My Hospital Beauty Essentials

I broke my ankle last Friday. I was visiting some friends in Pittsburgh, slipped on some ice and down I went. And I don't mean just any break. I broke the tibia and the fibula AND managed to fracture a whole bunch of other important stuff. I've been on bed rest in the hospital ever since, and let me tell you -- it changes things. I'm not someone who ever asks for help, and I don't require much care. I'm extremely independent. So having to rely on other people for everything definitely puts life in very different perspective. Luckily I have excellent care and I'm preparing for surgery #2 on Monday. In the meantime, I've culled my beauty essentials to an eye-popping six products! Check out what's getting me through the long days in the hospital.

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Find Your Bliss: Molton Brown Blissful Bathing Gift Set

I've experienced heaven, and its name is the Molton Brown Blissful Bathing Gift Set. Seriously, I'm pretty sure this is what heaven smells like.

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So Divine: Molton Brown Rok Mint Fine Liquid Hand Wash

Whenever I want a little extra luxury in my life, I head straight for Molton Brown. I love every product in the line, from the body washes to the shampoos ... so is it any wonder that I've fallen truly, madly, deeply in love with Molton Brown Rok Mint Fine Liquid Hand Wash?

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Search and Rescue: Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue

I'm obsessed with hand cream. Really, I have bottles of it all over the place -- in my bathroom, on my nightstand, on my desk at work, rattling around in my purse. But as of late, I'm only using one -- Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue.

This rich, luxurious hand cream leaves skin so soft, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. That's thanks to ingredients like antioxidant-rich South African desert plant extract, Myrrh extract (which targets cuticles and nails), Candletree leaf extract (provides photo-aging protection and minimizes the signs of age spots), and both Moringa and shea butters (which moisturize and condition the skin). It also sinks into skin immediately upon contact, so there's no unsightly greasiness or residue to contend with.

And here's the best part: it smells fantastic. Light, fresh, feminine ... absolutely beautiful.

Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue retails for $30 at moltonbrown.com.

Revitalize Your Shower Routine: Molton Brown Vitalising Vitamin AB+C Bath & Shower

I'm normally not a fan of intense scents when it comes to my shower gels -- especially ones that I classify as more masculine. But there's something special about Molton Brown Vitalising Vitamin AB+C Bath & Shower.

Maybe it's the zesty, citrusy aroma that feels just a bit peppery. Maybe it's the fact that a dime-sized amount is enough to make my entire body soft and smooth. Or maybe it's the energy I feel every time I pour it onto my pouf.

Whatever the reason, this is one shower gel I'm keeping in my permanent stash.

Molton Brown Vitalising Vitamin AB+C Bath & Shower retails for $30 at beauty.com.

Beauty Giveaway: Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist

One of my fave products? Definitely Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist. Every time I use it, I'm out for the count within 15 minutes. And now one lucky reader has the chance to win a full-sized bottle of this miraculous mist, valued at $38!

Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, November 6 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, November 5 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Best Summer Body Wash Series: Molton Brown Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Bath & Shower

The Best Summer Body Wash Series features the body washes and shower gels that will thrill and delight you all summer long.

Is there anything chicer than Molton Brown? I find it hard to believe. There's something so unbelievably luxe about every single Molton Brown product out there. And right now I'm totally loving the Molton Brown Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Bath & Shower.

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The Amazingness Continues with Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist

I told you once how much I love Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist. Well, I just feel that this little bottle needs a bit more love ... because OH. MY. GOD. I've been having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep for over a month now. Last night I decided to spritz it over my pillow, and guess what? I fell asleep within FIVE MINUTES. Even better, I stayed asleep till my alarm rang this morning. I can't believe it.

Okay, gushing done now. Just thought I'd let you know that this baby continues to work time and again.

Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist retails for $38.

Must-Have Mondays: Molton Brown Relaxed Traveller

Let's face it -- traveling is not always fun. Yes, the actual location you're going to might be a blast. But between heightened airport security, delayed flights, airplane food and breakouts from recycled oxygen on the plane, the beginning part of a vacation is anything but entertaining. That's where the Molton Brown Relaxed Traveller comes in handy. The four items in this kit will keep you from having a temper tantrum aboard the plane, even if the flight attendant does say "buh bye" one too many times for your liking.

Let's start with the kit itself. The square-shaped case is absolutely chicer than chic in bold violet and pretty seafoam green. It zips all the way around to really hold your items securely, and the colors are vibrant without being over the top. It even comes with a miniature purple leather luggage tag so you can ensure it won't get lost!

But it's what's inside the case that counts. You'll find miniature versions of four products in Molton Brown's relaxing yuan zhi scent -- taken from a South Chinese plant that balances energy and soothes the spirit. You'll find the following fabulous items within the case:

Bath & Shower Gel (3.3 fl. oz.)
Body Cream (3.3 fl. oz.)
Pulse Point Balm (.23 fl. oz.)
Sleep Mist (1 fl. oz.)

Now, the Sleep Mist is most definitely my favorite of the four. (For my full comments on this, read my earlier post about it here.) But each of these products does its part to promote peaceful, uninterrupted sleep -- and I like to use them all in tandem to really make sure my eyes stay closed when the lights go out! I especially love the Pulse Point Balm, which helps to soothe me when I sleep with my arms up near my face.

And in case you're not noticing a recurring theme here ... every item is small enough to put in your carryon! The entire set retails for $60 on Molton Brown's website. Not a huge price to pay when you figure you're getting a good night's sleep out of it!

Sit Back and Relax with Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist

Now I don't know about you, but I've always been a bit skeptical of sleep mists. Can essences of lavender, ylang ylang and other "relaxing" ingredients really make anyone fall asleep faster? Well, color me impressed -- and consider my mind changed for good -- ever since I started using Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist. This bottle, which does have the aforementioned lavender and ylang ylang in addition to bergamot, really does seem to help me fall asleep faster. We're talking within minutes -- and I have the chronic condition of laying awake for hours before bed, even when I'm exhausted!

The mist, which has an intoxicatingly fresh scent that I just can't seem to get enough of, comes housed in a gorgeous violet-hued glass bottle, claims to "promote inner peace and encourage restful, healing sleep." I can honestly say I find this to be the case. I've been using this mist for the last week, spraying it liberally over my sheets and pillows, and I have fallen asleep within minutes. What's more, I stay asleep -- no waking up in the middle of the night for any reason! And best of all, I really do feel rested and completely at ease when I wake up in the morning.

Now, this mist doesn't come cheap, as it retails for $44 on Molton Brown's website. But for anyone who's had problems falling asleep in the past, you should definitely give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You get a good night's sleep?

Thanks, Mom! Great Mother's Day Gifts, Volume 8: Molton Brown New Age Traveller 10 Kit

For the ultimate in luxury, it's difficult -- not to mention downright crazy! -- to look any further than Molton Brown. So why not give your mom the ultimate indulgence this Mother's Day with the New Age Traveller 10?

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