Friday, June 14, 2013

The Friday Forum - June 14

The hydrangeas have started to bloom, signaling the "real" start of summer. We certainly had summer weather yesterday - with severe thunderstorms that were like August storms. Fortunately, my immediate area was spared, but others felt the full wrath of Mother Nature, with trees uprooted and spread across their homes, yards, and streets.

I am late in publishing the Friday Forum today, but I think you will understand the reason. This morning, I had a consulting job interview, the second of two, and with any luck, I will have work again by next week. I am hopeful and anxious with anticipation. I want to see and sign that contract as soon as humanly possible. If I don't see it, I will be beyond depressed. Even though the work is temporary, and extensions will be at the whim of the federal government, it's work...work now. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

I also had lunch with a friend who has been trying to get me some work at his place of employment, one in which I'd be right at home. That may still happen, but will depend on federal rulemaking, and no one really knows when the government will release a rule that's already overdue. I really enjoyed seeing him and hearing the latest news about some of our mutual friends.

Right after lunch, I popped into Neiman Marcus to see what new things might have arrived in the beauty department. Imagine my surprise when I saw the Chanel Fall 2013 collection display (and my disappointment that my SA didn't let me know the colors had arrived). The cream blushes were there. I didn't have much time, but selected and purchased one. I will take swatch photos as soon as possible - maybe today if I can get outdoors soon - and feature my new Chanel blush.

I also got a peek at the Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude Collection. I knew the collection had arrived. The Bobbi Brown representative is fabulous; she sent me photos. Unfortunately, I didn't have time left to play today, so I have to return (when someone is there) to try the colors. It seemed like few of the product representatives were around. Perhaps they were in training or at lunch.

I must thank everyone who commented on the Friday Forum last week. You left me speechless with your support - and I'm seldom speechless. You also made me more determined than ever to try to keep Best Things in Beauty going. You made me realize that it's not just for my own pleasure. It's for yours too. I don't want to let you down.

I will have to do more in-store swatching and less buying. I've vowed to try to make this blog a little less costly to maintain. That will take some of the pressure off me. My time - hopefully as I embark on a new job - will be the only factor that might present constraints. I may not be able to post as often, but I can still keep writing. I'm pretty fast. Can't you tell from my typos?

I was humbled to read your comments last weekend, and I want each of you to know that they meant the world to me. "Thank you" doesn't seem adequate, but please know it's heartfelt.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for the NARS So Famous Set. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, June 15, at midnight. It's a pretty one, so make sure to enter.
Good luck!

Photo at top from an unknown source; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

25 comments:

Melanie said...

Yay for wanting to continue the blog! Yay for interviews and job possibilities! Fingers are crossed for you! All my best!

Mara said...

I unfortunately missed the opportunity last week of saying that although I truly enjoy reading your blog and opinions because I know you are totally objective and unbiased, I would certainly understand you would consider taking a break, or spacing your posts at your convenience - although I would miss your updates and and also the comments of fellow followers. I hope you shared a joyful birthday with your mother and I am really excited to read today your news about work! My thoughts and prayers will be with you!
On another note, those Chanel blushes look very promising - and I look forward to your thoughts on the new Bobbi Brown collection.
Wishing you and your readers a lovely weekend.

Anonymous said...

Good Luck to you, CG!
I've always thought that you
would make a great Life Coach.
Not sure if there's any money
in that,though.
Thanks on the introduction to Jouer
Brand - I am enjoying my purchases.
You always apologize for your wrist
veins in photographs, but that is how I discovered your blog. I was googling swatches and one of your photos apperared. I was so excited - a wrist that resembles mine! (re coloring & age)

Meredith said...

I thought of you when I saw the terrible weather on the news. I'm glad you didn't get the brunt of it this time. I'm so glad that you will continue with your blog. Swatching without buying is perfectly fine. It gives me an idea of the color and consistency of the makeup. Really all that's left out is the wearability but no one can purchase every product. You can still review it and let us know of your impressions. I hope you get good news soon on your interviews!

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Melanie. Cross those toes too, please. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Mara. I will play with the BB newbies tomorrow too.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Anonymous. It's too bad, but they have always been visible and always will. I've had people write me and tell me my arms are ugly, so...

Life Coach...doubt it pays, but it would be fun. I need money to support my habits. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Meredith,

Swatching is easy, but testing is even better. That's what you miss by just swatching in store.

That weather was interesting. There are houses just a mile or two from here with trees through the roof. Go figure.

Jo said...

Hi CG,

Great news about the possible job opportunities. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Thanks for continuing the blog too.

I had my makeover with Marcus Monson from Guerlain. He is the most charming, engaging and funny makeup artist I've ever had do my makeup. He had me laughing the whole time. He did a very nice makeover. He was headed to the east coast (NY and Miami) after San Francisco so he may get to your neck of the woods sometime. I would keep an eye out for when Nordstrom has the trend shows in your area. It was a trend show event the day he was here. I finally bought one of the new glosses and I think it is my favorite of the Armani, Dior and Guerlain new gloss releases with Armani coming in second and Dior third. The gloss feels so great on my lips and it has pretty good staying power. Also Guerlain related I got Terra Nerolia last week and it is pretty but not my favorite. It's a little too golden for me but I do like the blush in the middle. It's nice to have just from a collectors point of view.

Tomorrow I'm having my makeup done by Claudio Riaz at Barney's. I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Eileen said...

You know we've all got our fingers crossed for you, Charlestongirl. You're such a bright, creative, and energetic person, any business would be lucky to have your services. Hopefully, you'll be receiving good news very shortly.

Chanel's Superstition is beginning to arrive on counter so I wasn't surprised that you had already seen it. You seem to get things a bit ahead of us here on the West Coast. I must admit, I'm not crazy about the eye colors, but have hopes there might be a lip or cheek color that entices me.

Pictures of Guerlain's large fall collection, Voilette de Madame, have started surfacing. There will be a new collection of 8 eyeshadow duos along with some new Rouge G's, Gloss D'Enfers, a blusher, khôl eye pencils, and nail lacquers. There's also a mattifying compact powder and new foundation to be released about the same time. It's a pretty large collection. I don't know what the eyeshadow duos will be like, but the nail and lip colors appear to be rich jewel tones. I think this collection might work better for me than the Chanel.

Speaking of Chanel, the holiday collection is called Nuit Infinie and is scheduled to launch in September. I haven't seen any pictures yet, but the product list and descriptions are popping up on-line. Before we're treated to Nuit Infinie; however, we've yet to get Jeux de Regards and Moiré le Rouge. All these little Chanel collections are making my head spin :-)

Charelstongirl, please, never apologize for the veins in your arms, a small bruise, or anything else. You're a woman--and a beautiful one--not a mannequin! Ignore the haters with their ugly attitude.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

bedazzled64 said...

I definitely have been saying prayers for you, I'm hoping that you find something very fulfilling and that makes you very happy. I'm soooo glad that you're going to keep this blog. You do have alot of faithful readers (including me) who truly look forward to all your honest and great reviews! So yay!!! Best of luck xoxo

bisbee said...

CG - fingers crossed for your contract! I work for the Fed, and I am very familiar with contractors!

I can't believe people have been rude enough to tell you your arms are ugly! Unbelievable - there is NO need for you to apologize for your arms!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck and I am pressing my thumbs for you re the job prospect.
I love not only your informative, well-written, charming and intelligent blogs but also your smart reader community.
Again, I hope for good news from you.
Best,
Tanja

Anonymous said...

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!! I am shocked, and thrilled, to hear the Chanel cream blushes are out. I just read yesterday they wouldn't be released until August. My cosmetic budget has been severely downsized (I'm in a similar situation to yours CG as my husband recently lost his job of 30 years and my salary couldn't support just me let alone both of us), but I vowed I would get one of these! First thing tomorrow I'm going to check my Neimans. I'm eager to see all the colors. The one you chose is stunning, I hope they have it. You know it's kind of funny, when I'm forced to be more selective about the products I actually purchase, those little treasures become the best part of my morning routine, which translates into my day. Once again I sincerely thank you for the time and effort you devote to keeping all of us informed, and so timely....and an added appreciation for all your giveaway opportunities. Each gift is quality. Looking forward to hearing how the blush wears. Hope you get some good news! Denise at aeiokid at comcast dot net.

CGstrein said...

Fingers and toes are crossed! Sending good thoughts your way too.

I agree that you would make a great Life Coach but I also think you would be fabulous as a Cosmetic Personal Shopper. I don't know if that profession exists but it should.

Brand reps are limited to their own line and sales associates to their store, a Cosmetic Personal Shopper is not limited. They can shop with you or, once the relationship is established, make recommendations when you call to say you are in dire need of the perfect pink blush and don't know what to do. Now that would be a fun job!

Glad you made it through the weather. We too were fortunate, there are small branches down around the neighborhood but nothing major.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Lauren said...

I'm so glad you're going to try to maintain the blog--I would definitely miss it if it were gone. I read your blog every day and it really fills a niche that other blogs don't, covering classic luxury brands and items without getting wrapped up in the flash-in-the-pan trends. I'm not in my 20's anymore (and not really in my early 30's either) so I really value your mature perspective and emphasis on luxury and quality. I especially appreciate how you give coverage to Sisley products--I think it's the best skincare out there, and it's all but ignored by the blogs I come across. And as a fellow southerner, I feel like we're soul sisters too! I hope you continue the blog but wish you the best in whatever you choose to do.

Charlestongirl said...

Jo, I don't know why we never get Marcus Monson in the DC area. Bummed about that.

I have sought out Terra Nerolia at our counters, and it's not here. I don't understand. Plus, my Guerlain rep decamped for Saks. So, I am waiting to buy locally.

I'll be interested in what you think of Riaz's work.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Eileen.

Tavia at Chic Profile has the Chanel September photos. Very pretty!

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Lisa. It was an anxious weekend waiting for Monday. I should get "final final" word tomorrow.

Charlestongirl said...

Oh Bisbee,

You wouldn't believe what people write me. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Tanja!

Charlestongirl said...

Denise, I'm learning that there are advantages to being more selective. That isn't the best for a blogger, but I think you're right. The pieces you do pick up are more satisfying.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi CGStrein,

I know MUAs who sell their services as personal cosmetic shoppers, but I doubt I could just hang out a sign and get to work. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Lauren.

I wish Sisley released more color collections. I have only one product here to review, and I need to get cooking, since it's no longer really new: the "new" concealer.

Charlestongirl said...

Here's one for you who can't believe people have written me to complain about my arms - and a lot of other things.

This morning I got up to a comment from Anonymous (of course) suggesting I am selecting my contest winners with some biased intent. Apparently someone into social media and television won a prize here. Really? I don't know how I would know that.

Good grief. You do not want to see my handwritten scrawl as I tally entries, not do I feel a need to prove my objectivity or use of random.org. If you look over the diversity of winners over the last year, you will see that everyone has a chance. I do not know who most of my winners are - or what they do.

I have an name for people like that particular Anonymous, but it shouldn't be printed on a blog.