From the S8+ to the S24+...

 ... Is a long way!

I mentioned needing to get a new phone - after almost 7 years and 3 months mileage on the old one. Talk about "ride it til the wheels fall off", I wish I had as a good a relationship with any person as I did with that phone!

My biggest concerns when looking for a new phone were the usual: cost and features. Well, I chose the S24+ and it's only adding around 20-some dollars to my phone bill for a while. However, 20 dollars to someone on my budget is more than it is to someone else...

Now that I actually have the new phone, I am having to learn how to use all the new Android features. A lot of things have developed over 7 years. My brother joked that I must feel like someone going from using a  horse and buggy to learning how to drive a stick shift. That's funny but kind of true.

Back in the old days, whenever I upgraded a phone, all I needed to do was insert the SIM card into the new phone and power down the old phone. That's changed. I had to actually go online and go through a deactivation-activation process.

Another thing that upsets me is that my poor old Gear S2 watch won't work with the new phone. It won't work with any 2024 device. So now I have no smart watch. That's not a big loss since I took it off my phone plan at least 4 years ago. Since then, I'd only been using it on the home wi-fi and for the Samsung Health features. I don't really have any other watch except one I got from one of my brothers but the battery on that died. 

My cellphone carrier was really annoying when I was buying the phone. I couldn't get to the check-out page until I'd gone through several "do-ya-wanna" pages. I was ready to scream as I skipped past the offers for adding another line, getting a deal on a smart watch, temptations of fancy phone cases and other accessories. I just wanted to get checked out and get the financial hit over with as quickly as possible.

I have to tell you that I was really tempted to go for the S24 Ultra - only because it has the S-pen and I haven't had a pen for my phone since my Note died... But I noped right past that more expensive phone and I'm pretty happy with the one I got. I'm still learning how to use some of the features, but I am happy with it. After all, I'm still going to need food and medicines every month more than I need a pen.

One of my online acquaintances ragged on me about picking the Cobalt Violet color over the Amber one they like so much. It really doesn't matter what color my phone is and it never has. When I get a phone, it immediately goes into a protective case and I never see the color of the phone again. I did pick out a case in a pretty shade of red. I'll be looking at the case from now on.

By the way, this is one phone that needs to be in a case. It's so slippery... 

Hilariously, when I first unboxed the phone, I was ready to make an irate call to someone in customer service. That's because when I thought the included cord had a defect. Both ends are USB-C type and it's called a "reversible" connection. I never saw that before and all my charging bricks are for cords with a different connection. My brother (when he got through making another horse-and-buggy joke about me) explained that this is the way things are now - "in modern times". So I had to order a brick for the "modern" cable.

Anyway, after I get up to speed with the phone, I have some iPhone humor to throw at my brother. 

When I want to really irritate him, I refer to iPhone users as "iPhonies". Yeah, he hates that one.

I will never tell my brother (and a nephew iPhoner) that, for 2 seconds, I thought about joining their cult this time. The price gave me pause and, really, I don't like change and going from Android to iPhone (or the opposite) is too much change for me.

Peace

--Free

So Glad I Cheaped Out on Electronic Accessories

I will never tire of bragging that I kept a cellphone intact for over 7 years - especially to my iPhone buddies. My next brag is going to be how I cheaped out on some accessories.

When I got the S8 Plus way back in the olden days, I also got a Gear watch as a "bonus freebie". The watch was not much of a freebie since in order to fully use it, I had to pay for a line. I did end up getting rid of the line after about a year and just used the thing with wi-fi. That watch still works but it won't work with any devices newer than 2023...

As I was trying to chose a phone this time, I was momentarily tempted to get the S8 Ultra instead of the S24 Plus - just because the Ultra comes with the S-Pen. I realized how silly a decision that would be. I loved having the S-Pen with the Galaxy Note - this was a really long time back - but while I did use it to take notes, I mostly used it to play games and to, well, just have the fancy pen. So silly.

Well, I did not get the Gear watch or the S-Pen. But I did get a watch and a stylus. All together, the two cost me under $35. Guess what? I love them both. I think I love my cheap smart watch more than the Gear. The stylus works as well as the S-Pen (for my needs) and I actually got a 3-pack with extra nibs. (Side note: the cheapest Gear watch is currently running about $350 for the watch and at least $7/month for the line.)

The watch is what I use the most. It does everything the Gear did and it works smoothly. I mainly use it to track my fitness, read messages, monitor sleep patterns - you know, snitch on myself to Big Brother.  It does keep me motivated to move more during the day. I am also going to be able to show my doctors how poor my sleeping routine is. I don't think they realize how bad my insomnia has gotten.

I love having a stylus (or 3) only because of all the freaky AI stuff that is on the new phones. I think I spent more time the first day playing with the AI drawing apps than I did using the phone for anything else. I'm such a child. (And, yes, I know that this whole cool AI thing is another stage in the boiling frog situation that will be our demise as citizens.)

Honestly, I am tempted to stand right outside a cellphone store to warn people against getting expensive watches and pens for their devices. Most phone accessories are "Gotcha" buys or temptation buys - especially when you get them from the service providers.

When I was checking out during the phone purchase and having to nope through all the teaser sales, I noticed how expensive everything was. An Otterbox case cost more that part of my monthly grocery budget. The extra chargers and cables and SD cards... All so ridiculously priced. The first thing I buy for a new phone is a case and the second thing is a screen protector. I got both for under $40

Going back and looking at the accessories from the service provider (and this is with their "special sale pricing"), the total for a phone case, 1 screen protector and 1 charging block (cable not included) is $98 (or $135 without the sale). 

I have not gotten everything I need yet (I will stagger the purchases for my budget!), but the total for:

• the case (I got it) with a sliding camera cover
• 2 charging blocks with 2 cables
• 3 multi-nib stylus' with additional nibs
• 2 screen protectors (from the IQ Shield brand I used with my last phone)

... that all comes to around $65. My brother gave me a charging block and the phone came with a cable so I don't have to sweat that for now.

Once I get everything I need for my phone, I am at the very least about $500 ahead of what my provider would have charged me. I'm already mad about having to pay off the phone in installments. The next time one of my credit cards makes an offer, I will be paying off my provider and making the payments to my card...

As always when I think about the cost of things, I come back to dear Katt Williams.

You have to laugh about it to keep from crying.

Cellphones are no longer optional. They are no longer something that people get just as a status symbol (well, I can't speak for my iPhone brothers and sisters!); they are a necessity. My phone is my connection to my family, doctors, creditors, etc. I can't even buzz visitors into our building without a phone.

I prefer a chunky look over a girly style

Even though I have to have a cellphone, I realize that I don't need the fanciest one. I don't need the cool watch or pricey earbuds or blinged out case. I need the phone and for everything else I want, I can cheap out. For instance, if I have to, I could replace the cheap watch at least 10 or 11 times for the cost of the Gear. And that's if I get a really decent budget watch... To be fair, if the watch lasts me at least a year, I will be happy.

I am really glad that I cheaped out on everything about my phone this time. Here's looking forward to another 7 or 8 years!

Peace

--Free

My S8 Plus Lasted (Almost) 8 Years

My S8 Plus is was a great  good one, and it was a big part of my life-change situation. I feel a bit attached to it(as I do with anything that cost me a good amount).

Back in 2017, when I left my almost-lifelong home of Alaska, my S8 died just as I was packing to go to the airport. One of the first things I did when I got here to my new home state, was to get a new phone. There was no way I could be without a phone, right? I was in a new place, trying to find an apartment, and trying to pull together the loose pieces of my life. I had to have a phone.

Because my old (and it was old) Samsung Note phone died just as I was getting ready to leave Alaska, I'd grabbed one of those to-go phones from the phone center on the way to the airport. It was just something to get me through the plane ride and the car ride to my brother's house. And it lasted just about that long! I mean, it was literally starting to glitch on the ride to the local phone store...

If you have read my blog even randomly, you know that I don't like change. I'm a person who likes stability and routine. If you want to set your clock, just match it to my daily routine. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons I don't as much TV since I moved here is because the basic network channel numbers are different than those in Alaska. I'm dead serious. (Even though I have just now picked out a new phone, I am already upset about some of the changes.)

So, I started using the S8 Plus in July 2017. A long while back, it stopped getting updates, but it still worked fine. A few weeks ago, it started acting a little bit of a fool. I'd have to restart it quite often. Also, because it had aged out of any updates, most of my important apps no longer worked on it. And when you don't drive or have the best of health, you use a lot of apps - apps for almost everything.

Anyway, you get it. I need my phone. Also, I don't have a house phone (or didn't).

A few days ago, I got an urgent computer message from one of my brothers. No one had been able to reach my cell phone - and I'd recently ditched my house phone (which was a mistake, I realize).  He sounded like he had been about to have the police do a welfare check. My family. So dramatic... Anyway, I had to get onto one of my other emergency calling apps and let everyone know that I was okay. We realized that I could receive texts even though I couldn't get or receive calls... Weird business. (I immediately opted back into my landline service!)

So it was time for a new phone. Of course it was. Because I can afford a new one, right? Wrong. Anyway... I went ahead and picked out the S24 phone and chose my carrier's rip-off installment plan. Maybe I will win a lottery and pay the darned thing off.

I will never understand how "regular" (aka non-trillionaires) can afford to replace their phones every time a new one drops - literally or figuratively. Not only have I had the same phone since I got it, but I have the same protective case. The only thing I've ever replaced was the screen protector and the finger-ring-holder thing on the back. You know I was mad when I had to find a new case and all.

Thankfully, I found a decent protective case for a affordable price. What I love is that it includes a sliding camera cover and a kickstand. The kickstand probably won't last but it's a start. The screen protector wasn't too expensive.

My little brother wondered why I didn't use my current phone as a trade-in. I told him that I don't think my cellular provider will give me much for it and also, it still kind of works so... I'll keep it as a backup for now. Who knows how decent the new phone is or is not. I'm over here, praying that it is half as good as the S8 was.

Who knows when my new phone will ship. The carrier already has my initial payment so they aren't in a hurry. I think they might be mad that I opted out of any accessories or additional services. I'm lucky I could afford to buy a case after I got the phone. I feel like Katt Williams right about now.

Well, one good thing about this new phone is that it comes with 7 years' of updates (if the good Lord is willing that I'll still be here!). If my S8 had the same, it might still be working perfectly.

Before I go, this post about cellphones wouldn't be complete without some Android vs iPhone humor, so:

My brother is always talking about how great iPhones are. When he brought it up this time, I had a smack-down ready: "They must be since you get one every year." (I hardly ever have a good comeback like that one. Almost NEVER.)

Peace

-- Free

P.S.: That title about "almost 8 years"? I might have to update that. This S8 isn't completely dead yet!

Say It Ain’t So, Lavazza! (UPDATE 9-10-24)

**UPDATE 8/10/14:

I have come back to eat a light helping of crow. After giving the Italian Dark Roast a fair try - why not, since I had so many free bags? - I have to admit that it's tasting better. I won't say that it is the same as  Gran Selzione, but it's good enough that I wouldn't be surprised if Lavazza was only testing our taste buds. Maybe they only changed the look of the packaging but not everything about the flavor??? I could see that. Like I said, this is starting to taste better and better to me. I can also find this version for better prices than with the Gran Selzione. So there is that...

UPDATE:

My eBay purchases were all duds. I had to return them. The sellers did the same thing the Amazon seller did: substituted that icky Italian Roast for the Gran Selzione. Trying to be slick like Rick...

Apparently, there is no Gran Selzione to be had anywhere - unless those 90 dollar bags on eBay are the real deal, and I don't love any coffee that much!

 I feel as if I have lost a good friend. I haven't, thankfully, but I just learned that Lavazza is discontinuing their Gran Selzione roast. I had hoped that I was just hearing rumors but... I got confirmation straight from someone in customer service for Lavazza. 

In case you missed it, this is the heartbreaking part:

Such sad news...

I'm not a coffee snob but I do have my preferences. I like a very dark roast with a bit of sweetness and notes of chocolate and a smooth flavor.

If you go looking for the flavor description of Gran Selzione, you usually run across something like this:

chocolate, intense, chocolate &
out of stock!

That describes Gran Selzione perfectly. You know what it does not describe? The Italian Roast that Lavazza has "swapped" in... I know because I got 3 free bags of that stuff courtesy of Amazon (a seller sent me the Italian because they ran out of Gran Selzione. The nerve!) I even got a free bag of the Italian Extra Dark. I haven't tried that one yet.

The Italian Roast is not horrible but it comes nowhere near the flavor of Gran Selzione. It is about as much like Gran Selzione as some influencers are like the photos they post. Come on, now!

 It is so unlike Gran Selzione that I gave away 2 of the free bags. I'd already opened one bag so I tried adding a little bit of Dutch chocolate powder to see if that helped. Did it? Not really.

A "hint" so subtle, I can't even taste it...

I was so miserable that my brother was laughing at me for taking it personally. (I was over here practically singing "Nothing Compares 2 U"!) He did make the great suggestion that I get over to eBay pronto and order some Gran Selzione before prices go up. That was some good looking out, bro! And yes, I was able to get a few bags without blowing my budget. But now, I have to find an affordable replacement for when I run out.

I'm over here being mad at whoever at Lavazza made this stupid decision. But I'm going to dry my eyes and take a deep breath. I have to get back out there to find something halfway good enough to replace my Gran Selzione. I have one picked out but it's not the most affordable coffee I know of. That is Jim's Sweet Love blend. Illy probably has something but I know that won't be affordable...

For now, it's goodbye Gran Selzione.

Peace

--Free

Old Pains & Praying for a Forgiving Heart

Have you ever had the past reach out and tap you on the shoulder? Like, "Psst, hey you. Remember that time when...?" And it's rarely a good "time when". Yeah. Anyway.

 I recently got a voicemail from someone out of my past. I let the call go to voicemail because, apparently, telemarketers have found my number. Yay. 

Anyway, when I checked the message, I didn't recognize the voice but it was male. The caller's message was aggressively friendly - although "friendly" is not the word. Maybe I should say the person sounded as if they were being friendly. In a weirdly aggressive way. Still, I didn't recognize the name. They were talking as if they were putting on an act for someone. Like, I said, it was weird. Weirder, this message said something about the person having once been a "best friend" of mine. I've only ever had a few "best" friends. All of them are female and 2 of them are dead.

I had my brother call the number and it turned out to be someone from quite a ways back in my past. And this person did not end up being a very good friend (of any variety). As a matter of fact, their last interaction with me seemed to be the start of some of my worst years.

Even people who were not super-close friends (more like very fond acquaintances) had my back when I needed it. This person who called had not had my back at all. As a matter of fact, they turned their back on me when I needed it.

At any rate, I did make an attempt to return the phone call as a polite courtesy. The call went to voicemail. Weirder and weirder, am I right? It's probably a good thing I got voicemail. I was having a really bad "brain day" so I'm sure I might have been incoherent in my stress.

That strange phone call/voicemail dredged up some old pains. At the time, I had too much going on in my life to dwell on how the person had treated (or not treated) me. I left a job that had been important to me and the parting was not nice. My sister was newly coping with her sudden bad health and I was trying to figure out how to stay on top of the mortgage and other bills we had. I was really trying to hold it all together. (And God did bring us through that storm. I did come out on the other side feeling pretty beat up.)

In a space of what feels now like the blink of an eye, a lot happened. I lost (quit) my job, sold the house, relocated for another job, almost lost my sister, sold the new house, ended up married, divorced, relocated back to my home state, started another much better) job, and became seriously ill. It really was a lot.

As I said, God brought me through and the troubles only strengthened my faith. And the storms weren't done with me yet. 

Just as life seemed to be calming down for me, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, then we lost my older brother, then I lost my sister, and then I just felt lost.

My best friends - the true ones - went through most of this with me as they were all going through their own stuff. We shared encouragement, prayers, tears, and laughter - because, somehow, we could always find some laughter! Then I lost my sister. Less than a month later, I lost one of my best friends, and my other best friend relocated out of state. 

Do you know who I did not hear from? The voicemail "best friend". I don't remember getting any calls of support or condolences - not even a voicemail.

So I guess I am, as the kids say, feeling some kind of way. And not just because of all that I explained but also because this "friend" is a Christian. Just like my husband's family full of ordained robe-wearing, choir-directing saints who forget to be as holy outside the church doors as they are inside them. It's painful to be mistreated by anyone but it's more painful that that person is a Christian brother or sister.

So, for a whole day, I lay around (because it was my day to take the nastiest of my medicines) feeling not only med-sick but heartsick. The voicemail dredged up so much hurt that I was shocked.

Now that I am feeling better and my brain is not misfiring, I am praying that God help me to have a forgiving heart. I don't want to harbor any bad feelings for anyone. So I have decided that maybe this person from my past has changed and was extending an olive branch. (I know that I have given out one or two long-overdue apologies/explanations. I still have a couple of people to reach out to.)

There are some verses I will be re-reading in the next few days - (I ripped these straight from Bible Study Tools):

• Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
• Matthew 18:21-22 - Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
• Colossians 3:13 - Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Not to mention the part of the Lord's Prayer one I pray every morning:

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matthew 6:12)

Anyway, I am just going to try to leave all the past hurts and bad interactions where they belong: in the past. And I hope to be pleasant and forgiving should I ever talk to that one person again. I do wish them well and I do pray for them.

Peace

--Free

Issues I Wish Politicians Campaigned On **UPDATE**

**UPDATE**

I am updating this post with some information from other sources. See each category for the current updates. I will try to continue adding updates (but no promises!).  The update headings will be in boldface red font.

Every election cycle, the politicians focus on the same things: the economy, taxes, abortion, and crime. Those are all worth talking about but I wish someone would start talking about other things that matter to the "regular" men and women.

Here is my list of things I'd like to see become big campaign issues:

Food:

• Why are we still allowing problematic ingredients into our food products? 
• Why is high fructose corn syrup in almost everything on store shelves?
• Why isn't it standard to more clearly label ingredients for what they are? Any salt or sugar under their many names should be noted as salt and sugar. As a matter of fact, every ingredient should be noted for what it really is - additive, preservative, dye, hormone (or hormone-related), etc. Labels should not be able to conceal the true nature or identity of ingredients.
• If obesity and food-related illnesses are as bad as alcohol and tobacco, why aren't there warning labels on food products? We shouldn't need a degree in chemistry (or whatever) to know that we are eating or drinking something that can cause cancer, stunt growth, or otherwise affect our health. 
• We need to raise our standards for school lunches to those of places like Japan and France - anywhere that is healthier than ours.

UPDATES (8/25/24)

• This is Newsweek's list of articles regarding food recalls.
• These are the (current as I write this)  active "Recalls & Public Safety Alerts" from FSIS (use the filters to look at past alerts).

Consumerism:

• Why don't we better support and promote items "Made in the USA"? Why don't we make it a standard that the country of origin of items is very clearly noted on products? More than half the stuff in stores (and on Amazon, Walmart, etc) are made in China. Even long-standing brands that consumers think are American-made are no longer made anywhere near the U.S. 
• In line with the above, why isn't the government encouraging the creation of items Made in the USA? There has to be a reason (not always greed) that manufacturing is being moved to cheaper countries. If we can spend  waste so much money on unnecessary things, can we start moving some of that money to things that really matter? Why aren't we supporting manufacturers of clothing, cars, food products, etc. to do their manufacturing right here in the U.S.? Wouldn't that create more jobs and stimulate local economies? Talk about "Making America Great Again", let's actually do that instead of fighting amongst each other about one political party or the other. 
• Why aren't we spending money on programs to educate families on spending, budgeting, and other basic financial issues?
• In line with the above, why don't we sponsor some community programs for people of all ages - but especially the young - to learn about financial issues? 

UPDATES (8/25/24)

• FTC laws regarding "Made in the USA"
• Some older information regarding Chinese imports (vs American exports to China).

Note this piece from that report: "U.S. goods and services trade with China totaled an estimated $758.4 billion in 2022. Exports were $195.5 billion; imports were $562.9 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with China was $367.4 billion in 2022."

Crime and Community:

• We spend so much money on policing and jailing while crime rates keep getting worse. Why aren't we allocating some money to programs to avoid the need for more police and jails? How about spending some money to find out why communities have a problem with gang or drug violence. Instead of criminals coming out of jail with poor employment prospects, we hire them to help solve problems with crime. (I remember hearing about criminals with computer skills being used to teach authorities how to avoid certain crimes.)
• Why aren't we giving more recognition and rewards to people who aren't committing crimes or who are working to prevent crimes in their communities? If we recognize and reward people for their positive impact, maybe more people would work toward that. Right now, criminals get all the attention. (The idea years ago of not glorifying serial killers by giving them nicknames and press attention could work here.) 
• I am almost positive that the government has its fingers in the entertainment industry. There are lots of movies and music made lauding negative things - extramarital or teen sex, drug use, and other reckless lifestyle choices. Why aren't we making entertainment that promotes faith, moral integrity, or other positive aspects?
• Citizens/residents of a community should be encouraged/incentivized to help keep that community clean and safe. 

Medical, taxes, and the usual:

I wasn't going to mention these things but... There is so much room for improvement. When I talk to my neighbors (I live in a "senior" building), we often talk about what it's like to be "senior" or elderly in America. Some of the things I hear:

• Why aren't glasses, hearing aids, and therapy included in medical plans? I have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes free local gym membership. That's nice but I'd rather have free eyeglasses. Vision and hearing are things that tend to diminish with age. 
• Why are benefits for the elderly and disabled so complicated? Some of my neighbors who are disabled (and receive benefits) would like to work from home or earn extra income some other way (selling handmade items or their skilled services) but are afraid of losing some or all of their benefits. 
• When is the government going to actually start taxing the rich more than they do the poor? We talk about it all the time but the rich have the money to find and pay for loopholes. The poor end up using tax services set up in booths at Walmart...

Americans First:

• Any elder assistance, citizens' aid, or other perks should go to American-born citizens first. I'm no expert but I think this is what other 1st-world countries do.
• Jobs should go first to American-born citizens. This should include job preparation or training.
• Businesses owned by American-born citizens should be shown preference for benefits, tax cuts, and other perks.
• Businesses owned by non-American-born people should be required to hire a certain percentage of American-born employees. 
• Businesses owned by non-American-born people should be required to keep the majority of income in the U.S. economy.
• In place of the above 3 items, the U.S. should implement a "match" system with other countries. Whatever they require of American-born citizens in their country, we require the same for any of their citizens living in our country. 
• If American-based corporations/businesses send money, jobs, or other things out of the U.S., they should be taxed at a higher rate.

The 99% vs the 1%:

• No corporate officer of businesses/companies should make more than a certain grouped percentage of employees. This would include the well-known "golden parachutes" and other perks that reward people unfairly.
• No individual household should pay more in taxes (by percentile) than major corporate officers and/or large business owners. 
• Large corporations/businesses should be required to contribute a certain amount to the communities they operate in. These contributions (outside of employment) could be in funding hospitals, safety services (police, fire & rescue), neighborhood cleanup, and any other beneficial services. Contributions could also be in the form of funding for local educators and educational facilities.
• The same as above should go for any corporations and/or large businesses using the resources of a community or having other impacts on a community.
• The 99% should not be unduly burdened by the pursuits and/or profits of the 1%. 

And my biggest gripe:

Lobbyists. These special advocates have too much freedom and power. Their influence is totally out of sync with that of the average citizen. It's because of them that we have many of the problems mentioned in this post. They have, in effect, a monopoly on power in Washinton that affects too many aspects of the daily life of regular people like myself. 

How do we change the way healthcare is run when politicians are afraid of the lobbying power (and money) or the healthcare industry? The same goes for making changes in the food (and food labeling) industry, banking, housing, and so on. For every aspect of the life of an average citizen, there is a lobbyist for an industry or organization that has more power. 

For everything I've talked about, there can be no improvement as long as there are lobbyists. Or - and this is the biggest - anyone with the money to influence a once well-meaning politician. Someone might start out all fired up to make changes but, once they take their seat at the table (of power), they come in reach of money. Big money. And money influences everything.

I know that I sound like a dreamer. I know that there are no easy answers to a lot of the things that bother the average citizen but we have to start somewhere. 

Whenever I see a documentary about how some other country deals with crime or education or working parents, I wonder why we couldn't do better right here at home in America.

If you have some time, just go and do a search on things like "wasteful government spending"; "American school lunches compared to other Westernized countries"; and "European food labeling vs American food labeling". A real eye-opener is when you start looking at "American ingredients not allowed in European countries."

Some readers might think I am promoting a form of communism. I'm not. I am suggesting we begin normalizing a form of empowerment for all citizens, regardless of finances, power, or social visibility. We should encourage capitalization and reward hard work. We should not penalize anyone whose hard work does not give them greater financial rewards.

Peace

--Free

I'm Such A Neophile (Like My Niece Was)

 Calling myself a neophile sounds snooty - and it's not entirely accurate. Neophiles "have a love of things new and trendy". I have a love of things new, old, or forgotten - trendy or not. Maybe "dabbler" is a better term. I'm a curious dabbler. Yes, that sounds much better.

One reason I like to learn about new things is that it's a way to keep my brain occupied and active. One of my first doctors told me to always find new stuff to think about and do and he thought of it as exercising a muscle. The way I see it, an idle brain makes you old.

Anyway.

In the past year, I have looked into using camel hump fat for skin and hair care; learned about floral waxes; started using boar and bamboo bristle brushes; started making my own perfumes, and now I am making my own tonka bean and vanilla bean oils. 

It wasn't Xmas w/out a 
Gabby-made treat

My family sometimes says I can be childlike in my curiosity. I take that as a compliment. I love learning about new stuff. If I were wealthy, I'd probably spend all my time traveling to different places to see how other people think and play and work and just go about their lives. 

Gabs did a chair makeover

My younger brother made me feel wonderful once when he said that I sometimes see things differently from anyone else he knows. He said this to me when we were browsing a local thrift store. I spotted a beautiful old buffet cabinet and said that it would look great in my living room. My brother was confused until I explained that I could set the television on the top of the buffet and use all the little cabinets to display plants and photos and little bits of decor. It would be something old blending with things new. He thought that was a great idea. (Unfortunately,we couldn't afford the cabinet but I think about it often.)

Her first cake for a cousin's 
birthday. Everything edible
 but the truck!

Laugh at me if you want but I have usually managed to impress my family and friends with the homemade gifts I've given them. My sisters-in-law and nieces still look forward to getting a new perfume from me. Every batch is original and, since I wing the recipes, they cannot be duplicated - even by me. For the coming Christmas, I will be giving all the men boar bristle brushes for their hair (or beards) and the ladies will be getting floral wax balms to use on their face and lips.

The only other person in our family who shared my love of dabbling was my late niece Gabby. She was far more creative than I and she was great at crafting. She made beautiful cakes for the children's birthdays. In memory of her, I have scattered this post with photos of just some of her earliest creations.

When people were making those baby shower gifts crafted from diapers and other cute objects, my niece outshone them all. Just before she passed, her boyfriend had gifted her one of those Cricut machines. She never really got to use it but I was so excited to see what she would have come up with.

A baby shower gift.
Everything useable.

About fifteen years before she died, my niece made handmade Christmas gifts for every one of the family living in Alaska. All the ladies got a box of lotion bars. Some were in the shape of the state flag and some were shaped like the state flower (the Forget Me Not). She had scented them with lavender, peach, lily, and other lovely fragrances. She was an amazing, creative, thoughtful, and generous woman. I miss her presence in my life every single day.

Another baby shower gift
A plane.

I truly believe that God blesses us with our sense of imagination and wonder. Those are the best forms of entertainment there is. I rarely let my brain run idle. My thoughts are sometimes jumbled which can result in hilarious journal entries. And if you guys could see these blog posts before I clean them up...

I'm pretty excited right now to put together these homemade gifts for my family. As I said, I am using floral waxes to make moisturizers and lip balms for the ladies. Since the ladies so loved their perfumes last year, maybe this year, I will make scents for the guys in the family - maybe some colognes and beard oils???

Another thing about being a dabbler is that it staves off depression. I am already prone to that mental nuisance but right now, waiting to get my dentures and watching the weather turn gray, I know the blues will take over if I let them. 

At any rate, I'm going to keep on keeping as busy as my health lets me. Making the balms should take some time and I know I have to be patient with the vanilla and  Tonka oils. My next thing is to start another Bible study. I haven't seriously done a study since last year. 

By the way, as I was going through photos of Gabby's creations, my mood lifted. Just thinking of her makes me smile. Our family get-togethers won't be the same without one of her treats. Here are some more:

I can't remember the occasion but it was perhaps a July 4th celebration. She made these little edible hats -

 

- that held more edible treats inside! Fantastic, right?!?

This cake was for an Uncle's birthday. He had a sweet tooth and M&M's were a favorite of his. Gabby did it again.

BTW - that stick is not holding
up the M&M bag; it's just something
on the table Gabby was working on.

This is for another get-together - for someone's birthday, I think. I know it was for someone who liked gaming.

Gabby is gone now and until I see her again, I have some really good memories of her. Like her, I want to always keep curious and interested and dabbling. Maybe I will leave something behind that my loved ones can have as a tangible memory.

Peace

--Free

**UPDATE** Making Cosmetics for Fun or Profit? (8/16/24)

**UPDATE**

After hyping a certain site for years, I have to cut ties. 

I no longer use Making Cosmetics and have not for about 3 years now. I think the last thing I bought from them was some silk protein or something.

The reason I have had to find other suppliers is that M.C. got too pricey and wishy-washy. I could buy something one day in a certain size or quantity then, as soon as the item got popular (maybe), either the price would shoot up or else the minimum quantity would. 

Also, I figured out long ago that I could find similar (quality or ingredients) products elsewhere. A huge example of this is the Repair Vita Oil I once loved so much. When the price shot up on that one, I found something as good (and, in some ways, better). There are several products similar to the Repair Vita Oil, but I think my favorite one is Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Monoi Luminous Hydration Facial Oil (I can get this at Walmart, Amazon, Target, etc.). Why would I sell an arm and half a leg to buy the M.C. stuff when I can get the Palmer's Oil for under $15?

Also, I think I was just loyal to M.C. and it took me a while to look around at other sources. There are lots of other sources out there, believe me. I found 10 without even looking hard.

The main reason I used M.C. was to be frugal. With that out the door, I can take my pennies elsewhere.

Things for my skin and haircare are luxuries (when I get past the basic hygiene items) and I do not have a luxury budget. So... goodby Making Cosmetics.

WHY THIS POST?

I have blogged here before about a site I occasionally shop from or just use for info. I think this was my very first post about Making Cosmetics. I have only ordered from their site a few times - including for the most recent purchase but I got very my first M.C. product from their Amazon storefront. That was before I knew they had their own site.

Anyway...

That's the Nars looking reddish

Since I have been fussing and ranting these past few weeks about not being able to find a good drugstore foundation with a red undertone in it, I finally decided it was DIY time again. The first M.C. item I purchased was some Wrinkle Blur powder as a substitute for an expensive O.T.C. product that I loved. I can't believe I didn't think of the site from the start of my foundation troubles.

Other than the so-perfect-but-unaffordable Nars, I think I have 4 foundations that I can make work for my skin tone but that would be awesomely perfect if they had that tiny bit of red undertone that the Nars Khartoum does. Well, I am not throwing that stuff out like somebody with more money than sense. If I have to, I will keep wearing a little of my Butter blush underneath the foundation even though it's a real pain to get just right. Right now, foundations all leave me with a nice finish but are just a little bit... off from my natural coloring. One of the best quality foundations makes me look a whole other race. I priced some of those shade-adjusting drops and couldn't even find the colors I needed. That left me in a ditch. I have makeup for days but none of it is absolute perfection.

LOVE this blush for
 cheeks and lips

So... I could use up all my blush to tint my foundation or I could try something else. (My blush is Butter London Cheeky Cream Blush that is not even sold on their site anymore and which I got as a gift from my late sister some years back while visiting Arizona... Yeah. I don't want to use it all up. The blush is more than a product I just don't want to run out of; it represents memories and love and it is also as cute as heck.)

The "something else option" that I figured out is the best way to go. It's also the cheapest way. (Took me forever to get here, didn't it?)

So. I've ordered three items from Making Cosmetics that I can use to customize my foundations to my liking. (I hope.) In the MC category of Colors and Color Blends, this is what I'm going to use:

• Iron Oxide Brown (Liquid) - Makeup Brown Pigment Blend Dispersed in Oil (to deepen the shades that are currently slightly too light).
• Iron Oxide Red (Liquid) - Makeup Brown Pigment Blend Dispersed in Oil (to add to the red tones in some of the items).
• Mica Blackstar Red - Fine Dark Red Lustre (For adding some red to the other products).

I know that I will have to experiment. I figure that I might even end up blending together some of the red colorants with the brown pigment to get a shade I can add to a couple of the foundations. To be as frugal as possible, I only got a teaspoon of each colorant. I love that I could order such a tiny amount. Apparently, from what I've researched (hi, Google), it won't take much for what I need. And if I have to go back for different colors/pigments later, I will stick to my teaspoon quantity. (Too bad brands won't sell foundation by the teaspoon so we could find a good shade without going broke.)

Anyway.

See my plan here? If I have to, I will start just getting the stuff to make my own foundation from scratch...

All told, I spent fourteen dollars to (again, hopefully) try fixing at least fifty dollars worth of makeup. Maybe one day I will try making my own line of foundation. It's totally possible.

THE FOR FUN and/or PROFIT PART

Now, I mainly wrote this post to let other women know about the items available on Making Cosmetics. I have never had a problem with them (except when they discontinued some fragrances I loved) as far as quality or customer service. Also, they have a points reward type system based on dollars spent.

Making Cosmetics has been the only place I get items to DIY it with my makeup but they have potential competition. Here are some other places to check out for ingredients or just products that might be hard to find for some reason:

• Inolex (a "specialty ingredients company") I really need to look this one over.
• Althea (for "getting you K-beauty fix outside of Korea" they ship to the USA and elsewhere) I saw a Water Sleeping Mask in the skincare section and...
• Lucas Meyer Cosmetics - They have a variety of natural products that look interesting.
• PCA Skin's site is "under construction" but I found some PCA stuff here & here. They might be other places. I will check back on the brand site to see what's up.
• Hermo appears to be Malaysian and they have a global store site here. For some of my many Asian sisters.

I am sure there are many more places to find and buy ingredients to make or rig your existing products. I like Making Cosmetics because of the detailed information they provide and their onsite resources. They have a large resource section, formulas for newbies, equipment and kits and, if you are timid or just want to go big and produce stuff for sale, they offer both formulating and consulting services.

If you do decide to play around with some DIY cosmetics, this is another good site for looking up info on ingredients - what they do and how they might react together, etcetera. The most important thing is to do your research, check for allergies and BE CAREFUL. DIY projects mean the work put in is all on you and you have to use your head. I am not a professional at anything other than running my mouth so, again, use your head.

To summarize:

You can make and create your own cosmetics. You can create cosmetics for your own use or you can create cosmetics to sell as a niche brand. Do your research. Find reputable suppliers for ingredients. Ask questions. 

Peace

--Free

UPDATE: The products arrived just after this was scheduled to post so I will be doing a show and tell post asap. (Anybody else bored to tears with this COVID lockdown????)

**REVIEW** Bass Bamboo Bristle Brush

 I saw this brush when I was perusing boar bristle brushes. Since I still had my Shopper Panel credits, I went ahead and got it. And what do I think? Well, it's a good brush but, for my needs, it's not as good as the boar bristle brushes.

The brush is really well-made. I guess Bass is known for quality products. This brush sure is up to good standards. The handle is beautiful and solid. All the bristles are intact and set firmly into the cushion. 

What I like a lot about this is how good it feels on the scalp. It provides an easy-to-do soothing massage. It's actually a bit addictive. But what makes it harder for me to use in brushing or detangling my specific hair type are those bristles. My hair is too coily-curly-kinky for a brush like this. The bristles catch on every coil. But back on the other hand, I can use this just on my scalp and that's what I've been doing.

details & quality

Before or after I use the boar bristle brushes, I will part my hair into 4 sections and use this bamboo brush from the scalp to about half an inch down the hair strands. Sometimes, when I have my hair pulled back into a pony or bun, I will run the bamboo bristles through my edges.  Because my hair tends to lay straighter in these styles, I can pull the brush further down the strands. It really is a very soothing feeling - sort of stress-relieving.

The brush is meant for detangling, blow-drying, and scalp massage. It will do all those things for someone with a straighter, thinner, or shorter hair hair type.  Since I can only really use it for the scalp, it's probably not the best thing I ever bought. But I think it would be awesome for those with the right hair type.

Even though this brush didn't 100% work out for me, I'm glad I tried it. For one thing, it gives me an idea of the quality of the brand's product. And it really is such a nice-looking brush.

The handle is absolutely gorgeous and it feels really good in the hand. When I finish brushing my hair, I will find myself running my thumb along the handle - another soothing thing about this!

I don't really care one way or the other when it comes to my beauty products but, for those to whom it matters, this brush is "vegan-approved." It certainly does look pretty lying on my vanity... Also, because the bristles are bamboo, they won't melt when exposed to a hairdryer - another thing I don't have to worry about for myself.

So, overall, I like this (just not as much for myself as for others) and it's made me interested in the Bass brand. And, don't get me wrong, I use this almost every day in the limited ways that I can. Some of my friends who relax their hair or just have hair with a smoother texture will be loving this brush.

The price wasn't bad. I probably would not have gotten it if I hadn't had credits but, it's under $16 so that's great for the quality.

Peace

--Free

**REVIEW** Dève Herbes Pure Floral Waxes **UPDATE**

**UPDATE** Welp, I got to take a good whiff of the Tuberose wax and... It is so strong that I almost burned my nose hairs. I exaggerate. It is a strong-smelling wax and because I have no real idea of what Tuberose is supposed to smell like, I'm confused. This is what AI says about the smell of Tuberose:

it is "a floral scent that's sweet, exotic, and intense, with undertones that can include: honey, White flowers, Creme brulee, Jasmine, Gardenia, Green and spicy notes, Almond, Coconut, Vanilla, and Animalic notes."

Yeah, well, I got none of that... With this wax, I smell pepper, pepper, pepper, turmeric, and not much else. There is almost nothing floral hitting my nostrils. It's not a stinky scent but it's not something I really want to walk around smelling of - unless I can blend another fragrance into it. Oddly, one of my neighbors said she smelled a little bit of Gardenia. That confuses me even more. Also, as AI suggested in my original review below, Tuberose much have more fatty acids. I can feel that it is a lot more pliable right out of the jar than was the Mimosa. And, by the way, the wax's color reminds me of turmeric. Odd.

It feels softer than the
Mimosa wax

When I get a chance to melt this down and use it, I will do another update. As of now, I am going to be gifting the nieces and SILs with tins of both versions of the wax. That means I will really have to find a way to balance out the pepper scent in the Tuberose version... In the meantime, I found my other (larger) tins to use for the wax/oil concoction.

(I have melted it down and the pepper smell is less pronounced, thank goodness. I find this to be more emollient - slightly - than the Mimosa.)

Looks smoother & neater in the tin

If I really want to fancy up the tins when I gift them, I can press a design into the wax with one of those seal thingies...

*****

What, you might wonder, is "floral wax". I know I wondered. Now I know and, ladies, I am obsessed with this stuff...

I'm surprised that I am just now even hearing about floral wax. I've been into natural skincare and haircare for so long that I thought I was familiar with all the oils, lotions, and potions out there.  Then I happened across this:

the wax inside and enclosed in a baggie

That is a jar of Dève Herbes ("herbs of God") Pure Mimosa Floral Wax. Like I did, you might be wondering what a floral wax is. I had to go and have a conversation with ChatGPT to get this:

floral waxes "are by-products of the essential oil extraction process, and they carry many of the beneficial properties of their respective flowers."

Do tell.

The only way I even heard about floral wax is because last year I bought some Fenugreek oil from the Dève Herbes brand and the wax has been coming up in my Amazon suggestions ever since. Finally,  I had to take a peek. And I am so glad that I did because - not to keep wearing out this tired phrase, but - this stuff is a true game-changer.

The brand has 4 floral waxes on its India-based site, but Amazon.us has the Mimosa and Tuberose waxes. I chose the Mimosa to try out first.

What are the possible benefits?

Again, I had to ask Chat...

Mimosa Floral Wax

• Skin Benefits:

  • Moisturizing: Mimosa wax is highly emollient, meaning it can help to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and soft.
  • Soothing: It has calming properties that can soothe irritated or sensitive skin. This makes it a good option for those with delicate or reactive skin.
  • Protective Barrier: It forms a light, protective barrier on the skin, helping to shield it from environmental aggressors without clogging pores.

• Hair Benefits:

  • Conditioning: Mimosa wax helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine.
  • Scalp Care: Its soothing properties can also benefit the scalp, helping to calm irritation or dryness.
  • Moisture Retention: It locks in moisture in the hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.

Tuberose Floral Wax

• Skin Benefits:

  • Nourishing: Tuberose wax is rich in fatty acids, which nourish and rejuvenate the skin, helping to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  • Emollient: It provides deep hydration and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
  • Aromatherapy: The luxurious scent of tuberose can have mood-lifting and stress-relieving effects, adding a sensory experience to skincare routines.

• Hair Benefits:

  • Hydration: Like mimosa wax, tuberose wax helps to retain moisture in the hair, making it ideal for dry or damaged hair.
  • Fragrance: It imparts a delicate, long-lasting floral scent to the hair, which can be a lovely addition to hair care products.
  • Scalp Nourishment: Its nourishing properties can also benefit the scalp, helping to maintain a healthy environment for hair growth.

Both mimosa and tuberose floral waxes are gentle and versatile, making them excellent additions to natural skin and hair care products.

Okey-doke then. 

First impressions:

The wax arrived and I was disappointed and confused.  I'd expected to see what I'd recognize as wax. Nope. The jar contained a baggie of various-sized pieces of crystallized-looking rocks. I watch so much crime TV, I wondered if I'd been sent a jar of drugs. Or candy.

Looks a little like crackled candy.

Also, there were no instructions on how to use the wax so I had to do some Googling. To use the wax as a skin or hair emollient (my goal), I'd have to melt it down with some carrier oil. This was complicated, and a bit messy. I used sweet almond and apricot oils as carriers and did the melting in the microwave.

I haven't even used that large piece yet.

What I got:

The first time, I did get a decent result of a product that I could use on my skin but the wax was still more solid-feeling than I wanted and difficult to work with.

The 1st attempt -
not as soft as I wanted

I melted it down again and added more of the oils. Finally, I had something that I could use. I stored it in an empty container I had lying around. 

The 2nd attempt - 
much softer

I can rub my ringers over the oil and apply it to my skin, hair, and scalp. The wax did re-solidify, as expected, but the heat of my fingers warms it enough to use. I don't want to make it any less thick because I like being able to control how much my fingers pick up - if that makes sense. Also, I don't want to over-dilute the wax. (I'm going to do that for the wax I use on my scalp.)

By the way, it wasn't until I had warmed the wax that I could get a good sense of its smell. I'd read various descriptions in other reviews and they ranged from good to bad. In my opinion, the Mimosa scent is lovely, but it is really hard to describe. I get a flor-herbal scent that is more floral than herbal. It's sort of earthy and warm-smelling, the way a beautiful hippie girl wearing flowers in her hair might smell. Weird description, I know. By the way, it does fade not long after I've applied it to my skin. 

The results?

Using it on my face first is where I got hooked. I applied my regular moisturizer (Neutrogena), then applied the wax. Before I applied my sunscreen, I wanted to see how the wax made my face feel so I waited about 15 minutes (to let it settle?), then ran my hands ove-

Oh, my! My, my, my... My skin had a velvety-silky feel and it wasn't greasy at all. I can compare the feeling to what a cream-to-powder foundation feels like. My skin was soft and had a sort of plumped texture. 

The sunscreen that I applied last didn't change the nice feeling. What is even better is that a couple of hours later when I was about to apply more sunscreen to go outside and empty the trash, my skin had lost none of that lovely softness. It really was like the wax had locked in my moisturizer. It feels great now, but it's going to be awesome in the drier winter weather.

Using this on my scalp is harder. That's why I said I will further dilute another batch. In order to get enough on my fingers to apply to my scalp, I had to scrape out a little of the wax with my nail. It might be that I will just need a deeper container for the hair wax. ~shrug~

What I did manage to apply (to about one side and the back of my scalp ) does feel good. Maybe the Tuberose will be better for that... Right now, I'm obsessed with what the wax does to my face.

Bottom line:

Y'all know me by now. Once I fell in love with it, I had to put this wax on a Subscribe and Save. Luckily, it's not pricey (just under $10 on a subscription and just over $10 without), and the jar should last me several months. I have set the subscription for every 3 months but I don't think I will need to re-order that often - maybe every 6 months is closer to what I'd need. It takes very little of the wax to treat my face and neck. I will also be using this on my scalp and hair only occasionally but, still, I won't need to replenish my supply for months and months. (Although, I am thinking of whipping up batches to send the ladies in the family for Christmas.)

Also, I did order one jar of the Tuberose version. I wasn't going to but I went to ask Chat about some of the differences between the two:

Mimosa floral wax and tuberose floral wax, while similar in some aspects, have distinct differences due to the unique properties of the plants they come from. Here are the main differences:

1. Source and Scent:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Source: Derived from the flowers of the Mimosa tree (Acacia dealbata).
  • Scent: Mimosa has a light, powdery, and slightly sweet floral scent with hints of green. It’s more subtle and delicate compared to tuberose.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Source: Obtained from the flowers of the Tuberose plant (Polianthes tuberosa).
  • Scent: Tuberose has a rich, intense, and heady floral fragrance. It’s sweet, creamy, and more opulent, often associated with luxury perfumes.

2. Texture and Consistency:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:
  • Texture: Mimosa wax is typically a bit lighter and less dense, making it easier to work with in formulations. It blends well into skincare and haircare products without being too heavy.
• Tuberose Floral Wax:
  • Texture: Tuberose wax tends to be richer and more solid, giving products a more luxurious feel. It’s excellent for formulations that require a more substantial consistency, like balms or thick creams.

3. Skin Benefits:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Targeted Benefits: Better suited for calming and protecting sensitive or irritated skin. It’s great for maintaining skin moisture balance without overwhelming the skin, making it ideal for everyday skincare.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Targeted Benefits: More nourishing and rejuvenating, making it excellent for mature or dry skin. Its richness makes it suitable for nighttime or more intensive treatments where deeper hydration and nourishment are desired.

4. Hair Benefits:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Hair Focus: It’s excellent for adding light moisture and shine, making it ideal for taming frizz without weighing the hair down. It’s particularly good for fine to medium hair types.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Hair Focus: Better suited for deep conditioning treatments, especially for dry, damaged, or thicker hair types. It helps in sealing moisture and providing a luxurious scent, making hair care feel more indulgent.

5. Aromatherapy and Sensory Experience:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Effect: Provides a subtle, calming effect due to its gentle and soft fragrance. It’s often used to create a soothing atmosphere in skincare routines.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Effect: Has a more powerful, mood-lifting impact due to its intense fragrance. It’s often used in luxury products where the sensory experience is a key component.

In summary, mimosa floral wax is lighter, more calming, and better suited for everyday use, especially for sensitive skin and fine hair. Tuberose floral wax, on the other hand, is richer, more nourishing, and ideal for those seeking intensive care and a more luxurious, aromatic experience.

I don't want to subscribe to both scents so I will decide which I like better first. Based on what the Chat said, I'm guessing I might end up choosing the Tuberose version... But I do like the hippie scent of this Mimosa.

Final thoughts:

This is one of those products that makes me feel like I've been missing out on something really good - not in a fad or trend type of way - but as something that can be useful every day, all the time. The price is good and the brand seems to have a good reputation. Their fenugreek oil was definitely the real deal. I am still trying to see if there is a USA-based site for them. The brand site I found is in India, with an international phone number and a WhatsApp account. You can switch the dollar choice between US, AUS, etc. They also have Facebook and Instagram accounts. I prefer to buy their items through their Amazon storefront  (which can be tricky to find), but the inventory is somewhat limited. They have an About Us page on their brand site.

I am excited to have this Mimosa wax and can see myself using it from now on. I am very curious about the Tuberose. It will be interesting to see which one I prefer. I will do another post or an update when I receive the Tuberose wax.

Peace

-- Free