Thursday Thoughts - been down one time, been down two times, I'm never going back again

1.  The middle finger socks in every color Debbie sent for my birthday have come in super handy this week in quarantine.

2. I know we're not going back to normal as we knew it, but it felt so great to get a coffee from a drive thru yesterday and stand around with my BFF Michelle having socially distant coffee.

3. Driving has also helped me a lot. I just get in my car and go for a drive out of my neighborhood every day. I was at the river the other morning. I am perplexed about why people wear masks when they

4. The best thing to do with leftover ham is to put it in homemade mac & cheese. I will never think differently. I thought I had a photo of the amazing mac & cheese I made last night but your imagination will have to suffice.

5. Seeing the sun at the end of the work day means more to me than I ever thought it would.

6. PA republican house and senate members voted this week to reopen the state ahead of scientist and doctor advice because they value money over people. There is no other explanation for voting to do that when no tests are available. Guess what, we all want to get back to some semblance of a new normal. We can't without tests. Ask your federal government where the fucking tests are, all the big beautiful plentiful tests that were promised. Also where is the PPE for all the healthcare workers? Then don't open shit without either one.

7. To be crystal clear, I don't think the stimulus only sent to some people is enough by far - every other country on this planet has reacted to this crisis better than we have and cared for the physical, mental, and financial health BETTER THAN WE HAVE and we are absolutely a negligent shithole country right now thanks to the federal government and that includes democrats who I don't think fought hard enough for the people - but the stimulus check, the additional money in unemployment, the unemployment that is supposed to be coming to 1099ers...it's democratic socialism just the same. I'm sorry people did not learn things in school or have forgotten them because Fox News told them to. Also yes, people who do not consider this bungling idiot their president will cash the checks that are not from him even if he insists on putting his rotten fuckup name on them. It's not his money. I'm tired of this shit.

8. Please show me a photo of a time in this country where black people - mostly men- have assembled on the steps of a state capital against officials or government systems and laws made by the same with guns of any type but especially the big ones designed to intimidate on site - and flags that are not this country's (the confederate flag is not visible here, but it was there aplenty) - and been given space to stand for assembly. Given space to stand and not been brutalized by the government and its military and police forces. Show me. Go look for photos associated with the Ferguson protests. Tell me white men with guns are treated the same as black men without. You'd be lying to me and if you believe or spout that you've been lying to yourself.

9. Reminder:

10. E-cards...it's been bad here

How has your week been?


The words following the hyphen are the song I am listening to when I start the Thursday Thoughts post. This week is Never Going Back Again by Fleetwood Mac - check out this live version. Rumours has been in heavy rotation this week

Jill's Top Five Sunless Tanners

Just in time for my friends who are interested in some tanning without sun, my great friend and personal product guru Jill, a professional makeup artist and cosmetology educator at PB Beauty School in NJ, is back today for her monthly post. Beauty is her passion and she's gracious enough to stop by here once a month to share her knowledge and favorites with us. 

Click here to learn more about Jill.

Follow Jill on Instagram: @kicksandlipsticks
Previous blogs by Jill:
Bargain Beauty Buys, LUSHtastic, What's in Jill's Makeup Bag

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Hey all, I am back! Let's talk about sunless tanners. Summer is here and as we all know it can take a few beach days to get the right summer glow on our winter skin. So, before we get that perfect base tan it's nice to have an alternative. These are my Top 5 recommendations for at home bronzing.

5.) Sally Hansen-Salon Airbrush Legs - This stuff is so easy to use and is a Hollywood secret: celebrities like the Kardashians have been rumored to use this inexpensive product. It is a simple spray and is available in several shades. They recommend spraying it into your hand first then applying to your legs, however I always spray directly onto my legs and have no problems. One of the best things about this product is it is water resistant and non transferable. That being said you can sit on all the white sofas you want and wear all the white shorts in your closet. This stuff stays on you, not on them. I have seen this as low as $4.99 at Walmart up to $12.99 at Ulta.

4.) Lorac selfTANtalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self Tanner- I am a big fan of  Lorac TANtilizer Bronzer. It is one of my all time favorites. So when they came out with this I had to try it. It absolutely is an awesome solution to pale winter skin. This however takes a bit more skill to apply than the above mentioned. It can be a tad streaky if not rubbed in well. However it comes with a mitt to use to smooth the product over the (already clean) desired area. That helps to ensure that the product is evenly spread and you do not get oompa loompa hands in the process. This product comes in at $34.00 but I can tell you a little bit goes along way.

3.) Tan Towel Self Tanning Towelette Full Body Application for Face and Body - I wish I had invented this. It is a genius way to tan at home and is very simple to use. The towelettes are 9x12 so they are quite large and they create a streak free application. They are available in Classic which is  light to medium and the "Plus" which is for medium to dark. It reaches its fullest tanning potential within 2-4 hrs after the application. Your skin tone will get deeper after each application. Each box comes with 5 towelettes and it's available at Ulta for $27.00.

2.) St.Tropez- This line of products is a little pricey but worth every penny. It has to be one of the top products I have ever used. The line has a variety of products from gradual shower tanners to airbrush application. I personally like their Bronzing Mousse which can be purchased at Ulta for for $18-$42 depending on the bottle size. It is smooth and again can be easy to apply with the included applicator mitt. This just takes a little more caution when applying so your tan is streak free. I would recommend their award winning Glow Kit. This kit was one of Allure Best of Beauty award winners. It includes the Express Bronzing Mousse, the application mitt, and the Gradual Tan In Shower Tanning Lotion. This kit is available at Sephora for $50.00.

1.) Fake Bake - Last but not least my absolute #1 sunless tanner is Fake Bake Airbrush Instant Self-Tan. I buy this stuff two to three cans at a time. I started using this back in my JWOWW Jersey Shore phase and although I have since toned down the amount I use per application I still love it. One of the nice things about this stuff is it has a show where it goes application, so as you spray it you can see where it goes. It doesn't clog pores and it dries in seconds. It progressively deepens within a few hours. This product line has an array of options, but this one is my most recommended. It comes in at $33.00.

I hope everyone enjoys all that summer has to offer and I hope these recommendations help you have that summer glow! Until next time - Stay Beautiful!

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I have to say, Jill's tan is always fabulous and it's usually fake, so she knows what she's talking about here. Jill & I will be seeing each other at the shore this weekend, catch us both on Instagram - Jill / me. 

What are your go-to self tanning products?