It’s Saturday. And let me start off by telling you I’m slightly pissed off at the meteorologists in the Philadelphia area. It was supposed to rain today. And it was supposed to be cooler. Instead, the atmosphere in these parts is hot, humid and hotter.
Believe it or not, I was actually looking for a cool and rainy day. I’ve got a lot of cooking to do and don’t like to stand in a hot kitchen!
That’s not bad—in fact, I love the heat. But if I knew just how hot it was going to be, Bonaparte and I would have gotten up early and headed to Stone Harbor for some serious beaching—and I would spend a few hours more damaging my skin.
With the forecast being cool, it was my plan to get my nails done, bake some cookies for Bonaparte, bake some bread and work on a blog post that required me getting dressed up in many items of clothing.
This is fun in cool weather. When it gets hot and humid and Monsieur “I-love-the-heat-and-humidity” Bonaparte doesn’t turn the A/C on, this is not fun.
The bread is rising, the last batch of cookies is in the oven, I’m sweating my ass off, and it was too hot to work on the blog post that I really wanted to write.
Cookies are baked…
I forgot to add, the potatoes are par-boiled. I’m making B’s favorite potatoes. Cubed and sauteed in duck fat!
And so, today I’m just making it a busy catch-up day.
There is a pile of baby gifts that need to be wrapped and I’ll get to that this evening.
Actually, I hope it really does not rain because that’ll mean I have to clear the piles of gifts and everything else off the dining room table. This is like having the kids home again–the dining room table becomes a catch-all for homework, school books–everything but dining! We’ll be eating outdoors this evening!
Is this the cutest pillow? I couldn’t resist an extra gift of a swan in a tutu. Swan Lake takes on new meaning!
I am also in a tizzy (did I just write that???) because I’m tired of some of my favorite cosmetic items being discontinued.
Stila’s “In the Know” eyeshadow palette has long been one of my go-to’s. I swear I must have had this palette over 5 years and I hit pan big time but I still use it wisely and sparingly because Stila discontinued it. And it was discontinued a while ago.
Had I been “In The Know” that this palette would have been discontinued, I would have purchased two more! I swear this is THE original neutral palette. And I’m using the shadows very sparingly these days. Stila needs to bring this baby back!
This morning while getting ready, I decided to take out my Stila Convertible Color Lip and Cheek Cream in Sweet Pea. I love this. The pink is bright but not clownish and only a bit is needed to give your cheeks a nice glow. I don’t even use it on my lips—for me, it purely blushes. My compact is basically a mess from both hitting pan and from brush shedding. I figured it was time to repurchase.
Can I go on record now to say I am NOT your typical smoke and mirrors blogger? Who else would have the nerve to showcase a hot mess of an overused product that has not only hit major pan but has little brush hairs in it. I don’t care–it still gives good color!
And after I got a pedicure, manicure, lip and chin wax (yeah, I’m like the bearded lady at the circus but I’m losing the hair on my head—go figure!), I drove home to get Bonaparte and we were off to run errands.
Kim does such a great job on my feet–she even scrubbed away my fake tan!!
If Kim didn’t do such a great job on waxing my face, I could possibly tour as the new Annie Jones, the bearded lady who was the main attraction for P.T. Barnum.
I stopped at Ulta, which is quickly becoming more of a favorite than Sephora for me these days. I think it’s because the store is offering higher end brands while still selling drug store brands as well. One stop shopping. My only beef with the King of Prussia Ulta is that the sales assistants like to stand around gabbing to each other more than assisting. (For what it’s worth—the sales assistants at the Collegeville Ulta are fantastic!) Or—perhaps they just don’t like to assist old ladies! No big deal, I know what I want anyway. I went up to the wall that displayed the Stila cosmetics and found the Convertible Colors. Sweet Pea was not there. I must have looked like I was having a stroke—after all, I am that old in beauty industry years, and finally, someone asked if I needed help. When I explained that I didn’t see “Sweet Pea” I was told that Stila discontinued it.
Can you believe this? Is Stila now manufacturing all their cosmetics as limited editions or something?
Anyway, I ended up purchasing a nice coral-pink color “Petunia”. I tried it on my cheek and it looked fine. If I end up really loving it, I’ll have to purchase a couple of them because I’m sure Stila will manage to discontinue it on me.
I know–it photographs very orangy. In reality, it is a very nice coral-pink color and looks rather pretty once it is applied. We’ll see….
This week’s other big cosmetic purchase was Mally Beauty Poreless Face Defender. I was intrigued by this because it’s unlike any product I’ve ever seen. It’s a blur—sorta. It’s also a product that sets your makeup. It is supposed to give your face a nice finish because you can wear it over your makeup. You can also use it as a primer under your makeup.
Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender. As odd as it seems, this is really quite an intriguing product that does work! It’s like a powder made of balm!
It certainly does give a nice finish. I like to think of this as a finishing powder for mature skin. I can’t use powder to finish my face because it’s so dry—but this. I better buy another one before Mally follows suit with Stila and discontinues!
Ok–I’m 62 and the lines are here to stay. But–I have to say that the Mally Poreless Face Defender does the job in smoothing the face a bit and finishing off the makeup without a powdery, dry, look. VERY mature skin friendly!! Thumbs up on this one ladies!
My Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation was the one I went with today since I thought my post would be going in a different direction and I wanted to look extra fetch! This foundation has never failed me. It’s light but with a little build does cover and at $48, it may be pricey, but considering I’ve had this bottle for almost two years, it’s worth the money. It’ll soon be time for a repurchase, though, because I did notice that I’m running low. I better make a mad dash before it’s gone!
See the bottle? It’s getting a bit ‘glassy” and the product is leaving me. I will repurchase because I’ve had it for a long, long time and for a higher end foundation, it works!
Oh. I did manage to lose one pound this week. Trust me, I’m thrilled about that! I’m at a point if I can lose one pound a week between now and the Holidays, I’ll be in decent shape to stuff myself at Christmas time! I didn’t take a photo because when I weighted myself I was naked and didn’t want to run downstairs to get my phone. Trust me. I’m down to 144.
I also got some new hair this week.
Look at this hair! Solar by It’s A Wig . A Whole lace wig that is pretty- much perfect! Soft and natural. And just about sold out! I was lucky to get her!
Another wig I got lucky with. Model Model Joy. Under twenty five bucks on Divatress.com. I love the way she mimics my natural hair blown out!!
What did I wear this week? Take a look. I was sick with a stomach bug on Wednesday and stayed home to rest—so I stayed in my ragged pj’s.
Today I went with my $16 dress from Primark. I love it because I can go braless. And I’m diggin’ this Joy wig from Model Model. I did manage to put flip-flops on..
Yesterday I had a bit of an 80’s vibe with the bright colors. I did purchase this lightweight sweater at J. Crew Factory for our trip to France but it stayed home. I like this sweater a lot. Only issue I had was that my drawers kept falling down inside my pants yesterday and I had to pull them up all day. It was not a pretty sight.
Thursday it was a bit cool so I threw a denim jacket over my ten dollar dress. I wore my favorite Rondini Sandals. It won’t be long till these sandals get a rest until next summer.
Tuesday was rainy. And I started to feel “meh” so I didn’t shave my legs. A maxi took care of that!!!
Monday. My favorite outfit of the week. Simple. Pixie Pants. Repettos and a striped shirt. All-season dressing. What’s not to love?
Are you like me? Do you get annoyed if the weather report changes drastically after you’ve made plans? Do you get upset with discontinued items? Am I overreacting?
Because I get so upset over things like cosmetics being discontinued I need to pull out this CD again. George Harrison. All Things Must Pass. From one of the greatest albums of all time. All Things Must Pass.
Sweet Pea is on Stila website – and there’s also one left on amazon – google!
Thanks Luci!! I’m heading over to the site right now. Thank YOU!!! XOXOXOXO
Every time I attach myself to a new yogurt brand or flavor, it’s discontinued. I have been wearing purple eye pencil for 30 years and get stuck changing brands every few years when purple is discontinued. What’s wrong with purple??? Drives me crazy! And by the way, I love the swan in the tutu. Where did you buy it? I must have one! 😀
Hi Cathe. I got the Swan pillow at Target. The second I saw it I had to get it–it’ll look so cute in the crib!! And nothing is wrong with purple. I’m glad I’m not the only one to suffer from discontinuitis!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hey, there Catherine! I guess I’m glad it didn’t rain today in south Jersey- I had 14 or 15 ladies here for a Pampered Chef party! It would have been messy! Anyway, welcome home!
Hi Jackie! I LOVE Pampered Chef!!! Hope the party was an overwhelming success!!!XOXOXOXO!!!
Oh, wish I’d known – you would have been most welcome! And yes, Marcia does a great party.
I was curious about the Stila Sweet Pea Convertile Colour, so had a look at the Stila site. It is showing that colour is available.
https://www.stilacosmetics.com/products/convertible-color?color=Sweet+Pea+%28Bright+Pink%29
Stock up!!
I ended up ordering it!! I should have gone to the site first hand but I was too impatient!!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Catherine – have you checked Ebay for your eye palette? I bet you would find it there!!!!
Hi Susan. Thanks for the heads up. My issue with eBay is that many of the cosmetics offerings are dupes from China. I had ordered a Benefit “Dandelion” blush a few years back–off of eBay. When I received it, I noticed that the color was slightly “off”. I compared it to what was left of my Benefit and it was way different. I later found out it was a knock-off. The same thing happened to me with a Longchamp bag and I called out the seller. I got my money back both times so I’m a bit wary to make purchases through eBay these days. Thank you though for thinking of me! XOXOXOXO!!!
I know how you feel. many of my favorite cosmetic items have recently been discontinued. The latest one is J.R. Watkins lavender bath & body oil. Yahhh. BTW I love the new wig, looks very nice. Can’t believe that it cost only $25! Have a great weekend. Dominique xoxo
Hey Dominique! Doesn’t it drive you nuts? Why create something only to discontinue it! ARRRGHHH!!! Ohhhhhhhhhh yeah. 25 smackeroos!! Thank you–I’m glad you like it!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I have thought about this and my conclusion is that cosmetic Brands see their products as fashion designers. They don’t renew them every season and they discontinue some and bring new ones (often almost like the one that they discontinued just with new packaging) so their customers perceive them as innovative Brands. I might be wrong but it’s something to reflect on. xoxo Dominique
Every single time I find the perfect copper/bronze eyeliner (metallic), in a retractable pencil (not a pencil sharpener one), I manage to buy two or three before the company discontinues it! I don’t think a nice bronze is even that unusual a colour. I keep being seduced by the NYX one that LOOKS metallic, until it is on my eyelids and then it is a flat brown. So disapointing.
Hi Q. NYX is so hit-or-miss lately. I DO have a bit of a tip that I heard from vlogger EmilyNoel83 where metallics are concerned. Wet the brush, then dip into the shadow. Maybe it’ll help!!! XOXOXO!!!!
Catherine, I always get a good chuckle reading your pieces. I do not have the same cosmetics drama, but I understand your frustration.
Bonaparte is spot on with his love of fried potatoes in duck grease. We just came back Friday night, and in the bag was une boite de confit de canard, more for the grease than the confit!
Tee hee. Maribeth. Take that duck grease and save it and cook with it. YUM. Duck fat makes everything just a bit better!!! XOXOXOXO
It’s my TV shows I like that always seem to be “discontinued!”
Lady Calen. I agree. I’m still flummoxed about Taxi being “discontinued”!
I feel for you girl about the discontinued products. Worse is when they change the formula, you buy the product expect it to be the same and it doesn’t perform as well or the colour is off etc.
I find this happens more often with drug store brands but I am not sure why. Perfume is another one. I wore Chanel 19 for years and loved it then they went and changed it and it stinks now ( they even called it Chanel 19 Poudre which is code for I want to smell like an old lady but wish to do so by using a Chanel parfum!). I don’t think the changed up product was popular because the original is still available…so I got me a bottle. Same with a Chloe fragrance I love called Capucine. It’s not available in the stores any more but I found it on line and ordered up two bottles. They are sealed atomizers so one is in use the other is in its box in a dark cupboard. I’ll bet you could find that Stilla eye pallet on line somewhere in the Internet ether!!
Oh Momcat. I know what you mean. I’ve had multiple items on repurchase that were not the same as the original. It’s ridiculous. Companies love to cut corners and end up screwing things over. I have searched but am hesitant to purchase anything on ebay due to fraud–even with cosmetics because it has happened to me in the past. XOXOXO!!!!
New wig is gorgeous – you look fantastic, I take my stump ends into the shop and hunt online, seriousy I have no shame and must come across as half crazed at times – but I get annoyed when things disappear. I have a favourite Miller Harris – cassis en fueille that disappeared from their website and it was only released in 2015 or so – not pleased 🙁 I’d highly recommend their rose silence (one of the few floral fragrances and rose one that I like on me – it is heaven) but basically I have take myself elsewhere for fragrance as I am so cross with them. Loyalty is meant to be a 2 way thing right?
Juliet. Yes!! OMG. Loyalty IS a 2 way thing and boy, companies forget about that all the time!! I hear you loud and clear sister!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Oooh and I forgot to mention a friend and I are off to Paris for a few days the beginning of October – can’t wait, or should I say can’t weight – I have gone back to WW to shed some of extra poundage, we have a reasonable amount to lose but we are so motivated to do this. There is a Dior dresses exhibition on that I am really hoping to see (along with the local pharmacys and their goodies)
Holy Shit!! Juliet–you are going to the Dior Dress exhibit?? you are so lucky–I’m jealous!!! OMG. Have a GREAT time and send pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine…Love the new hair and the black/white stripes…classic any day. 🙂
Hi,Have you tried Ebay? I saw 4 of them on there…..When I want something that is discontinued, that is the first place I look. by the way I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Lori. You know, a few years back, I tried ebay for an item that was sold out in the stores near me. It was Benefit’s Dandelion cheek powder. I ordered from ebay and when it came I noticed that the scent was “off” and the color was off. After some serious sleuthing, I discovered it was a fraudulent item so I’ve been wary of purchasing cosmetics from ebay after that experience. Beware with the cosmetics you purchase from ebay–please make sure it is a valid vendor!!! And thank you so much for enjoying the blog–that makes me very happy!!! XOXOXOXO