Minions Mayhem

Minions are everywhere.  Even creating mayhem in McDonald's commercials and even snuck into corporate ads.  Everyone wants to get in on the fun, apparently.

I had fun surfing and looking for minion photos and quotes that I could relate to that tells you a lot about me:





You've been warned



I'm not a morning person and tend to roll around, if time permits, for a couple of hours before I get out of bed
 

Someone had me in mind when they created this one.
 

I believe this to be true, so true.

Who hasn't done this?  We should laugh at ourselves.

You can control who you surround yourself with and they should accept and adore you.  If not, turf them.

A note to my loving family .... particularly my kids xo
 

You can relate to this if you have teenage and young adult kids
 

What a positive message.  I do try to be a perfectionist so this pokes fun at me!




 

Wise advice to those who love us and "try" to understand women.

 

Slash will be coming to Calgary at the Grey Eagle resort with Miles Kennedy

A fun social media share for Mondays


 

This has been repined many times on #Pinterest

Can you imagine having one of these?



Poking fun at advertisements



I'm a BIG fan of Johnny Depp and his Jack Sparrow character is classic in  Pirates of the Caribbean (filming the 5th installment in Australia right now!)



 

Great question!
 

Need for speed:  I tend to go over the speed limit ... GUILTY!

 

I love dark roast in my French press - the only way to have coffee
 

True that:  don't mess with me, when I have "the look"

Giggle, snicker, chuckle

Rarely would I think that because I don't tend to waste my time with those who whine all the time



 

Everyone loves a snow day break, admit it?
 

Ode to cowboys

The Calgary Stampede ended today.  New winners, new friends, and many good times surrounding the rodeo.   Executives, administrators, parents and kids transform back from the buckles, jeans, boots and hats.

To pay tribute to the life of a cowboy, I wanted to share some cowboy prayers, quotes, lyrics and poems that celebrate this unique culture:

The Cowboy
by Garth Brooks
 
Pushin horns weren't easy like the movie said it was
And I don't recall no dance hall girls
Or hotel rooms with rugs
You worked hot and tired and nasty
Rode your pony's head too low
There were all the nights you couldn't sleep
'Cause it was too damn cold
And you'd sing "Strawberry Roan" and "Little Joe"
Like the time we hit the river
And the rains began to fall
And the water was risin' so damn fast
We thought it'd drown us all
We lost a lot of steers that day
And four to five good mounts
But when all the boys rode into camp
We knew that's what counts
And we sang, yippie ti yi yay and "Amazing Grace"
Or the night they broke behind us
And then took us by surprise
I whistled out to Bonner, I seen the terror in his eyes
And he rode for all his horse would ride
And I know he done his best
But he crossed over Jordan ridin' Dunny to his death
And we sang "Bringing in the Sheaves" and "The Rugged Cross"
So when you see the cowboy, he's not ragged by his choice
He never meant to bow them legs
Or put that gravel in his voice
He's just chasin' what he really loves
And what's burnin' in his soul
Wishin' to God that he'd benn born a hundred years ago
Still singin' "Strawberry Roan" and "Little Joe"

After the noise of the midway, the cheers of "YeeHaw" have quietened, and the 10-day cowboys and cowgirls are snug in their beds, the real cowboys and cowgirls go back to their way of life, until the next rodeo.  It is a cowboy's life.

 

 

Fresh is a good look on anyone

"A girl should be two things:  classy & fabulous"

~Coco Chanel

 

 

 

 

Yesterday I was in the mood to explore - find a flea market, garage sale or second hand shop.  Instead, I got as far as a Drug Mart.  You can't even get into the store itself without being sequestered into the beauty department with a young gal who had probably not see the light of 20 yet.  That was okay, because I needed a new foundation and was in a patient mood to be a guinea pig to find one.  It had to complement my combination, sensitive skin, and avoid a break out.

 

 

I did find a few things I thought I would share ... you'll notice I strayed from my original purchase a few times.  That's normal for women in a drug store.  Going in, with one intention and coming out with over a hundred dollars worth of "necessities" extra.  The secret is to bring along a large purse so they aren't carried in with the groceries by your husband.

 

I did say I was in the mood to explore.  So explore I did.  I actually liked the intimacy of this beauty concept over going to a big department store where the girls are trying to trap you into trying either a new perfume or makeover.  There was no crowd.  Just me and this ivory skinned beauty who only had on a great foundation and well manicured lashes.  Freshness in all its glory that has been behind me for a few years. 

 

Now that I hit my 50s, it doesn't mean I don't like a clean fresh look.  There is nothing worse than seeing a much older lady plastered with makeup, lip liner that is four shades darker than her lipstick with a Marilyn Monroe wannabe look, puffy hair and claws that just seem to irritate the hell out of me when I see it.  Nor does san makeup imply you take yourself seriously on the inside out.  You can be classy.

 

I must have tried at least 8 different foundations with my beauty guardian at my side, patient and helpful.  I hit eureka with a great combination compact by Clinique.  It glides on like a second skin while evening out the tones and not cracking with my smile lines (words for wrinkles).  It includes SPF 15 and comes in an elegant case with mirror and sponge. ($32 U.S.)


Described by Clinique as: A light cream with a powdery finish, our compact makeup creates more even-toned skin, instantly. Shades for Very Fair, Moderately Fair, Medium, Deep. 

 

You can check out their website to see more reviews like these ones:

 

 You cant tell that I even have make up on because it looks so natural - yet it covers flaws! Love this stuff :)

 

 

 

 I love the way it evens my complexion out and lasts all day 

 

 

Since I had found a terrific foundation, I got into the groove and asked my beauty guide on her suggestions for a concealer.  Concealer can be a battle for any woman who shows laugh lines (aka wrinkles) or having trouble with sleep patterns brought on by menopause resulting in dark circles as a curse.  They can be amplified when you try to put on a concealer that fills in on the cracks of expression lines (aka wrinkles) or too light they make you look like you were in the sun with sunglasses on because of the stark contrast around the eyes and the rest of your face.

 

My first purchase was not too expensive, however, it did indicate that quality is important to me (neither was it apparent that she could remotely relate to dark circles). You'd think that the beautician may hunker down in her territory. She didn't.  She came back with a duo concealer from Physician's Formula called "Concealer Twins 2 in 1 Correct and Cover Cream Concealer" ($11.99 U.S.)

 

 

If you're like me and always wondered what the difference is  between the colors for concealers their website suggests:

• Yellow hides dark under-eye circles and other bluish skin discolorations
• Green corrects red blemishes and scars.
• Light covers yellow and any minor skin imperfections

 

 

Heck, what'd-you-know!

 

Sounds like I am a schizophrenic shopper?  Yes, at least easily distracted in the beauty department.  I had really got into the swing of things: squirting perfumes randomly (I do have a rule that I don't buy a perfume the same time I try it.  I like to see how the aroma lingers with my natural scent).   My  graceful guardian glided over to perfumes to share one of the season's biggest hits:  Narciso Rodgrues for Her

 

 

Experts suggest that you shouldn't try on any more than 3 perfumes and often there are coffee beans to sniff in between to avoid blending fragrance.  You are often given a clever marketing tool of a slip of paper with the brand and perfume sprayed on.  I let my nose tell me later on.  The scent that is memorable is the one that will complement my own aroma.

 

 

The winner, not really a surprise, as I lean towards being a fan of Chanel (how can you tell?) was "Chance".    Chanel's description for the $97 U.S. 3.4 FL.OZ. Eau de Toilette:

It's your chance . . . TAKE IT! A decidedly young scent for those who dare to dream. A light, subtly sensual fragrance, filled with vitality and energy, evolves from one moment to the next, each wholly unique.

 

 

 

Pretty much described how I wanted perfume to transform me.  I did leave the scent behind even though it lingers today -- I will definitely be going back to my beauty cupid and buy it this weekend.  (With more treasures perhaps?)
 

 

Lipstick was next.  I was looking for something that wasn't too red or pink.  More along the lines of coral.  I outdid myself trying on just about every product and hit lipstick heaven with Shiseido's "Temptress"  ($25 U.S.).  Ha! What a name.  Not only that, it slid on my lips so wonderfully you could tell that it was packed with moisturizer. 

 

Being of the older fashionista variety, moisturizing lipstick is a must.  If lipstick tends to bleed on you, like me, a matching lip liner is helpful.  Just don't be a dunce and have your lip liner too many shades darker because everyone can tell it is a poor attempt at looking like you have fuller lips.  A medium tone can do that naturally. 

 

Doing the background on this blog, I did read the reviews on Shiseido which were not perfect.  Many, like me, adored the moisturizing effect.  Unfortunately, they often said that it wears off easily.  Other's suggested wearing it as a gloss over another lipstick.  I'm sure there are cheaper lip glosses out there.

 

Another thing I learned while going to the various sites: they have discounts and coupons along with the reviews, of course.  Then again, doing the research beforehand takes a lot of the impulsive-out-of-shopping-for-cosmetics and trying them on experience.  On the other hand, if you combine the two, trying on and going to the brand website, you can surf for coupons, free shipping, on your own.

 

Bethany Hamilton

 

 

I do recommend you pay for your goodies at the beauty counter.  You will help your goddess be credited for the sale (not all have establishments pay commission yet often have performance metrics).  I boldly asked for any samples "since I had made a substantial purchase" on a quiet day.  She bundled me up with a cute tasseled Chloe cosmetic bag to host my new treasures (and hide the expenditure from hubby).  Along with that, she tucked in a purse size Narciso Rodriguez for Her.  Smart girl.  Not only was the perfume going to linger, the pleasant experience will now too.

 

I had also bought some Clinique mascara that is promoted for lash growth as a result of my Eyelash Extension adventure (more like nightmare).  I'll write about how good the magical mascara is along with an eyebrow cosmetic another time.  I've got a few chores to do to make up for the guilty escape.

 

 



Angels among us

I was offline for a few days.  Mostly because we had a wicked thunderstorm that took my internet and TV for a tailspin.  TV I don't mind.  You may as well cut my right hand off when it is the internet connection.

Funny how important being online becomes.  Call it an addiction or a very strong desire to be connected.  I'd like to think it is a little bit of both.

The other matter why I was distracted was because of a tragedy that struck my sister.  I've been known to give her a lot of credit for years because she has the patience of a saint and is truly an angel among us.  Both her and her husband.
 

As a bystander, sister, and family member, it has been amazing to watch how she could be a Foster Mom to special needs children and those nobody else would want to help.  I have to sadly admit that if I were to lend a hand for a child, I would be inclined to help a fully functioning one.  Not my big sis.  She reaches out as a Foster Mom, with her strong religious beliefs to give her strength and her genuine big heart, to help those children that fall into "the system" because of the shortcomings of their natural parents.  She has had kids envelope into her home that had moms that were prostitutes and abused.  She has opened her arms to those that have severe disabilities that are scratched off of anyone looking to adopt a child because they want a brand new baby, like a clean slate, to enter into their homes.  Not my sister.  She didn't debate or reflect on the impact, she just brought them in.

I always admired her and her husband's patience, love and strength to bring a child into their home that was not of their making but to make the most of the child.  It extended beyond them to their own three children who made it a part of their family and brought acceptance into their world.

Over the years there have been some sad situations these children were born to.  They were never sad to my sister or her husband, they were children that needed help.  They opened their arms, gave them their heart and absorbed their needs as their own.

We hear about Foster Parents.  Often it is shocking, rarely is it about the ones that are angels.  My sister is such an angel.  Gifted with children as others are talented building businesses, amassing money, or finding fortune.  She should be rich as a reward for what she has done for these many lost children from lost souls called parents. 

The "system" takes these kids from parents that cannot cope with them.  Whether it is because they have trouble with addictions, poor lifestyles, or simply unable to nurture the child that they brought into the world.  Thank heaven their are angels like my sister who reaches out to bring them into her arms and love them.  Unconditionally. 

Such was the good fortune of a young boy when he was four.  His mother had already four children by different fathers and she was only 24.  Social services decided that she was not fit for this boy and he was put out into the system.  Thankfully, my sister was there.

At four, he was unable to speak or communicate his needs nor accustomed to a loving home.  That changed when he walked into my sister's home.  He learned sign language and his frustrations were minimalized by just being able to express himself.  Eventually he could say a couple of words, only a couple, yet Ma-Ma and Da-Da meant the world.

He had a unique smile and it reached the soul of anyone he shone it on.  He had a goofy, fun personality that even my own kids grew to adore and accept.  Our family knew that a visit from my sister and her family was sure to include him.  It went without saying.

Lucky for me and my children, we learned from him.  Sure he did things that were different - from a boy with special needs.  Certainly, he had a contagious smile that allowed any of us to forget that.  He touched others in a way that extended beyond words.  He tested our boundaries on what is normal.   He taught  us acceptance.


This boy grew and grew.  He was perhaps bigger than many his same age, with a bigger heart than most.  Unfortunately, he started to have seizures.  Often unprovoked, unexpected and without cause.  This was distressing to my sister, but never faltered her love or commitment  to help this boy.

This past week, on the morning of Canada Day, July 1st, my sister was making blueberry pancakes, the boy's favorite.  Oddly, the smell didn't bring him to the kitchen so she asked her husband to go wake him up.  Sadly, he couldn't be woken up.  He had passed away during the night from a seizure.

My sister's heart is broken.  He was the love of her life and every new gesture, sign or smile showed promise.  It was never clear whether he was her angel or she was his.  What was to be was there were two angels among us.