Just For Fun

Hey there, friend. Who’s up for a Caturday mani-pedi? I’m making it a priority from now until the end of the year to do a weekly polish session! Having nice nails does a lot for my mood, and when I’m diligent about painting them every week, I just feel so much better.

I’m already fully stocked with a collection of fall nail shades, but you know, one can always make room for another one, like this gorgeous purple Gel Couture by Essie. 😍

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This week’s reading

• Underpainting is a thing.
• Researchers have found that dudes wearing makeup are considered more attractive.
• Makeup pros talk about diversity in Hollywood.
• Advent calendars for grown ups! Side note — why do I find the one with the Bonne Maman jam jars exciting?
• Vanilla scents that don’t smell like a bakery.
• Next time you’re at Tar-ghay, consider picking up one of these beautiful and affordable scents — all less than $30.
• “Scent can hold a lot of meaning for people, it’s transportive, storing memories and boosting mood. It really is a feel-good product, and one that people savour and truly enjoy when they use it.”
• Skin care culture and how celebs are cashing in.

Talk to me!

In case you need recs.

And in case you need more.

Oui, oui.

Feeling villainous?

I still love this song.

Hope your weekend is off to a great start. What are you up to today?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Monster Mash or Ghostbusters?

We did the mash. We did the Monster Mash! It was a graveyard splash…

2. If you were in a horror film and went down into a dark basement with just a flashlight, would you survive?

Hell yeah, I would make it out of that basement! Granted, I’d be covered in blood (someone else’s, not mine) and would hold onto the trauma for waaaaay too long, but I’d make it out.

3. Removing the stringy guts from a pumpkin: fun or totally disgusting?

A little bit of both. Mostly fun!

4. Fruit-flavored candy or chocolate Halloween candy?

Unless it’s Albanese peach rings or gummy bears, I don’t want anything to do with fruit-flavored Halloween candy. Chocolate all the way! Fun-size Snickers, ideally.

5. Have you ever smashed (or stolen) someone else’s jack-o-lantern?

Nah, I was a square when I was a kid. If I did something like that, I’d be really remorseful and stressed out about the whole situation.

6. What’s something that’s surprised you about Halloween?

Honestly, how tipsy most of the parents are when you take a kid trick or treating, LOL! I don’t really drink because I’m terrible at handling my liquor (total lightweight); plus, and I know this is gonna sound crazy, but if I’m suddenly in a life-or-death situation amongst a big crowd of strangers, I’m gonna have ALL my facilities working at 100 percent.

7. Would you rather wear a sexy clown or a scary clown costume?

I think the scary clown costume would 1) be a lot more comfortable, and 2) warmer, so let’s go with that.

8. Roasted pumpkin seeds: yes or no?

No. I don’t dislike them, but I also don’t understand the hype.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Monster Mash or Ghostbusters?
2. If you were in a horror film and went down into a dark basement with just a flashlight, would you survive?
3. Removing the stringy guts from a pumpkin: fun or totally disgusting?
4. Fruit-flavored candy or chocolate Halloween candy?
5. Have you ever smashed (or stolen) someone else’s jack-o-lantern?
6. What’s something that’s surprised you about Halloween?
7. Would you rather wear a sexy clown or a scary clown costume?
8. Roasted pumpkin seeds: yes or no?

P.P.S. Happy Monday, and happy Halloween, friend. Whatever you’re up to today and tonight, stay safe and stay healthy! 🤗

Hi, friend. Happy Caturday!

My new favorite thing lately has been making banana bread for my friends and neighbors. It’s one of the things I’ve been doing to keep my spirit up; there’s something about giving baked treats that makes my heart feel good.

I’ve been using this easy recipe. It also works great with gluten-free flour if you have a wheat allergy!

Anywho, I’ve been chugging along and wrapping up the last of my projects at work. My final day is Monday — Halloween! I’m half tempted to show up to my meetings dressed up in some crazy state.

Or maybe I’ll just throw some panda ears on and call it a day?

You know I like to keep things interesting.

Are you (or your littles) dressing up this year? Coywolf is doing a mermaid vibe.

This week’s reading

• Climate change threatens the future of perfume as we know it.
• Oud, a fragrance ingredient, is one of the most expensive raw materials in the world.
• Did anybody ask for this Batman perfume?
• Siri, remind me to buy another bottle of Essie Bordeux.
• Taylor’s wearing Pat in her newest video.
• What is high porosity hair and how can you keep it healthy?

For my curly girls!

OK, the makeup in this is *chef’s kiss.*

Just in case.

Why does stuff like this never happen when I go to Chipotle?

Important information!

Microneedling 411.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

What’s currently on yours?

Since I found out that I would be laid off and my last day at work will be next Monday, I’ve been going back and forth between all the feels — stress, anger, acceptance and weirdly enough, relief, to name just a few.

A list of simple self-care is much needed for me today:

• Wash face
• Brush teeth
• Fix hair
• Wax ‘stache 🙂
• Put on cute top and pants
• Paint nails
• Put on a little makeup
• Put on earrings and a necklace
• Work out
• Write just for fun
• Drink water
• Eat enough protein (side note: I didn’t realize until I was an adult how critical this actual is, OMG)
• Plan tomorrow
• Do three job search tasks (they can be small ones)
• Text a friend

I’m holding on to hope, though and letting the universe know that we’re all ready for all the good things it has in store for us.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Werewolf of vampire?

Either situation sounds dire. If I had to choose one, though, then I’d probably go with werewolf. At least you could still see the sun, and you don’t have to eat blood.

2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?

I went to public school from kindergarten through high school. College, too. It was OK, I guess. I feel like I could’ve used more attention and guidance. (I was a quiet kid.)

3. Last thing you baked?

I made two loaves of banana bread last night. One for El Hub, and one for a friend who needed cheering up.

4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?

My usual answer to this would be yes, but as of right now, I still haven’t had a single pumpkin spice latte. My taste buds have not been loving on sweet drinks lately. Weird!

5. Your halloween costume?

I have a pair of panda ears that have been in rotation for the last couple of years. I’ll probably go with that!

6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?

In our immediate neighborhood, no. We live up a steep hill, plus there’s not a lot of kids. In my town, people tend to drive to certain neighborhoods that are designated as trick-or-treating hot spots.

7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?

This is going to sound comical, but mascara is still really annoying to me! I went to Sephora yesterday, and out of sheer desperation, I bought a tube of an old-school fave of mine, YSL Faux Cils. I really hope it’s as good as I remember.

8. Lancome or Clinique?

Hmmm. Clinique. The makeup is generally sheerer, so I don’t have to fuss too much with blending, and my skin gets along with their skin care.

9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?

Girl, no… I should really start soon, though. I’m determined to not do anything last minute!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Werewolf of vampire?
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
3. Last thing you baked?
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
5. Your halloween costume?
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
8. Lancome or Clinique?
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?

P.P.S. How’s your Monday going so far, friend? I hope this week treats you with kindness! 🤗