Friday, December 23, 2011

The Friday Forum - December 23

Anyone still out there? This has been an incredibly busy week for all of us. Mine had an "unexpected joy." If all things happen for a reason, why did my bedroom television "system" pick this week to go kaput?

Call me a dinosaur, but I've been using a Sony analog television for a very long time. There was nothing wrong with it, and it received over-the-air channels perfectly (I don't subscribe to cable). So, when the government came along and mandated the obsolescence of my television, I bought a converter box. After digital-only TV came along, I could no longer receive my local channels as well as I did before the cut-over. Thank you, Feds. Please don't blow up my light bulbs too.

This week, my converter box refused to turn on, no matter how many times I tried. I figured it died right after the Glee Christmas rerun. Perhaps it was a sign? I acknowledged that it was time to join a new age and buy a digital television. How, however, would I get the old Sony out of the second floor of my house? It weighed at least 50 pounds. The answer was with back sprains, blood, and bruises. That television is now out at "the curb" (no curb, but you get my drift), and if there's a Santa, the county trash guys will bend the rules and lift it into their compressing truck and take it to the landfill. I know the correct thing to do would have been to take it to a recycling center, but how?

That was Task 1. Task 2 was buying and setting up another television, and while that was time-consuming, it didn't kill my body. It was simply insult after injury. Televisions are significantly lighter than they used to be. While I was setting up the new one, though, a lens fell out of the glasses I wear when I'm not wearing my contacts. Can you imagine? Find a clear lens when you're surrounded by magazines and makeup. That took a few hours (during which I hit my forehead on the bureau, which left me with a hefty bruise). My search was interrupted by physical therapy for my back. You can only imagine my poor therapist's reaction when I told him about my television capers. I'm sure I've now been categorized as a hopeless cause. Isn't there a saint for that? I called on St. Anthony to help me find the lens, and he responded. I think there's a saint for everything.

So, how was your week? It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Only one subject is off-limits. An anonymous reader has been leaving comments on all my posts about a certain brand asking me questions I can't answer. Are there any dupes in this palette? I don't know. I don't even have it. Why didn't "they" introduce a holiday eye palette? Friends, I am not the brand. If I were, I could have paid someone to haul that television out of my house. Think my holiday patience has run out? I hope I know something about beauty products, but I can't know everything! Besides that, I need to sit on my heating pad.

Once again this week, we have two giveaway contests running. Make sure to enter before you get too busy celebrating. To enter to win the beautiful Ultraflesh multipurpose Shinebox Highlight and Shimmer Collection, click here. To enter to win the NARS Sea of Love set, click here. I got into the Christmas spirit this week, despite the pain.

If you don't come back before the weekend ends, I hope you have a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy St. Stephen's Day, Happy Bank Holiday, Happy Boxing Day, and Happy Weekend! Cheers!

Photo courtesy of zeospot.com

32 comments:

Joey said...

Oh CG, I am sending you lots of virtual heating pads and hugs! What a story! I hope you are healing and resting.

This week has been nightmarish for me. I work retail - enough said. I have to go in tonight on my day off, and I work tomorrow! Christmas Eve! It will be insanity. I have never been happier to see Christmas come and go.

I am up early packing, because from tonight through Jan.2nd I will be cat sitting for the most lovely, cuddly cat in Brooklyn. I am thrilled to have some sort of furry companionship, especially after the week of hell I've been having. The question is: what makeup and perfume do I pack!?

I am so happy that Monday will see a return to my normal work schedule. Holiday hours have consumed my life and rendered me unable to blog, read, do laundry, etc. etc. I miss my day-to-day little joys!

Have a lovely weekend! xo

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Joey! I'll bet you'll be glad to find yourself resting with kitty. The good news is that kitty won't care whether you wear makeup and perfume or not. Charlie doesn't seem to notice when I look good - and, fortunately, when I don't. Savvy could care less.

I can't even imagine dealing with some of the Christmas shoppers. I've seen my share of them as I've been out and about. DC is kind of a "me-first" kind of place these days, and it's apparent everywhere: on the roads, in stores, you name it. Everyone is rushing. God forbid you get in their way! I find myself remembering that those old folks on the road might have been my mother not that many years ago (LOL).

Tweet me if you want to talk on the phone over the weekend. We can gossip and laugh, and you won't even know you're alone! Sending R&R vibes...

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas! I have been so busy with new job/studying for exams that I have not been as active on my favorite beauty blog lately... I wish you and all the readers a warm and happy holiday!

Evelyn said...

Yikes! Who knew a tv could be so much trouble? Hopefully you will start the new year off relaxed and bruise-free!

I'm in Brooklyn too, surrounded by my neighbors in all their sparkly Christmas glory. It's bright in the middle of the night but fun.

I did end up getting the new Chanel quad for spring which I was hesitant about. I took it home and realized yes, these colors really do amazing things for my eyes. I also picked up one of the lip pencils, very pretty and smooth.

I'm thinking I need a larger bottle of Violet Blonde. I like it so much I may run out sooner than I usually do of perfumes. Life's hard isn't it? lol Silly me.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season! Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and have a rockin' New Year! (with lots of new makeup surprises! Right, Santa?)

Anonymous said...

We don't have television, much to everyone's shock and horror. LOL, it's really great.
I don't think the trash guys can take the TV, because it has to be recycled. But my fingers are crossed for you.
Thank you for your wonderful blog, and all the helpful and informative Chantecaille and La Prairie posts, my two favorites.
And a very safe and happy holiday to you, most of all!

Kate said...

Dear C-Girl,

You poor thing! I cannot believe you actually moved that tv yourself. I am so sorry you injured yourself. Although, I am pretty impressed that you moved it, especially considering you recently had knee surgery! My mother has a "tube tv" and I swear to you, it has to weigh close to 70-80 lbs. I think it is close to 60 some inches. I have no idea how we will ever get that tv out of her house when it dies. Yikes. Although I am sorry you hurt yourself, I am grateful the injuries were not more serious. Please rest and take care of yourself!

I am still in love with Tom Ford's Nude Vanille lipstick. I have also been playing around with my LMdB kaleidoscopes. I have been mixing Silk Road with Smoldering Embarkment and have had lovely results. Though $95 is steep, you essentially get four colors, and countless combinations. I could easily see myself using only LMdB kaleidoscopes for all my eye shadow.

Evelyn, I am dying to get my hands on Violet Blonde. I own several of his Private Blend fragrances, but I recently smelled VB and fell in love with it.

By the way, C-Girl, thank you for your continued posting during the holidays. A lot of bloggers have taken time off, so posts have been few and far between. So I really look forward to seeing your posts! Thank you, as always, for your dedication and hard work.

To C-Girl and all the readers, have a happy and healthy Christmas weekend!

Kate

Clarisse said...

Dear CG, I hope you are having a nice rest today, recuparating after your nasty TV event!
To you and all the readers, I wish a very merry Christmas, Hannuka etc....and a great week-end ♥ :-)

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Unknown! Merry Christmas! I hope those year-end grades are great so that you can enjoy a restful holiday!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Evelyn!

It was a wise decision to buy that Chanel quad! Stunning!

Your Tom Ford fragrance will probably be around for awhile. I suspect it's safe to wait a bit before you buy your second bottle. I'm like you, though. When I find something I love, I always need a spare.

The holiday lights are so pretty. Hope you enjoy your holiday. I'd like Santa to bring me a new spine! :)

Eileen said...

Moving a 50 lb. TV downstairs by yourself? Oh, you poor thing! All the other bangs and bumps were just adding insult to injury. What a terrible week. But, despite your grumbling, there is still a bit of humor running through your commentary and that's a very good thing--as is a very good heating pad :-)

I remember when we decided to replace all of the humongous big screen TV's we had in the upstairs bedrooms with flat screens. Those old suckers weighed in at about 200 lbs. a piece and there were four of them to move. My sons rented one of those dollys that can go up and down stairs and we used that to carefully take the TV's down, one by one. Once they were all down, my guys hoisted them into the truck and took them to the local electronics recycling center. Whew! What a task! The reward, though, was getting those lovely HD flat screens mounted. The bedrooms are so much more spacious now.

Beauty! I went back for Chanel's Horizon blush after carefully scrutinizing all my other blushers and deciding I really didn't have anything like it. It has such a lovely glow, and the warm, cheerful pink is right up my ally. I also picked up Le Crayon Yeux in Grenat. This one is definitely not for everyone because it really is a glowing shade of garnet. It's more for dark-eyed ladies. I have dark moss green eyes with black lashes so it works very well for me. Those of you with light eyes; however, would probably look like you have pink eye--definitely not a good springtime fashion statement!

LMdB's resort collection looks like the proverbial fun in the sun--something I'm sure many of you back east are already dreaming about. It's a sunny, fun little collection to be sure.

I've actually encountered so many delightful, friendly, and cheerful people while out shopping this year. Where I live, there just seems to be a very relaxed vibe in the malls. I'm sure there are grinches and grouches out and about, but they seem to be in the minority.

We had a lovely fireside solstice dinner with our sons and their ladies and now I'm gearing up for the Christmas celebration which will be a much larger gathering. Whether you celebrate the season or not, I hope the very best of holiday magic graces your homes and gladdens your hearts. Happy Holidays everyone!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Anonymous,

The trash guys took it! After I saw what they did, I zoomed outside and tipped them (enough for each of them to have a very nice lunch. They made my day!

Can't wait for new Chantecaille shades! You can bet I'll be showing you. :)

Happy Holiday!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Kate!

If it weren't for that bionic knee, I doubt I would have succeeded. Now, I need a bionic back. Unfortunately, the surgery is horrid (and that assessment came from a neurosurgeon). :)

Just posted a new Blush Kaleidoscope. Thanks for sticking with me over the holidays. I'll keep posting if you keep reading. I won't have new Kaleidoscopes, but there's more here to share.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend! Merry Christmas!

Charlestongirl said...

Hey there, Clarisse!

Still no rest. After I went to the bakery and wine/cheese shop, where I picked up some brie-like French cheese, the action here has been non-stop. Headed for that heating pad now.

Merry Christmas! Did you get any gifties for the furry ones? I still need to get catnip toys for Sir Charles and Miss Savannah. Maybe tomorrow.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen!

Some would say I'm an idiot - most likely everyone at PT. It was an unwelcome adventure, but I feel pretty good that it's outta here. Aren't flat-screen TVs amazing? What was once a huge space hog can now hang on the wall, although I'm content to have this new one sit on the bureau where the old one did. I've had enough of an adventure for one week. Also, when one acknowledges sheer stupidity, it's best to do it with humor to deflect the realists who might (rightly) say, "You did WHAT?" That thing was half my body weight. :)

I'm surprised you purchased Grenat. I would have pegged you to have the same reaction I did: Nice, but not necessary. Actually, I found it more wearable than I had expected, but I also decided I could live without it just fine. No regrets here. Glad to hear you like it!

The folks in Southern California must be more laid back than the driven people around here. Even the small wine and cheese shop today was a little crazy. I think they should have cracked open a few bottles to cheer up the crowd. A hungry guy in front of me at the bakery had a similar observation. I loved his suggestion that samples (perhaps cookies?) would have made the long wait more bearable. When I got home, I devoured the eclair I purchased for myself. I'm so full! I'm also looking forward to the strawberry mousse cake I bought for Christmas.

Glad your "kids" will be home for the holiday! How will the darling dogs be celebrating? Do they love it when the guys are home?

I wish you a joyful holiday. Thanks for all your thoughtful comments.

Swathi Narumanchi said...

Hi CG ,

Hope the rest of the week goes by without anymore excitement of this kind !!!!

I finally have 3 days off from work. So happy !!!

I am right now looking forward to the holiday collection of Dior to release here ! Didnt splurge yet ! Might even take up your advice and order from Zuneta !!! Take care CG !!!

lovethescents said...

Oh Charlestongirl, how could you have moved that TV yourself?? You're masochist, I've decided. For goodness sake, you could have just left it in there to collect dust until you find someone to help you.

I hope you're able to get a little rest and try to heal some of the damage you caused. Stubborn but beautiful lady!!

Well I've been VERY spoiled so far. I've received GORGEOUS perfumes and makeup from far away friends and I'm so happy and grateful. Now I'll be smelly extra nice and looking extra pretty for my poor patients who will be in the hospital over the holidays. I'll be spreading that holiday cheer that was given to me by people like you.

Happy holidays to all of you beautiful people.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Swathi! I hope you can get your Dior soon. You'll get hooked on Zuneta! I always recommend Edward Bess and Rouge Bunny Rouge. :)

Hope you enjoy the long weekend!

Charlestongirl said...

Well, Lovethescents, that would have been logical, but where would the new TV have gone?

I will survive. I'll start humming the old song...maybe that will help.

Hope you have a beautiful holiday! We know you'll BE beautiful. :)

Lena said...

Hope you enjoy your new TV! Merry Christmas to you!

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Lena!

The new TV is pretty nice, all things considered. Except you can't store things on top of those flat screens. :)

Merry Christmas!

Evelyn said...

Kate - You have to get Violet Blonde! It's actually a step away from the lighter florals I tend to wear and I love it (plus that it lasts all day is pretty amazing). I'm working myself to buy Jasmin Rouge. Charlestongirl and the Non-Blonde are making consider scents that I hadn't been aware of previously.

I'd like to mention how impressed I am with Rouge Bunny Rouge's blush in Gracilis which I bought during the sale. I put it on at the crack of dawn for an office party later that day and darned if it wasn't still on my face 12 hours later. No primer, just my foundation. I'll be buying more in the future.

Charlestongirl said...

Evelyn, love Gracilis! Love everything RBR! I'm psyched on their foundation now. Will try to feature in the next week.

Jasmine Rouge is gorgeous!

Eileen said...

Hi Evelyn and Kate,

Love, love, love Violet Blonde! I've already gone through one bottle and am now working on the second one. I get so many compliments when I wear it. I'm a hugger so whenever I lean in to give someone a hug, I always get that, "Ummmmm, you smell good!" reaction. As for Jasmin Rouge, I just oredered a sample and am looking forward to giving it a try. I've heard lots of good things about it.

Hi Charlestongirl,

That guy at the bakery had the right idea about cookies. When I stopped by today to pick up the assortment of pastries I had ordered for a tea I'm hosting, there was a bit of a line, but no one was complaining because their mouths were fulll :-) The shop owner had set up a coffee urn and sliced up some of their delicious light and fruity stollen to keep everyone happily munching while waiting their turn. You can bet a lot of stollen was sold as almost everyone seemed to be adding it to their order. Smart move!

The dogs will be thrilled to see the guys especially since they're bringing their dogs with them. My oldest son has an Italian Grayhound who is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and my youngest son has a Lhasa Apso pup that is a total delight. All the dogs get along and will have fun playing in the yard while we eat.

Apropos Grenat, actually I did have an initial I don't need it reaction. It wasn't until I saw it on one of the SA's that I paid any attention to it. When she was getting my Horizon blusher, I told her to toss in Grenat as well. It was pretty much an impulse purchase, but one I'm glad I made. It turns out I really do like it--a lot.

Once again, happy holidays everyone!

HRH Paula said...

CG, I laughed at your story because I can SO relate. Isn't being single great at times like these?!! Hope you aren't too sore and have a wonderful holiday!

Leigh said...

What a situation with the TVs! I admire your self-sufficiency.

It seems like everyone is talking about Rouge Bunny Rouge. I requested it for Christmas, and I'm excited to try the brand.

Happy holidays to you and your family!

Bunny Masseuse said...

Sounds like a bumpy end to a holiday celebration-ial weekend!

I just finished 8 1/2 hrs of standing on my feet making:
4 pumpkin pies
4 doz sugar cookies
3 doz gingerbread
2 doz chocolate peppermint
and 1 whole wheat gingerbread for my health conscious mother.

Now I rest, the house is ready all expect the cooking on Sunday!

Sophia1105 said...

Charlestongirl,

I second Kate's gratitute towards your continued blogging! Thank you so much for all the time and energy you always put into you blog! It's truly such a labor of love!

My lovely find for the week in the Sisley Phyto-Khol in Black, a girl can never have enough black eyeliners at the holiday time. Velvety and rich, wears very well, and I do prefer over the Phyto Khol Star.

I'll be working over the holidays (I work as a nurse) and am couting my blessings and squeezing in my family time when I can.

All the best to you this holiday and get some good rest!

Many thanks to you. xoxo

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen,

I had to laugh. You would think Heidelberg could have passed out stollen! I didn't see many people leaving with it. That bakery was seriously crowded. When I arrived, they were on number 61, and I was 73. Took about 15 minutes to get to me. Or it seemed like 15 minutes. My back was dreaming, "Take me home!" My appetite was screaming, "Whipped cream eclair!" Just think, I might have purchased more if those sugar cookies had been offered to tempt me. :)

I love watching dogs play. They seem to have so much fun with their buddies. Hope you enjoy their entertainment as much as they do.

A second bottle? Really? You must be wearing it every day. That's dedication. I'm afraid I'm too fickle.

Hope this special weekend is magical for you and your family!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Paula!

Yes, lifting comes with the turf of being single. I'm hobbling around as best as I can, thanks. The TV caper may be my last purposeful episode of craziness, though. I'll have to find better material for next week's Friday Forum...something about a rocking chair and aging? :)

Happy Holiday!

Charlestongirl said...

Oh Leigh!

If you have a RBR Christmas, you are going to be one happy gal! I want everything they have! Received a gorgeous lip gloss this week. It's so special!

Hope you enjoy the holiday!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Bunny!

You need a kitchen stool for all that baking! I bet your house smelled great!

Hope you enjoy Christmas! A little tip that makes a day of cooking more bearable...wine! :)

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you so much, Sophia!

We have two nurses! Lovethescents is also a nurse. I've spent a lot of past holiday time in hospitals with parents. I was so appreciative of the kindness of nurses. Hope you get some family time, but think of all the families you will touch. That's a joy!

Black eyeliner and mascara can make even an otherwise makeup-free face look great. Glad you were able to pick up your favorite. Sisley makes a nice one.

Merry Christmas! Sending love across the ocean!