Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Tote bag or fanny pack?

Tote bag because I am compelled to bring all the things, all the time. Ha ha ha! Hey, I’d rather be prepared than not. It’s a blessing and a curse.

2. Something about the ’90s you loved?

I really enjoyed the fashion. The long floral dresses, the chunky boots, the nods to the ’70s. It was such a vibe! I also vividly remember jeans not being annoying during that era. But jeans have irritated me pretty much from 2000 until now.

3. Something about the ’90s you loathed?

It was a difficult decade for me. I was so young, and I had very little emotional support, and it was so hard for me to get through all the growing pains by myself. During the decade, I went from being a teenager to a 20-something, and it would’ve helped to have a mentor or someone who loved me without any ulterior motive who could direct me in a positive direction. I would often put on a false sense of bravado to hide the fear, and it did not always serve me well.

4. How much time does it take you to put on makeup these days?

Between five and 10 minutes? I think that it looks at least semi-decent when I leave the house, but I dunno. I saw myself on camera for a Zoom meeting last Friday and was like, whoa, so much bronzer!

5. What’s for dinner tonight?

Honestly I don’t know. This question plagues me daily, and it’s annoying me more now that my work schedule has shifted and I’m not at home for most of the day. Something has to change. I’m thinking that I’ll have to start ordering take out on a couple weekdays for the sake of my sanity, even though it’s the last thing I want to do. Anyway, back to the question. I think tonight we’re eating sandwiches. That’s all I got, LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Tote bag or fanny pack?
2. Something about the ’90s you loved?
3. Something about the ’90s you loathed?
4. How much time does it take you to put on makeup these days?
5. What’s for dinner tonight?

1. Mochi Cake Mix at Trader Joe’s

OH MY GOSH. This is so freakin’ delicious! I picked up a box on a whim, and after doing some investigating online on different ways people like to prepare it, I ended up making it with a modification (substituted water with a can of TJ’s Coconut Cream, which is what I had on hand). It was absolutely divine. Like, I went to sleep that night thinking about mochi cake and drooling, ha ha ha.

This cake has the chewy texture of mochi but the lift of a cake. I like the addition of the coconut cream; I think it adds a subtle coconut undertone that doesn’t overwhelm the flavor. It’s easy to make, too. You can do it in one bowl!

If you see it on the shelf, grab a box, and try it ASAP.

2. Bentgo Glass Salad Container

I bought this lunch container for work and I love it. The marketing on the box says it’s for salads, but really, you could use it for anything else you’d eat for lunch.

I like that I can put the glass into the microwave to warm up whatever leftovers I’m eating that day! And if I’m having a sandwich or a wrap, there’s plenty of room in the glass for all sorts of bread shapes and sizes.

The top part with the different compartments and the little container is great, too. It doesn’t leak and I like that the fork attaches to the cover.

FYI, it’s a little heavy because of the glass, but I don’t really mind because I’m just taking it for a short walk from my car to the office. If I had a long commute on a bus or train, though, and I had to carry this is a backpack, I’d opt for Bentgo’s plastic version, which is much lighter.

3. Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Everly Bootie

I originally bought this shoe in black, and I loved it so much that I bought another pair in a dark chocolate shade. I have a standing desk at work, and I often have to walk across campus, so having a low heel helps me stay comfortable all day.

Fashion-wise, I also like that the boot fits snugly against my ankle; I think having that tight (but not too tight) fit is flattering for most of my pants, even those with a cropped or shorter inseam.

I bought mine at Nordstrom last month, but now the pickings are pretty slim. You might want to try the Ella, which looks similar.

4. Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket

This puffer is lightweight and warm! I like that it doesn’t overwhelm my petite height. The zippered pockets come in handy, and the hood is big enough to completely cover my head, even when I have my hair up in a bun.

It comes in lots of different colors, too. Oh! And you can dress it up or down pretty easily.

5. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelette Singles

Honestly, I was pretty crabby when I bought these at first as I originally was not fond of the idea of so much excess packaging, but now I love them because they’re lightweight and travel well. They’re really handy to have around, especially if you have a daughter who wears long-wearing matte red lipstick for dance competitions, LOL! I stick one in the to-go beauty bag I take to work, just in case I happen to be wearing a bright matte lippie and things go awry. (You never know.)

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Do you ever feel like you’re doing ALL THE THINGS, all the time? Yeah, me too. Lately, I’ve been looking for ways to help myself out so that life doesn’t feel as overwhelming.

Maybe you’ll find these things useful, too! 🙂

1. I plan my outfits for the week, and physically group each outfit together in the section of my closet.

This is such a simple thing that takes about 10 minutes, and I don’t know why, but it helps me so, so much. I think it’s because it’s one less decision I need to make at the very start of my day. It just makes the morning that much more smoother.

I try to keep the planning loose and easy, so when I put the outfits together, it’s with the understand that I can wear them on any day of the week.

Ideally I’d love to get everything ironed or steamed before the week starts, but I haven’t gotten there yet!

2. Take food prep shortcuts to help out “future me” whenever I can.

Like, if I’m cutting a bell pepper for lunch, I cut a whole bunch of peppers, so that I don’t have to do it again later on in the week. And if I make a meal, if it’s something I know Connor or I will happily eat as leftovers for lunch, I’ll make extra.

One thing I want to do eventually is get the point where I make an extra meal for to put in the freezer for the future, but my freezer is full right now, gah!

3. Wash my hair every other day or every two days.

It saves so much time becauseI spend less time in the shower at night and less time fussing with my hair in the morning. Honestly, if I could get away with doing more than two days, I totally would, but my scalp starts to feel gnarly.

4. Do a brain dump at the start of the week.

My mind always feels like it’s swirling with all the things I need to do, and oftentimes it’s a lot to carry all that info in there, LOL! If I don’t write it all down, I miss things. At the start of the week, I set a timer for 20 minutes and do a massive brain dump of all the “to-dos” in my notebook. (For some reason the act of putting pen to paper works better for me.) When I have everything in front of me, it makes it easier to tell what I need to priorizes.

5. Pay close attention to when my body needs rest.

I used to be terrible at this and am better at it. When I was younger and I felt tired, I’d push myself through it to get to the end of whatever task I was doing. No more. I’ve realized that there’s always going to be tasks, and if my body and my mind is saying, “Hey, you need to spend a few hours watching terrible Lifetime movies,” I listen.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is going great! It’s supposed to be another rainy day today here in Marin county. The rain is filling up all the creeks and ponds, and it’s bringing back all the frogs, and it’s cool to hear them singing again.

1. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Quite the Standout

I love wearing this bright orangey warm red — think vintage vibes! I think it pairs well with tan, taupe or brown tops.

2. Athleta Cozy Karma Hoodie Sweatshirt in Clover Berry

On sale right meow! Plus, it has pockets!

3. Clare V Petite Moyen in Rouge

I have one Clare V purse (the Gosee Clutch) and I loooove it. The leather is soft and the shape is timeless. Anywho, I wouldn’t mind if this bright red cutie made its way into my life!

4. Clare V Heavy Tee

While we’re on the subject of Clare V, I think this red tee would definitely be in heavy rotation in my closet.

5. Chuck Taylor All Star Love High Top Sneaker

These are so cute! The purr-fect shade of bright red and the hearts are so cute. I think these would be cute worn with wide-legged pants.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Tuesday!

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Take a walk or go for a bike ride?

Let’s go for a walk! How about we find some hills to walk up (and down) while we’re at it?

2. Something you’re wearing today?

TMI, but GAP Breathe underwear. I know I keep talking about them, but girl, let me tell you – life changing!

3. Have you ever had an outdoorsy job?

No, not really. And that’s probably for the best. I love being outdoors in controlled doses, but I don’t think I could be outside, like, for my entire work day. I do love my creature comforts.

4. Arugula or spinach?

Spinach all day, every day!

5. What lipstick shade suits you better — red or pink?

I think I do OK in both, but I’m guessing red is a bit more flattering because it has so much impact and brings so much color and life to one’s face.

Well hey there, friend! Good morning and happiest of Mondays to you. Did you have a good weekend? I hope you’re feeling rested and good about the week ahead!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Take a walk or go for a bike ride?
2. Something you’re wearing today?
3. Have you ever had an outdoorsy job?
4. Arugula or spinach?
5. What lipstick shade suits you better — red or pink?