Day Seven: Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara

What it is:
A mega-volume, ultra-black mascara.

What it does:
Sephora Brand Atomic Volume Mascara - Ultra Black blows all other mascaras away. The dramatically dark color formula conditions lashes, keeping them pretty, healthy, and seriously stunning.

What else you need to know:
An innovative tubular brush applicator with a lash-lengthening comb perfectly separates lashes for a full, sexy flutter.

MP's Rating: One wand in the middle
Loved this when I first put it on, but at the end of the day, experienced light flaking, lashes sticking together.

Mama Mia, Mary Pat!

I made HOMEMADE spaghetti sauce tonight, with tomatoes from our very own little garden!

We've been harvesting our Roma tomatoes for about two weeks now, and every time we pick a few, I blanche and puree them, them freeze the puree. Today, we had enough to make the sauce!


I combined the puree of about 15 Roma tomatoes, 1 6 oz. can of tomato paste, 2 T. grated parmesan, 1/4 cup water. 1/4 cup red wine, 2 T. olive oil, basil, oregano, salt and pepper, a sliver of pureed green pepper, 1/2 lb. cooked ground sirloin. Brought to a boil, simmered for an hour.


The finished product. It was DELISH!

I must send this to the landfill guys, who think I can't even boil water!!

Day Six: Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint

Based on the world famous Lash Injection formula, Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara targets each lash to create the dramatically long, extremely defined, and separated lashes of your dreams! Like a mascara architect, Lash Injection Pinpoint's exclusive 3D polymers build waterproof tubes around each lash that expand and stretch far, far beyond the natural lash while the sleek pinpoint precision brush separates and curls for the most divinely detailed, healthy lash look imaginable. Like paraffin dip treatments, moisture is locked into the lash by each tube, and lashes stay conditioned and hydrated.

Easily removable with the Lash Injection Antidote eye makeup remover or soap and warm water, this amazing mascara doesn't dissolve and smudge like any ordinary mascara. The iconic waterproof formula won't melt, flake, smear or come off until you take it off—and then it comes off in tiny tubes, like little lash socks!

MP's Rating: One Wand Up (YES!)
FINALLY, one of the eleven mascaras I like! Maybe even love. Not one sign of smudges or flakes, and my lashes looked long and strong all day. When I got home, I took a little rest, and when I got up, still no smudges. This one may be a keeper!

Day Five Re-Do

OK, so I'm going to give Buxom a second chance, once I get through the rest of these mascaras. It wore well - no smudges - and held the curl. It had an odd brush - maybe I just need to work on applying it better.

Day Five: Buxom Lash

You know the drill:Bare Escentuals Buxom® Lash Mascara - Blackest Black holds the style of your lashes for a continuous 12 hours with no flakiness. The silky, vitamin-rich formula darkens, lengthens, and thickens from root to tip without ever clumping. Its patented, hourglass-shaped brush is designed to lift and separate every lash while delivering the perfect amount of antioxidant-rich mascara needed for bigger, fuller lashes.

Starting to feel like this is all a waste of time, but...

MP's Rating: One Wand Down
I'm actually rating this one and also trashing it the morning of application. HATED it. Went on really wet and got all in my lashline. Plus my lashes are all stuck together, even though I've combed them through several times.

Day Four: Smashbox Bionic Mascara

From Sephora's Web site: Smashbox Bionic is the first ionic mascara—it will leave you with longer, stronger, and more voluminous lashes! The specially-engineered brush coats lashes with our revolutionary long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a dramatic full lash. Aloe, silk, and wheat protein strengthen and condition.

Ionic mascara? Huh?

MP's Rating: One wand in the middle
Only smudged the tiniest bit - not really noticeable. But didn't do much at all - even seemed to weigh down the curl. Better than nothing, but not so hot.

Tomorrow, Bare Escentuals Buxom.

Day Three: Korres Deep Colour Mascara + Bonus Review

From Sephora's Web site: A pigment-rich mascara containing Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran. Korres Deep Colour Mascara provides glossy, deep color while conditioning and nourishing to promote maximum lash health. This brand favorite contains Provitamin B5 , a proven hair-strengthening agent that conditions and strengthens lashes, while Rice Bran expands (just like rice does in water) to provide maximum lash length, volume, and fullness.

What it is formulated WITHOUT: Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oils, Petro-chemicals, Propylene Glycols, Ethanolomines, GMOs, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes

MP's rating: One Wand in the Middle
Had high expectations for this one. Good news no smudges or flakes at the end of the day. Bad news: Didn't really look like I had mascara on.

Could mascara be like men - maybe I'm not meant to find one? LOL!

Day Two: Stila Multi-Effect Mascara

From Sephora's Web site: A gentle, curling, volumizing, and lengthening mascara. Get volume, length, and curl with just the right amount of building power, all in one multi-tasking formula. Cera alba (or beeswax), copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, plus water- and plant-based cellulose make this formula a great performer that's also gentle on the lashes.

Having never used a Stila product, I looked them up: Created in 1994 by a top celebrity makeup artist, Stila is known for its modern, sophisticated, non-intimidating approach to beauty. The brand's innovative, multi-tasking formulas, eco-friendly packaging, and fashion-forward colors have cemented its place on must-have lists of top beauty editors around the world. The prestige color brand is a regular on the pages of the hottest fashion magazines, and frequents the runways of top designers during New York fashion week. Stila's goal is to help every woman celebrate her own unique beauty; to look and feel like the best version of herself; and to have fun doing it.

MP's Rating: One wand down
Loved the curved brush. But after I put it on, I had to re-curl my lashes. It was like the mascara weighted out the curl. At nearly 8 p.m., I had no smudges, but a few flakes. Not as disappointing as the Lash Venom, though.

I generally don't wear makeup on Sunday, so I will resume testing on Monday, perhaps with the Korres.

Day One: DuWop Lash Venom

From DuWop's Web site: DuWop delivers their latest plumping sensation, Lash Venom. This extraordinary, Italian-made formula delivers volume, length, and definition. Lash Venom gives instant impact but can also be layered for ultimate drama. You will notice softer, more hydrated lashes after each use.Lash Venom gives your lashes instant fullness and a glossy, jet-black finish.

MP Rating: One wand down
This was one that I was most excited to try because I love DuWop's Lip Venom. The mascara went on well and had a nice finish. But by 5 p.m., I had smudges under my eyes. And since I don't wear mascara on my bottom lashes, that is particularly bad.

Tomorrow, Stila Multi-Effect Mascara.

The Great Mascara Test

Yesterday, I received Sephora's lashstash mascara deluxe sampler.

This is Sephora's description: Sephora gathered their best sellers in various beauty categories and packed them into one-of-a-kind kits. This limited-edition set features deluxe samples of handpicked mascaras that are sure to fatten your flutter. From a lash base to a rice-bran-enriched mascara, this kit allows you to mix n' match 'til you create the lush lashes of your dreams.

I plan to use the kit to try to end my quest for the perfect mascara. I'll be trying one each day to see if I can find a favorite. And I'll share the results with you!

Stay tuned for the first review.

Lucy Gets a Lion Cut for Father's Day

For Father's Day, Sister and I decided to get his dog, Lucy, a good grooming. Lucy is a lucky, loved dog, but let's just say that she isn't quite the pampered pups that Winston and Cebu are. She gets lots of love and good care, but professional groomings are very few and quite far between.

We were a little concerned how Lucy would handle being groomed, so we talked with Susan Spivey, super groomer and owner of Preppy Puppies in Forest Acres. In an extraordinary act of generosity, she offered to open on Sunday - and Father's Day Sunday at that - to handle this extra special grooming. She also recommended that we call Lucy's vet and get a light sedative called Ace. Thanks to Dr. Wales at Four Paws Animal Clinic for working with us on the Ace - it was the only way we were able to get through this grooming adventure.

Forty-five minutes before our noon appointment, Sister and I arrived with Ace and Cheez Whiz.


Lucy took the pill well and was ready to go...

Until she had to get the car! Our dogs love to jump in the car, but Lucy was a little more hesitant. Beth finally just lifted her up and put her in. And once she was in, she enjoyed the ride!

Lucy greeted Susan with a growl, but after a little visiting, she settled down. A little.


Lucy wasn't going to the grooming area voluntarily.


We got the muzzle on and were ready to go!


Step one: a blow out. Susan lifted Lucy into the bath area and used what I best describe as a reverse vacuum to blow out her undercoat. Wow - did the fur ever fly! Look at all of the fur in Beth's hair!!


Step two: overall clipping. This was Lucy's first clip job, so we all took turns with the clipper. In some more sensitive areas, it was easier for Sister and I to it. Lucy growled and barked, but because she was muzzled, her bark was worse than her bite.



Step three: Bath time! By this time, the sedative had really kicked in. Lucy was in the sky with diamonds, if you know what I mean.



Susan carried her back and forth like she was a little lap dog, but Lucy is solid. I don't know how she did it!


Step four: Drying! Lucy seemed to enjoy the fans blowing her. We all took a little break while she was drying.


Step five: touch up clipping. We shaped up around her legs and mane. The hardest part was keeping her on all fours - the sedative was full force and she wanted to sleep.


And now, the new Lucy...


Whew. Beth and I are EXHAUSTED! We took Lucy home to Mom and Dad, who loved her new look. Sister and I both took hot showers to get the fur off, and now we're taking a little rest.

Special thanks to Susan, who took time on her day off to make Lucy beautiful for Poppy! Anyone who needs a groomer, we HIGHLY recommend her - she is caring and kind and the dogs love her. Preppy Puppies is located across from the new Quinine Hill Park in Forest Acres - diagonal from the Walgreen's at Beltline and Forest Drive.

A Look at the Garden

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If you haven't seen it on Facebook, check out Alice's latest adventure.

Sisters Road Trip

On Saturday, Sister and I took a quick road trip to Greenwood, where we grew up! Here are some fun pictures from the day...

About to hit the road.


Pictures from Park Seed.



As part of the Festival of Flowers, there were beautiful topiaries downtown. They will be up through the last weekend of the month - I highly recommend the quick road trip to see them. TOTALLY worth it!



We also ran into a car show while we were there!


Mary Pat with an old college beau, Richard, who we saw at the car show. He said the only way he recognized me is because I was with Sister, and he sees our pictures together on Facebook.


Final stop: The Dixie!

We met Peggy Crawford Merritt and Meagan Mouw there.


FUN day!