It’s Sunday and I ate too much last night. Add to that and the fact that the summer heat is still lingering like a drunken guest who’s stayed too late at the party and you can guess how the weekend was shaping up.
Bonaparte is hurt. It happened while playing Tennis. He must’ve torn a tendon and will be visiting the doctor next week. In the meantime, he is having a tough time walking.
Tennis was Bonaparte’s Waterloo this time around! The worst thing about this is that I have to take the dog out.
However, his stubborn nature has not been wounded.
And our dishwasher is on the fritz. And this just about kills me because it’s a KitchenAid and supposed to be one of the best dishwashers around. Our home is 8 years old. Dishwashers are supposed to last at least 10 years. Let me tell you something. I lived New Jersey for ten years. When we moved there from Manhattan, the home was a new build—and all the appliances were spanking new.
This. It better die soon so I can have a new one for the Holiday Season–or we’ll be eating on paper plates and using plastic utensils!
The builder-grade GE dishwasher that came with the house never gave me an issue for the ten years I lived in that house. With a household of 5 people, that meant a daily wash cycle. I rest my case.
We do maybe two or three loads a week and this dishwasher is acting up. My fear is that it’ll break on Christmas Eve—so we need to start looking now!
We took a drive to our nearest Home Depot. Now understand; my loving French husband woke up in pain. Me, being the hypochondriac that I am, offered begged him to let me drive him to the ER. After all, for once, it wasn’t me who had been hurt!
He declined. I offered to drive to Home Depot. He also declined my very generous offer.
Did I ever mention to you that I am a fast walker? I walk very fast. It stems from all those years of living in NYC and having to shove my way through crowds. I’m also a very aggressive walker. If you enter my private walking space, I shove.
I would say that when I’m walking I’m a cross between this guy and…
a cross between the way Ringo is strutting. But faster!
So, we’re in the parking lot and Bonaparte grabs my hand for dear life. It wasn’t because of Bonaparte’s love for me. It wasn’t because he was going to fall and feared he wouldn’t be able to get up. It was because he was pulling the reins in on me. I needed to slow down. He started speaking in French so I knew he was serious. I think he mumbled something to the effect of
“Tu et fou” “Regardez—marche doucement”! “You are crazy” “Walk Slowly”!!!
It also didn’t help that I started laughing at him while pointing to one of those huge garden carts and asked him if he wanted to sit on it so I could wheel him around.
Hey. I OFFERED to wheel Bonaparte around in one of these! BTW, I did not take this photo. Credit goes to I Finished My Basement!
Upon entering the store things got worse. I saw a motorized cart and explained, while still laughing, that it would be fun if he sat on this model cart and took it at a fast speed while I ran after him.
Look! Bonaparte could have made believe he was racing in the Grand Prix in Monaco! He coulda been a contenda!!!!
He did not laugh. Especially when I started to sing the Hoveround song!
I was obsessed with the Hoveround song since the first time I saw the commercial. On another note, Michael LeLand, the Hoveround singer has sadly passed away. RIP Mr. LeLand. You have made me smile for many years.
We made our way to the dishwashers and there wasn’t much of a selection. I think the complete lineup was 10 various kinds. Ranging in price from $300 up to $900.
I liked this dishwasher but we may be able to get a better price somewhere else..
Nice interior too!
The thing is—I knew Bonaparte was hurting when I suggested we continue our search elsewhere and he said he would rather just pick up the groceries we needed for our dinner and go back home.
And so, our search came to a halt. That’s ok though because I don’t like that he’s hurt. He’s resting now and I have the bread baking in the oven. I’ve sautéed the tomatoes and garlic in white wine and set them aside until later. The chicken breasts were pounded ever-so-thinly for even cooking and our dinner was a nice one on the deck.
This is the good thing about our lingering summer—we are still enjoying our meals al fresco!
It’s crazy! Tonight we’ll be returning to the deck for dinner. It’s 91 degrees today!!
One of our go-to dishes. Chicken breasts with Roma tomatoes and olives. I dredge the chicken in a thin coating of rice flour and it seals the moisture in. Try it! You’ll like it!
Remember the two palettes I bought Friday at Ulta? The Lorac palettes for $12 each?
Ridiculously low priced Lorac palettes. But did they work for me?
Yesterday as I got ready, I decided to use the Venice Beach palette. It’s glittery and sparkly but not in an over-the-top way. I’m sure a talented makeup artist can make it over-the-top because the colors are very pigmented. And that’s a good thing!
The shadows are also nicely milled. There is no fallout and the lift is good as well. More product on the brush means more product on the eyes!
Here’s what I did.
I brushed Boho Beauty over my lid and up to my brow bone. The lift on the brush was fantastic and virtually no fallout!
I applied Chill Vibes to my upper lid and swept Freckles in the crease. Then applied a bit of avaitors to line the bottom lid.
The result was extremely pretty.
The eyes have it! A nice glow around the eyes. These are NOT matte but they are very shimmery and I do believe they work very well on mature eyes!
Today I used the Malibu palette and love the way the colors look.
I started off with Afternoon Rose on the lid to brow bone-see the product on the brush? Booyah! Then I applied Cliffside view on my upper lid and finished with Route 1 in the crease. I also lined my bottom lids with a light touch of Route 1 and I blended with the $2.99 Eco tools blending brush–a most excellent buy!
It’s funny because at first, I thought the Malibu palette was more on the warm toned side and the Venice Beach was cooler. But now that I see both eyes completed, it’s the opposite!
Venice Beach Palette on top. Malibu Palette on the bottom. I think I like Malibu better but then again….. Either way, BOTH of these palettes are well-worth the $12 each!
Even though I don’t consider myself much of a nature girl, I prefer city life to suburban. The greatest thing about living in the city was being able to walk everywhere. And the walking never became boring. I lived to walk.
Malibu eyes, Kimmie wig by Freetress, and a summer outfit at September’s end makes a great “hiking” ensemble–even if the hike is at the mall!
And so, today, I decided to go on a nature hike. Through King of Prussia Mall. It was a very intense workout. I walked fast and furious. I made a pit stop at Macy’s because a considerable number of this chain has closed stores and I wonder how long the one at KOP mall will be around. In walking around, I realized why the stores have been closing. There’s nothing “Wow” at the store. However, while passing through the cosmetics area, I paused at the Origins counter. I had a cosmetics flashback. Some years ago, back in the early to mid-nineties, I was a fan of this organic brand. Wouldn’t you know? I found a creamy, peachy eyeshadow. It’s pretty with a touch of shimmer. I’ll be trying it out tomorrow and I’ll let you know how it looks.
Can you believe it? Who remembers Origin cosmetics? Do you still use this brand? I’m glad to have revisited!
I’m going to watch TV now. It’s Sunday afternoon and I do believe this princess needs to recline on the sofa and veg out—vegging out is organic!!
All this peachy talk is reminding me of the Allman Brothers “Eat A Peach” album. Remember that one? “I Ain’t Wasting Time No More”. I’m really not!
I remember Origins — I used to love their Knot Free conditioner!
Hi CG. I also remember a very pretty scent that smelled of ginger if I’m not mistaken!XXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
They also made (and may still make) a ginger shuffle body cream. It felt wonderful!
Oops! Meant to say Ginger Souffle Body Cream!
Poor Bonaparte – I feel for him! IF indeed IT is a torn tendon it really really hurts! And he needs to be careful and have it checked!
You actually inspired me with all these posts recently on sparkly shadows – I’ve found some hiding in my stash and will try it out this week.
Hi Angelin–You of the Capsule Wardrobe!! He’s going to the doctor this week. I made cookie dough. The corn cookies he loves so much. The dough is “resting” in the fridge overnight and tomorrow I’ll bake a nice batch for him!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Love! & your hair looks gorgeous <3
Thank you alatte!!!!!! Or shall I say alatte thanks!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Haha so cute!! 😊❤️❤️
Love the Eat a Peach album! Hope Bonaparte is much better soon.
Hi Marsha. I forgot how great the Eat A Peach album is. I went over to Amazon to check out the pricing and I think I’ll be ordering the CD. Bring back memories!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Bonjour de France Cathe! Sorry to hear about Bonaparte’s torn tendon and hope he sees some improvement soon. (He has very nice feet btw) Loving your new wavy wig, you look so pretty. Xx
Hey Fiona!!! Bon Soir. Yeah–he does have nice feet–and most men have gross feet. I got lucky!!! Thanks–I’m glad you like the wig!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
Here I am feeling guilty because you are vegging out and I’m at DQ eating a mini blizzard. But,boy is it good. Choco Cherry. It was good with your blog.
Origins is still popular in Canada but not as much the make up its mostly body care. In fact my favourite day eye cream is Ginseng Refreshing Eye Cream and I also like their line of Ginger Bath and shower products. Your poor man! Take care of him, he a treasure!
Hi Momcat! Oh. I’m taking very good care of him. He’s a bit on the grouchy side at present so I’m avoiding him like the plague!!!! LOL!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Hi Paula!! LOL!!! I’m rather fond of the Salted Caramel Truffle Bizzard *shhhhh* but the Choco Cherry sounds much healthier!! I”m glad it paired well with the blog!!! XOXOXXO!!!!
Hi Paula!! LOL!!! I’m rather fond of the Salted Caramel Truffle Bizzard *shhhhh* but the Choco Cherry sounds much healthier!! I”m glad it paired well with the blog!!! XOXOXXO!!!!
Oh I loved Origins, I used one of their foundations for a really long time, I cannot remember what it was called, then they discontinued it. I also loved the lip glosses Raspberry Truffle (01) and Beaming Berry (13), I really liked the skin care too. Back in the day here in Australia Origins was only available at Myer department stores in Melbourne and Sydney. I live in Adelaide, so I would ring through a phone order and it would be posted to me or stock up whenever I was in Melbourne. Now I believe you can only purchase the skincare in Australia from the Mecca website
Hi Dianne. This is great! I’m thrilled that others are remembering Origins fondly. With all the great products, I’m wondering why Estee Lauder (it’s owned by Lauder) is putting this brand in the background??? XXOXOXOXOX!!!!
I got curious, so I googled Origins foundations. Here it is, was called “Nude and Improved” the colour I remember was “A taste of Honey”.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/origins-nude-and-improved-bare-face-makeup-with-spf-15-sunscreen/2808147
Once that got discontinued I moved on to a Clinique foundation that I loved. In 2010 Clinique decided to discontinue that one. So I moved onto the Body Shop, used that foundation for ages. Now I use a Max Factor one. The joys of trying to find a foundation you like.
I forgot to add, speedy recovery for Bonparte, but boy was I laughing with the trolley/cart shenanigans. I would be doing the same. loooool
Isn’t your Kitchen-Aid under warranty? It may be something easy to repair. The filter may be clogged. 😘
Hi Carolyn, I’m not sure because we are the second owners of our home and the dishwasher was here when we moved in. But I think we just may call a repair person first before moving forward. Thanks for that heads up. I never thought it could be a clogged filter!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Hi – How do you get the eye shadow used as eye liner under your eyes to stay on all day? I have tried (even using a light primer first) and by noon its pretty much disappeared. btw…what eyeshadow primer do you and your followers use? Is there also something like a lip primer that helps keep lipstick on?
Happy Monday!
Yes, please share this with us! My shadow liner doesn’t even last until noon!
Hi Nancy and Bridget. I usually don’t use an eye primer because I use the face primer all over. But when I do use a primer it’s the NYX brand. I’ll be doing a post about the under eye shadow. In the meantime, I very LIGHTLY apply a line of shadow on my lower lid with the thinnest of the oval brushes. Super thin. Then I smoke it out a bit because a harsh line doesn’t make my eyes look too good.
I’m thinking because my skin is so dry, that’s why my eye makeup stays on all day. I don’t use the most expensive liners or mascara either. Now you have me thinking……XOOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I am with Bridget…I used a smidge of Urban Decay primer (which is supposed to be the best but I am not finding that to be true) under my last line at 8AM…just checked , its 10:45 and already fading…I am blonde with light eyelashes and glasses so need the definition of under eye liner BUT pencils are just too “rough” looking…even when I smudge them out….HELP
Sending good vibes and prayers for B’s ankle. And I don’t know how it is where you live, but in Utah the state made them take the phosphorus out of the dish washing soaps a couple years ago. Nothing got clean. Thought it was our dishwasher. Bought a new one. Same thing. I was upset! The old one was just as good as the new one that cost $700.
Hi Lady Calen. Whoa!!!! I never heard of that phosphorus thing. Yikes!!! Thanks for the heads up on that!! And thank you for sending good vibes and prayers for Bonaparte!!!! XXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Actually I think that’s the wrong word. It’s Phosphates.
Hi Catherine, Thank you for explaining how rewardStyle and Asyoulikeit works. It obviously works like any system that relies on inputting basic data to spit out a result (a black box is the finance term) and has no delicacy for making discretionary choices. Its called bureaucratic and means that their system is idiotic because you have all the attributes of a great blogger, particularly your writing style which is second to none. Any you are loved – so much support for you and gifts in admiration. I really liked the information on the brushes and eyeshadows. You are an absolute make-up wizz. I expect expensive appliances to last over 10 years. Our induction cooktop in Australia (only 7 yeears old) which cost nearly 4 grand is on the blink and the repair cost is nearly 2 grand. (All Aussie dollars – not US). I thought the cooktop would last forever and more. Done nothing at the moment as still recovering. I hope Bonaparte recovers quickly from his tennis injury – he still has until next May to qualify for Roland Garros as a wild card.
Hi Yvonne. Thanks for you thoughts on those programs. You woke me up to even more on that. I’ll tell you, that’s why I’m very particular about which blogs I follow at the moment. I want a story. I want an in-depth review on a product. I want to know that the person who is writing uses it on a pretty regular basis.
LOL. Roland Garros–Bonaparte would love that!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Another FANTASTIC ENTRY!! BRAVO!! YOU, MADAME BONAPARTE are SO FREAKING FUNNY!! I am sorry to learn Of Monsieur Bonaparte’s injury….OUCH!!!!!! He truly is a trooper going all the way to the store with you sporting that kind of injury= THAT IS PURE LOVE!!!! BUT OH HOW YOU MADE ME LAUGH WITH THOSE CARTS….TOO FUNNY!! AND YOUR POWER WALKING WAYS!! YOU ARE JUST TOO FUNNY!!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS!!!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING US LAUGH AND FOR SHARING YOUR WISDOM WITH US!!!! Hope your husband is doing much better today!!!! He needs to rest and heal that leg=no more shopping with him, Madame!! 😉 XOXO
Thank you Shakey!!!!! I love your excitement and love to make you laugh!!!!! XXOXOXOXO!!!!
Hi Catherine, So sorry about Bonaparte’s leg. Hope he gets well soon. Love to take long walk too and I also walk very fast. I get the same comment from my husband: “Es-tu folle? Veux-tu bien ralentir! Ben voyons, y’a pas l’feu!” -Translation: Are you crazy? Would you slow down! There is no fire!” Very similar comment but my husband says it with a Quebec accent! You would find it very funny.
You can try Queen Appliances for the dishwasher. There’s one in King of Prussia.
Trice! I swear to God, that’s one of the places on our listing. I applied for a job there as an administrative assistant almost two years ago. The interview seemed to go well, because they were telling me how much they loved me. I never got the job.
No big deal though because they have a ton of appliances and if we can get a great deal on a dishwasher, I’m excited!XOXOXO
I love a great deal. By the way I spoke with your Jay at Nordstroms. He is going to do my makeup for my son’s wedding in April.
Patrice–YES!!!!! YES!!!! You will look ravishing. He’ll do a stellar job!!!
How is Bonaparte now – is he getting better? We can go walking together – I get furious with waddlers, dawdlers, amblers – especially if they cant walk in a straight line and waeve across the footpath – and in groups!!! Groups of them enrage me, dont even get me started on the type that get to the top of elevators and then stop in wonderment – they actually deserve to get trampled by my little hooves
Oh I had no idea Origins did make up – not seen that in the local John Lewis, but their face products are good – really gentle, their face scrub is rice particles in it so really soft on the skin and no plastic beads going into the ocean. I am all about the mixing of high end and low end – there is a wonderful italian brand (really really cheap), kiko – they do great eyeliner that is very soft and even I can manage a smokey eye, initially a lot of it looks really bright but I have a eggplant shade, heaven