That Books and Beauty Girl

by Stephanie McCarthy A person’s left hand under water by Ron Lach Attribution link: https://www.pexels.com/photo/persons-left-hand-on-water-9155214/ Writing is frickin’ stressful, especially when you’re preparing your manuscript for literary publications. Not only does your short story need to be in the William Shunn Proper Manuscript Format, but it needs to be tailored to fit the guidelines of each publication as well. This leaves you with far too many versions of the same story.  “How do you keep track of all these?” my husband once asked me, with an overwhelmed expression on his face. “Ummm…” I started out, not very articulately for a writer. “That’s a good question. I label the literary publications in some of the file names of each story.” “Yeah, but how do you know which one to use for future publications?” “I…uh…er…ah, the hell with it. I don’t know.” His sympathetic gaze stayed fixed on me. I swear I’m not being melodramatic when I say this process is the stuff that ulce...

by Stephanie McCarthy Arete and Athene Sweet Cherry Bomb Body Wash, 33.8 oz Arete and Athene Sweet Cherry Bomb Body Wash , 33.8 oz, $14.98 at Marshalls  This body wash is moisturizing, but in a good way, almost as if a little bit of body lotion was put in it. There's something in it that makes it very pleasant smelling in a clean and soapy way that resembles Philosophy's scent, Amazing Grace. It's what you get upon the first whiff of using it. Then, the scent settles into an underlying sweetness of a maraschino cherry and a pomegranate, as well as a tanginess from the seeds of the fruit. Arete and Athene Peachy Beachy Body Wash, 33.8 oz Arete and Athene Peachy Beachy Body Wash , 33.8 oz, $14.98 at T.J. Maxx There are a couple of reasons why this body wash makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. The scent of it reminds me of my favorite gum from childhood, Trident Tropical Twist, with flavors of oranges and kiwis. The sweet juiciness of it also takes me back to the necta...

by Stephanie McCarthy Soap & Glory The Real Zing Body Scrub, 10.1 oz Soap & Glory The Real Zing Body Scrub , 10.1 oz, $24.28 at Perfume ’ s Club I’m not a huge fan of lemon. I once got sick from lemon-flavored tea and I never wanted it again. With that said, I’m really enjoying this. The scent of it reminds me of that lemon Pledge that my mom used to dust our wooden furniture with when I was growing up. It also makes me think of those tasty light yellow sugarcoated Brach’s Lemon Drops that she used to buy me at the end of our grocery store trips as a reward for me behaving when I was little (I was usually hell to take shopping. I admit it. My poor mom.). The body scrub is the color of wet sand. The formulation is similar to Capri Blue’s body scrubs. The consistency is moisturizing and it feels silky smooth as it dissolves into the skin. This is great at lessening and softening calluses on your feet from walking, dancing, playing sports, exercising, and so on. Peter Thomas Roth ...

by Stephanie McCarthy  Barthe DeClements’ Nothing’s Fair in Fifth Grade book cover with Elsie, Jenny, Diane,  and Sharon trying on makeup.  Nothing’s Fair in Fifth Grade   by Barthe DeClements, $3.73 at AbeBooks.com This is a wonderful book that is very near and dear to me from my childhood. Until I came across the main character, Jenny Sawyer, in the story, I thought I was the only one who struggled with a learning disability in Math and had to trudge down the hall to the resource room when my classmates got out their textbooks to study the subject. Not only does Barthe DeClements have a knack for creating heartfelt stories, but she also writes about relatable and memorable characters who each have their own unique voice.   Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Bath & Shower Gel, 16.9 oz Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Bath & Shower Gel , 16.9 oz, $25.94 at Walmart I’m really enjoying this. It makes me smile every time I use it in the shower. I get a fresh, green, and ...

by Stephanie McCarthy Goop Beauty Afterglow Colorblur Glow Balm, 0.5 oz Goop Beauty Afterglow Colorblur Glow Balm , 0.5 oz, $34 at Revolve Out of all of my cream multi-purpose makeup products, this is the one that I’ve used the most in these warmer months. The formulation is perfect. Although it gives you a substantial amount of color, it’s not too heavy. While this soft berry shade looks best on my eyes and cheeks (I have warmer undertones, especially in the summer.), it’ll look great on the lips as well, especially if you have a cooler-toned complexion. I know. I know. The price is ridiculous. However, you can always buy it with a gift card that you receive from participating in a market research study or you can put it on your birthday or Christmas list. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar for Dry/Sensitive Skin, 4.5 oz Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar for Dry/Sensitive Skin , 4.5 oz, $8.78 at Walmart When I was 24, my first and favorite dermatologist was wonderful enough to point me to this...

by Stephanie McCarthy Nivea Q10 Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream, 6.7 oz Nivea Skin-Firming & Toning Gel Cream , 6.7 oz, $20.18 at CVS I first came across the scent of lotus flower in one of Harry Slatkin’s HomeWorx candles way back when I was a candle junkie. It’s an aquatic floral that will have a calming effect on you, especially if you apply this body lotion after your evening shower before bed. You don’t need to apply a lot. A little goes a long way. The carnitine, a substance that turns your body’s fat into energy, in this minimizes the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. The only drawback is that it’s not cheap for the amount that is in this, which is not even seven ounces. However, it is a more economical way of dealing with unwanted body fat and/or sagging skin without having liposuction. Bath & Body Works’ Wild Madagascar Vanilla Body Wash, 10 oz Bath & Body Works’ Wild Madagascar Vanilla Body Wash 10 oz, $15 at Walmart Oh, my. This is really good. It’s...