High-low is the way I go. Mixing higher-end clothing with low-end is always a fun challenge—and who doesn’t love a fun challenge?
And, I love mixing higher end and lower end beauty items. And since the price of drugstore beauty products is escalating, I’m veering toward purchasing less of the drug store items these days and moving toward the extra couple of dollars by spending more quality time at Sephora and Ulta.
I’m still on the search, though, for exceptional quality budget beauty items. And yesterday I took a drive to Walmart to pick up a few items and then headed off to Marshalls.
Baking soda and Hydrogen Peroxide were at the top of my list to buy at Walmart. I brush my teeth with a paste made from both items. My gums are very sensitive and the Periodontist suggested these items for brushing my teeth. Both items are cheap as all get out, less expensive than toothpaste, and last longer.
I don’t “do” toothpaste anymore. It’s Fifty Cent Hydrogen Peroxide and Fifty Cent baking soda. Works like a charm!!!
As I made my way up and down the aisles, because when one is unemployed, one has the time to go about participating in activities such as this, I stopped short in my tracks. There on a shelf stood one of my favorite brands of soapy items of all time. Le Petit Marseillais. I’m telling you—when we are in France, I make a bee-line to the store to grab anything I can in all things body cream and soapy goodness—and I always buy the Fleur d’Oranger sent because I’m an Orange Blossom ho!
It was worth every cent of the $3.47 that I paid for this. I’ll pay about 2 euros in France for this ($2.39 USD) but I don’t care. The authentic Orange Blossom scent is worth every penny!
I grabbed this and threw it in my shopping cart faster than an MLB pitcher can throw a ball!
Then off I drove to Marshalls.
The pickings were slim in the shoe department and the clothing selection wasn’t great either. It was one of those “miss” days. And as I walked around, I made a stop in the little beauty section to see what the store had to offer.
Marshalls (as well as TJ Maxx) usually has a decent selection of brushes and I found a couple of Eco brushes. I’ve got a few of this brand’s brushes and find them to be excellent. I also picked up another brush for $1.99 because a blush brush is always a good thing.
These Eco brushes? They are great! I’ll use the foundation brush as a large shadow brush. The quality is stupendous!
I picked this brush up too–at $1.99 I’m wondering why it was named Mr. Perfect–it should have been named MS. Perfect!
Then I noticed various palettes of eyeshadow. I have enough palettes but there’s always room for one more. I picked up a box that was taped shut—which is a good thing because I know nobody tampered with the palette inside. At $4.99 for 24 colors I figured that there had to be a few decent shadows so it went into the cart with the brushes and off I went.
This is the palette. All About Color from InStyle Essentials. It certainly was not about pigmentation!
I used the eyeshadow palette this morning. Here’s how it rolled.
I made sure my face was well-prepared for my makeup with serum, primer and all that good hydrating stuff.
Let’s not forget SPF Sunscreen either! I’m being diligent–especially since the summer weather hasn’t left us yet! I’m also using these products to review!
I applied eye primer and allowed it to “set” for about ten minutes. While I was waiting for the primer to set, I exercised my brain by playing Candy Crush on my iPhone. The mind is a terrible thing to waste you know!
Don’t judge. This is how I exercise my mind! It works!
Primer set, I went over to open the palette. All I can say is good thing I ripped my acrylic nails off or I would have broken them trying to pry this thing open! I thought I would need pliers!
A minute or so after I finally opened the case, I noticed that the fallout of the products had begun. And upon as thorough an inspection I could give the palette with my one good eye, I noticed the matte shadows and blush that was included looked a bit chalky. The shimmery colors held hope.
This is usually what a palette looks like after many uses. This was the palette BEFORE I touched brush to shadow. The matte shadows were more chalky than Necco wafers!
Un unh. The pigmentation was non-existent. The lift was awful and when I did tap, the small amount of shadow that remained on the brush was blowin’ in the wind.
Remember the ever-chalky Necco wafers candy? These candies had more pigmentation than the eyeshadows I applied!
Because I was doing a “quick” eye, applying the shadow should have only taken about five minutes at best. It took me almost twenty minutes to build the shadow to the point where you could see it.
Can you see the pigmented eyeshadows on my eyelids? Neither can I–or is it “eye”?
Finally, a good twenty minutes later after building up and building up–I had a bit of pigmentation. See my eyeglass lens? That’s eyeshadow that blew in the wind and landed on my eyeglasses!
Ever the optimist, I’m not getting rid of the palette. Why? Because I like to line the bottom of my lids in a softer way. Since these shadows are barely pigmented, I think they’ll give a nice look to my bottom lid.
My finished look. Unintentionally extremely natural. I was hoping for a more glamorous look to go with the hair that I purchased!
Another miss was a package of makeup wipes I picked up while on the checkout line. The package states that the wipes clean waterproof mascara off. Well, they didn’t clean non-waterproof mascara off. In fact, these wipes were awful. But all is not lost because I use wipes when traveling. These wipes are strong enough to act as makeshift wash cloths. Remember, while traveling throughout Europe, many establishments don’t have the kind of washcloths we are used to. Wipes make a great substitute! I’ll put these in my travel case.
This removed nothing. And they were also quite dry. My guess is that Marshalls is selling them because they have surpassed their due date. Another miss–but I can use these as travel washcloths!
Ya live. Ya learn!
On the other hand, I purchased some new hair. Bonaparte loves my hair with a curl and a wave and I love my hair straight. Fake. Real. I like my hair straight. But me, being the loving wife that I am, saw a decent looking wavy/slightly curly wig on sale for $11.99 on the website Hair To Beauty. Monsieur Bonaparte gave me high compliments today when I debuted this cutie!
The wig, “Clary” from Sensationnel Empress wigs is a lace front that needed a bit of manipulation in the form of tweezing the part wider and adding powder to it to make the parting space appear more natural. The hair is more of a silky texture than yaki and is dense and nice and big. I’m pleased. This will be a regular in my “VA va voom” rotation!
My new hair. Clary by Sensationnel Empress. I was channeling my inner Dalida! Dalida is one of my favorite singers and a very cultural diverse woman. She was an Italianliving in Egypt and became a popular singer in France!
Ok—back to the eyeshadow. Ninety-nine percent of my eyeshadow collection consists of neutrals. The closest to a colorful palette is the Naked Smokey palette and I don’t this palette use that much. You would think that with the numerous number of palettes I own, that one would contain a bright peachy color. One does, but I hit pan on it a long time ago and naturally, Stila discontinued the palette.
All my favorite peachy shadows in this Stila “In The Know” palette are just about gone. I hit pan in a big way. You would think Stila would bring this palette back. It’s a great, great palette!
It’s been on my mind an obsession to find a bright peachy color eyeshadow because I love the way that peach color opens the eyes. I decided to drive to Ulta today after getting dressed. Ulta is close to my home and I didn’t feel like dealing with parking at the mall so Sephora was out. of the question for today. NOTE: The difference between Ulta and Sephora is that Sephora has the greatest staff. They are incredibly friendly, willing to help and very knowledgeable. Trying to get assistance at Ulta is like pulling a tooth that isn’t loose from one’s mouth.
And while I was roaming the goods at Ulta, I came across some Lorac palettes that were small. This was good because I certainly didn’t need a huge palette. In fact, the palettes were darn cute. And I spotted a blush/highlighter that was a bit on the peach side.
But I couldn’t find a price. I finally gave my best “I need help so desperately” look and at my age, sales assistants oftentimes confuse this look with dementia—and it works! When I was told the palettes were only $12 each, I got so excited that my wig nearly shifted!
I purchased two—the Malibu palette and the Venice Beach palette. Now that my son Jake is living in L.A., I feel more connected to California with this purchase!
At $12 each, these palettes were a steal!
The colors are pigmented!! And nicely pigmented. The lift on my fingers was excellent and when I apply the shadows tomorrow, I’ll be able to report back with a review!
Venice Beach palette. I LOVE Boho Beauty and Freckles. Freckles is nicely pigmented and looks cooler than warmer on the skin. I can’t wait to try these shadows!
Maibu is just as beautiful. I’m thinking of going back to Ulta to pick up more of these palettes! This is what pigmentation means!
OTOH, I went to Wegmans for a few groceries and picked up a concealer from e.l.f. It doesn’t match my skin tone but goes on in a rather bright peachy color. I think I found my shadow in the form of a concealer. Who’da thunk?
e.l.f. Perfect Blend Concealer in Light Beige doesn’t match my skin tone at all! But–it could be a good sub for a peachy colored cream shadow! At two bucks how can I complain?
Remember how excited I was from the BuzzFeed feature about Fenty Beauty with Yours Truly being Number 8? Well, I didn’t make an impression with the reward Style people. I applied to be an influencer because I’m trying to monetize the blog while I’m out of work. Here’s the reply I received from them:
Thank you for your interest in rewardStyle!
We’ve carefully reviewed your application and unfortunately your request to become a member of rewardStyle was not accepted at this time.
rewardStyle considers applications with a history of content with the following qualities:
- Engaged and Growing Audience
- Consistency
- Quality and Original Content
- Clean Editorial Design
This decision is a reflection of the competition for admission and does not detract from the impressive credentials you’ve submitted. We encourage you to continue publishing and apply again in the future.
Sincerely,
The rewardStyle Team
According to rewardStyle, my blog sucks. I don’t have a growing audience (they mean I don’t have 500,000 followers). I’m not consistent (they mean I write about a few subjects—which, IMHO is a good thing). I don’t have decent quality or original content (WTF??? I don’t think the rewardStyle peeps even bothered to read any of my posts). And they don’t like my editorial design (They mean, I take my own photos with my phone. I keep it real. I have no fillers. I have no smoke and mirrors and that is not what they are looking for).
Waaa. I was rejected!! I’m really not upset. My blog takes a different direction. Transparent and no smoke and mirrors. It’s all good!
I was also rejected by “Like To Know It”. And that’s ok because as much as I want to monetize the blog, I refuse to turn it into one giant advertisement. Everything I tell you about—every item I write about. Every item I link is something I have purchased and used. And inserting links so that you can find the products is what I do to make your search easier!
When I receive products, I always mention that they were gifted. I give honest reviews. I remain transparent.
Ya win some. Ya lose some!
But I’m lucky because I don’t consider readers of this blog “followers”. I consider them friends. This is a neighborhood and here at Atypical60 we have a good time. We welcome the newcomers and dish and laugh and cry with each other. That’s the environment I want to keep.
Speaking of friends, our friend Juliet sent me a wonderful surprise this week. The new book by Alyson Walsh of “That’s Not My Age”!
Two great books and a beautiful scarf! I’m one lucky lady!!!
Here’s a better look at the scarf in action. It is absolutely beautiful!!
Anywho this week was a very laid back and casual one for me. I didn’t get dressed every day but here’s what I wore!
The blush pink Gemma flats from J. Crew were a perfect match for this beautiful scarf with a Parisian Map theme!
Even though it is technically Fall, it is still summer in these parts. The temp hit 84 today. I wore a sleeveless swing dress and a denim jacket. I’m wearing my $11.99 hair–isn’t it great? I need to fake tan!
Enjoy the weekend. Weather permitting, we will be heading to the shore tomorrow!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Catherine…the hell with what BuzzFeed said. I find your writing to be funny, honest, entertaining and informative and relatable. Keep it up:)
Hi Toni! OMG. What BuzzFeed said was GREAT!!! –the BuzzFeed article included me and by their including an older woman it was epic. It’s the rewardStyle and Liketoknowit that rejected me!! My blog is just a bit too “different” for what they are looking for. I’m not a walking advertisement!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I’m sorry you weren’t chosen, but of all the 30+ blogs I follow, yours is the most genuine. I appreciate your sharing about your hair loss and your tips about wigs and makeup. You are very relatable and seem like a very fun person to be around. Bonaparte and your friends are lucky to have you in their lives.
Best wishes on your job search.
Thanks Marsha!!!! You know I like to keep it real and honest! And I love our little community here–we all get along so well and genuinely enjoy each other. Thank you so much. I try to be relatable and that has always been my goal!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I am so glad you are not ” a typical ” blogger. I follow lots Of them on Bloglovin. I am seriously going to drop some who are consistent promoters of the same over priced stores. You write the best blog, I wish you luck with everything !
Peggy. Thank you so much!! I’ll tell you–even I’ve dropped some blogs because they’ve turned into one giant ad! It’s like watching cable TV–remember when cable TV came to be and the beauty was that there were no ads? Then we had an OK number of ads and now cable TV is nothing more than ads for pharmaceutical companies and politicians!! LOL!!!! Thank you for your support!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I have been “lurking” for months but this is the first time I have left a comment. I find your blog to be genuine and insightful. I will take real over cookie cutter any day. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Teresa!!!! Please do not let this be the first time you comment. We have a great group of women here!! Welcome to the neighborhood–and don’t be a stranger girlfriend!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
You are real and honest–not to mention funny as hell! People take things waaaay too serious sometimes, plus it’s nice to be able to relate to someone my own age. Not trying to impress, just being natural!…btw, just sayin’, Walmart and Marshalls are one of my fav shopping itineraries… sometimes I’ll throw in Old Navy…Nordstrom or The Rack, if I’m feeling the splurge! (And energy!)
Best of luck on the new chapter in your life! You are such a creative person—just keep doing what you love! 😘
Hi Rhonda! We shop the same stores!!! And I’ll tell you, as an ex-employee of Nordstrom, stuff from the department store makes it to Rack all the time. Some items are made specifically for N.R. but a great many of the clothing is taken from the store! And Walmart–the place has some fun surprises. Every Christmas season, I always find plates or napkins or something something! Thanks so much for your encouragement Sister!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine don’t take any notice of rewardStyle and Liketoknowit. Your blog is the best. When I first came across it, just a few months ago, I read and read and read until I caught up with the then current post. I laughed,cried,identified and came to the stage where I wished that I lived near you so we could visit and become friends!! I’ve commented on a few of your Instagram posts but never on your blogs. Your honesty is so refreshing. Good luck with the job hunting. Best wishes.
Thanks Bev! Part of the reason I want to try my hand at monetizing the blog is because I don’t want to go back to 9 to 5. I want to be able to work my passion. However, it IS difficult. There are a few bloggers who I follow who do an EXCELLENT job of collabs without having their blogs turning into one huge advertisement. I’ve been studying them and I do know it has taken them years–and I admire these ladies. But–I’ve also unsubbed to a few that have turned into ads. If I’m writing about something–I’ve USED it. And I have to give a huge shout out to two skin care companies. Vivant and Skin Actives. I’ve received their products to review and the companies were GREAT as far as my telling them I need to use the products for a while before reviewing. I’m not going to use something like a skin care item, which is extremely important–especially for women our age, and use it once then review. It isn’t fair to the readers, my friends and it isn’t fair to the companies. OMG. I’m rambling. But I thank you a hundredfold! As I’m reading the comments, I’m seeing that it is a good thing I’ve been rejected because I can keep it real!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
YOU ARE THE BESTEST BLOGGER! You are ( as has been previously mentioned so lovingly by your FRIENDS) so darned relatable, real and hilarious! Yes you can be serious but you are not a tear jerker type o’girl. No”poor me some mean person dissed my idea, look etc. I think I’ll have a little public pity party’ Of course I have never read a mean girl comment from any of us!
I recently was reading some comments of ‘support’ on another blog. I think these people thought that by knocking the mean girl they would make the blogger feel better. But the vitriolic words of support were just as nasty. ( there were some very kind words used as well) I went back to read what the ‘mean girl’ had written and found myself agreeing with some of her comments ( certainly not the style that she wrote them in!) I guess you have to have a thick skin to put yourself out there and expect not everyone loves everything and yeah, some mean person will try to pull you down. From reading all these blogs I know there are plenty who have pulled up those ‘big girl’ pants and moved forward. That is your STYLE and we love you for it!
P.S. Garnier Micellar Water is awesome for removing waterproof mascara etc. I believe they now have a cloth as well. Well, I know they friggin’ do. I have a pack in my travel kit….senior moment there!! Actually anaesthesia brain from last night’s burst appendix episode!!! I am fine now!
Thank you Momcat! You know something? I was reading a blog post that was very similar to the one you are mentioning (I’m wondering if it was the same one) and it got me to thinking how fortunate I am that we have a GREAT community here. We’ve never, ever had those moments of mean girl at all. At. All!!! I struck gold with all the friends I’ve made who read the blog. Thank you so much–and your words make me try harder to write good stuff!
Hmmmm. Garnier Micellar Water. I gotta keep an eye out for that!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Love your new wig on you! Looks so natural and gives you a knock out look. I agree with Bonaparte! 🙂
Thanks Anne!! LOL–He liked it even better when I told him it was $11.99!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Also, you are my favorite blog! I save reading it until I get cozy in bed at night and can take time to enjoy reading it. Always fun, interesting, genuine, and relevant to my time of life. Keep up the good work for your “friends!”
Thank you Girlfriend!!!!! Anne–isn’t it true though? Some of the best reading is the reading you safe to get cozy with in bed!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Please, keep on posting in your unique and witty style. In every single one of your posts there is something for me to take away, be it on clothes or make up or life in general. I don’t wear a wig but it’s very interesting to see what to look for, what the pitfalls are while choosing one and the general upkeep of all your wigs.
Thanks for having shared some of the other blogs and vlogs you follow. Maybe you could share some more? I am popping in on emilynoel83 and Wayne Goss now too.
Thanks for being brutally honest in the makeup department.
Hopefully there is a rewarding new adventure around the corner for you very soon.
Hugs
Thanks B!!!! I’m thrilled that I can give you something to take away. OMG. Wayne Goss. I hope you have a few hours because you will binge on him. He’s also got a great sense of humor! Emilynoel83 gives the best in-depth reviews–she is freaking awesome and it’s like you are in the room with her just hanging out! She has a nice way about her!!!
Honesty. Is. The. Best. Policy!!!! Thank you!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Oh wow! That scarf is meant for you!!!! I’m with you on buying extra sets of things that work then squirrelling them away for later – good things get discontinued. The hair is really pretty too btw and enjoy that reading. Still in France until Wednesday- will the husband and I survive that long? Will my face survive – I have never yet found a sunblock for the face that doesn’t react with my skin, not sure which of my looks to go for – sunburnt or bright pink and puffy/flakey 🙂
Hello if you are still in France and in Paris (but I bet you are like all tourist), you could try the range of sunblock Alga Maris. It is organic, without essential oil, works well on my very sensitive skin. You can find the stuff in the shops Mademoiselle bio. There are several around Paris so I am sure there might be one close to your place. Just be aware that, as it is organic, you have to blend it well on the face. And it is also more expensive than the drugstore brand full of petrol and the likes but well to each its own. But if you prefer this route, just go in a pharmacy and ask for Avene stuff. Good enough as well.
Thank you for the recommendation, currently we are near Valence and here for another day or 2 and then heading for Lyon. I have taken a note of the recommendation as I look an absolute idiot – I’m surrounded by elegant honey skinned gorgeousness and I look like Krusty the clowns wee fat cousin Krispy, the hubby doesn’t burn ever (too hairy) 😀
Hi Juliet!!!! OMG. I LOVE that scarf so much. Thank you!! Yeah. I’m about to hoard the Fenty Lip Bomb because I fear discontinuation at some point. I need therapy. LOL!! Have you tried Peter Thomas Roth daily moisturizer? It has an SPF and it doesn’t bother the skin. I have issues with sunscreen/sunblock getting into my eyes and that was a great one. I’m currently using the SkinActives moisturizer Sunscreen with a high SPF–I’ve been using it for 4 days now and so far, no irritation at all. I think it’ll be a keeper! The review will be up in a couple of weeks!! ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR STAY IN FRANCE!!! Tchin Tchin!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Catherine you are my favorite blogger also. You do have a unique style and it is so enjoyable to read. You champion the older woman so well and we appreciate this so much. I really do look forward to a new post from you and you have so many topics you write about, including beauty and fashion, food and cooking, travel, work, family, politics and much more.I am certain it will not be long before you are recognised much more widely for your blog and appreciated for what you do so well. I wish you the very best – you deserve all the good things that will come to you.
Anne. Thank you so much for that!! It really is encouraging when I read comments like yours and makes me feel really, really good and hopeful! It’s important that our age group has a voice–and one that has a voice about everything. We have a lot on our plates and it needs to be addressed–but in a fun way!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Dear Catherine, I have been reading your blog for a while now and have always always thought perhaps you could move to Australia and live next door to me!!!! Your blog is the best, most real blog and I salute your honesty and integrity! You’re great! Keep it up.
Hi Doreen!! Calling Qantas Airlines!!! Calling Qantas!! I LOVE Australia. And was fortunate to have spent time in Sydney some years back. I’ve got family in Brisbane and they traveled to Sydney to meet me. We had a blast. Hmmmmm. I wonder if I could become an Ambassador to Australia………….. Thank you so much for both your encouraging words and for making me think that perhaps there IS a job for me in your homeland!!! XOXOXOXOXO
I’m sorry your blog was rejected, but those organizations are losing out, not you! The tide is turning my friend, so keep doing what you’re doing! Baby boomers and Gen Xers need more voices like yours. Oh, and that Mr. Perfect brush looks like a knock off of the Too Faced Mr. Right brush 🙂
Hey Lori! Thanks–the more I think about it, the more I’m happy that I was rejected. I don’t want to go that “myblogisanad” route. I sure hope the tide is turning! Oh..and that knock off of the Mr. Right brush?? I used it this morning to buff and it was surprisingly good–for $1.99 it was actually great!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I’m happy to hear that you intend to stick with your winning style and attitude – it makes your voice unique. And I think this is the first time I’ve seen a photo showing your (baking-soda and hydrogen peroxide brushed) teeth – you look like a teenager, a happy teenager!
Hi Marsha! Thank you!!! I’m sticking with what I’m comfortable with –being myself!! LOL. I always smile with my mouth closed but thought I would change things up a bit!! I’m glad you noticed that!!! XOXOXOX!!!!
I like your train of thought…”keep it REAL. That’s what I want to hear. More down to Earth. I’ll be 60 in a couple weeks and some of these blogs I read where they think it’s normal to spend $50.00 on eyeshadow palettes,please. No way. Your info is just my cup of tea. Keep it Real.
Paula
Hi Paula!! Thank you so much because I do like to keep it real. Let’s face it–as we become older (you aren’t yet 60–you teenager!), our needs change. Many people over 65 are retired and on a budget. I do not think $50.00 for an eyeshadow quad or palette is what the average older woman wants to spend on an eyeshadow. It’s the same with clothing. I adore my items from J. Crew–and I only purchase on sale. It’s all about wise spending. I swear to god, when I read a blog and see a click for a great looking sweater than find out it’s over 300 dollars, I shake my head. And I shake it because I’m thinking–what women can afford a sweater for three hundred bucks–it’s still going to pill at some point–just like a sweater that’s $50!!Right??! Glad we are on the same page!!! XXOXOXO!!!
Very relatable post! I agree with the people in the comments! Your blog is so cool and genuine! Love it!!
Thanks Kristen!! LOL–I’m working on another blog post and you’ve contributed to my procrastination because I’m reading about your favorite foundations right now! I’m you new subbie and you had me at “foundation”!!! XXOXOXO!!!!
So SWEET OF YOU!!! Xx.
I was watching the Saturday version of “CBS This Morning” today and they had a feature about “influencers.” There was a guy who was a writer for Fortune magazine and who had a kinda sorta style Instagram of his own. Once he became an influencer, he started spending tons of money on photographers and design people so that his photos would look better. And he has to wear what they send him, even if it’s not really his style. To be honest, it didn’t sound that appealing.
Anyway, I think your new wig could be lots of fun to wear sometime, it’s so glam!
Have a good weekend!
Hi Bridget! See..that’s what bothers me. A blog should be personal. It should be a reflection of the blogger’s personality. So this guy goes out and hires a photographer. I take my own photos. Are they great and professional? No–but neither am I . I’m a normal person writing about what I love. It’s a slippery slope it is. I wish I had seen this clip!! Thanks for letting me know about this–I feel a lot better!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I do not know how people get chosen to blog for some of these places. I mean, my degree is in Creative Writing and no one has ever accepted me to write for them. And, I had no luck getting hired to write exams for online English classes, which really surprised me more than trying to beauty blog or something, because I am a really good test-writer! I just do not know what sort of formula there is for that stuff at all, makes no sense to me.
And I did not know you were unemployed, which reminds me how behind I am on my blog reading! But I do keep up with my Candy Crush though (and my Candy Crush Soda, and Jelly Crush, and Scrubby Dubby Saga…I am addicted to those damn games)!
Hi Cynthia!! Hey, is your house ok from all that awful Texas weather? I hope so!! Yeah. I lost my job two weeks ago. Cuts. So–I’m trying my go at full-time blogging/writing. I’m not giving up. But I also see that getting rejected by these two “influencer” sites isn’t that bad because I refuse to turn my blog into a giant ad!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Totally. I do think what they look for has nothing to do with creativity and more about fitting into some market niche. I read a lot about it after I lost my job because it was something I considered too, but I never found anything that really spoke to me, and the whole thing felt overwhelming for some reason. A lot of people do make money at it, so it’s definitely possible, I just never could make heads or tails out of it myself.
Yours is the very first blog I’ve followed, being new to WordPress. It came up while learning to “search” 😊. Really enjoy your unique perspective, writing style, illustrations. Love reading a blogger who’s from the same vintage 😉. Thanks for keeping it real!
Thanks Beverly!!!! Hey. Our vintage is like fine wine. We just keep getting better and better!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I have a question. Do some bloggers do it to become ‘brand ambassadors’ and get free stuff? They’re open about saying it was a gift in exchange for an honest opinion . Because, honestly how do these retired women afford these expensive items? Like Eileen Fisher is crazy expensive( although occasionally some sales but it’s not my look) and some of the shoes I’ve linked to are also $$$$. Nobody is like Cath saying “I ran down to my garage and pulled this or that out of storage and look how great it looks with these sale pants!”
IMHO some of the jewellery is too pricy and all looks like cut up rosaries. My ma has a lovely sterling silver and moonstone rosary that would make a fine bracelet but she wants it for her “flight to heaven” she doesn’t trust the pilot?
Bloggers do the “Like to Know It” and “rewardStyle” because they receive a commission on items that readers “click” on. And that’s all well and good–but I never read anything of SUBSTANCE connected with items to click. That’s the difference between bloggers. I can think of two blogs that I love, where the bloggers collaborate, but they tell a STORY, it isn’t an advertisement. (The two blogs in particular that I speak of are Not Dressed as Lamb and Shelbee on the Edge). I don’t even know if these blogs are connected to those sites because there blog content is great.
As far as being a brand ambassador, I’m sure bloggers get free product, but I am very uneducated as to how brand ambassadorship works. I don’t know if there is exclusivity connected or if the bloggers get paid. It’s funny too, because Eileen Fisher seems to garner a ton of love from the over 50 crowd. I’m not a fan–I like my clothing more fitted and the EF brand is way too boxy on me. OMG. The line about your mother not trusting the pilot is something that I would hear from my mother, father or aunts. I laughed out loud at that one!!! XXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
S/B THEIR!!!!!!
Hi Catherine. I know this comment is a bit late but hey, have to tell you. Was in Toulouse over the weekend and I remembered your blog and the comment you made about having wipes because when in Europe they might not have the same washcloths and how wipes were so useful. OMG went to the loo/john in a bar – hahahohboyandwow – it was an old French style loo! Actually was quite used them when I was younger but now my knees – ’twas difficult!!! And a wipe in my bag – good! Just the sort of thing that might have made someone not accustomed to France faint on the spot!
Quite like the ‘unintentional natural’ you – you’re looking good! And your blog – keep being you! Even if I don’t comment I ALWAYS read you!
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