Okay fellow peaches, give me the skinny on self tanners.  Do you use them?  What's your favorite?

Of this list, I've tried the Loreal Sublime Glow, Dove and Fake Bake.  I tend to use the first two during winter months and the Fake Bake when I actually show more skin at the pool or beach.

I know there are a ton of other brands and I'd love to hear how you keep your healthy glow all summer!

After my scare this past week, I'll certainly be depending on these products now more than ever.

Top to Bottom, Clockwise: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion/ L'Oreal Paris Sublime Glow / Here Comes The Sun/ Fake Bake /  DOVE Energy Glow /SUN LABORATORIES Self Tanning Lotion /Clarins /Neutrogena MicroMist

But not the kind that will kill you.  Hopefully.  I don't share this to be dramatic but to raise awareness.

My last two years as a pharmaceutical sales rep, I called exclusively on dermatologists.  I learned and witnessed a lot in those offices.  The skin is so visible and the damage is literally in your face sometimes.  As a late twenty-something, I vowed to take better care of my skin but do you know that 80% of skin damage occurs before the age of 18?   Moms, please protect your kids.  Here's my story.

Two weeks ago I went in for my annual skin check at my dermatologist.  (Honestly, I went in for reasons more related to vanity but opted to face responsibility while I was there.)  She noticed a suspicious spot on my back, biopsied it and a week later (during my beach vacation no less) she called to tell me it was a basal cell carcinoma, a non-melanoma, slow growing form of skin cancer.  

I wasn't completely surprised considering my fair complexion and carelessness as a teenager.  I worked as a lifeguard for several summers and frequented the tanning bed, despite the known dangers.  Self tanners were just gaining popularity.  Nevertheless, I was a bit sad. I felt like time was catching up with me.  The ignorance of my youth was rearing its ugly head.  Last week, my dermatologist completely removed the growth.  The spot is still very tender but healing.  I'm left with a scar about the size of a nickel and a new appreciation for preventative medicine.

The month of May happens to be skin cancer awareness month.  I also can't help but share this video.  Please take a minute to watch it because it's much more eloquent than my writing.

Wear your sunscreen and take care of you skin. I'll be talking skin care all week here on the blog from self tanners to cover ups as we approach summer.  Also, if you live in the Atlanta area and looking for a dermatologist, I highly recommend Dr. Alan Olansky, or his physician assistant who did my procedure.

Love the skin you're in.

*original image found here

A few snapshots from the week...



Chocolate mint growing on the back deck.  It smells extremely yummy and I can't wait to experiment in the kitchen with it.  Maybe in a smoothie of some kind?


More herbs growing out back.  Cilantro, parsley and basil.


One stop shopping at Swoozies.  I love that place.  If you're ever feeling down and out just take a visit to Swoozies.  It will put you in a good mood every time.  And it's cheaper than Tiffany.


I took full advantage of strawberry season and made about a hundred of these babies for teacher appreciation.  I snagged a few for myself too. Not gonna lie.  Is there any better way to eat a strawberry?

Wishing all of you marvelous moms out there and very happy Mother's Day!  Celebrate and live happy.

Still riding the wave of vacation, I knew this was a must for this weeks menu.  The result was nothing short of delicious.  The ingredients are a simple mix that highlights the shrimp and linguine nicely.  I paired mine with a chilled white wine and was right back on those white sandy beaches of the Gulf.

Shrimp Destin Linguine (adapted from here)
(serves 2)

Ingredients:

8 oz. linguine
1/2 lb unpeeled, large raw shrimp
1/4 cup butter
1/4 olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tbs. dry white wine
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1.  Leaving tails on, peel and devein shrimp.  Set aside.
2.  Prepare pasta according to package directions.
3.  While the pasta cooks, melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add green onions and garlic.  Saute for 4-5 minutes until onions are tender.
4.  Add shrimp, wine, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Saute for 3-5 minutes or just until the shrimp turn pink.  Then add dill and parsley.
6.  Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.  Reserve the sauce in the skillet.
7.  Add hot, cooked pasta to sauce, tossing to coat.  Serve the pasta and top with cooked shrimp.

* My notes:  I like to set aside extra dill, parsley and green onion for garnishing at the end.  It adds a nice bright green color to the dish that is lost during the cooking process.

How do you beat the post vacation blues?  You know that feeling...somewhere between "happy to be home" but "missing life at the beach too?"

I've got a few tricks up my sleeve today.  They're tried and true and sure to take away those blues.

1.  Pre-order Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail Swatchbook due for release the end of this month.  Any other Mrs. fans out there?  She makes everyday spectacular!  The simple anticipation of this books arrival on my doorstep is enough to put a smile on my face.

2.  Continue rocking out to your favorite beach jams.  Jimmy Buffett radio via Pandora has been playing since I got home.  Music is good for the soul and also helps with the dreaded unpacking.

3.  Give yourself a new shade of polish.  After a week of sand and sun, you're probably due.  How about this new spring color "Kiss Me on My Tulips" by OPI?

4.  Continue to Self-Tan. So what if you're not frolicking in the sun all day.  Fake it, right?

5.  Schedule a workout date with a friend who makes you laugh.  (And will possibly fill you in on any gossip you may have missed while away.)

The boys also had a ball in the pool and Jett took to it like a little fish, despite a sunscreen allergy the first day.  We found one that worked for him and he was ready for more swimming by day two.  Luke was proud to be practicing his strokes, free of his arm Floaties.



Thanks for staying with me while I took a little time off.  I hope you're enjoying the simple pleasures of life today.  Join me tomorrow when I share how to beat the post vacation blues.