Just For Fun

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 188

April 22nd, 2012 by Karen 20 Comments

Tabs, smiling with his eyes…

As you know, Tabs has long been considered a leader among fashion-forward felines in the plus-size kitty modeling industry, but now he’s set his sights on crazy cat ladies.

They’ve been his biggest bipedal supporters, both literally and figuratively, so he’s spearheading a global initiative to expand fashionable clothing options for CCLs.

It’s all about distribution and networking. Here are some of the pieces and designers Tabs likes for the project.

1. Cat print dress with black collar

Okay, so the rounded collar — is it too cutesy for a 36-year-old blogger (who shall remain nameless; it’s me)? If I was 19, though, I’d rock the hell out of this with black tights and motorcycle boots.

Price: $95
Availability: Available now online at the Vicious Threads Etsy shop.

2. Secretary cat sweatshirt

To the kitty featured on this sweatshirt, call me. My employer is looking for another assistant.

Seriously, the glasses, the note pad, the bow-tie blouse… Too perfect for words.

(Reminds me a little of what Miu Miu did a couple years back.)

Price: $38
Availability: Available now online at the Rosie Music Etsy shop.

3. Eco fashion cat sweatshirt

Both models in this picture look like they’re deep in thought.

Doesn’t the sweatshirt look comfy? Tabs suspects that the feline featured is a tabby (see the M on his forehead?).

Price: $30
Availability: Available now online at the Sealmaiden Etsy shop.
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The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

April 22nd, 2012 by Karen 15 Comments

In Cat Bought a Zoo, a single 6-year-old tabby is going through a difficult time in his life. His kitty modeling career hits a snag when he loses a big job to an up-and-coming younger kitty. Tired and stressed, he quits, cashes out his life savings and buys a piece of property on the outskirts of town, which he decides to turn into a petting zoo/spa.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a good family movie. It actually got an 85% on Rottentomatoes. 🙂

In other news, happy Sunday, friend. How’s it going over there? I’m sorry I’ve been so incommunicado in the comments lately. I’m trying to wrap up a couple of time-consuming projects, and I’m almost there. I have been reading everything, though, even when I haven’t had much time to reply.

No Makeup Monster sightings this week, so we’re safe for now, but you can bet they’re out there… Plotting… Waiting for their chance to strike.

It’s only a matter of time. It’s always only a matter of time.

A few beauty posts that caught my eye…

A beautiful palette for beautiful eyes: the Josie Maran Argan Beautiful Eyes palette in Beautiful Purples — My Weekend Ramblings
Out of this world! This purple, silver and black glitter feast for the eyes looks like a nebula on these nails — The Nailasaurus
Croisette is a thoroughfare in Cannes. It’s also the name of this sunny, summery palette from Dior — Mostly Sunny
Gotta get my hands (and cheeks) on RMK’s 15th anniversary cheek palettes fairy-ly soon — My Women Stuff
Impromptu picnic time! — Oh Happy Day
Accessorize blush in Quiver makes me want to take up archery — Bellachique
Giorgio Armani Spring 2012: Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Sheer Lipstick in 600 — Glitter Geek
Tabs needs an Adidas track suit just like this one, ideally in kelly green to match his eyes — Luxirare
For the typography and/or Star Wars fans — H-57 The Force of Typography
I think I need these simple reminder of happiness cards for my desk — The Happiness Cocktail

A MAC UNSUNG HERO: Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer

The NARS Ramatuelle Eyeshadow Trio

Glow in Your Gown With These Five Bridal Body Care Tips

With NARS LibertÃ© Blush, Cheeks Have the Freedom to Rock

Lovin’ the Lips for NARS Summer 2012

Tom Ford’s New Long-Lasting Cream Color for Eyes

Outfit of the Day: Romper Room!

The Sheer, Sparkly Blue and Purple NARS Marie Galante Duo

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Outfit of the Day, Vol. 8: The Abi Ferrin Nikki 5-Way Dress

April 21st, 2012 by Karen 31 Comments

abi ferrin nikki dress 1

So, I gotta know: Do you have any clothes in your closet that are designed to be worn a bunch of different ways? I’m fascinated by pieces that magically transform from a dress into a shirt, and then, with a few twists here, an adjustment there, BAM! — you get a cape. 🙂

I have something like that called the Nikki 5-Way Dress. I wore it the other day to grab lunch and run some errands.

So far, I’ve tried it the five different ways, but to be honest, the only way I really feel comfortable in it is if I wear it off the shoulder, draped and tied at the waist like in these pics.

abi ferrin nikki dress 2

When I wear it with my arms through both sleeves, or as a tunic (where you hike up the dress), I feel like I’ve been devoured by material, like I’m swimming in it.

Yeah, might be a little too much dress for me… It would probably be easier if you’re taller.

abi ferrin nikki dress 8
[Continue reading…]

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

April 21st, 2012 by Karen 456 Comments

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

A Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway

Good morning, fellow beauty lovers. Thank you for visiting! I hope this morning finds you well. 🙂

Did you do anything fun last night? It was such a warm evening here — the warmest of the year so far — so we had all the windows open, which was neat and weird because of all the nighttime noises outside that I haven’t heard this clearly in a while, like the neighborhood dogs barking (and barking and barking and barking), distant conversations, cars accelerating off on some road somewhere, crickets providing constant background music to everything, a shy owl hooting quietly every so often, leaves rustling, and the occasional siren…to which every dog within a 2-mile radius barks, “I hear that! I hear it too! I hear it more than you do! No way I hear it more! Guys I hear it now!” LOL!

We just stayed home, ate mango bars and chilled grapes, and finished watching Jason Bourne Bought a Zoo. Between the tigers chuffing and lions roaring in that, and the suburban symphony outside, it was like a Doctor Dolittle sequel up in here, haha! I loved it.

This weekend’s gonna be a busy one for me because…El Hub and I are going to Kauai!

Not this weekend, but late next week, so I have a lot to take care of before we leave.

I’ve been busy prepping what I hope will be some pretty great blog posts to run while I’m away (Unsung Heroes posts, reviews, DIY skincare projects, makeup looks and more); I’ve been working on it quietly for a few weeks. Of course, they have the Internet on Kauai…but I don’t plan to be using it as much as I usually do. Some though (definitely lots of pics).

I hope whatever you have planned this weekend includes a little time for fun.

And speaking of fun, you know how we do it. It’s Saturday, which means it’s giveaway time, y’all! Just for fun.

What folks are saying…

“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

“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)

“Never before have I been so pleased to check my email right before bed!!! Thank you so, so much! I truly enjoy your blog and check it almost daily! Thanks again! This made my night!”
-Melissa, Edmond, OK

“Hi Karen. Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I won! :O Thank you so much! You, Tabs, and your blog are amazing! Thank you for keeping me updated on all things beauty and more importantly, for keeping me entertained! Keep doing your thing! 🙂 Thank you again.”
-Jacqueline

“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, when was the last time you went hiking? What’s your favorite sunscreen? Have you ever cut your own hair? Do you ever mix/make your own skincare or beauty products? What’s your favorite long-wearing makeup? What’s your favorite organic beauty brand? — 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/I0r7Fg

The deadline to enter is Sunday, April 22, 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 Jill! Congratulations, Jill! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Outfit of the Day: Romper Room!

April 18th, 2012 by Karen 48 Comments

leifsdottir romper

Cue internal monologue:

Oh please, oh please. Don’t let the sleeve fall in the toilet! Why is this thing so hard to get out of!? It’s like origami… I knew I shouldn’t have had that third cup of tea!

Here’s the thing about rompers: I think they’re super cute! — in theory. But they can be tricky in practice, especially — ahem! — if you’re accident-prone and have a small bladder.

leifsdottir romper

But that didn’t stop me! I’d been eying this Leifsdottir Scattered Wing Romper at Anthropologie for ages and finally caved.

Isn’t it cute? The color, the snazzy print, the fluttery sleeves. Oh, and it even has pockets! — which Tabs really appreciates because I use them to carry his turkey flavored Temptations when we go for walks.

leifsdottir romper
My left hand (is in my pocket)!

It’s very lazy-friendly, too, and being lazy at heart, I like not having to think about matching my pants with a shirt. With this, it’s all just there, BAM!

Since this particular romper has stylish little details like the sleeves and the print, it doesn’t need anything extra to jazz it up, but you could add a favorite pair of wedges, and maybe sunglasses or a simple ring.

leifsdottir romper
[Continue reading…]

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 215

April 16th, 2012 by Karen 40 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.

Mood:
Pretty good for a Monday, but I’m a little woozy from allergy meds. Yup, spring is in the air. Other than that, things are a-okay. The sun is shining, and it feels like it’s going to be a great day.
What type of coverage do you like in foundation?
For pics and events, I like full coverage, but for day-to-day wear, I like light-to-medium coverage.
Do you now, or did you ever, own a charm bracelet?
Oh, yeah. I have a couple of cheesy costume ones from when I was a teen around here somewhere (I think they’re in my pink and green Caboodle, ha!).
Your favorite childhood games?
Connect Four! I also liked tether-ball, Chinese jump rope and high jump.
Have you ever thrown your pet a birthday party?
No, but that’s a great idea! 🙂 The only problem is, Tabs was a stray, and I don’t know the date of his actual birthday. And I’m a little reluctant to take my crazy cat lady-ness to that level. Maybe in a few years, though…
Last person to whom you said, “I love you.”
El Hub, right before he left for work.
A song that reminds you of college?
Are You That Somebody by Aaliyah. I listened to it all through my senior year whenever I’d get ready to go out.
Can you keep a secret?
I can, but I wouldn’t want to if it was a secret that could hurt someone else. In those cases, I’d rather just not know.
What are you wearing on your lips right now?
NARS Velvet Lip Gloss Pencil in Buenos Aires from the new Summer 2012 Collection.
Weekly goals:
Make some headway on a few writing projects, get back on track with my workouts, do a little bit of cleaning (so I don’t have to do it all on the weekeend), and get to bed by 10 every night (seems like I’m always aiming for this one but falling short).

G’morning, friend! I’m just about to jump on the treadmill. Back when I was younger, I was an afternoon/early evening exerciser, but that’s changed over the past couple years. Now, if I don’t work out in the morning, it usually doesn’t happen at all.

While I go do my best impression of a hamster on a wheel, let me know how you’re doing with a quick hi in today’s Monday Poll. 🙂

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

1. Mood:
2. What type of coverage do you like for foundation?
3. Do you own a charm bracelet?
4. Your favorite childhood games?
5. Have you ever thrown your pet a birthday party?
6. Last person to whom you said, “I love you.”
7. A song that reminds you of college?
8. Can you keep a secret?
9. What are you wearing on your lips?
10. Weekly goals:

Enjoy the rest of your day, and please take extra good care of yourself this week. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 187

April 15th, 2012 by Karen 16 Comments

Tabs for MAC Furfinish in Extra Dimension

Tabs is watching The Social Network tonight on TV, and I don’t know if you knew this, but he was actually one of the original founders of Facebook.

Yeah, it was called The Catbook at that time, and Tabs was the president of the Crimson Feline Society at Harvard, the largest cats-only club on campus, so he was responsible for getting cats to sign up to the new website.

Anywho, there was some politicking among Tabs and the other founders, some allegations related to intellectual property, and Tabs got pushed out. It’s okay, though, because it freed up his time to focus on kitty modeling. 🙂

Tabs couldn’t even talk about it for years because of ongoing litigation… He and Mark Zuckerberg weren’t on speaking terms there for a while, but they’re civil now.

Speaking of kitty modeling, Tabs had a busy week! He had kitty modeling jobs for MAC, Zoya, Hourglass, NARS and Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics. Here’s some of his most recent work.

Tabs for Zoya Field and Mouse

Tabs for Hourglass Eye Shadow Duo in Duet
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The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

April 15th, 2012 by Karen 9 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Weekly Roundup

I’m starting to realize just how much I enjoy going to tea houses. On my second trip into the city this week, I had a hankering for tea and that smoked salmon quiche I had earlier in the week at Samovar Tea Lounge, so I went back on Thursday.

I love the whole experience of it, ya know, because you’re there, you’re eating, you’re socializing. Plus, you’re having tea! And you’re having it in cute little cups with matching saucers.

Which reminds me — have we ever talked about fine china? I don’t own any, but I’d love to have a nice set someday. Doing dishes the other day, I realized that I don’t own a full set of matching dishes. And I may never will, thanks to El Hub (sorry, sweetie, but it’s true). I love that man, but he has an uncanny knack for breaking plates, and quite frankly, it drives me bonkers.

I don’t know how one man can break so many dishes… It’s like his superpower. I swear, if I ever get a really nice set, they’re going to be off limits to him.

A few beauty posts that caught my eye…

Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadows look lovely — We Heart This
Want! This set of T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers– Cafe Makeup
And speaking of curls, the ghd Style Curl Hold Spray looks intriguing, too — Let’s MakeYuUp
Nom nom, coral nail polishes for spring! — The Beauty Look Book
I like the idea of the natural, sheer matte finish of this Chanel Loose Powder — 25fLondon
New lipstick shades from Le Metier de Beaute — The Non-Blonde
Butter London Nail Stickers? Yes, please! — A Vain Woman
A soft, blue eye look with Clarins — The Notice
A tutorial with soft citrus colors to wake up your eye look — Beaut.ie
Sounds like I need this Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate, stat — MakeUp4All

Oh, no. They’re back! Reports of a new makeup monster sighting are trickling in. Witnesses report seeing purple school buses and orange stop lights. Very unusual, indeed…

Color Chameleon

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Makeup Monster Description: Color Chameleons are shy, solitary reptilian humanoids with an unfortunate special ability. Like other species in the Chamaeleonidae family, they are able to change their skin color, which they often use as camouflage to avoid predators, or when courting a mate; however, they are also able to change the color of items in their immediate surroundings, which makes them particularly dangerous to makeup artists. And painters.

Although generally peaceful, they are quick to react when bright colors, interesting color patterns or large blocks of uninterrupted color threaten their territory. Using stealth and camouflage, they will stalk the colorful interloper, getting up to within a few feet of it, and then change its colors by proximity.

They derive sustenance by licking pigmented products. It’s kind of nasty…but not altogether dangerous.

Frequency: Rare
Speed: Medium
Armor Class: 5
Special Attacks: Proximity pigment change
Special Defenses: Camouflage
Intelligence: Low
Alignment: Neutral
Size: Medium (7â€² tall)