Just For Fun

1. Troubadour Contrast Study Dress from Anthropologie

How cute is this dress!?

I love the open back, and I think the neutral colors would work for lots of different occasions (imagine it with a pair of bright pumps…maybe in hot pink?).

I wish I had a party or something to go to so I had a good excuse to get this cutie!

2. Molly Hatch Mugs from Anthropologie

Hello, inspiration! 🙂 Each of these mugs has a nice little saying on the front.

What a great way to start a morning.

3. Recycled Karma Tee from Nordstrom

Shout-out to my favorite meal of the day, what-what! At brunch you can make everyone happy, because there’s sweet stuff for the sweet tooth-ed folk (like yours truly) and savory stuff for the savory lovers.
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No, I did not find these Disney princess-bedecked Vans ($59.95) in the children’s shoe section. They’re for adults! 🙂

FOR REAL.

I spotted them at Nordies after lunch yesterday at the Cheesecake Factory (and between sightseeing venues) with mah fam.

I see a number of famous Disney princesses represented, except for Tiana from The Princess and the Frog (or maybe I’m just blind?). I love that movie…

Would you wear these shoes? I’m totally down for printed sneakers (I was actually wearing my ASPCA Cat Vans when I took this pic, haaaay!), but I probably wouldn’t wear these.

Probably. Maybe.

I love Disney and all, but I totally missed the Disney princess phase when I was a kid. I don’t know if I’m quite up to it now.

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Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Howdy, amiga (and amigos)! I have some family visiting today from out of town, both my parents from the East Bay and El Hub’s parents from Redding, California, so I’ve been on daughter/daughter-in-law duty, which has involved some sightseeing and, of course, some eating (which apparently is what my family does best!).

Here are five simple summer sightseeing essentials I like to have on hand…

1. A cross-body purse

Yay for keeping your hands free! 🙂

I like cross-body purses for handsfree sightseeing and other summer excursions because you never know when you’ll bump into a friendly kitty who needs a little loving, or shopping bags, cold drinks or ice cream cones that will need a little holding.

2. A cute hat

I’m a huge fan of wearing hats to go sightseeing because not only are they good sun protection for my face and hair, but I can also use them to hide under when I’m not in the mood to wear any makeup or do my hair!

3. A comfy pair of shoes

You know it’s true: comfy footwear. Even though the allure of strappy sandals or shoes with heels is sometimes overpowering, you can’t go wrong with shoes that can handle a variety of sightseeing terrains and situations, like city streets, grassy parks, sandy beaches, etc. — because you never know where adventure will take you. 🙂
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You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

1. My spirit animal is ______.
   A tiger! ?

   Because deep down inside I’m really just a big jungle cat who loves the water.

   Plus, the stripes, and you know how those never go out of style.

2. Have you (or an airline) ever lost your luggage on a flight?
   Yes, and it was hella stressful, but at least it was on the way back home, and not on my way to the destination.

   It happened a few years ago on a quick connecting flight from Italy to Germany. It was one of those tight turnarounds where you have to run through the airport terminal to catch the connecting flight, and I guess my checked bag (which had all of my souvenirs in it, like boxes of Italian chocolate , which I really, REALLY wanted to eat, LOL!) got left behind.

   I learned a valuable lesson though. Ever since then I do whatever it takes to avoid from having to check in my bags, especially bags containing makeup and chocolate.

   Thankfully, the bag showed up at my doorstep in Novato about a week later (so I got my chocolate, yay!).

3. Does your family have any summer traditions?
   No big ones, really, but El Hub and I do like to spend a weekend in Lake Tahoe. We like to kayak on the lake and hike and go out to dinner, but when we were planning to go a few weeks ago, we had to cancel at the last minute because it was straight-up raining up there, which is kind of weird for July.

   I’m hoping we can still make it out there before it gets chilly, maybe next month or early September.

4. Bronzer makes me feel ______.
   ALIVE! ALIIIIIVE!!!

   And less like a member of the Army of the Undead.

5. Lattes: with or without foam?
   Without, please.

   The foam does absolutely nothing for me. I’d rather have the foam space dedicated to filling up the cup with more latte.

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. My spirit animal is ______.
2. Have you (or an airline) ever lost your luggage on a flight?
3. Does your family have any summer traditions?
4. Bronzer makes me feel ______.
5. Lattes: with or without foam?

Hello, sweet pea!

I’m back and oh, so relaxed after spending the weekend with my high school pals Jen and Cindy. It was a belated birthday sleepover involving a whole lotta nothing and the hotel pool.

It’s amazing what a little lounging around can do for your soul. I feel like a reenergized Energizer Bunny Karen.

I hope you were able to get in some relaxing yourself last weekend. How are you doing today? How’s your morning been so far?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

1. Conditioning washes

I’ve been washing my wavy hair with conditioner to give it a break from harsher shampoos a few times a week for years, so it’s been kind of cool to see some of the big hair care brands embrace the whole “co-wash” trend as a thing.

When I feel minty, I use Pureology Hydrate Cleansing Conditioner ($34), because it makes my scalp minty and tingly (feels so clean!); Living Proof Curl Conditioning Wash ($26) or Living Proof Curl Detangling Rinse ($26) when I need serious, real-deal intense detangling; or Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash ($24) or Aveda Be Curly Intensive Detangling Masque ($27) when my hair needs a shot of moisture.

2. The Girl’s Guide: Getting the Hang of Your Whole Complicated, Unpredictable, Impossibly Amazing Life, by Melissa Kirsch ($13.50 on Amazon)

Talk about practical advice on seriously everything! This terrific tome was probably written with college-age girls and 20-somethings in mind, but I’m sure women of all ages will find something helpful in it.

Tips like…

• Figuring Out What Looks Best on You
• How to Get a Haircut You Don’t Hate
• Hassle-Free Laundry
• Moving Home Doesn’t Make You a Loser
• The Messy Intersection of Dating and Social Media
• Where Are All My New Friends?

Finances, finding roommates, making and keeping friendships, cleaning, clothing — seriously, freaking everything! It’s like a kind older sister or a wise mentor…in paperback. Highly recommended.
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