Today I wanted to pop in with a quick post to share six beauty products that I am loving right now and a fresh summer orzo salad. I have been in Florida on some difficult family business and have had very little time. I try to not get in a rut with products and try to keep my eyes and ears open to new ideas when it comes to products. Here are a few that I have on my radar right now.
Many of you have asked me to do an in-depth post on body creams. Since my time currently is at a premium. Here is my shortlist. This CeraVe moisturizing cream is by far the best I have found. It isn’t greasy but does a serious job moisturizing your skin with absolutely no fragrance and it is CHEAP
If you like a bit of fragrance (I am partial to anything olive) you will love the nourishing olive body butter from The Body Shop. It isn’t quite as moisturizing as the CeraVe but I seriously love this stuff and it is only $13 for a 13 oz tub!
I have recently been using the skin resurfacing cleanser (a random pick I might add) from Dermalogica and it has done wonders for my skin. If your skin is super sensitive (mine is not) you might not like this but I LOVE it. I use it 3-4 times a week. This is the only pricey product in the list but it is worth it in my book. I am not one to normally spend tons on products unless I am really a fan.
If you have read my post How to Keep Your Gray Hair Looking Great, you know I have products that I am “wedded” to. I recently picked up the Rusk Platinum X Shampoo
and the Deep Shine Platinum X Repair Treatment at Ulta to have at the lake.
The shampoo runs a close second to the Aveda and Phytargent shampoo, and maybe just as good as the Davines conditioner and is a less expensive alternative. You might want to give them a try.
My hairstylist recommended Sebastian Trilliant for a heat protecting spray. It definitely keeps my hair from turning brassy. Be sure and shake well to get the illuminating effect. Of the ones I have tried this is my current favorite.
I have linked these products below in the widget. Many have travel sizes that you can try and see if you like them first.
I am always on the lookout for a fresh salad that you can throw together on hot days. I have shied away from most pasta salads, but this one is light and fresh. This salad is an adaptation of Ina Garten’s wonderful Orzo Salad. Ina roasts the vegetables but we prefer to grill them on hot days.
Orzo Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant peeled and l inch diced
- 1 small yellow pepper 1 inch diced
- 1 small red pepper 1 inch diced
- 1 small red onion 1 inch diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/3 c extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 3/4 lb orzo
Dressing
- 1/3 c fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 c citrus or lemon olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Add at the end
- 4 scallions minced
- 1/4 c pine nuts toasted
- 3/4 lb good quality feta
- 15 fresh basil leaves chiffonade
- lemon zest to taste if desired
Instructions
-
Preheat grill at medium-high. Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.
Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.
For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pine nuts, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.
I hope you have a great week. I hope you enjoyed six beauty products I am loving right now and a fresh summer orzo salad. Let me know if you have tried any of the products or the salad. I hope to be back to more of a regular blogging schedule by the end of next week. I am still in Florida, desperate times call for desperate measures at times.
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Thanks for the recommendation of the Sebastian Trilliant, I ordered it today. I have dark blonde hair and it can get brassy so like that it helps with that too. Have a nice weekend!
What a beautiful looking salad. Thank you for this recipe. My husband and I are going to try making it this week. I am so thankful to be able to follow your blog.
T J
Gorgeous salad! Can’t beat the price on the CeraVe. I’ve been wondering whether expensive beauty products are any more effective than the less expensive options. I’ll bet in most cases not. Hope your able to resolve that unpleasant business and get back home soon. xo
Sorry you are away from home dealing with difficult issues. At least even in Florida there comes 5’clock! Being good to your self is vitally important when you are caught up with nasty people/events. I agree with you about the CereVe. It’s serious stuff! I’ll try the Dermalogic. Sounds interesting.
Love your posts. Thank you so much. Sending good thoughts your way.
Cindy,
I love this kind of post. I too am often rotating my beauty regime and it’s always fun to try something new. Thanks for this. I am currently looking for a good sunscreen for my arms and legs. I like the one I use on my face but the sunscreen I use on my arms always seems a little sticky. Let us know if you have any particular favorite.
Sorry for your family issues.
Karen
I love the Cerave body cream, too. I have the driest skin and it has really helped. That orzo salad looks amazing. Sorry, you’re dealing with family issues.
I love your blogs, and have forwarded them to so many of my friends, who have then become subscribers…you are a dear to do your blog while dealing with family matters. Prayers for resolutions and help from above for your family. Beverly
Beverly you made my day. People like you make blogging so rewarding. It is therapeutic right now.
I don’t know how you do it. I’m so impressed your in Florida dealing with serious issues and you some how make time to post. I will try your Sebastian product. My grey just get brassy so easily. Orzo salad? I’m trying to loose weight but if I weren’t it would be on my dinner table this evening. Love your posts. Hope things get better. xoxox
I wish I were half as great as you think I am Sandra! If you make the orzo salad with more veggies and less orzo it isn’t too bad. I make mine mostly veggies and I rarely eat pasta.