Giveaways

Remember when every mall had a bookstore? Back before Amazon.com? I don’t know if you’re old enough to remember, but there used to be a bunch more bookstore chains than there are now. There were Crown Books, Waldenbooks, B. Dalton’s, of course Barnes & Nobles, which are still around, another store that started with an “S” that I can’t remember now…and Borders, but I don’t remember Borders being around when I was a little kid. I think they came along later.

Amazon changed everything. I love ’em, but they did put a lot of bookstores out of business.

Uh…I don’t know why this occurred to me right now. I was just trying to think of some of my favorite stores, and the first one that popped into my head was Sephora, but the second one was Barnes & Noble.

Hopefully I can make it to both this weekend.

In other news, happy Saturday! 🙂 You know how we do it. Saturdays mean giveaways around here, and you’re officially invited.

• One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

• Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
• Open to U.S. and international readers.
• You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
• Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck: What are your favorite topics of conversation? What are some of your guilty pleasures? Do you like spending time by yourself? Do you prefer to get gifts or receive them? Would you rather be the center of attention or blend in with the crowd? Do you ever go to movies by yourself?
• You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
• The giveaway ends on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).
• Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Makeup zombies crave MAC Lipsticks like undead zombies crave brains. “MAC! MAAAAAC!” How does $258 in MAC Cosmetics crack sound? Enter Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Massive MAC Giveaway in up to seven ways, for seven chances to win.

So late last night the TV kicked on by itself at exactly 3:15 AM, which I know from watching enough horror movies is also the witching hour. I was sound asleep at the time and heard what sounded like one of the real housewives yelling. At first I thought someone had broken into the house, so I woke up El Hub, who grabbed a machete from under the bed and went to check it out. (He keeps all kinds of things under there. Weapons, comic books — you know, the usual.)

Do ghosts like Bravo? I don’t know, I think they might. Because if I were haunting someone, that’s what I’d like. Some Lisa Vanderpump, a little Giggy, a few rattling pots and pans. Good times…

In other news, happy Saturday! 🙂 And you know how we do it around here. I like to start the weekends with a giveaway, you know, something special just because.

• One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

• Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
• Open to U.S. and international readers.
• You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
• Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck: Have you ever had a supernatural experience? Do your pets sleep in your bed with you? What face wash have you been using? How do you wear your hair when the weather’s hot? What’s your take on fancy, expensive candles?
• You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
• The giveaway ends on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).
• Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. MAC fans, want more MAC in your life? How does a $258 cosmetics cornucopia containing 16 of my all-time MAC faves sound? Enter Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Massive MAC Giveaway in up to seven ways, for seven chances to win.

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Katie F! Congratulations, Katie! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

I’m having a meow day today (meow!). That’s the plan.

I really wanted to sleep in this morning, but I woke up at, gosh, it must have been 4:30 or 5. Part of it was the light. It gets bright here early now, and I had some weird dream about bikes… A weird, stressful bike dream.

Some bikes got stollen, and there was this — well, that was the gist of it. I was stressed out about it, about bikes being stolen. I was really emotionally invested in these bikes for some reason, LOL!

So, for my meow day, I’m going to meet my friends Jen and Cindy at Bliss Spa in the city for a belated birthday celebration, where I plan to be tenderized like a side of beef. And then afterward, we’re going to get soul food at a place called The Front Porch.

I’m very excited about the shrimp and grits. 🙂

I hope you have a great Saturday/Caturday, and good luck in this weekend’s giveaway (deets to enter are just down below). Talk to you soon.

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen!!! Wow, that news definitely gets a hoo ray ray and an elephant!!! (I’ve maybe been watching too much Boardwalk Empire.) Thank you so much!!!”
-Shana

“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie

“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane

“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel

“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne

“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)

• One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

• There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, when was the last time you rode a bicycle? What sounds do you hear right now? What was your last dream about (the last one you remember)? Have you ever painted someone else’s nails? Would you rather get a massage or a facial? Do you have any plans for the Fourth of July? — you get the idea.
• Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
  • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/18H0cLo

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 11:59PM (PT).
• Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
• A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
• Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
• Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
• The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
• Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Katie F! Congratulations, Katie! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Kat! Congratulations, Kat! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

The Birthday Edition. 🙂

Yes, at least two Marin County beauty bloggers (that we know of) are celebrating birthdays this weekend. One likes ’80s pop culture, surfing in Hawaii and young adult books (and MAC cosmetics, Nutella and big hair). The other enjoys long walks, bird feeders, high fashion and gravy.

Can you guess which one is which?

Ha! Yup, it’s birthday time around here. Since Tabs was a stray, we always celebrate his birthday with mine, but actually, we tried to figure out his real birthday once after a trip to the vet, and it’s probably right around this same time of year anyway. This year he turns seven.

And like all good birthdays, this one comes with gifts! — as in the potential to take home a $50 Sephora eCard.

It only takes a quick comment and/or tweet from you to enter. Full deets down below.

Good luck! Happy birthday, everyone!

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen!!! Wow, that news definitely gets a hoo ray ray and an elephant!!! (I’ve maybe been watching too much Boardwalk Empire.) Thank you so much!!!”
-Shana

“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie

“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane

“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel

“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne

“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)

• One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

• There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what’s your favorite flavor of birthday cake? When was the last time you went to a birthday party (pet or otherwise, LOL!)? In one sentence, how would you describe your week? What have you been wearing on your lips lately? Have you gone swimming yet this year? What are your go-to, everyday products with sunscreen? — you get the idea.
• Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
  • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/18VDlbL

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 11:59PM (PT).
• Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
• A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
• Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
• Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
• The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
• Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Kat! Congratulations, Kat! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is avargas21! Congratulations, avargas21! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Hook or crook, I’m spending part of this weekend doing absolutely nothing other than walking around the Sephora store by my house.

That’s my pledge to Planet Earth right now!

I have to catch up on the housecleaning and run a few errands at some point, and El Hub has to work part of the day today, so I need something fun to look forward to…

Fun like 30 minutes to myself at Sephora — which happens to be right next door to a Petco up here, so it’ll be a win-win for Tabs. 🙂

Man, I feel like I’ve been behind this entire week. Like I’ve barely been treading water. You ever have weeks like those?

I think it was the trip to Southern California the other day. I had a blast, but it’s not easy flying and coming back on the same day. I’m still pooped.

I bet we could all use a pick-me-up this weekend… How about a giveaway for a $50 Sephora gift card that’s so easy to enter you could do it right now in 10 seconds flat?

LOL! See what I did there? Brought it back around…

Details to enter are down below. Just wiggle your little scroll finger.

Good luck! — and have a wonderful weekend.

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen!!! Wow, that news definitely gets a hoo ray ray and an elephant!!! (I’ve maybe been watching too much Boardwalk Empire.) Thank you so much!!!”
-Shana

“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie

“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane

“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel

“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne

“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)

• One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

• There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, have you ever worn tinted contact lenses? Who makes your favorite foundation? What’s your favorite two-product makeup combination? Did/do you like going to school? What’s one beauty tip or product you swear by that many people don’t like? Who makes the best chocolate? Have you ever sworn off caffeine? Do you have any bad beauty vices? — you get the idea.
• Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
  • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/11IKHyM

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 11:59PM (PT).
• Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
• A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
• Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
• Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
• The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
• Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is avargas21! Congratulations, avargas21! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂