This morning when I opened my New York Times, I saw the darling boy with Cartier's famous tank watch. I'd prefer the one shown above (I think). Cartier ads get my vote for the best luxury ads ever.
I have to so some shopping today. Yesterday, I dashed over to Saks Chevy Chase. I ended up staying longer than I had planned, lingering over the fragrances. I came home with two - for myself. I'll have to tell you about the new one later. The second was the Hanae Mori Butterfly I have wanted. After I purchased it, I realized I should have looked for it at a discount site. Oh well, I had fun shopping.
Today's shopping should be fast. I need something for Mom. She is extraordinarily difficult when it comes to shopping. She is one of those in-between sizes, says she needs/wants nothing, and usually finds something wrong with everything I give her. One year recently, I gave her a personal chef. Seriously! I hired a guy to go to her house and cook her a week of meals on each visit, packaging them all appropriately to make sure they would stay fresh. Even though I tried to keep the menus mainstream American, it didn't work. First, she didn't like the idea of having someone in her kitchen. Second, she said he left grease all over the kitchen's surfaces - something that I could not confirm. So I discussed it with him, and he agreed to cook at his house. Then, even though it was delicious, she complained that the food was so-so. I had to "disengage" the guy. I felt awful about that, given that I'd kill to have a personal chef - an expense I wouldn't have undertaken for myself. Anything for Mom, though. Needless to say, but this year it will be a nightgown or something boring.
I need to pick up a few gifts for my next-door neighbors, but I can buy gourmet foods for them. Balducci's is a favorite destination. Plus there's tomorrow's farmer's market, which carries many non-perishable items. There is one vendor that sells homemade vinegars that are fabulous. I also need a gift for Mom's caregiver. Jewelry?
I will stop shopping to observe a moment of silence this morning at 9:30 am. That's the least I can do in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. I also want to thank God for the rescue of Richard Engel and his crew members. It could just as easily gone another way. I've always marveled at his bravery in bringing us the news from some of the world's most dangerous places.
If you finished all your holiday shopping before October, don't tell me. You will make me feel like the ultimate schlub that can't get her act together. My excuse is Best Things in Beauty. It's a time sink. Let us know how the shopping is going. The last weekend promises to offer serious gridlock at the malls - a great reminder to shop small and local. It's too late for many of those online offers (although I've received some deals with overnight shipping heavily discounted).
Did you watch the Miss Universe pageant? I was at a party, and the hostess turned on the TV, so we ended up watching it. We started on Telemundo, but switched to NBC after we figured out we were watching in Spanish. I believe there is a serious Kate Middleton hair style trend going. Almost every contestant had long, wavy hair. What were the guys in the room noticing? Well, you know.
Let's talk about your week of beauty. It's time for the Friday Forum, our open chat. I love this part of our week. Have you selected your favorite holiday collection - and purchased a few new treasures? 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 will have moved on.
Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Sephora's Draw the Line Eyeliner Sampler. For some reason, it hasn't drawn much interest, increasing your chances to win! The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, December 22. Good luck!
Photos courtesy of Cartier
Cg, your mom is THE TYPICAL mom. Stop worrying. For her caregiver, yes, by all means, jewelry. I suggest easy earrings or a locket she can stick a pic in and wear it. Hope you have a lovely holiday, Ms. Cat Person. BTW, what is Charlie getting?????
ReplyDeleteI buy my elderly mother Beautiful dusting powder. It's about the only thing that she can use at this stage and she actually asks for! So I bought a gift for me - the fabulous makeup extravaganza that is a purchase with purchase. I don't get to use it til Christmas Day though. Merry Christmas and thanks for all the wonderful reviews throughout the year!
ReplyDeleteOoh, you busy bee! I have no shopping to do, thank goodness. Well, we have run out of laundry detergent, but I'm not driving in this storm!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, dear Charlestongirl. You are well loved.
Oh Nemo, catnip toys, of course. Unless he has already found and stolen them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne! Mom's can be so difficult. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lovethescents,
ReplyDeleteAre you having snow? Oh no! That will put a damper on shopping.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Charlestongirl,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't agree with Nemo that your mom is typical, I do agree with her advice to not worry about it. True, there are those unfortunates who can find fault with any gift, but I'm sure your mom's problem stems from her health issues which affect her emotional and mental equilibrium. It's still tough, though, because you want her to be happy, but remember, you give her the most important gift all year long---your time and loving care.
My holiday shopping is all done, presents all wrapped, the house is decorated, the menus are planned. For us, the celebration of the season starts today with the Winter Solstice and culminates on Christmas Day. It will just be my husband and I tonight for a quiet fireside dinner, but tomorrow my sons and their special ladies (and pooches!) will be arriving. I couldn't wish for a better gift.
On the beauty front, I bought Guerlain this week: the quad in Attrape-Cœur (violet shades), the Perles du Paradis, and the lipsticks in Ballade and Romance. Guerlain has brought us two beautiful and distinct spring looks: one delicate and violaceous; the other, warm and verdant. There should be something to please just about everyone. I'm so happy with the collection that I don't even mind that we won't be getting the Blush G Sakura (Asian exclusive). I've purchased so many beautiful blushers and highlighters this year, finding something complimentary will be no problem at all.
Here's wishing everyone a joyous holiday season!
Am sure BTiB is a time stealer but I sure do enjoy it. Finished shopping today w a coup de foudre for me...and you know where I got that idea!
ReplyDeleteWell, Eileen, I went to Macy's and purchased two cotton sleep shirts (which she likes when they fit). Then I went to Land's End at Sears. After finding some nice things, I saw there was no way to buy them without waiting in line for at least 15 minutes. Plus, the cashier was hacking with a clearly contagious cough. It was disgusting, so I left emptyhanded. Came home and ordered the items and paid $28 for overnight delivery. To me, the $28 was cheap compared to having TB.
ReplyDeleteA sweet gal on Twitter offered to get me the Blush G, so I may end up with it anyhow. One reason I LOVE social media!
You chose a nice Guerlain selection. Enjoy! Give all those doggies a hug from me. It's nice you are so ready for Christmas. I am never ready. Still have gifts to purchase, but one may be as simple as a big bottle of vodka. :)
Oh Biz Morris! Great selection. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, CG! Your mom reminds me of my grandmother. My grandmother is a very, very frugal woman, and she used to be (continues to be?) vehemently opposed to receiving gifts, as she doesn't want her loved ones spending any hard-earned money on her, and she probably also views receiving gifts as akin to accepting charity (and my grandmother is a very proud, self-sufficient woman!).
ReplyDeleteI actually once witnessed a telephone conversation between my grandmother and a friend of hers, in which the friend had wanted to send her something, but my grandmother said that if she (the friend) did, my grandmother would flush the thing right down the toilet. I was rather appalled by this, so I sat my grandmother down and explained to her that while I understood that her intentions came from a good heart (and I'm sure her friend understood that too), givers give gifts because they want the recipient to derive happiness from the gift - and that happiness circles around and makes the giver happy too.
After that conversation, I think my grandmother has become a little less strident in her opposition to receiving presents, although she still makes it very clearly known to her children and grandchildren that we ought to be saving up every last penny of ours, rather than spending it needlessly on her.
Nowadays, I just take my grandmother out to a nice meal (although I make sure she never sees the tab!), and since she lives alone and undoubtedly misses her family (although she's so proud that if you were to suggest such a thing to her, she'd vehemently deny it - that's my grandmother for you :), I make sure to give her a call at least once a week. We're also thinking about getting her an iPhone so she can FaceTime her children and grandchildren and thus see our faces in addition to hearing our voices.
On to another relative of mine: my mother, who was given an orchid by a coworker. My mother loves orchids but has never been successful at getting the flowers to bloom again after they've fallen off. CG, I know you're an avid gardener. Got any orchid-growing tips for my green-thumb-lacking mother?
Hope everyone has a splendid holiday weekend! :)
Hi CG and all, Just wanted to let everyone know that Guerlain Spring is now up on nordstrom.com. I ordered the Meteorites and I think I'll get it by Monday. I think the free shipping included Chrismas Eve delivery if you order by 3pm eastern time today. I'm going to wait to decide about the lipsticks until I see them in person. I also received the Bauhaus eye and lip kaledioscopes this week and love them. Wish the lips were a little more pigmented but that's OK. I'm expecting my Tina West lip kaledioscope any day now.
ReplyDeleteI'm done with my holiday shopping and ready for the day. CG I hope you don't have too much trouble with the crowds while you finish your shopping.
Have a Happy and Healthy Christmas everyone!
Just returned from a CHANEL spring shopping trip. Bought the blush, the 2 fancy lip glosses and the Envoutante (sic) lipstick and all 3 eye pencils. Did not buy the eye quad, although I expected to. I was slightly dismayed at the darkest color: do you think it is brown or bruise-ish? What do you think of it for fair skin, light eyes?
ReplyDeleteMay, you might as well have been talking about my father. Take him to a nice restaurant (when he was alive), but never let him see the bill. Fond memories. I guess if we had lived through the depression, we would have been frugal too.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what kind of orchid it is? It would like an eastern exposure. A little direct morning sun is good, but not direct sun for extended periods. Simply very bright light the rest of the time. Water only one time/week. Over-watering will kill orchids in a hurry.
May, oh and, she is unlikely to get it to bloom again unless it's very happy. I can make Phalaenopsis rebloom, but not always.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
ReplyDeleteYep, it is everywhere except my Guerlain boutique. :) I may give up in the morning and pick one up at NM.
Merry Christmas!
Works for me, Nemo, but that shade isn't my favorite of the four.
ReplyDeleteI use that shade as an eyeliner! Works great in top and underneath the eye
ReplyDeleteI would much rather have luxury companies advertise with adorable kitties rather than Brad Pitt's unshaven mug. But why not a baby panther?
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, Cg. I am heading out later to get that CHANEL spring eye quad after all. It just keeps worrying me. Meanwhile, have you used the new Guerlain spring quad you bought--the one with the greens? If so, how do you like it?
ReplyDeleteHi, CG! I believe the orchid is a Phalaenopsis. My mother also has another moth orchid that's about 1 year old (a Christmas gift from the same coworker last year :), on which she cut the stem after the blooms fell off, since that's what the directions said to do. However, now the stem appears to be dead, although the leaves of the plant are growing quite happily. Any chance of reviving that plant as well? My mother is apparently an orchid killer.
ReplyDeleteFinally, as a call for help to everyone, I'd love to know your choices of eyelid creams. I experienced a rash on my upper eyelid (the area between my eyebrows and my crease - whatever that's called), and while the skin is slowly healing, in the meantime the skin looks wrinkled/dry/"crepe-y", particularly when I raise my eyebrows, yet I'm only in my 20s. I'm sure my eyelid skin will return to normal eventually, but anything to speed along the process would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! :)
Hi May,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you need a cream to heal the rash rather than a temporary cosmetic fix. Have you tried a light layer of Neosporin on your upper lid and brow bone area? Occasionally, when I'm playing with the dogs, I'll get a scratch on my face. I use Neosporin and it heals fast. Just use a very, very light layer because you don't want it creeping down into your eyes. In the meantime, treat the area gently and don't use anything harsh on it. An eye cream is not going to heal a cosmetic burn or contact dermatitis.
I was given a phalaenopsis and basically follow the advice Charlestongirl gave you regarding its care. The only difference is I have it beside my cockatiel's cage and he sings to it. They both seem happy together :-)
Happy holidays!
I love that little fellow chewing on that precious Cartier box:-) And am very curious to know what's the other parfum you bought... Have a wonderful festive season !
ReplyDelete