Weekly Coffee Date

table and chairs - photo copyright auris

My friends, hello! I’m back.

For the past three-ish weeks, I’ve been writing my heart out on the proposal for a new book. It’s not a memoir, if you were curious, but that’s not to say it’s not personal and revealing, or that I won’t attempt another memoir someday. But like It Was Me All Along, this book has that years-in-the-making feel to it (I started taking notes for it forever ago). And maybe the best part is, I’m crazy about it. Crazy in that I love everything going into it, and crazy in a way where I’m consumed by the work so I lose track of time, and Daniel starts to worry. “…so you know the Bachelorette started already…right?”

Wedding

After months of indecision, Daniel and I are finally getting somewhere with this wedding. And I guess the ‘somewhere’ part of it, was deciding to have a wedding at all. For a while, we thought about eloping. But then, when we chose not to, it was hard to find the right middle ground. Should it be small or ultra-small? Here or there? Will I miss anything if it’s not traditional? In the end, I think we found our answers. And it might be worth a whole wedding post.

Etc.

Last week I went to the dermatologist to have my whole body checked for skin cancer–and two suspicious moles, in particular. All was clear on the skin cancer front, but I did manage to ask my dermatologist just shy of a hundred questions about skincare and anti-aging products. So now I’m curious; did you start using anti-aging products at a certain age…or do you use them at all? Any favorites?

Links that caught my eye this week:

If you’ve ever watched Keeping Up with the Kardashians, have you wondered about those salads they’re always eating? Turns out that’s one of the most popular questions the ladies get. Here are those famous Kardashian salads.

Once and for all: here is what happens when you swallow your gum.

There’s a shift in American obesity, with women surging ahead of men. “For nearly three decades, American men and women have been mostly growing fatter together. But in recent years, for reasons researchers still don’t understand, women have broken away.” (Washington Post)

Did you know that every major dishwasher brand has different loading instructions? None of us did.

Why the 8-hour workday doesn’t work, and what just might.

I need you to take this personality test immediately and comment with your results because I love things like this. (It’s 12 mins long) I’m ENFP-T.

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30 thoughts on “Weekly Coffee Date

  1. Amy Lutke

    I’m a product lover and am a Rodan and Fields enthusiast! So much so that I now help share the goodness of all things skin care. Seriously it really is great. I’d be happy to help you with getting the best skin of your life!

    Reply
  2. Melissa

    My dermatologist recommended any skincare with retinol for aging skin–she said the brand/price actually doesn’t matter as long as the ingredients are quality. So I use Roc Retinol for eye cream and face wash and then a simple argan oil for moisture. I think I started with eye creams in my late 20s, but have only been using the retinol for the last few years. Oh, and sunscreen! Obviously.

    Reply
  3. Monica

    I could have pegged you as an ENFP. :) Fits you beautifully based on your writing!

    I’m an INFJ – A. I used to be a T, but I guess that piece has changed recently.

    Reply
  4. Alex

    I watch “Hot and Flashy” on YouTube and her advice is spot on. Also great is Paula’s Choice Beautypedia.

    Reply
  5. Unique

    ESFP! It’s so hilarious that the quote for my personality type is same quote I have on my Facebook page! Funny you mention the Kardashians… I often wonder about those darn salads as well. Do they ever eat a sandwich?!

    Reply
  6. Kate

    Wow, that quiz was SO fascinating! So spot on it was creepy. I got ENFJ-A, a protagonist. Reminds me of a great personality quiz by Gretchen Rubin about whether you’re a rebel, obliger, upholder or questioner. Knowing the answer is super helpful in setting realistic goals and actually achieving them.

    Reply
  7. Holly

    I read that you should start anti-aging regimens in your thirties, before wrinkles start. Oops. I didn’t start until I was 40. But so far Nutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair night cream has worked amazingly on the fine lines I had.

    Reply
  8. Lara

    INFP-T which wasn’t completely surprising :-) I used to be an ENFP-T, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more of an introvert. :-)

    And for beauty products, I’ve recently discovered Korean face masks and they have done WONDERS for my skin. I use these –> https://www.amazon.com/Tonymoly-Timeless-Ferment-Snail-Hydro/dp/B00W9O9YG6/ref=sr_1_41_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466259537&sr=1-41&keywords=TONYMOLY once per week and my friends have commented on the difference in my skin. TONYMOLY also makes under eye masks which work well (I have really dry under eye skin) and an eggpore treatment which blasts away blackheads.

    Reply
  9. Lynn

    I have been using various products in the Paula’s Choice line (retinol, alpha hyydroxy,etc.) and love them! (The founder, Paula Begoun, wrote the book “Don’t Go to the Cosmetic Counter Without Me” many years ago which exposed many products in the cosmetic industry as all packaging and no substance). Her website has a “Beautipedia” section that has hundreds of product reviews and I never buy anything without checking there first! For example, she has this to say about the the Rodan and Fields product line mentioned in one of the comments: “Strengths: Two fantastic skin-lightening products with hydroquinone; a well-packaged retinol product; every sunscreen provides sufficient UVA protection; some fragrance-free options.
    Weaknesses: Expensive; jar packaging hinders effectiveness of several otherwise impressive products; sunscreens should contain more bells and whistles for the money; eyebrow-raising amount of products with irritating ingredients.”
    You can read all about anti-aging products on her website and which ones to use depending on your skin type.
    No affiliation at all, just a satisfied customer!

    Reply
  10. Judy

    Love your coffee chats Andie. Took the test and I am Defender ISFJ-A.

    I have always wondered where they got the salads. I have seen several shows where they had sit down meals together at home when Bruce was still with them. At those times they had a chef. So I always thought their salads were made by a personal chef. I saved the site for Health Nut as what great ideas to make our own and if they start to bottle their dressing that could be fun to order and try.

    As far as skin care I am 64 years old and I have always used toners and lotions and sunscreen. There are so many brands and not every brand works for everyone. So it is good to try a few out and see what you are happiest with. I am currently using Bobbi Brown ‘extra’ products and I like Clarins products a lot too. My favorite of theirs is the Extra-Firming Day Wrinkle Lifting Cream Dry Skin and their skin brightener kit.

    Reply
  11. Biz

    I had a suspicious mole removed about 5 years ago – I got a really bad sunburn when I was 16, and from then on, I always burn – never tan. I use sunscreen all over my body when I get out of the shower – just a spf 30 lotion, but I use Neutragena Anti-Aging face moisturizer with spf 50 before putting on makeup.

    Can’t wait to hear about the new book! :D

    Reply
  12. Robbye

    Hi Andie,
    First time posting but felt compelled when you were asking for anti-aging advice. I have used the same three
    moisturizing products for 20 something years now and still to this day have no lines so a walking testimony
    right here.
    Here are the products.
    Elizabeth Arden Ceramide capsules twice daily
    Elizabeth Arden Pump Perfect Ceramide spf 30 firm and lift moisturizer
    Progress Eye Cream by Lancome Cosmetics. They will try to sell you something much newer and advance but I
    have used this eye cream forever and still no lines and almost 60. :)))
    It is the amount of moisture these products deliver that makes them work. The Ceramides are like little sponges for moisture retention so your skin will look pump and luminous. I have not used any AHA’s or Retinoid products because they are so drying. Keeping your skin hydrated and protected from the sun. I always wear foundation NO MATTER WHAT!!! Even to check the mail as crazy as that sounds!!! Discipline is the key to Flawless skin.
    Give these a try!
    R.

    Reply
  13. Marisa Mohi

    I’m an anti-aging product fiend, and probably started using them back when I was 25. Because I’m also cheap and love to feel like I’m getting a deal, I almost exclusively buy CVS brand products. They’re always on sale, and if you have a CVS extra care card, you can also sign up for beauty rewards, which means that every time you buy any sort of beauty product, you get cash back to use in store. I love it. (I swear I don’t work for them, though they should totally pay me commission already.)

    Reply
  14. Pete's Meal Replacement

    There’s a lot of ways to take care of your health these days and I was lost with diets and god knows what else. My biggest problem was containing my food intake and I didn’t know how to do this without surgery which was expensive. I had a friend of mine suggest meal replacement programs with shakes and bars and I haven’t looked back. As far as ageing goes, they even have products for this but meal replacement programs have saved my life and health. My food intake is down is waaaay down. weight loss has been great and I dont ever feel run down which is incredible. Limited food intake and maximum energy. All this without risks. I couldn’t have asked for better

    Reply
  15. Jacqueline

    I began using anti-aging products in my early twenties. I was worried about crows feet around my eyes – they run in my family and I started using contact lenses at age fourteen which means lots of eye skin pulling. I started easy with Clinique and their line of products. In my thirties I began using Cindy Crawford’s line. I can say that I am in my mid-forties and people always guess my age as somewhere in the thirties. I believe that anti aging products work with consistent use and good skin care.

    Reply
  16. Jenna

    The older I get the more I like the idea of eloping. In the end whatever you two choose it should be what you both want not what anyone else or society suggests a wedding should be. IMO. :)
    I can’t wait to see what you have coming up for a new book!! YAY!!
    Thanks for sharing the Kardashian salad – that tea sounds amazing too!

    Reply
  17. Nichole

    I also love Rodan and Fields (someone else commented they did) – I don’t sell it, but I do swear by it! Yay for wedding plans coming together!

    Reply
  18. Elaine

    Andie!

    First, love the personality test! I’m an ISFJ-T. Also, the Kardashian salads!? YES! It kills me to watch them eat those on the show! Thanks for doing that research. So….when are we making a trip to Calabasas??

    Can’t wait for the wedding post! My wedding turned out pretty great (if I do say so myself) which is due in large part to the fact that we did it our way, very non-traditional. No cake. Just ice cream sandwiches. Twinkle lights above (best purchase I made) and lots of Joshua Radin over the loud speakers. Can’t wait to see what you do, and most importantly, what you eat at your wedding!

    As always, sending all my love!
    Elaine

    Reply
  19. Kristen

    Oh my goodness…this quote from the personality test:
    “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for – and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool – for love – for your dreams – for the adventure of being alive.”

    Sums it up for me… I’m an ENFP – A.

    Also, the dishwasher guide? THANK YOU. We have the dumbest dishwasher… half of the top rack, which I think is for cups and bowls, doesn’t have the tines to put anything on. I hate it so much. I’m going to look and see what that rack is actually for because it seems pointless to me!

    And yay for the wedding – I think you and Daniel are absolutely making the right decision!

    Reply
  20. Kels

    Hi Andie! I am pretty rubbish at any skin care but my excuse is that I work in an office and am a hermit.

    That personality test was really good, I did find it difficult not to go in the middle for so many! I am apparently INFP-A “The Mediator”.

    All that is gold does not glitter; not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither; deep roots are not reached by the frost.
    J. R. R. Tolkien

    Weirdly enough that quote is one of the tattoos I am going to get in the future!

    Have a great day :)

    Reply
  21. Denise

    Okay, that was a fun little test. I am ENFJ-A. Hmmm! Skincare – YES! I have been using a program since my 20’s and no one can believe I am almost 50!!! WTF! I recently switched brands and then went back after my facelift scolded me. I love Decleor – their products are wonderful from the cleaners to moisture. Very gentle and natural. I have used for years. I just started getting late adult Rosacea and Avene has been wonderful for it! I also use witch hazel after cleaning, twice a day, and lots of sunscreen. The Avene has it in it but I also like Coola. I have tried a few eye creams – Rodan + Fields, Bobbi Brown, Channel and have yet to find one I like. If you know of one?

    Reply
  22. Ida Lively

    ISFJ-A — ISFJ PERSONALITY (“THE DEFENDER”)

    The ISFJ personality type is quite unique, as many of their qualities defy the definition of their individual traits. Though possessing the Feeling (F) trait, ISFJs have excellent analytical abilities; though Introverted (I), they have well-developed people skills and robust social relationships; and though they are a Judging (J) type, ISFJs are often receptive to change and new ideas. As with so many things, people with the ISFJ personality type are more than the sum of their parts, and it is the way they use these strengths that defines who they are.

    Reply

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