My Consistent Inconsistency —Is it Just Me???

Posted on June 3, 2018 by Catherine

Why is it that I start out gung-ho with my weight loss plans, and then something happens to send me off the wagon? Is it just me who does that?  Am I the only one?

Yeah!  Why am I?  Why am I so consistently inconsistent?

Seriously.  It’s like Roseanne Barr blaming Ambien for her racism.  I should blame M & M’s for my fat ass.

Hey you guys–and Greenie!  Don’t get your knickers in a twist. I’m NOT blaming you for my weight issues.  Although I do have a tendency to eat way too much of you……..

But I don’t.  I take full responsibility for my actions regarding food.

The fact is that I love food.  I love cooking and food is more than a meal to me.  Food is enjoyment.  It’s that Holiday meal that you share for hours at the table with family and loved ones. It’s that three-day weekend where you have cookouts and barbeques with your friends.  It’s the birthdays and graduations and life events that end up centering around food.

It’s the freaking 3/4 of a BAG of these chips I ate because I got “sad” when Roman left us to go back to NYC.  

And I need to realize that I’m a bit over-the-top when it comes to this subject.  I got on the scale this morning after three weekends of wonderful times with the kids and with Bonaparte! I’m five pounds heavier than three weeks ago.  And I’m thoroughly disgusted with myself.

Trust me. When I was at Oona and Sam’s I finished off an excessive amount of these.

I ate my way with gusto and pleasure through Cincinnati when I went to visit Oona and the next weekend I still managed to enjoy the gastronomic pleasure of escargot, steak and other delicacies.  Last weekend when Roman came to visit it was Salmon Rillettes, more steak, Béarnaise sauce, Pina Coladas, home-baked bread and enough corn chips to go around the circumference of the earth.

I don’t even want to begin to count the POINTS in the Pina Coladas I made!  Apparently the sugar from the coconut cream, pineapple juice and rum, stays in your body doing very bad things after you drink these.  Going pee-pee doesn’t get rid of the sugar weight gain!

And today I feel guilty.  I feel like a liar because I’m kind of a bad blogger to not be so diligent.

But no fear!  I’m back on track.  Last night I had bad gas pains because it’s been a while since I made spicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken.

Image result for atypical60 vietnamese lemongrass chicken

Most likely the healthiest food I’ve eaten in the past three weeks! But it gave me gas!

Bonaparte, being the loving husband, he is, made me an Alka Seltzer, and like Scarlett O’Hara, I looked forward to the “another day” of tomorrow.

scarlett ohara GIF

Hey there Scarlett–don’t you give me the side eye!  I’m just like you!

So, today is tomorrow and now that tomorrow is yesterday (are you following?) so it’s back to being diligent and counting points.

This evening I’ll have a turkey burger with sliced tomato on a Flat-out bread. One of my favorite vegetables, broccoli will be served on the side and for dessert, a healthy helping of fresh strawberries.

Look!  Only two points!  Now to turn this into a burger bun…..

Let’s hope that the 2018 tomatoes have flavor!!!

A most healthy dessert and no points!!!

I have cucumber and Laughing Cow cheeses as well as Melba Toasts for my lunch during the work week.

I’ll slice the cukes,  and place them atop the Laughing Cow cheese that is spread on the Melba Toasts!  Just like in the picture on the box!

Now that I’ve come clean about my inconsistency, I’m feeling much better!

It’s a cloudy Sunday and the weather has cooled down to a brisk 64 degrees.  It’s funny because 64 degrees is only “brisk” during the summer months.  Had the mercury hit that number during the winter, it would be “unseasonably warm”.  Am I right?

Because my husband was so good to me with the Alka Seltzer, I decided to wear black hair today.  Well, it was also because of a bit of melancholia over missing my natural hair.  Something hit the emotional button this morning and I just really missed that mop o’ hair that I used to curse due to it’s unmanageability.  I grabbed an oldie but goodie out of the bowels of my wig collection and plopped her on my head.

I went with dark hair today. Just like the hair I was born with–sort of!  I forgot how great this Bobbi Boss “Millie” bob wig is.  Maybe I’ll order her in a lighter color!

After this bout of sadness, it was time to get moving.  My nails were so disgusting that I finally got a proper manicure.  Kim cut my nails down because it allows for a healthier growth—besides, I type all day at work and long nails mess me up.  And—a fresh coating or three of my favorite Big Apple Red and I was off to run errands.

Phew!  Once again, the hands are looking like those that the Lartigue men find so appealing.  Well-manicured with red polish!

You know, I hadn’t been to Marshall’s in ages.  When I worked around the corner from the store, it was a regular “stop-by-on-the-way-home” for me.  It’s in the same shopping complex as the Walmart I drive to and it was time to revisit.

Now, I have enough clothing for the summer but it’s always nice to pick up an item or two to add to the mix.  And sometimes you never quite know what will end up in your shopping cart.  Since I had time to kill and no place special to be, I roamed around and tried a few things on.

The shirtwaist dresses that tie in front have always been of great interest to me. I love them but have never seen any in stores—just on women passing by.  When I saw this Calvin Klein number on the clearance rack for $20, I couldn’t help myself.  I tried on the 8 and the 6.  Why didn’t they have an in-between size?  The 8 was just too big and the 6, although it fit better—had the same issue so many dresses do.  The waist was cut too high.  It would have been a wasted purchase for me because I would be tugging down on the waist all day.  Again, this would have been such a great dress if the waist was more long-torso friendly.

This dress though.  Man, if the dress hadn’t been so short-waisted, it would have come home with me.  What a shame–but I just can’t see buying a dress if I’m constantly tugging and pulling at it!

Next was a striped body-con midi.  I LOVED this dress and I’m not a midi person but there was something about the cut that was so appealing to me.  At $14.99, I’m sitting here writing this post and I regret not making the purchase!

Regrets, I’ve had a few–and this is one of them.  I loved this one but passed!

Here’s what I did add to my wardrobe.

A black and white striped jumpsuit.  Now this came as a massive surprise because jumpsuits are way out of my comfort zone. But I have to say, this jumpsuit is so light and is cut so nicely and has pockets!! It came as a shock at how much I loved this and at $19.99 the price was too good to pass by.  The top is a more classic cut and my concern was the length of the pants.

This could have been a tad more long-waisted, but the blouson top rescues it!  I freaking LOVE this!!!!

And then I realized something; which is why you should never throw anything away.  I have a pair of shoes that are over ten years old that I’ve only worn once, and I love.  They would be a perfect match for this striped beaut.

Proof that it pays to hold on to things.  These shoes will be perfect for the jumpsuit!

I’ll be wearing this to work during the week.

The other purchase, another $19.99 fantastic find, is a short-sleeved maxi dress.  A proper short-sleeved dress is very difficult to find.  For some bizarre reason, short sleeves are, for the most part, so short that they are almost the hideous cap sleeve.  Not flattering on the pro-aging arms.  However, this dress had those coveted short sleeves that every short-sleeved article of clothing should have!  Add to that, the dress has slits on the sides making movement more comfortable.  I absolutely adore this dress and know it’ll get a lot of wear into the Fall!

Look at those sleeves!  And the slits are very becoming because they don’t go up all the way. Very pro-aging friendly and I prefer a maxi to a caftan anyway.  With sandals or my white low-top converse sneakers this dress is a great casual Friday dress!  

Oh!!  And guess what else?  You know the Essence palette I wrote about in yesterday’s blog post?  Where I compared the Essence “Mauvie-time” to Mac’s “Quarry”?  Well, that little palette I created has another fantastic dupe—yes it does!!  The shadow “Steel The Show” is an exact dupe for Urban Decay’s “Pistol” (And if you are a regular reader of this blog you are very much aware of the condescending email Urban Decay sent me and therefore I have stopped purchasing any of the brand’s products).

Essence “Steel the Show” on top.  Urban Decay’s “Pistol” on the bottom.  Where’s the difference? Both have excellent pigmentation and I’m wearing “Steel the Show” today.  Check it out in the photo up top of me in the wig!

Pistol comes in at the price of $20 for 0.05 US oz. of product, where Steel the Show costs $1.99 for 0.06 oz. of product!  That’s a huge price difference!

The past week flew by. Being off on Monday really made that work week short.  And I’m lucky to work for a large corporation with an office casual dress code but I think this coming week, I’ll dress up a bit more! Here’s a look at my casual work looks from the week.

Tuesday and back after a three-day weekend!  It was very casual–or rather lazy dressing!

Wednesday and a favorite white skirt from Uniqlo that I bought on sale for practically nothing either last year or the year before.  A fitted striped shirt and ballet flats and I felt like Bardot!

I was too lazy to shave my legs on Thursday so I wore an old pair of J. Crew Minnie pants paired with a ten dollar top from Old Navy from last year.

Just in case anyone forgot what day it was, I wore this to remind my coworkers that it was Friday!!  J. Crew Factory has been stepping it up with some great items.  Both the tee and skirt are from there!

My girlfriends Linda and Sandy both suggested I do a post with a step-by-step on how I apply my makeup. What do you think?  Promising idea?  I think it’ll be fun so this week I’ll be concentrating on how I do my everyday makeup.  Post to follow….

Have a great Sunday afternoon and evening and an even greater week to come!

 

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More Summer Makeup Goodies For You! And My Very Random Saturday!

Posted on June 2, 2018 by Catherine

Bonaparte has gone to his Dermatologist for his skin check and I’m hoping all is well.  He’s had Melanoma twice so my fingers are crossed that my sun-loving Frenchman is clean!  Update as I’m writing this.  He’s fine and so fine, in fact, that he’s catching rays now on the deck.  Oy vey!

I’m not even going there right now–I’m just happy my Frenchman has a clean bill of health.  I’ll stick with the fake tanner for now though!

I’m sitting here imagining myself sitting under a big ol’ shade tree on a chaise, reading a book and enjoying a cool glass of home made lemonade.  That vision came to me this morning while going through my Instagram feed when I spotted this photo.  I reached out to the woman who posted this (I also follow her, and she said there was no need to mention her) to ask permission to post this pic because I love it that much! This photo literally made my eyes mist because it reminded me of a shade tree in the yard of the home I grew up in.   Why am I so weird?

This photo though–it makes me miss having a yard and I’m, at heart, a city girl!  Can you just imagine sitting here with a great book?  I’m so in love with this visual right now!

The weather report for a rainy day is, once again, wrong. It’s sunny and hot outside but I can assure you as soon as we head outside this evening for our aperitifs on the deck—that’s when the rain will make an appearance.

You know—how come if we make errors or mistakes in our daily work, it isn’t a good thing and too many errors can lead to job loss.  However, meteorologists are wrong 75 percent of the time and their jobs are secure. Am I right???

vanessa bayer what GIF by Saturday Night Live

Yeah. You know WHAT!  You messed up the weather report. AGAIN!!

Anyway, you know that little guest room where I put my makeup on and store my wigs?

My little corner of the beauty world. And yes–I place my wigs upside down on the styrofoam heads.  The become fuller that way!

Well—I have this awful habit of being clumsy. And that means I spill and drop stuff. And that means I spill and drop makeup on the carpet.  Oh, how I despise carpeting.  We almost didn’t move into our chateau because I hated the carpeting that much.  But we ripped some of it up and replaced with hardwood and I long to rip the remaining carpet from the rest of the house and replace with hardwood.  But it’s expensive as all get out so I’ll have to just save up!

And this morning, I got down on my hands and knees with dishwashing liquid, water and a nail brush and scrubbed those little spots out.  My new name is Cinderella Lartigue! I feel so much better though now that the carpet is cleaned.  I mess it up more than Chippy does!

Before and after.  Lordy miss Claudy how I hate carpeting!!!

I was planning to film a YouTube video about a new wig and summer makeup and when I looked at my nails, I realized that I must wait.

They are disgusting. I don’t wear nail tips but have acrylic brushed on my natural nails because they are really brittle.  I couldn’t get squeezed in today so tomorrow morning I’l be at the salon getting my nails done.  I’m pretty bad!

I read one of my favorite blogs after I got down on all fours to scrub–I needed a rest.  The blog?  Not Dressed As Lamb.  Do you read it?  I really enjoy Catherine’s writing. She’s an honest woman with great views and great reads.  But the funny thing is that she did a post on the natural face!  I’m telling you great minds think alike.  Read this post–In Praise of Natural Makeup. 

Catherine Summers of Not Dressed As Lamb in her natural beauty. Oh to be in my forties again.  But I’m not so I deal with it!

So, to elaborate on more Summer goodies for the face, I stopped at Ulta yesterday on my way home from work.  Now—you are all most likely well-aware that Ulta is not my favorite store due to the sales non-help.  But—the selection of budget-friendly cosmetics is excellent, and I thought I would putz around and pick up an item or two.

First off, I headed to the non-budget area to see if iT cosmetics had the Lip Serum in the color “Love”. It was nowhere to be found.  Then I spotted the Vitality Flush Reviver Lip and Cheek Stain in one of my favorite shades ever “Je Ne Sais Quoi.”  I had this in the past and forgot about how much I liked it.  Into the bag it went.  And I’m glad I threw it in there.  The flush it produces on the cheeks is a beautiful pink and blends well into the skin.  It’s a creamy stick so it’ll be worn more in the cooler months than in the summer simply because the humid weather tends to melt the creamy products that I’m fond of.

My high-school buddy, AnnaMarie Simonetti got me hooked on iT lip flush in Je Ne Sais Quoi and I’ve been a fan of the lip/cheek products ever since.  This is a repurchase and I’m glad that I made it! It really gives off a natural flush!

Speaking of creamy products, I headed over to the budget section and made a stop at Makeup Revolution’s section.  Are you familiar with this brand?  I’ve written about their shadows and for the price, the products are great!  And on Instagram, I saw a little video of someone using the Cream Contour palette and was intrigued.

This…

….is insanely creamy.  

The last one was that was in the store went right into the bag!  I must tell you. This morning I used this to see how creamy it is, and I was shocked!  This is akin to milk chocolate that’s been left in the car on a sweltering day and you open the wrapper and eat it anyway because it’s so good (don’t judge now).  This is that creamy!

Yes. I have and the contour is as creamy as this!

And it blends so well.  The palette cost $12 and was worth more if you ask me.  Again, I’ll probably save this for the winter but on those dry and cool summer days or date nights, this will be used.  The blendability is beautiful and the highlighting shade is incredible.  I’m completely impressed by this.

I applied some of this super-rich and creamy contour on my wrinkly-crinkly face…

And it blended in beautifully.  This contour palette is an A+ product!

And while perusing the aisles, I came across a tube of lip gloss.  The brand is Lottie London and I saw a shade that looked very similar to iT’s “love”.  Into the bag it went, and I couldn’t have been happier with the $6 and change purchase!  It’s a matte but with the addition of a clear gloss it’s a spot-on dupe for Love and a lot less pricey!

On the left, iT cosmetics Serum gloss in “Love”  on the right Lottie London Slay All Day gloss in Hun.  Yup. They are very similar!

BTW, that nude color I had in yesterday’s blog post–here it is..

I primed my lips with it and went in for the kill with..

The Lottie London Matte Lip Gloss to which I applied a clear shinier gloss. This is an exact dupe for  iT’s Love!

The Essence Cosmetics was very handily next to Makeup Revolution.  The temptation was too much. I picked up another mascara and couldn’t resist making yet another palette.

Good God.  I took my wig off and look-immediate shedding of the bio hair!  Welcome to . my life!  Anyway, here’s the palette I made.  Another palette of summer neutrals.  From left to right.  Brownielicious,  Mauvie-time , Steel The Show, Cotton Candy.

The notable thing that I discovered while making this palette is that the shadow “Mauvie-Time” is the perfect dupe for my beloved MAC “Quarry” shadow.  MAC raised the price of their refillable shadows to seven dollars up from six.  The Essence refillable shadows are $1.99 each—ok?

Shadow at the top is Essence’s Mauvie-Time.  On the bottom, MAC Quarry.  I can’t spot the difference. Can you?

And are very pigmented and blend beautifully.

This look from that palette.  These are excellent shadows!

In fact, I have the shadows from this palette on my eyes today!

For good measure I also grabbed the last of the Number 441 Morphe blending brushes. This is going into my travel bag.  At $6.00 this brush is the only blending brush you will need when it comes to eyeshadows. It does the trick so well. Two of these are better than having one!

If you purchase but one brush, make it this!  I love this brush so much. It is, hands down, the best blending brush ever!

Next, I headed over to the fake tan area.  Oona is a fan of Tan Towels and I hadn’t purchased them in over a year.  Tan Towel gives a great fake tan and the application is a cinch. For those who are hesitant to apply a cream or foam tanner, Tan Towel is the perfect solution because you cannot mess the application up with this!  It is not an inexpensive product. I paid $20 for this little kit and with five towels and a spray mist, it’s a good deal!

It’s been a while but I’m glad I repurchased.  I missed having this and the tan produced from the indivdual towels lasts around five days!

The last item to go into my bag was an idiotic impulse purchase.  A blending sponge by Tarte Cosmetics.  And I am a damned fool for spending $16 on it.  Thirty lashes with a wet noodle for me! I compared it to my Real Techniques Blending Sponge.  Let me tell you—The Real Techniques Blending sponge, a little over eight dollars for a pack of two, is the best blending sponge I’ve ever had.  Need I carry on?

Real Techniques on the left.  I have a backup in my makeup case. The Tarte on the right–what a waste of money. It blends but for the price, Real Techniques is my favorite. And Chippy’s too. He ate three of them!

Related image

Truth. Chippy isn’t sad because of the rain. He’s depressed because I have been hiding my makeup sponges from him and they are his favorite snack!

Today I’m wearing new hair—which is also budget-friendly.  It’s a blunt-cut, middle part bob that is slightly bumped under.  Lyna from Bobbi Boss.  I purchased this unit from HairSoFlyShop and she is becoming more difficult to find.  I am awaiting the sleek version, Lyna Sleek which I ordered in Medium Brown.  This unit is also available on Amazon.

“Hair’s” Lyna!  Another great bob!

Oh Wait!  Here she is with filtered me so that I look as fake as my hair!  I prefer the wrinkled version of me!

 

 

I wanted to show you the difference between yesterday’s makeup and todays!  Although the lighting in yesterday’s photo is slightly brighter, you can get a good look at the less pricey dupe items I used on my face such as the lips and eyes!  Further proof that you do not have to spend a fortune!

If you would like a better look at the items I purchased, I’ve listed them on My Amazon Page.  You can get a look then travel over to the sites where the items are also available and remember—if you shop, please shop for the best price!

I ordered Argon Oil from Amazon today.  The Josie Maran sample size that I have is almost gone and I’m not spending $48 on it when The Ordinary has it for  less than  $13.

The Ordinary is one of my favorite affordable brands. Ever!!

Have a great afternoon and if you have a sunny day—go out and sit under a shade tree with an enjoyable book and a glass of lemonade!

And enjoy one of my favorite summer songs ever!

 

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

 

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There’s A Summer Face…And Its Pared Down and Natural!

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Catherine

Summer.  Less clothing.  No outwear.  Barefootin’ it outside.  Barefoot driving!

Image result for atypical60 l'aiguille

 

MMMMM..giving the feet a rest from winter footwear!

We stay outdoors longer—even if it’s just to be a bit more comfortable after the sun goes down.

We’re always outdoors past twilight in the summer.  We were enjoying dinner on the beach in Theoule in this photo from a couple of years back!

Summer is more relaxed and casual.

And with that, the summer face is all that–natural, relaxed, casual.

With a good amount of SPF slathered over my face, I will allow the sun to give me a bit of healthy color. (I’m monitored by my doctor)

Well, lots of sunscreen, an umbrella overhead and a spray tan. This is my all-time favorite summer look.  It was taken in France about a week after I got sprayed so most of the color is SAFELY from the sun.  The only makeup I’m wearing is lipgloss, brow pencil and mascara.  

The color correctors, the contours and the heavier foundations are all taking a rest for a couple of months—and so is my wallet! There is something about this time of year that brings out the want to be more natural. And with a summer glow, we all look a bit more beautiful. Don’t you think?

Anyway, I wanted to touch upon some of my favorite summer makeup items.  You don’t have to spend a fortune and it’s nice to give your face a break from all the liquid and cream foundations we use during those cooler months. However, I do find that the summer products that I do spend a bit more on seem to last forever–I’m not kidding either!

Last summer I started using Laura Geller Balance n Brighten Baked Foundation.  I cringe to call it a powder but it’s unlike any powder I’ve ever used in my life. I can’t use powder because it’s really drying and my face is dry enough without looking like the arid desert!  But this is different. It is so finely milled and doesn’t come off as cakey or dry at all.  It’s great because it doesn’t melt when you sweat. It stays put and just gives a very light finish.  I purchased the foundation in a set from her website (and because the site does not focus on older women, I now purchase my Laura Geller makeup from either Amazon or QVC).

I’ve written about this in the past, but this is one foundation that defies humidity and grimy sweat.  I’m telling you, if this doesn’t dry MY skin out, it won’t dry anyone’s skin out.  

At $33 for the foundation, it may seem pricey, but it really isn’t when you consider the cost per wear.  I purchased this quite some time ago and still haven’t put a dent in it.  It’s a great hot weather foundation because it lasts all day.  Sweat doesn’t take it off.  Humidity doesn’t take it off.  Scrubbing your face will wash this off.  It’s lighter than air it is.

I have also been using the Wet’nWild Cushion foundation for the cooler, rainy days.   All my other foundations are on vacation until the coming of the Fall!

Eyes.  Since I have a tendency to stick with neutral shadows, I basically stick to the same shadows but with a lighter touch.

The neutrals still have it in the summer–with a bit of shimmer every now and then…like today!

This palette I made from individual shadows by Essence is a great summer choice.  A bit of shimmer and nothing out of the comfort zone…

And of all the Mac palettes I’ve made, this one is my summer favorite.  Quarry, the shadow on the bottom right is my all-time favorite neutral!

This little grouping of shadows is from a large Morphe palette. Most of the colors are warm–which are great for the Fall, but for summer, these are nice and light!

Mascara is my friend and I don’t use waterproof mascara because it’s like trying to take beach tar off my feet.  Luckily, I found an excellent budget-friendly mascara that stays put and doesn’t smear.  Essence makes a great, great mascara.

Hands down, this mascara is FANTASTIC!!  It makes the lashes look incredibly thicker.  Best drug-store brand ever!

To make the eyes appear a bit larger, I’ve stopped the heavy eyeliner on the lids and only tightline.

No eyeliner on the lids.  Just tightlined on the top water line.  It makes the eyes a bit larger and with my slightly hooded eyes, it’s a good thing!

A bit of blush, whether an inexpensive cream or a powdered one that’ll keep on your face all day will do just fine.  With a healthy dose of color from the sun, I find that I oftentimes don’t even do the blush during the summer.

Geller’s Baked Bronze-n-Brighten is much more of a blush for me than a bronzer..

My favorite “Dollar” blush.  elf cosmetics discontinued this stick blush and it is great. Lemonade is the color and I’ve had this for two years. Very pigmented and looks nice with a tan.  I loaded up and have two more in waiting!

Bronzer.  I am a fan and switch off between two favorites.  Wet n’ Wild’s Ticket to Brazil and it’s the best budget bronzer out there.  At $4.99 when you can manage to find it, it is a great buy.

A tip about appying bronzer.  Use a big fluffy brush.  A smaller one won’t do the job and could make the bronzer look like dirt.  Even if you decide to use  bronzer as contour, use a larger brush!Ticked to Brazil, No. 739 from Wet n’ Wild.  I’ve had this for over three years!  It’s fabulous for the money but is often hard to come by because it’s aways sold out!  It gives a nice color apres sun.  It’s one of my favesT

The Guerlain Terra Cotta is another bronzer that I love.  I picked it up quite some time ago at CDG airport for a very discounted duty-free price.  But even though this is pricey, it lasts forever and goes on very lightly. It’s completely buildable.

Although pricier, Guerlain’s Terra Cotta Bronzing powder is wonderful. It’s very light and for the fair-skinned can be built up.  It’s especially useful for those who do not tan!  And it doesn’t smell!

Body Bronzing.  I’ll come clean on this.  About ten years ago, I ordered Laura Geller’s Baked Body Frosting from QVC.   I used it for a few years and barely made a dent.  Then in a move, I lost it.  And forgot about it.  Then I saw it again and purchased it last year and I’m glad that I did.  This gives such a pretty glow to skin.  On legs, on shoulders, on your face.  It’s just a beautiful product.  For the price (I think $33 on it’s own for a huge amount–it’s $45 for a set with a huge brush). It is soooooooo worth it!  I love this stuff!

Note the size of the Body Frosting! It is HUGE!!!  And even though it comes with a small puff, I use a big brush to apply it!

The lips.  I’m usually wearing a cocktail of lip products throughout the year, but in the summer, I tend to stick with very neutral shades that lean more toward the neutral cool side.  I’ve been wearing Buxom’s Dolly and iT Cosmetics “Love” lip serum.  This lip serum has lasted me over a year.  I apply both over a very pale nude matte lipstick.  It’s because I have very pigmented lips and need to tone the natural color down.

From top to bottom (or left to right?).  Buxom Dolly Lip Plumper,  iT Lip Serum in the color Love and the lipstick is from NYX–but any nude will do!  You can see how they look in the photos of me above!

A budget Fake Tanner that I love is by Ocean Potion.  It’s so gradual and is light but there’s enough color that you don’t need to wear pantyhose.  And it smells good!

Although no SPF, this is hydrating. I use it as a body lotion!

So that’s about it.  For your interest, I’ve put these products on my Influencer List on Amazon: “Atypical60 Influencer List”.   (I refuse to link to cosmetics companies that won’t recognize older women on their sites which is one of the reasons I became an Amazon infuencer).

So how’s YOUR summer face?  Do you pare down?  Share your favorite summer cosmetics with us!

And speaking of  A Summer Face–here’s A Summer Place (God, I love this song so much–brings back childhood memories and the movie is so campy!)

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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A Damper On The Holiday Weekend? Only Weather-Wise!

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Catherine

Now that the first day back at work after Memorial Day Weekend 2018 is over, we can wax sentimental over the three-day that just passed.

I hope everyone had a better Memorial Day then the Eagle that I flew on. He doesn’t look too happy!

I’m hoping everyone had a great weekend no matter where you are!

For me, it was relaxing and somewhat quiet but it was fun and we kept busy.

We were able to enjoy drinks on the deck but as soon as dinner was ready, the raindrops fell so it was back into the house.

Image result for atypical60 drinks on the deck

Raindrops that keep falling on my head are fine–but once they hit the Kir Royal, it’s time to head inside!

You must understand something.  During the summer months, Bonaparte is obsessed—absolutely obsessed with the weather and weather reports.  He was mumbling in French the remainder of Friday evening simply because the rain put him in a foul mood and the forecast for the three days was not good.

Uh oh!  Someone wasn’t too happy with the weather report!!!

Roman arrived Saturday afternoon and we drove into Center City to pick him up.  But let me backtrack for a minute here.  Saturday’s forecast was rain.  And upon waking up, the dark gray clouds were hovering above.  Since I knew Roman was coming, I headed downstairs to bake a “good loaf” of bread and to make the salmon rillettes.

Ahhh…those tasty Salmon Rillettes!  Any time of year is a good time for them!!

And then a strange thing happened.  The sun came out.  Finally, a smile on the Frenchman’s face.  We both headed out on the deck for some sun and after an hour the clouds returned.  It was that type of day.  Clouds.  Sun. And the temperature stayed beautifully toasty.

It got really hot outside.  Hot enough so that I wore my shortest wig–Lacey by Envy!

It was good to have Roman home for a couple of days.  And it was good to have a buddy to watch a baseball game with.   And once again, we attempted to have dinner out on the deck and this time we enjoyed a lovely dinner for three!

Aug 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (left) center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (center) and right fielder Mookie Betts (right) celebrate after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Red Sox win 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The photo may be dated, but boy, it’s so good to be able to sit back and watch a ball game–especially when it’s the Red Sox!

Sunday’s weather was awful but you know, I really didn’t mind.  You just can’t get too upset about the weather when you don’t need a winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf and boots.  Shorts and a tee will suffice!

How bad was the weather?  Even Chippy was upset!!!

The rain didn’t bother me, I went out like this–only I had loafers on my feet and an umbrella overhead!

And what else is there to do when the weather on a holiday weekend is bad?  Why—go to the outlets, of course!

Look who I ran into at the Lindt Chocolates shop!  My good friend Roger Federer.  He stopped me from over indulging!  I love Roger for watching out for me!

Bonaparte wanted a new pair of pants, Roman had gift cards from the past two years that were still in his wallet, and I will never pass up the chance to go to J. Crew Factory!

J. Crew Factory had 60 percent off everything!!!!!!!  That store was mobbed!!!

We all had good luck and then it was on to………

I’ll be wearing my new tee on…………guess what day?

The movies!

I’ll tell you something.  Living in Phoenixville has its perks.  And one of those perks is The Colonial Theatre. I freaking love that movie theatre.  So, do my kids—and now Bonaparte does as well!

And one can always enjoy a refreshing beverage such a beer or wine whist viewing the show.  This is Roman’s beer.  I passed on a beverage!

We saw…. RBG—or rather The Notorious RBG; a truly inspiring documentary about a truly inspiring woman. Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  What a woman!!!!  It doesn’t matter what your politics are or whether you are to the left or the right—this movie is not about that.  It’s simply about the life and career of one of the most paramount women in the United States at the present.

The Notorious RBG. Ruth. Bader. Ginsburg.  She’s the bomb and I need an RBG Tee!

There were parts of the film where the three of us were moved to tears—as was the entire audience!

What an incredible woman.  What an incredible life.  Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg is a woman to be revered and admired by all!

If you get the chance to see RBG—please by all means go.  And take your daughters and granddaughters too!

Image result for supreme justice ruth bader ginsburg

She can’t cook.  She loves the opera. And you will be very surprised to find out who one of her besties was!

Movie over, we took a walk up the street to The Foodery for beer and some chips.  Oh yeah, it’s a Holiday weekend and any phase of diet is thrown to the curb!  I’ll go back to my strict food on Tuesday!

The Foodery in Phoenixville has quite the selection of beer, ales, stouts, ciders and other beverages!

In my large family, we have a contingent of Boylan’s.  But OUR Boylans have never ever partaken of a Shirley Temple….unless it has booze!

Roman turned me on to these chips. Crab Chips. At least they’re gluten free!

Because the atmosphere was as thick as pea soup, we opted for dinner indoors!

The gougeres are NOT gluten free. I ate some anyway.  

I did manage to throw together a delicious corn salad.  Here’s how you make it:  2 cans of corn, drained.  A chunk of Queso, sliced and diced.  Small can of jalepeno peppers, diced and drained.  One small tomato, diced.  Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix.  Drizzle with Rice Vinegar.  Mix again.  Sprinke with Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning.  Easy and delicious!

Last week Bonaparte wore my wig. And after an evening of Kir Royals and other beverages,  my son put the wig on.  His bio hair is much thicker and wavier.  The family that has a sense of humor about wigs together, stays together!!!

And yesterday’s weather was pretty-much the same.  Gray, misty and a bit cooler.

Roman—being very much like me, lost his wallet on the Metro North.  (I lost a wallet by placing it on the roof of my car then driving off.  My most recent loss of wallet was the one Chippy ate!)

We headed off to the mall where he found the perfect wallet at the perfect price at Fossil.  And you know, it’s been a long, long time since I’ve been in a Fossil store and I forgot just how great the leather goods are at that store.

Image result for fossil king of prussia mall

Not kidding.  Next bag I purchase will be from Fossil. I forgot how nice the brand’s leather goods are!

I spotted a great bag that is similar to the Longchamp Cuir satchel.  And the price is a lot less expensive.

This brown leather satchel is gorgeous. And at 25% off of the $178 price, it’s a good buy for a bag that’ll last a long time! Click for another Fossil bag that’s very similar and a GREAT price on Amazon.com

Roman ended up with a simple leather wallet that cost him less than $35 and the quality is stellar.

I made a new bestie!  Kesha!  If you are at the King of Prussia Mall stop by Fossil to see her.  She’ll help you pick out the greatest leather goods–whether it’s a watch, wallet or tote!

And then, just as quick as a snap of the finger, it was time to return to downtown Philly to drop Roman off.  And I got sad.   Why do I get so sad when the kids leave?  Seriously, I can’t stand to see them go.  Once a mom…

Related image

Bye Roman!  See you when we get back to NYC–hopefully in a coupla weeks!

And that was it.  No parades.  No cookouts.  No hot dogs.  Just a lovely, quiet, chill Memorial Day weekend!  Sometimes the best weekends are those weekends when there is no fanfare or parties to go to or events to drive to.  Sometimes, the quiet times are the ones that can make a Memorial Day weekend—well, memorial!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and took a moment to reflect on the true patriots of our beautiful America.  The true patriots who went to war and fought for our freedom and the true patriots who’s selflessness made America great.

Thank you to those who served and gave your life for us.

Here’s the trailer for RBG.  You won’t be able to resist her!!

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To Start The Memorial Day Weekend…..I Bought a One-Piece Bathing Suit!

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Catherine

It was one of those good days today.  No traffic on the dreaded 422.  My workload was very smooth and not one fax came back with an error.  And the office closed at 2:30. It was just that kind of day where everything falls into place.

It’s that GOOD day! You can smell the grass as it grows.  The Geraniums are blooming. Work is good. No traffic.  These are those gifted days that are so glorious!

And I was thinking about bathing suits.

Now.  If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you are well-aware of my fondness for bikinis and two- piece bathing suits.  It doesn’t matter to me that I have a soft, cushiony, marshmallow-pillow of a gut.  It does not matter in the least that my thighs jiggle like Santa’s bowl full of jelly.  No. I’m past that self-conscience stage of life.

Image result for atypical60 bikinis

I’m no hard body.  And I’m comfortable in my own skin to wear a two piece.  And there’s a reason for this.

My adoration for two-pieces stems from the fact that I have a long torso and can never fine a one-piece that fits.  They ride up the entrance between the cheeks of my derriere.  A one piece gets all gnarled up in my origin of the world.  And the one-piece usually has a waist that starts way below mine and the top usually makes me look like a porn star because it falls lower than low.

Just another obvious reason I love a good two piece. I can frug!!!

And the last time I wore a one-piece was back in 1993.  Prior to the summer, I had a “thing” taken off my chest—it was the first of many “things” that would be taken off due to sun damage.  And that bathing suit was the most uncomfortable article of clothing I’ve ever worn.

1993. Long Beach, NY. My last one-piece and it was the most uncomfortable bathing suit ever!!!

But this year I am stuck in a conundrum.  I want to protect my skin as much as possible from the sun’s harmful rays.  Let’s face it, the only areas of my body that I want tanned are my arms, legs and face Why botha with the rest of me?

Things are serious when Jim Carey looks better in a one-piece than I do!!

And while I realize that I do fake tan for the most part, I want to get a little natural color after all.  My doctor said I could.

And because my work day went so “swimmingly”, after leaving the office, I decided to drive up the road to the local TJ Maxx.  Perhaps I would have some luck at a bargain price.

Let me tell you, the pickins’ were slim.  I’m always late to the party and headed over to the clearance area.  I did find a couple of two pieces but I wasn’t in the mood for those.  By now, I really had my mind set on a one-piece bathing suit.

I found a red one that I thought was very elegant. In the cart it went.  I found a red, white and blue printed one and thought that it would make appropriate Holiday weekend attire.

And then I saw a bit of bright neon pink sticking out from the bowels of the rack.  I hustled over and plucked her off the rack.  She was adorable!  Scalloped trim top and a bow! And then I saw the tag. Kate Spade.  I saw the price $40.  Now mind you, forty dollars is quite pricey for my swim attire. I don’t think I’ve ever paid that much money on a bathing suit.  Ever.  And when I remembered I had a Visa Gift Card for twenty-five dollars, the bathing suit looked even more adorable to me.

Off to the dressing room I ran.  And began to try on the swimwear.

Who cares if the bits are jiggly and flabby?  This is an adorable bathing suit!

Right off the bat I’ll tell you, there was no way I could get the other two bathing suits up past my waist. They were that short-waisted.  My hope was waning.

But as I stepped into the pink Kate Spade, I noticed that it felt very comfortable and not tight as I moved the stretchy fabric up past my thighs.  The suit didn’t stop at the waist. It actually fit!!!

This bow and neckline did it for me!

Kate Spade must be long-waisted because the fit of this is just perfect.  I checked to see what size it was and it’s a M.  Just a plain old Medium.

This was the deal of the day!  And it fits those of us who are long-waisted!!!

Look to the left. The suits that are hanging up.  They fit absolutely horribly.  I couldn’t even get them past my waist. Who are the swimsuit companies making these for anyway???

After using the gift card, I owed $17—two of which were taxed. I hadn’t realized thatPennsylvania places a tax on swim wear.  Overall, I got a deal!  My tummy, chest and back will be protected.\

Overall, I’m a happy camper–and I love the color!!!!

When I arrived home from work, something else was waiting for me.  I ordered a pair of reading glasses.  An Instagram Ad, stating that Oprah loves these frames, made be go for it.

Center Stage - Berry, Red

*sigh* I wish I was as popular as Oprah.  But these Center Stage glasses are the Cathe’s Meow!!

Add to the fact that I really don’t want to go to the beach wearing my good eyeglasses.  I’m afraid that I will either ruin them in the sand or lose them when I fall into the ocean.

My eyesight is so awful and hasn’t improved with age.  To find the best magnifying lenses, I went to Walmart and tried their readers on.  I was a bit depressed to discover that the highest number, 300, worked for me.  May I just say that carrots do not improve your eyesight.

Anyway, I opened the box, saw a nice tweedy eyeglass case and was impressed right off the bat.  When I took the readers out, I was equally impressed.  They are of good quality and not cheaply manufactured.  The frames are huge; and I love that. They are fun.

Ever the sucker for packaging, I love this eyeglass case!  It is so tweedy!

The tortoise shell color gives a very expensive look and the fit is just fine.

Definitely impressed with these frames!!

 If you have an average to large head, these are a great choice.  If you have a very small head with small facial features, these may be a bit overpowering though.

Pardon my crossed-eyes but I’ve been in front of a computer all day!  I do dig these frames though!

 

These are greatness–and so much fun!

I’m channeling my inner Iris Apfel!

I highly recommend these!  Check out the website for Peepers

Whatever you do, whether it’s in a bathing suit or shorts or whatever—just have a great, great, Memorial Day Weekend!!

 

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The New EU Privacy Rules…

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Catherine

The General Data Protection Regulation

I basically have no idea other than this new compliance protects the privacy of Europeans.  That’s a good thing but I have to tell you that I keep no personal information on anyone who reads this blog.

I don’t give out private information.  To anyone!

What bothers me is the fact I may lose some wonderful friends I’ve made through this blog.  My EU readers who laugh and cry and bond with me.  We bond with each other.

I’m perplexed.  Perhaps I should have a drink!

What do I do about this?  I don’t know.

I don’t know because I write this blog for fun and entertainment and laughs and rants.

I’m a girl who just wants to make you happy!

My guess is that if you are from the EU and read this blog, it won’t be emailed to you anymore unless you re-subscribe.  I don’t want to lose anyone because then it’ll be a sad day for me.

I don’t want to be sad.  I never started blogging to focus on sadness–only happiness!

Quite honestly, it sucks if you are an average blogger who doesn’t have your blog as your means of business.  But–it is what it is and we are in an ever-changing world.

All I can say is you are all safe with me.  And I guess resubscribe.

Remember–You are safe with me!

I gotta go and check out my UK and European blogs and see if I need to resubscribe to them!!

Thanks for being with me!!

Keep on the Sunny Side!  That’s what I’m trying to do through all this privacy stuff!!  Enjoy this sweet American Roots Music song from The Carter Family!

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Look On the Sunny Side. But Get Your Skin Checked First!

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Catherine

Did I mention that I had a dermatologist appointment today?  Because I had very minimal healthcare while both unemployed and at my last job, I hadn’t been to the dermatologist in over a year. Now that I have much better healthcare, I can visit all those professionals who cringe at my hypochondriac ways!

For me, it wasn’t a good thing I missed a skin check—especially since ten years ago, I had Mohs Surgery on my face to get rid of the Squamous Cell Skin Cancer I had been diagnosed with.

Image result for mohs surgery

I was very fortunate in that I only had two layers cut out.  It hadn’t gotten deep.

It’s been a battle to come to terms with the fact that too much sun is actually bad for you.

 

sun skin GIF

Yeah. Lilly White Skin and the Sun’s Rays aren’t the best combo!

Growing up on Long Island meant summers at the beach.  Every day –except when it rained, and there were even rainy days where we just went to the beach because it was fun.

The beach is probably a lot more skin-friendly in rainy weather anyway!

The high school years were spent getting a “base”, which meant beginning on the warm days during the end up April, sitting out in the back yard on those woven chaise lounge beach chairs and slathering a mix of baby oil and iodine on arms, legs and face.

This was funny in “There’s Something About Mary”..but in reality, I DID this. So did my girlfriends–and my sisters–and my mother!!!

 If we were really lucky and the weather became really warm, we would sit outside in our bathing suits and, like little rotisserie chickens, we would turn our bodies to the sun as it rotated the earth.

I’ll sit out in the sun until I’m well-done!

Oh. And those record album covers that opened up—they made great DIY sun reflectors.  Covered with Aluminum foil and placed at our chins so the sun could hit our faces, not only cleared our skin, but did pave the way for future damage.

We didn’t think about the aftereffects of later years.  We were not aware of the price we would later pay by trying to achieve that coffee-colored, golden goddess skin that looked so healthy and glowing during the summer.

national bikini day old ad

Who didn’t want that tan?  The ad is such a throwback to ignorance though.  You get older looking skin after a while.  But–the scent of Coppertone is just so delicious!

Then there were the Irish American girls like me. The ones with freckles and pasty-white skin.  We burned. We blistered.  Forget “Fifty Shades of Gray”—we were “Fifty Shades of Red”! And any phase of a tan was acquired at the end of August—with two weeks to show that slight darkening before going back to school.

My parents spent a small fortune on Solarcaine!!  We all burned except my mother!!  Ouuuuuuuuch. I can still feel that!!

I was so jealous of my olive-skinned girlfriends!

Anyway, the first time I had ever even been to a dermatologist was when I moved back into Manhattan.  In my early thirties, I noticed a shiny pimple on my chest that didn’t go away.  I went to a local derma, he cut it off, took a biopsy and all was fine.

Then about 12 years ago, I noticed a dried pimple over my eyebrow that wouldn’t go away. It was odd because it would sometimes become crusty and sometimes bleed, but it never got bigger.  About a year of trying to get rid of it with creams and rubbing alcohol, I mentioned it to my sister, a nurse, who pooh-poohed me because of my hypochondria.

A year later it was still there and I made an appointment with the Dermatologist who I still see.  It was skin cancer, I had the surgery and that was a huge wakeup call to me.

I don’t burn anymore.  When I do go out in the sun, I am cautious.  I sit under an umbrella. I use sunscreen.  Although I don’t like to, I’ll wear a wide-brimmed hat—but my wigs protect my scalp so it’s double protection.

My view of early-morning Stone Harbor from under the umbrella.  

The beach is one of my favorite places to be during the summer. Whether it’s the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean, they shore has a calming effect on me.

Bonaparte love the beach so much when we are in France that we even dine on the beach!

 I’m not going to stop enjoying the summer months—especially here in the Northeast when we get about six to eight weeks a hear of true summer!

You can find me here if the weather is good!

So, you can just imagine how anxious I was this morning!  I was $hitting in my pants with fear that one of the bumps or freckles or marks on my skin was going to “be something”.

And as I parked the car, I did a glance at my face that was minimally made up and it didn’t look that bad.

Minimalist makeup today. I wore the Laura Geller Balance & Brighten powder foundation.  It looks good too!

I made my way up the stairs and into the office.

This was more like an anxiety-ridden trip up the stairs–forget the grand entrance!

Dr. Covello called me in and did a very intense skin check.  I even took my wig off so she could check my scalp!

Dr. Wildemore and Dr. Covello.  Two of the best Derms on Philly’s Main Line!  They are so nice!

And I had a moment of shock—because for the last ten years, I’ve always had little bits frozen off my body or burned off.

And this time.  Nothing.  It was the greatest skin check I’ve had!  Nothing had to be frozen off my face or arms or legs or chest!

My lightly fake tanned legs were ready to do the happy dance!! My skin is fine!!

Now I can relax for a week until I make the next doctor appointment for my colonoscopy.  Then I’ll really be $hitting bricks.

Seriously though.  If you haven’t done so already, please make an appointment with your doctor to have your skin checked.  The process takes less than twenty minutes.  Do it for yourself!

We’ll be at the pool this weekend rather than the beach though. I don’t like the beach during holiday weekends.  Traffic is too taxing.

But I’ll be sure to put a ton of sunscreen on and protect my skin from damage and drying up like leather.

And speaking of leather……………. remember Chippy ate my wallet on Saturday?

Talk about skin damage!  Look what Chippy did to this leather!!!

I headed over to Amazon in search of another one.  The wallet that I had, I loved. And received a ton of compliments on it, but over the years the slots stretched a bit so I wanted something a bit more secure.

I found a really nice one for a little less than what my nibbled wallet cost.  It’s RFID blocking and made of waxed leather. The finish is very nice and I love the reddish-brown color.  In case you are interested, I put it on my Amazon Page for you to check out.

Here’s a better look.

The wallet came in this adorable box and was even placed in a small dust cover.  I’m such a sucker for packaging!!

I can repurpose this dust cover to carry cosmetic brushes when I’m traveling!

The patina is nice and lusturous and I love the fact there’s no designs on the leather.

Plenty of space for cards…

And more space on the flip side.

I can keep bills that Chippy hasn’t eaten in this zippered compartment.

It holds a ton of stuff very neatly.  Overall, I give this an A!!!

It’s funny because I don’t like to spend a ton of money on a wallet—it’s in your purse and the only time anyone sees it is when you take it out for a moment.  Amazon has some pretty nice ones too–I’m definitely a fan this online way of shopping!  Are you??

I’m going up to apply some fake tanner now.  Have a great evening and take care of your skin!!!!!

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Our Royal Dinner—And the Remainder of the Weekend

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Catherine

Ok—so yesterday I was so overcome by the love that Harry and Megan displayed on their wedding that I decided to have a Royal dinner for me and Bonaparte.

I have a feeling that these two lovebirds inspired so many couples–that in nine months there’s gonna be quite a number of Harry and Megan’s being birthed!

And since the weather was so awful, I baked bread, the bread I make all winter which my son Roman has dubbed “The Good Loaf” and made more Gougères—Alain Duccase’s Go-To Recipe.

I’m into multi-tasking.  Sugar for the yeast to bloom,  flour and cheese for the gougeres, and my claw clip to pull my fake hair back with…

Gougeres out of the oven.  Cooled, bagged and into the freezer.  You MUST make these!!!

I made chicken breasts with Roma tomatoes, black olives and basil and we had a great evening together.

One of the easiest recipes ever.  Pound boneless chicken breasts to get them thinned.  Set aside.  Quarter the tomatoes lengthwise.  Salt them.  Pour white wine into a pan. Cook the tomatoes. Add the olives.  Add some of the olive juice.  Add crushed red pepper and two cloves of garlic, minced.  Saute the chicken in olive oil till done.  It’s that easy and a staple in the house!

But—that crazy Frenchman of mine did something that made me almost die with laughter.  He had been watching TV upstairs and came down when it was time to make the aperitifs.  In the meantime, I took my wig off and put my bio hair up in a bun because I don’t like cooking in a wig.

He was quite impressed with the table setting and, in fact, he was thrilled with the way the table looked.  Then he went upstairs and told me he would be right back.

And when he came downstairs, he was in my wig!!!  He said that the dressed-up table was like being in Versailles and he decided to channel Louis Quatorze—his favorite Royal (and this—from a Frenchman who don’t care for any form of aristocracy).

The Sun King, Louis XIV, would be so proud that my husband channeled him!!

Chippy’s reaction….

I love my Frenchman!

But let’s backtrack.  To yesterday morning.

While watching “The Wedding” I noticed that Chippy was nowhere to be found.  I didn’t hear him either.  This is never a good thing because that little rascal is very sneaky.

So, I went downstairs and saw it.  He had gotten into my tote, took out my wallet and ate part of my wallet.  He also ate a couple of bills.  He got into a gift card but didn’t destroy it.

Who DOES this anyway?  What is Chippy trying to prove?  At least he made a heart shaped nibble…

At least he nibbled in the shape of a heart.  And I was very perplexed as to why he ate a leather wallet when I had the following in my tote..

Cincinnati Chili mix and…

…Airline pretzels..  Now you know how truly lazy I am.  I finally took the chili mix out and put it in the pantry.  I threw the pretzels back in the tote.  God help me.

I couldn’t even with that one.  But luckily my husband was out test-driving cars.

Yes.   My car lease is expiring soon and it is time for a new car.  Are you aware of my distain for automobiles?

I hate cars. They are overpriced pieces of machinery.  The second you drive out of the car lot, they depreciate in value.  The upkeep is expensive.  The tires will flatten if you roll over a nail and new tires are pricey.  Gas is expensive.  Other drivers on the road are out to kill me with their horrific driving.

I miss the NYC subway system.

It’s a well-known fact through my family of my feelings towards the four-wheeled monsters.

But the husband lives for test driving and negotiating new cars.  So, do Oona and Sam. Oona is in the market for a new car and has been negotiating for a BMW thingy.

Why does my daughter even need a car like this Beemer?  She doesn’t.  She just wants it!  It is nice looking though!

My son Jake—when he lived in Manhattan drove his bicycle all over or just took the subway.  He moved to LA and ended up buying an Audi Convertible.  What gives here?

He leaves the NYC subway, heads to LA and now drives this.  Oy vey!!

Roman and I are the only ones who are not enthralled with cars. And don’t even get me started on the danger of cars in parking lots. OK?

I’ll take the Fred Flinstone mobile. It’s fully airconditioned and cheap on gas!

Seriously.  I don’t even want to go car shopping.  My thing is “Go get me a car with a CD player, good A/C, and that is good on gas”.  That’s it.

And naturally when the Frenchman arrived home and saw what Chippy did, he blamed me for leaving my tote in a place where Chippy could get at it.

I’ll tell you, yesterday was one busy day!

Today was a bit calmer.  Bonaparte is off playing tennis and I completed two wig reviews on my YouTube channel.

Then I ran a couple of errands.

I headed to Ulta to see if I could find a couple of Morphe eyeshadow/blending brushes.  I’m a fan of the blending brushes and did go on their website but refuse to spend five dollars on shipping.  I’m funny that way.

No Morphe brushes to be found but I did pick up a couple of Essence mascaras.  I’m a fan of the Get Big Lashes and at $3.99 each, it’s a great buy.

This cheap stuff is better than some high-end brands!!

And because I’m a sucker for any kind of lip-gloss I saw a pretty pink matte gloss, La Vie En Belle—what a nice name. I picked it up and also picked up a clear gloss to wear over the matte one.

Isn’t that a nice pink?  And the clear shiny gloss..it ended up to be a rather pleasant surprise!

I have an issue with many glosses that state they are big on shine.  Most of them are not.  And boy, was I pleasantly surprised when I came home and applied this over the pink matte.  I am going to have to go back to buy another clear gloss. It shines like a star!  How come Essence, a lower-end cosmetic company, can produce such a shiny gloss at a rock-bottom price when higher end brands fail?

I have both glosses on. I love the color of the matte and the shine of the shiny gloss!

With summer and the heat on the way, I also purchased a facial spray!

When Oona was living at home, she was a fan of the Mario Badescu brand.  The spray is very refreshing–just in time for the hot months!

Next it was off to Kimberton Whole Foods to purchase a Rotisserie Chicken for tonight’s dinner.  This place has great roti chickens that aren’t loaded with growth hormones and the chickens are roasted to the proper doneness.  A bit of cheese and asparagus and I was finished.

Bonaparte and I both agree that the Rotisserie chicken from Kimberton Whole Foods is the closest to the Roti chickens we get in France.  They are actually COOKED!!!

I picked up a bit of cheese because I’m a sucker for anything seasoned with Rosemary!

So that’s it.  The sun decided to come out at 3PM today—just when the weekend is about over.  I’ve been lax with the weight loss and need to go back to the meetings.

Here’s a look at a few of this past week’s ensembles.

I’m a fan of yelow and gray.  This oversized sweater from Loft is an oldie but goodie and paired with cropped pants from J.. Crew, it’s a nice casual look.  My deal of the century–Paul Green sandal/booties that I snatched at Nordstrom Rack a while back for less than $75 dollars!

With the temperatures climbimg,  my Old Navy swing jersey dresses from last summer are a great addition to my casual office wardrobe.  The denim jacket from Kut From The Kloth is a summer staple!

Friday was cool and rainy and I was shocked at the amount of compliments I received on this J. Crew Factory sweater.  Everyone loves Pink Flamingos.  I was almost attacked at Tray Joe’s–a woman came running up to me to ask where I purchased the sweater.  Pink Flamingos were her favorite animal.  I did size down in this for a more fitted look.  I got a small and the fit is perfect.  

Enjoy your workweek—and for the ladies who wear wigs—a new review.  My second Chloe in Frosted!

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Atypical 60 Takes a Look At The Royal Wedding

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Catherine

Off the bat, I don’t have much of an opinion on the Royal family of England.  As I have a good deal of family in Ireland and the way England treated the Catholics, I am not enthralled but on the other hand, I don’t despise them. I’m non-committal.

The Royal Family. Believe it or not, I’m a royal too. Many people call me a Royal Pain-in-the-Ass!

However, I love me a good excuse to watch pomp and circumstance and weddings!  I don’t care who is getting married.  It’s a chance for me to look at ensembles both beautiful and horrific.  And this royal wedding didn’t fail me!!

This scene from today’s Royal Wedding made me want to watch The Sound Of Music again.  Maria‘s wedding to Captain von Trapp! Yeah!!!!

My big issues were how come my gurls Patsy and Eddie weren’t invited.  Where was Sir Raymond Davies?  Sir Elton John was there with his husband but what about my Kinky crush Sir Raymond?

I really, really want to know why Patsy and Eddie were not at that wedding!  They would have been so much fun!

Sir Ray Davies is knighted by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.

And where was my life-long crush–Sir Raymond Davies?  Charles makes him a knight and doesn’t invite! 

I hope Sir Elton John has a few drinks then sits down to belt out his OLD songs–like the ones from Tumbleweed Connection!  His husband is a rather handsome tabby!

And why wasn’t I invited?????!!!! I’ll just drown my delusional sorrows with a few Kir Royals this evening.

Seriously. Where was MY invite?  I even applied my makeup like Megan Markle’s and styled my wig like her wedding do!  She inspired me today!  Don’t we look alike?  

And while it’s raining and pouring and dreary here in the Philadelphia area, I’m spending the day baking bread, baking gougères for the Frenchman and delighting in all things Megan Markle!

Gougeres. For our Kir Royals tonight!

The alarm, much to Bonaparte’s dismay, was set for 6:00 AM.  I woke up, turned the TV on and my Frenchman rolled over and whispered in my ear…

“Why ahr ou wacheeng zis sheet”  “Zeez pipoule..zee ar-is-toe-cratz..zahy do nosing”

(Translation:  Why are you watching this shit?  These people—the aristocracy—they do nothing”. My husband is still living the French Revolution)

Image result for the french revolution

My husband.  A Parisien who is not a fan of the aristocrats.  I like their weddings though!

To which I answered.

“I wanna look at the clothes and makeup!”  (You would think that by now my Frenchman would be aware of how deeply shallow I am)

And that’s what I did.  So, take a cup of tea or wine because it’s almost noon—or better yet, whip up a Tanqueray and Tonic—that’s what the Brits drink—and come along with me to the Royal Wedding.

I have no idea who this woman is but her dress was my absolute favorite of the day. Simple with those bell sleeves.  If I lived in England perhaps I could have her hand-me-downs!

First of all, just the fact that the sun was shining in Britain today was proof that Hipster Jesus is a fan of the Royals.  Harry and Megan had perfect weather! And Britain just acquired a new resident with beautiful teeth!

 

Watching all the friends and celebrities walk into the church with their wedding ensembles and headgear was such fun.  Those Brits (as well as the Irish) put us Americans to shame when it comes to dressing for a wedding!

They do it right.

George and Amal were there.  I used to love George Clooney.  But since he married Amal, I’m not a fan anymore.  Sure, Amal is gorgeous.  But she looks like a snot.  And he’s become incredible self-important.  I would have scratched them off the list.

People were raving that Amal Clooney was the best dressed.  I got news for you Amal.  Philly soft pretzels and French’s mustard were NOT being served at the wedding. You didn’t have to wear a dress the same color as the mustard just in case you spilled some.

She’s got smug written all over her face!  Wash she looking down at the crowds lining the streets–and how did these two get the seats in the “good” part of the church. Ugh.

Look at the lyrics on the hymnal sweetie–not at the photographer. You and Georgie are way too self-important. As Chris Rock says–“You’re not special”!!!!

David Beckham.  Oona and I were texting how great he looked.  His suit!  *sigh* Why does his wife, Victoria always look miserable? Did she not get her British teeth fixed—she has all the money in the world.  She has a successful clothing brand.  She has a great looking husband and children.  So why can’t she smile?  I would be grinning from ear to ear if Harry and Megan invited me to their wedding.

OMG. David Beckham.  THE David Beckham! Why does his wife look depressed?  She can afford a ton of Zoloft–I’m sure her medical insurance is fabulous.  

Wait!  Is Mrs. B trying to smile or is she channeling her inner Mona Lisa.  I’ll tell you this. I want her shoes.  She’s got the best shoes of the day!  But–her dress is too long. Two inches off of it would have made her one of the best dressed!  IMHO!

The queen.  For once in her life, she is wearing happy colors.  She’s wearing my favorite Crayola Crayon color—Spring Green!  Thank you, Queen Elizabeth, for wearing this astounding spring color because we went from no foliage here to a burst of summer green on the trees.  I guess the trees were told to not bloom in the color you were wearing for the wedding.

92 year old pro-ager Elizabeth rocked my favorite crayon color.  I swear this was the best look she’s ever worn!

Camilla Parker Bowles, Mrs. Prince Charles.  Whatever her relationship with the Prince of Wails and Whines has been, she looks great in the color pink.  But her hat—I wanted to eat it because it looked just like a fancy frosted cake.

That hat.  It’s pink marshmallow and buttercream frosting and I want to take a bit out of it!

Sarah Ferguson.  Holy shit!!  If there was one wedding guest I was happy to see it was Fergie!  I’ve missed her wild antics over the years and her suit made her one of the best-dressed guests in my eyes.  If I had been invited to the wedding, I would definitely want to hang with her!

The return of Fergie!  This makes me love Harry and Megan even more because Wills and Kate snubbed her and never invited this life-of-the-party to their wedding..

THIS is how the mature woman should dress for a wedding!!! Her suit is FABULOUS!  And that length IS appropriate!  Next to the Bride, Fergie gets my vote as best-dressed!

Meghan Markle’s friend, US tennis player Serena Williams (L) and her husband US entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian (R) arrive for the wedding ceremony of Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Odd ANDERSENODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

Another on the best-dressed list. Serena!  I love her because she does her own nails.  I often dream of being on a translantic flight and she’s sitting next to me and she says “I’m bored.  Can I do your nails”  And of course, I say back “OF COURSE!!” And then we become reallygood friends.  Her very wealthy husband’s pants are too short. But I dig his socks!

Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church is my guy today.  He’s as spicy as hot curry, he is!  His homily was refreshing and he mentioned the Jesuits!  The. Jesuits!!  I sure hope that Mrs. and Mrs. Queen Elizabeth were wearing Depends for that one!!

This guy.  I’m writing him a letter  because if my daughter ever gets married I want him to be the priest.  Episcopals are very close to Catholics you know.  I hope he officiates for free because I’m poor.

The two princes.  I’m a sucker for a man in uniform and those two–they also get a best-dressed nod from me!

I want a military coat like the one these two are wearing.  Look how happy they are.  I wish Diana was still alive!

Uh oh!  Harry and I are so much alike. We both have the same bald spot. This is yet another reason I should have been invited. I could’ve Toppik’ed the bejesus out of that scalp and had him looking like he had a full head o’hair!

But to the bride.  That dress.  You know, I love my edgy-classic look and I’m a fan of short skirts and all that but Megan Markle Windsor (I guess that’s her new name—right?) knocked it clear out of the atmosphere in that Givenchy wedding dress.  It was modest.  But modest in the most classic, chic and elegant way.  My first impression of the dress was that it reminded me of a Courreges design because of the simplicity.  Then I thought it was a Givenchy because it had a bit of an Audrey Hepburn vibe.  When I found it my guess was correct, I was on cloud nine!

That dress. Be still my heart!! There is nothing about that dress that isn’t perfection!  The neckline. Those sleeves.  It is so simple but so elegant. The greatest wedding dress of all time!  Givenchy’s house got it right!

Look, while I realize that many brides opt for lace and the strapless look, I’ve always thought that sleeves would be more appropriate for a church wedding.  And the fact there was no embellishment on the dress was even more endearing.  The focus was on the beauty of the bride.

I just cannot get enough of this dress. It’s about time someone brought a modest bridal look to a church.  I’ve always thought the strapless gowns were a bit inappropriate for a church wedding and not every bride looks great in a strapless dress.  This is a universally flattering bridal look for every bride to be!  I absolutely love it!

And a beauty she was and is!

She’s so gorgeous!

That dress.

If these two were any cuter it would be a crime!

She’s just perfect!

My biggest disappointment, and I almost got flamed on Instagram for my thoughts.  I thought that Megan Markle’s mother could have been styled in a brighter look.  Doria Ragland was the mother of the bride!  The mother of the bride!  We can see where Markle gets her beauty—from her mom!  And while I do realize that there is a certain protocol of dress that Ms. Ragland had to follow, the stylists could have given her a more fitted dress and perhaps she could have been in yellow or violet.  Fergie’s stylist should have taken a visit to Ms. Ragland–she looked beautiful but could have looked even more beautiful!

Seriously.  Doria Ragland is so beautiful. She’s a mature woman and that dress did nothing to showcase her figure or beauty.  A more fitted frock and a dash more color and she would have been perfect.

And I felt bad that she was sitting alone in the back row of the “important” area. For crissakes—Clooney and his snotty-looking wife had better seats!

You know I get very emotional and this photo made me cry.  Yes!! I started crying because I didn’t want her sitting alone. And she’s not even in the area with the lights. They placed Clooney and his snooty wife in a better place.  I want to be friends with Megan’s mom! She has such kind eyes!  Harry better be good to her!!

Give the mother-of-the-bride her proper respects!  Please.

Megan’s mom should have been seated next to Prince Charles and Camilla! Who did the seating arrangements anyway?

I also wasn’t impressed with Kate Middleton’s outfit but she gets a pass because she looked ravishing after just giving birth.

I’m wondering if at the reception Kate said to William “Honey, be a prince will ya?  I just gave birth so its your turn to watch the kids. I’m going to get a Long Island Iced Tea”

Did she really give Camilla the side eye?  Ohhhh…it’s just like my family!

Was it because Camilla thought the wedding programe was a menu?

Camilla is reading that thing like a person suffering from hunger pangs is reading a dinner menu.  My guess is Kate doesn’t eat. She’s like Patsy Stone!!!!!

This beautiful fantasy wedding was such a well-needed diversion from everything bad that’s going on in our world.  From politics to mass murders.  This was a bright spot.

This brightened all our lives today!

And to see a loving inter-racial couple who only have eyes for each other was even more thrilling and is a glimpse of hope for us.

What a lovely day and what a lovely wedding!

Long may these two young marrieds thrive.  I hope they stay together forever and raise a beautiful family.

Tonight, to celebrate this new couple, (On my part—the Frenchman thinks I’m nuts—but he’s French!) I’ve set the table for a royal meal.  The gougères have been baked, and bread has been baked and we will dine on chicken breasts cooked with roma tomatoes, olives and basil.  And a healthy salad.

In all honesty, when Bonaparte came downstairs and saw the table set like this, he was thrilled and went downstairs to get the “good” wine.  I’m sure its really because he wants to watch some crazy Netflix series and if I drink the good stuff I’ll fall asleep right away!

Have a royal evening—and think of all the love that has been spread across the world today!

This has always been one of my favorite Elton John songs. I like 70’s Elton John better than Disney Elton John anyway.  Your Song…

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A Most MAC-nificent Concealer

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Catherine

Remember about a week or so ago I mentioned that I purchased yet another concealer?  The concealer is by MAC and I said that I would review it.

No longer in the box, this is being used on a daily basis!

Well, almost ten days later, I’m happy to say that this is a gem in a glass bottle.  But I have some things to say first.

MAC’s Pro Longwear Concealer is so good, I may try MAC foundation!

In reading reviews, I noticed that a number of women of pro-aging age were not crazy about this particular concealer.  Some reviews stated that it looked dry and cakey and settled into wrinkles.

Image result for wrinkled faces

Umm…you age.  Wrinkles are a part of life.  Unless you can afford fillers or a face lift!

And after wearing this every day for over a week, I can honestly tell you that either the application process was not carried out properly or too much concealer was applied. on those who didn’t care for it.

This did not, and I repeat did not cake up on me nor did it appear drying.  I have to say it didn’t “settle” into my lines either.  It’s all in the application!

Take a good look at my face.  The lines are there.  The lighting was good.  But the concealer blended in very well!! (Oh..that Essence mascara is greatness!)

But—let me make one thing clear.  I’m not trying to conceal or hide or erase those fine lines around my eyes or anywhere else on my face.  I’m working with the concealer to minimize the appearance of redness and freckles that have turned into age spots.  The lines are the least of my concerns because lines and wrinkles are a part of pro-aging! Hellooooooooooo!!  Let’s be realistic here. (and this is why I don’t use filters and keep things real)

And let’s move on.

Concealer is one of those items that I’ve only started to use the past two years or so.  Don’t get me wrong.  My BareMinerals Well-Rested has been a Holy Grail product for me for years.  And I only use it in the corners of my eyes but it isn’t used as a concealer anywhere else on my face.

Besides covering the redness and other imperfections, I like concealer that also highlights my face a bit.  Using it in a shade lighter than my foundation makes the skin look a bit more refreshed.

So, here’s how it goes.

I’ll pump a tiny bit on the outside of my hand.  And when I say a tiny bit, I mean a tiny bit.

Use a light touch with this pump. That was the hardest thing for me to master!

The hardest thing to do with this concealer was to use a light touch with the pump—if you don’t too much product will come out.

That’s all you need–actually even a little less. I’m heavy-handed!

One small pump is all you need to do all the concealing or highlighting you need.

After I dot the product on my face, I blend with a damp beauty sponge (I use Real Techniques). My apologies for the state of my sponge but I use things till either they fall apart or until Chippy eats them.

That little dot goes a long, long way!

And when I blend, I blend very, very well.  Then I’ll spray a mist of water and pat the sponge once more.

OMG. If my blending sponge gets any messier I’ll catch Impetigo. Time to get the backup out!

That’s it. No powder over it. Just my next step which is contour and blush.  And I’m done.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer does the job. Covers and glows!  

What I love about this is the consistency. It’s a thicker liquid but it isn’t a dry or batter-like liquid.  The consistency is incredibly workable.

For my complexion, the NC15 is the best bet.  It’s Neutral Cool and works very well with my fair skin.

NC 15.  Neutral Cool with beige undertones.  This is a nice one. I think I would go a shade or two darker for foundation.

The price is $24 and for the cost-per-use, it is money well-spent. This will last, I can guarantee over a year.  The glass bottle holds .3 oz of product.

For some bizarre reason, I feel that the product is housed safer in glass!

In my stash I have quite a few different concealers running the gamut of very inexpensive up to pricier.  I can tell you that there is a difference between the MAC and others.

I do like the MILK concealer but at $27 for .2 oz, it’s a bit overpriced for the cost-per-use.   I feel as though the small applicator sponge soaks up more product than applies to my face.  The product is decent though.

Milk concealer on the left and Maybelline on the right.  Although I really do like the Milk concealer, I don’t think I would repurchase now that I’ve used the MAC.

And I am a fan of the Maybelline Age-Rewind concealer.  It doesn’t have a ton of coverage but does give a nice finish to the skin.  At around $7.00 for .2 oz, you need to apply quite a bit to get the look you want so the price-per-cost could be better.  I’ve gone through three of these in less than a year.  That’s twenty-one bucks.  My basic math is going with the MAC.

Ain’t no concealer gonna get rid of my lines–I just want to even out my complexion and conceal the flaws!!!

So that’s it.  A little review of a MAC-nificent concealer. I do believe this will become a Holy Grail product for me! Let me know what concealers you like!!  And what you look for in a concealer!

I was listening to Carla Bruni today on my commute to and from work.  She’s really a good musician and I love her raspy voice. This song, Raphael is supposedly about her husband, ex-President of France, Sarkozy.   Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t–but it’s a sweet song!

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