When my kids were a little younger, I seemed to have more free time on Fridays. While they napped or were at preschool, I would write fun little posts featuring products I liked. Now that I’m commuting to the city a couple days a week (and getting home at 7pm those nights), my house is not up to it’s usual state of orderliness. So I spend Fridays catching up on loose ends, doing things for my business like dreadful tax prep, answering overdue correspondence, and finishing up the work that pays the bills.

Anyway, It’s been way too long since my last fun, fabulous Friday post so I thought I’d take a moment while eating leftover pizza for lunch (Bad, I know!) to share some recent fabulous finds.

I just finished listening to the audiobook version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stiegg Larsson. This was the best book I have read (OK, listened to) in a long time. I probably haven’t been so excited to get back to a book in the same way since reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett this past summer. If you like suspenseful thrillers, Girl is a must read. I’d even advocate for trying the audio version because the man who reads it has a nice accent that makes the book come to life.

If you know me at all you know I have a make up problem. I love Sephora and can spend hours in there, culling through eye shadows, lipsticks and anti-wrinkle creams. I recently splurged on a tube of lipstick by Make Up Forever ($19) and it’s the most long-lasting color I’ve ever had. Usually long-lasting lipsticks dry out my lips to the point of pain. Not this brand. If you are willing to splurge, this is one to try.

While I’m on the topic of beauty and vanity, I must tell you that Latisse, the product Brooke Shields advertises on TV and in magazines, really does make eyelashes longer. Much, much longer. You’ll need a prescription from a doctor, and it will cost you about $90 for a 3-4 month supply, but this stuff really works. I have seen the results with my own eyes.

Last night Kristin hosted a Suave Styling party with some listeners and friends at a local salon. Suave is holding these parties in people’s homes across the country, but given we wanted to open it up to listeners, we opted for a public venue (you never know what creepy types lurk in the dark corners of the Internet). I was so bummed I couldn’t make it due to a death in my extended family, but Kristin posted photos to her facebook page. Doesn’t her hair looks so cute with curls? I was lucky enough to get my own stash of free Suave product (as were all the guests) and I have to say, the aloe vera & ginseng line smells heavenly. I think it will be in stores soon.

Do you have any favorite recent finds to share? Mine seem to live almost exclusively in the beauty department today, but feel free to share anything you think other Manic Mommies will enjoy. I just love a good tip from a friend, don’t you?