Best Purchases of 2006
Now I know that this isn’t a retail/shopping blog, despite my status as shopping diva! But I’m found some problem solvers that others might also find interesting. Thus the reason for my post. Hope you find them helpful.
Beauty
Though I am a diva, I tend to be a little makeup challenged. Lipstick is fine, but eye makeup and foundation have been bitter challenges for me. Generally my skin is so oily that nothing stays put on my face. The eyeshadow migrates into a crease at the eye fold and the foundation…good lord, the foundation just slides off the face onto everything. But thanks to being a persistent questioner, I’ve found a few good products.
Foundation Primer: Smashbox Anti-Shine 
One of the Sephora representatives recommended this for me as a foundation base. It hasn’t disappointed.
Grade: A-
Oily skin foundation: MAC Studio Fix Foundation 
Not perfect, but certainly a winner. This light powder foundation creates medium coverage without looking pasty. And it lasts and lasts most of the day.
Grade: B+
Eyeshadow Primer: MAC Paint 
Truthfully this isn’t a true primer but an eyeshadow in and of itself. Yet the woman at the MAC store suggested getting paint in a color similar to my skin and using that as a base for the color. Now, my eye color lasts all day. I’ve also experimented with some of the other colors as a canvas for my eyeshadow play.
Grade: A
Eyeliner Pencil: Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil 
My friend at the Nars counter suggested this long-wearing eye pencil. It lasts and lasts.. You just have to make sure that you blend quickly because it sets very fast.
Grade A-
Personal Care
Antiperspirant: DERMAdoctor Total NonScents Ultra Gentle Antiperspirant
Yeah, it is pricey, but it doesn’t ruin your clothes with that typical antiperspirant residue. For that, I’m sold. Great odor protection. Some wetness breakthrough, but no more than with Secret.
Grade: A-
Deodorant: 
Crystal body deodorant stick is inexpensive and really controls odor. This crystal will last for a full year. No residue on the clothes, either. And with the airline restrictions, I got no hassle from carrying my little crystal in my carry on. Wetness protection is fair. Great for winter but not the best for summer.
Grade: B
Fitness
Powerblocks: 
These adjustable dumbbells range from 3 to 21 pounds each and take up minimal space in your exercise area. My only regret is that now for many of my exercises, 21 pounds in each hand is not enough. There is a more expensive set that has higher weights.
Grade: B
Bosu Balance trainer: 
I bought this as a Christmas gift for AdoringHusband, but of course I am the one using it with Luda. And it is hard to use! I have no sense of balance (probably the reason I can’t rollerblade). I saw it for the first time on The Biggest Loser and thought it would be a good addition to my regimen.
Grade: B- (’cause I don’t like it yet)
Organization
The Container Store’s shoe boxes: 
You know what a shoe whore I am! These boxes allow me to store my better shoes while keeping them viewable. If I can’t see what I have, I forget that I have them and end up buying more. So, see how cost-saving these boxes are?
Grade A
Just received this and I love it. Will have to wait on the rating for use when the kitchen is actually finished.
How many times have you washed your delicate wine glasses and have been afraid to put them in the dishrack, for fear that AdoringHusband will not see them and slam a large pot into them? And then when you turn them upside down on paper towels to dry near the dishrack, AdoringHusband still doesn’t see them and knocks them over? Well here is a good answer. This blue rack has nibs to stabilize the glasses and the color is one that seems to be in AdoringHusband’s visual abilities. Problem solved.
Grade A
Overall Best Purchase of 2006
There is absolutely no question about this. Without this little device, I’d be lost. Literally lost somewhere.
Garmin Nuvi 350 Pocket or Vehicle GPS Navigator with Integrated MP3 Player and Photo Viewer 
This little guy was worth every penny! It isn’t perfect, but it is a damn sight better than Mapquest. And it is so small that it fits in my pocket easily.
Grade A+++
OK, those were my faves. Anything you want to add?Â
Facebook
Flickr
GoodReads
Twitter
Liana, we have a navigation system in our Honda. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Could not imagine not having one again