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 
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 
I do enjoy puzzles but an exciting “who done it” is much more up my alley. š 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 š
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 šØš¦. 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 Perryās 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 itās a no buy/no read. .
My favorite mysteries are all over the map. But if you havenāt read Jacqueline Winspearās Maise Dobbs series you must give it a try. Itās 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. Iām 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 š
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.
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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
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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.