Finding Jeans -- or Persistence Can Pay

I've been wearing the same two pair of jeans for a year and a half now. They are dying (one pair was second-hand when I got them, the other I've just worn the crap out of), and I must replace them, which I have been trying to do for a year. But I have these fit issues (which I won't go into now) and nothing ever works.

And it's so frustrating. I'd go into a series of stores, each of which carries maybe three different brands, trying on the most promising three or four pair in each store, putting my shoes back on to trek to each successive establishment, trying to hurry as my husband and toddler waited (very patiently, I must add) at every stop.

So last night I went to TJMaxx all by my lonesome:

14 pairs in my size range in styles that I thought I could be caught dead in, some were even cute.

11 different manufacturers (best reason to go to a store like this!)

All 14 fit fairly well around the hips, tush, and thighs.

1 pair was generally too big in the waist (and they were adorable, more like denim trousers than jeans; too bad they didn't have those in a smaller size for me to try)

10 pairs gaped at the back waist to varying degrees, from "obvious that I'm wearing underwear" to "what kind of lace does said underwear have around legs?"

1 pair cut into my belly, causing stuff to squish over the top, and gaped at the back waist (talk about adding insult to injury).

1 pair gaped in the back and gave me the Supreme Wedgie (okay, maybe that's when the injury happened).

1 pair fit! Truthfully, a bit snug, but wearable. I'd try the next size up by that maker, but all identifying marks have been obliterated, which could be part of the reason for the $16.99 price tag. These are some one-and-onlys. Don't worry, I'll be sure to enjoy them. Until they die. And I get to do it all over. But at least now I have a method!

Five-Cent Facial

Cleanse and rinse your face as normal.

Sprinkle some baking soda onto your fingertips and rub it gently into your still-damp skin, avoiding the eye area. If you share your house with little ones, you can borrow one of those baby washcloths, but be gentle and use almost no pressure. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and therefore exfoliant. It also dissolves fats, so any sebum built up on the surface of your skin will be cleaned away.

Rinse thouroughly.

While your skin is still wet, spread some honey on it. The thin and crinkly bits around your eyes can take some too, just be sure to keep it out of your eyes themselves. Honey is a natural humectant (it attracts moisture), is very nourishing, and has antibiotic properties. Let it sit on your face for a few minutes, while you do the whole brushing/flossing thing.

Rinse. Pat dry.

At least once try sleeping without your moisturizer after doing this; let your skin breathe all night.

Ridiculous New Product

Imagine a product that requires more of your hard-earned money while adding nothing to the quality of your life, introducing yet another chemical cocktail to your household (and the waterways), potentially irritating your child's skin, and cluttering up landfills. How did we ever live without it?

Huggies disposable bath mitts with built-in Watermelon Splash body wash.

"Now my toddler can wash himself!" because the washrag and soap weren't working for you? My toddler is doing just fine, thank you, and her soap has no irritating artificial scents in it.

"Less laundry, more fun!" because those washcloths, they pile up so fast? Frankly, I'd rather add a few washrags to a load every couple of days than have a week's worth of soggy mitts sitting in my garbage can come trash day -- Ew.

In addition to actually thinking before buying this product (or any of the similar washcloths and wipes Huggies is currently marketing), you can drop the company a line at http://www.huggieshappybaby.com/utility/contactus.aspx You can call, or write, or fill out the online form they have so thoughtfully provided.