The Friday Forum - November 18

It's hard for me to believe that next Thursday is Thanksgiving! Time is passing so quickly. Before we know it, it will be Christmas, and the weather here will warrant coats and socks. Yesterday reminded me of the cold to come. I met some friends for lunch. When I went into the restaurant it was chilly - just chilly. When I came out, it was downright cold, with a fierce wind. Our weather changed in the course of an hour and a half (long lunch - it was a leisurely time with old friends).

I continue to wait for my CREED Royal Service to arrive. I understand that, with the exception of the testers, the flacons have not yet shipped to any Neiman Marcus store. Most of the exclusive bottles are pre-sold, but if you want one, make sure to speak up soon. Kathy Shoreman might be able to hunt one down for you. You can reach her at (703) 761-1600, extension 3282. I'm really anxious to get my hands on Royal Service because it smells so good, and I won't rest until my own bottle is safely in my hands.

This week, I added "tabs" to the blog header. I wanted to add a page of contest (or sweepstakes) rules so that I wouldn't have to publish them with each giveaway contest. I decided it was also time to add a privacy policy, given the many justifiable concerns about Internet privacy. While I was at it, I added more information about myself. Last year, our now-disbanded roundup group ran a series of features about each blogger. We all answered the same questions, giving our readers a better opportunity to know us. I used that feature to introduce myself here, updating it slightly with products I'm currently using.

There are a couple of weekend events I want to mention - one for DC-area gals and one for everyone. Tomorrow, Lord & Taylor at Tysons Corner Center is having its annual Holiday Cosmetics Trend Show. There will be representatives from Elizabeth Arden, Borghese, Chanel, Clarins, Clinique, Dior, Lancôme, Estée Lauder , StriVectin, Coty Prestige Fragrances, Shiseido, Frederic Fekkai, Ahava, and Bliss in the store and ready to help you with all your beauty questions. Just stop by. If you would like to attend a special breakfast, a ticket costs $10 ticket and comes with a goody bag. Call (703) 506-1156 and ask to speak with a representative of your favorite brand.

The Scent Event at Neiman Marcus, a national event, starts on Sunday, November 20, and runs through Sunday, November 27. With a purchase of $85 or more in the beauty department on fragrances or cosmetics, you'll receive a clutch bag filled with fragrance samples. If you are thinking about purchasing beauty gifts for the holidays, next week will be a great time to do it. For some reason, I want to call this the pink poodle clutch, but I'll reserve judgement until I see it in person. The samples inside are what counts for me!

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? 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.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway contest for a M·A·C Mineralize Blush in Improvise. The deadline is tomorrow, November 19, at midnight.

Photo at top courtesy of cambridgecarbonfootprint.org; clutch photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus