Be warned. My car was broken into last night and I’m waiting for the police to come. Ugh. My registration is gone. So are a bunch of my coveted French music CD’s. Quite a few cars in my neighborhood got broken into last night. I’m warning you because the photos I took of me look kind of sucky—whatever. I had to get that off my chest.
A few years back, when I started to notice a significant loss of hair, I started to look for solutions. This was before that infamous plane ride when I read about Toppik. OK?
I always have a steady supply on hand!
Anyway, I had this brainstorm that wigs would help. So I ordered a simple little hairpiece that was attached to a headband. I ordered it from Wigs.com. I wore it a couple of times, but it just looked too “fake” against my real hair.
This loss was still bugging me so I went a bit bolder and ordered two of the Revlon “Scorpio” wigs. One in my natural color of black and one in a chestnut color. I wore my hair in a bob at the time, so I figured these would suffice.
Revlon’s wigs came in cute red boxes and wrapped in strong hair netting.
Revlon’s “Scorpio” wig. I liked my hair in a bob, but there was way too much maintenance involved. For a change up, I would wear this now!
I wore the wig for a weekend to visit my sister in Long Island. She thought I had gotten a keratin treatment to straighten my hair because it was so shiny. When I told her it was a wig she almost needed a diaper from laughing so hard.
Intimidated, the wig went back in the box.
Oops—the police officer is here. I’ll be right back…(Ok. Filled out a report. The officer was really nice. Tomorrow I’ll go to the fast tag place to get a replacement registration. It’s all good). Continuing where I left off..
Then I ordered a longer, shoulder length wig. It too, was way shiny. So into the closet it went. But I’ll tell you—the shoulder length wig—I like it. A lot!
I can’t remember the name of this wig, but it was under $100.00. Wearing it is making me miss my bangs! It’s just a bit too shiny!
On second thought–I’m going to spray this baby down with dry shampoo! This wig is great for those “bad hair” days! Whadya think?
Then I ordered a “Crown Volumizer” from Hair-Do. Hair-Do was a line from “Hair U Wear” that was developed by Ken Paves and Jessica Simpson. That being said, I thought this little volumizer would be a good fix.
I ordered this over five years ago. Revisiting this makes me glad I saved it!
Fact is, it didn’t work on my shorter hair. I could never get it just “right”.
None of the fake hair was ever trashed. I decided to keep it because my hair just kept falling out.
Although I’ve learned to disguise my loss with products such as Toppik and DermMatch—along with a great comb over, I decided to “revisit” the volumizer.
Along with Toppik, DermMatch is my other “go to” hair loss coverup!
Why? It’s because I LOVE big hair. That’s right. I’m a true Long Island girl. Big hair is beautiful and lush. And to tell you the truth, the fact that my crown area is no longer “big” bothers me. I still feel weird when I wear my hair down.
You can see that my crown is a bit on the flat side. ( I should have worn face makeup today)
I read that if you spray a hairpiece or wig with dry shampoo, it’ll dull the shine. I sprayed my crown volumizer with dry shampoo.
Suave dry shampoo. Less expensive than other brands and did the job!
It worked.
The dry shampoo really dulled the shine. And that’s a good thing!
Next, I played around with this little piece of synthetic hair. I finally figured out how to place it on my head and get the best effect.
It took some playing around, but once you find that happy spot, the clips stay nice and secured. For extra security, a couple of bobby pins can be used as well.
I sectioned my hair from the back of the crown and just above my ears. I pulled the sectioned hair into a high pony tail and clipped it to keep it out of the way.
I gathered the front section of my hair, and the hair above my ears and put it into a high ponytail..then…
Clipped the hair in place so I could see what I was doing. Hey. I’m no expert. LOL!
I then placed the piece more to the back of my crown and clipped it tightly into place with the four little clips.
Next, I took my hair out of the pony tail and combed the sectioned off hair over the volumizer.
Sorry that it’s out of focus, but see how well it blends?
Looks good! It blends well.
Here’s a side view. It really does blend pretty well!
Another back view. Looks nice and voluminous!
Here’s how it looks from the front. See–there’s volume but it isn’t exaggerated. It’s just enough! (Damn, I look like Hell today. Stress–it sucks!)
It looks even better when putting hair into a nice “Bardot” type pony tail. I like the volume on top!
I’m telling you–this little piece is amazing. I’m a bit upset, though, because I don’t think it is any longer available since the big “split” between Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves! I Googled and it doesn’t appear to be around. Now I’ll be on a mission to find another one!
See how good it looks from the side? You cannot even tell I have a lady “toupee” on! Ugh. Look at my roots. Thank goodness I’m getting my roots done Friday!
The volumizer is packed for my trip. I think I’ll use it for some extra “oomph” when we go out to dinner.
I’m also thinking of taking the longer wig too. I sprayed it down with dry shampoo and it is looking rather good!
I’m thinking of getting my New York on and tonight sitting out on my driveway in a lawn chair. Baseball bat in hand! Just in case any little bastids decide to break into my car again!
Look at this ad. Can you believe this? Um…I have a bridge to sell ya buddy! Only in the ’60’s folks!
I’ll stick to a wig!
My real hair used to be jet black—but my real dyed hair is black. My fake hair is black. Here’s Nick Cave singing about “Black Hair”! XOXOXOXOXOXOX
Bonaparte has been able to calm my anxiety down by demanding, insisting, kindly suggesting that I put all thoughts of my job search out of my mind until we return from France.
How selfish of him! He’s only suggesting this because he’s so afraid I’ll ruin our trip with my incessant worrying.
Ever the voice of reason, I have to admit that he’s right! So with a smile on my face, I’ll weather the gray, rainy weather we had last night and pump some serious sunshine into my otherwise cloudy spirit! And..in the words of the GREAT Oscar Wilde:
Now it’s time for me to concentrate on what’s really important—packing my cosmetics, and other miscellaneous items.
Figuring out what beauty products can be daunting. Forget “Beauty and the Beast”. Figuring what items to pack is more like “Beauty IS the Beast!”
Here’s how I look at it. I spend a small fortune on high-end foundation and makeup primer. When traveling, the good stuff is staying home. I’ll run to Walmart and pick up a bottle of L’Oréal True Match foundation. Back when I was going through my divorce, I had to scale back on the makeup. I was also a lot younger so I didn’t need as much “assistance” with the beauty products that I do now. Anyway, I really liked the True Match foundation. For the money, it was great! I was, if I can recall a “C-3″,” Cool Beige”. I’ll have to revisit because it’s been a long time since I wore this.
Look what I found at Walmart!
True Match in C-3 Cool Beige. Under 9.00, it’ll do fine. Chances are I won’t even be using it that much—just when we go out to dinner or someplace special.
C-3, third from the left! Look at the price. Honestly, when traveling, it’s wiser to bring drugstore brands!
Since I obsess about not having enough eyeliner, I purchased yet another NYC Color Liquid Eyeliner. The price went up to $2.97. I’m glad I hoarded these at the old price of $1.99! I also picked up brow pencils and sharpener. I can tight line with them.
I’m always losing sharpeners so I’ll TRY to keep this in my travel cosmetics bag! NYC Color has great and inexpensive eye liners and pencils.
Look at this mirror. I got it in the “Men’s Grooming” area. I’ll tell ya, Walmart is upping their game! Anyway, the magnifying power is a bit stronger and will work very well for plucking those pesky chin hairs that seem to pop up overnight!
This mirror will be great to help me see how crooked I’m applying my eyeliner. It’ll also be great for plucking those pesky chin lady whiskers. Note to self–get your lip waxed. ASAP! You’ll be called “sir” again if you don’t!
I’ll bring regular mascara rather than my lash extension kit. It’s just easier to pack.
I took this with me last year. There’s still plenty left because it stayed in my travel cosmetics bag. Yeah! I KNOW, I’m supposed to throw this out after three months. I like to think of make up the way people in the 1960’s thought of Maxwell House coffee. Good to the last drop! Waste whatnot! I’m using this!
I have my UD little Naked palette, which I love. The neutrals are fine and can be layered for a more intense effect for those times that we go out to dinner.
The mirror broke but the shadows are fine!
Even Chippy’s bite marks can’t make me throw this in the trash!
I also have my supply of lip glosses and blushes and bronzer at the ready and all packed. I’m NOT repacking–well, at least not until tomorrow!
DUPE ALERT!!! There is no way that I’m bringing my good $48.00 primer. The Hourglass Veil primer. I went through my “samples” of primer and the samples that I have are just too miniscule for three weeks. Look what I found. Hard Candy Primer. $8.00 and it is an exact dupe of the Hourglass Mineral Veil. For that price, the full-size is worth it! I have to say, I’m a bit pissed off that I spent a small fortune when I could have spent just eight bucks. Oh well, you live. You learn. Right???
Check this out. Here’s a pic of the pricey Hourglass primer. A dollup is on the right. It’s a bit more liquidy but when both primers are blended into my skin, they have the same texture and feel.
I had to use a stock photo of the tube because the photo I took was so out-of-focus, but look at the dollop on the right. It is not as liquid and more solid, but once blended you cannot tell the difference between the two primers. This is staying in my travel bag!
The Accessories.
I’m not big on jewelry. But when I travel, I refuse to bring with me any jewelry of worth. (Trust me; I don’t have much good stuff anyway!) I don’t need to worry about good earrings being lost or leaving something behind. My lesson was learned the hard way.
Some years ago, I had two really expensive gold chains that I wore constantly around my neck. I loved them. One was a dainty little cross and the other a plain thin gold chain. I went swimming in the sea and, after a rough and tumble time of playing in the water; I realized that my chains were not on me. Somewhere in the Mediterranean, a big fish had a nice American snack or those broken chains floated ashore and are in someone else’s hands—or on someone else’s neck right now.
I get the Walmart and Forever21 specials to bring with me.
Listen, nobody is going to come up to me and tsk-tsk me because of my “cheap” costume jewelry. If I lose these, who cares? Three necklaces for a buck????? All those hoops! I’m telling you, it’s the only way to go on a vacation!
Another cheapie from F-21!
I’ll bring a belt. Only to keep my jeans from falling down. NO. I haven’t lost weight but the jeans with “stretch” always seem to stretch out at the waistline. The belts can also work as an accessory for my t-shirt dresses.
Brown is my favorite neutral. This Old Navy belt was on sale and looks fine with jeans as well as the t-shirt and maxi dresses.
The Fake Tanners. Need I explain? We all know just how obsessive I am when it comes to fake tanners. Yes. They are packed!
I actually funneled some of this into an empty tube. It is a great moisturizer, BUT see how it says “Gentle Skin Darkener” rather than self tanner? It is a bit lighter but with continued use gives a nice hue to the legs and arms. Under five bucks at Walmart..and it smells like “Creamsicle”!
The Chargers. I have to remember to pack my chargers. My tablet is used only for the purpose of playing those dopey games like Cookie Jam and Candy and Soda Crush. It’s too much of a pain in the ass to get Wi-Fi overseas. At least for me it is.
Bonaparte HATES when I play these games. And when I tell him they relax me, he starts mumbling his disapproval in French. I KNOW what he is saying!
My phone needs to be charged too. Ever the helicopter mom, I still have the need to speak to at least one of the kids while away. That wonderful “jurisdiction” (I’m so Duggar), goes to my daughter!
Hair Rollers: Listen. My priorities are a bit different this time around. I’ve always treated myself to a couple of blow-outs while away. I’m cutting back due to my “situation”. I’ll have to DIY on the hair. Luckily we have extra blow dryers at Aunt Bonaparte’s!
Don’t judge. Rollers wrapped in paper towels give more volume to the hair that I lack! As long as I don’t walk the streets in Paris with these, I’ll be ok!
The Longchamp Bag: I’m not messing around with the bags while I’m away. This LC bag carries everything under the sun. It doubles as a beach bag. The brown color is pretty neutral. The only thing I cannot stand is that my phone always falls out of the useless little pocket—so I’m constantly searching for my phone within the mess that is in this bag.
This bag holds a ton of stuff. I keep the scarf tied in case I need to cover my hair..reminds me that I need to get my umbrella!
The Journals and pens: I swear to god, I could write a book about my trip adventures. Every year I journal my France trip. Every year I write more and more—usually about nothing; but it’s all there! I have volumes! It’s all good though, because if Bonaparte cannot remember what we did five or six years ago, I can go to any one journal, look it up and tell him what we did. Journals are great points of reference.
Not kidding. I have about 15 volumes of my journals. And yes, it does hurt to hand write all those words!
I wish I could find more journals like this. Little pockets were great for keeping papers and brochures in place!
My Satin Pillow Case: Hey. It follows me everywhere. The satin pillow case keeps my hair in better condition and keeps the style put!
Washed and all clean and ready to be packed…but wait…
Oh look! I tried to be so professional by taking photos of some of my makeup and using this pillow case as a backdrop and got black shadow all over! This goes in the laundry. I’m such a slob!
Back in the laundry. I tell you, the ONLY thing I’m perfect at is being a slob!
That’s it. For today. I need a mani-pedi.
Today’s song is so beautiful. I love ANY song that has an ethereal vibe. This is one of the most ethereal songs ever—and it’s related to my trip! Rufus Wainwright’s “Leaving For Paris”. XOXOXO Bisou!
Happy Friday everyone! It’s been almost a week of gray skies, on and off rain, dropping temperatures, but I’m not complaining. I’ve been inspired to throw a load of laundry in the washer.
You know how one thing leads to another and before you know it your thoughts are wayyyyyy off course? Well…let me tell you something…
While doing my makeup this morning, I started to think back to the cosmetics I loved when I was a young teen and just being introduced to that wonderful world of beauty. Two brands that stick out in my mind were Yardley of London and Bonne Bell. I remember loving that pale lip look and the glimmer of the eye shadows.
Now that I’m older, I’m wondering–was Yardley’s “Wet Creams” a play on words for “Wet Dreams”? Who cares! I LOVED these pot o’ glosses and wish they would make a comeback (ohhhh another play on words?). Hey–doesn’t the model look like Marion Cottiard?
Thanks to Americana.com, I was able to once, again, enjoy this ad. I tried to channel the “Stop White” eye today!
I remember stinging cleansing my oily face with the incredible drying power of that magical Ten ‘O Six lotion.
I remember this ad so well because the model looked really pissed off. I’m guessing she was still feeling the sting of the Ten O Six lotion. It worked but it stung!
I ended up doing a bit of the retro makeup today. I applied a glimmery copper shade from my Naked 2 palette, and over it, a thick swipe of my Stila eye shadow in “Snow” a liquid white that is hard to come by.
Closest shadow to Yardley’s white Glimmericks. I love this so much I have a backup!
Tidy Whitey eye?
Very Sixties. Oui?
My quick mind had me applying the white shadow to my lips, with a pink gloss over it.
Jean Shrimpton’s pale lips…….
…my efforts at the same. I had to multitask the Stila “Snow” and apply it to my lips before using a pink gloss on top of it. Why don’t they just make that ’60’s kind of pale lipstick anymore?
Very 1960’s. Don’t you think?
I REALLY have to see my eye doctor. My eyes just won’t straighten out these days. Ouch!
Ok..so here’s where my train of thought really runs wild. All that retro makeup made me think of the late 1960’s then on to the early 1970’s. THEN, the Loud Family popped into my mind.
Yes. The Loud family of PBS’s infamous documentary series, in actuality, the first reality series ever televised. The series, “An American Family”, covered the lives of parents Pat and Bill Loud and their children Lance, Grant, Kevin, Delilah and youngest daughter, Michelle.
The iconic “American Family”, The Louds. This was TRULY a reality show that every family could relate to. They were just like us–far from perfect!
“An American Family” had cameras following the everyday life of this upper-middle-class family for seven months in in 1971. The show was aired almost two years later. During that controversial programming, Lance, the eldest son came out as gay; he was the first person on television to openly do so. During the months filmed we also witnessed Pat ask for a separation from her husband Bill.
Lance Loud (RIP), right, with Andy Warhol. Lance Loud was one of the sweetest, loveable and charming people I’ve ever seen on TV. He paved the way and should always be remembered!
We cringed with embarrassment and felt some voyeuristic guilt watching the all-to –real lives of this family unfold.
Youngest daughter, Michelle and mom Pat engaging in serious conversation whilst being filmed. No sugar coating. Just real talk!
But you know what? They were REAL! Bill and Pat drank. They smoked. They argued. The kids had normal teen issues.
Grant, the cutest, had a band—and on one of the episodes he covered The Kink’s “Apeman”. I’ll never forget that because I’m a die-hard Kinks fan and crushed on Grant!
The famous “Apeman” episode. I always loved this episode because mom Pat was hanging out smoking while Grant was singing. It was just incredibly touching to me.
Pat Loud engaged with her kids. The doors of communication were open. She actually “hung” with the kids! Pat Loud was a great mom!
The camera showed pimples and messy hair and all the physical imperfections the family had. We could relate.
The Louds didn’t pontificate about religious ideologies. They didn’t spread hate or bigotry. This was about the intertwining of a family. They were no more dysfunctional than many of us. We could relate and that is why they were so intriguing and interesting.
Newsweek may have called them “The Broken Family”, but in my mind, they were a hell of a lot more real than the crap that is called “reality” today! I loved this family!
The Loud family went about their lives fully aware of life’s issues and worked those issues out themselves. They didn’t need Jesus to help them. Instead they used the minds and consciousness that Jesus gave them. (Note—to my Atheist friends, I’m not dismissing you. I’m comparing to the Duggers. Don’t be offended. Please.)
Cool Jesus, most likely looked down from above and appreciated the fact that the Louds worked out their own issues–giving THIS guy a break!
The Louds treated life like a chipped class. We’re all like a chipped glass and either have to live with those chips or try to fix them ourselves.
Then we have the ever-self-righteous and fake “Christian” Duggars of “19 Kids and Counting.”
19 Kids and Counting How Many Others Josh molested!
We are all well-aware of the way this hypocritical family sugar-coats life. On air, they appear perfect. They never say a bad word against any of their family members.
With no mind of her own, she has to look to her barbaric husband if she wants to talk..who’s the boss?
Why, even in the present state of the Duggar affairs, they refuse to say anything against the actions of their son Josh.
Wow! Like father, like son. Like Mother-In-Law, like Daughter-In-Law! Joshie’s wife, Anna, has that same look as Michelle does. Ya think Josh learned MANY ways to put a woman in her place from his daddy?
It’s funny though, as much as this family uses sweetened language, I’ve never heard any of them use the word “love” in describing their feelings toward each other. They use the word “awesome” instead.
That’s so awesome!
The Duggar family doesn’t go through “stressful” times. They go through “seasons”.
Oh sweet hateful Jesus no! The Duggars don’t go through THESE musically evil seasons…
I don’t think they go through this pretty image of The Four Seasons either. Come to think of it, I don’t know WHAT the hell kind of seasons they go through!
The Duggar kids don’t suck teeth and eyeroll when they perform their “juristictions”, better known as “chores”. Actually, the Duggar children have every right to suck teeth and eye roll because “jurisdictions” is the spin on chores that the parents gave them so that lazy Mommy Michelle Duggar could get out of housekeeping.
Momma Dugger looks like she’s been through one rough season here! Oh. It’s the season of lying that I’m assuming she went through!
Say. What does she do anyway? Besides play with Jim Bob’s private parts, do you think she locks herself in the bathroom and smokes and drinks booze? After all, her Jesus saves, so maybe her Jesus can save her!
Personally, I think Michelle would rather have a stiff one of these rather than have a stiff Jim Bob!
They have been all over the news lately trying to downplay the fact that their son, Josh, sexually molested some of his sisters. I refused to watch these bozos trying to do their best at damage control, but have read and seen some of the interview on the internet.
They blame police for having an agenda against them. They blame girls for not dressing modestly enough. They pontificate about all the evils of the world. The call transgenders and gays child molesters but they don’t blame themselves or their son for his vile actions. They are NEVER accountable!
As I’ve stated in a previous post, my hippie/hipster Jesus may forgive Joshie, but he sure as shit ain’t gonna let him into Heaven:
So. What say you? Who wins the battle of the “real” and “honest” families?
MY vote is with the still-relatable Loud family of the first-ever reality show. “An American Family”. Quite possibly one of the greatest TV shows to ever hit the air!
Years later, dad Bill and son Grant still make a happy picture…
And the ever-classic Pat is hanging with daughter Delilah. Note to self-Delilah and I are the same age. Find out what beauty products she uses because she looks awesome!
I’m off to obsess about 1960’s makeup and The Kinks—AND Grant Loud singing “Apeman”. I’ll watch the you tube clip all day long.
For your pleasure, a clip of Pat Loud hanging with Grant–and he’s singing “Apeman”. Oh the memories……..XOXOXOXOXOX!
In a little over a week, Bonaparte and I will be back on his home turf—Paris.
This is as close as I will ever be to the Eiffel Tower. I’m not kidding. Too many people for my comfort level!
Then we’ll head off to the South of France.
It’s a quick ferry ride from Ste Maxime to St. Tropez and we get to visit Bonaparte’s dad–Bonaparte Sr.!
We’ll be away for a while and that’s cool—the trip will be good for me. I’ll be able to go to Aunt Bonaparte’s office and keep up my job search online. I figure while Bonaparte is tending to some family business, I can tend to my employment search. Perhaps I’ll even be able to apply for positions in American companies that have offices in Paris!
I’ll be job searching from this office..and cursing the European keyboards where the letters are placed differently!
Anyway, one of the things that I love when in France is the way Bonaparte’s personality changes. He is just so relaxed and loose when he’s “home”. Under normal circumstances here in the States, Bonaparte is a very quiet man. He observes. He is a man of few words.
But when in Paris! Wow! He laughs! He cracks jokes! He engages in extremely animated and lively conversation with family and friends. Sometimes he forgets that I am an American and rambles to me in French. I gently remind him that, although I can pretty much understand what he is saying, it’s hard for me to reply!
It’s all good.
With one exception.
Packing.
For him it is an easy task. He usually packs a couple of days before we leave.
My suitcase has been opened and closed for over a month now.
Earlier this morning. Everything gets thrown around while I pack and repack. This will be a familiar scene every day for the next week!
I keep reassessing. Mostly because two separate groups of clothing are needed. One group of clothes is for our stay in Paris. The other in the Côte d’ Azur. Maybe I get all “weirded out” over packing because I’m still, after many years, pinching myself that I’m actually going to France.
I’m not a jet-setter.
I’m no jet-setter, but I’m thankful and appreciative of the trips I do get to take!
My background is strictly blue collar, working class.
When we were kids, our vacation was to the “Police Camp” in Tannersville, NY. It was a fun filled week spent in the “country” with other families of NYC police officers.
The Police Recreation Resort aka “The Police Camp” in Tannersville NY. A great place where NYC Police officers and their families were able to kick back and enjoy. It was always fun to see my mom play Volleyball like a pro!
My poor mother had to deal with packing wardrobes for four kids (this was before our youngest brother was born) and both she and my dad. Whew!
For me, packing can be a daunting chore.
A disaster of a scene, I must say. Everything gets all unorganized, I get flustered and nothing gets accomplished!
Oh, it isn’t the mulling over choicesof clothing, it’s trying to compact two sets of clothing into one to mix and match and interchange. Basically, I hate carrying suitcases around and don’t want to pay an extra charge if my suitcase is too heavy.
To tell you the truth, my damn beauty supplies and toiletries weigh more than the clothing!
I still have to review my make up. This shit weighs more than my clothing!
As of today, I’ve narrowed my suitcase to:
1 pair of GAP 1969 indigo skinny jeans. 1 pair of white skinny jeans.
The white jeans are from Uniqlo and are a great fit. The weather in Paris is usually cool and rainy when we arrive so the jeans will be perfect. I have to remember my umbrella!
1 pair black point pants from Lilly Pulitzer
Actually, these black pants won’t be packed. I’ll wear them on the plane. I’ll also wear my Kut from the Kloth denim jacket, a white t shirt and this scarf. The complete ensemble is hanging in my closet.
1 Gray Old Navy T Shirt Dress. 1 Black Old Navy T Shirt Dress
These dresses are the best dresses ever. I paid $15.00 for each dress and the fit is incredibly flattering. Both can be dressed up a bit for a fancier restaurant dinner, and….
..both are now rolled securely in my suitcase. Ugh. I can spot Chippy’s hair on the black dress!
1 gray Loft Maxi Dress.
I can wear the gray maxi with the denim jacket for cool days and alone when I’m in the South.
1 pair of chartreuse shorts from Loft . 1 pair of White shorts from Old Navy
I gained so much weight that I had to size up to a 10. I’m so ashamed–not really!
1 stripped boat neck pullover shirt from Uniqlo.
This’ll go with my jeans and shorts. Very versatile–and the fit is very nice!
2 scarfs that can double as cover ups at the pool and beach.
I need to iron these scarfs, but they can multitask as pareos when I’m at the beach and pool!
1 lightweight paisley scarf to cover turkey neck.
1 tan linen blazer from J. Crew Factory
1 J. Crew Factory tunic/beach coverup
Light as a feather and looks fantastic paired with my white shorts!
6 Old Navy fitted T shirts in white, 4 fitted t shirts in black, 2 fitted t shirts in navy, 1 fitted t-shirt in gray. (I’m obsessed with these shirts.)
This pic was from a post maybe two months back. THIS is how I obsess!
I’m looking forward to some extreme beach reading. Oona told me I REALLY need to read “Where’d You Go Bernadette” because the main character reminded her of me. I’ll judge that!
That’s it for three weeks. I will be able to do laundry since we’ll be in apartments. Maybe I should still pare this wardrobe down a bit. I’m being OCD.
I still have to throw in shoes and flip flops. I’m good with that. I’ll wear my black Repettos on the plane. I’ll be able to wear the Repettos for going out to dinner so I won’t bring heels. I’ll bring my navy Dr. Scholl’s…the shoes, I’ll figure out.
I’ll just wonder how many more times I’ll open and close that suitcase!
And all is calm and neatly packed and organized until tomorrow–or later tonight–or this afternoon!
Today’s song is more of a mix. I found this little film on You Tube of the Police Camp. It made me cry because of the great memories! Enjoy. It’s very sweet! XOXOXOXO!
Alright. I’ll admit, I’m a bit hungover today. A bit too much of the bubbly on a week night and some Côtes de Provence does not a chipper gal make in the morning! But I had my moments of pity last night. I got fired from a job, so I got lit on the bubbly!
On a Tuesday night? Well, only when one loses her job….
..and I put quite a dent in this too!
It was great to whine to Bonaparte too! I found out that he is actually happy that I got fired. He wasn’t happy with the establishment and never felt comfortable with my working there.
My daughter, Oona, called and was a huge comfort to me. She works for an incredibly large corporation. She explained that in the truly professional world, it takes time to learn the ins and outs of the sale. She reiterated that it can take months to perfect and feel comfortable in the sales area. She so said that she will be looking out for positions for me.
So, I may have been tipsy, but I started to feel much better.
This morning I was able to once again, enjoy my morning cup of coffee in bed rather than at my makeup desk! But when Bonaparte and I hit the grocery store a bit later, I got a little weepy. That’s gonna happen, and it’ll be ok.
Cleaning and organizing made me feel better and more purposeful.
Ain’t nothin’ like a clean bathroom counter!
Chippy isn’t leaving my side.
Chippy’s been on the floor, at my side for the past 24 hours!
My girlfriend Mary Beth and I have made lunch plans for next week.
No school lunch for us! We’ll be having a long mommy meal!
My girlfriend Becky has given me a lead on a job in Philly.
I faked-tanned my legs.
I need a pedicure, but can you see the line of fake tan demarcation? It’s perfect!
And I also decided to list my rules to live by. My personal version of The Ten Eleven Commandments.
Moses, honey, ya left one out–it’s OK, I added the Eleventh!
1. Be true to yourself.
(I am who I am and won’t ever change for anyone! What you see is what you get. Don’t like it? Move on).
This is who I am (without foundation, might I add), and I cannot will NOT change!
2. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
(This is the one rule I taught my kids and have lived my life this way. Sometimes it can be hard, but for the most part, it’s an easy rule to go by. I always try to be kind and just generally nice to people. We’re on this earth for a short time so we can at least be nice to each other).
3. Dream and dream big. But try not to be delusional.
(I’m a dreamer. No doubt about it—and I sometimes get lost in my dreams. And sometimes I cross over the boundary from dream to delusion. Oh yes! I need to realize that I will never become the female version of Anthony Bourdain, nor will Bourdain call me up and ask me to work and write for him.
Delusion Number One: Tony Bourdain does NOT want you to work and write for him. Not now. Not ever. Never!
I also need to realize that Debi Mazur will NOT bump into me when I’m in Brookyn and say “Oh, will you be my best friend?”.
Delusion Number Two: Debi Mazur will never want to be my bestie. If I stalk her, she will personally kick the living shit outta me. Oh–and she can, and she will!
Un unh. In addition, when I’m in Paris, I need to stop stalking hunting down Ina “Barefoot Contessa” Garten and her husband Jeffrey. They will NOT accept my dinner invitation to join us at the apartment. She will run away calling after the gendarmes to lock me up in jail.
Ina and Jeffrey live in the same area that we stay in. I cover the Sixth in search of her. I will end up in French jail if I stalk her–but maybe she can bring me a meal!
Speaking of my Paris delusions, I will not meet Christian Clavier at Bonaparte’s Aunt’s “Zazi Films” office. Clavier will not ask me to play his well-rounded, cross-eyed, funny-as-hell American wife in his pretend movie about a Frenchman who meets a zany American woman and marries her. I have lots more dreams into delusions, but I’ll stop for now)
Bonaparte’s aunt, Daniele, will have me booted out of the office if I don’t behave…..
…and Christian Clavier looks like he’s already had enough of me. Oops! I’ll just go back to dreaming!
4. Like, love and enjoy many. Trust few.
( Yup. I DO like a lot of people. As bad as they can be, I do try to dig through the layers to find the good in people. I need help in the trust department.
Can’t help it–I love lots of people!
My ability to be too trustworthy has gotten me into a lot of trouble in the past. A LOT!
I need to be less trustworthy…but not too much less!
Seriously, I’ve been like that all my life. You know the senior superlatives in high school? Well, I got “most gullible girl” AND “dizzy dame”. Yeah. I need to work on that. At 60!)
5. Accept people for who they are.
(You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Nor can you teach someone to change who they are. Acceptance is beautiful. Why, I even accept the evil, fake Christian, hypocritical, gay-hating, bigoted Duggar family. I accept them for what they are—total shitbags!)
Well, maybe you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! But you need to accept people as they are! Even the bad and evil ones!
(My mother, God rest her soul, brainwashed, ingrained this into my head at an early age. I swear the ONE time I had holey panties and a stretched out bra on, I suffered a bathroom accident. Yes. I ended up having a bunch of stitches in my head AND my bottom lip sewn back together! The ambulance crew came to bring me to the hospital and I was mortified that my underwear was so disgusting! I learned my lesson. And when I travel I ALWAYS wear pretty matching bras and panties. Really! If I get into a horrific accident and my body is cut in half, the recue people will be able to piece my top half to my bottom half by matching my pretty underwear!)
The belly and thighs may runneth over as well as my cups, but I’m still going to wear the pretty underwear–just in case!
7. Never covet your friend’s Louboutin’s or Louis Vuitton Bags.
(Don’t hate on your friends if they have something you want and cannot afford. It isn’t nice and isn’t worth being jealous over. Instead, pray that you wear the same shoe size and may be able to borrow those shoes for a fancy event. Same thing with Louis. Save your dollars—but whatever you do, DON’T buy a fake—and don’t buy a Michael Kors rip-off of the LV “Neverfull” bag. It’s tacky and Kors is the biggest copycat designer of all time. It’s wrong. Instead, check out Nat & Nin bags. Click on the link below! I’m a fan and treat myself to Nat & Nin when I’m in France!
The Nat & Nin bags are made of soft leather and are a bargain in France compared to LV. Besides, nobody else here in the States except a few who are familiar with Nat & Nin, will be using one. You will be tres cool!)
Don’t be hating on a friend who has one of these LV bags. Save up for the little one…
But hope your bestie owns a pair of Loub’s. And hope you are the same shoe size. And hope she lets you borrow them!
8. Love yourself.
( I’m not talking in porno or dirty way. I’m talking in a respectful way. If you don’t love yourself nobody else will. It’s easy to get down on yourself and think “Oh, I’m a loser, blah, blah”, but it will only make you miserable and will make everyone around you miserable. Realize you are the best you that you can be, accept your flaws and faults. Look into your soul and see how beautiful you really are!)
9. Laugh at yourself—at least once a day.
(This is very important. It seems that everyone these days is so easily offended and that political correctness rules. Screw that shit! If someone “craics” an Irish joke, I can laugh at it. If I’m having an “especially extreme cross-eyed day”, I’ll laugh it off because I’m doubling my pleasure by seeing two of everything! I’ll even laugh at my own jokes—mostly because I’m the only one who thinks they’re funny…)
Laugh at your jokes or laugh at yourself when you make a funny face! Hmmmm. Maybe I laugh a lot because I always look funny! Hahahahahahaha!
10. Keep Away From Negative People.
( The people who are in a constant state of negativity are those whom I need to steer clear of. People who bitch and complain about everything under the sun. No restaurant is good enough for them. Instead of focusing on good personality traits in others, they focus on the bad. Their way is better—your way is just wrong. Ugh. I cannot allow others to drag me down in the mud with them!)
Smile!
(Smiles are infectious! Even on a bad day or after a bad cry, a bit of a smile always brightens up the old spirits!)
Smile! I love you!
That’s it! Feel free to add your own rules to live by and we can make the world a better and happier place!
XOXOXOXOXO!
I know it’s cliché, but I must add this catchy song today! “Happy” by Pharell!
Pity Party Time Everyone! I just chilled the Champagne!
Yeah. Tonight I’m having the bubbly for a Pity Party!
I got fired!
The past two positions I held were positions in which my administrative skills were used to their fullest advantage. However, both companies that I worked for closed their doors. It doesn’t hurt so much when a company folds or cuts back. You know that job loss is through no fault of your own.
But when your employer calls you into their office, closes the door and sits across from you, not behind their desk, and starts talking in a monotone, like Miss Clavel of the Madeline books states, “Something is not right!”
The second my new, and I might add, rather nice, boss took me into her office and closed the door behind me, I knew something was not right!
My new job seemed to be going really well. I seemed to be getting along well with my co-workers and liked them. I had a good feeling that we were going to be a stellar team. I caught onto the administrative tasks very easily. I had no issue learning their computer programs too! Actually, it was fun!
After two weeks of being told I was doing a great job, I felt good. I had, in my memory, a good deal of the tour memorized. I was looking forward to assisting as a tour guide! I even did a great job of driving the tram on my practice runs! Helping with the tours would be a great side task of my administrative duties! And it would allow me to be the center of attention. We all know that I love attention!
In my mind, I imagined myself to be the best administrative assistant of all time! I would try to enter every single contact onto a listing for future mail merges. I would organize my entire area so that everything could be within reach. I would be able to compose fantastic correspondence! But most of all, I would be a part of an exuberant and exciting team!
Um….I guess I was being delusional. Again!
I didn’t “pass” the task of phone sales and bookings.
I’m not used to “sales”. I’m not like THIS guy, but I’m just not sure of myself after just a couple of days! I may be a quick learner for many things, but I needed more phone time!
After a couple of days of phone inquiries and many callers’ questions about the many offerings and pricings that were offered, it was felt I couldn’t quite get the “hang” of the phone sales tasks. I was “let go”. I was “fired”.
Like that bad puzzle piece, that’s me! I’m just not a good fit for ANYTHING!
But instead, was told I wasn’t the right “fit”. I suppose employers need to be politically correct and use phrases that are gentle and kind–such as one not being the right fit. But when you get down to it–it’s being fired!
Hopefully, my next fortune cookie will give me better news!
It is a humbling experience, though to lose a job because of “fit”.
I’m NOT that person who gets fired! “Fired” isn’t part of my track record. Not being a good “fit” is a verbal slap across the face for me. And it stings. And it hurts. And it is emotionally crippling!
Just what do employers truly seek in their staff? My work ethic is great. I arrived early, never made a mad dash for the door and didn’t question working on Saturday. I didn’t even question the large drop in salary. Medical benefits weren’t offered, but I have my Obamacare, so it was cool. I did what I had to do in order to be re-employed. Most days I worked through lunch.
It’s weird. I’m not angry; I’m just sad and perplexed! And I am sad because I really liked the woman I worked for. A lot!
It scares me to think that I was not a good “fit” because I was not able to grasp a task after a couple of days. Is it me? Just where do I belong? Am I that much of a loser because I was let go after two weeks?
I’ll tell you, when I arrived home after being given the heave-ho, I was extremely composed. I was greeted by my little buddy, Chippy. I went upstairs to change. Bonaparte was out with clients so I had the house to myself.
It was awful–having to tell my Bonaparte that I got fired! OMG. I was so ashamed. I got upset when I told Oona too! I cannot even bring myself to tell my sons yet! Waaaaaa!
I called the unemployment offices and as soon as Debbie answered, I started crying and sobbing like a baby who needed a change! That’s when I lost it! Oh my god, I felt like such an ass! But I needed to get that out! The cry made me feel much better!
Every once in a while, you can come across an empathetic soul. Empathy came in the form of Debbie from PA Unemployment. She comforted me, and told me everything would be fine. She said what is done is done so I don’t need to make my eyes red or my nose runny. She explained she was there to help me and would assist me in reinstating my unemployment benefits.
Well, on the positive side, I met my original personal goal of becoming employed before my original unemployment benefits ran out. Now I have a few more weeks of additional benefits.
AND, it’s a good thing I didn’t cancel my hair appointment for this coming Saturday with Adam!
Bonaparte and I will be having a nice trip to France too.
So I’ll channel my inner Scarlett O’Hara and say “After all, tomorrow is another day!”
Scarlett and I are a lot alike! After all, tomorrow ISs another day to start to think about me!
Hey. It’s all good—right? Sure is–now I can get back to my favorite thing–writing in my blog and having fun. And playing with makeup. And packing for my trip!
Oh. And note to self—don’t look for any more positions on Craigslist!
I’m happy I have my blog readers to make me feel I’m worth something! Thanks! XOXOXOXO!
Once again, it’s time to get back to unemployment status and to listen to my favorite unemployment song. Assedic! EEz French–so eet sounz much better!
Now, as you know, I try to keep serious subject matter like religion and politics off of my blog. For me, serious subject matter is female hair loss, sun safety, my jiggly thighs and belly, cooking, and my life with my Frenchman, Bonaparte! Also serious is the proper application of makeup to enhance the youthful beauty of women over “a certain age”! Oh yeah, and my bitching and whining about my former unemployment status was fodder for entertainment too!
I like to keep it fun, happy, and entertaining–especially at the expense of Bonaparte’s sunbathing!
But, I feel the need to weigh in on my opinions of the incestuous sexual molestation that was carried out some years ago by Josh Duggar to his sisters and a guest of their cult family.
Caveat: Before I go any further, you need to know that I abhor the pedophile priests and feel that the Church did not do enough to put these men of the cloth in jail. I am a lapsed Catholic and lapsed due to my divorce. Yet the Church basically just slapped the hands of the deviant priests. I do love me my Saints, though—and Mary. And especially Joseph—he was a totally stand-up guy to marry a woman who got pregnant without being married!! Can you imagine the stigma back in THOSE days? Ouch! Oh. I also have a love of plaid—and white shirts and blazers! That love stems from years of wearing a uniform to school. Lastly, I think Pope Francis is way cool. He could single-handedly change the Church as we know it and change it for the better! OK I’m done with my caveat. Let us continue…
First of all, and I dunno about you, but as little Catholic kids, we were taught that any parts of your body that were covered by underwear (as in underpants, undershirts, and brassieres) were your private parts!God forbid if you touched any of those parts!!!! You would be deemed “dirty” and would be on that straight path to Hell! God forbid anyone else touched your private parts!! That person would be elevated to “filthy bastid pig” status and would have to answer to higher authorities such as nuns and parents—and would be begging to go to jail after a strict dad or mom or sadistic old-school nun got to them!
Never. Ever. EVER. NEVER meet your comeuppance with an old-school, mean nun! Josh Duggar could have used her as a teacher!
I cannot even think of the consequences if a sibling took the liberty to play around with other siblings’ private parts. They definitely would be “sent away” –most likely by ambulance! And, perhaps a parent or two would be arrested for the bodily harm that they would bestow upon their teen aged child for molesting their younger siblings!
Caught messing around? You’ll be headed to a hospital before jail–and in one of these!
My own mother was so determined to protect my body that she made me wear a Miraculous Medal of Mary around my neck when I entered my teens. She told me if I wore Mary’s medal, and I was out with a boy and we started petting, he would see the medal and immediately stop.
..and I still have my Miraculous Medal!
This is true. I cannot make this up! But my point is that my mother was no dope. She knew that when teens went out on dates, there was a lot more than a simple “side hug” going on. (Side hugs in the world of Duggashian are reserved for engaged couples anything more than a side hug is a sin) My parents didn’t shelter us from social situations. We were taught about solutions and how to handle ourselves.
I’m amazed to think that Jim Bob and Michelle were so enamored of playing around with each other’sprivate parts that they just didn’t have the time to teach the end results of those play sessions to their own litter offspring. These idiots never taught respect for their daughters’ bodies to their sons!
Instead these two bozos pontificate about “godliness” by making their daughters dress in matronly “modest” clothing. And their brother still managed to find his way up to his sisters’ “origins of the world”!
The only fundamental belief these two bozos have are that money is their god and fame is all they want. They are the worst example of parenting on earth. Check out their smug faces! Ugh!
I would watch “19 Kids and Counting” on an irregular basis. Honestly, I found them fascinating and not in a good way. I always mistrust people who wear their religious ideologies on their sleeves.
These hypocrites claim to live a good “Christian” life. But they don’t. I’ve seen their show when the family went on “vacations” funded by TLC (The Learning Channel aka Touching Little Children). I’ve observed their social behavior. When they went to New York City, the children behaved so rudely and the parents behaved the same way. All displayed judgmental behavior toward New Yorkers—and when they went to a restaurant with food unfamiliar to them (i.e. no Tater Tots were served), they publicly made faces displaying their rude disgust. The parents never making the slightest move to correct their ill-mannered litter of children. Little nuances like that are telling about their true character.
This family, led by the ever-creepy, Jim Bob with the plastic hair, is filled with hate against anyone who does not share their “Christian” way of life. They hate gays, transgenders, transsexuals, lesbians, bisexuals, Democrats and Catholics. Oh and I shudder to imagine what they would think of my Jewish brother-in-law and my nieces and nephew!
They also hate their daughters because if they LOVED their daughters, they would have never stood for the sexual molestation of their daughters by their son, Josh.
These people are also “pro-life” but only while a fetus is in utero. Once the baby is spit out of the womb, then they really don’t care anymore. It’s obvious in the way Michelle *cough* cares for the kids. (The older sisters are responsible for the younger children. The older girls wash, dress, and educate the younger ones.) That is because as soon as a child is born into the Duggar family, the parents run upstairs and play with each other’s private parts. Never to be seen unless the Touching Little Children aka. TLC channel’s crew is around to film them as a family!
Also disturbing is the Duggar fan base. I’m amazed that women, women, are defending the actions of Josh Duggar and are actually praying that their TV show not be cancelled! These fans pray and say that Josh shouldn’t be judged but he should be forgiven because Jesus saves and Jesus loves and Jesus forgives.
And that got me to thinking about Jesus.
My Jesus is a hippie and hipster!
He had long hair, most likely wore Birkenstocks–unless he went to St. Tropez and picked up a pair of Rondini’s! But he was a cool guy. Go-to-Tees made this design for a shirt–many others feel the same way!
My Hippie/Hipster Jesus is a loving guy. He loves gay people and lesbians and bisexuals and transgender and transsexuals. He loves Democrats and Republicans (yes, and he even loves Boehner and Mitch McConnell — ugh, Jesus really?) My Hippie/Hipster Jesus loves non-Christians. I’m pretty sure he even loves Jell-O molds too! But even though my Jesus can forgive, that doesn’t mean the bad, bad souls are going to be able to gain entrance into his heavenly country club! Uh unh. My Jesus is no moron!
My Hipster Jesus also needs glasses–hey, he’s old and needs to see better. But–he’s not mean and accepts everyone. He just knows the difference between those who live a life as humble, kind and generous people who err and those arrogant, self-righteous, sanctimonious people who use him as an excuse to carry out hate and evil!
I can just imagine the scene when Josh Duggar meets his heavenly maker:
Jesus at the welcoming gates. He’s even got a horn section. Will they be playing “Saturday in the Park”?
Jesus: “Hey Josh. Ya know, what you did to your sisters and that family friend was really bad. It was a crime and a violation of human respect. “
Josh Duggar: (with a smirk on his face). “Jesus, it’s ok. I asked for your forgiveness a long time ago. My fan base prayed. It’s cool”.
Jesus: “Josh. I forgive you. But. Well—Josh, I can’t let you in.” “Sorry, you need to be made accountable for your actions” “You seem a bit…well, dude, you seem a bit smug about this”
Josh Duggar: “Listen, it was a bad “season” of life” (shrugs).
Jesus: ” Josh, man, I gotta send you where the sun don’t shine!” “Oh Josh, get that smirk off your face, will ya?”
Josh Duggar: “Listen Jesus, I may have made a few mistakes like being hateful to a few people, but everyone makes mistakes, right?” “I mean, my sisters–they aren’t important” (shrugs again)
Jesus: “Josh, I got lots of gays up here and lesbians and transsexuals and bi’s and Democrats, and Jews and Catholics” “You hate all those kind souls and they’re my peeps!” “During your stay on earth, you really, really tried to persecute many groups.” “I’ll tell ya, we all heard Adolf Hitler’s soul howling with delight at your actions—all the way up here from down in the firing inferno!” “We couldn’t believe old Adolf could be that loud!”
Josh Duggar: ” Jesus, how can I put this.” “I was just playing doctor with my sisters and our friend.” “My parents were too busy worshiping money and fame and were too busy to explain our bodies to us” (chuckles a bit)
Jesus: “Josh, are you that arrogant and self-righteous that you are lying to my face?”
Josh: (fixes his hair and tries to sneak past Jesus into heaven)
Jesus: “Hey man, no way are you getting in here.” “Listen, you’ll be going to the “Evang”hell”ical section down there.” ” You’ll have plenty of jurisdictions to carry out to keep you busy.” ” You will be seated at the pedophile priest table at the grill for dinner and will have a nice hot coffee with the sexual molesters”. You’re gonna be a popular guy Joshie.”
Josh: (pointing a finger at Jesus while checking out his Iphone) “You’ll be sorry for this Jesus! ” “My fans love me”
Yup, Jesus, you’ll be sorry you sent me elsewhere. Look how popular I am! My Iphone proves it!
Jesus: “Um. No I won’t”. “Hey, give Jim Bob and Michelle a nice big “Hi” from your sisters!” “Safe travel’s dude!” “Your fans are all waiting for you!”
Hey Joshie. No amount of sunscreen will help you where you’re going!
And that’s how I imagine it! Joshie’s final judgement!
I’m hoping TLC does good and never airs another episode of “19 Kids and Counting”. I also hope there are no plans to ever have this hypocritical family on air again. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and these opinions are mine. You may or may not agree, but I have no tolerance for molestation of any kind.
Note to other countries: We Americans are all NOT like this pig. Thank you!
I’ve plenty more to say on this subject but I need to stop now. Here’s a song that Josh should have listened to. If he did, perhaps his hands would have stayed off his sisters and he would have taken care of himself.
Hope everyone has enjoyed this lovely weekend. Lots of fun on this end!
Friday night started off with a bang! My son, Roman, who works doing the cue cards for Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show and SNL, had a nice surprise for me. He had his first-ever written joke televised. Here’s a pic of Jimmy Fallon doing the “Thank You Notes” from his show. Roman wrote the Activia joke which garnered quite the loud laughs from the audience. Proud Mom Moment for sure! I just wanted to share without sounding braggy!
I’m so proud of my son’s first-ever televised sampling of writing! *sniff* *sniff*. I hope it is the first of many more!
On Saturday, Bonaparte and I were invited to a gathering at my new boss’s home! It was a delightful time, and I was extremely happy to be included in the festivities. I have to say, as new hire, that small gesture of an invite meant a lot to me. It was a form of acceptance—and who doesn’t want to be accepted? Right? It was nice!
I made Momofuku Milk Bar Corn cookies to bring to the party—and a trip back to NYC is needed because my supply of dehydrated corn powder is running low!
A perfect batch. Nice, big and chewy….
I even placed the cookies in nice boxes and tied with a red, white, and blue ribbon!
You know what I also did? I made ice cream. Actually, it was an attempt that proved to be successful. Bonaparte was complaining, as is the nature of his Frenchness, about the sub-par quality of the brands that he gets in the supermarket. He loves ice cream and can enjoy it without worrying about his waistline! Anyway, I made two kinds: Banana and Dulce de Leche. I followed no formal recipe but here’s what I did:
Dulche de Leche: I poured about two cups of heavy cream into a heavy pan that I placed on the stove. Into that I poured about a 1/2 cup of almond milk, two egg yolks, some vanilla and about a cup or a bit more of brown sugar. I cooked it, stirring constantly, but stirring very slow, until it bubbled and thickened. I poured the hot mixture into a plastic Tupperware container and cooled completely before covering and placing in the freezer. The result? Dense and creamy and flavorful ice cream.
Dulce de Leche. The little flecks of vanilla made the flavor more intense. It turned out so creamy and delish!
Banana: I followed the above steps. HOWEVER, I used regular granulated sugar instead of brown sugar. I also mashed up two bananas and added it to the other ingredients then proceeded to cook. The result? Not as “creamy” as the other, but still, extremely dense and flavorful. I have to play with this recipe. Bonaparte loved the dulche de leche and liked the banana. All in all, a success!
Not as dense, but nonetheless, nice banana flavor and very light! But–room for improvement!
Early yesterday morning, a short time after our morning coffee, Bonaparte made a bee-line for the deck. Not a cloud in the sky. The sun, hot but not stifling. All in all, a beautiful morning to just relax, soak in the sun (with sunscreen, of course) and wear off the slight hangover from mixing Kir Royales and red wine of the previous evening’s dinner.
Bonaparte is extremely content to laze on our deck on a dopey looking mattress. The kind you place over those over-priced wicker chaises. He throws a towel over an eye-sore of a padded mattress and basks in the sunshine. (In these summer months I should be referring to him as Le roi-Soleil The Sun King).
Bonaparte, the Sun King. He was not ” ‘eppy” with my snapping this pic but that mattress and the towel. Ugh!
Oh. And he drags this monstrosity to the shore. Yes. He does!
As for me? No can do the mattress on the floor of the deck. We have deck chairs, and we have those folding chairs that we bring to the beach. I’ll throw a towel on the sand, and I’m fine. The pliable sand can conform to my body’s many curves. But, on regular land, I need one of those folding chaise lounges. We didn’t have any.
So—I decided to run to Walmart to buy one. At 9:00 on Sunday morning. The second I got into the car, I realized that Target is just up the road. I figured I could get a nice chaise at Tar-zhay. I was wrong. After heading to the “outdoor” furniture section I was welcomed by empty racks and shelves. Barren of most of their summer items, the area resembled the infamous Lilly Pulitzer roll-out after the first five minutes. And you know what that was like!
Remember THIS from the infamous Lilly Pulitzer for Target rollout? Their summer furniture department resembled this scene! No chaise for me–so onto the chaise chase!
The small choice before me was an overpriced chaise for $79.00. It didn’t even have padding. Much of the time spent at Target was browsing through items that I certainly did not need. A complete waste of time.
Back into the car for the five-minute drive to Walmart.
I arrived at the Walmart at approximately 9:35 AM
I headed to the outdoor section of the store. Abound with outdoor plants, barbeque sets of all sorts, lots of outdoor furniture, both higher end (for Walmart pricing) and affordable, I was confident that my purchase would be complete in no time.
Lo and behold, I found a display of beautiful and inexpensive chaises. I could not keep my eyes off of the one red, tan, and white plaid-ish, old school woven chaise. At $25.00 each, a great buy. I grabbed two. I also remembered that I needed some hair equipment. So off I went to the Walmart beauty aisles.
The very much recalled chaise. There were at least a dozen of them displayed on the floor. This was the only pic I could find. Can you believe this?
Items in cart, I sauntered over to one of the two cashiers whose registers were opened. It was now 9:55 AM.
Quickness is not part of the Walmart culture. After waiting on the line for ten minutes, the cashier, who was very pleasant, scanned my hair items and bagged them. She then went on to scan my chaises. Nothing came up except “Do Not Sell”. I mentioned that perhaps I needed to go to the outdoor area to pay for them. She yelled over to a passing manager. He explained that the chaises were recalled and could not sell them to me.
I told him I found them on display and that I really wanted them because they would match my “deck’s décor” and I promised I would not sue should I become entangled in the chaise.
He said, once again, they were recalled.
Stubborn as I am, I went back to the outdoor area. I may have had my hair items in tow, but I wasn’t leaving that store without my chaises.
I found two more and went on the ever-growing line at the outdoor cashier’s. Again. Quickness is not a part of the Walmart culture. By the time I reached the head of the line, I could have gone through menopause—TWICE!
As luck would have it, once more the “Do Not Sell” came up as Speedy Alka-Seltzer scanned the first chaise. The outdoor manager came over and gave me the same scripted speech that the indoor manager gave me.
Again, I asked “Why do have these on display if they are recalled?” Mr. Rhoades Scholar just gave me a quizzical look—as though I was not too bright for even inquiring.
I then asked, “Well, do you have any inexpensive chaises?” ” Ones that aren’t recalled, perhaps?”
He pointed to the back of the aisle.
In a pile, I found them. Two rather cute little low-to-the-ground chaises. Navy Blue fabric (which seemed more like rubber) with the word “Reserved” displayed in bright white lettering. Thank God those letters didn’t spell out “Recalled”! The steel body of the chaises was painted a bright white as well. Very cute. The pricing $19.96. I purchased two and was on my merry way.
FINALLY! I found two of these chaises that were not labeled “recalled”. Instead, they were labeled “Reserved”. A decent buy at $19.96 each!
What could and should have taken me a half hour tops, took me two hours. I arrived home at 11:00.
Enough time to enjoy an hour of sun time!
And that is how a small part of my Memorial Day weekend was spent!
So let me get move onto my summer essentials—or at least the ones I picked up at Walmart yesterday.
The hair essentials. We all know that summertime can wreak havoc on the hair. I try to pull my hair back and off of my face as much as possible during these heat and humidity filled months.
Tortoise shell clips (faux tortoise shell please!): I picked up this pack of four tortoise shelled clips. If I want to wear my hair down, I’ll still do a “pouf” atop the crown (with the small amount of hair that’s left). Was a time when these clips wouldn’t even hold a handful of my thick hair. Now—they hold plenty.
The faux tortoise shell is a great match for any outfit!
Small bobby pins: When I wear my hair “loosely” pulled back and to the side, these little babies are great for holding strands that would naturally fall from my hair tie in place. The grip is great! Also, and this is by no means something you should do. I happen to use these little pins for applying glue to my fake lashes. I “open” the bobby pin up and use the ends for application. Works like a charm!
A great bargain at $1.96 and more uses than just keeping hair in place!
Black fabric hair ties: I like these because they don’t “pull” on my hair. They are pretty much hair friendly and do a great job of holding the hair in a pony or a bun. The black ones are my favorite because they blend into my own naturally dyed black tresses!
These ribbon elastics are something I’m never without. I’ll even wear one around my wrist–just in case!
Thick hair bands: Also another great way to keep the hair from falling in your face during the hot weather. They are very retro-1960’s and look great when the hair is big and teased!
They also keep the sweat off the face!
Other essentials for summer that I’m not without:
Tight bathing cap: I know. That is so weird, right?—but hear me out. If I go swimming and stay in the water for a really long time, the products I use to cover my hair loss will eventually wash out and I’ll be left with my balding scalp not only for all to gape at, but for the sun to scorch. Putting a bathing cap on not only protects my scalp, but it does keep my hair dry. Trust me, my hair is so incredibly porous that even in the summer months, it takes forever to dry. I would rather be enjoying my time out and about than to be in a bathroom fussing with my hair.
It does protect the hair from the chlorine of the pool and saltiness of the sea!
Sun hat: I purchased this “Skin Cancer Foundation” approved hat shortly after my Mohs surgery. I’ve worn it ever since. It lends itself very well to travel due to its flexibility. It retains its shape after being packed in a suitcase, and it was less than $15.00 at Marshall’s. Hat by Scala. I love it!
I’ve had this for years and love it. Does a great job protecting my scalp and face!
Hair spray: That “halo” of frizz from broken ends surrounding my face and neck sometimes drives me crazy. Especially when I’m aiming for a smooth look with clean lines. Hair spray helps so much. I like it better than gel because you can just finger-comb the spray out. This brand, Lamaur, which I found at Sally Beauty Supply, is on par with El-Net and tons less expensive!
Excellent dupe for El Net.
Fake Tanner: Need I explain further? We all are familiar with my obsession with the fake tanners. Which reminds me. I need a new supply of TanTowels!
A sampling of my self-tanners. Might I add–Ocean Potion Ever Glow is fantastic. It smells like creamsicles!
Sunscreen/block: Fake tanners don’t protect from the sun. My supply of sunscreen grows from year to year. I like to have enough on hand just in case others may “forget” to bring theirs!
Sunscreen on parade! You can never have too much!
Deodorant: during the summer months, I truly like to carry a travel-sized deodorant in my purse. Those super-hot days—well, sometimes that morning application of deodorant just isn’t enough. Know what I mean?
A permanent fixture in my beach bag–and my summer purses!
My favorite beach bag: Oh boy. I’ve had this super-strength roomy beach bag for years. The beautiful madras plaid fabric used to be so vibrant and deep. However, the sun, the beach, the salt water has taken a toll and faded the fabric. This was probably the best purchase I’ve ever made from J. Crew. Ever!
As a sucker for madras plaid, I HAD to have this the second I spotted it. It has been used on a continuous basis. I LOVE this bag!
The flip-flops and slides: While I realize that a great many people think flip-flops are vulgar and disgusting, I’m a fan. First of all, my feet are always well-groomed and the narrowness of my feet (the only part of my body that is narrow) makes me a perfect candidate for this sort of footwear. Plus, it’s the next best thing to being barefoot! They are comfy and allow my feet to breathe and enjoy the great out-of-doors!
Some of my summer footwear……
..and more that I keep by the front door!
Summer is also a time that I don’t pile on the face makeup. I rarely wear foundation. Being in the sun (with sunscreen) brings out my freckles and I like them! I just do the brows, line the eyes, apply a couple of coats of mascara, wipe a clear gloss over the lips and I’m done.
Minimal makeup and my favorite summer hat. Do you like my hat? (remember that line from one of my favorite books of all time “Go Dog Go”?)
So here’s to the end of a fantastic and fun-filled first official weekend of the summer! And let’s not forget our servicemen and women who have fought to protect us and our country! Thank you veterans!
American cemetery in Normandy, France. I took this photo a couple of years back. It was a moving experience and I thank those who selflessly gave their lives for you and me!
Now that I’m in a grove with the new job, I’ll be posting, once again, on a regular basis! Thanks for your patience everyone! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO!
Here’s one of my favorite lazy summer songs–“Summer” by War! Enjoy!
It’s slightly after 6PM and I’ve been on the phone with Oona happily telling her about my return to the workforce. But, first things first.
I thought, after the Yummie Tummie “Today’s Special” from QVC, that I was finished ordering anything on TV. That was until I saw a Tarte Cosmetics “Today’s Special” early last week.
I couldn’t help myself. I’m a sucker for make up kits and this one is a keeper!
I just couldn’t help myself. Tarte cosmetics has a decent track record for me so I ordered the kit which included the Amazonian clay smoothing balm foundation,
It goes on a lot lighter than this. Also–it doesn’t go on as yellow as it appears!
the colored clay eye shadow quad,
These colors are super pigmented!
the tightlining liner, the Lipsurgence lip cream,
I’m so sorry that the pic is fuzzy but it was early in the AM and, trust me, the tightliner pic didn’t even turn out postable! It’s not bad, I’m going to try this on my cheeks as a blush!
a foundation brush (thankfully, because Chippy ate my other Tarte foundation brush) and
Look to the left. Can you believe it??? Chippy is eyeing this! He thinks its a treat! Um. I don’t think so!
the “Lights, Camera, Lashes” mascara, which I’m a fan of.
A great mascara. I really like Tarte’s Lights Camera Lashes. Excellent stuff!
What better way to start a new job than with a face full of new makeup. Right?
Overall, I’m pleased with the kit. I thought the foundation would be too dark—and I ordered the “light”! It appeared a lot darker in the pan than on the face. Went on nice and smooth and wasn’t drying at all. In fact, it lasted all day—and today was extremely hot and humid!
The shadows have great pigmentation. I was afraid that the dark brown would oxidize into an orangey/brown but it stayed a true brown.
Super-pigmented. This shadow stayed on this dark all day. I just took it off!
The tightlining liner was surprisingly good as well. I had to go with a light touch because the liner is one of those liners that you twist the product and I’m famous for pressing too hard and breaking tips off of applicators such as this. I had no issue.
I was able to tightline really nicely. I’m liking this!
Skipped the mascara because I did the lash extension. But I can vouch that this mascara is great. I’ve gone through three tubes in the past year!
The Lipsurgence was fine. Nothing spectacular, nothing awful. Lasting power was average, but all in all the kit was worth the fifty bucks!
Ready for work. OMG–my eyes are way too puffy due to allergies. Sorry, but what you see is what you get! The foundation blended very well and the lipsurgence looks decent. (Ugh..those puffy pollinized eyes)
Now for the good stuff. My first day on the new job.
It was great. I’m fortunate because I am replacing a wonderful woman who will be leaving due to a move out of state. The last two positions I held, I was thrown into the fire with no training whatsoever. It was a matter of trial and error and figure it out yourself.
My training is proving to be effective and I’m feeling very comfortable with my co-workers and the work. I just had a “feeling” when I went in this morning that everything was going to be fine. I have plenty of information that I need to go over and study and I’m looking forward to having a ton of fun.
This isn’t your regular corporate office. This is different—and different in a great way.
I’m working at American Treasure Tours—it is a museum, tour, treasure chest of Americana spanning from the beginning of the 1900’s and even earlier to the present. The collection is astounding. In addition, there is a music box museum with Nickelodeons, old dance-hall music players…it’s incredible and amazing and not only will I be doing administration work, but I’ll also be utilizing my “talents” *cough* as a tour guide. Oh–and lest I forget to mention the incredible amount of antique automobiles! Here’s the link:
Well, I’m going to fill out some paperwork and relax a bit—I’ll be writing more and, hopefully, be taking some pics for you! Stay tuned…
Oh my. Bonaparte just called. He got into a fender bender, but he’s ok. He’ll be home later! I think a glass of wine should be waiting for him! It will–oh it will. I’m just glad he’s ok!
OHHHH..here’s a little treat to one of the kinds of music that’s available in the music museum. I found it on you tube!
Tomorrow I start my new job. I have lots of emotions running around my little spirit right now. First, it’s like Divine Intervention that just in the nick of time, before my unemployment runs out, I became re-employed. Secondly, although I’m thrilled to be back in the workforce, it stings a bit to take a large pay cut and have no medical coverage provided.
The flip side of that is I already have coverage through Obamacare AND I will still be receiving a salary that is better than the funds I was receiving from unemployment.
Thanks to Obamacare, I AM covered for healthcare.
It’ll be great to have a paycheck again!
In addition, I’m so happy to finally, finally be working with a small group of people that are a true team and work together like a family!
It’s been a long time since I felt that true “team” vibe. My last job was not a team environment at all. It was locked office doors, avoidance and confusion. The small group of people I keep in touch with were the saving grace from that job–my finance peeps and some of the nurses. And they have been extremely supportive and I consider them friends for life!
I’m looking forward to being a part of a team again. It’s been a long time coming!
Tomorrow will be fun and exciting and will be a brand new journey that I am pretty sure I will enjoy to the fullest–it’s sometimes not all about the Benjamin’s.
Sometimes its not all about the money!
It’s about the contributions I can make as part of a team and having fun!!!!!! So–I’m happy!
I also want to thank the group of people who enjoy my blog. You’ve kept me sane for the time I was without a job. You’ve enjoyed my rants, and my musings and my silly stories and less-than-stellar beauty advice! Being without a job made me feel that I’ve lost my purpose in life. Seriously. As an empty nester, it’s bad enough when the kids leave home–then to be without a job–well, it destroys the self-esteem, the ego and at times, your hope.
Thanks everyone. You have no idea how much you’ve helped my sanity during these trying times!
My kids and Bonaparte are my circle of life–and in that circle I’ve welcomed followers and readers of this blog. You make me happy!
You make me happy and I want to do the same and make you happy and keep you entertained, smiling and laughing with and at me!
And because you make me happy, I hope to continue to make you happy in the future!
So–today, I’m taking it easy. I just finished ironing a ton of clothes. What better way to relax before starting a new job than to iron out the wrinkles and smooth shirts, dresses, and pants?? Beats me!
I am going to take my new books of stories, food and recipes out to the deck and study and read them voraciously. Oh..I didn’t tell you!!! Early Friday evening the doorbell rang. The UPS man left a heavy box outside our front door. It was a nice gift from my chef buddy John Folse! He sent me a copy of “The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine” and a copy of his book “Hooks, Lies and Alibis”.
Filled with history, stories and great recipes. This book is amazing and I’ll be referencing it for years!
Another wonderful book chock-full of more great stories and history. In addition, this has great game and seafood recipes. I’m so excited! I’m also thankful to Chef John Folse!
My love for Louisiana cooking goes back years-and the French influence is great because I know Bonaparte will love the recipes in both books. I’m taking the encyclopedia with me to France because I’ll be doing some cooking and I would love to introduce Bonaparte’s family to some great regional American cooking done with a French touches–among others. Creole/Cajun cuisines are true melting pots of delights! Thanks to John Folse for his generosity once again!
Yesterday I had a pleasant surprise. Bonaparte was out seeing clients so I decided to go to the movies. Oona was visiting a friend and couldn’t make it down for a visit so I went to see Pitch Perfect 2 by myself! Trust me, this was NOT a movie for Bonaparte!
I actually enjoyed PP2 better than the original!
Anyway, I saw a little sign at the box office. Senior discount was 60 years and older. My first -ever “Senior Discount”! I felt like a high school student with senior priveliges! I saved $3.75!!!!
My first-ever Senior discount ticket. And yes. I saved it!
Pitch Perfect 2 did not disappoint. It was a fun movie and Fat Amy still remains one of my favorite characters! Rebel Wilson is great! And Katie Segal, aka Peg Bundy has a small role. I’m not gonna spoil. Just go see it! I came out of the movie and into my car singing. In fact, I think Bonaparte was becoming annoyed with me because during dinner I kept speaking to him in acapella singing!
Hmmmm….perhaps I can find a Senior Acapella group that needs me! Bonaparte said I would be the loudest!
Wrinkles and lines have been earned–I’ve achieved Senior status!
So today, I leave you with some acapella from the original Pitch Perfect because I don’t want to have any spoilers from the second movie! XOXOXOXOXOXO!
