I'm about to try some skin care tonight (Arbonne) that my friend sent, so I'll report back once I do, but in the meantime, I'm still dealing with dry, cracked and bleeding fingers. My local health food store suggested something I had read about and never considered - coconut oil. I love it! Now I can't say that it's fixed my hands, although they are slightly better, but as a general body moisturizer, it's wonderful. And, of course, it smells delicious. I'm having vague memories of summer days with sweet tanning lotion and sand, so that's a bonus.

I bought the extra virgin variety as I was told the purer the better, but that made more sense for cooking. It's about $15 for extra virgin as opposed to $9 for unrefined coconut oil, so once I realized I was going to need a full jar in the bathroom, I bought the unrefined too. It works just as well. I got so excited I searched for ways to use the stuff and came across a website that explains the many benefits of coconut oil. I'm planning to involve the kids and make macaroons tomorrow. Meanwhile, I keep sniffing my hands!