about soap. It never feels like I’ve got it all washed off and I walk around all day feeling like there’s a layer of wax or something on my skin. No thanks.

But, I will admit, I was a tad skeptical. How could Dove change their body wash, again, I wondered? And yet, it turns out they have. For the better. As I mentioned above I do like Dove’s products – with a caveat. I've never really loved their smell. In the past I’ve actually strayed from their body washes because of this. I have a sensitive sniffer, you see, and there was always something a tad off-putting to my senses. It was just too overpowering, a soapy scent that lingered all day long, making me feel a trail of perfume-giddy tweens were following me around all day long.

But! It seems this might have changed!

Thankfully this round of Dove’s Nutrium Wash seems to have toned down their scent. Oh, it still smells nice, absolutely. The difference is it’s not so darn overpowering that I feel like I’m living inside a bottle of body wash for the day. Phew. So there’s that. And do you know, too? I’ve been using their exfoliating wash for a couple of weeks now and I can actually notice a difference in my skin. We’re deep into Fall here in New England, which is the time of year when my skin swaps to it’s desperately thirsty stage. This exfoliating wash has been leaving my skin feeling smoother, softer, cleaner, and with a good scent to boot. Hoorah. This round? Dove wins a gold star in my book.

Average Price: $7.00/bottle

Rating: 3 out of 5.

KT Collection: Handmade Jewelry

2009-10-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last March, I went to New York City for a weekend with my girlfriends. While wandering through the Village, we came upon a mini outdoor festival (New Yorkers, they love their outdoor markets). As we strolled from stall to stall we came upon Katie Thompson’s handmade jewelry, known as the KT Collection. My friends and I oohed and aahed over several pieces and I, in particular, developed quite a crush on her elephant necklace charms.

But let’s not stop at elephants. The KT Collection offers a little something for everyone – all delicate, classic, beautifully made pieces. I believe I’m going to become quite the fan.

Still, Mr. Elephant will always have a special spot in my jewelry loving heart, reserved only for him.

Average Price: Varies by piece

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Trader Joes' Liquid Laundry Detergent

2009-10-28T08:21:00.001-07:00

It's not often we think of straying from our usual go-to laundry detergent. We like the smell, the price, the fact that it doesn't affect our sometimes sensitive skin, the idea we've been buying the same brand for years. A few weeks ago though we were out running errands, er, stocking up on cheap wine at Trader Joe's when we remembered we were out of laundry detergent. Too tired to make another trip to another grocery store, we decided to give ol' Joe's brand a shot. And ladies, gentleman? We might have fallen in love.

The smell - our sensitive sniffers make this a top priority when picking all things scented - is divine. It's kind of minty, kind of soapy, definitely projects a squeaky clean scent, and thankfully isn't too overpowering. Our clothes feel soft, they wash well, and so far we've got zero color fade.

Bonus points in that the detergent is good for the enviroment too. Just make sure you remember to recycle that plastic bottle it comes in before you go back for more.

Average Price: $4.99

Rating: 3 out of 5

J. Crew Lady Day Coat

2009-10-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

I might as well come clean. I am in serious lust mode. I'm fawning, swooning, dreaming about Jcrew's Lady Day Coat.

They offer this beauty in a wide variety of colors - all of which I adore, though my top three favorites come in as sea salt, light pewter, and bright colbalt.

It's a pricey number, to be sure, but I'm thisclose to somehow justifying the purchase. I suppose, living in New England and dealing with brutal winter after brutal winter would be reason enough to treat myself to this beauty don't you think?

Sigh. What else can I say? Sometimes a girl just falls in love at first sight.

Average price: $298.00

Rating: 5 out of 5 (at least in my dreams...)

Bubble Umbrella

2009-10-07T08:58:00.001-07:00

Let’s be honest. Singing – or walking - in the rain isn’t all Gene Kelly made it out to be. Unless you’re the lucky owner of a Bubble Umbrella.

The bubble umbrella invention is pretty genius. The umbrella – or bumper shoot as our friends across the Atlantic like to call it – is built to act as, well, a bubble around you. It hangs lower than most umbrellas (ella, ella, ella) and almost wraps around your head and shoulders to keep you dry – especially when that pesky wind starts up mid-storm. Of course, since the brolley is clear, you can see through it and navigate – or sing – your way right through whatever storm is headed your way.

Average Price: $ 20.00

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Maybelline's Line Express Eyeliner

2009-10-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

The number one thing we hate in an eyeliner? Stubborn application. It is no fun to pull, tug, rip at the rims of your eyes and eyelids and don’t even get us started on what that does to encourage wrinkles! What could provide a myriad of makeup options (eyeliner, smoky smoldering upper lids, eyebrow definer) won’t do squat if the eyeliner in use won’t glide on so if that’s the case you may as well toss it. Yes, we know. We hate to waste make up and money too.

Thankfully, Maybelline’s New Line Express Eyeliner is smooth and creamy, allowing for easy on and easy off application. We love the built in smudge tip on the opposite end of the pencil as it allows for no hassle touch-ups and blending and we’ve found we’ve used this pencil almost daily since we purchased it. It works great for light eyebrow shaping, intense smoky eyes on our upper lids, and the one fell swoop application from inner to outer corner of our eyes that’s part of our daily “day face” routine.

Personally, we’re partial to the brownish-black color, but the line is so inexpensive we don’t see why you can’t splurge and treat yourself to a few different shades. After all, sometimes a girl just needs a great eyeliner to remind us that good things really can come in small packages.

Average Price: $4.69/pencil

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Crush of the Moment: Flannel

2009-09-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

In honor of the new Fall season, we are adding a new edition to our running list of discussion points over here at The Pink Mixer.

It may not be a review per-say, but we’d like to occasionally talk about what new trends, items, and styles have caught our eye. (Really, we can’t help but gush over some new hip, fancy, items but our real life friends only have so much patience for these types of chats…) Perhaps you’d like to hear about our obsessions too. Maybe you even have some of your own you’d like to share.

Well, we’re all ears. Gushing – though encouraged – is not required.

******

Trend of the moment? The one we never thought we’d embrace again after spending our adolescence living in the grunge faze that was the early ‘90s?

Flannel.

While a part of us can’t believe it’s back, another side of us can’t believe it ever left. It’s soft, cozy, colorful. Why wouldn’t we want to sport flannel throughout the fall and winter?

The key difference this time around (besides leaving the Doc Martins stuck in the way, way back of our closet) is this is not your father’s flannel. XXL shirts are not the current flannel wave we’re riding. The trend this time around is tapered, tucked, much more feminie. There are ruffles, bows, and darts which means that lumberjack shirt actually looks sexy instead of big, boxy, and unflattering.

Call us crazy but we’re in. After all, it’s going to be a long winter.

Some favorites – recently spotted:
Delia's Elisa Plaid Shirt: $39.50 Gap Plaid Sailor Pencil Skirt: $54.50 Target Junior's Mossimo Boyfriend Flannel: $15.00

Old Navy Plaid Ruffle Flannel Shirt: $24.50

Sonia Kashuk's Powder Partners Eye Shadow Duo.

2009-09-15T12:27:00.001-07:00

We are hard at work behind the scenes here at The Pink Mixer, doing our best to recreate that Neiman Marcus makeover that we mentioned getting last week. Of course, the catch is, we want to do it again – we want to do it right - but on the cheap.

We spent a good part (longer than we’d like to admit actually) of a recent rainy Saturday browsing the beauty isles of Target. During our make over, the stylist at Neiman Marcus had added a purple Laura Mercier eye shadow, a look we ended up liking much more than we’d initially thought we would.

Of course, buying that Laura Mercier eye shadow would have meant shelling out another $22. So instead, dollar signs in mind, we opted for giving the $7 option - Sonia Kashuk’s Powder Partners Eye Shadow Duo a try.

So far so good on this one. We still add the (pricey) crème eye colour we referenced here earlier and then we dab a bit of the shadow on top. (Our personal color pick was Secret Admirer, but there are many options in your nearest Target for a gal to choose from.) The color goes on smoothly with an eye brush – we stayed away from those foam applicators – and it lasts for the majority of the day.

And we saved $15, which is a total feather in our cap. Or, at least $15 that can go toward another item at Target. Seriously. Have you seen their shoe collection lately?

Average Price: $7.00/set

Rating: 4 out of 5

Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour

2009-09-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, my boss and I randomly decided to treat ourselves to a makeover at the Laura Mercier counter.

Being a gal on a budget I rarely splurge for department store makeup and I hardly ever let the makeup mavens behind the counter offer suggestions on "my look." This time round though, I was surprisingly pleased with the results. In fact, I was deeply saddened at the end of the day when I had to wash all that lovely makeup off before bed.

Seeing as the budgetista in me will never truly die I only purchased two Laura Mercier items at the counter, rather than the 200 items they seemed to use on my face. I shelled out the extra cash for items I didn't think I'd be able to duplicate (for much less) at CVS or Target and I plan to try and recreate the rest of the look for less in the coming days. Updates forthcoming, of course.

The Metallic Creme Eye Colour was one of the items I went ahead and splurged on. It's a creme based eye product, one that can be worn alone - providing a nice, sheer, light shimmer - or it can start as a base on the eye, allowing you to gradually build your color with a shadow on top of it. (Which is what my makeup girl did, something again, I hope to recreate more on a Pink Mixer budget.)

A few days in and I'm really digging this stuff. It goes on smooth and easy and wears throughout the day like a champ. I think in this case, you do get what you pay for, as I've used similar (less expensive) products like this in the past only to have all signs of a shimmer gone an hour after application.

The color I chose was Alloy as I felt it gave me a lot of variety but I like the other colors too. They all seem to happily provide that little eye "pop" we girls are all so fond of.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Average Price: $22/tube

Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother

2009-08-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

So, we may or may not have decided to lay out in the sunshine, on a lake, during the sunniest part of the day without any sunblock, for a few hours.

Not our brightest moment, no.

Thankfully, on a quest for aloe at our local pharmacy, we – lobster colored skin and all – noticed Burt’s Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother. What a miracle in a bottle. Less sticky than aloe gel, but more soothing than just any lotion, we slathered this pleasant, clean smelling stuff from burnt shoulders to rosy red toes and instantly felt better.

Next time we plan on bringing along our SPF, but from now on we’ll also throw in the After Sun Soother. Never hurts to have some back-up after all.

Average Price: $10/bottle

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Dud of the Month: Vivanno Smoothies at Starbucks

2009-08-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

As the temps soar higher and higher and the beaches, pools, and lakes call us away from the hot mess of the city, a few of us poor working stiffs remain stuck among the buildings and pavement, schlepping to and from the office.

This does not make us happy.

We work any angle we can to make it feel just a bit more like the lazy, hazy, dog days of summer we remember from our youth – popsicles, ice cream, sunburns, ponytails, and when we’re too hot to handle a lunch but need something to get us through the rest of the workday? Smoothies.

Have you ever noticed there aren’t enough smoothie joints in Boston?

In a desperate attempt to fill this smoothie craving last week we headed toward Starbucks, the only smoothie selling store for miles around. We realize Starbucks IS a coffee shop and we know we shouldn’t have expected the worlds greatest smoothie. But still. If you put it on the menu you best be able to deliver right?

Well, let’s just say after trying the Vivanno Smoothies, we’d love our $4.20 back.

We opted for the orange/mango/banana smoothie. Sounds light and refreshing, right? Try again. The banana taste is far to over powering, thus making it feel like you’re sipping nothing more than a liquid banana. The after taste? Ugh. Like we said, we’ll take our $4.20 back. And we’ll carry on as usual, slogging through the sweltering streets just praying a Jamba Juice appears before us.

Average Price: Around $4.00

Rating: 1 out of 5

Gap Ruffle Trimmed Cardigan

2009-08-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

We rarely focus on one solitary item of clothing in our reviews at The Pink Mixer. Gone are our days of school uniforms, measured hem lengths, rules about what is and what isn’t appropriate to wear - though, ahem, we do sometimes see people who could use a quick refresher on that topic. The way we see it, fashion is all about self-expression and it just gets boring if we’re all cut from the same cloth, right?

Still, we’ve long been on the hunt for the perfect cardigan. We have quite a few contenders – JCrew and Banana Republic both make some good ones – but it was a recent discovery at the old tried and true, GAP, which lent itself to this post.

GAP, it appears has come full circle in their designs, and we don’t mind telling you we think they’re on the right track as of late. In search of discounted sale items the other day, we swept through the store and excitedly stumbled upon their ruffle trimmed cardigan. We’re a sucker for ¾ length sleeves to begin with, so we fell in love with the cuffed sleeve almost immediately. GAP has been nice enough to give us a variety of colors to choose from and the cotton blend is just perfect for 3 out of 4 season wear. But do you know what pushed us over the edge and had us walk to the counter to shell out some of our hard-earned money? The ruffled trim. It’s that little sweet touch, that dash of femininity, that little extra something that makes this sweater go from ‘just another cardigan’ to the ‘cardigan we reach for without fail’.

Oh, and? It’s on sale. An in-store purchase will even get you another 40% off the already marked down price.

So, hurry! Let’s just not all wear them on the same day okay? Lest it look like we’re back to the ol’ school uniform.

Average price: $39.99

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

2009-08-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

I can clearly remember the first time a Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strip found its way into my hand. I was 16, heading into a Lilith Fair concert with some high school girlfriends. We were handed a free sample as we walked through the gates. Dismissing the strip as some ‘breathe-easy’ nose strip I quickly stuffed it into my purse. There were female artists to see, songs to sway along to, and vendor counters to peruse after all.

A few days later, when cleaning out aforementioned purse, I found the Biore strip again. After reading the label, I learned this was not a breathe-right strip at all, but in fact promised to clear the nose area of all pore-clogging, blackhead, zit causing, grossness. Huh. I had not even known I HAD pore-clogging, blackhead, zit causing, grossness living on the skin of my nose, but if I did, I definitely wanted it out! Thus began the legend of Biore strips.

Fast-forward to - ahem - 13 years later. Lilith Fair may be a thing of the past, but I’m still a fan of the Biore strips and still find myself amazed at all the junk that little strip of white is able to pull out of my skin in one fell swoop. (Anyone who claims to not be disturbingly, curiously fascinated by the end result of a used Biore strip? They’re lying.)

Average price: $7.49/box of 8 strips
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Jeremie: Bird Plate

2009-08-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have a thing for bird prints around here. Knowing this, you can imagine how smitten we were when we stumbled upon Jeremie's home decor line, filled with all sorts of bird related home goods.

Jeremie serves trade stores only, so your best bet is to keep your eyes peeled when wandering through various home boutiques. We picked up our robin's egg blue plate (microwave and dishwasher safe too!) for a steal at $14. This is lovely for a number of reasons, the first being, of course, that we didn't even need to dip into our own nest egg to satisfy our instant crush.

Average Price: Varies by Item
Rating: 4 out of 5

Decorative Globe

2009-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

So Dooce had to go and mention that she collects globes the other day, which, wrong or not, we’ll admit killed a little part of our decorating soul. Believe us when we tell you that we were pooling our vintage globe collection long before she was, and we have the receipts from various thrift and antique stores to prove it.

Now granted, this particular globe from Target is not an antique and yes, yes, we realize it is mass produced in another country (India, if you’re curious). Call us a sucker for a Tar-jay product, but we couldn’t help but fall in love with it’s vintage coloring and perfect small size even if that’s all just part of the tricky everything old is new again decorating mentality.

It was simply the perfect globe to blend in with the other real truly vintage globes we own. Besides, since when have we passed up a design opportunity when it is staring us right in the face?

Average Price: $24.99

Rating: 5 out of 5

Road Trip Worthy: Robbers & Cowards, Cold War Kids

2009-07-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Some people don't immediately love the Cold War Kids. They might think they're a little harsh, too much rock and not enough roll.

We are not one of those people.

Sold immediately on one of their early songs, Passing the Hat, we've been a fan of their album, Robbers and Cowards from the get-go.

Recommended listening: We Used to Vacation, Hospital Beds, Hang Me Up to Dry, and of course, the above mentioned, Passing the Hat.

Also, you should see them live.

And then you can come back and agree with us. They are awesome.

Average price: $9.99
Rating: 4 out of 5

Bungalow 360

2009-07-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, my mother and I spent a week at the beach in Florida. While shopping in the local town one afternoon, we stumbled upon a store window filled with Bungalow 360 products, and I was instantly smitten.

The whale wallet, as shown above, became my personal favorite and has been dubbed "The summer wallet" at the house of The Pink Mixer, used from May through October. Bungalow 360 makes a wide variety of cute, cheeky, whimsical items and I find their products are popping up in store windows more and more about the country.

We recommend you get to 'em while they're still adorably cute and unique, lest they become the pattern seen 'round the States.

After all, even a working girl's gotta celebrate the summer season somehow as she trudges in and out of her office every day, right?

Average price: varies by bag or wallet

Rating: 4 out of 5

Dud of the Month: Crocs

2009-07-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

'Tis been a while since we focused on any duds here at The Pink Mixer. To make up for this oversight, we thought we'd really pack a punch and discuss what we personally feel might be one of the biggest fashion duds of all time, a style statement summed up in one little word: Crocs.

These shoes tend to divide people into two camps: the lovers and the haters.

We best not beat around the bush. Apologies to those offended, but we fall on the hater side when it comes to these shoes. Clarification: we hate these shoes when they're not worn as originally intended - mucking about the garden, in the yard, or around the house. We hate seeing them displayed in every store window about town, we loathe seeing men and women alike strolling through urban streets with these adorning their feet. (And don't get us started on those little do-dad charms that can be affixed to the tops of the shoes.)

To be fair, the Crocs brand does make a cute looking ballet flat called the Prima which is a shoe that doesn't make us cover our eyes and cringe. But these clogs? Well, we'll leave it at this. They should not be worn, with the following exceptions:

1.) You are under the age of 13. If you're a kid (especially a toddler) these look cute - even the crazy colored crocs are okay. Extra points awarded if the child is under the age of being able to tie their own shoes. We understand the value of hassle-free.

2.) You're over the age of 65. If you're retired, you're allowed to wear anything you darn well please. We'll forgive you.

3.) You are working in a garden, digging up dirt, cutting the grass, pruning shrubbery, or performing any other sort of yard-work, house maintance type activity. That's why these shoes were invented, after all.

4.) You slip them on when heading to a boat, a lake house, the beach, the mailbox. You then slip them off the moment you arrive at given outdoorsy location.

In summary, we'd just like to say, Crocs: not for the fashion-forward mavens, nor for the downtown pounding the urban pavement workday. Plus, there's a reason flip-flops were invented.

Average Price: $18.00/pair
Rating: 2 out of 5

Pottery Barn: Buddha Accent Lamp

2009-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Do you know what I love? Buddhas.

I'm not a Buddhist, but man, I get a kick out of their rolly-polly, asking for a belly rub, God. I've carried various Buddha statues that I've found and subsequently fell in love with, back and forth across this country. From San Francisco to Boston to New York to Atlanta, my Buddha statues have covered many miles.

Now that my love of these Gods has been broadcast across the interwebs, you can imagine my delight when I ran across this Buddha Accent Lamp Base in a Pottery Barn catalogue a few years ago. Unfortunately, by the time I got around to trying to order it, the darn thing was unavailable.

I'd all but given up hope of ever having Buddha light my way, until I stumbled upon the lamp in a Pottery Barn Outlet store a few weeks ago. (Correction. It was actually my Mother who noticed him in the store first. She has known about the Buddha obsession ever since my very first trip to San Francisco's Chinatown at age 18 and has a keen eye for these sorts of things.) I leaped for joy at the discovery of Mr. Buddha and immediately picked him up for purchase.

'Twas really like he'd been sitting there waiting patiently for me all along.

Very zen, that.

Average Price: $19.99 (at outlets)
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Opti-Free Express ReWetting Drops

2009-07-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

After doing the “glasses on, glasses off, glasses on, glasses off” shuffle for several years, the time finally came when it made sense to get our eyeballs fitted for contact lenses. As we slowly but surely adjust to life as a contact lens wearer, we have come to know and love Opti-Free Express Rewetting Drops.

Perhaps all contact rewetting solutions are created equal, but this product has saved us from dry, itchy, oh my stars these contacts are driving me nutty, eye irritation many a late night after too many hours wearing the lenses. The solution is pricey, but the relief it can provide is priceless.

If you are a contact lens wearer you know what we’re talking about.

If you’re not? Well, just thank the eyesight gods you don’t have to deal with any of this.

In the meantime, we’ll just be over here, putting more rewetting drops into our eyes, thankful this little tube of relief was invented.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Average price: $7.49/0.33oz

Road Trip Worthy: Us Against the Crown, State Radio

2009-06-18T09:35:00.001-07:00

While the music rarely stops flowing at chez Pink Mixer, we realized the other day it’s been quite sometime since we mentioned anything musically related ‘round these parts.

With the summer solstice just around the corner, we thought it’d be nothing but appropriate to dust off an oldie but goodie and mention a lovely band from Boston, State Radio. The group's first album, Us Against the Crown is a little bit rock, a little bit jam-music with just a touch of reggae and this album makes the perfect put on and leave on CD for all those late, perfectly pleasant summer nights spent outside.

Another bonus? Just when you think the party’s over and you begrudgingly call it quits for the evening, you’ll be surprised by the little gem of a song, Sybil. It's one we’re always happy to rediscover.

we were dancing in the kitchen
laughing about something we didn't know
till you stopped and said i don't ever want you to die
never you mind
it's sure to be all right

Average Price: $9.99/CD

Rating: 4 out of 5

Rusk Being Wild Hair Paste

2009-06-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

Most of the time, I like my hair.

Lest it be having a temper tantrum, it will usually lay flat and straight when I blow it dry and brush it out.

The fine print on that statement? Humidity. Rain.

Then all bets are off.

On those days, you can toss any idea about straight, flat, or in control hair out of the window. (And then, you'd best shut the window otherwise the rain will get in.)

After years of fighting with my locks on the damp days I finally decided to embrace the curl, which is where Rusk's Being Wild Hair Paste comes in. When run through damp hair, this styling creme yields instant texture and - believe it or not - curl instead of frizz. The paste is thick and sticky to go on, but once dry your hair won't feel stiff or gross to the touch. My waves and curls usually last all day thanks to the creme's flexible hold, which is more than I can say for my patience when schlepping through puddles in my rain gear.

Average Price: $9.99
Rating: 4 out of 5

Senuti

2009-06-01T11:25:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we like to live life on the edge in wild and irresponsible ways like, say, not having an external hard drive to back up your computers information. Living dangerously is all well and good until the unthinkable happens and you loose every last – close to 5,000! - song from your ITunes Music Library in one quick, unbelievable fell swoop.

We stressed, we panicked, we cursed the ITunes updating Gods and then we ran to the nearest Apple Genius Bar. When the geniuses we unable to fix the issue we panicked even more, until they recommended - off the record and extremely hush hush - that we give the program Senuti a try.

Senuti (that’s ITunes backwards, gang) works like a computer to iPod set-up except in reverse, allowing you to move music from your iPod onto your computer. Senuti gives you a 30 day/1,000 songs free trial or for the bargain price of $18 you can download the program and (deep, relieved breath) retrieve all of those amazing, wonderful songs you’d been without.

Senuti was our parachute as we tumbled into a music-less abyss. Thankfully we’ve learned our lesson. Our days of living recklessly are numbered. The first thing on this week’s shopping list? An external hard-drive, of course.

Average Price: 30 day/1,000 song - FREE!

Beyond that, $18 to download

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Larabars

2009-05-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

It is rare that we head directly home at the end of our 9 to 5 workday. It seems there is always something to be done after office hours - be it errands, laundry, dry cleaning pick up, cultural events about town, or just grabbing a happy hour cocktail with friends.

Needless to say, on those nights when we don’t head directly home, we can get a tad hungry. And if you’ve ever been around us when our blood sugar is plummeting and we’re getting ravenous? Well, you know it’s not a pretty sight.

Enter our snacking on the go savior, LaraBars.

This is the energy bar that sustains us, keeps us moving happily through our busy lives, all while actually tasting good. Each flavor (we like cinnamon roll the best) is made from 100% whole food and each bar contains no more than six ingredients.

Pure, simple, and the perfect tide-you-over snack until you do finally make it home in time for dinner.

Average Price: $2.00/bar

Rating: 4 out of 5

(I mean, have you tasted some of the other energy bars? Ugh!)

Bumble and Bumbler Color Support

2009-05-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

From time to time, we dye our hair. Because we’re enough to not have to cover gray hairs, our hair dyeing schedule tends to run not on sheer maintenance but on boredom. The middle of a cold, gray winter? We spice things up now and again with a color kick to our locks.

When we do lean toward a dye job, we usually go the cheap route and pull a do it yourself job. So we couldn’t figure out how our hairstylist was always able to add just a touch of warm brunette color to our hair every time we went in for a trim without actually coloring our hair - until just a few weeks ago. Bumble and Bumble Color Support Shampoos and Conditioners. That’s where the magic’s at.

No matter your blonde, brunette, or red head color, there’s a set for you. The shampoo and conditioner work hand in hand to give your shade a boost. Here’s the fine print: The shampoo must be used with conditioner because it lacks moisturizers that coat hair and hinder color absorption. For the same reason, one shouldn’t use another type of shampoo before using Color Support Conditioner, as it may leave a barrier that will render color-enhancing properties ineffective.

So kick your color up a notch – without the commitment of a dye job.

Average Price: $22

Rating: 3 out of 5

CoverGirl LipSlicks LipGloss

2009-05-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, we were let in on the secret of Cover Girl LipSlicks Lipgloss. See, if we’re going to come right out with it, we’re not the biggest lipstick fans. Sure, we like makeup as much as the next girl and we agree that a pretty mouth can do wonders in lighting up a face. Still, lipstick always seems like such maintenance what with the constant application and the worrying about lipstick on teeth and the leaving a mark on your water glass. More than anything else, we’re really into just a subtle lip stain – no fuss, no frills. And that, dear readers, is exactly what Cover Girl LipSlicks delivers.

The name of the shade originally recommended was Daring, which we like well enough. However, the color was still a tiny bit too bright cherry for our tastes, so the other day – feeling Hipsterish – we picked up the shade Hipster. This one we really, truly love and we think you’ll like it too.

Still, even if you don’t? Well there are plenty of other color options to choose from. And if you really can’t make up your mind? Well, one of the best things about these LipSlicks is that they’re inexpensive enough that you can try every shade without feeling all that guilty. We think that's called LipSlicks Heaven.

Average Price: $3.99

Rating: 4 out of 5

Aquis Hair Towel

2009-05-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

We don’t care how girly-girl you are or how much you enjoy primping yourself for a day at the office or a big night out on the town. Spending a long time drying your hair is never fun. May we present to you, then, the Aquis Hair Towel.

This little wonder towel does everything the website promises it will. It’s uber absorbent, compact, dries quickly, and is pretty much a gem anyway you slice it. An extra added bonus for those of you pinching your pennies? You can almost always find these towels at the discount stores such a TJ Maxx or Marshalls.

So go forth and dry fast. Then let the real fun begin.

Average Price: $12.00-$15.00
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

2009-04-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Pink Mixer loves her mother. Earth, that is.

We realize, with Earth Day happening yesterday and this being Earth Week everyone and their mother (ha.) is busy telling you about the urgency and importance of saving our planet.

We're not going to jump on that soapbox here. (But it is important and urgent.) Instead, we're going to tell you a story.

A few days ago, the brains behind The Pink Mixer had plans to go to a concert. While waiting for the friend who was also attending the concert, she went into a convenience store and bought a plastic bottle of Vitamin Water. When it was time to enter the concert hall, concert-goers were padded down by security and bags were searched. As she suspected they might, the security guards asked our heroine to throw out her Vitamin Water bottle.

She looked at the trashcan. She looked at the security guard. Then, she saw a green recycling bin just a foot behind the security guard, advertising the benefit of recycling our plastic bottles instead of tossing them into the garbage.

"Could I please recycle it instead?" she asked.
"The bins are the same." the security guard snarled.
"But they're not," she insisted. "Could we please recycle it?"
"They. are. THE. SAME." the guard yelled, while grabbing the Vitamin Water bottle from our heroines hand and tossing it in the garbage can.

Our heroine shook her head and walked toward her seat with her friend, who had witnessed the whole unfortunate escapade. Once they both sat down, the heroine turned to her friend. "I can't help but feel terrible," she whispered. "I know that plastic bottle is going to sit in a landfill and will still be sitting there hundreds of years later. Long after I, myself, have left the planet. It doesn't seem fair."

Let's all vow to not live our lives like that nasty security guard. In fact, let's all work extra hard to off-set that sort of mentality. The trash bins and the recycling bins are not the same. Get educated, be smart, do your part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Mother Earth is going to thank you.

Let's rise to the occasion, yes?

Average Price of a Healthy Planet: Immeasurable
Rating of a Healthy Planet: 5 out of 5!!!

Tweezerman Tweezers

2009-04-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

We have read before that, among other things, every girl needs:
1.) a black lace bra
2.) something perfect to wear if the man or employer of her dreams wants to see her in an hour
3.) a cordless power drill

We’d like to add to the list and say, we firmly believe every girl needs a really good pair of tweezers. After many false starts and money tossed down the “let’s give this brand a whirl” endless pit, we believe we have discovered the crème de la crème of the plucking and tweezing stray unwanted hair world.

Tweezerman tweezers - try to say that ten times fast - are not cheap. In fact, you’re liable to balk at the price tag and mutter “$25 for tweezers?!” the first time you spot them in your local drugstore (or was that just us?) We’ll give you a minute to get over the sticker price.

There.

Better?

Sure, you can buy tweezers for a lot less. The thing is though, those cheap tweezers? They don’t work. They don’t last.

Tweezerman, however, offers the best guarantee around when it comes to all things tweeze related. Check it out: We sharpen our implements which have become dull through normal use FREE for as long as the implement can be resharpened. No shipping and handling. No processing fees. If the implement is damaged, we will repair it for $5 or at your option, we will replace it with a new one for half its current suggested price. An invoice will be sent back to you with the repaired implement.

How many cheap-o brand of tweezers do you know that promise something like this? Worth its weight in stray-hair free, plucking champion, gold.

Average Price: $25 per pair
Rating: 4 out of 5

Etsy Shop: Bijou de Chat

2009-04-17T08:45:00.001-07:00

We should come clean and tell you we’re a tiny bit biased when it comes to a certain Etsy jewelry seller. Could be that we actually know her and count her among our group of friends in The Pink Mixer circle or it could be that we really just think her hand-made jewelry is top-notch. Okay, okay, you caught us – it’s both.

Working almost exclusively with gemstones, Bijou De Chat makes one of a kind creations – including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. All are reasonable priced and the perfect way to kick an ordinary outfit up a notch. Heck, the jewelry is so fun; it might even kick a plain old, ordinary day to a whole new level.

Average Price: Varies by Item

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Maybelline: Great Lash Mascara

2009-04-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun fact about yours truly: the first piece of makeup I purchased in my life was a tube of Maybelline's Great Last Mascara. Somehow I came up with a rather convincing argument - one that eventually won my mother over - about how at 13, a girl should be allowed to have one make-up essential. Since I'd decided (at the wise old age of 13, remember) that my eyes were my best feature I begged and pleaded to be allowed to purchase the classic pink and green tube on a trip to the local drugstore. Finally, my mother gave in.

I carried (and used) that tube of mascara incessantly. I was so proud of my grown up lashes! I felt a sense of pride whenever a Maybelline commerical came on tv because now, I too, was part of the "maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline" eternal question.

And yet, here's the rub:
My tendency to review and scout out the best products started at an early age. While I was pleased as punch to be touting a mascara's pros and cons to my girlfriends at the start of 8th grade, I knew even then, that other mascaras could do more for my lashes than this one. I could have even thicker, fuller, plumper lashes if I just kept searching. (16 years later and I'm still searching for the mascara to end all mascaras.)

The pros love this mascara. It's called the inexpensive, hidden gem. Make-up artists and celebrities have been known to refer to it as the 8th wonder of the world. Yet I remain unconvinced. I find it clumps quickly and rarely spreads onto my eyelashes evenly and without fuss. Of course, I always wanted to be a green and pink tube believer. Since that fateful makeup purchase years ago, I've come back to the Great Lash tube a few times over the years, always ready to give it another chance. To this day though I always end up disappointed in the product.

Just goes to show that every once in awhile, teenagers do actually know what they're talking about.

Average Price: $4.49
Rating: 2 out of 5

Nivea Body: Q10 Firming Lotion

2009-04-02T13:36:00.001-07:00

Most of the time, when it comes to lotions, we try and go the natural, organic skin lotion route. The other week though, we found ourselves in a drugstore, standing in front a very large, looming body lotion isle. Something (the bright fluorescent lights?) pulled us toward the Nivea skin section. In an instant we recognized an old favorite, Nivea Body Q10 Firming Lotion, and knew we had to revisit the product.

We can’t rave about how organic or au natural this product is. And we won’t promise you over the top, amazing, you never need to work out again, skin firming results either. We will however tell you that the other day, when we first started using the lotion again? The smells brought us instantly back to another spring many years ago, one filled with lots of good moments, memories and promise. For us, that sealed the deal of being a Q10 fan. We plan, as with everything, to enjoy this lotion in moderation. Turns out everything involves balance huh? Even beauty products.

Of course, we didn’t mind that while our sense of smell triggered a mental stroll through memory lane, we actually did seem to think our skin was getting a tad firmer after a few weeks of continuous usage.

Who knew nostalgia could yield results like that?

Average Price: $9.99/13.5 oz
Rating: 4 out of 5

American Apparel

2009-03-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

So here’s the ying and yang about the clothing store American Apparel:

The ying: They make some of the best t-shirts going. You know that cute concert tee you bought last summer that’s so soft and comfy? I wager a guess it’s an American Apparel tee. Remember that time you borrowed your boyfriend’s hoodie and “forgot” to give it back to him? It’s probably made by American Apparel. Know that tank top that fits just right no matter how many times it’s seen the Laundromat? Also, I’d be willing to bet, an American Apparel item.

They’ve got a good thing going when it comes to solid, basic, standard, go-to garments. If you can squeeze past the hipsters with their skinny jeans and oversized sunglasses, you’ll notice that their stores don’t push a lot of flashy, trendy items but stick to the basics – with a flash of neon 1980s fashion thrown in for fun. Provided you comb through the racks with a layering eye in mind you can find some pretty awesome staples for your wardrobe.

The yang, in our humble opinion is two-fold. They can be a tad overpriced. ($40 for a hoodie?) This is justifiable, however, knowing most of what you buy will last for ages and wasn’t produced in some far-off land by young children forced to work in sweatshop conditions.

Our biggest issue, the thorn in our side so to speak. is with their return policy. To be blunt, it sucks. There are no refunds, no money back, ever. You get store credit instead, always, no matter the situation. Of course, this isn’t the end of the world, right? After all, one will always find a need for a cozy hoodie. Still, I can’t help but be a bit miffed by a company who won’t give me back my $35 a mere 3 days after I made a fly by the seat of my pants purchase, one I later changed my mind about. In fact, if I had to rewrite their return policy it would just state: go on, take the money and run.

Average Price: Varies by item

Rating: 3 out of 5

OPI Nail Polish: Lincoln Park After Dark

2009-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

We almost always keep our nails short and polish free mainly because we’re too busy to deal with the constant upkeep that long, shaped, polished nails require. On the occasions when we do indulge ourselves with a manicure, it’s always with a good girl classic pink, pale or neutral color on our hands. (Why, all the better to hide the inevitable chips with, my dear!)

Still, every once in awhile the rebel buried within us decides she’d like to make an appearance. She craves the wild, late night parties, the adventures of an open road, and maybe even a bad boy on her arm as she busies herself getting into trouble.

Of course, 99% of the time we’re too grounded to actually partake in any of those activities. Instead, we just indulge our inner bad girl with deep, dark polish on our nails. When the mood strikes, our favorite go-to color is OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, a deep shade of purple that gets darker yet not quite black with each coat. As all good girls and bad girls know, the key to not looking like a vampire with this uber dark polish is to keep those fingernails extra short. (Oh, and rebel or not, let’s not be sloppy, ladies. The polish needs to come off the minute it starts to chip.)

Whew. Now that our internal rebel is satisfied we can get back to our practical 9 to 5 existence (and continue to keep that tattoo hidden, naturally).

Average Price: $7/bottle

Rating: 4 out of 5

Hunter Wellies

2009-03-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Being a bit of an Anglophile and living in a damp, often rainy and snowy Northeastern city, we have long coveted Hunter brand Wellington Boots. For years, while trying to pinch our pennies we convinced ourselves that any old type of wellies would do instead of shelling out a bit more cash for the crème de la crème of field boots. Well. Those any old type of wellies cracked and rotted before the end of one soggy season and we were back to square one – coveting Hunters – with cold, wet feet to prove it.

As luck would have it, we recently stumbled upon a sale online. Knowing that the prices of these boots rarely drop more than they already had, we pounced. And now, after a quick overnight delivery, we have become the utterly thrilled owners of a pair of Hunter Boots. Hoorah. Already we know they’re worth the price, the investment. They’re warmer, thicker, and far superior than any other pairs of wellies we’ve known.

Truly, as the brand says, outstanding in every field.

Average Price: Varies, depends on style, usually ranges between $100-$130 per pair

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Zappos.Com

2009-03-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

I realize this entry will probably not cause any epiphanies among the masses.

After all, Zappos.Com, the online shoe mecca, is not a new website by any means. Still, we here at The Pink Mixer couldn't sleep at night not reminding you just how amazing this site is. Name a shoe. Go ahead. Take your pick - it's there. Name the color you want said shoe to be - There. Name the size - Check. Got a shoe you've had your heart set on but don't want to pay full price? Keep checking. Eventually they'll have a sale, even if it's for one day only.

Don't want to pay shipping and handling? No worries, because it's always free. Decide the shoe was better in your mind's eye than on your feet? You can return the unworn pair without an ounce of hassle. Want the shoes to come fast? Covered. We've personally never waited more than a day for our coveted shoes to arrive via regular parcel post.

Jump on the Zappos bandwagon, gang. Your (stylish) feet will thank you.

Average Price: Varies by shoes
prices comparable to in store purchases seen around town.
Rating: 5 out of 5!

J Beverly Hills Masque

2009-03-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

And we're back, here at reviewing central, chez Pink Mixer! Sorry for the extended delay but our reviewing elves got a little tied up watching all those movies we discussed during the month of all things Oscar.

Now though, the Academy Awards are behind us and March has arrived in New England like a lion - bringing 10 inches of snow with his roar.

So what's a girl to do when her hair has had it up to here with dry, wintry, static inducing conditions? We suggest hopping the next flight to somewhere exotic like Cape Town. However, if that's not an option, we also think your hair might be happy to learn about J Beverly Hills Masque. Think of the masque as a conditioner that gives 160% of itself. The hair and scalp intensive treatment is formulated with all natural herbs, including aloe vera, rose geranium, and mint extracts. It smells divine and works like a champ on tired, stressed hair. A dab will certainly do you as this is a product where a little bit goes a long way.

We, however, like the stuff so much we've taken to using it as a quasi-shaving gel for our legs too. Who doesn't like more bang for their buck, especially as we gear up for one more round with old man winter, eh?

Average Price: $7.00/4oz.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Film Talk: Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Slumdog Millionaire is the little film that could. This movie has received tons of attention and has been nominated for award after award (10 Oscar nods!) including Best Picture. (It has already snagged a SAG and Golden Globe.)

When a Mumbai teen, Jamal Malik (played by Dev Patel) gets a spot on the popular Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire where he knows the answer to every question asked. Under suspicion of cheating, he is tortured and questioned by the police. As they interrogate him, we learned through flashbacks of his life, how he has come to learn the answers to each question.

The Pink Mixer saw this film after hearing much buzz and ado. Unfortunately, we had to sit in the 3^rd row back from the screen due to a scheduling snafu with a friend, but we were still happily impressed with the story. What we don’t want to do is hype this film so much that you expect sheer and total greatness. Instead, we’ll just tell you that on a rainy Sunday afternoon (with one week until the Oscars!) we suggest you shell out your $10 for a ticket and spend a few hours with the cast of Slumdog Millionaire. You won’t regret it. And, if you’re like us? Your favorite part might be the very last two minutes of the film, when notes of Bollywood strike.

Film Talk: The Visitor

2009-02-05T12:10:00.001-08:00

The Visitor has received a glimmer of attention from the Academy, with Richard Jenkins receiving a best actor nomination. This nomination is entirely justified as this moving story of friendship, change, and redemption is largely carried by Jenkins – and his ability to relate, understand, emphasize, and eventually befriend the “visitors” that come into his life, unexpectedly.

The Pink Mixer doubts he’ll win, as too many people haven’t even heard of this film, let alone seen it. Still, major upsets have been known to happen, so we don’t recommend sitting around holding your breath.

Win or no win, this film is definitely worth a rental. Walter (Jenkins) is an alienated, detached college professor living in Connecticut, whose school sends him to New York University to attend a conference. Once in the city, he discovers a young couple – victims of a real estate scam – living in his own NY apartment. In a display of sympathy for these “tenants” who have no where else to go, Walt allows them to stay in the apartment with him. Their lives become intertwined, building an unexpected yet important friendship.

Film Talk: No Country for Old Men

2009-02-02T10:47:00.001-08:00

Over a few beers yesterday, we found ourselves reminiscing about films of the recent past with a friend. As one might expect, Oscar predictions for ’09 came up, and then we reflected on past best picture wins, last year’s No Country for Old Men, in particular.

Adapted by Joel and Ethan Cohen from writing genius Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name; No Country for Old Men begins with Llewelyn Moss (played by Josh Brolin) stumbling upon a drug deal gone wrong and $2 million abandoned dollars. Of course, $2 million dollars doesn’t go missing for long before someone is on its trail, and in this case, it’s cold-blooded, stoic killer Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem).

It’s a violent, bloody tale to be sure, but it’s also one of the best crime thrillers we’ve seen in our lifetime. There are moments on the screen that are so tense they’ll take your breath away (if you’ve seen it, you know the quarter scene) and I dare you to not feel spooked even the tiniest bit anytime you see Javier Bardem – bowl haircut or not – on a film or television screen.

The Pink Mixer isn’t the only one who really liked this movie. In fact, the Academy Awards adored the film - giving it a slew of awards last year, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adaptation, and Best Supporting Actor.

Watch it. Just be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat for the film’s entirety.

Film Talk: The Wrestler

2009-01-29T18:41:00.001-08:00

Caught The Wrestler tonight, a film that has been dubbed "the resurrection of Mickey Rourke." The film is the story of Randy "the Ram" - a former professional wrestler - whose glory days in the ring are behind him.

It's a touching, sincere, film and one that we ended up liking much more than we had originally anticipated. Nominated for two Academy Awards this year - best actor (Rourke) and best supporting actress (Marisa Tomei) it has already received attention with a wide variety of awards including a Golden Globe for Rourke and another Globe for best song. (Why Springsteen's song wasn't nominated by the Academy as well for best song is anyone's guess.)

The Pink Mixer is throwing out a prediction that this year the best actor category will come down to two men: Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn (Milk). While Penn is still a strong contender, we have to say that after viewing the film tonight in a cold, old movie house in Harvard Square, we wouldn't be terrible surprised if Rourke walks away with that little golden statue on Oscar night.

Film Talk: Elizabeth

2009-01-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

The 1999 Academy Awards - a year that Shakespeare in Love swept the Oscars and annoyingly snubbed better films (like Saving Private Ryan) and better actresses (no offense Gwyneth).

Elizabeth tells the story of Queen Elizabeth I during her assention to the throne and early reign over a religiously divided England. Dulls-ville it is not as we watch young, love-sick Elizabeth come of age and subsequently become the most powerful ruler in the world; dubbing herself The Virgin Queen.

It’s only win despite six other nominations? Best Makeup.

This is the film that put Cate Blanchett on the map, one that solidified her as one of the most interesting, chameleon-like actresses of present day. (And, let’s not forget, the dress she wore that year was one of the most stunning and beautifully unique outfits to ever make its way down the red carpet.)

Film Talk: The Departed

2009-01-27T15:23:00.001-08:00

Since we're on a bit of a Leonardo DiCaprio kick here at The Pink Mixer, today seems the perfect time to mention The Departed, a 2007 Academy Award winner of best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay and best achivement in editing.

Set in Boston (a city we just happen to call home ourselves) full of plot twists and turns and both good guys and bad guys undercover in the Irish Mob and the Boston Police Force, this film is a tour-de-force.

It's the film that got Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Sheen, Matt Damon, and Mark Walhberg on the screen together as well as the one that finally got Martin Scorsese his well deserved best directing Oscar.

Bostonians always love a good thriller and even us romantics at The Pink Mixer throughly enjoyed this crime drama. Of course, it probably doesn't hurt that the movie was filmed literally in the backyard of our old office workplace. Who doesn't like a quick brush with stardom - Irish Mob tie-ins or not?

Film Talk: Revolutionary Road

2009-01-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

As our Oscar talk continues here at The Pink Mixer this month, we are jumping ahead to present day, and focusing on Revolutionary Road – a film currently out in theaters and nominated for 3 (Best Supporting Actor, Achievement in Costume Design, Achievement in Art Direction) statues for the 2009 Academy Awards.

Before we go any further, let it be known that The Pink Mixer finds that number of nominations woefully inadequate after viewing the film this weekend.

Adapted from the impressive, moving, superbly written novel by Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road tells the story of an American marriage seen through the eyes of Frank and April Wheeler. It is a story of 1950’s America, suburbia, family, relationships, and the question (currently running through the movie’s trailers): Can two people break away from the ordinary without breaking apart?

Driven to change their fates, recapture their lost dreams and not be trapped by social confines, April hatches an audacious plan to start all over again, to leave the comforts of Connecticut behind for the great unknown of Paris. But when the plan is put in motion, each spouse and their marriage is pushed to extremes.

Having read the novel earlier, I was not surprised by the action unfolding in this film. The adaption is excellent, with only slight nuances missing from the book. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are two of the greatest working actors today and give some of the most haunting, beautiful performances I have ever seen. This is not a fairy tale with a Hollywood ending, nor, (let’s be honest here) will one leave the theater with an uplifted spirit after viewing. Still, it is a remarkable, realistic story and one that deserves to be seen.

Just as the two actors I mentioned above deserved nominations for Best Actor (Leo) and Best Supporting (Kate). Sometimes, it seems, Hollywood can be guilty of not recognizing two of its brightest gems.

Film Talk: Gone With the Wind

2009-01-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

I clearly remember being home sick from school one day in the 6th grade. Bored and restless, yet needing couch time to recoup, I pulled down my mother's VHS box set of Gone With the Wind.

4 hours later I was a changed girl.

The tale of Scarlett and Rhett, Melanie and Ashley, Mammy, and the beautiful plantation of Tara set during the Civil War is nothing less than epic.

If there ever was a movie to make people fall in love with movies, Gone With the Wind is it. On a personal level, I have to rank it as one of the most influential films of my life; something I watched over and over and over and yes, just once more with zeal. It's the film that I compared all other films against. The one that made me want to study film in college, the movie that makes me catch my breath every time the opening lines "It was a land of Cavaliers and Cotton fields..." scroll across the screen, one that still makes me cry every time I watch it.

The casting is excellent and immortalized. The history behind the making of the film is fascinating. The 8 Oscars it took home in 1939 are all most deserved. If there is any woman alive who doesn't still root for Scarlett and Rhett to find their way back to one another still, then I have yet to meet her.

Tara! Home. I'll go home. And I'll think of some way to get him back. After all... tomorrow is another day

Film Talk: Out of Africa

2009-01-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

In honor of the upcoming 2009 Academy Awards, The Pink Mixer will be living, breathing, reveling, and reviewing all things Oscar for the next month.

While we haven’t touched on movie reviews here yet, consider them now officially thrown into the (pink) mix. Oscar wouldn’t want it any other way.

For many years Out of Africa escaped our attention. Not because we weren’t interested, but, well, watching the film or reading the book was one of those things we kept saying we’d eventually get to.

A few weeks ago Out of Africa was finally viewed at Chez Pink Mixer and wow we can’t believe we waited as long as did to watch Sydney Pollack’s masterpiece. The sweeping landscape, the beautiful soundtrack, the characters, and oh – the story! It’s all enough to take one’s breath away.

This 1985 film follows the life of Danish woman Karen Blixen (played by Meryl Streep) who establishes a coffee plantation in Africa. (Or, as she says: “I had a farm in Africa.”) Upon her arrival in Africa, she marries a husband of convenience, only to later meet and fall in love with Denys (Robert swoon Redford).

Based on a true story the film won 7 Oscars in total – including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Neutrogena's Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent

2009-01-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Know that moment when you can just tell a zit or blackhead or some sort of not-cool acne is going to sprout up on your face? One minute all is well and blemish free and then the next minute? Something becomes amiss under your pores. It’s like you can just feel that bastard coming and you know it’s only a matter of a day or so until you have an unsightly blemish to contend with.

One of life’s annoyances, that.

My go-to during those initial, instant, do or die response moments, is Neutrogena’s Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent. The Neutrogena website claims that it’s the first maximum strength cooling gel that treats and prevents breakouts while soothing irritated skin.

A good thing. Me? I just like it because it gets down and dirty with those pores that are acting up – and fast.

Average Price: $8.99

Rating: 4 out of 5

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads

2009-01-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

The truth is I bought these Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads in anticipation of the nights when I’m too exhausted or too, ahem, silly on the red wine (wink, wink, nod, nod) to deal with the complicated process of wiping away my eye make-up with a cotton ball and then washing my face with a cleanser.

The pads are a breeze – quick to use and saturated with the lovely smelling Aveeno cleansers. One side of the pad is smooth (they tell me this is the side that helps remove all the makeup, dirt, and daily grit from our face) and the other textured for exfoliating purposes.

My inner environmentalist is a tad concerned about the discarded pads ending up in a landfill for forever and ever so I still use them sparingly. Which, I guess in turn, means I’m not out hitting the bars too hard, doesn’t it?

Average Price: $7.00

Rating: 3 out of 5

LL Bean's 180 Degree Ear Warmers.

2009-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

My Dad is a pretty good gift-giver. He thinks a bit outside the box and generally pays attention to items one might really want or need.

This Christmas, one of the gifts found under The Pink Mixer's tree were LL Bean's 180 Degrees Ear Warmers. I can honestly tell you I probably would have gone years before picking these ear warmers out for myself simply because I don't think I would've thought about how utterly useful items they could be. The wrap around protection of the fleece keeps your ears warm on the coldest of days (this is especially good if you're a girl who wears earrings) and they fold-up conveniently the minute you remove them from your head, ready to be stashed away in a purse or jacket pocket.

Santa Dad gave me a red pair but they come in a wide variety of colors. And at only $20 a pop, it just might make sense to get yourself more than one pair...or at least pair for each of those little holiday elves running around your house.

Average Price: $19.95
Rating: 4 out of 5

Page A Day, Art Gallery Calendar

2009-01-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

I love this calendar.

It is my second year running with, using, and enjoying the Art Gallery Page-A-Day Calendar. Every morning, when I flip the heavy card stock daily calendar page over, feels like a quick pit-stop in an art museum.

The colors and graphics are excellent and while the calendar functions like any other page-a-day calendar, it never really "looks" or "feels" like one. There is no ripping off black and white tiny pages or dealing with the glue residue that sticks out from a standard paper page a day calendar. Each print is unique and stunning and uncovering each of them has quickly become a favorite morning ritual.

Average Price: $15.00
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Mario Badescu Strawberry Face Scrub

2009-01-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

We here at The Pink Mixer are a sucker for free samples. When we learned that Mario Badescu will send a package of various facial lotions and potions to your home (for free!) after you fill out a questionnaire about your skin on their website we signed up immediately.

Our products came quickly and we've been pleasantly surprised with the whole lot of loot.

The Strawberry Face Scrub stands out from the pack the most and is certainly something we plan on purchasing once we run out of our sample. This scrub is intended to be used about once a week and it works (with real strawberry seeds!) to shed dull, old, flaky skin, unclog pores, and reveal your healthy, glowing skin. The subtle strawberry scent is excellent and while the scrub does it's exfoliating work like a champ it's not so harsh that you feel you're rubbing sandpaper across your delicate face. Which, well, figures.

After all, strawberries are always sweet, aren't they?

Average Price: $15.00/4 Oz. (Available by mail)
Rating: 4 out of 5

Clinique: Water Therapy Moisture Glove Hand Cream

2009-01-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

All hand creams are not created equal.

Between washing our hands many times a day and especially during harsh, brittle, winters our hands are in dire need of some gentle TLC.

Clinique's Water Therapy Moisture Glove Hand Cream is without question the best hand lotion I've ever found. It's non-greasy, has a pleasant, non-obtrusive smell and forms a seal to protect your precious hands against all elements.

There's a rumor spreading that Clinique might be discontinuing this gem of a product, so get it while you can.

(Moisturized, soft, smooth, protected) hand over heart, I promise you'll love it.

Average Price: $19.50/3.4 oz
Rating: 5 out of 5!

SmartWool Socks

2008-12-22T09:08:00.001-08:00

I’ve known and loved the always warm, totally genius SmartWool brand socks for so long that I take it for granted everyone already knows about them. In case you don’t though, let me take a minute to sing their praises.

In a word, they are perfection. I know, I know, you think socks are socks right? Wrong. These socks offer the warmth of wool without the scratchiness, they wick away water – be it sweat (eeww) or wet snow, and they continually keep your toes at a perfect, warm temperature.

SmartWool offers a wide variety of styles as well – socks for skiing in the winter, running in the summer, they even make some pairs that are suitable for the office.

And yes, just in case you’ve procrastinated with your holiday shopping, they do indeed make excellent stocking stuffers.

Average Price: Between $12-$20

(Prices vary depending on socks)

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Seventh Generation Dish Liquid

2008-12-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

We all know that green is the new black these days and here at The Pink Mixer we do try to always at least consider the green, more environmentally safe options when scouting out new products.

After vetoing Method’s dishwashing liquid because of its poorly designed bottle, we decided to give Seventh Generations’ Lavender Floral and Mint Dish Liquid a go. Bottle design? A winner. Scent? Subtle and the mint kick is a nice touch. Cleansing ability? Solid. The fact that we can understand all ingredients on the label? Comforting. The fact that after the dishes and glasses dry they tend to have white soapy, water spots on them? Eh, not so much.

I’d really like to blame the water in my area on this one, but seeing how I’ve never had spots on my glasses before using this detergent I can’t. While we’re not at all against the product, the Martha Stewart buried inside us *does* want spot-free kitchen ware. And so we’ll keep on keeping on with the hunt for all things going green…while muttering ‘out damn spot, out’ under our breath.

Average Price: $3.69
Rating: 3 out of 5

Road Trip Worthy: The Animal Years - Josh Ritter

2008-12-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Radio waves are coming miles and miles.

Bringing only empty boats.

Whatever feeling they had when they sailed.

Somehow slipped out between the notes.

It’s been awhile since we talked music here at The Pink Mixer and while we hesitate to recommend another album by an artist we’ve already mentioned, we just can’t bear to go a minute longer without making sure everyone knows about the wonder that is Josh Ritter’s The Animal Years.

This album is our warm blanket on chilly nights, our hot cup of tea sipped on a rainy Sunday evening, the friend we ride in comfortable silence in the car with, the go-to when there is no where else to turn.

We’re extremely hard pressed to pick a single favorite song from the album and that; we have decided is part of its ever-lasting charm and why we’re continually comforted every time we pop this CD into our disc player.

Average Price: $10-12

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Almay Bright Eyes: Eye Base & Concealer

2008-11-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

Out of the normal go-to Clinique concelear I usually use, I decided to give Almay's Bright Eyes Eye Base and Concealer a shot, mainly because I had a coupon. (And we all know how much The Pink Mixer likes her coupons.)

The results were pleasing and for $9 (ahem, $7.50 thanks to the above mentioned coupon) I'm impressed with how well this stuff works. The coverage is easy, smooth, and not at all clumpy like other concelears I've tried.

While the idea of "brushing" the concealer on through the bristles at the end of the tube doesn't exaclty work, and a little dab goes a long way, I've been able to blend under my eyes just fine with the use of my ring finger. (A gentle reminder from The Pink Mixer family - always use the ring finger as it pulls at your delicate under-eye skin the least.)

Average Price: $9.00/tube
Rating: 3 out of 5

UGG: Classic Cardy

2008-11-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Uggs hit the scene full stream ahead circa 2004. Everyone desperately wanted to get their hands on a pair. Then, by 2006, everyone did. Suddenly Uggs weren't quite the magicial, mysterious, fashion gem they once were.

Oh, yes, they were a hot commodity in The Pink Mixer household too, don't be fooled. But then, after seeing them on every single person young and old for season after season we grew beyond weary of the "Ugg Phenomeon."

While originally determined to steer ourselves far away from all Ugg associations in winter 08, we finally came to our senses when a friend issued the following statement.

"We live in New England. It is cold here, for a very long, cold time. Uggs will always be popular here. That's the way it goes."

Hmm.

That friend had a point.

And so we set out on a mission to find a new pair of Uggs that didn't look like Uggs. We wanted the warmth (sheepskin!) the comfort, the coziness. We did not want to look like we'd stepped out of the pages of US Weekly.

After much searching we settled on Ugg's Classic Cardy design. A little different, a little less Ugg-generic, and great color choices. Call us crazy, but well, we can be easily smitten. Sadly, it seems a lot of other like-minded folks were smitten too as we had to go through five different websites to finally find and order a pair in our size.

They arrived the other day and they really are as cute as can be. Yes, even the jaded Pink Mixer is falling for the Ugg trend again. And most importantly? they're going to get us through another long, cold, winter.

Average Price: $130/pair
Rating: 4 out of 5

Curly Girl Design

2008-11-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

In this day and age of generic, run of the mill, “cookie cutter” stores and gifts, there’s nothing I love more than finding a new, undiscovered artist who creates unique, one of a kind items.

I first found Curly Girl Designs down on the Jersey Shore this summer while perusing her artwork in a shop off of the Ocean City boardwalk. After spending a little time clicking through her website, I have to say I’m even more enraptured with Leigh’s whimsical art, designs, and expressions.

It’s tough to pick one but I did eventually settle on my own personal favorite. Spend some time browsing and I guarantee you’ll find one that’s right up your alley too.

Average Price: Varies by item

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

2008-11-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

Harsh, cold, bitter winters can wreak havoc on my skin. In seasons past, I’ve dealt with dry, flaky, itchiness that I can’t seem to keep moisturized no matter what I do. Enter Aveeno’s Moisturizing Body Wash, a favorite on The Pink Mixer shower shelf from November through April.

The oatmeal soothes skin and the creamy body wash moisturizes as it cleanses. There’s no soapy, filmy feel post-shower, the scent is perfectly subtle, and your skin really does feel better – healthier – long after you’ve dried off after your shower. On those winter mornings when we’d all like to just stay in bed, snuggled under the warm down comforter, this body wash is a pleasant, simple, daily-used product that makes getting out of bed and ready for another chilly day just the tiniest bit easier. And on those really cold days? Well, we need all the motivation we can get.

Average Price: $7.00/12 oz

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Framesi's B.Y. Slush Gloss

2008-11-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

Throughout my twenty some years spent styling my hair, I’ve found some really great products, some really lousy ones, and some that work ‘just right.’ Lately, I’ve been having a little crush on Framesi’s “B.Y” Slush Gloss. It’s a clear sort of product – not quite lotion, not quite gel, not quite oil – that I rub through my hair either while it’s still damp before I blow dry (results: extra soft, smooth, easy to style hair) or at the very end of the drying process (this time: added shine and smoothed fly-aways.)

A dab of the stuff will definitely serve you just fine, as too much rubbed through your hair makes you look like a Kurt Cobain wanna-be living in 1994. The other upside to dolling this gloss out in small quantities? The sticker price won’t shock and awe once you realize you can hold on to one bottle for at least two years.

Average Price: $17.50/1.8 oz.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

2008-10-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

In honor of Halloween, The Pink Mixer thought the subject of today’s review would best be suited for candy.

Everyone has their favorite type of candy bar of course, but for me – and my brother for that matter – there’s never been too much of a debate because clearly the winner is always, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Chocolate. Peanut Butter. Combined. And just when you start to feel sad that you’ve already eaten your treat, you look into the pack and take out cup #2.

Really. Is there anything more delightful? More perfect?

Happy Halloween to all you trickers and treaters!

Clairol Natural Instincts

2008-10-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when I’m feeling restless or itching for a change, I dye my hair. I know! Wild and crazy nights at Casa de Pink Mixer!

Tease all you want, but a new shade on my mane usually placates my desire to move across the country or hitchhike to Australia or join the circus for at least three months or so, which means I usually only end up dying my hair an average of two or three times a year.

While I don’t consider myself the most knowledgeable woman on the planet when it comes to hair dye, I will say, I’ve never been anything but pleased when I’ve used Clairol’s Natural Instincts.

Personally, I opt for color #28 Nutmeg (Dark Brown). It instantly takes away any summer brassiness my naturally light brown hair gets without looking too Goth-like. It’s a super easy to use formula and doesn’t reek of chemicals. The math is pretty simple too: $8.50 from the drugstore? Or $60 at a hair salon?

Average price: $8.50
Rating: 4 out of 5

Jcrew Tights

2008-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

It starts with the first few crisp fall days and, thanks to long New England winters and springs slow thaw, usually lasts until early (and oh, sometimes late, unfortunately) May.

Yes, I am talking about the donning of tights. Even when the chilly weather sets in, I’m personally still a huge skirt, tights, and boots advocate for three reasons – I’ve always liked dressing up, I think throwing on a pair of tights and a dress in the morning actually requires less thought then some pant combo outfits, and well, I’m tall. It is infinitely easier to find skirts that fit me well and pair them with tights then it is to find cute, work appropriate pants that don’t make me look like I’m prepared for a flood.

Over the years I’ve become a bit of a tight connoisseur. All tights are certainly not created equal and after some very non-scientific testing I’ve decided the Jcrew makes far and away the best tights around. They come in a wide array of colors so you can think beyond basic blacks and brown AND they’re thicker than just about any other tights I’ve tried, which means they keep your legs warmer than those other “tights” that are really just panty hose colored a shade darker than normal.

Of course, they’re not as cheap as those you can grab if you run into a Target, CVS, or Walgreens to pick up a pair, but they also last a heck of a lot longer than the $5 pair would too. When it comes to these tights, this is truly a case of you get what you pay for.

Average Price: Range between $16.50-$26.50
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Target: Pink Trend Home Decor & Faux Leather Docking Station

2008-10-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

By now you are probably aware that it’s breast cancer awareness month. For years companies have joined the cause, vowing to donate a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer research throughout the month of October. Target is one of the newer retailers to jump on the bandwagon, creating a line of various cute, rather inexpensive, pink themed home décor items, of which 10% of the retail price is donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Personally, I opted for the faux-leather cord organizer and docking station. It’s sleek, smart design is attractive and it’s various compartments actually help avoid the tangle of cell phone, ipod, camera charging cords we deal with in our technology obsessed world. Organization – even on the smallest of levels is a good feeling. Of course knowing that a percentage of my purchase went on to a greater cause is a pretty nice feeling too.

Average price $19.99/Docking Station
(Other items, prices vary.)
Rating: 4 out of 5

Linens-N-Things: Liquidation

2008-10-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

It is not often The Pink Mixer talks about actual stores on this site. Sure, we have some that we love and a few we could point to where good deals abound instantly but we’re usually more interested in the actual finds, not their lairs. Still, while we never like to hear of stores going out of business – especially in financially crunched times such as these – we thought the liquidation of Linens N’ Things was worthy of an announcement.

The end of a store I shopped at for many years as a college undergrad and then a recent (broke) college graduate leaves me a little bereft. Who else will compete with the giant that is Bed, Bath, & Beyond now? I’d be willing to bet the store is worth a swing through this weekend as I guarantee bargains on top of bargains await.

Happy hunting.