Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 249

December 10th, 2012 by Karen 37 Comments

121012-monday-poll-3 — My mantra for the week

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.

Mood: Relaxed and focused, and I’m marshalling every ounce of my zen this week to keep it that way.
What was the last time you received a compliment you can credit to a beauty product?
Last week. I was wearing Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume, and when El Hub bear hugged me in the hallway, he said, “You and Tabs smell great!” Ha! Some of it had also rubbed off on Tabs.

Current obsessions?
Area rugs…

Yes, area rugs.

No, wait! Let me explain… The floor in my dining room and kitchen is tiled and gets almost arctically cold, and now that I actually have a dining room table (matter of fact, I’m sitting at it right now!), a warm rug would really cozy things up.

I’m also totally obsessed with Gillian Flynn’s book, Gone Girl. I cannot put it down!

Something you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t gotten around to yet?
I want to go see Pitch Perfect at the movies. It looks rich in the kinds of good ol’ fashioned cheesy fun I like. 🙂

What are some things that make you happy?
1. A good pen
2. Changing my scenery
3. A cup of hot coffee or tea
4. Sleeves with thumbholes
5. El Hub
6. Tabs
It’s okay to _______.
1. Pat yourself on the back
2. Have chocolate for breakfast
3. Try and fail
What’s one thing you always do before leaving the house?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been afraid of accidentally locking myself out of the house, so I always make sure to have my keys and phone in my right hand at the moment I walk out the door.

Same thing goes for the car…

What’s something surprising you learned about yourself this year?
That I get more and more set in my ways as I get older. I keep having to push myself harder to try new things.

Eh, I’m workin’ on it. 🙂

Tell me something — anything — about your morning so far.
That I’ve yelled, “DON’T DRINK THAT!” to Tabs about 10 times already.

We got our Christmas tree yesterday, which he, of course, thinks is for his own personal enrichment.

One of the things he keeps doing is drinking from the water in the tree stand, even though his water bowl is literally 10 feet away.

Cats!

Weekly goals:
Just to keep hanging in there and doing my best to bring up the people around me (like you).

Hello, hello my friend!

Quick, while no one’s watching, let’s shake it out. Shake it out. Shake out any negativity, and focus on a happy thought (might I suggest shirtless Ryan Gosling and/or Jeremy Renner’s arms?).

Here, have a seat, and fill out the Monday Poll with me. I’ll be right back with a slice of toast for you with some pumpkin cream cheese on it.

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

Le List

1. Mood:
2. What was the last time you received a compliment you can credit to a beauty product?
3. Current obessions?
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t gotten around to yet?
5. What are some things that make you happy?
6. It’s okay to _______.
7. What’s one thing you always do before leaving the house?
8. What’s something surprising you learned about yourself this year?
9. Tell me something — anything — about your morning so far.
10. Weekly goals:

Look at you! Just a few hours into the week, and you’re already doing a great job. If anything gets you down this week, stop by the blog, and Tabs and I will try to cheer you up. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 221

December 9th, 2012 by Karen 8 Comments

I remember working at jobs where things would slow down this time of year.

Slowly but surely, the office would empty as people, one by one, went home for the holidays. Meetings would get cancelled, people would spend half the day shopping at their desks for presents online, and everyone just sort of pushed off as much as possible until the new year.

Ah, the good old days…

That’s not at all how it is working for Tabs. Here at Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC, this is our busiest time of year.

Awards shows, TV holiday specials, star-studded celebrity gala events and advertising campaigns for limited edition holiday releases — right now we’re a 24/7 operation. I don’t even get a weekend off until next year.

Like today, Tabs had me out shopping for linens and place settings for his big annual holiday shindig.

It’s this huge party he throws every year for everyone who’s anyone in the kitty modeling business. Hundreds of cats fly in from all over the world. There’s a hosted gravy bar, catnip cocktails, a huge seawater aquarium stocked with ahi, a play area outside. Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell, is on hand to give free consultations and complimentary cat massages.

It’s total cat heaven. Problem is, it’s my responsibility to set everything up. While Tabs is off on some exotic location somewhere shooting his kitty modeling ads, I’m trying to figure out how many ahi a 100,000-gallon fish tank can support.

I don’t know…10,000?

But really, it’s not all bad. I get to see and do some really neat things. I’m busy, and it’s stressful, but right now in my life I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Oh! — I almost forgot. Here are the latest kitty modeling pics from Tabs. 🙂

[Continue reading…]

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

December 8th, 2012 by Karen 466 Comments

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

Why, yes! That’s me reading like a real, live grownup at my new dining room table. 🙂

And it only took three years! (But I keep reminding myself that three years is better than never.)

The table was delivered yesterday, so I’m still breaking it in…which is very important work, I’ll have you know. Lots of coffee, tea and reading to be done and consumed.

Perfect time to catch up on my Entertainment Weekly subscription and start a new book on the Kindle (Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn).

I’m also taking BECCA’s new Radiant Skin Satin Foundation out for another spin ($42)…

beca radiant skin satin finish foundation — The makings of a nice morning

It’s a medium-coverage liquid foundation with a mostly matte finish and the faintest whisper of shine, and it’s available in 18 shades, from a fair ivory-beige called Porcelain to a deep neutral brown called Cacao.

I’ve been wearing it in Bamboo, a tan, yellowish beige, which sits in right about the middle of the shade range, for the past few days.

“This sophisticated silicone emulsion contains sebum-absorbing properties that provide a perfectly natural look and even complexion all day. The soft, smooth texture glides on seamlessly, reducing imperfections with buildable coverage that easily blends over the skin for a radiant finish.

The formula contains Ejitsu Rose, which helps to improve elasticity and radiance while providing anti-inflammatory properties; mineral pigments that help color stay true on the skin; and vitamin E to enhance moisture retention while protecting against pollution and free-radical damage.”

— sephora.com

So far I’m into it. It’s certainly lightweight and comfortable, so I feel like my skin can still breathe, and I like how well it evens things out without looking like I’m wearing a ton of makeup.

Seems to be a good foundation for days like today when I just want to chill out, if you know what I mean. It’s available now at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com and beccacosmetics.com.

And speaking of Sephora! 🙂 Tabs would like me to remind you of two things today — 1) that Sephora is one of his favorite places in the whole wide world, and 2) that if you win this week’s $50 eGift card, he’d do a much better job of modeling your new makeup treasures than Marmalade would.

Yeah, I dunno what that business is about… I try to stay out of the cat politicking that goes on around the house.

This week’s Sephora eGift card giveaway starts in three, two, one…

What folks are saying…

“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)

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

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 go-to foundation for a natural look and why do you love it? Do your pets get along with each other? What are you reading at the moment? Coffee or tea? Describe your favorite room in your home. Are you wearing sweats right now? — 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/11XdPAn

The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 9, 2012 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 Isana! Congratulations, Isana! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Tuesday Beauty Tips: Facts Versus How I Feel, a List Exercise to Help You Get Perspective When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed or Down

December 4th, 2012 by Karen 31 Comments

The other day, I was feeling a little down, disorganized and overwhelmed by the projects on my plate, so I comandeered a big table at home, cleared it off, grabbed my biggest sketch pad and a pencil, and started putting everything down on paper.

By the end of it, I’d covered two 11″ x 14″ pages with mind maps and circled words and phrases with dozens of connections.

I also came up with a new productivity exercise (new to me) involving lists.

Now, you know I love me some lists. 🙂

I call this one, “Facts Versus How I Feel,” and it’s been very helpful for me. I hope you find it helpful, too.

How’d it come to pass?

I cannot recommend mind maps enough. I think they’re a great exercise when you’re faced with a challenging or difficult decision, or when you’re just completely overwhelmed.

I sat at that kitchen table for two hours, brainstorming and jotting down my thoughts, including everything I wanted to accomplish this month and over the first half of next year.

Long-term planning is not one of my strengths, but I’m hopeful that things like this will help me improve.

Anyway, one thing I realized over the course of that epic brainstorming session was how my emotions tend to color the way I perceive different tasks and situations.

What are we really talking about here?

Big surprise, but I’m kind of an artsy-fartsy person who likes to talk about her feelings. 🙂

I’m also very emotional, which can be a source of strength, but sometimes it’s also an obstacle. I’m often driven by my emotions, and if I’m feeling any sort of bad energy, like if I’m overwhelmed, frustrated or angry, it interferes with my ability to make rational decisions…

Which is a roundabout way of saying, “I become irrational.”

This exercise helps me sort things out.

What it can do for you

If your emotions sometimes also get the better of you, “Facts Versus How I Feel” might help you see a problem or situation more clearly, and maybe by changing your perspective, you’ll feel more in control.

How does it work?

When you’re feeling really agitated or fired up, grab something to write in/on (I like to use a notebook, but a smartphone or computer would also work) and a pen or pencil.

On two fresh pages in my notebook, I write the words “Facts” at the top of one of them and “How I Feel” at the top of the other.

On the “How I Feel” page, I write down all of the things I’m feeling, using short phrases like, “I’m tired,” or “I feel like crying.”

Then, on the “Facts” page, I write down all of the things I know to be true, like “I’ll calm down eventually,” and “I’ll feel better after I eat.”
[Continue reading…]

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 248

December 3rd, 2012 by Karen 85 Comments

121312-monday-poll — “My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, and they’re like, it’s better than yours, damn right, it’s better than yours…” Sung by Charlize, one of the cats in my neighborhood.

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.

Mood:
Chipper.

I’ve got a to-do list as long as my leg, but I feel like I have a pretty good handle on everything. Got my organization on this “ay em.”

If you had to give up one, eyeshadow or lipstick, which would you keep?
Lipstick, for sure. Sometimes it comes down to ease of use, and I can’t think of a quicker, easier way to look like I actually tried to put myself together than popping some color on my lips.

But what a cruel, cruel question… I’d hate to give up eyeshadow, but let’s assume in this little fiction of ours that you can still wear eyeliner. 🙂 Blacktrack and Powersurge 4ever!

Do you have a favorite necklace?
Not that I can think of right now. I’ve had favorite necklaces over the years, though, like the silver Tiffany heart I bought for myself with my winnings from a slot machine in Vegas 10 years ago, but I haven’t really been into necklaces lately…

The ones I have always get caught in my hair, and I have a bad habit of losing jewelry.

Earrings, though, I love and wear a lot.

Are you more into vintage or modern style?
How about mostly modern with vintage accents?
Where will you be spending the holidays this year?
Two places. Redding, which is a town up near the Oregon border where El Hub’s parents live now, and Union City, which is where my parents live in the East Bay Area about 40 miles from here.

Lots of driving, but since my family celebrates on Christmas Eve, and El Hub’s celebrates on Christmas morning, it works out.

What’s something you realize that you’re irrational about?
Calling Kaiser to make appointments to see my doctor.

I like to think of myself as a pretty rational, reasonable person (except for the whole cats and makeup thing), but I lose it every time I have to call Kaiser to make an appointment. Sorry to any Kaiser employees out there, but that phone system is a mess. I’m getting shuffled around to at least three different departments, and I either end up raising my voice or crying by the end of it.

I’m sure there are many nice folks manning those phone lines…but I never seem to run into them. Grrr…

Do you like cheesy holidays movies?
Do I! Elf is one of my favorites. Matter of fact, it’s saved on the Tivo right now, and don’t even get me started on those Hallmark and ABC Family Christmas flicks. I plan to watch a ton of them this month, whee!

Will you be hanging a wreath on your door this year?
I will. I usually get one from Trader Joe’s, which reminds me…I need to do that.

I like the pine ones with the tiny little pine cones… I love that smell!

What are two things that always help your week get off to a good start?
Coffee and avoiding my email until 10.

Weekly goals:
This is the week. This is it! I want to start doing my Christmas shopping (no procrastinating!), look around for a rug to put under the dining room table, and put up a Christmas tree.

Among all of the other non-holiday tasks and projects, of course.

G’morning, sweets! Happy Monday — the first Monday of December.

Before you know it, we’ll be wishing each other a happy new year.

So…let’s just do that now. Happy New Year!! 🙂

This year, my overall plan for the holidays is to just enjoy every second, starting right now with today’s Monday Poll, and I hope you join me.

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

Le List

1. Mood:
2. If you had to give up one, eyeshadow or lipstick, which would you keep?
3. Do you have a favorite necklace?
4. Are you more into vintage or modern style?
5. Where will you spending the holidays this year?
6. What’s something you realize you’re irrational about?
7. Do you like cheesy holidays movies?
8. Will you be hanging a wreath on your door this year?
9. What are two things that always help your week get off to a good start?
10. Weekly goals:

I want you to have a great, wonderful day today, and please, take a moment to remind yourself that you’re beautiful, both inside and out!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 220

December 2nd, 2012 by Karen 7 Comments

Earlier this afternoon I spent some time in the kitchen prepping a few meals for this week. I was making quite a bit of racket, too, between the pans clanging on the stove, chopping veggies on the cutting board, running the food processor and opening and closing the refrigerator, and I guess Tabs must have tuned me out for a while, because at one point I stopped what I was doing and realized that I hadn’t seen him in a couple hours, so I stepped into the living room for a second and looked around…

Tabs was sitting on this dark wood entertainment center thingy we use as a table for our car keys and the mail, and I guess he didn’t notice me walk in because he didn’t stop what he was doing. He was hunched over a messy pile of magazines and envelopes and was pushing them one by one on the floor.

“Uh…” I said from the doorway, breaking his concentration. Startled, he looked at me for a quick second before hopping down and slinking away. “What’s goin’ on here?”

It’s so funny how Tabs will look guilty about certain things, like climbing up on that table, even though I’ve never scolded him about it. How did he even know there was something to feel guilty about, and when I walked in on him, why didn’t he just look up at me like, “What’s up, woman? You seen my toy?”

Maybe Tabs was just up there looking for his kitty modeling portfolio. He added new pics to it today from his latest modeling jobs… 🙂

[Continue reading…]

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

December 1st, 2012 by Karen 453 Comments

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

December first already… Can you believe it? Christmas is this month!

It feels weird to say, and I’m not ready for it, either. Not at all.

The malls around here have been slowly but surely ramping up their holiday decorations and displays, but now that it’s December, they’re gonna go all out. Folks are gonna go buck wild at the mall, haaay! Get your hands off my votive candle, b*tch! I saw it first!!

I usually love this time of year, but I am not not ready for it yet… Heck, I’m still full from Thanksgiving!

Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of pull with the calendar committee, if you know what I mean. They’re not exactly waiting for my approval out here in Novato (“Alright, let’s do this! Karen says it’s okay!”), so I guess I better get with the program.

Yup…

How are you doing out there? Do you have a minute to enter this weekend’s Sephora eGift card giveaway? You could win an extra $50 to spend over the holidays. The deets are down below, but it’s easy. It only takes a comment at the bottom of this post (and possibly a tweet for a second chance to win), and it can be a comment about anything.

Anything! — like you could type, “Pumpkins are poo-rific, and I love red wine!” Or, you could type, “Speak like Yoda do I. Love makeup I do.”

Done. You’d be entered. 🙂

Good luck! And have a great weekend.

What folks are saying…

“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)

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

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 top pick for best drugstore beauty product of the year? Do you plan to go to any Christmas/holiday parties this year? Most embarrassing holiday party moment? Do you ski or snowboard? Describe your favorite makeup look this week. What are you wearing on your eyes/lips/nails? — 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/SCf6Hw

The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 2, 2012 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 Danielle! Congratulations, Danielle! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Who Wore It Better? — The Tweed Newsboy Cap

November 30th, 2012 by Karen 20 Comments

BREAKING NEWS: TMZ is reporting that the temporary celebrity ceasefire between kitty supermodel Tabs the Cat and feline fashion upstart Marmalade has ended.

This, despite the cats, who’ve shared an on-again, off-again working relationship for months, recently being spotted spooning together at the top of the exclusive Novato Cat Towers.

Now, however, it looks like the two talkative tabbies are rivals once more.

A source close to both parties claims that tempers flared on Thursday after Tabs bumped into Marmalade at the food bowl. At the time, the orange cat was wearing the Tweed Newsboy Cap, an accessory made famous last year by Tabs.

According to witnesses, that’s when Tabs went ballistic.

Of course, this begs the question…

Loading ...

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

Just For Fun

Le List

What folks are saying…

How’d it come to pass?

What are we really talking about here?

What it can do for you

How does it work?

Le List

What folks are saying…

Who wore the Tweed Newsboy Cap better?