Just For Fun

Comment to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora! (Ends Monday)

March 28th, 2015 by Karen 424 Comments

** THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED **
This giveaway is closed, and the winner has been contacted (CONGRATULATIONS, HELEN!!!), but check back next Saturday for another Sephora giveaway.

Rise and shine, morning glory! Happy caturday. 🙂 I hope you don’t mind, but I’m keeping this short. I desperately need to get some food and tea in my system, STAT.

That movie we rented last night, Top Five? Good movie. I thought Rosario Dawson and Chris Rock were great. The pacing reminds me a little of Hitch, like that kind of dating movie in a big city, but it has more layers. There’s more going on with the characters. More backstory, and more of character journey, so it’s not quite as slap-sticky. It’s still funny, though. But serious too. Tabs also liked it.

I hope you have something fun lined up this weekend. I have no idea what I’m doing today. Honestly, I haven’t gotten that far. I’m still all about that food and tea.

Good luck in the giveaway, and I’ll talk to you soon…after I’m fully caffeinated.

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 by leaving a comment 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’s your favorite thing about your city or town?
- What are you doing this weekend?
- Last piece of makeup you purchased online?
- Would you rock Rosario Dawson’s half-shave?
- What’s been the highlight of your week so far?
- Do you have any vices?
One entry per person.
You must use a valid email address to win.
The giveaway ends on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Are You Into the Limited Edition Makeup Chase?

March 24th, 2015 by Karen 35 Comments

I am, but maybe not as feverishly as I once was.

I still love keeping up with what’s new, what’s coming out and seeing, you know, if my favorite colors are being re-released, like if Chanel ever re-released Jade? — oh, my gawd! Swoon city. I would go buck-freaking-wild and be that crazy person who called the counter and said, “COULD YOU PLEASE SET ASIDE FOUR BOTTLES FOR ME THANK YOU!!”

But to be honest, you kind of get a feel for these things after you’ve followed them for a while, and chances are, you will see another LE coral lipstick [OR, INSERT ANY OTHER PRODUCT HERE] again.

It’s a very safe bet.

I’m not saying that I never chase down LE products or go cuckoo-crazy anymore because I do, like when something has a really cool theme or colors that I like, or packaging that I love, like Sonia Kashuk’s new collection. It has these shiny black and gold compacts and bright new green, blue and hot pink brushes with hot pink brush heads that I think look amazing!

Or the MAC Alluring Aquatic collection from last year? I went batsh*t cray for that watery mermaid action.

MAC Simpsons Collection — From the MAC Simpsons collection…

I was reading something online a while back, and now I can’t remember where, about why shopping feels so good, and the article talked about a study in which scientists concluded that it was linked to the primitive hunter-gatherer brain, and how, you know, when you were a cavewoman, you weren’t sure if you were ever gonna get those berries again, so when you saw those berries, you had to get as many berries as you could, and I think that sort of kicks in with the LE stuff a lot of the time.

What do you think, my friend? Are you into the limited edition makeup chase?

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Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 365

March 23rd, 2015 by Karen 38 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for March 23, 2015

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.

How many piercings do you have?
Oh, I’m so boring. I only have two, one in each ear, but I’ve had them literally since the day I was born.

I was born in the Philippines, and my mom had them pierce my ears at the hospital. That’s what my mom told me.

You can see it in some of my baby pictures too. I’m wearing little earrings. 🙂

Favorite flavored lipstick, lipgloss or balm?
I’m a MAC girl, and I love their vanilla. I’m easy that way.

I usually don’t mind anything that doesn’t smell or taste too artificial, like if it tastes plasticky or sugary sweet, I can’t handle it.

Highest high heels you’ve ever worn?
I have a pair of 4-1/2-inch Lamb heels in my closet that I haven’t worn for a few years because I can’t walk in them at all.

They’re 4-1/2 inches, I believe, PLUS a platform.

Yeah, I learned from that pair of shoes that I should not be wearing 4-1/2-inch high heels with a platform. Ever.

Cutoffs or culottes?
Culottes, for sure. Even though I like the idea of wearing cutoffs because, you know, your legs are free, and you can wear sandals and dress it down with a tee, I worry about my booty hanging out.

I would rather wear the culottes and be covered up.

__________ is the best medicine.
Kitties, coffee, sleep, shoes…

This could go on for days.

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

1. How many piercings do you have?
2. Favorite flavored lipstick, lipgloss or balm?
3. Highest high heels you’ve ever worn?
4. Cutoffs or culottes?
5. __________ is the best medicine.

I’m a little tired this mornin’, but I think it’s just weekend hangover.

I hope you’re having a nice Monday so far, my friend. If you have weekend hangover, though, I feel you sister. *fist bump*

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 339

March 22nd, 2015 by Karen 13 Comments

Dear Tabby is written by Tabs the cat, widely considered “the world’s first plus-size kitty supermodel.” Founded in mid 2012, it has quickly become the most popular cat advice column on earth — known for its fresh, feline perspective on lifestyle, fashion and style issues affecting cats and humans.

A kitty who wants to be her own cat

DEAR TABBY: My friends are driving me bonkers.

Especially my best friend. She’s a fluffy, long-haired Persian, and quite the diva — you know, all about going to get her fur groomed, and getting mani-pedis, and all of that high-maintenance kitty stuff.

Which is fine — but I’m more of an au naturel kitty girl. I’m just not the type of cat to wear a tiara on a Tuesday to eat her crunchies, if you know what I’m saying.

Well, um, this friend of mine keeps insisting that I accompany her to the grooming salon, telling me that I need to get my claws filed and get some tinted claw covers, because they’ll “change my life.” (She has bright pink ones.)

But Tabby, I don’t want to do that. I quite like my natural nails and, you know, I don’t need a fancy lion cut or anything like that.

How can I tell her that I don’t want to go to the salon? We’ve been best friends for a really long time, and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.

Kindly,
Patches

A little tact goes a long way — Just be yourself

DEAR PATCHES: You know, we’re lucky. We live in a time when cats can express themselves in a myriad of ways, be it through blogs or YouTube or accessories or clothing or different fur styles and grooming.

Myself? I like to do my own grooming because I’m very particular about it, and I like my claws natural. In your case, the next time your friend insists that you go with her to the grooming salon, I suggest you take her aside, gently, and be straight with her. Don’t make up any excuses; don’t say that you have to go and volunteer at the ASPCA or anything like that. Be upfront with her, but do it gently. Just tell her, “I love how you do your diva thang, and it totally suits you, but it’s not really my style.”

And if she doesn’t believe you, or if she still insists, tell her that you don’t want to take the spotlight away from her. Trust me, that will work. It takes one (a diva) to know one.

Cat seeks fashion advice

DEAR TABBY: I see that you wear cat eye glasses sometimes. Well, I’ve recently been told by my optometrist/veterinarian that I need to procure a pair of glasses because I’ve been diagnosed as near-sighted.

On the one paw, I’m looking forward to seeing the great outdoors again in crisp high-definition, and I do believe that this will also help me catch more mice, but I’m torn over style. I can’t figure out what kind of frames to get.

I’m tempted to get a cat eye shape because, well, I’m a cat, and many cats pull off that look well, but I’m afraid they might look a little hipster. What should I do?

Love,
Diamond

DEAR DIAMOND: When it comes to eyewear, I think it’s trial and error, and if you’re feelin’ the cat eyes, so what if they’re cliché? You do you, boo.

With that said, may I offer one tip? Go with a color that complements your fur.
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Comment to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora! (Ends Monday)

March 21st, 2015 by Karen 434 Comments

** THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED **
This giveaway is closed, and the winner has been contacted (CONGRATULATIONS, JEN!!!), but check back next Saturday for another Sephora giveaway.

Oh, my gosh! I loved the new Cinderella.

El Hub and I went to see it last night, and you know, I needed some of that Disney magic this week. They’ve got the whole fairytale thing DOWN. Even though it’s the same story you already know and love, that didn’t take away from it at all. Doesn’t matter how old you are, if you need a pick-me-up of goodness and light straight to your heart, go see it.

Get this: El Hub even got teary. 🙂 Ha!

In other news, your nephew is purr-turbed because we haven’t gone outside yet for our walk. I slept in a little and I’m running behind, but if I don’t take him, he will flip out. He’s already pacing around the house meowing.

What are you up to this weekend? I hope you’re doing something fun. We’re meeting some friends for dinner at a Thai place nearby tonight, and I’m really looking forward to that.

Best of luck in the giveaway, my friend. I’ll talk to you soon.

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 by leaving a comment 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 done zip-lining or bungee jumping?
- Most eye-rolling or annoying makeup/beauty commercials?
- Have you ever been on the radio?
- Glowy skin or matte?
- What did/do your parents do for a living?
- What’s your favorite snack to have at school/work?
One entry per person.
You must use a valid email address to win.
The giveaway ends on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

9 Beautiful Things

March 17th, 2015 by Karen 27 Comments

Just a list of nine things — makeup, beauty and otherwise — that I’ve been loving lately.

1. Diorskin Nude Air Serum

I finally broke down last week and dropped 53 large on a bottle of the new Diorskin Nude Air Serum in Honey, and the funny thing is…I had about a week’s worth left of the fatty-bo-batty sample I got from Sephora last month, but the thought of not having it around anymore sent me into a minor (OK, major) panic.

I’ve raved plenty about this foundation lately (I’d been using the sample this whole time), so I won’t bore you with all the details right meow. In a nutshell, though, I think it does a phenomenal job of blurring pores, feels lightweight, and it has a velvety finish that looks crazy natural.

The coverage is medium, but you can build it up to just shy of full.

Unfortunately…it’s annoyingly expensive, but dang if it isn’t great on so many levels.

$53, available now at Sephora, Dior counters and dior.com.

2. A Beautiful Day by India Arie

I really like listening to this song in the morning. It’s very sweet and uplifting and helps me get my day started on a good note. 🙂

3. Balenciaga Paris l’Édition Mer

Officially, this fresh, sparkling elixir, which was inspired by the depths of the ocean, has notes of bergamot, yuzu (a citrus fruit from East Asia), shisho (an herb from the mint family), wet lilies, seashore accord and dry wood.

Unofficially, the scent reminds me of salty skin after a day at the beach. I also catch whiffs of warm ocean breezes, fresh peeled oranges and chilled Champagne.

It’s kinda like a more masculine version of MAC Turquatic, and if a dude walked by me wearing this, I would probably follow him for several blocks, and then tackle him somewhere along the way.

Kidding.

OK, not really. 🙂

$145 for a 2.5-oz. bottle, available now at Neiman Marcus stores and online at neimanmarcus.com.

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 364

March 16th, 2015 by Karen 33 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for March 16, 2015

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.

In a world where you had to dye your hair an extravagant color (think the Capitol in The Hunger Games), what color would it be?
This one’s easy. 🙂 Pale pink. Super light pale pink, like cotton candy pink.

And if I were feeling extra sassy, I’d do a mint green streak right across my side-swept bangs. A fat mint green streak.

If we really did live in the Capitol from The Hunger Games…I would find a way to get glitter-tipped ends. Some days it would be gold glitter or silver glitter, and some days it would be teal glitter.

If you could be a clothing designer for a day, what would you design for yourself?

Definitely a trench coat, because I’ve had a really hard time finding one that fits me correctly (I’m only 5’1″). They’re either too long — like the arms are too long, or the coat is too long, and it overtakes me, and I look like I’m wearing my mom’s coat — or there are too many buttons and buckles and things happening in the front.

If you were to make and sell something on Etsy, what would it be?
Custom couture cat harnesses with Swarovski crystals.

What’s your number one rule for using social media?
My number one rule is to step away from the keyboard when I’m feeling heated (read: p*ssed off). That, and always making sure I’m using the correct “your.” Y-o-u-r, or y-o-u-‘-r-e.

Long story…

What’s a career you think you might like to try in your life?
Hmm… Well, being an astronaut is probably out of the question at this point, but I might like to try being a young adult author, or maybe a broadcaster for some kind of goofy show…

Or a food photographer.

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

1. In a world where you had to dye your hair an extravagant color (think the Capitol in The Hunger Games), what color would it be?
2. If you could be a clothing designer for a day, what would you design for yourself?

3. If you were to make and sell something on Etsy, what would it be?
4. What’s your number one rule for using social media?
5. What’s a career you think you might like to try in your life?

Good morning! 🙂

So I started doing this thing every morning that I really enjoy. I don’t know if I’ve told you about it yet, but when I first wake up, I do a few minutes of morning meditation in bed.

I use this app called buddhify on my phone, and it doesn’t take long. Some of the exercises are 5 minutes (you just follow along with the speaker, and they all have wonderfully soothing voices), and some of them are 8 minutes. They’re a great way to start the day and get out of bed on the right foot — especially on Mondays when I’m not super fired up.

In other news, I’m almost done with my second cup of tea right now and thinking about having a third. 🙂

Hope you have a good day today, and have a great week.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 338

March 15th, 2015 by Karen 16 Comments

The hills of Novato are safer now that the new tabby command center/cat enclosure is fully operational. Cats can rest easier knowing that Tabs the cat is on patrol. 🙂

Here’s a closer look at the construction and the materials to build one for your feline employer.

Materials

El Hub uses a circular saw

a regular hand saw

need a drill for this

safety glasses

2 in. x 2 in. boards (we used pine, but cedar and redwood are also great) for the main frame.
1 in. x 6 in. boards for the walkways.
Enough 2-1/2 in. phillips head outdoor rated wood screws to attach the 2 in. x 2 in. boards (a box of 50 should be more than enough for this enclosure)
Staple gun
Glue gun
A section of remnant carpeting (you can usually find a remnant carpet store in your town that will sell small rolls of 5 or 6 feet of leftover carpeting for $15-$20. You could also use a soft fabric from a fabric store or artificial grass.
A box cutter for the carpet
A roll of 1 in. chicken wire (also called poultry netting)
Wire cutters (for the chicken wire)
Wood glue (not necessary, but El Hub says it helps to reinforce the screws)
A gate latch and 2 door hinges

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