Soft Spoken

Happy Holidays!

At our house, we look forward to this season all year long.  My husband, Jim, seems to find a new place to put lights almost every year.  Discussion of the various menus has already begun. Zoe and Molly have new velvet collars to wear. The children are dropping hints and marking catalogs.

In this Winter Holidays catalog, you’ll find fabulous sweaters at terrific prices and ways to update your wardrobe favorites without breaking the bank.  As always, lots of comfort goes right along with the style. With you in mind, our collection includes amazing beauty solutions and incredibly soft throws and bedding. Our favorite presents are scattered throughout.

We wish you health and happiness,

Robin
President and Founder
Soft Surroundings
Robin@SoftSurroundings.com

Though we all spend a lot of time obsessing about how to stop crow’s feet and facial wrinkles, we shouldn’t forget about the rest of the body, especially our hands. This often neglected area can be one of the first places that age spots, slack skin and wrinkles rear their ugly heads. But with a few simple steps, you can keep your hands feeling soft and looking younger. 

Don’t forget the sunscreen 
While we are diligent about applying SPF to our faces, we often overlook our hands, which see as much, if not more, sunlight than the rest of our bodies. Applying an SPF daily before heading outdoors is the first step to preventing additional aging caused by harmful UV rays and achieving younger looking hands.

Exfoliate 
Just like your face and body, your hands need to be exfoliated too. Use a sugar or salt scrub every week to two weeks to slough away the dead skin cells. Your hands will start feeling smoother, younger and softer in no time. 

Moisturize after washing your hands 
Soap and water can actually dry skin out with repeated use, so make it a habit to apply hand lotion immediately after washing your hands while they are still a bit damp, which helps lock in moisture. Keep a pump bottle of lotion next to your sink in the bathroom and kitchen as an easy reminder to re-apply often. 

Take a multi-vitamin
Healthy doses of Vitamins A, B complex, C and E can all improve your skin. Vitamins C and E are particularly important in counteracting the effects of sun exposure. Vitamin A helps maintain and repair skin tissue, while B complex vitamins are essential for healthy skin, nails and hair. 

Consider fish oil supplements 
If you eat a lot of oily fish or take fish oil supplements, you may notice that your hands already feel soft and smooth. Sardines, mackerel, fresh tuna and other oily fish contain essential fatty acids (EFAs), the good fats. EFAs keep your skin moisturized, reduce inflammation, and keep your hands looking younger. They also do double duty because they’re great for your heart! 

Get a manicure regularly 
Whether you do it at home or head to the salon, a manicure will keep your cuticles moisturized and your nails healthy. Healthy, well-manicured nails make your hands look more polished, which often translates to younger looking as well.

Don’t forget your gloves 
In the wintertime, gloves are essential. But cold weather isn’t the only thing that can damage your hands. When washing dishes, cleaning your bathroom and working in the garden, you should always wear gloves. Latex or rubber gloves can protect your hands from chemicals and hot water that can dry and damage your skin. 

Treat your hands at night 
Coat your hands with a thick moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly before going to bed. Cover them with white cotton gloves or even socks in a pinch, to keep the moisturizer close to the skin for better absorption. You’ll be amazed at how soft your hands feel come morning!

We love world-famous hand model Ellen Sirot’s Hand Perfection, which combines skin-friendly Omega-3 fatty acids with protective antioxidants to keep your hands feeling ultra-hydrated, soft and youthful.

Here are a few items we love from our upcoming Soft Surroundings Winter Holidays 2009 catalog.  Visit SoftSurroundings.com on Wednesday, November 4 to purchase any of these items, plus nearly 100 other new items for the winter season.

TREND REPORT

Regrowing thicker, fuller eyelashes has become a very important trend/direction in the beauty world primarily because as we age, our lashes get thinner and shorter. This has promoted the need for products that address these very issues. For the last several years the number of companies out there making eyelash and eyebrow hair growth products has increased exponentially.  The trend has really hit a fever pitch with the introduction of Latisse, the first prescribed treatment for the growth of eyelashes.  You probably have seen the commercial for the product; Brooke Shields is the spokeswoman seen in the commercial.

My favorite solution for eyelash regrowth is Talika’s Eyelash Lipocils. We have for the last 4 years carried them in the catalog.  A young doctor in Paris’s Salpetriere Hospital, named Danielle Roches, formulated them in 1948.  Her original intent was to create an anti-bacterial plant based cream to help repair damage from eye burns. Not only did this phenomenal product help heal burns; it quickly and dramatically regrew eyelashes. This amazing discovery led to the creation of Talika Eyelash Lipocils. They are naturally formulated and clinically proven to regrow thicker, fuller eyelashes and brows in 28 days when used twice daily.  

Here are a couple of my favorite customer reviews from SoftSurroundings.com for the Talika Eyelash Lipocils:

“I bought my first tube in early December, with a degree of doubt. Then I didn’t quite read the instructions very well for a while and used it once a day. Even when I did read the how-to, I was still often forgetting the evening application. And it worked anyway! I am just now on my second tube and doing much better on twice a day — my lashes are longer, more profuse and easier to see. The most dramatic effect has been on the lower lashes, which I have hardly seen in several years. I see more and longer ones and, better yet, my friends have noticed as well.”  – Delta Yankee from Albuquerque

“I was using another product for longer,fuller lashes for 3x the price when I saw this in the catalog. The product I was using went on like eye liner and really stung if it go in my eyes. It took a month to see results. The results were good, but when I saw your product, I thought I’d try it. With your product, the results were instant, and as time went on (perhaps only a week), the results so far exceeded the other product that I’ll never go back, nor wear mascara !!!” — Juba from Hawaii

Keep your eyes open, as you just might find Soft Surroundings in the pages of your favorite magazine. In recent weeks, Soft Surroundings items have been featured in Good Housekeeping and Better Homes and Gardens magazines! Where will we turn up next? Stay tuned!

Don’t miss your chance to win a fabulous gift set from Lamas Beauty!

Peter Lamas, celebrated hair stylist and skin expert to icons such as Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Diana Ross, brings his 30-plus years of expertise to his line of beauty products. Committed to delivering performance driven products, this natural line is empowered with rare Chinese Herbs and botanicals used for centuries that help support healthy hair growth, and energize the scalp for fuller, healthier tresses.

This is a fabulous gift set that is valued $127.  All you have to do is sign up on the form to the left to receive Soft Surroundings promotional emails and you’ll be entered for your chance to win.  A winner will be chosen at random in late November. The prize includes:

Lamas Beauty Stimulating Shampoo: Support healthy hair growth and energize hair follicles to considerably reduce hair loss. The Stimulating Shampoo contains botanical Chinese Herbs that inhibit DHT build-up (which can slow hair growth), stimulate weak hair and scalp and help relieve flaking and itching for a healthier, fuller head of hair. Good for both men and women.

Lamas Beauty Stimulating Conditioner: The Stimulating Conditioner contains botanical Chinese Herbs that inhibit DHT build-up (which can slow hair growth), stimulate weak hair and scalp and help relieve flaking and itching for a healthier, fuller head of hair.

Lamas Beauty Regenerating Scalp Serum: This Regenerating Scalp Serum contains Apple Stem Cells and Japanese Swertia Extract which scientific studies have shown accelerate cell turnover and improve micro-circulation of the scalp, which enhances hair growth and helps to restore texture and color of graying hair. 

Lamas Beauty Revitalizing Nutrient Mist: The Nutrient Mist is a therapeutic leave-in spray that detangles strands and gives fine, thinning, flat hair unbelievable lift and bounce.

Lamas Beauty Revitalizing Styling Cream: The weightless Styling Cream adds definition, moisture and shine, while fortifying and adding volume. It also helps reduce breakage caused by thermal styling, protects hair against UV rays and prolongs the life of hair color.

Simply sign up on the form to the left to  be entered for your chance to win.

Official Rules

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Contour powders are great for hiding imperfections and highlighting your best features. By following a few easy application steps, you can instantly contour your features like the pros, giving the appearance of a straighter nose, more defined cheekbones, a less prominent double chin and a slimmer jaw line. 

Getting Started

We always use a matte shade for contouring and a shimmering shade for highlighting.

Slim or straighten your nose 

Bring out your cheekbones 

Contour your double chin 

Slenderize your forehead 

We love My Sculpted Face by IT Cosmetics because it has an easy-to-use guide, comes with waterproof contouring shades and highlighting shades designed to match all skintones and is packed with Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to help moisturize skin and impart a healthy glow.

Here at Soft Surroundings our customers’ opinions really matter. One way for you to communicate with us with your concerns, comments and questions is through product reviews. We read each and every one. These reviews let us know how you feel about your purchase and help us recognize what we need to fix and where we need to improve.

As the majority of our clothing and bedding is made exclusively for Soft Surroundings, your comments and concerns can allow us to adjust and offer a better product. These changes benefit your fellow shoppers too. For instance, someone may be considering the same tunic you bought, but aren’t quite sure of the fit. Your review may provide just the information she needs. So, thanks in advance for reviewing your purchase. We really appreciate your taking the time. Please remember, we love hearing from you!

If you have purchased something recently, visit our Product Reviews page to learn how to write a review. We’d love to hear from you! In the meantime, here are a couple of products our customers are raving about right now!

Sarah Shirt:

“This blouse is absolutely beautiful! The fabric is so very soft and the lacework is stunning. I have wanted this blouse for many seasons now, and am delighted with my purchase. The first size I ordered was too big. I sent it back and received the replacement immediately. I am very satisfied with my shopping experience at Soft Surroundings.” – Katherine, Orland Park, IL

Ingrid Smocked Quilt:

“I just redid my bedroom. I bought the Ingrid Smocked Quilt in pale blue. It is exactly as pictured, but the texture is better than I expected. It is so soft and warm. My bedroom looks beautiful. I accented the room with gold. I bought the shams as well and used gold throw pillows. My friends were over the other day and they asked if I would decorate their homes for them. This is truly one of the best bedspreads I have ever owned. I am extremely happy with my purchase. The next time I redo a room I will be sure to order from Soft Surroundings.” — Kim, Babylon, NY

Gauze Pullover:

“This is a really cool top! Cool in design and cool as in wearing in Florida summers. The longer in the back design makes it different from all the other gauze tops. I got the white and it is so crisp, washes beautifully. I did not dry mine. It is oversized. I am a size 6, so I got the XS and it fits to look fashionably oversized, but not big, hanging and droopy. I am going to order another white one so I can have one for good and one to kick around in.” — Roxanne, Novi, MI

Enchante Perfume:

“This perfume oil smells wonderful and lasts all day! I receive many compliments from my clients and coworkers when wearing it. Being a hair stylist, it’s important not to wear a fragrance that is too strong or overpowering and this one is perfect! Soft and clean. I love it and wear it every day” – Paula, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Denim Stretch Legging:

“The best jeans ever. Weight of material is perfect–not too heavy. Fit around the thigh is fitted, yet not snug. Looks great with tunic tops, sweaters, etc. I teach preschool and wear these every day. Wash and dry nicely. Nice stretch to accommodate those days when there is an extra pound or two to deal with. Find that they run a little large…I wear a medium, but usually a 14 (or large) pant is what I get.” — Cheryl, Swampscott, MA

Sure, it’s great to have the luxury of a professional hair stylist applying products and meticulously shaping your strands into a movie star ‘do. But for mere hair mortals, the reality of choosing the right styling product for your hair type and hairstyle can be a confusing and expensive process. If everyday salon visits aren’t a reality for you, try these styling product tips to ensure each hair day is a salon hair day. 

Mousse
Mousse can be used on wet or dry hair to enhance volume, texture, movement and shine. In general, mousse products are a great option for most hair types including naturally curly or wavy hair and thinning hair. It’s available in a wide range of formulas from very light to extra firm hold, and easily crafts a natural and soft style. Non-sticky mousse allows for easy re-styling from day to evening looks. A popular evolution of mousse is thegel-mousse products, which combine the benefits of both gel and mousse into one formula.
Best for: Fine, naturally curly or wavy, and thinning hair 

Gel 
Run a little lightweight moisturizing gel through the length of your wet hair to relax natural curls and create an instant fresh-from-the-beach look. For a wet look with lift, coat dry hair with gel and wear au natural. Most gels are multi-dimensional, working well to relax, sculpt, mold, freeze and scrunch all types of textures from fine to medium, straight to wavy. Whether you select gel in a tube, jar or spray form, beware of overuse as it can cause hair to appear greasy or stiff. 
Best for: All hair types. Look for specific brands made for your particular hair type or styling needs.

Hair Sprays: Finishing, Freezing or Traditional 
Today’s hairsprays are much more advanced than the original Aqua Net canister. Current hairspray products range from light hold formulas for natural movement without the stickiness to strong and super molding spray formulas for rigid hold. Non-aerosol, non-alcoholic and aromatherapy infused formulas also offer additional flexibility to customize the spray to your needs and preferences.

Best for: All hair types. Lighter sprays are generally better for fine hair while thicker hair requires spray with a stronger hold.

Pomades, Glossers & Shine Serums 
This styling family consists of products that give hair a “mirror-like” affect by controlling frizz and flyaways. Products designed to promote shine tend to be less concentrated than pomades and glossers. Shine enhancers, glossers and pomades control frizz, promote smoothness and add shine. Glossers and shine serums, unlike pomades, are available in both liquid and spray-on versions.

Best for: Coarse, chemically treated, thick and curly hair.

Balm 
Used to create, manage and style uncontrollable textures, hair balm often comes packaged as a thick cream or putty-like texture, usually in a jar container. Balm can be applied to wet or dry hair depending on the ultimate styling goal - wet-hair application gives a more slicked-back look while a dry application is often used to achieve a “piece-y” look. Some balms are specifically designed to smooth frizzy hair, while others are formulated to enhance curls or straighten waves. They are often infused with hair-nourishing ingredients like Olive Oil, Soy Oil or vitamins.
Best for: Thick or curly hair .

With a little know-how and a bit of experimentation, you can find the right styling products to achieve gorgeous, enviable hair for any occasion.