Giveaways

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

Stripes.

Love ’em! Tabs and I both love stripes. He likes ’em because they go with his fur. I like ’em because they’re just so…I don’t know, cheerful?

What can I say? I have a thing for stripes…

Like today’s 12 Days of Giveaways prize, the Sweetshoppe Stripe Small Natalie Cosmetics Case by Kate Spade. One look at that pink and red striped pattern and I smile. 😀

Can’t help myself.

And the stripes aren’t the only cool thing about this bag. It’s also roomy. Plenty roomy. Roomy enough to hold at least two pounds of makeup.

More deets…

• Coated faille with laminated cotton twill trim
• Zip-around closure
• 14-karat light gold-plated hardware
• Wipeable, durable nylon lining
• Kate Spade New York signature
• 4.7″h x 7.2″w x 5.3″d

Guess what? It’s day five of 12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog. 🙂

(NOTE: don’t forget to click here, and enter any other open giveaways before you jet.)

• One (1) Sweetshoppe Stripe Small Natlaie Cosmetics Case from Kate Spade valued at $88.

• 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, which do you prefer, stripes or polka dots? Where’s one place you’d take your Sweetshoppe Small Natalie case? How do you take your eggs (over easy, over medium, scrambled, etc.)? What lip products are in your purse right now? Favorite makeup brush of all time? How are you wearing your hair today? Have you ever dated someone you met on the Internet (and/or have you ever Catfished, like the show?)? Red or black licorice? Do you give your pets presents? What’s your stance on toe socks? — 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 Kate Spade Sweetshoppe Stripe Small Natalie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade! http://bit.ly/VR58B7

• The deadline to enter is Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:59PM (PST).
• 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 in the United States 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).
• 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

P.S. More giveaways!!! If you’re reading this before midnight on Wednesday night (PST), there are three other open giveaways you could enter right now on MBB (if you haven’t already).

Do it!

1. Two Ways to Win an Abstract Signature Bow Small Natalie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade (an $88 Value) — Closes Wednesday, 12/19/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST
2. Two Ways to Win a Birds Over Arches Davie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade (a $60 Value) — Closes Thursday, 12/20/12, at 11:59 p.m. PST
3. Two Ways to Win a bareMinerals Light Show Palette for Your Eyes, Lips and Face [6 WINNERS]! — Closes Friday, 12/21/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST

Good luck! 🙂

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

Help your makeup soar to new heights of cuteness with the prize in today’s 12 Days of Giveaways installment, the Birds Over Arches Davie Cosmetics Case, by Kate Spade.

There’s a lot to love about this bag — the eye-catching arches that comprise the pattern (but watch out for vertigo!), the seagull silhouettes, the classic combination of blue on white. Stowed inside this case, your lipsticks, glosses and compacts would feel like first-class passengers on a trans-continental flight.

More deets…

• Printed, coated poplin with matching trim
• Zip-top closure
• 14-karat light gold-plated hardware
• Wipeable, durable nylon lining
• Kate Spade New York signature
• 3.4”h x 6.5”w x 3”d

Stretch those wings of yours, and flex those typing fingers, because it’s day four of 12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog (NOTE: click here and scroll down the page to enter any other ongoing giveaways). 🙂

• One (1) Birds Over Arches Cosmetics Case from Kate Spade valued at $60.

• 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 had a pet bird? Do you prefer shower gels or bar soaps? Do you have a nickname? Is your house decorated for the holidays? How long does it take you to do your hair in the morning? Do you ever wear pajamas in public? What are you wearing on your nails? Do you prefer sticky or non-sticky glosses? — 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 Birds Over Arches Davie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade! http://bit.ly/VOUNGa

• The deadline to enter is Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11:59PM (PST).
• 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 in the United States 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).
• 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

P.S. While you’re here…take a minute to enter these other ongoing giveaways (if you haven’t already). Seriously, I bet it wouldn’t take you more than a minute to enter them both.

1. Two Ways to Win an Abstract Signature Bow Small Natalie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade — Closes Wednesday, 12/19/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST
2. Two Ways to Win a Signature Gia Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade — Closes Tuesday, 12/18/12, at 11:59 p.m. PST

Good luck! 🙂

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

Why, yes! That’s me reading like a real, live grownup at my new dining room table. 🙂

And it only took three years! (But I keep reminding myself that three years is better than never.)

The table was delivered yesterday, so I’m still breaking it in…which is very important work, I’ll have you know. Lots of coffee, tea and reading to be done and consumed.

Perfect time to catch up on my Entertainment Weekly subscription and start a new book on the Kindle (Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn).

I’m also taking BECCA’s new Radiant Skin Satin Foundation out for another spin ($42)…

It’s a medium-coverage liquid foundation with a mostly matte finish and the faintest whisper of shine, and it’s available in 18 shades, from a fair ivory-beige called Porcelain to a deep neutral brown called Cacao.

I’ve been wearing it in Bamboo, a tan, yellowish beige, which sits in right about the middle of the shade range, for the past few days.

“This sophisticated silicone emulsion contains sebum-absorbing properties that provide a perfectly natural look and even complexion all day. The soft, smooth texture glides on seamlessly, reducing imperfections with buildable coverage that easily blends over the skin for a radiant finish.

The formula contains Ejitsu Rose, which helps to improve elasticity and radiance while providing anti-inflammatory properties; mineral pigments that help color stay true on the skin; and vitamin E to enhance moisture retention while protecting against pollution and free-radical damage.”

— sephora.com

So far I’m into it. It’s certainly lightweight and comfortable, so I feel like my skin can still breathe, and I like how well it evens things out without looking like I’m wearing a ton of makeup.

Seems to be a good foundation for days like today when I just want to chill out, if you know what I mean. It’s available now at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com and beccacosmetics.com.

And speaking of Sephora! 🙂 Tabs would like me to remind you of two things today — 1) that Sephora is one of his favorite places in the whole wide world, and 2) that if you win this week’s $50 eGift card, he’d do a much better job of modeling your new makeup treasures than Marmalade would.

Yeah, I dunno what that business is about… I try to stay out of the cat politicking that goes on around the house.

This week’s Sephora eGift card giveaway starts in three, two, one…

What folks are saying…

“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)

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

• 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 go-to foundation for a natural look and why do you love it? Do your pets get along with each other? What are you reading at the moment? Coffee or tea? Describe your favorite room in your home. Are you wearing sweats right now? — 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/11XdPAn

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 9, 2012 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 Isana! Congratulations, Isana! 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 Danielle! Congratulations, Danielle! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

December first already… Can you believe it? Christmas is this month!

It feels weird to say, and I’m not ready for it, either. Not at all.

The malls around here have been slowly but surely ramping up their holiday decorations and displays, but now that it’s December, they’re gonna go all out. Folks are gonna go buck wild at the mall, haaay! Get your hands off my votive candle, b*tch! I saw it first!!

I usually love this time of year, but I am not not ready for it yet… Heck, I’m still full from Thanksgiving!

Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of pull with the calendar committee, if you know what I mean. They’re not exactly waiting for my approval out here in Novato (“Alright, let’s do this! Karen says it’s okay!”), so I guess I better get with the program.

Yup…

How are you doing out there? Do you have a minute to enter this weekend’s Sephora eGift card giveaway? You could win an extra $50 to spend over the holidays. The deets are down below, but it’s easy. It only takes a comment at the bottom of this post (and possibly a tweet for a second chance to win), and it can be a comment about anything.

Anything! — like you could type, “Pumpkins are poo-rific, and I love red wine!” Or, you could type, “Speak like Yoda do I. Love makeup I do.”

Done. You’d be entered. 🙂

Good luck! And have a great weekend.

What folks are saying…

“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)

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

• 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 top pick for best drugstore beauty product of the year? Do you plan to go to any Christmas/holiday parties this year? Most embarrassing holiday party moment? Do you ski or snowboard? Describe your favorite makeup look this week. What are you wearing on your eyes/lips/nails? — 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/SCf6Hw

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 2, 2012 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 Danielle! Congratulations, Danielle! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂