We interrupt our yarn series for this important announcement

The freakish cold weather across much of the US prompts this beauty service announcement for knitters.
Are you hands feeling like leather? Does the yarn catch on those dry nasty bits on your cuticles? Do you cringe when you reach out to shake someone's hand?
Somewhere along the line, I learned this very effective technique for resurfacing your hands. Try it before knitting lace, no matter what the weather.
First, get all of your supplies together near the sink. This may be a little messy, but worth it.

1. 3 Tablespoons of sugar
2. 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
3. Paper towels
4. Hand soap. I like Dove. Many dermatologists recommend it, as does Consumer Reports.

Wet your hands. Pour olive oil into the palm of your hands and rub it into your skin. Add the sugar, and SCRUB. Concentrate on your cuticles, and those icky bits. Rinse, wash your hands with soap.
See? Silky smooth. Now apply a good hand cream. (that is another post!)

If your hands are like armadillo skin, try pure lanolin. It is usually with the breastfeeding supplies in your local drugstore. I personally like the smell (sort of), but many people object to its "sheepiness". I do notice that my cats will not sleep on my bed when I have it on.
You can rub it in and then slip on a pair of white cotton gloves.
In the morning, try the sugar scrub technique.
Awesome.

And you think you have problems? Here is a link to a fun hand cream commerical:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6htM_jN-YQE