What are your opinions about g+?  Do you use it & find it helpful or no big deal.
I could not do fb because I would never allow my pictures to be used without my permission.  A college friend invited me to join her on g+ & I just don't know enough about its purpose = how different is g+ from fb?  Is there more protection for the blog content?
I also have not joined bloglovin as I did not see the benefits.
Thanks for any opinions.

Since more x-rays are in order, I just don't bother with make up - just clean! Since I should not be bending over, blow drying is a pain - so this is just some volumizer & the flat iron:

 I swear I've had enough x-rays for 3 people in a lifetime - seriously, I believe I could work the machine!  I asked my Dr why my face gets so flushed & he told me pain can cause the blood pressure to go up which will cause flushing.  He told me he could just look at my face & see that I am in pain - he swears I don't tell him how bad the pain is -
there might be some truth to that but I hate to be whiny.  Ok, maybe migraines & a broken back are justified but honestly, I go to the Dr often enough, I know his birthday!
At least my shorter haircut came at a good time.

My friend found this adorable box which will be perfect for eye shadows:

I absolutely love these colors - I just now realized how they compliment each other!
How do you handle organizing small items?  For me, organization is a work in progress!

Much love to all!!!

There is a running joke that if you want to see me, you have to go to Chili's - only it's true - I just don't go to other restaurants - I absolutely love their salsa & margaritas!!
But I have cracked a rib & should be resting so my friend brought Chili's to me!!

 

Salsa & pain meds - the ultimate combination!!!
But this has reminded me that people can be kind because lately, I have not seen much of it.  A friend's wallet was stolen - I had things stolen.  Honestly, you don't have to steal-just ask for it & I will give what I have.

But at some point I was good because I was rewarded with these 2:

This was my deal with God - if he would let me survive breast cancer to see these 2, I would have the mutilating surgery  - it was a good deal because 10 yrs later I am enjoying their fun moments - grandchildren are wonderful!

Some of the best days of summer -  they love coming up here - as long as I don't run out of popsicles!

(I think the dino was afraid of the girl - very smart dino because that is a fearless 4 year old !!!!!!!!!)

The heat often causes my face to flush so I have looked at lotions that should help & this one is popular with people that have rocasea - Rosaliac AR Intense by La Roche-Posay:

There is a pump top so too much doesn't come gushing out and it did not bother my sensitive skin.  I think it helped so I will buy this again.

Hope you have a good week!

I forgot I had this & have not used it yet!!!!  But I still love it!

Tarte - Be MATTEnificent Amazonian Colored Clay Matte

I enjoy the convenience of leave-in conditioners:

And of course if you leave them on long enough, they become deep conditioners!!

Hope your weekend was a good one!

I have some new followers this week & I am thrilled to have you here.  If you find yourself in the middle of  NC, let me know so we can have coffee & possibly hit Sephora!

I know one of the bloggers is going to focus on accessories and I have to admit it is one of my weaknesses. I love hammered silver cuffs:

And of course, a southwestern look is great for summer:

Now it is important to take care of silver because polishing it constantly is not fun!
I have a silver keeper armoire that works well if it is kept tightly closed - well worth the investment:

There are probably 4yr old fingerprints all over this mirror but it's never too soon to teach them to take care of their jewelry!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend & I love friends!!!!

My grandchildren love cupcakes so I found this site:
http://weheartit.com/GrannyBird/collections/18271676-cupcake-world
My little ones would love all these!


Don't miss a chance to be kind - it could be the best part of someone's day.

Knowing I had to go to the Dr for shots, I try to keep my outfit simple and hopefully keep me out of those paper "gowns"!  I was afraid this was too casual but I've known him for 20 yrs so I think it's ok:

No jewelry in case he sent me for more x-rays & no make up - I knew I would just come home & crash from being so tense - I hate needles!
I think I have finally broken free from nightgowns that accommodate the back brace so this is my OOTD!!! 

I recently found these Clairol Pro 4Plex products that I will try: Leave in conditioner:

And there is a Volume Mousse:

I hope to give them a try this week.

I don't understand the continued use of very super dark nail polish - Halloween is over and this vampire look has to go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are so many beautiful colors available & it will make your summer skin look gorgeous - please do it for me!!!!!!!!

Hope your weekend was wonderful!

Since I had to have shots in my back I was rewarded with this:

These may be better than pain killers!!

I decided to try lengthening mascara (I only use waterproof) and I am happy with this product - Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara:

 This was not clumpy & did not have a bunch of noticeable fibers - I am going to stockpile this next Ulta sale.
And speaking of Ulta - they had their eye shadows Buy 2 - Get 2 free, so I chose these:

Starting at the top left: Bloom, Haight & Ashbury, Zephyr & Calla Lily.  I always love colors in the lavender/orchid range so of course I have been thrilled with the color of the year - I dread seeing it come to an end.
So I might as well comfort myself with this:

I am not usually drawn to summery fragrances but this is lovely & am so glad I bought it.  It will definitely be gone by the end of summer!

Have a great weekend my lovelies!!

I just cannot get over some corp person stating to not wash jeans.  That is just completely past nasty!  I make everyone take their shoes off at the door so to not wash your clothing is mind blowing!

I recently read a blog in which she talks about the items she likes for the month - I can barely contain myself to a couple of days!! I can always find something I like or at least enjoy trying out - even though it may not stay in my permanent rotation.
This time of year bronzers are a part of everyday makeup but look at the different variations in the color of bronzers:

From left to right: Physician's Formula, Physician's Formula Bronze Booster,Physician's Formula Healthy Wear with SPF 50 in Natural Beige and the last one is Wet n'Wild "Reserve Your Cabana" with SPF 15, which is really the lightest shade.  So as a rule, I begin the early spring with the light shades & use the darker shades for contouring & shading and then as the season goes on, I can use the darker shades as make up on top of moisturizer.  These are not expensive so there is no guilt in having a variety!

As a note to all of you in my generation - was it not wonderful to see Steve Perry on stage again!
https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/live/don-t-stop-believin---steve-perry-returns-to-the-stage-182006597.html
Besides the beautiful music he & Journey are known for; he also loved & lost a woman to breast cancer and showed others that's what real men do - stand my their loved ones thru it all.
Did I mention that I adore Steve Perry ????
( http://www.simplesequins.com - This is especially for you!)

 

One of our sweetest bloggers is leaving the blogging world:
http://shalunyaboyet.blogspot.com/
She provided info on good products & good deals on a regular basis - the sweetness inside easily came out thru her writing.  I will miss you Shalunya!

I need some ideas: if you are designing your walk-in closet what are the most important features?  In the past I thought hanging space was how to use the most valuable closet real estate; now I am not so sure - should it be pull out drawers or open shelving- help a girl out!
I currently have a separate dressing room but this will probably be included with the closet. This downsizing will not be fun but there will so much less to keep clean!

New haircut!!! 

As always Miss Dawn performs miracles - I love her - the daughter I never had!

I recently ordered Cargo's blush, Tonga & I so love it! It is perfect without being too
pinky, peachy or bronz-y.   

I hope you are having a nice day & be good to yourself!

I have recently tried Too Faced Better Than False Lashes:

I am not someone to wear false eye lashes - it's just too hot & humid in the South but I definitely want a full look.  This product is a multiple step process but it goes on smoothly & dries quickly.  This is my do-it-yourself look:

Yes, I will buy it again but there are a couple more similar products I want to try first.

Here is a diagram on contouring for most of us:


 As a rule, darker colors push back areas while lighter colors bring them forward.
 Of course this will take serious blending but for a special occasion it would be worth it.

Here are products that I plan to try this week:

        
                                             

 I am a big fan of StriVectin and use it almost daily - this is the newest version.
The No 7 intense Serum has  been clinically shown to improve deep lines & is hypo-allergenic. It's from the Boots Comp in England and is fairly easy to find in the US.  I am excited to try this.
The 32 piece eye shadow set and the Shimmer Gloss set from elf was only $4.99 at TJ Maxx.  This should be a fun set.
Have a great Tues!    
                                                                                                                       

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today my daughter-in-law graduated Phi Beta Kappa which is considered to be the nation's most prestigious honor society. She accomplished this while handling 2 young children.  But whenever she needed to get work/projects completed, we took the little ones for as long as needed  - which is never a problem because I can't see my grandchildren enough - I could see them everyday!  She wants to teach and become a professor & I know she will be a good one.

                                               Congrats Jennifer!!!!!!!!!!

I have let my layers grow out while my back healed & I don't like it - I am going to have to go shorter for the summer, so fortunately I have a hair appt on Sat. I want major layers.

I like this version of my style:

Or this:      

I know it's hard to believe but my hair color is exactly the same in both photos - windows & a flash make such a difference!

Apparently this eye shadow has become a cult classic & I can see why - neutral matte colors & made in the USA!

I found this at Target & there were only 2 left.  What is your favorite eye shadow brand?
I plan to go to Ulta this weekend, so enable me!!!!!!

I want to welcome my new followers - I am delighted to know you & since we love the same things, we have plenty to talk about.  Be assured I will not recommend anything I have not used and I purchase all the items I use. I have a number of younger followers & I am thrilled they can learn from my mistakes.

Barring a migraine attack, I plan to go to Ulta on Sunday & probably lose my mind!
I want a new perfume but this probably is not the best time to buy it because the summer scents are so citrus, coconut & beachy.  I am not even crazy about spring/summer clothes.  But never fear - I am sure I will come out of that store with purchases!!

I have a Linkup site on the right where I acknowledge blog hops I participate in. Now, if this is not adequate for your blog hop requirements, just send me a note & I will delete your entry.  There is just not enough room to feature every logo for each blog, so I think this is the fairest way. Also, you are receiving free advertising everyday, while our blog listing only lasts on your site for about a day before readers move on.

Now that it is May, here is my public service announcement:

                    STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!!!

I have decided that I am going to send some of the designer bags to a consignment shop- at least I can share some of the good times I had.  I really want a new Chanel (of course not the one I have!)  Maybe when I feel better I will have a solid idea of what color to get (which will probably be black, like the one I already own!!!!!!!!!!!!)  I would love a pink one but it won't be practical enough for everyday.  What do you think - a practical bag that can go thru all the seasons - what is your 1st choice?

 Do you 'double clean'?  I have started using this method - I start with a facial cleansing cloth, like Pond's and then use the Clarisonic with Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Daily Cleasner - it has a pump top which makes it so easy to use:

After having tried the face peel, I am seeing softer lines & am happy with the outcome -

I will definitely be trying it again! (the pict below has no make up!)

 I used the Organix Sea Mineral Shimmering Moisture on my hair & I love the soft shimmer it provides - the Coconut Water Hydration Oil is also very nice and I intend to store a back up of these products!  They will be great for summer or winter.
Do you have favorite summer hair products? What are your holy grails?
ETA:  I now have a link up list on the right side - this will make it easier to visit our favorite blogs.

I had some time to myself so I tried the 30% peel & I am very pleased.  Now, understand, my skin is used to retin A & 14% glycolic so my skin is not a newbie -  but my skin feels very soft & the smile lines look great. This is what I used:

Always check with your medical prof before trying something new.

Back pain is still a problem for me and I feel I am not getting anything done for spring cleaning - I will probably still be trying to complete it when fall rolls around!  And 1/3 of the year is already gone!!!!!  Time is going by too quickly & these 2 munchkins are growing far too quickly. They were here for Easter & I already miss them.

As it gets closer to the 80's here in the South, I am thinking about a light powder I can use when I just want to go out & do errands. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear with oxygen technology which also has SPF 20 is going to be my first winner.  There was a touch of shimmer on the top of the design but it brushed right off - I don't want shimmer all over my face.  It has a light texture & will be enough coverage to go to the grocery store:

Have you got a new discovery that you would like to share?  Let me know so I can give it a try!

I got a sample of the new perfume 'Dolce' from Dolce & Gabbana and it is Spring in a bottle!  It is a floral combination of white amaryllis & neroli and I thoroughly enjoy it!  Here is more info:
* Top notes: Neroli leaves, Papaya flower
* Heart notes: White Amaryllis, White Daffodil, White Water Lily
* Dry down notes: Cashmeran, Musky notes, Sandalwood


My Dr's appt got me another Dr's appt - the fun just keeps on coming!  Now the idea of sticking a needle in my back will not be a good time, but at least it's not a spinal tap!
If this does not qualify for an excuse to buy a new perfume, I don't know what will !
So you still have time to join this lovely group of ladies & have a chance to win a new eye shadow palette - just use the 'join' button on the right.  As a reminder, I can only mail within the US right now. As soon as my Dr. releases me, I will choose a lucky participant to win the eye shadow giveaway! (I have been stashing samples that will also be included )   I can't wait!!                                                                                                            

I have been hesitant to use some of the facial oils that have come out but I am enjoying Peter Thomas Roth's Oilless Oil 100% Purified Squalane.  It absorbs quickly with no greasy feeling & goes on gently around the eye area.  Apparently it is made from sugarcane and is for all skin types.  It definitely adds light moisture with no shine.  I think this is a keeper.

I hope the weather is playing nice where you are - it is cold here today but we should have 70's again in a couple of days.  My 2 adorable grandchildren will be here for the weekend so there will be happy laughing, bubble baths and way too many treats!!


For the grandchildren

 

And for me -
I could love these forever!!
 







 










I hope your weekend is wonderful! 
                                                                     
ETA: I am compiling a list of link ups & blog hops that I participate in but kindly give me some time as I am a daily migraineur & blogger is being very difficult!  Apparently adding a list is this side of rocket science!!!!!!!!!!