Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 301

June 22nd, 2014 by Karen 9 Comments

This post is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan #proplancatpartner. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

Philanthropy. Partnership. Perfection (alternate spelling: purr-fection).

Powerful P words, all.

Today, Makeup and Beauty Blog mascot and world-famous kitty supermodel Tabs the Cat is proud to announce a new partnership with Purina! — and they’ve sponsored his kitty modeling campaigns this week.

When Tabs found out about the new Purina Pro Plan #MyGreatCat social media campaign and how the brand has committed to donate up to 50,000 pounds of its delicious food to cat rescue groups, he said, “Where do I sign?”

Well…he actually said, “mrrow!” but I knew what he meant. 🙂

So, what is the #MyGreatCat campaign?

“We want cat owners everywhere to not only recognize what makes their cats great but be empowered to share that,” says Purina Pro Plan Cat food brand manager Aaron Williams.

For each picture or video you share on your social media channels that includes the hashtag #MyGreatCat from now through August 31, Purina Pro Plan will donate one pound of cat food — up to 50,000 pounds — to hundreds of cat rescue groups nationwide through the Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue network.

That’s right! Every time you share a pic or video of your feline employer just being awesome in his/her own way, you’ll be feeding a hungry cat.

Even though Tabs has achieved fame and greatness despite his meager beginnings as a stray on the mean streets of Mill Valley, he remembers what it was like to be hungry.

Actually, he’s still pretty much hungry all the time, LOL! 🙂

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

June 21st, 2014 by Karen 306 Comments

“Here she comes!” barked the bottle of Burberry Summer. “Hurry! Everyone, to your places.”

“What places, you fool?” replied the bottle of Chanel No. 5. “We never move unless she moves us. We have no legs.”

“You know what I mean!” responded Burberry Summer angrily, the frustration clear in her voice. “Always the diva!”

The girl turned the corner into the alcove with a big smile on her face. She was humming a happy tune, and it filled the bottles of perfume with joy. She was their queen, and she was here to pick one of them for the day, which was a very special honor for a perfume.

The bottles all stood at attention on the counter, backs straight, intent on making a good impression. Sunlight filtered in through the window, and the bottles all hoped it would reflect nicely on them.

“La, la-la-la-la la,” hummed the girl as she perused. “Hmm…” Her hand hovered over the bottle of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for a moment. She often picked the bottle of Light Blue.

“No,” she said, moving on, “not today. I think I’m in the mood for something else.”

Light Blue’s disappointment was almost palpable.

Then the girl noticed the bottle of Coco Mademoiselle and stopped. “Yes!” she exclaimed, plucking the bottle from the counter. “There you are, my dear!”

And like that, the girl was gone, humming, twirling and spritzing out of the alcove and down the hallway, until the rejected bottles could no longer hear her voice.

A quiet sadness fell upon the group. They were crushed. Not today, they all thought. Oh, well.

Eventually, one of them spoke. “It’s, OK,” said the bottle of Daisy Eau So Fresh. “There’s always tomorrow.”

–THE END–

Good morning, my friend! Did you do anything fun last night? For me, it was dinner and a movie. We finally went to see that science fiction movie with Tom Cruise, Edge of Tomorrow.

Not bad at all. Interesting premise, with the whole Groundhog Day time travel (his character repeats the same day in an alien invasion over and over). I like self-contained science fiction stories that aren’t based on big franchises (I’m looking at you, Transformers!).

I just plan to take it easy this weekend. I might drive out to my parents’ house for a few hours tomorrow, and then I have some chores and errands to run (bluh), but that’s about it.

I hope you have something fun lined up. I bet it’s good barbecue/picnic weather. 🙂

Good luck in this weekend’s giveaway. 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 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 three favorite scents (not just perfumes, but anything)?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What do you really want?
- What’s the most overrated beauty product out there now?
- Have you ever been in the Arctic or Antarctic?
- Where would you most like to vacation in your country?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Monday, June 23, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time), which is, incidentally, someone’s birthday. 🙂
Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Why Do You Think You First Got Interested in Makeup?

June 19th, 2014 by Karen 46 Comments

I remember being aware of my mom’s pretty eyeshadow trios on the bathroom shelf when I was just a wee lass of four or five, even though I wasn’t exactly sure what to do with them…

I just remember them being off limits to me at the time, but I knew they were somehow special and important. At first I think I just wanted to play, and makeup looked like so much fun.

And it was on TV! The older girls on the TV shows I watched were always doing their makeup and their hair and getting dressed and putting on accessories.

Cross body purse and ruffles… Not much has changed, really.

I wanted to do that, too. Even though I was really young, I had a feeling I’d be able to rock that ish, LOL!

I wasn’t always a girly-girl, though. A couple years later I went through a tomboy phase, and I didn’t want anything to do with makeup again until about 12.

Then I got re-interested because 1) so many of the girls around me were wearing it to school, and 2) it was (still) off limits to me.

Yeah, makeup was totally off limits (but didn’t stop me from sneaking in a little liner here and there). My parents were super strict, so I wasn’t allowed to wear anything at all, not even Lip Smackers!

Ooh, forbidden fruit… Purple eyeshadow, pink lipstick, blue liner. 🙂 I’d spend hours cruising the Thrifty by my house, dreaming of the day when I’d have some Covergirl Lipslicks and Coty Airspun powder to wear.

What’s your story, friend? Why do you think you first got interested in makeup?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

What Are the 3 Most Helpful Beauty-Related Things You Do (or Don’t Do) When You’re Totally Pressed for Time?

June 18th, 2014 by Karen 52 Comments

Here at Tabs the Cat Industries LLC, the work day starts promptly at 8 a.m. sharp — on the dot, because Tabs has a very low tolerance for tardiness…unless it’s his own.

This morning, as is often the case, I was running behind. Even though I only have a 30-second commute to the office (it’s, uh, right down the hall), it’s amazing how often I’m late. 🙂

Just kidding… That’s actually sort of a morbid joke because I usually start doing something work related for Tabs in the mornings well before 8.

Today I’m running way behind.

You know how it goes… The CFO (Chief Feline Officer) expects you to be at his/her beck and call, so you start your days early and finish hella late.

This, of course, means having to rush to get ready in the morning, yet the boss still expects me to arrive at the office looking sharp (like I’m supposed to be able to go from busted to bewitching in 3 minutes, sheesh!).

Oh, well… Whatcha gonna do? The only real option is to adapt.

It got me thinking, though. What are the three most helpful beauty-related things I do (or don’t do) when I’m totally pressed for time?

1. Letting my mane go unwashed

I won’t skip my post-workout shower (I can’t stand it when my skin is sticky, especially on the back of my neck and knees, ugh!), but I can begrudgingly tolerate not washing my hair.

My roots get sweaty and oily and overall pretty gnarly, but at least there’s dry shampoo. By skipping shampoo and conditioner, that saves me at least 10 minutes (I’ve got a lot of hair), and then another 15-20 minutes for not having to do my hair.

That’s like 30 minutes saved right there.

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What Are You Wearing on Your Nails?

June 17th, 2014 by Karen 31 Comments

Chanel Atmosphere Swatch — 629 Atmosphere Le Vernis Nail Color from the new Chanel Collection États Poétiques fall 2014 collection, available now online ($27)

Chanel me! 🙂

Yes, I think it’s a Chanel day for me.

At least for the time being.

But you know how it is… One minute you’re rocking an opalescent golden pinkish grey; the next it’s a creamy bright yellow.

You know what, though? I’d rather have too many nail polish whims than too few ideas.

Ooh! This one here, 629 Atmosphere, is super cool — like MAC Vex Eye Shadow (without the flash of green) in a bottle of nail polish.

It’s a color chameleon of sorts. Sometimes it’s a golden pink, but then the light will hit it just right, and it’ll turn grayish gold.

Very neat, almost like having opals on your nails…

It’s available now online for $27 as part of the Chanel États Poétiques collection for fall 2014.

How about you, babe? What’s on your claws today?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Sorry about being incommunicado in the comments yesterday. I’m finishing up a project (yes, for Tabs), but I should be done with everything by the end of the day.

What are you up to? Do you have a busy day?

You Must Choose: The Take Your Tabby to Work Edition

June 16th, 2014 by Karen 18 Comments

It’s time for another installment of YOU MUST CHOOSE! 🙂

What is You Must Choose?

Well, the idea is to choose between two or more seemingly impossible, or at least disturbing, choices.

Things like…

Finally, after years of toil and trouble, you land your dream job! You nail the interview, and the company calls you the next day to make an offer.

It’s a pretty good salary, and there are lots of perks, too, including a generous holiday bonus, a gym membership, five weeks of vacation and a casual dress code (people wear pajamas to work!). You can even bring your pets to the office, and they have free on-site child care.

Only thing is…you’d have a two-hour commute in the car every day. Each way. And public transportation and carpooling aren’t viable options (no, you cannot take a helicopter or small plane either, you goofball!). Neither are telecommuting or moving closer to the office.

Do you take the job? YOU MUST CHOOSE.

Speaking of airplanes, you’re on a packed 8-hour flight to give a huge presentation at company headquarters, and you’ll have to be “on” the moment the plane lands.

On the flight, would you rather…

There be an obnoxious child behind you who relentlessly kicks your seat, touches your ears and screams at the top of his lungs the entire time (you also forgot to bring your noise-canceling headphones and, sorry! — you can’t switch seats.)?
Or have to take a special chartered party plane with nonstop booty-shaking music, drunk people grinding and shouting in the aisles, and filthy restrooms? To top it all off, there’s no food service. Just free drinks. And you haven’t eaten since yesterday.

Which flight do you take? YOU MUST CHOOSE.

Bonus question for the cat ladies (sorry, this one is tough): would you rather work as a pet assistant for a cat who absolutely adores you but sadly departs to cross the Rainbow Bridge after only five years (*tears*), or land a gig with a cat who lives for 25 years but mostly ignores you, except when food is involved? YOU MUST CHOOSE.

Leave your answers in the comments, babe! I can’t wait to read ’em. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 326

June 16th, 2014 by Karen 35 Comments

You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”

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

Bun or ponytail?
Ponytails are just easier for me, but I love how buns look…

Ha! I love how buns look… 🙂

I mean, I love the look of buns, especially messy buns that are slightly off center, but ponytails are just easier and less work.

When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Hmm…

It was Memorial Day weekend, and it wasn’t ocean sand. It was sandy little pebbles on the banks of the Russian River.

Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
I wake up ravenous! I swear, as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, the first thing I think is, “FOOD!”

Or, sometimes, “PHLEW! WHAT IS THIS THING ON MY FACE!? Oh, it’s Tabs…”

So I usually eat around 6:30 a.m., most of the time gruel/oatmeal with strawberry slices, or toast with peanut or almond butter, or waffles with a little peanut butter and raisins on top.

Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Sure, why not? But only when I feel like I can get away with it, like at a makeup function at a department store, or a fashion show, or something like that.

Where do you sleep best?
It didn’t used to matter. I used to be able to zonk out and sleep soundly anywhere, even on public transportation! But these days, just my bed or the living room couch.

Do not underestimate the awesome power of the couch nap.

It’s some powerful stuff.

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

1. Bun or ponytail?
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
5. Where do you sleep best?

Good mornin’ and happy Monday, friend!

One of the things I like to do when I get up (after eating, of course) is sort of like a little morning meditation.

OK, I know… But before you roll your eyes and go, “Oh, boy, here we go…” I’m serious! — it’s not too cheesy or involved. It’s really quick and helpful.

First, I’ll read a few minutes of something motivational. Sometimes it’s a few pages in a self-help book or an article online. Lately it’s been a website I like called The Daily Motivator.

I’ll just sit quietly and think about it for a few minutes, and then put the best takeaway points into a note in my own words or a list in my phone.

This morning’s post on The Daily Motivator was about enthusiasm, so here’s the note I put in my phone…

Give yourself permission to shine and be enthusiastic about your life and the opportunities in front of you. Enthusiasm keeps you engaged and feeling young and invested in the world around you. Use it to create something wonderful today.

I know, it’s corny, but I don’t care. It works! Give it a try this week. I mean, why not?

Keep your chin up today, OK? See you soon. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 300

June 15th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot

Tonight, on a very special 300th installment of Sundays With Tabs, Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog (and PawsTV) sits down with the cat kahuna himself, world famous kitty supermodel Tabs, to discuss the controversy surrounding his new television show (Game of Cat Thrones), his feud with Choupette, his love life (is Snowball the one?), his legacy and his future plans.

KAREN: First of all, Tabs, let me just say that I’m a huuuuge fan of your work, and that’s not just because you’re my employer. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. I know you’re super busy.

So tell me — what’s new with you? How are things going in the world of Tabs?

TABS: Good, good. Well, as you know, I’ve been aggressively transitioning from the catwalk to television and movies this year.

KAREN: Right! This season of Game of Cat Thrones has been off the chain. My husband and I are obsessed. We spent four hours today talking about — oh, I don’t want to reveal any spoilers.

TABS: You wouldn’t want to do that. Fans are crazy about the show, especially for my character, Tabby Baratheon, the First of His Name.

KAREN: Ooh! I love the cat politics and intrigue. Was it hard for you to get into the role?

TABS: No, not really. I drew a lot from my personal life. There’s lots of drama and politicking within the high-stakes world of kitty modeling, so…

KAREN: Speaking of drama, what’s going on with you and Chaupette? I hear rumors… Care to set the record straight?

TABS: Well, I respect Chaupette Lagerfeld and have a great relationship with Karl and The House of Chanel, but we’re just completely different cats.

Some cats have to claw their way to the top, while others are perfectly comfortable riding on someone else’s coattails. Let’s just leave it at that.

KAREN: Alright, but people want to know. Did you steal the role from her?

TABS: No, I just think the better cat got the job.

KAREN:Fair enough. New topic now — do you think your previous life as a stray kitten on the mean streets of Mill Valley prepared you for the cat-eat-cat world of kitty modeling?

TABS: Definitely. I didn’t have a famous last name — or actually any last name for that matter. I built my empire one kitty scratch at a time.

KAREN: Your empire. What about legacy? Is that also important to you at this stage in your life?

TABS: Sure. I think all driven cats want to look back on their lives and say, “I made a difference in this world.” I hope to inspire young kittens and older cats — anybody who wants to chase their dreams. I want them to know that they have the power to make a positive impact on the world, whether it be through kitty modeling or academia or whatever path they choose.

KAREN: Do you feel you’ve made a difference?

TABS: I’d like to think so. You see more plus-size cats on the runway now, so that’s one thing that has come out of my work, but I’m also very proud of my foundation, Furr-ever Homes, which finds stray cats and kittens rewarding work environments with qualified pet assistants.

KAREN: It sounds like philanthropy is important to you. Do you see yourself retiring and focussing on that any time soon?

TABS: The thought has crossed my mind, but I’m not quite there yet. There are still things I’d like to accomplish in the worlds of kitty modeling and entertainment.

KAREN: Oh, really? Like what? Any hints into your future plans?

TABS: Let’s just say that I may have to expand my staff of professional pet assistants soon. Things are about to get busy at Tabs the Cat Industries LLC.

KAREN: Ooh, mysterious… Come on, just one little hint?

TABS: I can’t officially say anything yet because my attorneys would have a fit, but I can say that cats all over the world will be looking a lot more stylish soon.

KAREN: Interesting. OK, how about your love life, Tabs? Seeing anyone special these days? **cough** Snowball? **cough**

TABS: Snowball and I are great friends. I have a lot of respect for her and enjoy her company very much.

KAREN: You were photographed by the French paparazzi on your yacht in the Riviera with her. She must be a really good friend.

TABS: She is.

KAREN: Anything else? Are you ever gonna put a ring on that?

TABS: Next topic please.

KAREN: Well, that’s all the time we have today. Thank you again for doing this, Tabs. It’s been a real pleasure. I’ll see you back at the office. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen