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“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz

It seems Valentine’s Day is loved and loathed throughout society. The haters have suffered through one of two scenarios: they’ve been alone too often while the world is idolizing couplehood or they’ve pulled out all the stops creating a perfect Valentine’s Day, only to be met with a laissez-faire response for their efforts.

Those who love Valentine’s Day, however, are mixed bunch. Some share a happy tradition with a partner, some enjoy sending cards to their entire address book capturing the thrill of first grade all over again, whilst others eschew the romance and celebrate love – the larger, universal love of one’s friends and family – with mementos and delicacies and without expectation.

“If you only have one smile in you give it to the people you love.” – Maya Angelou

At the Deep, we tend towards the philosophy of the latter. We have cards, candles, candy and jewelry alongside all manner of delights for the senses and the sensibilities – the most unique and memorable goodies for every loved one in your life.

And this year, let’s remember our pets! Because during this last chapter – who was your faithful companion, always glad to have you hanging around, offering affection at every turn? You could acknowledge their contribution, or acknowledge the pet lovers in your life with a pet-centric gift? We have a selection that ranges from cute to touching to just plain funny.

This year we all need a little recognition. A small nod to know even if we’re separated by logistics, we’re still close to one another’s heart. This year we’re going to expand our interpretation of Valentine’s Day by showing appreciation to a wide array of loved ones. This year, even if we don’t know the question, the answer is … love.

“You can’t blame gravity for falling in love.” – Albert Einstein

“Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?” – Unknown

“I’m like the kid in kindergarten; I really do send Valentines to everyone.” – Susie Bright

202o – What We Learned:

The Little Engine That Could is a children’s story first published in 1930. Although its signature phrase: “I think I can” was first spotted in 1902 in a Swedish journal, eventually that time honored phrase became known as the epitome of American can-do-ism throughout the 30s and 40s.

In case you don’t know the story, it’s about a small choo-choo train engine that is requested by a broken-down larger engine to pull it over a high mountain. Multiple larger engines turned down the task before our brave, smaller version accepts the challenge and succeeds while chanting its motto: I think I can, I think I can.

This past year we experienced firsthand the value of marching forward, in spite of obstacles hurled in our path, and integrating the mantra: I think I can into our business plan. Which is to say … in a leap year that saw 29 days in February, what felt like 100 days in March, and an unrelenting parade of motley months to follow … we made up new ways to get to the other side faster than a chicken training for the Summer Olympics.

Skin Deep provided curbside pickup within hours of the first shut down in March. Then we added delivery and Online Shopping to our repertoire. Next we reconfigured our displays and streamlined our cases to allow for social distancing as customers were allowed to return to our inner sanctum. And during the holidays we counted heads (and our lucky stars) as many of you waited patiently in line so we could adhere to the mandated limit of shoppers.

So at this moment we stand perched on the precipice of 2021 with a multitude of ways to serve you. Safely, efficiently and always with our eye on the prize: your satisfaction.

We’re not daring the New Year to ‘show us what you got,’ but you can count on us to keep figuring it out. No matter what new routine we need to learn. Because no matter what … we’re here for you.

“You can get excited about the future. The past won’t mind.”
Hillary DePiano

“There is only one day left, always starting over: it is given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk.”
John-Paul Sartre

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

C, as in Covid, has dominated 2020. We monitor ourselves for the laundry list of possible symptoms and if the tally runs too high, we are treated to the joy of a nasal colonoscopy. (that’s an accurate depiction of the test, trust me!)

We circle the wagons, taking every precaution, and celebrate when those in our immediate circle recover.

But for me, C is also for chicken. Because this year, when my test turned out negative, I earned naming rights to a chicken from Gina McKee, one of the three Hasche sisters at the helm of Skin Deep. Three ladies who have always kept Christmas in their hearts.

But back to the chicken.

When Gina heard I was under the weather with a ‘mystery virus’ she asked if there was anything that might brighten my mood. And I confessed a hen named “Nufer” could be even more restorative than chicken soup.

8 years ago Gina and her late husband moved from San Luis Obispo to their new home on 3 acres in Butte Valley. She’s currently raising a flock of 30 or so (sometimes it’s hard to count moving poultry) consisting of Barred Rocks, Cuckoo Marans, White Giants, Blue Andalusians, Black Australorps, White Crested Black Polish, Buff Orpingtons, Cream Legbars, Speckled Sussex, Salmon Favorelles, Ameraucanas, White Wyandottes, Columbians, and Golden Laced Wyandottes. So I had a bevy of beauties from which to choose.

Her chicken paradise includes a misting system, fans and a kiddie pool so they stay comfortably cool during summer’s triple digits. During winter’s colder nights the coop is insulated. These happy hens produce 2 – 3 dozen huevos a day during egg season, keeping Gina’s customers fed and content.

Gina sent a video so I might pick out a doppelganger. The Blue Andalusian with the beady eyes immediately spoke to me. Beady eyes are somewhat ubiquitous to any flock, but Nufer’s imperious gaze has that ‘what you looking at’ sauciness which won my heart. At first cluck.

Andalusian chickens are a beautiful blue breed originating in Andalusia — a province of Spain — but have been in England and the United States for a long time. Andalusians are often used in exhibition due to their graceful, stately carriage and delicate blue-laced feathers. The ideal feather color is a beautiful slate blue with a narrow lacing of darker blue. In short, they’re gorgeous!

Christmas is always a magical time of the year at Skin Deep. We have guests that commute from other parts of the state, even the country, to see how the Deep is adorned for the holiday season and find that one-of-a-kind gift for their loved ones. Or they return seeking something that last year made the family Top 10 Gifts of All Time hit-list.

Skin Deep is a wonderland through the end of December, and we still get a thrill when we hand over a beautifully wrapped package to a smiling recipient. For you can see a smile behind a mask by looking into someone’s eyes. Another Christmas miracle.

So this year we’re focused on not letting the dreaded C sabotage the joys of all the happy Cs this holiday promises. We’re displaying the most glorious treasures in almost every category: creative, beautiful, practical, funny, delicious, innovative, nurturing and occasionally silly. As in Christmas cards, candles, candy, bedazzling cosmetics, cleansers – including hand sanitizers and captivating soaps.

“For we need a little singing – Ringing through the rafter;
Need a little snappy – ‘Happy ever after’ …
For we need a little Christmas – Right this very minute;
Need a little Christmas now.” – Jerry Herman

Once upon a time we didn’t festoon the Deep with twinkling lights, jolly gifts and goodies galore until mid or late November. But this year we’re putting out all the lovely and alluring knick-knacks, gimcracks and breathtaking décor as they arrive.

Which is to say – daily. Now. Yesterday, if you want to get technical. Our selection changes as goodies arrive so almost every day there’s something new to catch the eye.

This time last year we were focused exclusively on Halloween and all things ghoulish and gleeful. Spiders and apples and ghosts – oh my! This year Halloween is on display but it no longer sits atop its throne, the solitary master of its own domain.

No, this year Halloween has to share the holiday corner with Christmas. And a tasty slice of Thanksgiving. (pie reference, did you catch it?) We’re happy to report the trio seems to be getting along nicely. Perhaps this season they need the companionship more than ever.

There is a bounty of reasons for our early start. The happy one is many of you requested it. You expressed concern over being in crowds in December, the need to stay ahead of the game, and wanting something merry to consider now so we said: You betcha!

But another reason is 2020 taught us: we don’t know what’s next. There was once a reliable order to this time of year. Halloween kicks off the fall festival, Thanksgiving launches the feasting, and we carry on through to year’s end knowing indulgence is not just allowed, it’s encouraged!

This year, however, is a little different. There’s no way to tell what’s on the horizon, over the hill or down the lane. So with a herald of trumpets, the scent of Frazier fir and the spicy taste of pumpkin on our palate – we unveil the holiday corner for your edification.

We’re ready for a little holiday cheer. We feel the time is right to wish for peace on earth, and goodwill to men. (And women) That’s our story and we’re sticking to it.

“Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.” — Unknown

“Santa, before I explain, how much do you know already?” ― Unknown

The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is the indispensable prerequisite for success.
– Brian Tracy

Unprecedented is not hyperbole. It’s most likely we’ll need to keep morphing and evolving along with the rest of our community for the lengthy chapter to come. But at least we’re getting better at being patient and living in the moment.

We are, aren’t we? We better be.

Because when life is a maelstrom of activity, appointments and engagements – we end up paying world-wise gurus to show us the simple path. We invest in learning to sit still, gaze at our navel and discover quieter cycles – both mentally and physically. Something the pandemic offers us for free!

And we can still indulge in gentler, basic delights. Eating, drinking, bathing, reading, talking, sleeping, sending cards, giving gifts and a little self-care. Hecks a bunch – how about a LOT of self-care? Since we’re left to our own devices why not learn how to give ourselves (or our sweetheart) a facial? Or a manicure. Or pedicure.

Not only will we look and feel better, but our appreciation for those talented technicians who’ve taken such good care of us all these years will be heightened. So when we go safely back into the spa it will be with a greater sense of appreciation for the comfort and pleasure to be found there.

And – once you’ve written everyone you love and enumerated why you love them, after you’ve sent trinkets to those who are on their own reminding them they’re not forgotten, once you’ve bathed and exfoliated and polished your skin to a radiant glow – there’s always an online dance course. If now isn’t the time to learn the merengue – when is?

Here’s our opportunity to follow the age-old motto: Dance like no one’s watching. Totally possible during our global time-out. No need to fear what anyone thinks; we’ve all been handed hall passes from self-consciousness.

And even if someone catches a peek of us spinning like a whirling dervish in the living room – remember the fine advice Marilyn Monroe offered: “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous rather than absolutely boring.”

“Enjoy present pleasures in such a way as not to injure future ones.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.” – Walt Disney

Ten weeks in we’re proficient at washing our hands, wearing a mask in public, and trying to avoid touching our face (or anyone else’s for that matter.) And we take comfort in intoning: “We’re all in this together.”

Although, as someone much wiser than I recently pointed out, we may all be on the same sea, but we are decidedly in different boats.

There are those who found sheltering in place downright enjoyable (more on what you’ve been watching/bingeing later) and those who’ve been separated from their nearest and dearest or had loved ones face non-Covid health challenges which took on epic proportions seeing as access to healthcare is compromised.

At the Deep our joy remains speaking, by phone, with many of our customers. Filling your orders and hearing your stories of trial and triumph. And now, with the limited opening of the store, we look forward to engaging in person with old friends. (Yes, you’ll have a mask on and so will we – but we’ll recognize you.)

Many of us have kept up on what mental health professionals recommend to stay sane and engaged:

1. Acknowledge your anxiety – being anxious, depressed or scared is completely appropriate during this chapter.
2. Stay busy – whether it’s cleaning out your garage, office or closet or finally getting around to writing the great American novel.
3. Exercise – but safely! Taking walks or bike rides will get your blood flowing and your endorphin count up.
4. Stay in touch (by phone, text, email) with friends and loved ones.
5. Don’t watch too much news – opt for lighthearted shows instead.

And here’s where it gets interesting. The following are the most watched/streamed/binged series during the pandemic:

Westworld – a sci-fi drama about killer robots overthrowing mankind.
Game of Thrones – a sci-fi drama peopled with knights, dragons, snow zombies and lots and lots of bloodshed. LOTS!
Breaking Bad – a drama about a high school teacher turned meth kingpin.
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness – need I say more?
Ozark – a family drama about a money laundering family working for a drug cartel.

There’s a strong possibility I’ve been using the term ‘lighthearted’ incorrectly for years.
I do take pride in knowing that in California the most watched series (by far!) was Friends – a sitcom about six pals living in New York City. And for this I think we deserve kudos for following the advice of bona fide psychiatric professionals.

But no matter how you’ve spent the pandemic thus far, we hope you’re taking each day gently and looking on the light side whenever possible. Because air travel may still be sketchy but as Milton Berle so famously said: “Laughter is an instant vacation.”

“From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” – Dr. Seuss

“If you take yourself lightly and …not too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.” – Betty White

“Overcoming adversity not only makes you stronger, it makes you more hopeful.” – Valerie Jarrett

We’ve been at this for a while so naturally nicknames for the Covid 19 Pandemic are starting to crop up. To wit: The Great Pause. The Required Recess. The Grand Reset.

It doesn’t really matter what we call it as it continues its mysterious dance, adding more potential symptoms (and victims) to its roster. Until the ALL CLEAR is sounded we will continue our regimens of expert hand washing, surface disinfection, and trying … trying … trying not to touch our faces.

But the Compulsory Standstill can’t break our spirit. During this Obligatory Lockdown we still find delight. We love speaking with our customers on the phone, hearing their stories, and helping them find what they need. The Horrible Hiatus has given us another opportunity to experience how wonderful our community is and how much they mean to us, and us to them.

Our Easter windows were brimming with bunnies, chick-lets and eggs – oh my! – and lots of you stopped by to pick out goodies and take a moment to be reminded of a simpler, prettier, more pastel time.

Now our thoughts have turned to Mother’s Day and so our windows are filled with all manner of ways to tickle the fancy of that most important figure in our lives; our mother, our matriarch, our confidante/chum/confessor and creator.

The mother of Nina, Tina and Gina was Evelyn Hasche and she was very involved in the origin story of Skin Deep. In fact, she gave us our name. Mothers hold a pretty special place in our heart and always will.

So when The Involuntary Interruption begins gnawing on your nerves, put on your mask and come on down to peek in our windows. We’re happy to put together your selection for Mom (or someone who’s been like a mother) and wrap it to appear as lovely and festive as the first day of spring.

We’re still here for you.

“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.” – Lou Holtz

“I’ve been through it all, baby, I’m mother courage.” – Elizabeth Taylor

“…if I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard.
Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.”
Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz

It’s hard to refute Dorothy when she sums up what she learned in Oz for Glinda the Good Witch. For be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. Any decent country western song or nursery rhyme can attest to this truism.

Which is important to remember while we have limited rambling rights. When we’re bunched up together wondering if anyone will ever put the spatula back in the right place, or stop wearing sweats from sunup to sunset, or keep insisting that the ultimate smack-down bout of 2015 World Wide Wrestling IS good television.

Which is to say – our sense of humor has to survive this pandemic if we have any hope of coming out the other side. Otherwise that trail of unwashed cereal bowls and half finished crossword puzzles our significant other is planning to pick up ‘later’ will drive us straight to the Looney bin.

And there are reasons to keep tickling our funny bone. Laughter can lower stress hormones, prevent heart disease, and boost our immune system. When, if not now, is there a better time to boost our immune system?

If this were the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 we wouldn’t understand how to combat the virus with social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing. And seeing as television wasn’t invented until 1927, our happy distractions would be scarce. You had cocktails, card games, and the occasional embroidery project thrown in.

But this is 2020. The largess of entertainment currently available at home, at any given moment, is staggering. This is the pandemic of Netflix, Hulu, Acorn TV, Amazon Prime (where The Wizard of Oz is available ALL THE TIME!), and premium channels. Cooking shows, home improvement or decorating tutorials plus a wide array of educational options. Finally, you have time to learn to speak Greek!

This is the pandemic when you can master both the cheese soufflé and that pesky grout project. And hopefully we’ll do it whilst chuckling at ourselves. Because the social benefits of laughter include strengthening relationships and defusing conflict. Which could be helpful when the next battle royale breaks out over who’s in charge of the remote.

“I have always felt that laughter in the face of reality is probably the finest sound there is and will last until the day when the game is called on account of darkness. In this world, a good time to laugh is any time you can.”
Linda Ellerbee

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
Dalai Lama

“You can’t deny laughter. When it comes, it plops down in your favorite chair and stays as long as it wants.”
Stephen King

“If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old.”
Edgar Watson Howe

“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”
Lord Byron

“Laughter is the valve on the pressure cooker of life.”
Wavy Gravy

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain

We’re all thinking about the Coronavirus. Even if we don’t want to – it’s on television, in the press, and all over social media. Plus the emails from different arenas letting us know their organization is taking extra precautions.

The truth is, Skin Deep has always been dedicated to carrying only authentic products via a licensed vendor or distributor because we’ve always been concerned that what you place on your hair, skin and nails is 100% pure, healthy and genuine.

We don’t talk a lot about diversion because it can sound like sour grapes. When a client works with one of our licensed estheticians, hair stylists or trained sales team, our goal is to find the perfect product to enhance their image. So we try not to balk when they tell us: “Last time I just bought it on Amazon, it was a couple dollars cheaper and free shipping!”

We don’t want to scare ANYONE about what they may be using, but there are real dangers attached to a product with no authentication of its history or composition. These products – sold from anyone who’s not an authorized salon or spa – may be expired or discontinued or even counterfeit. They may well have been produced in a lively factory in China to mimic the actual product one is seeking.

A counterfeit product could simply be watered down, but it might also include bacteria causing irritation or infection. And these days – that’s a big, dang deal!

Here are a few telltale signs which help identify if a product is not the genuine article:
• Price sticker placed over Barcode
• Covered up or no expiration date
• Different smell from original Salon Product
• Different container or pricing from original Salon Product

E-commerce may be fast and cheap – but it’s a high stakes gamble in many ways. Anyone can sell anything. Unless you purchase directly from an authorized partner or the company itself – there’s no way to know what’s in that bottle or jar.

Fake or ineffective hand sanitizers are also sweeping the online market. Our selection of authentic full-strength sanitizers includes: EO – 99.9% effective against most common germs, Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Hand Sanitizer, and Jao Refresher – instant disinfectant and aromatherapy boost in one.

So our mandate remains – sell only the very finest products acquired through our licensed distributors. We know you put time and energy into what goes on your skin and hair – and we want you to know: we will continue to provide you with safe, genuine treasures. You have our word.

“Humans make illogical decisions.” – Spock (character in Star Trek)

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you mad.” – Aldous Huxley

“If you’re gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.” – Marilyn Monroe

February isn’t all about candy hearts and roses, though both are delectable, it’s also about coming to terms with winter and warding off its effects. Especially on our face.

Whenever we bring up caring for our face we instinctively think of NuFACE. (It’s hard not to with FACE right there in the title.) The NuFACE Trinity Pro Microcurrent Device is the only FDA approved hand-held tool for home use. With the NuFACE device not only do we ward off winter, we improve on what nature intended.

For 15 years the NuFACE Microcurrent has been part of Skin Deep’s exclusive ‘lift’ facial so clients emerge with a more toned, lifted appearance – and we can continue those benefits daily by taking a NuFACE home. (Along with the NuFACE Smoothing and Skin Tightening Serum – the first brightening, tightening, and moisturizing serum designed specifically to work with microcurrent.)

But how does NuFACE work? How does it firm, smooth and restore radiance to your complexion?

NuFACE uses micro-current to gently and effectively stimulate muscle protein production, along with collagen and elastin. The microcurrent sends soft, gentle waves through the skin, through the tissue, and into the facial muscles.

It energizes those muscles, similar to the way exercise energizes the muscles of our bodies. But – unlike anywhere else on the body – the facial muscles are directly connected to the skin, so the result is a youthful, lifted appearance with less fine lines or wrinkles. And it does all this while improving lymphatic circulation, and reducing redness and sensitivity.

Plus NuFACE compliments any skincare routine you’re currently using. You don’t give up anything, you add one gorgeous system and enjoy the improved health and radiance as your skin responds.

And here I must offer a very personal testimonial: I’ve been using the NuFACE daily for the last decade and couldn’t be happier with the results. I feel as if I’ve ironed out all the wrinkles on my face. Truly! And in my 3rd Act, that’s a big, dang deal.

Countenance. Visage. Punim. Face. However you want to say it – NuFACE will improve it.

“I think people make their own faces, as they grow.” – Enid Blyton