Things That I am Loving Lately

Roses from my garden

Six years ago, my friend Jen, from My Beauty Bunny, did this really interesting post that highlights the things she was currently loving, doing and considering. It is based upon the "Taking Stock" templates bloggers often like to post, and it was a nice change of pace. She invited everyone to join in, and I thought that it was so interesting that I decided to do it as well. Recently I ran across my responses, and thought that I would do it again 6 years later. HERE is my original response.

Making: Sour Cream Poppyseed Cake from the Tassajara Bakery.

Wishing: That some of the new Salvia and Rosemary that I planted this summer would thrive. It was so hot here this summer that even full-sun plants were struggling to survive the heat.

Cooking: Twice baked potatoes, they are the perfect comfort food!

Drinking: Lots of water, it is my beverage of choice throughout the day, but I definitely drink coffee in the mornings!

Reading: About the new iPhone 17 Pro Max features.

Wanting: To see the new Downton Abbey movie.

Looking: At the Westman Atelier Holiday Collection (I posted about it this week), and plotting a potential purchase. I love this brand so much, and I am always tempted by their holiday sets!

Playing: Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto. I'm mourning the deaths of my dog Delilah and my cat Zoe (both of whom died in September), and this music perfectly meets the moment.

Deciding: Whether to plant an avocado tree in the backyard. They are thirsty trees, but we eat a lot of avocados!

Enjoying: The lingering effects of my recent trips to the Getty Center and LACMA.

Waiting: For the Boxwalla October Beauty Box!

Liking: That the new season offers new possibilities and opportunities. While the weather will be cooler and crisper, there is always something exciting about the renewal associated with each season.

Wondering: Who will be streaming Doctor Who (Seasons 1-13 of the reboot) since the BBC pulled it from all of the streaming services. The latest seasons are still on Disney+, but the earlier seasons are no longer on HBO, or elsewhere. Classic Who is still available on Britbox and TUBI, but neither has access to the reboot. I love that show, and am hoping for a new season and a new home for the series. I really wish that it would return to BBC America!

Loving: That the neighborhood squirrels offer endless entertainment, and they actually knock on the back door and scale it to get my attention so that I will bring them sunflower seeds.

Pondering: The end of the warm weather, and the shift to the cooler weather. I am worried about the effect the fires will have on Southern California once we have rain again.

Considering: My next house project. I really need to paint the dining room.

Watching: Rewatching Vera on Britbox, watching The Studio and Foundations on Apple TV+, watching Signora Volpe, Whitstable Pearl and The Chelsea Detective on AcornTV, and watching All Creatures Great and Small on PBS.

Hoping: For a wonderful fall season. More importantly, I am hoping for a fall and winter season without landslides, fires and other disasters that have crippled Southern California. 

Admiring: All of the rescue workers who are on the front-lines of disaster-relief. They are the true heroes. They did, and continue to do, extraordinary, work during the Palisades and Altadena Fires.

Marvelling: At all of the birds, squirrels, butterflies and crickets in my backyard.

Needing: To go to the grocery store and do laundry, but I really don't feel like it!

Smelling: The lavender growing in my garden.

Wearing: Comfortable comfy cotton t-shirts before it gets a bit too cold for short sleeves.

Following: My instincts, because they are usually right.

Noticing: The little things, and realizing just how important they are. It has made me more present, and in the moment, in all things. It is so easy to get consumed by what you have to do, and consciously being in the present adds such richness to one's life.

Knowing: Some of the greatest lessons, and experiences, in life come from the least expected places.

Thinking: That I need to make some hummingbird food for the feeders since there are few blooms left in the garden. Apparently my yard got the memo that summer is over.

Feeling: Excited that I get to see one of my close friends soon!

Admiring: Selfless people who are motivated to do things for the greater good, and without the idea of personal gain. We need far more people like that in the world today!

Sorting: The contents of the garage again! Making recycle and donation piles.

Buying: A new iPhone because mine is quite old now.

Getting: A new iPhone stand charger to go with my new phone. 

Bookmarking: Actual books, rather than websites! This is the same answer I gave 6 years ago, and it remains true today!

Disliking: Really disliking divisive politics.

Opening: Forever opening up to new possibilities, new ideas that I hadn't previously held, and seeking to constantly grow and learn.

Giggling: With my sister about so many things!

Snacking: On Honey Crisp Apples!

Coveting: The sound of the crickets at night! It is so peaceful and pleasant.

Helping: Return the crickets to the yard since they get into the house all of the time. It's a daily rescue mission– especially at night.

Hearing: The sound of the fountain in my backyard.

Please share your thoughts, and answers, to any of the above! I would love to hear what you are loving and contemplating lately!   

Things That I am Loving and Contemplating Lately

My friend Jen, from My Beauty Bunny, did this really interesting post the other day that highlights the things she is currently loving, doing and considering. It is based upon the "Taking Stock" templates bloggers often like to post, and it is a nice change of pace. She invited everyone to join in, and I thought that it was so interesting that I decided to do it as well.

Making: A new garden space in our backyard. We ripped out all of the overgrowth and are in the midst of designing a new space filled with indigenous, and Mediterranean, plants that are drought resistant and beautiful. We are taking out our lawn and creating distinct "rooms" and outdoor living spaces. It's back-breaking work, and we are doing it ourselves (at least at this point), but the rewards will be many.

Wishing: Summer wasn't ending!

Cooking: It's too hot for a lot of cooking, or eating hot food, therefore I am eating a lot of salads and fruit right now.

Drinking: Tall glasses of ice water– it is so refreshing in this hot Los Angeles heat. However, I also have been drinking some Matcha Green Tea Lattes when I want a little caffeine-fueled pick-me-up (Peet's Coffee makes a delicious version).

Reading: I am re-reading Roland Barthes Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography. It is absolutely brilliant, as one would expect.

Wanting: For Milo to fully heal. He still is not feeling well, and we brought him to the vet for a followup appointment, and are awaiting test results.

Looking: I am staring into the nearly blank canvas that is my backyard, and trying to envision what it will look like when we are done.

Playing: With our dogs, Delilah and Lucy, in the backward– when it's not too hot.

Deciding: We are deciding on how to build a catio in the backyard. There are coyotes that cruise our area eating cats and small dogs– therefore letting the cats roam outdoors is not an option.

Enjoying: The peace and serenity of the early morning hours when the rest of LA is asleep.

Waiting: For the third box of our Thuma The Bed to be delivered so that we can put it together!

Liking: The idea of eliminating excess, and streamlining my whole life. That is precisely why I started to do such a large scale spring cleaning. It started with our garage, which had become a storage facility for everyone's stuff, and it has inspired me to scrutinize everything in my house.

Wondering: When the Game of Thrones prequel will be happening!

Loving: I am absolutely in love with our new Loom & Leaf Relaxed Firm Memory Foam Mattress. It is like sleeping on a supportive cloud, and I have never loved a bed more!

Pondering: The end of summer and going back to work soon.

Considering: Which projects to undertake while I am still on vacation! I realize that I also need some R&R though, because I have been working very hard on so many physically exhausting projects.

Watching: Big Dreams, Small Spaces on Netflix: It is a brilliant gardening show featuring Monty Don, and it has been giving me design ideas, and serious inspiration, for the backyard. While it features lots of tiny gardens in the UK I am adapting the ideas to an LA size backyard. I have also been binge-watching Succession (HBO) and Doctor Who (missed episodes).

Hoping: For a wonderful fall season. More importantly, I am hoping for a winter season without landslides, fires and other disasters that have crippled Southern California. I am very concerned about all of the people who have been directly impacted by Hurricane Dorian, and am hoping for the best. These disasters are utterly heart-wrenching.

Admiring: All of the rescue workers who are on the front-lines of disaster-relief. They are the true heroes.

Marvelling: At the wondrous natural world. Digging in the garden has not only had a grounding effect on me, but watching the birds, squirrels, lizards and insects up close has been nothing short of magnificent.

Needing: To go to the grocery store, but I am not in the mood to do it!

Smelling: I have been wearing Aftelier Cuir de Gardenia this summer, and absolutely LOVE it!

Wearing: Comfy cotton clothes to withstand the heat!

Following: My instincts, because they are usually right.

Noticing: The little things, and realizing just how important they are. It has made me more present, and in the moment, in all things. It is so easy to get consumed by what you have to do, and consciously being in the present adds such richness to one's life. This has been a difficult lesson because I make lists and am very organized about planning things out (for work and at home).

Knowing: Some of the greatest lessons, and experiences, in life come from the least expected places.

Thinking: I have been thinking a lot about a few writing projects that I am working on.

Feeling: Overheated! It has been so hot here in LA, and as a result we have been blasting the A/C for relief. However, we have been working outside so much, and the only relief is taking breaks in the shade with a huge glass of ice water.

Admiring: Selfless people who are motivated to do things for the greater good, and without the idea of personal gain. We need far more people like that in the world today!

Sorting: The contents of the garage, basement and closets. I am doing major spring cleaning to eliminate all cluttered spaces.

Buying: Low VOC paint for my bedroom. I am in full DIY mode right now, and have a very long list of projects that I am working on.

Getting: Work clothes for the fall, but I hate clothes shopping and will do it online!

Bookmarking: Actual books, rather than websites! Imagine that!

Disliking: Divisive politics and the way that it is dividing this country.

Opening: Forever opening up to new possibilities, new ideas that I hadn't previously held and talking to people with experiences vastly different from my own.

Giggling: Laughing with friends lately has been such a joy.

Snacking: On fresh fruit salad– it is so refreshing in this heat.

Coveting: Everything from African Botanics! This should come as no surprise since I absolutely love their products!

Helping: Milo, and frankly catering to his every need as he heals. I will do anything to help him on his road to recovery.

Hearing: The fountain in the backyard– it offers a serene backdrop when I am working.

Please share your thoughts, and answers, to any of the above! I would love to hear what you are loving and contemplating lately!

August Favorites that are on My Best of the Best List!

In our recent hot weather, I have been trying to achieve clean exfoliated skin while using minimal makeup, and by using things that smell and feel like summertime (light, appealing, and feel and smell good). Some things are old favorites while others rank among my new obsessions. One prevailing theme, however, is that I am trying not to use too many products. This also does not reflect the only products that I am currently using, nor does it address the fact that I never leave the house without wearing lots of high SPF sunscreen. So here's what and why:

1) Suki Renewal Bio-Resurfacing Facial Peel (reviewed here): I have been using this product for many many years now because it is a safe and highly effective, and cruelty free (and vegan) peel that really does wonders. My skin glows and is smoother and more refined after use. It's probably going to be too active for people with very sensitive skin. I use it about once a week- sometimes less. It just depends on whether or not my skin appears to need some exfoliating. I would urge you to get a sample to try first because potent peels are definitely not for everyone.

2) Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (reviewed here): This is a seriously powerful exfoliating treatment, and definitely not for sensitive skin. She also has Exfolikate Gentle which is a much more, well,  gentle version of Exfolikate. This seriously removes dead skin, dislodges gunk trapped in my pores, and makes my skin glow. I would strongly urge you to try samples of both versions before buying to determine whether these products are right for you.

3) Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water (reviewed here): This is seriously one of the best skincare discoveries that I have made in the last 10 years or so!! This is great for removing all forms of makeup, but it is also doubles as an amazing toner. It feels amazing on the skin, and is so light and refreshing. However,  this is a bit too mild a formula to tackle waterproof makeup for me.

4) Sponge Gel Katharistiko (review forthcoming): This is my new favorite cleanser. There is something so soothing, refreshing, wholesome, and extremely effective about this product. I use it with my Clarisonic in the morning, and my combination skin feels thoroughly cleaned, nourished, and never stripped. It foams up just enough to make a delicious tactile experience. The more I try from Sponge the more I am in love.

5) Sponge Ladi Avokanto (reviewed here): I am completely obsessed with this gorgeous nourishing oil. The moment that I sampled it at Barneys it was true love and I bought a bottle. I usually am not quite this impetuous with skincare purchases, and tend to prefer trying a sample at home for a little while before committing to buying the full sized product. My skin is sometimes quite finicky and reactive, but I have had such great luck with face oils that this really seemed like a risk worth taking (plus I was given a few sample packets to try just in case I had an allergic reaction-- that way I could return the unopened bottle). Well, let me tell you my skin loves this oil! I have been using it primarily at night, but when I wake up the following day my skin looks glowing and healthy- and it is supple, smooth, soft and hydrated. This and Sponge Gel Katharistiko are my greatest new finds.

6) My Weightless Eye Cream (reviewed here): This is such an amazing and praiseworthy eye cream. I barely know where to begin singing its praises. It is light, it sinks in quickly, it profoundly hydrates, and it really improves the texture of the delicate under eye area. It also reduces the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, and it feels amazing.

7) My Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer (reviewed here): This is an amazing moisturizer that is power packed with anti-aging antioxidants. It leaves your skin soft and supple with an unmistakable lit from within glow. It is deeply moisturizing- yet it leaves behind no oily residue-- it really is mattifying! You really don't have to wait for it to dry down before applying sunscreen and finishing products. This is a remarkable product.

8) Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Shampoo (Colorific Plumeria): This is such a refreshing shampoo-- it has the intoxicating scent of plumeria, and it is very moisturizing on my naturally curly hair. I have always loved and trusted Alba products, but this one makes me feel like I am in Hawaii when I use it!

9) Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Conditioner (Colorific Plumeria): This is such a lovely and moisturizing conditioner. As anyone with curly hair knows-- getting a brush or comb through freshly washed hair presents many challenges. It is therefore essential to use a conditioner that leaves behind enough slip to avoid any damage to the hair- which this one does quite well for me. The smell is lovely, but it does fade so as not to interfere or compete with any fragrances that you may be wearing.

10) Shave with Benefits Luxurious Botanical Shaving Foam (reviewed here): This is such a lovely product! It not only provides you with a very close shave, but it moisturizes and conditions the skin while doing so. I love the texture- it is a light and creamy foam, but not as dense as traditional shaving creams or foams.

11) Kai Body Glow (reviewed here): M A D  L O V E! I'm crazy about every Kai product that I have used. Body Glow is especially lovely during this hot weather because it is neither heavy, nor overpowering. This is a gorgeous and moisturizing dry oil spray mist that not only deeply hydrates the skin, but it also leaves behind a radiant glow. That is uses the intoxicating Kai signature scent is enough to make me do a happy dance. If you love "gardenia wrapped in white exotics" then welcome to happy!

12) Cleopatra's Choice 100% Organic Argan Oil (reviewed here): This is a really fantastic Argan oil, and it sinks into the skin quickly and does not have a pungent odor. I have been using it from head to toe, and it leaves my skin unbelievably moisturized. This is a really good product for nourishing curly hair, and taming the frizzies and fly-aways without weighing down the hair.

13) Kai Deodorant (reviewed here): Best deodorant I have ever used, period. It smells divine, and has never irritated my sensitive under arm area.

Right now,  judging by this stash (which is proof positive of my unmitigated makeup insanity), my focus is on natural skin, pink-neutral lips, very little eye makeup, and a natural flush on the cheeks.

14) NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 in Alaska (reviewed here): This feels so good on my skin. It's light and breathable with light to medium buildable coverage. I love it during the summer months.

15) Chanel Glossimer in Star (LE) from the Soho Collection: I have loved Chanel Glossimers for years and years, but this is probably my all-time favorite. So much so,  that I bought two or three back-up tubes because I knew I would use them. I wish that Chanel would repromote this, or better yet make Star part of the permanent collection. It is icy cool pink perfection incarnate!

16) Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Troublant (review forthcoming): In the meantime, my friend, Becca has done one seriously impressive review here. This is an unbelievably gorgeous pinkish nudish color with multicolor pearl. It is almost like Chanel's Giggle Glossimer amped up with light shimmer. This is GORGEOUS, but sadly it is limited edition.

17) LORAC Lips With Benefits in Nick (reviewed here): I love the formula and love the pink sparkle. LORAC, in general, is an amazing line!

18) Rouge Bunny Rouge Eye Khol in Vera (reviewed here): Rouge Bunny Rouge + Vera Eye Kohl= Royal Purple Perfection. Enough said.

19) MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes Mat Black 0L Eye Liner: Once it sets it won't budge- making it perfect for warm weather, swimming, and any other challenges to makeup longevity.

20) MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #02 (reviewed here): Amazing budge-proof cream shadows! Aqua Cream #02 is described as a silver gray shimmer, but it's taupe to me! This is my favorite out all of their glorious shades.

21) Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet Excesses Glassy Gloss in Fleur Parfait (reviewed here): I love the formula, I love the color, and I love the company. This is one of my all-time favorite lip gloss formulas, and Fleur Parfait is a stunning example of the perfect MLBB pink.

22) Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet Excesses Glassy Gloss in Cherry Clafoutis (reviewed here): This is the gloss version of RBR's Scrumptiously Devious Lipstick. It is a gorgeous sheer blue-based pink filled with magical golden opalescence, and you should see how it twinkles in the sun.

23) Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss- in Love (reviewed here): Another favorite gloss- it is a magical light pink with the perfect amount of shimmer. While the color is gorgeous- it is really the stellar formula that will have this at the top of my repurchase list. I find myself reaching for this all of the time, and I have piles and piles of lip glosses- so that is saying something.

24) Milani Illuminating Face Powder 03 Beauty's Touch (reviewed here): My newest highlighter find. I had been looking at these for some time, but I finally took the plunge because I had two coupons that made the price so attractive that I could no longer resist this charming product. I'm so glad that I got it-- it is very finely milled and the quality is outstanding! A+

25) Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Sherbet (reviewed here): This is a gorgeous peachy pink blush that has forever charmed its way into my "use all of the time" stash. Great company, great ethics, great ingredients, and great products.

26) Le Métier de Beauté Color Core Moisture Lipstick in Palm Springs (reviewed here): This gives the perfect pink pout, but with some dimension. It has is a cool blue-based pink juxtaposed to warmer pearl, and if that is not enough it is moisturizing. It gives my lips an indescribably full, moist pout.

27) Rouge Bunny Rouge Hues of Enchantment Colour Burst Lipstick in Nothing Unknown (reviewed here): One of the best cool leaning nudes I have ever seen.

28) Rouge Bunny Rouge Dazzling Sip Shimmering Luxe Balm in Sip of Pink (review forthcoming): Pure unadulterated gorgeousness! It's a lip balm, but imparts the perfect amount of sparkle that suggests that it is a lip gloss. There is the faintest hint of pink, and it has an addictive an intoxicating smell of warmed vanilla. A M A Z I N G!

29) Le Métier de Beauté Créme Fresh Tints for Lip & Cheek in Poppy (reviewed here): Why did it take me so long to try LMdB Créme Fresh Tints for Lip & Cheek?? They are outstanding multipurpose products in gorgeous infinitely wearable colors. Poppy is a neutral leaning bright pink with refined pearl luminescence, and it is a real stunner on the lips and cheeks.

30) Le Métier de Beauté Créme Fresh Tints for Lip & Cheek in Mystique (reviewed here): Mystique is a light cool leaning pink with a touch of lavender. It is simply stunning.

31) Le Métier de Beauté Tickled Pink Lip Créme in Mums the Word (reviewed here): This formula is remarkable- it is in the lipstick lip gloss hybrid family, and offers opaque buildable coverage. It can be sheered out- so don't let the vibrancy of this bright cool hot pink/fuchsia scare you. While it is a gorgeous stand alone shade it is pure unmitigated magic when mixed with it's friend Two Lips!

32) Le Métier de Beauté Tickled Pink Lip Créme in Two Lips (reviewed here): Two Lips is stand- alone peach perfection, but mixed with Mums the Word it is transported to the nether regions of peachy pink heaven. It doesn't get any better than this!

33) Rouge Bunny Rouge Forever Yours...Long-lasting Lip Pencil in Roald (review forthcoming): This is a blue-based muted rosy pink color that is gorgeous. Like Vasco, Roald has a creamy dreamy formula that is so comfortable on the lips-- it never pulls or tugs, and it stays put for hours.

34) Rouge Bunny Rouge Forever Yours...Long-lasting Lip Pencil in Vasco (reviewed here): This is a gorgeous light pink with a creamy dreamy formula.

35) Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres in Beige: This is the perfect light neutral shade for making your nude lip last for hours and hours.