Last week - on one of those uncharacteristic 65-degree January days we enjoyed - I popped up to my neighbor's house to take some swatch photos. It was late afternoon; he still had sunlight when I didn't. Suddenly I saw the little groups of "snow crocus," proudly announcing an end to winter. While I'm afraid they were premature, it was nice to see something blooming.This week, I had trouble keeping up with the blog. I worked 10-hour days, then came home to blog, grab a bite to eat, entertain Charlie, and take care of basic life management before falling asleep. A lot of things didn't get done. There were two days when I could only post one feature. I owe e-mail responses to friends. My house is a disaster. I must return something to the hardware store. The to-do list is long. I fear the same thing may happen again next week. I'll try to do a better job of keeping up.
Charlie didn't help. One gorgeous evening this week, I trusted him to play on the screened porch unattended. That was a bad call. When I went downstairs to call him for dinner, he didn't come. Instantly, I knew that could mean only one thing. He had broken through one of the screen panels (ripping it away from the frame) and escaped, leaving $100 in damages to be repaired later. It took 15 minutes of frantic calling to find him in the dark. Fortunately, he answered me. He was afraid and had wedged himself into an enclosure that surrounds my heat pump and a small storage area. After a five-minute struggle, I got my hands around him and carried his little hissing and growling body back inside. Now, he screams to go out on the porch, but he can't until I get the screen replaced. Charlie is one high-maintenance cat.
I saw my fox early this morning. After I saw him, I took some dog (fox) food outside for him. He didn't eat it! I've begun to think he's tired of dry dog food. This weekend, I'll buy him some moist food to see if he's getting picky. I was relieved to see him; at least I know he's safe.
Apothica is holding its first-ever Valentines Giveaway. They put together a nice $150 bundle of best-sellers for the prize. Head over to Apothica's Facebook page to enter. If you comment on the wall (you don't need to do that to enter), please tell them Best Things in Beauty sent you.
Don't forget the Too Faced On the Prowl giveaway contest here. The deadline is tomorrow, February 4, at midnight. You could win a "cat" who isn't the cause of expensive repairs (big grin).
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.
I received more Sephora Collection goodies this week. The eye palette I ordered looks gorgeous. I'm headed outside to get a few photos. Then I'll come back inside to play with it so I can show it to you soon.
For anyone who was interested (one of you asked), the Bobbi Brown Rose Gold Collection model was wearing Pink Peony Rich Lip Color topped with Pink Gold Rich Color Gloss.
Photo by Best Things in Beauty
My poor roses are confused too, they are putting out new shoots which if we have a good frost will sadly be gone. This winter has been so odd, I had a tea rose bloom in December, it was so warm. It was a beautiful December rose at least. :)
ReplyDeleteI took your advice and bought Clarins' Pink Magnolia. I thought it might be a bit too mauve for me but it's a "my lips but better" color with pretty sparkles! I love it.
Sending you a cyber glass of good merlot! Sounds like you have had quite a week CG.I'm glad Charlie made is way home...I saw a red fox trotting through our neigbors yard the other night. Despite his itching to explore the great outdoors, Scoots will have to be content with the french doors.
ReplyDeleteBreathe Girl!
What a week you've been having! I'm glad you're busy but you sound overwhelmed. Never mind the disaster that is your house, it'll get sorted in the end. Just take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the fox is back; I guess he/she isn't starving!
Well since reading your review on that Armani copper pencil, I've decided I need to give it a go. I'm going for a beauty event next Thursday. Armani will do my makeup (should take photos for reference!) and there's a gift with purchase which is unusual for Aramani. Can't wait! Just hope the little Fruit Loop will be good...wanna babysit?? :-D
Since I'll be in the posh dep't store, I'm going to have a look at those TFs again. My friend is loving the glosses. I wonder if they're available here. We'll see.
Finally tested Amouage's Dia. I love it. It's big, blousy, and would go well with anything silk.
Have a restful weekend, everyone!
Hi Evelyn,
ReplyDeleteYes, roses, magnolias...everything is confused.
I am so glad you love Pink Magnolia. I think it's gorgeous.
Thanks, Debbi. I could use that Merlot, or Cabernet, or a good beer. Once I do, though, I'll be toast for the rest of the day. So tired!
ReplyDeleteCharlie is an indoor cat. He just doesn't understand it. The screened porch is "his." Apparently, it's not sufficient for his needs. :)
He isn't safe outdoors. Besides predators, like foxes, there are cars and other cats. The last thing he (I?) needs is a cat fight!
Happy Friday!
Hi Lovethescents!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to love Copper. I hope you love your makeover. Armani certainly has the "goods" for it to be a great one. Anyhow, just don't press down on your Copper pencil.
I wish we had a Tom Ford counter. The regional rep keeps telling me we are getting one for spring. I wonder how TF defines spring. Must not be by the weather. :)
Happy weekend!
I'm glad about Charlie. New products? This week I ordered the Armani eye palette #2 and both waterproof eye pencils you featured; and, yesterday, the Tom Ford Violet Dusk eye palette and Violet Fatale lipstick I saw in an ad on the back of last Sunday's New York Times. Now I await Sisley's new collection and the new LMDB, both for spring.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your fox has returned. It's funny how attached we become to our little woodland critters. Our huskies deter most animals from venturing into our backyard, but they seem to have worked out a peace accord with the rabbits. Some mornings I have so many bunnies hopping around on the patio, it looks like Watership Downs!
ReplyDeleteNow, on to my splurge of the week: Tarina Tarantino. Yes, she of the hot pink hair and pink crystals on everything! When her line first launched a few years ago, I gave it a miss because the packaging was just too cutesy and adolescent for me. But now, she has revamped her packaging and really upped her product quality. Last week I was given her Jewel Shade Eye Palette in "Dreamy" as a thank you gift. Not only was I happy with the new packaging, I was absolutely bowled-over by the extraordinary quality of this set of five beautifully crafted, color-coordinated eyeshadows. The pigment rich shades contain ultra fine pearl and diamond powders in a finely milled, moisturizing, long-wearing base. They apply color true and remain so throughout the day. They also blend like a dream without becoming muddy and have the creamiest and most velvety smooth texture you can imagine. High end brands, eat your heart out! Needless to say, I went in search of more TT goodness :-)
At Sephora I ended up buying another JSEP ($32) in "Magical" (5 color palette ranging from blush to wine), an Eye Dream Highlighter Duo ($19) in Amber Elektron (light copper and amber-tinged champagne), and four of the Eye Dream Highlight Hyperliners ($15) in Pupeteer (rich brown with bronze shimmer), Glamorous Thief (jewel-toned, shimmery sapphire), Rocketstar Love (black with iridescent shimmer), and Tommy Jet (deepest black). And, I want more of everything! LOL
The pigment rich eye pencils glide on smoothly and evenly. There is a bit of smudge time before they set, but once they do, they are set for the day. I hope TT will bring out more colors.
The silky highlighting duo is really stunning. It can be worn alone or used as a smooth, metallic glaze. And, because there is no visible glitter, Elektron can be worn on the cheekbones as well as the eyes. I apply Amber over the lid and blend it out to just above the crease. I then swipe Elektron over the brow bone and bring it around onto the very top of my cheekbones in the classic "C" formation. I lightly blend everything, smudge Puppeteer around the upper and lower lashline, push a bit of Tommy Jet into the lashes, add some black mascara, and voilà! A soft-focused, glowing amber look that is chic yet effortless. Have I said how much I'm loving my TT goodies? :-)
Hi Lovethescents,
Lucky you! An Armani makeup session sounds great. You're sure to have fun. I hope they have plenty of Copper pencils with them. It's been selling out at many of the stores. As for that "Little Fruit Loop", I wish I could babysit. She's adorable :-)
Hi Charlestongirl,
Hopefully you'll get your Tom Ford counter soon. His products range from good to extraordinary. His prices range from high to stratospheric! That said, I've been supremely pleased with the items I've purchased. I think his things are entirely too expensive to buy blind, though, because, like you, I hate to return things. Visiting his counter makes a world of difference.
Happy weekend everyone!
OK, Eileen, I never look at TT because it was too cutesy, like Hello Kitty. You just sent me running to Sephora. I'm playing now. I'll send you the bill - LOL!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend.
Nemo, I also can't wait for Sisley! One more month...
ReplyDeleteI just bought another Armani Copper eye pencil. I hear they are almost all gone at one store. I'm sure they are still available online. I felt a need to have back-ups because Copper will sell out and be history at some point.
hi,
ReplyDeletethis is a question for Eileen--
Do you still wear the Kanebo eye base as a primer for your eye makeup?
Were you the one that mentioned that?
Or, can anyone else suggest an eye primer for older-than-5o eyelids/!!??
thanks so much!
Hi Sunnlitt,
ReplyDeleteYes, it was me who mentioned it and, yes, I still use it whenever I want my makeup to stay vibrant the entire day or when I'm using shadows where fallout might be an issue. Because I always shade under my lower lashes, I apply a bit under the eye as well. It's a nice product and is relatively inexpensive for the amount you get. :-)
Just wanted to let you know I ordered 2 of the Armani copper pencils on your recommendation! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI also got some of the new Laura Mercier gel lipsticks - Poppy, Orchid and Clementine (that one isn't new). I love the Orchid SO much, I ordered 2 more!
Poor Charlie! (and you!) He really is a slave to his instincts, isn't he?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've found some time to blog. I've accepted the fact that I will probably only be a weekend blogger, if that, for some time to come. But these day jobs are an absolute must, aren't they? So, to echo most of your other readers, we appreciate the labor that goes into your blog and understand that you may not be able to post as often as you might like. We'll be here when you do.
I'm loving the Tom Ford brow sculptor and Dolce and Gabbana powder foundation I bought a couple of weeks ago. The foundation is not powdery looking when applied, provides a good bit of coverage, and lasts all day. I can't wait to try it in the summer when my skin is really oily.
End of winter? Not until we have a really good snow storm!
Ava, we are victims of Charlie's instincts. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support. I would much rather blog than work, but my fate is work. I love blogging...more than I could have dreamed when I started. Now that I am having to roll out of here early and commute to Maryland, I am missing weekday PR events I loved.
Please do not wish that snow on us! Who will shovel me out? I can't do it anymore.
You and others make me long for a D&G counter...and a TF counter... I wonder why DC doesn't rate. We have money and style!
Hope you have a great week.