I’ve never been into working out.  With the recession and all, I’ve convinced myself that it is monetarily irresponsible to join the gym.  So, I’ve taken to doing a frantic jog around my block in the morning, and eating soup at lunch (to offset all the holiday cookies of course!).  So, then I started to think if I purchased a scale, that then I would be further encouraged to live a more healthful lifestyle.  But, all this penny pinching I suppose is thrown out the window when you find something like this…the Seca Aurea 795.  It’s really pretty, and it helps that it is 24 carat gold-platted through the body, and the tread area is real leather.  I found it ‘on sale’ at Amazon for $970 which equals 16 months of gym membership…

This Tanita HA-502 is really cute too, I love how utilitarian it looks, and for $44 it’s a pretty good deal.

So, I spent the weekend trolling around my favorite beauty spots.  I first started at Blue Mercury (the best beauty store ever!).  They recommended that I go with the Darphin products to winterproof my dry skin.  This Darphin Hydraskin Light is for the day, and then would be followed by the nighttime Hydraskin Night Cream.

Then, I headed over to Sephora.  I was a little overwhelmed with all of the options, but I had done some research online about Philosophy’s products, so I tried out a few of their moisturizers.

This Hope in a Jar seemed like the best fit for me, but I can’t help but feel like their products are a bit of a fad.  I gave up on the search, and headed off to get a facial.  I tried out Affordable Skin Care Salon (537 East Girard Ave) in Philadelphia.  Mary the owner performs the facials, I got the Ayurvedic Facial.  Their prices are really affordable from $27-$58.  I’m still on the hunt for the perfect moisturizer, but at least my skin is feeling good for now.

I used to always be an Anna Sui sort of girl when it came to perfumes…but I’ve made a big switch lately.  I’m in love with the new john varvatos scent.  It’s a nice strong floral/fruity smell in a beautifully shaped bottle inspired by Italian grappa bottles.  I’ve always been drawn to that shape, I remember on my first trip to Italy, bringing back a bottle of grappa for my family, just because the bottle was such a nice shape.

Another reason why I love Paris is because of their pharmacies.  These pharmacies are located just about on every corner, and hold a wide variety of super high-quality skin care products at affordable prices. I love Caudalie products because they are made out of grape extracts and lots of anti-oxidant natural ingredients.  Their products are super soothing and can energize even the most tired, stressed-out, and hung-over skin. I initially was introduced to these products at Blue Mercury here in the states (a place that seems totally snobby, but is actually a great place to find the best+trendiest beauty products).

I’m obsessed with 60′s hair styles right now, and here is the perfect solution for all of your Londoners who share my obsession: Topshop. Topshop is always one step ahead, they have just created what sounds to be the very best thing in the world, ‘Hersheson’s Blowdry Bar at Topshop’. It’s a pink pod of style located at the Oxford Circus store, and they will be offering styling services at affordable prices. The concept is that there will be a narrow selection of trendy/runway inspired looks. So, now not only do you have to worry about someone having the same top on, they might also have the exact same hair style. I think it’s pretty hysterical, but also amazing. I’d love to get my hair done like the ‘Bardot updo’ shown above (from WWD).

Cher in the early days way such an amazing style icon…I love her crazy raven eyes and chunky bangs.