This week I thought I’d share a tiny adventure from the glamorous world of self-improvement products; specifically, my recent experiment with Plexaderm Rapid Reduction Serum. You’ve probably seen the ads. They make it look like you dab a little potion under your eyes and suddenly you’re ready for the cover of Vogue.

A while back, I bought their low‑cost introductory offer, fully intending to test it immediately… and then I did what any sensible person does with impulse purchases. I put it in a drawer and forgot it existed.

Then one morning I woke up with bags under my eyes after a restless and unsatisfying night of sleep. I remembered the Plexaderm, dug it out of the drawer, and gave it a try. And I have to admit: the improvement was significant. My puffy eyes went from “I stayed up too late reading” to “I drink green juice and sleep eight hours every night.”

Naturally, this success emboldened me. I decided to try it on the lines in my chin — the ones I’ve earned through age and decades of living with an overbite. Nothing happened. Not a flicker. My chin looked exactly the same, as if Plexaderm took one look at the situation and said, “Nope. I’m not going to do this.”

After some digging, I learned why. Plexaderm works best on stationary areas like under‑eye bags. It creates a temporary tightening film on the skin. Great for places that don’t move much. Not so great for areas like the chin, which spends all day talking, chewing, and generally refusing to sit still.

So, in summary: the eye bags had impressive results. The chin lines were not improved by Plexaderm.

This was just my just my own little experiment, shared in case you’ve been curious about those ads too. If you’ve tried it, or have your own drawer‑forgotten beauty products, I’d love to hear about them. Before I wrap up, I’m curious: do you have any miracle products hiding in a drawer that you bought with great hope… and then promptly forgot existed? Or have you tried something lately that actually surprised you? I’d love to hear your stories — the successes, the flops, and everything in between.

Rainbows

Pot of Gold? I didn't get a pot of gold, just an amazing photo from our front yard.

On the Road Another rare occurrence captured while traveling. I don't remember taking this, so I can't disclose the location.

Life is full of discoveries, like rainbows, we have to make an effort to look. I think the storm I face every day is the passage of time. I want to age gracefully. The process requires knowledge, for example, addressing vitamin deficiencies, and trial and error, like trying new products to determine if they are helpful. As we get older, we have to work hard to improve our appearance. It's not vanity; it's about self-improvement and feeling good about yourself. I hope sharing my adventures, both successes and failures, have helped in some way. This weekly endeavor, the newsletter, has emboldened me to share experiments, and experiences, and I look forward to trying things I can write about. I am always looking for content, so if you have a suggestion, let me know! Until next week, be well, and best wishes ... Joanne