My Christmas tree isn't real, but it fools a lot of people.  Even folks who've visited here in previous years will ask, "Did you get a Real Tree this year?"  (No.  It's the same fake tree we've had for at least the past four years--if not longer.  You've seen it before.)

I guess, as faux trees go, this one is a good one.

It not only looks real, it scratches just like a Real Tree too.  When I painstakingly wind strings of lights around branch after branch, I wind up with an angry red rash all over the backs of my hands.  Real Trees aggravate my asthma; this fake tree irritates my skin.

I've found a solution to this problem, though:  it's my own personal beauty secret.  I wear a thin pair of gloves while I decorate the tree.  BONUS:  if I put on some good hand lotion before donning the gloves, my hands will be beautifully moisturized by the time I've plugged in that 10th string of lights!

COUPON TIME

$5 off orders of $10 or more at ULTA.com
Enter coupon code 40119.
Valid through: December 24, 2010
See other ULTA coupons!

Free shipping on orders of $50 or more at The Body Shop
Valid through: December 30, 2010
See other Body Shop coupon codes!