Friday, September 23, 2011

The Friday Forum - September 23

Poor Charlie had a horrible week. While he was recovering from bacterial gastroenteritis, he got a "secondary" infection that turned into a much bigger problem than the first. I don't want to give you all the gory details, so let's just say that his rear end is raw, draining, and painful.

During the week at one point, he had to wear one of those hard cones on his head to keep him from licking the wound so much. Cat tongues are like sandpaper, and he didn't know he was making it worse. He was just trying to clean himself up. The whole 24-hour cone experience was horrendous. For the first two hours, he did everything he knew to get out of it, including backing up and walking in circles (which was kind of funny, if any humor can be found in the week). Then he turned into sad sack Charlie. It was so pitiful that I took it off when we went to sleep, knowing I could sleep lightly and awaken if he started to lick. After four hours of sleep, he left the bed. I followed him into the guest bathroom (his bathroom), where he got in the tub with a towel I had thrown there for him. I thought he planned to sleep, but I put the cone back on since I couldn't see him. He really had escape in mind. He did it very quietly. I never heard a sound, but 30 minutes later when I went to check on him, he was licking, and the cone was sitting next to him. Back on it went! I forced him to spend the rest of the night with me, as I lay awake until about 6:00. You night owls may have seen me on Twitter. I still haven't recovered from that sleepless night.

His cone stayed on until we went back to his vet that day, where the wound was treated and his glands were flushed and cleaned. He came home with a cone dispensation - "unless he licked too much." He got another check-up the next day. He's taking antibiotics, and he seems to be feeling a little better. He's still trying to lick too much. Every time I move his head away from his rear, he complains. Bengals are talker cats, and he is not shy about expressing his opinions.

I have been a wreck, worrying about my best friend. He does seem to be improving (with antibiotics), even though the wound still looks awful. We have another doctor's appointment for him on Monday. Did you know that medical care for our furry kids is more expensive than our own?

In the midst of all this, I've been out trying to save animals and plants from a developer's bulldozers. Last weekend, we spent the better part of two days on the site, trekking through the woods, and tomorrow a team goes back to try again. We found a lot of plants, which were dug up and moved to a nature preserve. Our reptile rescue specialists found two toads and one frog - no turtles - and they were moved nearby into our conservation easement. I hope they will be safe. I exacerbated an existing spinal problem, working my way through thick understory growth and jumping over fallen trees, and I'm a mess. I'll join the urban foresters on the site today to survey trees, but I doubt I'll be able to join the rescue teams this weekend. There have been many wonderful volunteers who have been generous with their time. I'm always humbled by the number of caring people who are willing to help animals and rare plants at risk - at a moment's notice. We share a passion.

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. I need a diversion too! What new products did you discover this week? 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? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Yesterday I received two of the three Missoni for Target items I had ordered. I tried on the olive green sweater, and it looked nice. I had worried about the size, and I was pleased that the small works as long as I don't wear a layer under it. I fear the dress may be too form-fitting. I'll try it today. I heard on the news last night that Target shoppers are furious, not only about the initial situation, which we discussed last week, but also Target's failure to deliver on time. I suspect we haven't heard the end of the debacle. Some customers are vowing to boycott Target - forever. I think that's a bit extreme. After all, Target has great prices on Pounce treats!

On a happier note, I ordered two of the Guerlain Belle de Nuit Collection pieces yesterday at the curated site AHAlife.com. They had the privilege of offering the collection before it arrives at the department stores. I selected two pieces (for now): the Météorites Perles de Nuit and the Parure de Nuit Pressed Powder & Blush. I'll wait for the collection to arrive locally before I purchase more. If you haven't seen Belle de Nuit, scroll down for a preview.

I hope you entered this week's giveaway contest, which ends tomorrow, September 24, at midnight. The winner will receive the NARS concealer of her choice.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

34 comments:

Hlopushka said...

Charlestongirl,

so sorry to hear about your cat:( Hope your lovely Charlie will recover soon.
I received most part of me order from Target today too, fortunately the quality is not disappointing.

Unknown said...

Poor Charlie! I hope he gets better soon. The two of you need some serious rest this weekend!!

This has been a stressful week for me but nothing like that! Regret over a crazy online shopping day last week but the joy of all the goodies starting to arrive. I also had a job interview on Wednesday which was my first in a very long time so nerve wracking indeed!

The question I really need to ask is how do you talk yourself out of "needing" something. The level of need I feel these days towards beauty products is overwhelming and in flashes of clarity I realize just how ridiculous it all is!

Eileen said...

Poor Charlie and the dreaded "Cone of Shame"! Sometimes I wonder which those little critters think is worse: their ailment or that humiliating cone we strap around their necks. Judging from reactions to the cone, I'm sure they think it's some sort of punishment :-( I hope Charlie will soon be well and back to his old lovable, impish, imperious self. Get well, Charlie kitty!

As for you, Nature Girl ;-) , I hope you're taking good care of your back. It's so easy to over-do it when involved in such a worthy and noble rescue mission and you seem to be such an enthusiastic soul. We tend to underestimate our physical exertion and overestimate our physical resiliency. But, it's a small price to pay to save the things we love--"All creatures great and small. . ." I'm sure the stress associated with Charlie's illness has also caused a lot of tension to take up residence in your neck and back. That certainly doesn't help the back injury. So, like Charlie, take care and get well!

In the world of beauty, I received my bottle of Tom Ford's Violet Blonde this week and am deliriously happy with it. It's a gorgeous floral bouquet with just enough "naughtiness" thrown into the mix to remind us that this beauty was developed by that sexy rascal, Tom Ford. Although scent is very subjective and totally dependent upon individual body chemistry, Violet Blonde seems to be my perfect match. I'm in love <3

I've been holding off on cosmetic purchases just lately because I'm going to two National Makeup Artist events this coming week. On Thursday, I'm going to Lancôm's event and on Friday, I'm going to Chanel's. I'm certain to find some goodies I just can't live without. LOL I'm particularly interested in trying Chanel's new foundation, Perfection Lumière. We shall see . . .

I'm looking forward to your Guerlain reviews, Charlestongirl. I'll definitely be getting the Météorites as I'm a self-professed addict when it comes to those little shimmery balls. I'm also interested in the scented spray-on shimmer. Last year's edition was so gorgeous!

That's about it for me. I hope you all have a restful and pleasurable weekend.

Gabby T. said...

I always check your site and I don't usually leave comments but I wanted to tell you that I feel your pain with Charlie and hope he continues to improve. It's so hard to watch a pet suffer. One of my two cats was diagnosed with a very bad case of asthma last summer (he wasn't even a year old yet!) and we had so many tests to run before the final diagnosis. His weak lungs leave him more susceptible to infections and he gets one ever few months now. So on top of the kitty cat asthma inhaler we have to use on him twice a day, I have to watch him struggle to breathe through the periodic lung infections and it gets really hard sometimes. Anyway I just wanted to tell you Charlie is lucky to have you and you sound like a wonderful cat mom!

Walls said...

Get well soon, Charlie! Hope your back betters itself, too, Charlestongirl.

mkdallas said...

Healing thoughts to both you and Charlie, C-girl...sorry you've had such a stressful week!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi everyone! While I'll address comments individually, I want to thank all of you for us. Charlie sends purrs. He's downstairs sitting regally in a silk-covered antique chair. I've been in meetings and on the phone trying to enforce our conservation easement on 15 acres of land. That's not stressful at all! :)

Just contacted our attorneys about getting a TRO. This is getting interesting.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Hlopushka!

Thanks. I think he's getting better. It's so sad that he is going through this since we thought we got the infection early enough to prevent a rupture.

I was OK with the Target quality too. It's not like real Missoni, but it's perfectly wearable.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi PP, and thank you! We do need some rest and drugs. :)

How do you talk yourself out of needing something? You're asking the wrong person. LOL

Actually, one thing I do with myself is check my bank balance before I order. That helps.

Clarisse said...

All my get-well wishes to Charlie (poor little boy, I hope his wounds will heal quickly and he'll be his old self very soon)...and to his patient mom-nurse: no wonder you feel a wreck looking after him without sleep...plus the pains in your back after two days rescuing the plants and the animals in your neighbourhood!...I do admire you Charlestongirl for all you do!
Do get a nice rest with Charlie this week-end and enjoy the pleasure of doing nothing at all, just RELAX with a book or anything you like!
Affectionate hugs to you and your darling boy:-)

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen!

Yes, he was sure he was being punished for being sick. I should have taken a photo of little cone head, but I was sure he would have objected. Nature Girl is hurting. That pinched nerve in my neck is causing back and arm pain, and it's getting tiresome. I've put off getting the MRI because I was busy, but I do need to schedule it.

I'm glad to hear you like Violet Blonde! Many of the fragrance gurus love it. I didn't, and I gave away my ample sample. Actually, Jasmine Rouge is the only TF fragrance I've ever liked. I purchased that one and hope to feature it this weekend.

My Météorites shipped. I can't wait to get them! I love those little colored balls. The originals were sheer genius, and each version since has captured my attention.

More rescues this weekend, but I have promised myself some "stay home and rest time." Besides, I may be writing the text for a TRO.

Charlestongirl said...

Gabby, I had a rescue cat once who had the symptoms of asthma. He saw many specialists, and it was never diagnosed. His episodes were horrible, and we spent many nights at the emergency clinic, with him in an oxygen tent. He died one day when I was out, and I've never forgiven myself. I still cry when I think about it. I often wonder why the vets couldn't diagnose his illness. Maybe it was in the "old days" when they didn't understand all of our pets' illnesses as well.

I'm glad your cat has a a good cat mom. He's in good hands. Good luck. I hope he develops some immunity to the infections.

What's his name? I'd love to put his photo on the blog!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Walls and mkdallas,

Thanks so much! We're hanging in there. I need to go get my little rascal and bring him upstairs with me. I'd love to take a little nap with him. It's raining, so it's perfect napping weather. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks so much, Clarisse! As a cat person, you know how it hurts us when they are in pain.

I'm actually hoping that we get even an hour of sun on this rainy weekend so I can get swatch photos! My photos taken outdoors are color true, and I prefer them. I've begun to think this is Seattle, not NoVA! Who'd want to live with clouds and rain all the time?

On top of everything, a squirrel has to be "relocated" from my attic before he does any more damage (I hear him up there chewing on rafters)! I had to hire a company to get him out and repair the attic fan, which is his likely point of entry. It never ends. I think the squirrel may be moving to Mom's wooded acre.

Clarisse said...

Hi Charlestongirl! It never ends indeed, now a squirrel has adopted you:-)...a nest in the woods would be better for everybody...
I wonder, what is a TRO ( a legal procedure? never seen that term before!...)
I send you some sunshine too: sunny weather is back at the moment and as we didn't have too much of it, it's just great:-)

Charlestongirl said...

Clarisse, yes, it's a temporary restraining order to stop an entity from proceeding with something you believe will damage you.

I think it has rained here for two weeks! Today, there is more flooding possible. That's really bad news for those who sustained horrible property damage last week.

I learned a few days ago that the 12-year-old who was swept away in his own back yard in Vienna, Virginia about a week ago was the grandson of my doctor's partner. So terribly sad. His body was found downstream.

Clarisse said...

Thank you:-) I'm less stupid now, I was intrigued...
It's awful the succession of natural disasters you have had these last months..what happened to this poor little boy is horrible too, poor family!
Let's pray for a spell of sunny weather now, you all deserve it....and you'll be able to make your lovely photos in the sun!
BTW, next week, I am invited to be introduced to the new Guerlain collection and to a preview of the new Shiseido serum which is said to be absolutely fabulous (and very expensive too but they don't insist on that point:-)I'll let you know what I think about them...

Charlestongirl said...

Actually, Clarisse, it was a good reminder for me not to use technical jargon. You weren't being stupid at all!

I am anxious to hear about the new Shiseido serum. So far, I've heard nothing. Please let us know after you get that introduction. :)

Gabby T. said...

I emailed you some pictures. His name is Rusty (we are both gingers!) I love him so much and the thought of something happening to him makes me sick. They really do become such a huge part of your life. I'm hoping his lung infections lessen with time. We have a multiple air purifiers in the house and take every sort of precaution. I'm sorry that you lost your kitty to asthma.

Unknown said...

LOL!!! Well I was giggling about the fact that you were probably the wrong person to ask as I typed it. ;-)

Charlestongirl said...

Got them, Gabby! We'll have to make Rusty a star.

Charlestongirl said...

Got that right, PP!

Liliana said...

I hope Charlie and you feel better soon .

I have a rescued cat that is adorable, but he has asthma too and loves staying more outdoors that in, is really tough to make him stay in on the cold nights. Is painful to hear him cough and periodically he gets a respiratory infection that makes things worse. But he's such a loving perfect cat...

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Liliana,

I wish they could find a cure for asthma - for people and animals. What a horrible disease!

lovethescents said...

What a difficult week it's been for animals. Your poor little Charlie. Thank goodness he has a good mom to take care of him.

Our neck of the woods is shamefully known as the Puppy Mill Capital of North America. 500 dogs/puppies were found and rescued from yet another puppy mill in our province. Now they are in shelters and foster care while the courts do their nonsense. Of course the owners are saying the dogs weren't mistreated, blah, blah, blah. Soon enough, they'll get the dogs back since our laws are nearly non-existent and animals are considered personal property. It's monstrous and horrible.

On the beauty front, I've been educated on brushes lately. I'm seeking out some staples to add to my nearly non-existent collection :-) I also did something very naughty. In preparation for our pending huge vacation in October, I'm on a strict budget. BUT,I couldn't resist Armani's Jacquard Eye Palette #2. Too versatile and beautiful.

On the fragrance front, I fell in love with Bois 1920 Notturno Fiorentino. Now I need to get some to satisfy my gourmand itch! It's creamy and gorgeous :-)

Dlori said...

I hope everyone wished their favorite beauty blogger and one of the nicest women you'll ever meet a wonderful birthday. This week, she turned a very youthful 29+. We love you Charleston Girl and hope you had a wonderful birthday.

You are the best!

Dlori
kleimanlaw at aol dot com

Charlestongirl said...

Lovethescents, I think we just found your cause! Assemble a few animal lovers and start making a lot of noise about puppy mills. It can work to get legislation.

I don't enen know that fragrance. Now I must go look it up. There are a few sites that will always have a press review. just in case it's new.

Don't you love that Armani palette?

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Dlori! Last Sunday's birthday seems like a distant memory.

lovethescents said...

Hi Charlestongirl, I do love the palette. It was a necessity, I had no choice. I'm a palette prisoner :-)

Do look up that Bois 1920. It's swoooooooooonworthy!

Re: changing the laws, there are loads of people/organizations trying to make those changes, and have been for years. Here in Quebec, everything takes forever. We have to do our own independent research and studies, etc, on what's best for our distinct population. It's a way for gov't officials to give jobs to their cousins, I guess. Shameful.

DivaDebbi said...

Oh CG!
So sorry Charlie (and you) are having this awful patch. Here's hoping for a full recovery for both of you.
When I had my Scoots neutered, he got out of the cone and the $30 soft gizmo I bought at the pet store in about 3 minutes. They just HATE it, poor Darlings!

On a happier note I found a HOLY GRAIL product this week! (I was hoping to make your Sat picks because it is THAT GOOD)! Dr. Jart's Beauty Balm is everthing in one tube: moisuturizer, primer, treatment, SPF and for some, a slight tint that would be enough foundation. It is available at Sephora. Quite amazing and would make a great travel partner.

xo
DD

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Debbi!

I saw that, but since I had featured it here recently, I decided not to spotlight it again. Isn't it the bomb, as the kids say?

DivaDebbi said...

Ohhhh, I don't know how I missed your review! I do try to read all your posts...Yes! It is the bomb! Glad you liked it too...

Unknown said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Charlestongirl!

Glad to hear Charlie's better - I can just imagine him perched on a silk chair!

Kudos for your good work with endangered flora and fauna. I'll never forget when I first moved into my neighborhood, we spotted a beautiful red fox in the quickly shrinking woods next to our development. Not only was his habitat becoming smaller, it was under the nearby interstate. I felt so sorry for him. We didn't have the presence of mind to call someone to capture and take him some place more habitable. That tiny patch of woods is still there and I think about that fox almost everytime I drive by.

Got the new Chanel Perfection Lumiere this week and am very impressed by its coverage, finish, and range of colors. If it were water-resistant, a must for me on my summer commute, it would replace by beloved Jouer tinted illuminating moisturizer.

I wasn't feeling well this morning, so cancelled my appointment with Rhona Samuels. I hope to reschedule in November. Did you see her?

Charlestongirl said...

Ava, I feel so badly about development taking every bit of wildlife habitat. It's so sad.

Thanks for the birthday wishes! I had to cancel Rhona because they closed Chain Bridge. I didn't want to drive 18 miles out of my way to get my makeup done. I had looked it up on the DC Web site, and this weekend wasn't listed. They did close it, though. So frustrating!

Glad to hear you like the new Chanel foundation. I need to try it.