Apparently the cool chickens have started incorporating the color of the year!

I so want shoes in this color!

Before I messed up my back I found this & thought it was a bargain:

10 brushes for $10!!  No, they aren't brushes I will keep forever but I am bad to throw my brushes away instead of clean them - I confess!  The upside is that if I don't like them, there is not a big investment.
But I do like these brushes and they are easy to find:

There is a large variety & different sizes and they are very soft which is important with sensitive skin.
I have been up long enough - I walked into the kitchen thinking I was craving something but did not find anything, so I will just go take the pain meds & call it a day!

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About 2 weeks ago I broke my back and by the next weekend my friend, Sandy, had brought over lasagna, beef stew, french bread & brownies - and her friendship.
I wish a friend like her, for everyone.  I cannot imagine not having her in my life.
No, we don't talk every day and may go over a month and not see each other.  But whatever life hands us, we know we don't have to go it alone.
Do yourself a favor and find that special friend - the one you would walk thru fire for.
It's the ultimate gift you can give yourself.
                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I prefer matte eye shadows and I realize a little shimmer can be nice for evening but for most of us as we get older anything glittery highlights all the wrong things!
I liked this as soon as it arrived in my email:

 Tarte Be MATTEnificent Amazonian Colored Clay Matte Eye & Cheek Palette:
 This set contains:
* 2 x 0.1185 oz Eye shadow in Dream in Chocolate, Don't Stand Black
* 6 x 0.0758 oz Eye Shadow in Sand Out From the Crowd, Peach for the Stars, Two Plums Up, Pink Outside the Box, Rose to the Occasion, View From the Taupe
* 0.1544 oz Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Elevated
* Double-ended eye shadow brush

I have green eyes & always thought these shades are just right for my eye color.

Since I am supposed to be flat on my back, I will have to get this thru mail order but it will be worth the wait.
If you have had to stay in bed for long periods of time how did you keep yourself amused?  I am becoming bored quickly- a broken back is not a vacation!

Isn't snow wonderful - when it's somewhere else?!!
 

I am loving the shades of this eye shadow-

This is inexpensive NYX 'Love in Rio' & went on smoothly with nice color payoff.
Since I hurt my back, I can't get out for a while but I can definitely shop in my dressing room where there are plenty of unopened products.

Tomorrow my 2 little munchkins come for a visit:

Seeing those sweet faces will really make me feel better.
I have sat up long enough so back in bed to rest.  Please be careful if you are dealing
with bad weather & stay safe.

I want to tell everyone to please be careful on the roads especially after a storm. It only takes a second for the car to go off the road and you end up with a broken back.  It is not fun & very painful. I am looking at months of recovery and having to be immobile - not my idea of a good time.
Please be very careful and if in doubt just stay home; I want only the best for all of you.

We are expecting cold temps & freezing rain here in the South, so let's think about the beauty of the coming spring..........
If you like Dior, you have to see the spring collection  - have mercy, these are beautiful!






Some of the items are starting to appear in Macy's & Nordstrom's & Sephora should be stocking soon so we can use our VIB points.

I was recently watching a cooking show whereby the woman was making macaroni salad - as she proceeded to add sweet pickles AND additional sugar, I almost lost consciousness!  We do not do it like that here in the South - it's just not done!
This sister girl completely gets it:  http://www.thesaucysoutherner.com/old-timey-macaroni-salad/
Here's mine:

Remember you can't buy happiness but you can buy wine!

What I might be 'wearing' in the new year..........
As I channel surfed today, I saw the movie "Sex in the City" was on and I happened to stop when the indefatigable Samantha states, 'Yes, I love you but I love me more'.
Southern girls are reared (you raise corn, you rear children) to put everyone ahead of themselves - to put ourselves first in line is a mind-blowing concept - and I am willing to give it a try!
Love actually  -  that is what I may be wearing in the new year - and I think it will look great on me!

Organization is on my mind & I use a variety of make up brushes - so I found this paint brush holder & it is the perfect fit for my vanity:

I also want to organize some of my everyday make up & the items must coordinate with my decorating scheme, so I bought some of these boxes that will look pretty on my armoire:

Now if I can keep everything in its place, life will be good!

If you visit, please feel free to leave your site in the comments section, as I am happy to follow back - it's fun to discover new blogs.

My thought for the day:
Do not let your past rob your future. Each new day is a chance to make a new beginning. Count your blessings, live with gratitude and love with all your heart.

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.