Friday Finds & Check-ins, Volume #729
Share your recent beauty purchases or rediscovered favorites in your stash (for those on low/no-buys!), chit chat about weekend plans, and learn a little more about each other!
Let's Chat!
Share your own answers in the comments!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Nothing new this week for me! 🙂
Weekend plans: It’s been a very busy week, and today’s going to be quite an outing for myself along with my menagerie as we head to the rescue’s annual gala, Vanity Fur, this evening. This means I will need to veg and recharge tomorrow, LOL. I will be weighing Party’s 14 babies tomorrow morning, but they’ve been doing better so fingers crossed that they won’t need bottle feeding for much longer. I am hoping to get through some palette reviews over the weekend, too!
What do you do to cheer yourself up? Cuddle puppies, volunteer – acts of service (for others) tend to make me feel better!
This week's doggo photo/video...
Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group!
Recent Purchases: Sephora Pro Shadow 15 eyeshadow brush, travel-size Givenchy L’Interdit Rouge EDP (I’m proud of myself for not splurging on a full bottle, but I love this one so much, a full bottle is definitely in my future. But I’ll wait for a sale.)
Weekend Plans: Visiting family, house chores, dinner with friends
What do you do to cheer yourself up? As a textbook introvert, I am no good to anyone if I’m feeling down, but alone-time doing something comforting—like rewatching a fun, feel-good show, like “The Good Place”—is the best way for me to recharge.
I think that full size Givenchy perfume would be a lovely Christmas present to yourself for surviving a year at work Seraphine.
Recent purchases: I was FINALLY able to get Ouai St. Barts body cream (I love the scrub and the body wash so much; I wish they made a fragrance product in this scent); I plan on hitting Sephora tomorrow for a few more purchases, depending on what’s in stock.
Weekend plans: Gym tomorrow and Sunday (2 weeks away – in spite of all the walking and climbing – and I really need it) and then my daughter, son in law, grand daughter and older son are all coming for wings and things dinner. We’ve not seen our grand daughter for a month or more so I’m really looking forward to seeing her.
What do I do to cheer myself up: It really depends – sometimes getting together with friends, sometimes watching a favourite old movie; sometimes baking, going for a walk with hubby, “retail therapy” – lots of things.
How was your trip to Japan Mariella? I hope your son and DIL are well and happy. You will notice a big change in your granddaughter when you catch up – they grow so fast at her age.
Did the culottes come in handy? I hope you find something you like at Sephora.
Yep, the culottes were great but I so wish they had pockets (and I’ve actually found a youtube video specifically about adding pockets that stay in place to THAT particular pattern; the video is 3 years old so it’s been a long-acknowledged “need”). Interestingly, the company that makes the culottes for sale (the same that makes some of the patterns available for home printing) has just now adapted/modified that pattern to include pockets in the side seams (as well as a slightly narrower leg). Anyway, they were great – a nice option to a skirt as they looked just like a skirt but were more practical.
Grand-daughter was here yesterday and she’s such a delight but, oh my – what a busy little girl. It was such a joy to see her. And yes – I did a bit of serious-ish damage at Sephora yesterday (though so few of the things I like/want are carried in store or even carried there any longer – no ABH single shadows, for example, not that new Natasha Denona nudes palette – that it’s kind of getting hard to find stuff I want!)
It is SO annoying when women’s pants or culottes do not have pockets and I really miss them myself when I don’t have any.
Yes, your grand-daughter is of an age when she is very active and full of life. Keeping up with them can be quite…well, a bit tiring. She would have missed you and been glad to see you both.
I’ve been to our Sephora recently and came home empty handed apart from some of The Inkey List products – not much for us around at the moment.
Vanity Fur! Love it! The babies are all so adorable. Good job, Mittens!
RECENT PURCHASES:
None
WEEKEND PLANS:
Taking care of my orange tabby cat, Jack. He had surgery Tuesday to remove two enormous cysts from the back of his neck, and he’s stitched up like a Frankenstein’s cat.
Thankfully, there’s no signs of cancer, but one flat cyst ran along the whole back of his neck and was getting close to a lymph node. It was hidden from us by a huge, bulging fluid-filled cyst on top of it, so I feel awful for missing it for so long. I only felt the end of the secondary cyst recently. He gets his drain out tomorrow, then stitches come out about 10 days after that. He’s been so brave and good. 🧡
Saturday is stitch circle. We’ll take down Halloween decorations this weekend, too.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CHEER YOURSELF UP?
Listen to music, journal, knit or crochet, cuddle with hubby or my cats.
wishing Jack a speedy recovery.
Thank you! His drain is out, and the vet said everything looks great so far.
Your poor cat Rachel – It’s lucky that you caught all of those cysts in time and he must be feeling uncomfortable and unwell at the moment. I think he would be wanting some extra cuddles too.
My son and DIL’s street went all out with Halloween decorations and it was lovely to walk up and down it with the kids – even baby Charlotte was dressed in the theme. They are taking theirs down this weekend too.
Best wishes for Jack.
It’s so fun when there are lots of decorated houses. I’ll miss the decor, but soon enough winter holiday decor will be up. I love the lights.
I’m very grateful we were checking Jack regularly and felt the tip of the long, flat cyst and decided removal was in order. Thank you for your well wishes.
Well, Miss Mittens, that’s quite the facial expression! She’s so adorable, yet I think Rascal is still my favorite. Lil Raccoon! I’m guessing that Husky DNA is in that trio. 🦝🐺🦝
Purchases/rediscoveries: As soon as it was available on Sephora and my paycheck was deposited in my BA, I immediately ordered Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge palette! Also, last Saturday right after writing my FF&CI’s, I ordered Lancome Teint Idole Care & Glow Foundation in 310, which seems perfect for my paler than ever winter coloring, as I believe that I only used the pool maybe 5 or 6 times this summer? Also placed an order with The Ordinary for their “25% off of everything” sale, 2 bottles of 1% Retinol in Squalane and 100% Organic Virgin Sea Buckthorn Oil.
And yesterday I rediscovered the more simple beauty of wearing a soft lavender and mauve eye with just a mauve cream blush by Tower 28 and my Hourglass Unlocked Satin Cream lipstick in Cypress with just my foundation and under eye concealer.
Weekend plans: More heavier cleaning now that it’s just cool enough to get that done without sweating literal buckets! This semi-basement apartment gets so ridiculously HOT, not something I could have ever anticipated, since those tend to be very well insolated back east. However my bedroom here receives tons of direct sunlight because it faces east, and my living room and kitchen face south. I really miss my great big, S. Scottsdale apartment because at least it stayed cooler and had no steps! Didn’t get to Sally’s last weekend because I wasn’t feeling well, so that’s on schedule (tentatively) for this weekend instead.
What do you do to cheer yourself up? Even though I have low-key agoraphobia, I actually wind up enjoying myself when I get myself together and go to my meetings in person, do food shopping or whatever because it gives me the sense of “mission accomplished” and “see, that wasn’t so bad now was it?”.
Oh! And I especially love cuddling with my fluffy house-panthers! Or cooking one of those meals from back when I had others to cook for, and just savoring every bite.
I had a feeling you’d be all over Pretty Grunge. You’ll have to let us know how you like it.
As soon as I saw accurate, clear pictures of it, all I could think of was “The 90’s in a palette! Woohoo!!!”, Rachel and Genevieve! It’s only missing one shade that I wore regularly, I deep grayish purple matte. But that’s okay, because it has everything else to bring me back.
Thankfully your weather is cooling down so that you can get on with your life Nancy. There is nothing worse than a hot house – I really do sympathise with you there.
The Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge palette would really suit you as neutral palette to also showcase some of the bright jewel tones you have in your varied collection for a lovely eye look.
The Ordinary is such a great brand and you’ve done well to pick up those savings.
Have a great weekend Nancy.
The puppies are so growing up and being very inquisitive. I love all the play equipment you have in your yard to arouse their curiosity and challenge them. Best of luck with the bathing Christine…you will probably need one yourself afterwards!
Enjoy your evening too.
Recent Purchases: L’Oreal’s Serum Foundation in Light.
Rediscoveries: EL’s Persuasive lipstick, Smashbox’s Petal Metal
Weekend Plans Every plan we’ve had, so far, this weekend has changed. First of all, my two girlfriends and I were meeting up for lunch on Friday – but one of them had to cancel because she was having monumental problems with her eyes. She had cataract surgery some months ago and has had nothing but trouble with her right eye. She experienced distorted vision on Thursday night, leaving her feeling nauseous and off balance. She was waiting for a specialist’s appt. on Friday to check it all out.
Secondly, my younger son was taking his two eldest children to Surfer’s Paradise for our long weekend. Anika’s niece was going to look after Harry, so that he wouldn’t be disturbed whilst she was driving everyone to the airport at 4 am. Unfortunately her niece was ill and we have stepped in. So, the little boy was sleeping at our place.
We were hoping that Anika could have a little lie in after her airport trip – but no – Charlotte – the 4 month old has been projectile vomiting and is now at the local hospital. So Harry will be staying with us for awhile. We are waiting on news about the baby.
So I am not making any more plans for now.
Cheering myself up – Cuddles with my grandchildren, reading a good book, meeting up with friends, coffee and this blog in the morning and buying a lipstick!
wishing baby Charlotte a speedy recovery!
Thank you Illene. The hospital kept her in until she was able to tolerate a feed and not be sick, they were wonderful. She is much better now. Thankyou.
Poor baby Charlotte! Especially when an infant is that young. We had similar situations with mostly our eldest getting every imaginable sickness going around, even Scarlet Fever at just 6 months old while visiting family in California. So, of course, we didn’t have Kyle’s regular pediatrician and had to pay out of pocket to see one there who had a good reputation.
And also, your poor friend with the cataract surgery complications! Both situations sound unpleasant and downright frightening. I’ll be hoping and praying that everyone is okay really soon.
Nicholas was our baby that got absolutely everything – there’s always one in the family. But Charlotte is much better now and the local hospital was fabulous with her.
It turned out that my friend had a bad migraine and that affected her vision. She has never had a migraine before, so didn’t really know the symptoms. At least it wasn’t to do with her eyes, thank goodness.
Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.
Yes, you are spot-on, there’s always the one who is a germ/sickness sponge, Genevieve! Hope Charlotte is feeling better now. 🩷
Not that migraines are fun in any way whatsoever, but I am really glad that it’s NOT your friend’s eyes.
I hope Charlotte is doing better. Poor sweetheart!
Yes, she is a little sweetheart and she is much better now, thankyou Rachel. The hospital was fabulous and kept her in until she was better.
Haul:
Sephora sale: Pat McGrath Labs Matte Trance Lipstick in Elson 013 and Fetish-Eyes in Platinum Bronze. Killian Paris Angels Share Eau de Parfum for my daughter’s AC. Kayali Love Fest Burning Cherry Perfume and Skylar Fall Cashmere Perfume both for her AC also. For myself I picked up the Tom Ford Soleil Neige Highlighter in Rose Irise. I held off on a palette decision until I see it in person.
Mercari:
Dior Rouge Dior Couture Colour Lipstick – 674 Midnight Rose (Velvet) and DIOR mini couture couleurs eye & lip palette. I picked up the lipstick for a sappy reason in that one of my first high end makeup purchases right after I graduated from nursing school was a Chanel lipstick called Midnight Rose. It is long since discontinued and it has always been my favorite lipstick so when I saw this one named the same I decided to purchase. I actually really love it and it is in the same color family as the Chanel.
Weekend: I just got to Denver this evening. In general it wasn’t a bad trip but I did have a flat snow tire which is a pain in the b…t because the spare is not the same size as the snow tire so car had to be towed to the Les Schwab dealer in Sheridan, Wyoming. I was thinking I was going to have to buy at least two new tires but turned out to be a nail and they patched it pretty quick and I was on the road again. It did leave me a bit late getting to Denver so my daughter had to hang out at the airport where three separate guys tried to chat her up. I drove around the terminal loop four times before finding her. There are four levels to pick up and drop off and of course, she didn’t know that and while I saw the levels and just went to the arrivals site, I didn’t realize there were two decks for arrival and two for departures so both she and I were getting frustrated. Finally found her. I had been off and on fighting with FedEx over my Sephora order. Sephora never ships right away during the sale but of course, since I was going to be gone, they shipped the same day and it was going to be delivered on the 1st. I started Sunday night trying to change the delivery date and thought it was taken care of, only to have it say it was still going to be delivered. Long story short, over three days I spoke with four people, each assuring me that it wasn’t going to be delivered until I got the confirmation picture of it sitting on my porch. The temperature at my house over night was in the 20’s. When I called back I got a representative who was particularly unhelpful and she ended up hanging up on me. In the end, I finally got my brother who was gone all day, to go over and pick it up which he wasn’t thrilled about after just getting home from town and getting my recorded message. He had to put his boots back on, winter coat and haul over there for it. I guess I will see if everything got there okay when I get home. I have a full day of shopping planned tomorrow and then of course, Queen and Adam on Sunday night. Right now I am sitting on the bed in my motel room with a broken off piece of floss stuck between my back molars. My daughter had tried everything and is pretty frustrated with me and basically just wants to pull the tooth out and be done with it, LOL! She is taking a break while I type this!
What do I do to cheer myself up: I usually dig out my origami paper and fold or my art supplies and do some crafting. I am trying to figure out how to do some things on photo shop and I know nothing about it but I have a wonderful picture of my grandparents old barn and I want to use it on my Christmas card this year and send it to all my cousins. I just want to figure out how to make it appear more like a watercolor than a picture and then figure out how to print it on the right area of card!
What an awful trek down to Denver for you and your daughter, Deborah! Yikes! Between the ROUGH customer service at Sephora, the flat tire, the whole airport madness, and the stuck dental floss 😔
Here’s hoping that at least you both get to fully enjoy your visit and the Queen w/ Adam Lambert concert! 🎶
Thank you, Nancy. The entire experience so far has been a trial. We are in a hotel room next to some of the loudest children and babies I have ever heard and the parents are not much better. I generally love traveling but am definitely looking forward to getting home to my own bed and peace and quiet. The concert is tonight and then I leave early tomorrow to take my daughter to the airport and begin my own trek home.
I am so sorry that you both had to endure poorly behaving “neighbors” at the hotel on top of everything else, Deborah! They sure sound like one rowdy bunch just like my newest upstairs neighbors. Same problem, except for the fact that upstairs, it’s a preteen and a younger teenager who were spending every single weekend with their father (who, BTW, was NOT supposed to be living in a one bedroom apartment with his parents for months on end) , stomping around, banging or dropping heavy things on the floor, etc. So yes, 6 people in 584 sq. ft. apartment 3 days out of every weekend. 🙄
I’m glad you eventually made it to Denver safely.
Sorry about your package delivery issues. Typical. I’m glad your brother was able to get it for you.
Thank you Rachel. Tonight is the concert and I am sure that it will all be worth it!
OMG Deborah – what an ordeal you’ve been through just getting to Denver and then the issues with Sephora. I hope your toothy peg is sorted out too – just to top things off!
Your recent purchases sound lovely and it was a great find of the Chanel lipstick that is so like the one you purchased after your graduation.
Enjoy the Queen and Adam Lambeth concert tonight.
Thank you Genevieve, it has certainly been an experience. I was answering Nancy’s comment and mentioned that we are in a hotel room with the loudest, most obnoxious people next door. I have been listening to their children scream, cry and bang things for hours. They start at 6 AM and go one until they take them where ever it is they go. Then in the evening the same thing until they manage to get them to go to sleep somewhere around midnight. Anyway, getting to see Queen will be worth it. I am looking forward to getting home to my own bed in the peace and quiet of the woods. I drop my daughter at the airport tomorrow morning and then leaving straight from there.
Hi, Deborah. Photoshop has a filter that applies a watercolor effect to images. Open your image. (I usually duplicate the layer the image is on in case I make a mistake, so I can always go back to the original. Making a copy of the image also works.) Then go to Filter –> Filter Gallery –> Artistic. Watercolor is the last filter in the group. You can play around with the settings on the right to get the effect you want. Hope that helps.
Yes, that is very helpful. It probably wasn’t a great plan to wait and start this project without knowing anything about photo managing software but I am into it now, LOL!!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Just Nars eyeshadow primer. I was using one from Joah before and it was nice, but not The One, so I decided to finally try Nars. I like it a lot so far!
Weekend plans: Working on my writing project, cleaning the apartment, working on Sunday. My husband has been sick this week, and we went to both the ER and urgent care, so we will also just be taking it easy. He’s having some stomach issues, and we are hoping it isn’t anything more serious than some lifestyle changes and dietary changes.
What do you do to cheer yourself up? Look at art, talk with friends, make art, pet my cats & dog, talk with my husband.
I do hope your husband is feeling better now Stephanie and that his stomach issues aren’t too serious. I hope you were taken care of well at the hospital and they have some answers for you. He may need to have some further medical tests to find out what is wrong. Take care.
Stomach/digestive problems are no fun, Stephanie! As a fellow GI illness sufferer, my heart goes out to both your husband and yourself. Hope that you get answers soon and a treatment plan to address whatever is going on.
Perfect photos Christine! Especially the one with the perfectly captured yawn ! Congratulations!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: I ended up buying a whole dozen colored gel pots from Beauty Creations because I really am impressed with them for $3 each!
Weekend plans: Continue to recover from major surgery.
What do you do to cheer yourself up? Play with makeup -specifically eye shadow, do my nails, converse and joke around with friends.
Hope you heal up really well, Zia. Major surgery is no joke for anyone ever. ❤️🩹
And now I have to look up Beauty Creations due to your happiness with them, plus just $3 a pop!
Are these the puppies who were so young and one or two had poor health?
They are absolutely adorable. I’d take little Mittens any day but for having to fly a long time and it’d be to costly for me at the moment.
I love the idea of Vanity Fur! I hope all who came had a lovely time. I am a bit envious, but also quite happy that we don’t have stray dogs here.
I really admire what you do for the doggies, Christine.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: I am waiting for a lash glue and a serum from The Ordinary. I need to practice putting on fake lashes, mine are so sparse and uneven in length, the short lashes are about 1/4 of the longest, using mascara is very tricky, and doesn’t do much.
rediscoveries, Marc Jacobs Le Marc lipstick in 228 Infamous, it’s really old, but it still works just fine. Here on Temptalia it’s described as a very warm toned pink, on me it looks a lot less warm. I love the satin finish.
Weekend plans: Well, weekend is over and I did nothing worth writing about. I did manage a short walk with Stubbs. I’m quite happy that I can walk without getting out of breath, it means that my pulmonary embolisms are disappearing. Yay!
What do you do to cheer yourself up There’s cuddling Stubbs, he doesn’t love it, but he lets us when we need to hug and pet him, as a reward he gets a nice scratch around the ears.
Having a fire in the fireplace, eat something tasty, drink a nice cup of tea, watch something the fits the mood on TV. Play some game on the PC, mostly World of Warcraft, yes still, or Diablo, I also like doing jigsaw puzzles on the PC, no turning the pieces!