Have Your Film and Eat It Too

a polaroid

a digital

a poladroid

To begin, let me say: Save the Polaroid!!!

Why take away the instant camera during the instant gratification generation? So you want to have the real deal, an authentic polaroid developing right before your eyes, each color emerging as the seconds pass until a moment caught in time displays itself before you? Holding the resulting polaroid is the best part, a thin outlined square in the palm of your hand or in-between your fingers, something real, palpable proof of being part of the process. A polaroider walks away with the development process, not just the result; it's an intimate fulfillment that a digital camera or images on a computer screen cannot give you, a secret among secrets shared between camera and artist.

Now, let's really get down:

So, you can't afford the soon to-be-extinct now $20-something film or you have searched and cannot spot a vintage instant polaroid camera that suits your fancy. Even though I know you are hoping as much as I am that the film will make a quick comeback in the near future, you're in luck for now; just check out the free, user-friendly, super hip poladriod. It's easy, simply download, then take your already uploaded digital photos and convert them into "polaroids" or "poladroids." To top off the goodness, the desktop icon is a polaroid camera which imitates the authentic polaroid sound every time you convert, even taking a few real-time minutes to develop your pola instantly right before your eyes. No one will ever know the difference (just check out the polaroid and poladroid above). Sure, it's not the real deal, but it's okay to fake it every once in a while, especially when times get rough. Go ahead, try it... you'll be addicted in no time!

Mint Condition

My winter 2010 hot drink of choice is from Caribou Coffee, a small Peppermint Coffee Misto, that is medium roast coffee with steamed milk and a couple pumps of peppermint syrup. This refreshing drink does not quite empty the wallet as much as a fancy latte or mocha. Not only are you not drinking Starbucks for a change, but you are enjoying the northern exposure atmosphere and ambiance created by the company. Inspired by an Alaskan adventure, this company has spread across the U.S.A., a feat that began in the 1990's. I always feel as if I am in the mountains as soon as I step foot inside the heavy wooden doors; I'm immediately warmed by the toasty stone hearth, soothed by the earth tone color palate, and enlivened by the robust aroma of roasted coffee. The rest is up to the roastmasters.

A little tip, you can always judge the ability of your barista by the thickness and foaminess of your drink's steamed milk; it's kind of like a good beer pour by a bartender.

Chick-fil-A or Chick-in-Fila

Tencel Pant, Fila

Us women, well, we don't make New Year's resolutions, we make purchases. However, if you are stuck in the New Year's resolution theme of the now, then I have the answer for you, comfy active wear from Fila. Not only can you lounge comfortably while reading your favorite blog in this super soft gear, but you can also hit the park or gym without the slightest wardrobe change. So put down the fast food, Chick-fil-A, and become a Chick-in-Fila instead. It's nearly as good, I promise! Chick-fil-A chicken strips (4 pack) or Chick-in-Fila strength and stride (6 pack)?

I highly recommend the black tencel pant, super chic worn any way you like, bordering on trendy while maintaining class (great for travel). Not into the tencel pant? Then check out the soft-to-the-touch, sueded micro poly jersey, cropped pant. They are like laying in bed all day, but in workout wear- see, you can get the best of both worlds in one pair of active-wear pants, cozy bed and much-needed gym.

Island Hopping Our Way Through Winter

Island Hopping, Essie

New Year's toasts and Friday nights' cheers deserve a taste of cool. My personal nail polish pick of the winter season 2009-2010 is Essie's Island Hopping. A pink mauve tone, Island Hopping works well with cool and warm skin tones. Not too pink or too purple, it's a creamy, mystical in-between shade, maintaining class and playfulness. Keep the frigid months of January and February warm and romantic with this thoughtful shade of whimsy.

Bedew Your Winter Blue

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme

Johnson's Baby Oil with aloe vera & vitamin E

Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner

Got the winter blues? Why not defrost your daily routine with these three bounce back products. The vitality of spring is found in winter. Love winter and treat yourself kindly by healing torn cuticles, ameliorating dry skin, and thawing brittle hair. Revival at its best in a bottle.

Don't just butter your holiday cinnamon bread, butter your body too. Resuscitate cracked and torn cuticles with Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme. Emitting a perfect lemon scent, rejuvenation begins with the opening of the tiny circular tin. Simply spread the butter around your finger and toe nails sometime before showering or before falling asleep at night. Supple skin and cuticles make for shiny nails and happy hands.

To add a boost of long-lasting moisture, simply go back to the basics. Apply Johnson's Baby Oil with aloe vera & vitamin E after bathing or showering, but before toweling off. Quick and easy, just squirt a handful and apply generously to damp skin; you're skin will thank you as well as your tights (which will glide on without one tug).

Lastly, for those wind-blown tangles, one of my all-time favorite hair products, Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-in Conditioner, a sweetly scented spray that stays with you all day. A couple of fine mistings and your hair is immediately spirited, elasticity and sparkle renewed. Innersense is an organic company and with each purchase a donation is made to aid environmental causes and other charities. Check out their philosophy. As an added bonus, there is no shipping and/or handling fee when you order from their website!