Divine Davines

Davines’ Extra Virgin Skin Care line offers an Anti Aging Hand Cream. I’m a devoted fan of the nongreasy, soothing cream made from tomato, olive, walnut, and almond extracts. The scent is one of delicate earth, slightly sweet; yet, it doesn’t smell like food or cloying fake dessert. The cream squeezes out smoothly into a silky, soft paste that melts evenly into hands and cuticles leaving skin instantly moisturized. One 1.69-ounce minimally designed tube lasted me more than six months. That’s quite a bargain considering the $18 price tag. I use it on my face and throat, as well, without breakouts or shiny spots resulting.

Davines also offers hair care products and styling tools. I’ve recently tried the Alchemic Shampoo and Conditioner ($49 a set) in copper. The use of these products together adds subtle color back into hair that may be fading due to sun exposure, overtreating or age. After just one week of using the products and religiously following the directions, my hair appeared more vibrant, and the strands that have turned platinum blonde (I’m not quite up to using the word gray) were decidedly redder. Maybe its wishful thinking, but I’m placing my bet that the Mediterranean extracts and color pigments touted by Davines are actually doing their job. Alchemic also comes in combos for blondes and brunettes and is made for both men and women. Embellish Multispace Salon and Chemel Salon, the only two recognized dealers in Tacoma, sell the international product line.

[Embellish Multispace Salon, 1121 Court D, Tacoma, 253.752.8144, www.embellishtacoma.com]

[Chemel, 4430 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.548.8910, www.chemelsalon.com]

[Davines, www.davines.com]

Michaels The Arts & Crafts Store

I’ve been collecting concert posters, signed pictures of musicians, carefully salvaged Beautiful Angle poster art, and grudgingly buying art prints when I can’t afford the original painting (not to say that I’m not thrilled that this option exists, but rather that I wish I had more dinero to buy art) for quite some time. I have them stashed in a not-so-careful pile in a closet.

Early (compulsive) spring cleaning made me realize this practice is one of neglect. I need frames, matting, and glass to protect and preserve these treasures. After measuring the items, I took a quick trip over to Michaels The Arts & Crafts Store on 38th Street near the Tacoma Mall. The framing department at the back of the store is pretty much its own entity. Friendly staff there good-naturedly laughed as I explained my dilemma but assured me they could take care of my needs. The frame selection alone was impressive as was the array of matting in many colors and textures. Soon I’ll have more professionally turned out works of art than wall space — and then I’ll have an excuse to move. Cost of framing and matting depends on size and desired outcome.

[Michaels The Arts & Crafts Store, 2941 S. 38th St., Tacoma, 253.473.0114, www.michaels.com]