Just For Fun

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

February 16th, 2013 by Karen 454 Comments

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

Have I told you about Tabs’ new favorite way to wake me up?

He jumps on the bed, walks across my chest and stands perpendicular to my throat with his tummy draped across my neck.

He waits for a moment or two like that, and then, PLOP! — lays down and starts purring like a Mack truck until my eyes open.

Imagine a furry, 20-pound infinity scarf holding you hostage in bed, and basically, you get my mornings for the past week. 🙂

No Tabby alarm clock today, though. When I woke up, all I found was the postcard above on El Hub’s pillow with a note telling me to take the day off.

Whatever you’re up to today, I hope it’s fun.

And before you head out on your adventures, don’t forget to enter this weekend’s Sephora eCard giveaway.

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, how would you rate your cooking skills? What’s the most challenging thing for you when it comes to eye makeup application? What’s one thing you love about your life right now? What’s your favorite Pop Tart flavor? How many lip glosses do you have in your purse at the moment? How often do you wear eyeliner? What nail polish do you have on your toes right now? What does your dream hairstyle look like?– 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/XEknOA

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

A New Side Gig Over at Gloss Daily…

February 14th, 2013 by Karen 28 Comments

Gloss Daily Secrets of the Eye Makeup Mavens — Yup, that’s me!

Not sure if I mentioned this yet, but I recently got a side gig contributing to Gloss Daily, the Ladies’ Home Journal beauty blog.

I’m pretty stoked about it. Today they’re featuring a post I wrote about bright eye shadow (especially if you’re color shy). If you get a chance, hop over and check it out, and if you’re feeling moved, please tweet/like/or leave a comment. 🙂

I’ll be contributing new articles to the site pretty often going forward.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Oh, if you happen to be on the market for a new blush, this may give you some ideas: Bolster Your Makeup Bag This Spring With a New Blush.

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 258

February 11th, 2013 by Karen 51 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 today?
Like a Corvette Stingray firing on all cylinders (for once, LOL!), so pretty darn great for a Monday. Wish I could say I felt like this naturally, but I can’t deny the high-octane power of coffee.

Do you prefer to go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner?
How ’bout brunch!? 🙂 Ideally on a sunny Sunday mid-morning with mimosas.

Do you have any hobbies?
Surfing, knitting, photography, cat watching and gardening.

If you had to do one or the other…would you rather talk like Yoda or breathe like Vader?
Talk like Yoda, I would. Sometimes now I do already.

What color is your car/bike?
Gunmetal grey, dusted with a light layer of road grime.

What’s one movie you watched a million times (or thereabouts) as a kid?
Dirty Dancing! It was the summer of sixth grade…and I watched it every single day. Sometimes twice! Even now, whenever I’m clicking through the channels and it’s on, I’ll stop and watch.

What’s one thing you’re always really glad you did?
I’m really glad I went on that second date with El Hub. I’m also really, REALLY glad I took typing and public speaking classes in high school.

You must choose: would you rather be trapped in a broken elevator or on a broken ski lift chair?
That’s a tough one…but I’d go with the broken ski lift chair, because I’m claustrophobic, and the very thought of being trapped in an elevator makes my heart pound in my chest!

What was your last impulse beauty purchase?
A package of Ole Henriksen face wipes, which I dropped in my based at the last minute on a trip to Sephora a couple weeks ago to stock up on skin care.

What are your weekly goals?
To stick to my deadlines, to give myself little rewards along the way for accomplishing tasks, and to take Tabs outside for more walks now that it’s getting a little warmer. 🙂

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 today?
2. Do you prefer to go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner?
3. Do you have any hobbies?
4. If you had to do one or the other…would you rather talk like Yoda or breathe like Vader?
5. What color is your car/bike?
6. What’s one movie you watched a million times (approximately) as a kid?
7. What’s one thing you’re always really glad you did?
8. Would you rather be trapped in a broken elevator or on a broken ski lift chair?
9. What was your last impulse beauty purchase?
10. What are your weekly goals?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 230

February 10th, 2013 by Karen 9 Comments

Tabs for the MAC Canadian Kitty Collection

A RELAXING TIME: PART 6

by Tabs the Cat

They were at the mouth of the forest where a dirt road led deeper into the dark woods. The gray cat was fast and picked up the pace, pulling ahead of Tabs.

Tabs felt a twinge of panic as he tried to catch up alongside the gray cat but found that he couldn’t. Tabs was a few feet behind and running flat out like a startled rabbit.

Tall pines lined both sides of the road, blocking much of the moonlight from reaching the forest floor. It was dark and getting darker as they left the rocky beach further behind. Good thing Tabs had the night vision of a master mouser.

Barking. Coming from far behind them. Tabs wasn’t sure at first, but then he was. Like Rottweiler barking, low and full-throated, mixed with growls.

The wolves were talking, but Tabs couldn’t make out the words. Probably trading recipes for ways to prepare cat…whether roasted or grilled.

It pushed Tabs to run a little harder, which brought him up alongside the gray cat, who glanced over, then gestured up ahead with his snout.

“Meow!” We’re here!

The road turned to a circular dirt driveway. Up ahead, at the end of the loop, was a large wooden one-story building, about the size of a Sephora. A green truck was parked in front of what Tabs figured must be the main entrance.

“Mraw,” the gray cat said. It’s an old ranger’s station. They slowed to a trot, both of them panting, down low in stealth formation, and the gray cat guided them around the truck toward the left side of the building.

A boxy ground-level air conditioning unit, about three feet tall, sat flush against the wall. “Mrow?” the gray cat asked. See that plank up there?

Tabs did. It was a narrow wooden plank that rested at an angle from the top of the air conditioner up to a windowsill. The gray cat motioned toward it with his nose, directing Tabs to head that way. “Meow-ow.” You can get to the roof.

“Mrow?” Tabs asked, a little perplexed. Aren’t you coming?

“Mroh,” the gray cat answered, standing his ground. I’ll be right behind you.

Tabs thought about it for a second, wondering why the gray cat didn’t just lead the way.

“Meow!” the gray cat finally ordered, raising his gravely voice. Go on, get!

It jolted Tabs into action. There were some things his little kitty brain struggled with, like doors and can openers, but climbing was not one of them. In about half a second, or two beats of a terrified tabby’s heart, he processed the entire scene with mathematical precision, calculating the proper angle of approach to the plank, the appropriate speed-to-weight ratio and the amount of force he’d have to exert to leap from the windowsill up to the rain gutter, which led up to the roof.

In one fluid maneuver, he hopped up on the air conditioner, zipped up the plank to the windowsill, jumped to a crook where the rain gutter met the wall, and then carefully walked up along the gutter before pulling himself onto the roof.

Yes! He’d made it. It was a wooden roof, easy to walk on, with a shallow slant, and it was much brighter up here under the open sky than it was down in the forest.

Tabs peered over the edge at the gray cat, who looked relieved. Tabs was shocked that the gray cat was still standing on the ground. What was he waiting for? “Meow!” Tabs called down. Hurry!

The wolves would be upon them any moment now, and Tabs thought he even heard their footfalls on the dirt road.

The gray cat nodded once, leapt up on the air conditioner, and pushed the wooden plank off the unit with his paw. It tumbled and crashed to the ground.

“Mrrow!?” Tabs said. What are you doing!? Tabs couldn’t believe his eyes.

The gray cat looked up at Tabs with kindness in his eyes “Mrow,” he spoke softly. I recognized you back there on the lake. “Meow.” Tabs, you’re one of my heroes.

Tabs was speechless. Heroes? What did the gray cat mean?

The gray hopped down to the ground, and then looked back up to Tabs. “Meow-row,” he said, his eyes glistening in the moonlight. You’ll be safe here till morning. I’ll lead them away.

“Mroww,” Tabs mewled, as the gray cat turned back toward the woods. Wait.

But the gray took off like a falcon in the night, disappearing into a copse of thick trees. “Mew…” Tabs whimpered after him. No…

— TO BE CONTINUED —

To follow our story from the beginning…

A RELAXING TIME: PART 1

A RELAXING TIME: PART 2

A RELAXING TIME: PART 3

A RELAXING TIME: PART 4

A RELAXING TIME: PART 5

Tabs for the Illamasqua Cat IQ Quotient Quad

Tabs for Milani Tinted Fur Mousse
[Continue reading…]

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

February 9th, 2013 by Karen 437 Comments

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

Been a busy week here at Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC! Things kicked into overdrive when Friskies tapped Tabs to be their Global Gravy Ambassador.

What an honor. 🙂

But it’s been intense! The position involves a lot of PR, lots of travel, building buzz about gravy and the gravy-eating lifestyle to cats around the world. To prepare himself, Tabs has immersed himself in gravy…

Not literally, of course. I mean he’s been doing a lot of napping, purr-chirping and, yes, eating lots of gravy.

I’d say it’s grueling, but it’s really not.

Today is actually the first day off Tabs has had in weeks. I asked him this morning what his plans were, and he said, “Mrow!” He’s going to spend the day gaming and might stop by Sephora and Petco to stock up on essentials…

And speaking of stocking up on essentials, have you entered this weekend’s Sephora eGift card giveaway yet?

I try to host one every week to say “thank you” for visiting the blog. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate, and I’m grateful that you include me and Tabs in your online travels.

Details to enter are just down below (only takes a comment at the bottom of this post). Have a great weekend, and I’ll catch up with you soon.

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 are your favorite video games? Do you ever play video games on your phone? Chocolate for breakfast: yes or no? What’s your favorite city? What under-eye concealer is your absolute favorite and why? What’s one makeup brush you absolutely can’t live without? What’s the craziest makeup look you’ve done over the past year? What are your biggest beauty concerns these days? — 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/Z0IKfU

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

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 257

February 4th, 2013 by Karen 51 Comments

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

How do you feel today?
When I worked at my old law gig, there were Monday mornings when I’d walk into my cube, and the first thing I wanted to do was roll myself into a cocoon under my desk behind a pile of boxes and stay there all day. Truth be told, I feel that way this morning, but I’m working through it. And talking to you always makes me feel better. 🙂

What was the highlight of your weekend?
Seeing my friend Cindy on Friday night. We went to dinner and watched Warm Bodies together.

About the movie, thumbs up! Who’d a thunk it? A zombie romance… It’s a little campy, of course, but great screenplay. They cut out parts of the book that didn’t need to be in the movie.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Flying out to Milan by myself for Fashion Week was probably the most adventurous I’ve been in years.

Which reminds me — I need a new adventure!

Favorite new makeup/beauty product this winter and why?
I’m lovin’ the new Dim Light Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder. I swear it takes 10 years off me — POOF! — like that.

If you were a car, what kind would you be?
A souped up, light blue Mini Cooper. Small, spunky, stylish.

If you could be any character from fiction, whom would you be?
Harriet the spy. And now, would someone please fix me a tomato sandwich? And if you need me, I’ll be hiding in the dumbwaiter. 🙂

In one sentence, how would you describe your outlook on makeup?
Classic with a twist.

What’s one piece of clothing, or an accessory, you wish you could add to your wardrobe?
UGH! PANTS. I desperately need pants. All of the non-stretchy pairs I have keep falling off my butt. And I’m over it.

What are you wearing on your face, lips, eyes and nails today?
Nothing yet, but I’ve got Guerlain, MAC and Dior spring products on my mind (and waiting on my desk to test).

What are your weekly goals?
To get either some wall shelves for my office or some gigantic cabinetry, to have fun writing, and to treat myself kindly. NO negative or critical self talk. That annoying voice needs to pipe down.

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 today?
2. What was the highlight of your weekend?
3. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
4. Favorite new makeup/beauty product this winter and why?
5. If you were a car, what kind would you be?
6. If you could be any character from fiction, whom would you be?
7. In one sentence, how would you describe your outlook on makeup?
8. What’s one piece of clothing, or an accessory, you wish you could add to your wardrobe?
9. What are you wearing on your face, lips, eyes and nails today?
10. What are your weekly goals?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 229

February 3rd, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

21 Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Fabulous Feline — A carefully curated collection of fine gifts for your favorite feline overloard!

Dear Friends, Feline Fans and Pet Assistants,

Love is in the air, and I’m fee-line the spirit (haha)!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I presume you’ve already given much careful thought to the gifts (note the plural use of the word) you intend to bestow upon your favorite feline.

But if you haven’t, well, I’m sure you have a good reason. Maybe your furry, feline overlord has been keeping you busy. It happens…and that’s where I can help.

I’ve carefully curated the following list of feline gift ideas. With a wide variety of cards, clothing, home decor, toys, accessories and jewelry here for almost any budget, there should be something to please even the most discriminating kitties.

As always, all my love,

Tabs

1. Valentine’s Day Cat Glasses, $10

For when the future’s so bright, your cat’s gotta wear shades. Available now at the NotsoKittyShop Etsy Shop.

2. Valentine Catnip Wool Cat Toy, $8

These colorful felted organic balls come packed with premium catnip. Available now at the Three Sassy Sisters Etsy Shop.

3. Because I Love You! Cat and Heart Valentine Note Card, $3.50

For kitties with a sense of humour! Available now at the Geri Shields Etsy Shop.

4. You’re Purr-fect Card, $3.50

Is your feline the cat’s meow? Let him or her know with this purr-fect card made with recycled paper. Available now at the MAN vs. George Etsy Shop.
[Continue reading…]