Archive for the ‘Favorite Things’ Category

Posted on December 4, 2009 - by Cate

Gift Ideas for the Girls

My daughters are 18 and 20 respectively and I thought I’d pass along some inexpensive gift ideas I’m mulling over for them this Christmas (no they don’t read my blogs, unless they’re mentioned in a story and I feel compelled to inform them for the sake of full disclosure so they can’t come back at me later in life and withhold grandchildren or something.) (more…)

Posted on November 30, 2009 - by Cate

from Nordstrom to CVS in 2 kids

I used to be a department store kind of gal. I loved to shop, loved expensive makeup and skin care products. Nothing stood in between me and a pair of shoes or a new coat. As I contemplated my first article for “Favorite Things,” I stumble onto a curious discovery. Somewhere in the last 20 years I’ve become a drugstore kind of gal when it comes to skin and hair care. In fact, my first inclination was to write about a line of products I’m fairly devoted to by Dove.

I suppose, given the broohaha of the last few months and all the feelings stirred up by the FTC, I must fully disclose that to date, I’ve made nothing, nada, zip, zero on my blogs. I’m just getting started and I’m stretching my gray matter and I just want to concentrate on writing. So, this is not a sponsored review.

Okay, here goes — I really love my Dove Go Fresh Collection in Cucumber & Green Tea — shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, deodorant and body spray. I’ve gotten more compliments and “what are you wearing?” and “you smell good” from this combo than any expensive perfume I have ever worn. Now when I think about it, I can honestly say, we’re in belt-tightening mode. Both my husband and I are self-employed, trying to ride out this bad economy with one in college and one on the way. Bring on the Dove…

But the truth is, I started using this combination long before the recession hit and I have to say, I love the smell and the freshness. It’s relatively inexpensive and yes, I’ll say it several times, it’s GREEN, a trend you’ll see in my favorite things as it’s always been my favorite color. I have no idea if it’s green in terms of the environment. GoodGuide is rating this product line at 7.1 compared to their best entries in the high 8’s.

And I have to admit, there’s some kind of psychology in buying a suite or “set” of products. It feels luxurious regardless of its price point. I seem to remember they offered travel sets which would make awesome stocking stuffers. I will link out to the product line in the event you want to see what it looks like. I imagine they are sold in drugstores and grocery stores, nation-wide.

This may not be the most inspiring first entry and certainly not the latest and greatest discovery by a frugal mom, but hey, they are my favorite things right?