When my first pimple reared its ugly head at the tender age of 10 or 11, I never imagined that it was just the beginning of a battle I would still be fighting in my 30s. I know that many of you reading this are also suffering from breakouts despite your teenage years having passed long ago and are wondering if it will ever end.

The tube of Clearasil worked fine for me as a teenager when my skin was young, super oily and tolerant. The reality is that it doesn’t work so great for me anymore. Over the years, my skin has become more sensitive and prone to irritation and dryness. What’s more, I’ve started to notice fine lines and wrinkles. Balancing my skin’s need for breakout management and anti-age therapy has been no easy task. I also have to say that I am sick and tired of bleaching out my sheets, towels and clothing.

I have waited a very long time for a breakthrough acne treatment that does not contain benzoyl peroxide. There are numerous acne products that make their way to the market every year but most of them are just a different twist on a very old remedy.

So it’s no wonder I was very excited to try a new (yes, truly new) acne treatment. The SensiClear Acne Treatment System including a cleanser, toner, and treatment lotion was recently released and is now available to everyone. Retextra, the unique ingredient in SensiClear, treats acne in a very different way than benzoyl peroxide. Rather than drying and irritating the skin, it actually smoothes and balances. It even helps to soften fine lines.

I can’t tell you how nervous I was to stop using benzoyl peroxide. As unpleasant as I find BP, it had kept my skin relatively clear for years and I was horribly fearful of waking up to see a pizza face in the mirror. Amazingly, SensiClear actually works better for me but without any of the nasty side effects. In fact, I couldn’t believe I was using an acne treatment because it doesn’t feel or smell medicinal at all. The products in the system are very gentle but surprisingly effective.

Despite all of the success stories from people using acne systems like Proactiv, there are many people who cannot use benzoyl peroxide due to sensitivity and many others who can tolerate it but are looking for a better alternative. SensiClear is really worth trying. If anyone else has used SensiClear, please let me know how it has worked for you. I am very eager to hear about other experiences.

In the wake of season after season of seventies, I'm so excited about this year's fresh new couture. The boots, the colors, the style…oh how fun! If the malls weren't so filled with holiday shoppers I'd be there right now spending beyond my means. The fit and vibrant colors this time around are oh so fab! Example? Take a look at Dania Ramirez donning a multi-colored dress in this month's Men's Health Magazine (page 11 of Tech Guide).

How about another? Try these Ms. Sixty boots on for size at Nordstrom. Oh, how I dream to be rich and skinny. As a matter of fact, have you seen the line by that exact name (Rich & Skinny Jeans)? Cute! And their fabulous, comfy, perfect fit along with many different cuts actually fits well on any body type, not just the skinny ones! The only thing I'm not so sure about this season is all the eggplant. Take a look at Bebe.com. I suppose it could be because I look a lot like Barney in all that purple. I'm sure many women look gorgeous. Hey, speaking of Barney….get on the other Barney's mailing list. You'll be informed of all kinds of sales at that otherwise expensive but killer store. I saved over a thousand dollars once on a little Dolce and Gabana number at the Barney's outlet in Palm Springs. I could have never bought that dress otherwise. But at only 300 bucks it's a prized possession in my closet.

Even if I could only have a new pair of shoes out of this season's amazing new fashion anthology. I know exactly which pair I would choose.

Check out the prized pump extrordinaire! BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Daja' Pump

Hooray for technology! I just completed all my Christmas shopping and didn't have to deal with the crowds. I did not have to look for a parking spot only to find the farthest one from the mall and still get a ticket because it really wasn't an actual parking space after all. Nor did I have to hang on with all my might to that prized toy that every kid wants in anticipation of a crazy, over-zealous parent wanting to snatch it right out of my arms.

I did not have to carry the heavy roaster I bought for my Mom while looking for the book (a top seller that seems to be sold out everywhere) my Dad specifically asked for. I was able to buy for my daughter without her peeking at what she got like she always does when she's my mall buddy. My grandson was able to watch Scooby Doo from the comfort of our own sofa and living room, which is much easier than pushing him in his stroller around the mall as he's pulling all the clothes off the racks and sticking his leg out to knock over crystal vases.

Lastly, I was not chased down the corridor by the security guard from the department store who heard the alarm go off because the cashier forgot to take off the security device on the expensive jacket I had just purchased for my sister. Yep, these times they are a changin' thank goodness! That's not to say I don't like to still hit the mall during the holiday season. I just don't want to HAVE to. I want to stroll through the place to enjoy the decorations, drink a good cup of coffee with a nice pastry, and maybe pick up an item that just jumps out at me that might be the perfect gift for someone. So let me share with you my favorite places to shop online. I've had good luck with all of them in terms of pricing, shipping, and customer service. http://www.overstock.com/. For quality toys and unique gifts: http://www.restorationhardware.com/ For kids; it's a given: http://www.toysrus.com/. For clothes and jewelry: http://www.nordstrom.com/. For books and most anything you can dream of: http://www.amazon.com/. For beauty: http:www.skinstore.com For tools: http://www.sears.com/ For daily deals: http://www.woot.com/. For spa gift certificates: http://www.spafinder.com/.