The new year is almost here which is always an exciting time.
I am thinking I will shop within my dressing room for a while and re-discover products that I have forgotten about - I can see unopened boxes which is a good incentive!



 The grandchildren leave tomorrow and the house will be too quiet - I already miss those sweet faces.
I am going to Visible Monday  http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/   to see what everyone is wearing - always a fun time. 

I hope the holidays are wonderful for you & the weather is cooperative-we are set to have record heat here in the South!
Are you planning to try new products in the coming year?  I got this set about a month ago & have been using the cleanser but I may try the entire regimen and see if I notice a difference:

It is Peter Thomas Roth's 20th Anniv Kit.  It includes Anit-Aging Cleansing Get, FirmX Peeling Gel, Cucumber Gel Mask, Power K Eye Rescue, Neuroliquid Youth Serum and Oilless Oil Purified Squalane -I have been wanting to try the Power K & the Squalane so I may as well try everything together for maximum benefit.

My adorable hair dresser cut some extra layers in my hair & I really like it.  I can also flip it out which I do frequently, depending on the humidity levels!

Forgive the No Makeup look!

I wish you every happiness during the holidays and upcoming new year - it should be fun discovering new things that help us define our style.  Here's to 2014 !!!!

Good morning my insomniac sisters!
I have been out in the makeup world & have things to show you, but a sore throat is not playing nicely & I have to be ready for a cookie exchange by Sat.  So I will force myself to sip tea & watch "Young & Restless" today.  But I thought I would share at least one accomplishment for this week:

Now I have kept this a pink & off white colored tree for years but I can easily see me incorporating 2014's Radiant Orchid color in the design scheme for next year.  A local female newscaster mentioned she puts up at least 3 trees & has done up to 5!!! Do you decorate multiple trees?  Please share them - I always enjoy others inspiration.
There is nothing like the sight of the grandchildren when they first view the tree - their eyes widen & their mouths form 'oh wow' and my heart is content for another year. 
I wish for you the same child-like happiness for now & next year.

 I am in love with Pantone's color of the year: Radiant Orchid:
"Pantone, one of the world's foremost color authorities, just announced its 2014 Color of the Year today: Radiant Orchid, what Pantone calls a "captivating, magical, enigmatic purple."


I must have more of this color!  I will need this color in eye shadow, shoes.......everything!!!

I hope your weekend is wonderful.  I will be making cookies for a cookie exchange next week & since it will be cold & possibly icy on Sunday, I will stay put with the fireplace.  All the best to you!

I love this recipe - I dreamed it up several years ago and serve it with turkey or chicken:

It is whole cranberries with mandarin oranges, pecans, cinnamon & anything else you like - a splash of vanilla, orange liquor or a tsp of sugar.  I make it the day before so the flavors come together.  I so enjoy this cut glass bowl - I have several of them that I found at antique shops.
So, did you go crazy on cyber Monday?  Since shopping online is accessible every day I don't feel rushed - the last of the grand children's requests are on the way so I am officially done.  I am now looking forward to the spring collections - which I hope do not include the color coral!

I recently read about someone that has over 300 lip glosses - and does not share them / this is her own personal stash!  Might they not go 'off' after a while?  I love a good collection but, wow!
                                                           Happy Tuesday!

No matter what the season is, I love southwestern jewelry. It's beautiful with everything - here are some of my pieces (I made the chandelier earrings):

I have not been wearing a lot of denim but I may start... come spring!!
I am going to use this for my Visible Monday - it's a nice site!
I'll come back & show one of my favorite recipes after the migraine passes.

How cute is this!!  I found this darling train case at Ulta & it contains all sorts of eye shadows, blushes, lip gloss & applicators.  I have not used any yet but it will be fun to try all these-it's called 'Just in Case' and would make a nice gift.

I have got to go to the nail salon today, as we are expecting bad weather by tomorrow & on thru Thur - if you have to drive in this mess please be very careful & I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I love this holiday and wish you & yours a wonderful day.

Yesterday I picked up the Thanksgiving turkey but it cost me dearly - a broken toe!!!
That bad boy was 23lbs and I managed to drop it right on my foot - I have way too much to do but am sitting around with the foot propped up - not my idea of fun.  Thankfully I have already been to the salon so that task is done for the month; but there is still silver to be polished and the Thanksgiving china to be sorted.
Maybe now is a good time to pull out the chocolates I have stashed!

This is a nice seasonal lip gloss from Maybelline:

 It's called Berry Brillance and it's a lovely color/nice pigment.  The applicator is slanted & I was able to apply it without a mirror.  It is a limited edition so I will probably go back for Raspberry Ablaze.

Do you have favorite recipes for the holidays?  I make a potato casserole that is delicious & just as good the next day- though I rarely have leftovers=they are scooped up & disappear!  I would love to know some of  your favorites.  Collecting recipes is one of my favorite things to do.
Happy weekend to you.

I tried a sample of Living Proof Full Thickening Cream.  Since I have fine hair I need volume without crunchiness - and this certainly is not.  It smells very nice & my hair absorbed it quickly.  But apparently my hair is mean & this conditioner lost the fight.  I looked great as I left the house but by lunch time, I needed major lift - us Southern girls love our big hair! Finding volume will be a continued search.

For Visible Monday,
 I want to show you my current love in perfume: Viktor & Rolf "Flowerbomb".
I have the perfume, hair mist & roller ball with lip gloss.  It is a beautiful floral scent & the designers say the women that choose the perfume are: glamorous, intelligent & provocative - yes, we are !!

 The lip gloss is not goopy & was somewhat moisturizing.  Be assured the hair mist is just that - it is not hairspray (maybe if I used enough!)
Before this, I adored Coco by Chanel for over 10yrs - when I love something, I am loyal & a good customer - it pays not to aggravate me.  So...........
There is a number in each box of Flowerbomb that includes you in the company's secret service  - except it is not working (for me) in the USA !!!  Excuse me but if you are going to take my money, I should be entitled to all the benefits any other customer would receive.  From what I understand, my money spends very well & baby boomers are the fastest growing segment of society = $$$$$$$$$$
Let me put it this way:  Perfumes are just like men and buses.........another one will always come along.

Happy Monday!

Marc Jacobs, we could have been fabulous together..........

This is a blush but I wanted it as eye shadow because this is my color.
Unfortunately, it did not work & since it was $30, it had to go back.
Even using primer, there was no color payoff - I could not get anywhere near this beautiful deep lavender.

This is a good color for green eyes & I have bought an entire palette just for one special color!
So, the search continues...

Here are some inexpensive things I found this weekend:

The Physicians Formula Lip Gloss is a lovely berry color - not too bright & no flavor.
The Lumene BB cream has SPF 20 & Arctic cloudberry & Vit C to brighten the skin - I got the Light and will try it this week.
Hope you are having lovely fall weather.

Since my son & my money go to Duke, I love to shop around the area and found some nice goodies, at places like Marshalls & TJ Maxx:

These are moisturizing shower gel & hand wash - the rose & peony smells heavenly.

I found this kit from elf with diff eye shadows & eyeliner - for $4.99!!  I could not resist the pretty floral blush brush.  The Aveeno Hair Spray smells nice & did not leave a hard, crunchy feel to my hair.

I enjoy body powder and found these 2 which smell  soft & divine:  I also leave them open in the linen closet for a pleasant scent when I walk in.

 I had such fun, I am going back soon!  Of course having lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (along with the delicious chocolate mousse cheesecake) only added to the wonderful day!

I am participating in Visible Monday at http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/, so please come visit all of us!

 It's October........
 
Ghosts & Goblins don't scare me - I survived breast cancer!

While shopping at an outlet, I found Bobbi Brown Blush for about $18 - they had a lovely pink called Nude Pink that I picked up - I could easily use it for eye shadow-it had a nice color payoff.  I truly love this color!

I tried the Estee Lauder fragrance Modern Muse today and did not care for it.  At first spritz, it was harsh - but an hour later it did become softer.  I need a lot more floral notes.

I collect dishes & this site: http://nancysdailydish.blogspot.com/  highlights some of the most beautiful pieces.   Here are some of mine:

I went thru a blue/colonial look and now I am into more of a romantic/pink look:  I love dessert plates & love this serving platter:

This anniversary feels like... a quiet, tranquil moment of gratitude. A gratitude to God's grace for seeing two imperfect humans through another year. - See more at: http://www.makemeupmandy.com/#sthash.VGkfYrRp.dpuf

This anniversary feels like... a quiet, tranquil moment of gratitude. A gratitude to God's grace for seeing two imperfect humans through another year. - See more at: http://www.makemeupmandy.com/#sthash.VGkfYrRp.dpuf

Remember: You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40 and irresistible for the rest of your life - Coco Chanel

The Liebster Award is a blogger to blogger award that goes to new & upcoming blogs with less than 200 followers.  It encourages bloggers to keep up the good work.
Thank you dear TamTam  for the Liebster Award.  I have been to your site & now we are sister coffee lovers!  See her at:  www.spinstersnacks.com
 
I am now supposed to give 10 facts about myself:
1. I love my Cadillac.
2. My grandson has a dimple on his face in the exact same place as mine.
3. I love this child more than my next breath.
4. I have green eyes & the right one has a gold spot on the side.
5. I am a daily migrainuer.
6. I have been married for 40yrs.
7. I am a full blown insomniac!
8. I went to college early-right after 11th grade.
9. I love reproduction samplers.
10. I bake fabulous brownies.

My nominees are:
Grace at  http://reflexionsofgrace.blogspot.com/
 http://www.rxbeautychic.com/
 http://internationalstitcher.blogspot.com  Cross stitch
Emily at: http://www.glitteryteacups.com/  Beautiful  photos!
Thalia at http://www.thriftybelleza.com

I owe 5 more and I will nominate them soon.  I did not want to stall & have my nominator think I did not appreciate the recognition - she is a sweetheart & has an entertaining blog!

Migraine: A Disease - Not a Headache

Breast Cancer picked the wrong diva!!!!!

 

Also see the bottom of my blog post of

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I have been using some John Frieda products that have been great.  My fine hair is very straight & must be bribed to hold a style.  Also being blonde, we know we should use a 'purple' shampoo once in a while to brighten the color.  Here are 2 prods I really like:

The Sheer Blonde Color Renew smells good & did a great job refreshing my color, without being overly dry.
The Luxurious Volume Blow-out Spray is a nice volumizer.  I spritz it on damp hair then start blow drying, sometimes turning my head upside down ( something migraineurs should not do!!).  It is a great prod for fine hair - wish it came in a larger bottle.

I am baking today, as my dear friend Caroline has a birthday Sat. & I am making her a gift basket that I think she will enjoy - do you like thick brownies with walnuts?  My family loves these so I hope the birthday girl will too.

Off to take the banana bread out of the oven - I'll save you some!!

When I was recently at Sephora my SA used Hourglass Veil Mineral primer on my face before applying my make up.  It was a hot Southern day so of course my face was flushed when I arrived.  This primer immediately corrected the redness & gave a matte look.  She then used it under my eyes like a concealer!  Since I use retinoids, sometimes concealers can cake - this product did not.  It just takes a small dot of this silky primer to do its magic.  I happily handed over my credit card for this product!  Oh, by the way, it also has SPF!  I am crazy for this product & of course the Lighting Powders.
I am not affliated with this company in any way but in case you live out on 30ac like I do, I am sharing a link to the website so you can see all the wonderful products available:
http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/

Is fall coming your way?  It is here & the leaves are starting to change - my absolute favorite time of year.
Which of course means I am starting my Christmas shopping (well, really did it during the summer!).
I got this for a dear teenager- it was bought at Ulta & I am sure she will enjoy it. (There is a protective cover over the eye shadows so that is why they are not so bright.)  There are applicators, eyeliners, blushes & a small carryall - OK, I liked it so well I bought another one for myself!

I am known for using lip balm & now my beloved Baby Lips is in colors!

Thank you for sharing part of your day with me!

I have been feeling bleh lately so the only thing to do is go see my best friends:
Ulta & Sephora!!!!!!!!!!!
Since I had time, I inquired about the new color match technology at Sephora & if I needed an appt. Nope - Miss Candance had me seated immediately and explained so much - how this technique was designed for Sephora and once you are color matched you have a wide range of choices - do you prefer liquid or powder foundation - matte, natural etc.  The info is then sent to your email so you don't have to remember all the choices.  It was a great experience.  I don't think I have had the correct color of foundation in my lifetime. But with this little tool we found the right color for me in powder which is what I prefer this time of year.  She was very knowledgeable  and lovely to work with.  By the way, my color is 1R06.   I chose a Laura Mercier powder foundation - a line I have never tried.
While there, I also bought another Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light - this has just the sheerest hint of pink.  This is not shimmery but produces a lovely glow - I am crazy for this product.  There is also a light bronzer color that would just give the sheerest color in winter.

Ok, I am crazy for some high end brands as much as the next girl but I am NOT spending $100 for blush - yep, that is my line in the sand.  And you know in the back of your mind there is a similar/replica out there somewhere.  I want this economy to straighten up & fly right but my spending astronomical amounts on products that I will probably not use every day is not the way to go - come on honestly, do you not have other blushes that you thought you could not live without??  We all have done it - and we are wiser for it.
Rant off !
So on this note, let me give a shout out to NYX Cosmetics - I found this eye shadow at my drugstore & it has been sitting around unused - no reason other than I just have not taken the time to play with it.  So of course, I had to knock it off my vanity & it fell flat on the floor.  Before I picked it up I assumed I would be throwing it away since it would be a smashed powdery mess.  NO!!!!!!!!!!  Not one little edge flaked off!
I was nicely surprised that it was well made because it was not expensive.  I plan on trying other products simply because I had a good experience with this brand.

Some of the leaves are starting to change here so the beauty of fall is about to begin.  I love the colors of fall and enjoy decorating for the season.

Here's wishing you a beautiful season.

I love finding bargains especially ones that allow me to experiment with new-to-me products.  If you are in the US, you will recognize store names like TJ Maxx & Marshalls.  Here are some recent finds (as I type to Bon Jovi!).

The powders are nice & will make you think of a grandmother or favorite aunt. The scents include lavender, rose & lily of the valley.  But for our younger readers, these will be nice to scent your linens and closets.
I really like the elf brushes=smudging & blending - and the argan oil is for fine hair which my hair dresser tells me I have = lots of fine hair. But I so love the smell & the shine & this is the first time I had found it for fine hair. I have tried the Aveeno hair conditioner before and it was a great product, so when I found it discounted I bought 6 bottles!  OK, the candy is for the grandchildren - no, really !!!!!!!!!!
We are having beautiful weather today & I hope you are too.  Much love to you all!

I don't say "WOW" often but it certainly applies to the new Physicians Formula BB Powder.
I thought the powder looked somewhat dark in the package, though I chose the Light/Medium shade.  But it went on softly and did not darken.  I was very happy with the coverage, as I have issues with broken blood vessels and I did not think this would provide enough coverage -so even though it was a hot southern day it held up well and did not feel heavy.

I liked this so well that I am going to buy extras because sure enough, it works & I like it so surely it will disappear!!  I got this at my drugstore & with their discount I paid under $10.  I am a happy camper!

                                                                                                                                                                      Allow me to introduce the loves of my life:                                                                         

When grandson was born, I was told that was it - so like a good 'mimi', I became fully vested  in this child; we truly adore each other.  But several years later, lo & behold, along comes grand daughter (I know- but this is the way I spell it!).  What a treat - someone else that loves pink!  They are as different as 2 people can be so it has been fascinating to watch them develop. I know what true joy is.
Til next time....

Since I was the birthday girl this week, I used it as an excuse to go & see my dear friend, Ulta! This is just a portion of my treats - I love going there so I am going again in a few days!

I have always loved pink & am currently assessing my quantities - just in case I need an excuse to purchase more!  The fabric in the background is my summer robe.

This weekend grandson & I will celebrate our birthdays together so that means this week I will be baking a Jurassic Park birthday cake that he will decorate when he arrives. I use sparklers in the volcano & he thinks that is so cool - we are crazy about each other & he's getting all my money!

Off to start laundry - have a good Monday and take care of yourself.

                                                      Lip Gloss or Lipstick   
          
I am a lip gloss girl -  I have found the shiny colors reduce the appearance of lines and give more hydration.  I absolutely loved Cover Girl's AmazeMint and put back some extras but I would be happy to get recommendations about other glosses that you like.  
 If you prefer lipstick add a touch of lipgloss to highlight the color - I think you will enjoy the effect.
Which is your  preference and why?

I have tried 2 new perfumes recently and was amazed how differently they lasted.
They both are exquisite but for the cost, I want it to last as long as possible without bathing in it!!  The one on the right is Lancome's La Vie est Belle and on the left                                     

is Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb - to me they are very similar but the Lancome lasted much longer; but I enjoy both and would never refuse a gift!! I just don't feel completely dressed without fragrance.  This statement is so true:
"A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting." -Christian Dior

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend - we will be celebrating birthdays & Father's Day on Sunday - hopefully without being rained on.

Hello dear beauty lovers! Here we are at this special age where we know our likes & dislikes and the different things that work for our individual needs. Now the fun part is sharing what we know works for us and the new products that are tempting us. It is our time to enjoy the good things in life.  I may not spend $3,000 on night cream but I will happily try something new that has potential - you never know until you try!

Remember a saying from the past: A woman that will tell her age will tell anything!  I say toss that out the window & let's proclaim that we are here & proud of it. It was not always easy to reach this high point and I plan to enjoy it. Come and join me!  Also to our dear younger readers, please come learn from our mistakes and the special products that are helping to correct our youthful indiscretions! As we reach this important milestone there is a lot to share and we will all benefit.

It would have been nice if someone had told us not to go out in the sun when we were teenagers but since it didn't happen we now have to fight the good fight. At this age, we are way more concerned with just having a clean face - how many creams, serums and peels can we go thru in one week??? Oh, let me count the jars.............

I am currently using Peter Thomas Roth's Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads and enjoy this product.  I have sensitive skin and my face has been happy with this - no burning.  The pad is  large enough to do the entire face & neck area and of course, the back of the hands. Definitely whatever you put on your face must also go on the back of the hands.  I vary almost everything I use so there is room for more in my constant rotation. I bought this product and would buy it again.

 Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is an item that I keep in stock - if it's a day that I did not need makeup, this is an easy way to wash my face at night.  It truly is gentle on my finicky skin.

I love finding bargains and here are a couple that I could not pass up:

These brushes are very soft & admit I am more tempted to throw away my make up brushes than clean them - honestly, how hard is it to swish them in baby shampoo??

Have mercy, Bobbi Brown's new

Lilac Rose Collection is so beautiful!

...and it's at my house!  Anyone that knows me, knows that I am all about the pink.

I love having the radio streaming thru the computer, enjoying 'oldies' = songs of my youth!
This is what I am currently listening to, here in the South: http://streema.com/radios/WMAG

Since this was my first post, I want to thank you for joining me while we review some of my current must-haves.  And, I definitely want to know what is your must-have - the product that will have to be with you on a deserted island - I am always on the look out for the next great thing so please share. And to thank you for sharing with me, there will be a giveaway for someone in the first 160 followers!
Take care and keep drinking lots of water!