It's snowing again - right now - real snow, not just the flurries that were in our forecast. I think Tian Tian may have been the only one who thought this week's snow storm was a blast.Our 6-10" snowfall paralyzed the area. A confluence of factors - everyone trying to get out of DC at the same time just as the snow started to come down at two inches an hour, no traffic control, trees falling everywhere, no plows, and abandoned vehicles as the night wore on - left people stranded in their cars, hundreds all night long. One of my friends was in her car for 12 hours trying to get home. My mother lost her power for a day and a half. I had to get someone to shovel me out of my house so I could go to my physical therapy session yesterday. While its size was dwarfed by last year's storms, this snow storm did a lot of damage - and continues to cause many problems. Now it's snowing again. Snow, go away!
Physical therapy is going well. Each week, with help from my therapist (the only guy I know who gets paid to torture people), I was able to bend my knee to 108 degrees. Progress! Next week, I'm going to try to work from home a few hours a day. I am starting to get bored - a true sign of recovery. How do I ward off the boredom? I shop by phone and online. That's not good for my bank account, but it's so much fun. I find myself trolling my favorite Web sites every day. I look forward to the arrival of my USP guy. I'll have things to show you for a few weeks.
It's time for The Friday Forum. We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.
We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I'm always happy if even one reader stops by. Leave a comment, and say hello - even if you don't want to comment on beauty products. If I am notified of any great beauty offers (great, not just good) over the weekend, I will leave word in the comments of this post.
Don't forget that there are two Best Things in Beauty giveaway contests underway, and both end at midnight Saturday: a Giorgio Armani Beauty Palette and a $50 Apothica gift card. Have you entered?
Thanks for reading Best Things in Beauty! Got anything you want to talk about?
Photo courtesy of photoblog.msnbc.com, taken by Mehgan Murphy/Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Well, today is going to be another beautiful day in La La Land. We're expecting temps in the mid to high seventies. I wish there were a way to send some of our sunshine back east. It just seems to be one storm after another. At least you and Charlie are warm and snug. Awhile back there was a series of cartoons depicting winter in Southern California. One of them showed a couple of young women out shopping. They were wearing sunglasses, cropped tops and short shorts, but they were also wearing Ugg boots, mufflers and beanies. The caption was, "Don't you just love winter!" -- it made me smile.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Soni discovered Jack Black lip balm. I seem to have them all over the house and always in my purse de jour. I usually stock up during Sephor's Friends and Family sale. Being part of a men's skin care line, the balm is not slick or shiny; rather it is smooth and satiny. The SPF 25 is also great. I love Jack Lack as do the men in my life.
Today, I'm going to go take a look at those chubby sticks you reviewed so highly and which Soni seconded. I love the idea of something to just toss in my purse. When the weather heats up, I like something that has a bit of color, but that also looks effortless and casual for day. Soni is a SoCal gal, so she knows what it's like to fight lipstick meltdown!
Sabrina is reviewing the new Armani collection (love, love, love) and has some of her great comparison swatches. It seems like this spring has brought an embarrassment of riches: Armani, Chanel, Guerlian . . . Wow! Speaking of Chanel, I'm another Rouge Coco fan who can hardly wait to see the Shine collection. I guess Nordstrom will be getting a preview color first with a larger general release in April (?). You blogging ladies probably know better than I.
I best stop rambling and let you other ladies get a few words in! Enjoy the weekend all :-)
Oh Charlestongirl, so sorry to hear about your nasty weather. I too wish I could send you a little sunshine. It's really beautiful here in the panhandle of Florda today.
ReplyDeleteSince I can't send you the sunshine, maybe I can recommend something...a cup of paradise.
There is a company named "Zhena's Gypsy Tea" and they make this tea called Coconut Chai. The sachets have Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Orange Peels, Black Pepper, Tropical Coconut and a whole bunch of other goodies in it and it is delicious! It's organic too. Their website, Gypsytea.com, is super friendly and they have a whole bunch of other teas if this one doesn't suit your fancy. They are in the process of makinga new tea now, Caramel Chai...Yum. Anyway, I guarantee this stuff will keep those winter winds at bay.
Blessings
We would love to share a bit of your sunshine, Eileen!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried Jack Black - because it's from a men's line. Now I want to get my hands on some. :)
I just got two more Chubby Sticks delivered by my fave NM SA. Haven't even broken into the bag yet. I know it's going to be love.
February 10 is our big day for the Rouge Coco Shine. One shade until April, but I saw a review of them somewhere, and there will be shades for everyone. I hope they are "really" sheer. If Kari's photo is any indication, they are probably the replacement for AQUALUMIÈRE, my all-time favorite Chanel lipstick. I just bought eight of them (from two sources) to keep from running out.
Happy weekend!
Hi Pam!
ReplyDeleteCan you believe I'm not a tea drinker? From Virginia?
Everyone drinks iced tea, including my family members. Everyone serves iced tea. I have never been able to drink it. I've tried. I just can't grow accustomed to the taste. Someone even brought me Snapple with a treat bag last week. I'll have to give that away. Funny too, because I like tea fragrances. I just can't drink the stuff.
Hope some readers can latch onto your favorite! It sounds luscious.
Hope you enjoy the weekend!
Oh,I didn't think it was snow again in your place, so sorry to read about that!
ReplyDeleteI can't send you sunshine since when the sun shines here we have blasts of a nasty freezing wind but at least it doesn't snow! I just send you warm thoughts and bravos for your knee-progress, so glad to read about it:-)
Lucky Eileen and Pam, good week-end to you and to all BTiB readers!
Hi Clarisse!
ReplyDeleteWe had a cold rain before the snow. It turned from rain to sleet to snow in minutes. I think it caught many by surprise.
Let's hope we can all bid this weather farewell - very soon.
Happy weekend!
I second Eileen's desire to send some sunny weather your way. I honestly would if I could. I hate to soundd like a spoiled ingrate but I'm actually tired of this warm weather. When it's winter, I want winter weather! (I would love some snow, but that's not likely going to happen.) Eileen's cartoon made me laugh. That is SO Southern Cal.
ReplyDeleteCharlestongirl - Definitely get a hold of some Jack Black lipbalm. Eileen is right...I love that it's not shiny/glossy and I DO love that SPF. (with all this sun!) I love the subtle flavors too. (grapefruit, lemon/chamomile, vanilla, blackberry, mint)
Eileen, I don't think you'll be disappointed in the chubby sticks. They kinda remind me of the Tarte ones (I didn't like them though) and the new Nars glossy pencils. But Clinique's only $15 which is great since you'll want more than one. (I have cherry, grape, melon & strawberry) There's a color for everyone.
I also cannot WAIT for the rouge coco shine l/s. (I'm a fan of the aqualumiere line also Charlestongirls) My SA is going to Beverly Hills next Wed for a Chanel "class". They learn about all the new stuff coming out, get gratis (free) products, etc... I am green with envy!! (and she was complaining about having to go.) I'd switch places in a heartbeat!! I was under the impression that the RC shines were coming out in March though. I'll ask her next week.
Until then, have a lovely weekend ladies!
Sending you East coasters warm hugs & warm winds.
Hi Soni!
ReplyDeleteI feel that warmth here, even if there's none outside. :)
Is the Jack Black product heavily fragranced?
The new tarte sticks are really nice - much nicer than the first matte ones. I need to post them. Have to get photos first.
I received two of my three new Chubby Sticks today. It's love!
I can't wait to see the NARS ones I ordered. Seems like everyone who introduced a matte stick is now launching a glossy one. Very cool!
The Rouge Coco Shine shades are scheduled to be released in Appril, but Nordstrom will have Boy in advance on Feb. 10.
Happy weekend!
Hi Charlestongirl!
ReplyDeleteNo the Jack black is not heavily fragranced. I smell it when I take the lid off but it's pretty subtle. And once it's on I don't really smell it again. I carry one in my purse at all times, one in my nightstand, in my car and in the bathroom. (for morning routine)
I didn't realize the Tarte ones are newer. I tried the original ones and just wasn't impressed (with the colors either).
I did see the NARS new ones online. I put off checking them out in person and am hoping I won't like them as much as Clinique's. (for my wallet's sake)
I guess I will have to put on my patient panties until April. The new Chanel foundation will be out next month though...looking forward to that. (ever in search of that HG foundation)
Wonderful weekend my lovelies!!
I will try it! I'm like you. I have lip balm at every port.
ReplyDeleteThe tarte ones are brand new. As soon as i can get photos, I'll share.
My NM buddies are raving over the Chanel foundation. I can't wait!
It was a wonderful day here, in the 70s! i was sad to be stuck in the office and miss the great weather. seems like we are going back to snow as well later in the weekend...
ReplyDeletei am a huge hot tea lover, so I am definitely checking out the Gypsy tea! you really should try loose leaf teas, they are completely different from regular tea bags. i am enjoying my White Chocolate tea right now :)
Hi Anna!
ReplyDeleteIn the 70s? I am so jealous of all of you!
I have some loose leaf tea here. Someone gave it to me - only reason it's here. I can try, but I don't expect much. I don't drink coffee either. Funky taste. I am also not a hot drink fan. I'm just weird.
Hope you have a fun weekend - before the weather turns on you. I heard tonight we might have a little snow tomorrow. AND, they are predicting an unknown amount for mid-week next week. This is getting very old.
Cheers!
Hey everyone,
ReplyDeleteAmy published a list of Nordstrom locations that are definitely getting Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy. If you are pre-ordering, make sure to check out her list at Cafe Makeup.
My local store was not on the list (the woman I had spoken with was clueless, and tonight, another who was recently trained couldn't tell me if Tysons was getting it). So I ordered it from Florida. If I end up with two, that's OK.
Most of the stores on Amy's list are in the Midwest and West Coast. The closest to Virginia I could find was Florida!
Wow, amazing how many commenters here are from sunny areas! (I'm another SoCal girl here, also.) I used to live on the East Coast though and boy I do remember the snow... I was going back to Jersey for winter break from Rhode Island and I literally had to carry two suitcases all the way down to the train station because the snow was just piled too high to pull them on the ground. Imagine my horror when I got to the station and found out my train wasn't leaving because of the snow! I ended up waiting for hours for a different ride because I didn't feel like going back to my dorm and coming back the next day as the attendant suggested. I still miss the East Coast though, weather aside--for whatever reason I can't deal with the slower tempo here and I really miss New York and all its unfriendly, aggressive people! Haha.
ReplyDeleteHi Saint Jean!
ReplyDeleteWhen I finished grad school, I was offered a position at UCLA's medical school. It was spring, and the trees were blooming here. I decided I couldn't leave our seasons! Also that I wouldn't be able to afford the neighborhood. So I stayed here, probably for the best. When it snows, though, I think about that decision and how different my life might have been.
Your story reminds me of the time I went to Calgary in October for work. They had a surprise blizzard. I was amazingly unprepared! We survived!