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.
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