Milani Easy Brow Pencil

I refuse to ever stop giving eyebrow advice. REFUSE. And I'm aware that I've recommended numerous eyebrow products. But I think I've finally found one that's reasonably priced and actually good quality. Here's an example of what it looks like when used.

It's pretty weather proof and won't run on you in the rain or snow or anything - it'll even stay on and not smudge off if you decide to not take it off with the rest of your makeup at the end of a day. I've done that a few times. Goddam it, I just love having fuller eyebrows. Did you know that the number one facial cosmetic procedure among women in NYC this year was eyebrow restoration? So funny that that's a thing now. 

In any case, this Milani pencil is magic and you can get it at basically any CVS in New York. It ranges from $7 - $10, which is pretty decent, too. 

Aveda Hand Relief Lotion

If you've ever kept hand cream in your purse, this is the one to buy. The main reasons?

1. It doesn't make your hands feel oily.
2. You only need to use a tiny drop of it each time you use it, so it lasts forever.
3. There is no smell. Absolutely no flowery shit here. Just a normal, nothing kind of smell. 

Is $10 too expensive for a 1.4 ounce bottle? I don't think it is. Especially considering the fact that cheaper brands last barely a month and feel oily as hell. 

Also, are you lotioning your hands right? I feel like you may not be. What I like to do is put a tiny drop on the top of each hand and then rub that in. Why do people always put the cream in their palms first? That makes no sense to me - your palms are not dry and never will be. You should be taking care of that wintery, withered, constantly-exposed hand skin, damnit.

Rowing Machine

Ram & Row created this gorgeous piece of living room furniture that morphs into a rowing machine. It was designed by Patrick Saint-Martin and runs for - well, probably a ridiculous amount of money since they don't list a price. 

SUCH a great idea, however.

The Keep Your Distance Bug Vacuum

Not only does this device not need to be plugged in (or use batteries), but I'm pretty sure it KEEPS THE BUG ALIVE so you can dispose of him/her outside. 

Apparently it has some kind of suction power that holds the bug inside somewhere. In any case, I'm getting one because wow. 

Real Mistletoe at Trader Joe's

I've never understood why it's so hard to get your hands on real mistletoe in the month of December. A few years ago, I walked into a flower shop and asked for some and the guy's response was, "Sorry, this isn't 1943." Seriously! I laughed, but cried a little inside, too. WHY IS THIS SO HARD TO FIND?!

You can imagine my delight when I saw that Trader Joe's packages and sells them for $2 a box. TWO DOLLARS A BOX! I wish I'd have found this out earlier 'cause then I would've bought a bundle and shipped them to all my people. Is there not a more romantic sight to be seen in your household than this hanging from above?!

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My house!

Love, love, love it. Then again, you already know that I'm a big fan of any kind of mandatory romance. 

Scissortape

This is probably the handiest thing you can own in your home gift wrapping station. What's that? You don't have a home gift wrapping station? How embarrassing for you...

First things first, you should get on that. And if you're telling me that you don't wrap enough gifts to warrant a designated station - then you need to become a more giving person, maybe.

In any case, THESE SCISSORS ARE MY EVERYTHING.

Travel Flats

If I ever make the choice to wear heels out in public, I love the idea of having a backup shoe just incase, I don't know, I come to my senses and want to wear human footwear? If you're the type of person to ever regret your shoe choice in the middle of your evening out, you definitely should buy a pair of these to keep around.

Melting Toht Candle

Ummm, this is fantastic. And probably the world's best gift for anyone whose favourite movie was Raiders of the Lost Ark. 

As it burns, it looks more and more like Gestapo agent Arnold Ernst Toht as his face melts off at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark (the first Indiana Jones movie), when the Nazis open the Ark of the Covenant and suffer the wrath of God. You can get this ($32) Melting Toht Candle from Firebox. 

Gloves Hanger

Winter is coming and what comes along with it? Wet gloves. Is there a handier way to get them to dry quicker than hanging them up to dry? Hell no! This is a great idea. I know it seems like I'm constantly telling you to hang things and, well, I am - but it's because some things greatly benefit from hang-age.

I feel like they're so cheap because only suckers would buy them, but man? I'm all over these.

(P.S. The thanksgiving croissants at Momofuku Milk Bar are now available throughout November. EAT ONE OF THESE. I swear you won't regret it.)

Brick Clips

“These handy clips let you quickly attach anything to brick without in any way damaging either the bricks or the mortar bond. Great for tying up vines, holding a trellis in place, or hanging wreaths on a brick wall. Clips securely snap in place by hand and each can hold up to 25 lb — no tools are needed for installation.”

I'm convinced that there are answers to every single one of life's problems, it's just a matter of finding those answers. This clip? Such a genius idea. Already bought two packs. They're $9/per 4-pack, which isn't crazy at all considering it's such a specialty item.