Monday Musings- From Mascara To Magnesium
Happy Monday ladies. You know what they say about the best-laid plans… So, things have changed and I will be heading up to Vancouver with my daughter very soon. We’re going to need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada, so I’m planning ahead and have a ton of books on order.
Mascara
I’ve been wearing black, black/brown, or brown mascara most of my life. I never got into the wild colors that were so popular several years ago. Lately, brown has been looking too pale, and black has been looking too harsh so I ordered this navy one from Jane Iredale. 
It’s funny but as many times as I try other mascaras, I always come back to this one because the brush is awesome. The hard comb-type bristles smooth out and remove any clumps I get. I’m thrilled with the navy because it’s not too dark or light…just perfect. I have been a huge fan of Jane Iredale’s makeup for many years. It’s a clean beauty line that’s free of nasty chemicals and cruelty-free!
Calm
Who couldn’t use a little something to calm themselves down these days? I certainly could. I spotted the author of a book I really enjoyed on Instagram last week talking about the benefits of topical magnesium cream. Not only is it helpful for soothing sore muscles, but it can help to relax you, help you sleep better, and… it helps to calm jumpy legs – which is something that I struggle with. This wasn’t the first time I’d heard about magnesium cream, but she made such a great case about its benefits that I raced out and bought this CALM cream.
I thought it might smell medicinal, but it actually has a lovely fresh scent I enjoy. I hesitate to say it works like knock-out drops, but my daughter has been using it and noticed the same effect. Here are some other magnesium creams I ran across. I love all the ingredients in the Neom cream so may try that next.
The Hunting Party
I loved Lucy Foley’s last book so much that I immediately snatched up this one up! Clearly, my daughter and I haven’t been making too much progress on our puzzle lately.
I do enjoy puzzles but an exciting “who done it” is much more up my alley. 🙂 I’ve already ordered this one to read next. I love the premise of the book and her writing style but I am also intrigued by the cover.
Do you ever buy a book by it’s cover? I’ve rediscovered my love of mysteries, do you have any recommendations?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Where do you get the Jane Iredale mascara in navy?
I haven’t found the navy in a while, so I have reverted to black.
I’ll throw my hat into the ring and add my vote for the Maisie Dobbs and Diane Mott Davidson series. I’m a fan of the “cozy” mysteries: Daisy Dalrymple series by Carola Dunn, Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton, Flavia de Luce by Alan Bradley, Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs and anything by Susan Wittig Albert…I could go on but I’ll stop there. lol 🙂
My niece is a loyal long time fan of Jane Iredale. I have yet to try any if the products, the mascara might be my first. Great book I just finished called, The Hideaway by Laura Deaton. Beautiful story!
Any cream to help my arthritis is worth a try . Thank you for the references . You have picked a wonderful time to visit the great north 🇨🇦. All the better when visiting a treasured loved one .May the time go slowly and your memories be immeasurable. God Bless.
Love the recommendation of Navy Mascara…now I have to get it. My doctor prescribed Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel for my aches. I just started using it and it definitely helps. I understand it is now sold over the counter by possibly another name.
I enjoy Fern Michaels books and of course, Lisa Scottoline. If you haven’t read any of theirs, please give them a try.
Take care.
It is called Voltaren. Walgreens and I think CVS carries it. I have been using it for years. Great product!
Used to love to read Anne Perry’s Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series also all J.A. Jance series.
Are you able to travel to Canada? We were supposed to attend a wedding in July but of course we were not able to. Wedding was cancelled. From what I understand US citizens are not allowed in Canada right now, but maybe you are a Canadian citizen?
I was born in Canada and am a Canadian citizen
I really want to visit my brother in Alberta, but that 14 day thing has stopped me. I hope you have a wonderful time in BC.
That 14-day thing will be torture but we have to do it!
Thanks for recommending navy mascara. I too find black too harsh and I’ve used brown/ black. I’ll try it to see how I like it.
You can go for less than 14 days, it’s just you have to quarantine for at least 14 days if you stay that long (or longer). If you stay for a shorter than 14 day visit you can’t leave the place you’ve chosen to quarantine except to drive/fly home. If the person you are visiting is over the age of 65 they need to provide you with a letter consenting to let you stay with them. And you cannot have any other visitors to the home where you are staying. They do make you download an App and provide your contact info. and from those I know who have visited, they do follow up by phone and sometimes with in-person visits to ensure you are complying. I’d happily be stuck with my family for 14 days at this point, but I’d have to fly to visit and my concern is taking the virus to them. So so far, I’m waiting and hoping for some miraculous breakthrough between now and Christmas!
Diane Mott Davidson has light mysteries with recipes included as the main character has a catering business. Joan Hess has 2 series that are lighthearted as well – both set in Arkansas, and Hank Phillippi Ryan has a series about a tv reporter that are engaging and not too violent.
How fun!
I definitely am influenced by a books cover. Also I flip through several pages. If i find vulgar language it’s a no buy/no read. .
My favorite mysteries are all over the map. But if you haven’t read Jacqueline Winspear’s Maise Dobbs series you must give it a try. It’s unusual and contemplative.
We use magnesuim too. Speaking of mineral supplements, I recently had a 4 month viral infection in my brain that nothing touched until I took zinc. In 24 hours the pain that had been constant and debilitating was almost gone. Just passing that along.
Thanks for the idea of navy mascara. I’m ready for a change. Also appreciate all your discoveries of non toxic personal care supplies.
We just started taking Zinc each day too! I am fascinated!
For a hilarious mysteries, read Janet Evonovich’s Stephanie Plum series. It starts with “One for the Money”. I’ve read up to the number twenty three, but the first is still my favorite. I laugh so hard that I can wake up my husband down the hall already in bed! There is no other PI like this character…
I read one of hers years ago!! You’re right, she is hysterical! Thanks for the reminder Connie
Usually used navy mascara for the sake of change but have found it is becoming my favourite.
Never have much success though avoiding ‘clumps’ no matter the brand, so apply it by transferring it to a much smaller brush (actually used for eyebrows) with two to three light applicationS and find it works great! Still though trying to find a suitable eyebrow color that doesn’t look artificial/harsh to fill in the sparseness and blend in with the white … lol! As for books; since my son and I have the same taste in reading we basically swap but in all honesty I’m not much one for remembering their titles let alone their authors. Last but not least; realizing the difference between that which you describe and that of nocturnal leg/foot cramps, for those who may experience the latter, they might wish to try a tbsp. of pickle juice during an attack as it/they will disappear like magic! (i.e.: That of dill, sweet gherkins or mixed pickles will do.)
Thanks for the tips. Pickle juice, who knew?
Thanks for the tips. Pickle juice, who knew?
Have a wonderful time with your daughter Jennifer! I am really really missing my 23 year old son: he is in the US Air Force training to be a NATO-ENJJPT pilot and he left after Chirstmas, and because of Covid and California being a red zone, Thanksgiving is now out, and maybe he will be able to come home for Christmas …..if things get better….still up in the air no pun intended. Just have to get through it, but I at night when i can’t sleep I plot how I would drive to Tevas to see him which obviously I can’t do. But I sure miss him.
Books I love all of Ian Rankin’s books, Kate Atkinson (Cold Cases) Michael Connelly!
Enjoy mother daughter time 🙂
That is so hard, I’m sorry Francesca.
What wonderful book recommendations! I too highly recommend Louise Penny and her Gamache series, and Jacqueline Winstead’s Maisie Dobbs series as well. I’ve read a couple of Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon books, but it’s been so long ago, I want to start the series from the beginning. I’ve written down all the authors mentioned in the comments so far, so thank you to all.
I’m also interested in the idea of navy mascara!
Navy mascara is new to me. I have tried taupe.. Have you heard that a bar of soap at the foot of the bed will help restless leg syndrome? No kidding.
I read a series of books once written by an author who spent time in prison as a young woman because she and her best friend, killed her best friends Mother. She got out and wrote some great mysteries. Can’t remember her name. Anyone know?
Those books sound unique. A bar of soap is easy to try, thanks
The author that you are asking about is Anne Perry. She was from New Zealand. The families wanted to split up the friendship and the girls reacted by killing the friend’s mother. I don’t think they were sent to prison, but were never supposed to see each other again. I think both of them are living in England. Anne Perry may have changed her name.
to Eve…. the author you are mentioned about going to prison after helping kill her best friend’s is Anne Perry. A wonderful mystery writer. Google her name and you can read all about her life.
If my comments are being blocked when filled out correctly the fields required, then please take my name off of your blog list immediately.
They don’t appear to be blocked, Julie. Why would you think so?
Hope you have a good time in Vancouver – I live in the greater Vancouver area, so if you will stay long enough and have some time, come and visit! Correctly socially distanced of course!
I used to have a lot of trouble with restless leg syndrome, but I noticed that it had to do with sugar consumption in my case. I drastically reduced my sugar intake in the past few years and am now rarely troubled by this problem. I find that sugar reduction helps with other joint pain issues as well – for me anyway.
I like the idea of the navy mascara – I may try that.
I bet cutting down on sugar would help with arthritis too! I should try it
Why is my email being blocked? I filled out all the fields.
All four of your comments are here Julie. There may just take a few minutes for them to show up.
This post was very informative. I will save it. I love the following authors of mysteries: All Patricia Cornwell’s books, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child’s “Pendergast” Series, and I too love Sue Grafton’s books about Kinsey Milhone, P.I. Too bad Sue Grafton died before she could write the last book on the Alphabet Series.
This post has been very informative for several reasons, and I will save it. As far as authors of mysteries go, I love the following authors: Patricia Cornwell, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and I too love the late Sue Grafton’s books about Kinsey Milhone, P.I., and her adventures. Love that character, so sad Sue Grafton died before she could finish the “alphabet” in her books.
Sue Grafton is a huge favorite or ours!
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is terrific! I recently finished reading this book and I cannot stop thinking about it.
How are you able to get through the border to Canada? I thought the border was closed.
One of my favorite books. Great choice.I need to try the Foley books.
jumpy legs and for many othera, like sleep, skin and hair and health in general, I recommend Magnesium liquid. It is not cheap but it works very well.
Of course being Canadian I love Louise Penny. Try Sherry Lapena’s The Couple next door and A stranger in the house . Both are well written and you will not determine the outcome in the first chapter.
I also love Lousie Penny! I’ve read her whole series.
I love Louise Penny too! Anxiously awaiting her new book in September.
Thank you for the book recommendations. Reading has been great therapy for me and so enjoyable. I will keep Lucy Foley in mind when I purchase more books. A very fun and well-written mystery series that I love are the Chet and Bernie novels by Spencer Quinn (aka Peter Abrahams.) I know you love dogs so you would love Chet. FYI, This is not a cozy style mystery but so fun and entertaining. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Iona Whishaw books, Canadian author, 1st book is A Killer in Kings Cove! Very good! William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor books are excellent better to read in order, his standalone, Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land are two of my favourite books!
Do you think Magnesium cream will help ease Rheumatoid Arthritis pain? I am interested!
Please stay safe on your trip! I hope you get to visit some of the beautiful spots in Canada and please share a photo or two!
Ha! I could not remember why “The guest list” was in my library E-que. It was YOU. Absolutely loved it and was sooo upset when it ended. I quickly put the rest of her books in my que. Thank you!
Wonderful! I too love mysteries. My all time favorite detective is Kinsey Milhone. The alphabet mysteries by Sue Grafton. Love Louise Penny as well. patval
Hi
Check the government of Canada’s website. Unless you are a Canadian citizen, you probably are not allowed into Canada with the COVD border closure. Not trying to be a spoil sport….. Just giving you a heads up. Many Americans are being turned away at the border.
What a lovely beginning for my week! A new mascara idea plus book finds. I also just read a post that talked about “collecting” kindnesses in this time of isolation. A smile, a helpful person on the other end of the phone . . . And I’m so happy to note that someone else shares my joy in wine bottle labels. Look for one called Flight Song.
Good morning Jennifer……
Nice you are able to see your daughter, we live in the Okanagan Valley about 4.5 hrs from Vancouver.great place to visit!
Our son lives in the U.K. and we were to be at his wedding this month. Have no idea when we will see him again as we are of that age where travel is not as easy as it once was …. ..
I hope I can find navy mascara, I used to wear it years ago..love your blog even if I am older and tall I just relate to your comments…
Have fun and stay safe.
I’m going to try Navy mascara, sounds perfect! I just finished reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley and am waiting for The Hunting Party from the library. Can’t resist a good mystery!
I use Procure Epsom salt gel for sore muscles and cramps and it works great! Epsom salt is magnesium. You can also buy plain old Epsom salt for the bath (some brands even add lavender scent). Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is very restorative but the gel is convenient. Procure comes in a 6 oz tube for less than $9 and has no scent. I keep them both in stock!
Have a safe trip and stay in Vancover!
The same company that makes Calm also makes a powder supplement called Calmful Sleep. I use a little every night and it definitely helps me sleep. I didn’t know they had a cream.
Foley’s “Last Letter from Istanbul” is a book that I really enjoyed…….there were so many conflicting feelings engendered as I read it and so many little surprises. Excellent! I didn’t buy it because of the cover, but I’ve quite often done that very thing. Plus, I find I tend to buy wine by the label art………either habit can get you a thumbs up, or a thumbs down on the purchase! Some good books/wine have been found that way. Some not so good books/wine have also been found that way.
I love Anne Perry books. She is a British writer and so talented. She has been writing for a while so start at the beginning of a series if you can.
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis is excellent. I just finished Pachinko. Not a mystery but excellent. I never purchase books, our library has saved me $100’s and I get the latest books within weeks.
You introduced me to Fiona Davis and I read all four of her books. Loved them! She has a new one that just came out – The Lions of Fifth Avenue set at the NYC library. Can’t wait to read it and now I am going to start the Lucy Foley books because of your recommendation. Am also going to start Richard Evans The Walk series as I hear it is very uplifting for these times.
The covers of Lucy Foley’s books are beautiful and inviting.
I second the comments about Louise Penney’s books and definitely Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobb series. Maisie is such a wonderfully written and complex character. So independent and ahead of her time!
I enjoy Tana French. Her mysteries are haunting! Have fu. In Vancouver. That’s one of the places I want to visit!
If you like a light, fun mystery book, then I would suggest M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series. But, even better than the books are the Acorn TV series. The characters are even better onscreen and Ashley Jensen is perfect as Agatha Raisin.
Another great one: THE SECRETS WE KEPT by Lara Prescott. A spy story based on the true CIA plot to propagandize around the novel Dr Zhivago. A fabulous group of secretaries and typists are the stars of the story.
Reading it now— it’s good!
I agree. Read this one a couple of years ago and loved it.
Do not miss the Inspector Gamasch series by Louise Penny. The 16th book in the series comes out on Sept. 1. Should be read in order. Audible has them all. Stay safe.
Have you read The Guest List? After seeing Lucy Foley’s name here I ordered a Kindle sample, downloaded the entire book after reading the sample, and finished it in a day. So good! I’ve got The Hunting Party on order for next weekend – thank you for the recommendation.
Yes, I loved it!!
I like Julia Fleming-Styles’ series… I recommend reading in order! Have fun on your trip!
I highly recommend two books by British actor and writer, Stephen Fry. Mythos and Heroes. If you are interested in Greek Mythology they are easy to read, with a touch of humour. For some very light entertainment, I am buying ‘Finding Freedom’ this week, although I have read much of the serialized version on UK Daily Mail already. Have a lovely visit with your daughter.
Thank you Susan
Thank you for the recomendation of magnesium cream. I had never heard of a topical and am going to try it for sure. Anything to help. The Invitation book is one of the ones that would catch my attention, and yes many times I have purchased a book just for the cover.
Good morning! My nutritionist Wendy out me on to Magnesium oil to use daily after showering or bathing. Also Oregano oil (blended into a carrier oil) for its transdermal effects. No, I don’t smell like pizza.
I feel great using them!
On the mascara…..I must try Navy. I’m finding my lashes so sparse and the brown-black shades nit the look I’m going for.
I’ve heard of oregano oil internally but not externally! I must google it. Thanks Paulette
I also suffer from sore muscles and legs and I look forward to trying magnesium cream.
Speaking of books, have you read the silent patient?
This is a must read. Loved it!
I have not read it, thanks!
Louise Penny’s Gamache series. Should be read in order. First one is STILL LIFE.
Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series. Also must be read in order.
Thanks!
Love all the Bruno: Chief of Police novels and Donna Leon’s Brunetti series set in Venice for my poor man’s travel