Tee: J Crew Factory, sz. XS
Jeans: American Eagle Skinny, sz.4
Shoes: Converse
Bag: Kate Spade
After classes were done and final semester grades were entered in for me, Husband and I found ourselves in a rare situation; we had the week before Christmas off, while Child was still in school. So I told him we needed to take advantage of the situation and do "fun non-Child things" that week.
One of the "fun things" on my list was to go to Mexico. (Trust me, it's not as exotic as it sounds, as Mexico is only about a 10 minute drive from our house.) I wanted to shop for a few last-minute unique holiday gifts, pick up some uber cheap retinol from the pharmacies there, and buy a few big jugs of vanilla for holiday baking. (oh and have lunch at one of my favorite restaurants)
Ok, some of those things sound weird--let me explain: most pharmaceutical drugs are sold over the counter in Mexico; things such as antibiotics and the like. And if you're careful, and you know what to buy, it can be a lot more cost effective that most prescription drug co-pays in the States. We have a lot of elderly winter Texans where we live who make monthly trips to Mexico to save themselves on prescription co-pays.
I never personally buy things like that, but I do buy prescription strength retinol cream for my face there-- gotta keep those wrinkles at bay! For about $7 I can buy a one year supply of the same stuff that would cost an arm and a leg here (not to mention hours of my time and a $pecialist dermatologist visit).
As to the vanilla--well, there is nothing like pure Mexican vanilla. The taste is truly unique --trust me, it has nothing on lame old Watkins. Not to mention a 32 oz. bottle costs about $4. With my liberal use of vanilla in most recipes it makes the trip well worth it.
And for unique gifts, I love browsing the little shops for hand-made silver jewelry and leather goods (both surprisingly cheap compared to what I'd pay in the States), and unique candies and food. I love shopping in Mexican grocery stores to find unusual candy, drinks, and snacks, and they make wonderful gifts for my mid-western friends and family.
Oh, and did I mention margarita stands line the sidewalks, and you can shop and wander the streets while sipping frozen margarita goodness? Um, hmmm. Shopping in Mexico is fun.
So jealous!! I just ran out of my giant bottle of Mexican vanilla, and was thinking, dang, I need to book a trip there just to buy my $4 vanilla. Didn't know about the retinol, that's brilliant. I just paid an insane amount for a refill at my derm! Love the dove tee. :)
ReplyDeleteThat Mexican vanilla is totally worth the trip! Sometimes I think I should act as a supplier for my mid-western family and friends!
DeleteYour trip sounds like so much fun! I am so jealous of your cheap vanilla and margarita sipping... just sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is one of the perks of living so far South!
DeleteHi there! Question about the retinol... does it help with forehead lines or make your skin too dry? I'd like to try it and would love your advice!
ReplyDeleteI would have to answer both yes and yes. Yes--it helps with wrinkles! Big time! I've been using it for 4+ years, and I have fewer wrinkels than my brother who is 4 years younger than me. I think it's a very good preventative measure for fine lines. And yes--it is drying. I have very oily skin so I can handle using it almost every night, but many people find they need to use it 3-4 times a week to prevent drying, flaking, peeling.
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