[JessFinds] More than you ever needed to know about my face

I am pale. Umm... I am really pale. I baby my skin with SPF year round so that I will look like a snow goddess in my 60's and beyond. I used to hate being fair when all of my contemporaries were bronzed, but you gotta rock what you got. Just born in the wrong century.

So I take care of it.

My skin is also very dry. And as I get older, apparently sensitive. Fun. I found myself (at 36) looking like I was going through puberty. I have always had clear, albeit pale, skin. Not any longer. Stress does a number on me. So does winter weather combined with dry indoor heating, etc...

So I have this dry, flaky, dull, broken-out T-zone face. No moisturizer or exfoliant has helped. I was looking tired. A quintessential stress-worn face. I had a few "I am not stepping outside of this house" days of late.

I tried tea tree oil hoping that it would clear me up, but no luck. So I did a little research and remembered reading that olive oil was good for dry skin as it is incredibly nonreactive.

O.M.G. (Yep, I omg'd). I have been rubbing a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in to my face each morning for about seven days now and my skin is almost 100% healed. It feels like cheating. Shouldn't I be back at my dermatologist spending a fortune on small bottles of imported French cleansers?

Olive oil.

[JessFinds] Fall / Winter Crave List - 2010

ANNUAL JESSFINDS FALL & WINTER CRAVE LIST

It is that time again! I only do this because (a) it is fun to have a curated list of things that make me swoony and (b) you, fair readers, keep asking me to (thanks!).

I hear that a job is the latest in luxury accessories, so I am thinking that I would like to get my name on a waiting list for one of these employmentish joby thingies.

I am really craving blazers - nice lined wool blazers. I think gray is my go-to but I like this in the Antique Rose and Mink colors as well. Via Eddie Bauer.

I think that the Dooney & Burke Allweather bags from the 80's are endlessly preppy-chic for fall - especially when done in cream and tan leather, like saddlebags. I scored a $20 bag from a vintage shop and I plan to use it for the rest of my life. But I still have a soft spot for Harris Tweed and Fall always makes me think of the tweeds! PeskyCatDesigns has nailed it on Etsy.

Pine Cone Chic! Last year I lusted after the infinity scarf (which I still adore) but this year, I want to snuggle with a pine cone: Etsy.com via Circular Accessories.

Last year, I got my Frye boots for Christmas. Unfortunately, they were too tight - apparently I wear an 11 in Frye styles. I am 5ft 10in so back off about the big feet. They did not have the boots I wanted in stock, and so everything was canceled out and returned. A little part of me died. This year, I have my eyes on you Frye Engineer in Burnt Red. Yeah, I am lookin' at you.

 It is hard not to love Oregon in all of it's soggy green goodness.  I tree Oregon. I really do. This little number and it's adorable friend (I Pine For Oregon) are both at CafePress.

 In an effort to dress up some of the things I already own, I am awfully fond of these ruffled flower fabric brooches that can go from t-shirt to button-down to belt loop. I want a pile of them in various colors. As usual, these are an Esty find.  I think I need to learn how to make them...

My hubby got an iPad. Me? I got JEALOUS. It is so fantastic. I don't need one, but I really, really (really) want one. I call it "precious" and steal his frequently.

[JessFinds] Crave List for 5.5 Year Olds

Each year I publish a list of things I think are great for the upcoming holidays. Who would have thought these lists would become so popular? I have received emails asking when my next list will come out! Mom's everywhere from Arkansas to the UK are visiting our little blog for inspiration. This is the 5.5 year old crave list ...the 3 year old list is up too!

Miss Crab is a wee slight thing who believes (strongly) that she is a pirate. No really. So what does a pirate find endlessly amusing?

Stats: Miss Crab is a 5T (toddler) or XS girls (size 5 regular girls). She is weighing in at a whopping 37.5lbs. She wears a 10 - 10.5 toddler shoe.

Oh-Bento! Obento or Bento Boxes as they are commonly known are a big hit this year for parents with school-age kids. I am currently entranced by the Yubo brand. It seems so, well, efficient! How could any child resist healthy snacks packed in such a adorable container? I love it in orange with the included "peace" faceplate option. But get this: it has a custom pirate faceplate option. The addition of the medium containers would complete the set. I just found out that someone has picked up the set for Miss Crab. I love it when family shops off the blog! Woo!

Gonzo and Crab tend to, ahem, quarrel over certain things but they both seem to be madly in love with the little fuzzy creatures that make up the Calico Critters collection. We have purchased the carrying case with a family (squirrels for Gonzo and cats for Crab). The case opens up to reveal a mini-doll house of sorts.  They each will want this kitchen for their playcases. Miniature perfection.

GeoSafari Talking Globe Jr. I have been researching globes for something like six months. I find in interesting that around age 5, children naturally start wondering about distance and the world around them. This interactive globe is designed for the K-3rd grade set.


I get it - this is completely over the top! But a pirate ship bed is certainly crave-worthy. The details that have gone in to it are amazing. I think it runs $2k (gasp). I wonder if my crafty husband could make something like this?

Playmobil "Take Along" Pet Clinic is their newest addition for the holidays. Miss Crab saw it and instantly was drawn to it's mini cats and the ability to take care of them. Like a pirate should.

One day, I witnessed my daughter playing with Barbies in her preschool. I was a bit shocked. She has never shown interest in Barbie at our home or in stores. I asked her what she liked about it and she said it was "fun to play people." Only Hearts Club girls are a sort of anti-barbie in that they (a) look like actual girls and (b) don't have nearly the level of pink in their wardrobe (c) don't look like prosta-tots (Bratz Dolls anyone?). I am a fan. Wish they made some boys too. I have seen them in Target stores and online. They have a "horse" line and a "princess" line - neither one engages my daughter. She likes the regular kid line. We picked up "Lily Rose" for her stocking.

And of course, what girl could live without the Soldier Fortress set from the Pirates line? Ok, we ended up buying this. It will be under the tree for Christmas. It has a real working lighthouse! Come on! That is just too cool. If you are a parent looking for a good deal on this item, visit ReallyGreatToys.com. They offer free shipping on items over $40 w/ free gift wrap.


To help build up her sea legs, a good pirate could use this indoor activity balance board w/ maze inserts.


I found out about Curly Q Cuties from one of my favorite sites: zrecommends. Kids can create their own monster and the plush version will be delivered to their door! This would be such a fun $25 stocking stuffer gift-certificate.




Now, clothing is never all that exciting for the holidays - but there are certain exceptions: Tea Collection is one. My pirate refuses to wear anything too girly, too dressy or perceived as itchy. This collection from Daily Tea are church-ready outfits in colors (and textures) a pirate would approve of.


Mom is all about educational toys, so the telling-time game is completely mom-approved!

A knitting machine! Indoor activity that prepares the child for outdoor play. Excellent. It is 15 degrees? Make your own (pirate) hat, kid.


Miss Crab loves puzzles so this combines two of her favorite things.