Just For Fun

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora!

March 16th, 2013 by Karen 435 Comments

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

Uh, oh… Looks like someone partied a little too hard this weekend. 🙂

I don’t know if you knew this about Tabs, but he’s actually part Irish on his father’s side.

Yup, he totally gets into St. Patrick’s Day every year. Green gravy, Feline Greenies, the whole nine yards.

We have to celebrate at home now, though, because he got banned from both of Novato’s Irish bars, which, of course, means I have to plan the party.

Okay, ’nuff of that. Happy Saturday and St. Patrick’s Day weekend!

I haven’t seen any rainbows or pots of gold yet this morning, but I did find a Sephora eGift card giveaway…

Good luck! Details to enter are down below.

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, are you going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? What’s your favorite green nail polish? Do you ever wear tennis shoes to work? When was the last time you wore green eye shadow? What are you doing this weekend? When was the last time you took a bubble bath? Have you ever been to Ireland? — 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/ZDUijX

The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 17, 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 Aida! Congratulations, Aida! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

What’s Your Take on Textured Nails?

March 14th, 2013 by Karen 28 Comments

Getting down to the nitty gritty with two layers of $9 Zoya Pixie Dust in Godiva, available now at Zoya counters and also online

I had a very long, very beauty nerd-seque conversation with a friend a while back about nail polishes with unconventional textures, ala bumps and grit.

I was wearing Zoya’s $9 Pixie Dust in Godiva on my tips at the time, walking around with nails that looked like they’d been dipped in sugar.

New for spring, Godiva’s brimming with fine bits of gritty glitter.

My buddy said the feel of the finish gave her the heebie-jeebies — like clawing a chalkboard or sandpaper — and I can see where she’s coming from. I mean, why purposefully put something lumpy and bumpy on a smooth set of nails?

But then there’s also the question, “Why not?” 🙂

[Continue reading…]

What’s Your Current Nail Polish Routine?

March 12th, 2013 by Karen 44 Comments

time-to-paint-the-paws — Time to paint the paws!

I was just sitting down to paint my paws when I got to thinking about lacquer-loving ladies (and gents) and our various nail polish routines.

My friend Jen, for instance. She likes to regularly treat herself to nail salon visits, whereas a college friend of mine used to just plop a huge drop of polish on each nail, spread it around with the brush, and that was that.

I usually do my nails at home because 1) I like to change colors every few days, 2) I find it relaxing, and 3) I’m very particular about my nails, so I don’t visit nail salons too often.

First, I paint my right paw, then my left. Then I like to follow up with an extra coat or two to enhance whichever colors I’m using. If I’m feeling ambitious or have some extra time, I’ll start with a base coat and finish with a top coat, but it depends… I don’t always go that extra mile (again, because I like to change my polish often).

How about you? What’s your current nail polish routine? Do you prefer at-home manis or nail salons? And do you like to go all out with multiple layers, ombre effects, neon nail art or stickers, or do you tend to stick to a single coat?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Hello and happy Tuesday, friend! 🙂 You know what I realized last night after watching Pretty in Pink for the ga-jillionth time?

That movie has an excellent soundtrack! When I woke up this morning, If You Leave was humming in my head…

In other news, it’s supposed to be another warm one here in the Bay Area today, so if Tabs sees fit to allow me to take a break, I think I’m going to head over to an outdoor mall for some window shopping and vitamin D.

Have a great one today.

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 262

March 11th, 2013 by Karen 66 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 four years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

How do you feel about pointy-toed shoes?
Like the look, hate the feel. They hoit!

How often do you wear colorful clothing?
Mmm…pretty often. Maybe every other day or so. I wear gray and black a lot ’cause they hide my feline overlord’s tabby fur better, but especially this time of year, I love dresses and tops in bright jewel tones and pretty pastel shades.

Close your eyes and listen for a moment… What sounds do you hear?
My fingers clacking on the keyboard, the hum of the fan in the computer, the birds singing outside and Tabs purring on my lap.

If you could only choose one — powder, cream, gel or liquid blush — which would you choose?
Powder, because I prefer how it blends.

I’m currently on a quest to _______.
Convince El Hub and Tabs that we need another cat. 😀

What’s your favorite poem?
When You Are Old, by William Butler Yeats.

Have you ever taught a class on something?
When I was a teenager, I taught piano to some kids in my neighborhood.

Ah, those poor children, LOL!

If you were forced to evacuate your home in an emergency, what are five items you would grab?
Assuming Tabs and El Hub were safe and out of the house, I’d grab 1) my black Rick Steve’s carry-on bag (it holds a TON of stuff), and fill it with 2) my tech essentials (my backup drive, phone and charger, laptop and camera), 3) a change of clothes, 4) the travel bag I always keep ready and stocked with toiletry essentials (makeup, toothbrush, meds, etc.) and 5) my passport.

Something you’re looking forward to this week?
Visiting the new NARS San Francisco boutique on Friday! Now I have a new place to play with makeup when I go to the city. 🙂

Have you ever ridden a unicycle?
Nope, but I’ve always wanted to. They look fun, and I have a pretty decent sense of balance, so I’m curious how I’d do.

To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.

Le List

1. How do you feel about pointy-toed shoes?
2. How often do you wear colorful clothing?
3. What sounds do you hear right now?
4. Powder, cream, gel or liquid blush?
5. I’m currently on a quest to _____.
6. What’s your favorite poem?
7. Have you ever taught a class on something?
8. You’re forced to evacuate! What are five items you would grab?
9. Something you’re looking forward to this week?
10. Have you ever ridden a unicycle?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 234

March 10th, 2013 by Karen 5 Comments

Today Tabs learned that some lizards can breathe underwater…

We call them salamanders, but Tabs had never heard that word before. He saw one and a bunch of other cool stuff on his solo hike today through the Indian Valley Open Space Preserve.

Right after I got up this morning, I stumbled downstairs looking for coffee, and there was Tabs getting geared up by the front door. He was wearing his feline fanny pack, which he’d already filled with Feline Greenies, a water bottle, his iPhone pre-loaded with trail maps, a can of Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers (turkey in gravy, of course) and his little Leatherman multitool (which has a can opener).

“Going for a walk?” I asked.

“Mrow,” he replied. A backcountry hike.

He was gone for five hours! — during which time I caught up on some admin stuff for the blog, did four loads of laundry, and did a ton of high-intensity lounging around.

Tabs looked exhausted when he finally walked through the door. His paws were covered in red dirt and he had thorny stickers in his fur.

He groaned when he took off his pack, and then went on to tell me a tale that started with his meeting a nice horse, followed by a steep climb to the top of a tall hill, a hike to a waterfall where he spotted the salamander, a high-speed chase involving a huge dog, and how he carved his name into a tree with his pocketknife.

Yup, while I did a whole lotta nothin’ today, my cat had quite an adventure. 🙂

Did you have a good weekend? Any adventures to report? Whatever you got into, please tell me you did something fun.

Oh, here are the latest pics (and a YouTube commercial) from Tabs’ ever-growing kitty modeling portfolio. If you’ve been following A Relaxing Time, the next installment (the ninth/grand finale, I believe) is coming soon…

[Continue reading…]

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora!

March 9th, 2013 by Karen 428 Comments

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

Time to rise and shine (and spring forward!). 🙂

Happy Saturday, friend. I’ve been having a very nice morning so far. It’s sunny here today, so I’ve got the drapes open while I read magazines at the dining room table, drink my coffee and fiddle around online.

Not sure what I’m gonna do yet today… Part of me wants to go for a walk, or maybe a picnic (or both!), but we’ll see. I definitely want to do something outside.

I hope your weekend got off to a good start. Have you entered this weekend’s Sephora eCard giveaway yet? It only takes a comment and/or tweet. Full deets are down below.

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 best-kept beauty secret (best kept until now, that is :))? What’s your favorite dry shampoo? Your high school mascot (mine was a colt)? Your biggest skincare challenge/dilemma? The best thing that’s happened to you so far this year? Describe the best bathroom you’ve ever seen. How do you feel about highlighters (the makeup kind)? — 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/YS1I21

The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 10, 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 Avery! Congratulations, Avery! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

What Scents Remind You of the ’90s?

March 6th, 2013 by Karen 74 Comments

I’ve been riding a major wave of ’90s fragrance nostalgia as of late, mostly because of the new-ish retro Clairol Herbal Essences Shine Collection Shampoo and Conditioner ($4.50 each).

Remember those?! Herbal Essences recently relaunched them and another old-school ’90s Herbal Essences Line, the Smooth Collection.

Smoooooth.

My college roommates and I always stocked our showers with Herbal Essence. Their scents remind me of waking up just before class, hopping in the shower, and sitting on the bus with wet hair…

Nivea lotion is another scent that reminds me of the ’90s and my college years. When I had a little extra pocket change, it was my big body care indulgence. So, to go with the retro Herbal Essences, I’ve been using the new Nivea Smooth Sensation Lotion ($6.99).

It absorbs quickly, without leaving my skin feeling greasy, and has that classic Nivea scent. 🙂

What scents remind you of the ’90s?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Are You a Eye Shadow Palette Purist?

March 5th, 2013 by Karen 30 Comments

EstÃ©e Lauder's New Pure Color GelÃ©e Powder EyeShadow Palette in Batik Sun — Wearing EstÃ©e Lauder’s Pure Color GelÃ©e Powder EyeShadow Palette in Batik Sun (from the new Bronze Goddess collection) on my eyes

When I was getting ready this morning, I grabbed my eye shadow palette crush o’ the moment, EstÃ©e Lauder’s Pure Color GelÃ©e Powder EyeShadow Palette in Batik Sun from the new Bronze Goddess summer (!) collection, and I wondered about how other makeup lovers like to wear eye palettes.

Par exemple, when you grab a palette, do you usually stick to the shadows in that palette, or do you like to mix and match them with other shades?

I’m not really strict about sticking to the colors in a single palette; it’s mostly about proximity, LOL! If something’s close by and will work with the palette I want to wear, then I’ll add it into the mix. But if I’m traveling and only have room in my bag for a single eye palette, then I’ll just stick to those colors.

A few of my favorite spring and summer palettes…

EstÃ©e Lauder Pure Color Gelee Powder EyeShadow Palette in Batik Sun small — EstÃ©e Lauder Pure Color Gelee Powder EyeShadow Palette in Batik Sun ($48)

Too Faced Summer Eyes Summer Sexy Shadow Collection 11 — Too Faced Summer Eyes Summer Sexy Shadow Collection ($36)

Chanel Pearl River Ombres Matelassees Eyeshadow Palette Picture — Chanel Ombres MatelassÃ©es Eyeshadow Palette in Pearl River ($80)

Guerlain Coup de Foudre — Guerlain Ã‰crin 4 Couleurs in Coup de Foudre ($59)

What about you? When you wear an eye shadow palette, do you tend to stick to just those colors? Are you an eye shadow palette purist, or do you like to mix it up?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen