
Hey friend! How’s it going on this third day of the year? It’s quiet in my house, and I don’t know how I feel about it!
We’ve had so many people go in and out our doors over the past two weeks, and with my sidekick at home, it was loud and boisterous and just so lovely. Now I miss it, but I’m also kind of relieved, which is weird, I know.



Maybe I’m still recovering from the trauma known as 2020, but socializing these days, while I enjoy it, takes a lot out of me.
I’m naturally a social person, but hosting, cooking and cleaning is draining, RIGHT? Why are there so many dishes? And why does vacuuming never cease? LOL!
And yet… I still love the hustle and bustle of having friends and family over. It just reminds me that life keeps going.
Anyway, the only sound I hear now is Rosie chomping on her kibble and the refrigerator humming. I’m a little lonely, not gonna lie.

Yesterday I wanted to be productive and planned to stow the Christmas decorations, but instead we spent it painting Connor’s new rain boots with these awesome Posca paint pens.

Connor did most of the designs, but I chipped in a little bit here and there with some hearts and stars.


These rain boots, by the way, are from a new-to-me Canadian brand called Kamik, and they were so good at keeping Connor’s feet dry that I want a pair for myself.
Before we decorated them yesterday, we took the boots out for some puddle stomping at a hike we like to do in our town that leads you up to a waterfall, and even after crossing multiple creeks, Connor’s socks stayed absolutely dry.
My socks got wet, though!


Am I the only person who just cannot deal with wet socks? They’re my pet peeve. Anyway, I’m on a mission to find a pair for myself!
I’m also on a mission to put on eyeshadow that is not NARS Fez or Kalahari (my go-to shades for, oh, the last six months or so). This morning I dug into a drawer and unearthed some beauties from Jane Iredale!

If today’s FOTD turns out OK, I’ll let ya know.
How are you doing today? What’s new on your end?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen

Happy New Year’s Karen! I have the Kamik rain boots (Heidi) in red and I love them. I bought them a half size larger and put a thin shoe insert in them for a little extra cushion. Amazon usually has them on sale for about $35. My son (10 yrs) has Kamik snow boots…and his feet stayed dry in the snow last week. Great brand:)
I have so many pretty eye shadows to play with… but I usually just wear MAC All That Glitters because it is so easy to wear. It’s a color that I know looks good on me without much effort. I always plan to wear a different color….and then reach for the same thing.
Connor reminds me so much of my little girl. She is 8 and loves art and animals. Alot of Connor’s hoodies, shoes, and leggings match hers😊 (Cat & Jack from Target???)
I am attempting to start a journal for the New Year. I really want to be more mindful this year and work on my anxiety. I want to have a more positive outlook and learn to look for silver linings. I’m hoping that writing some of it down will help. Hopefully….I stick with it😝.
Yes, good eye! I get a ton of stuff from Cat & Jack because it fits her well and the prints are so fun. I bet our girls would get along fabulously.
Good for you for starting a journal. I live with anxiety too, so I understand completely. What things help you manage it?
For me, a lot of it is tied to making sure I’m good about getting my basics down — going to bed at a decent time, making sure I get enough protein (weird, but it helps me a LOT), exercising to get those endorphins and actively managing my thoughts.
Also knowing where I am in my cycle… that helps a TON. Anywho. I know how it is to be in the thick of it. You’re not alone!
Trying to include exercise is a big one for me too. I have trouble making time for myself. Trying to balance everything (kids, pets, work, etc) in life is hard sometimes. If I exercise, I definitely feel better. I am trying to make sure I find time for me.
I also try not to overload my mind with news articles and be more selective in what I’m reading everyday. In today’s world…we have the “news” and opinions right at our fingertips ALL the time. It’s very easy to get information overload and I am trying to limit that.
It’s hard to make time for yourself when you’re doing all the things. Maybe start by doing just 20 minutes a day? When I’m not feeling motivated, I tell myself that 20 minutes equals two 10 minute workouts, which for some reason makes it feel doable.
I have two 10 minute no equipment cardio video workouts that are my go-to’s when I’m not feeling motivated. I’m happy to share if you’re interested!
Absolutely interested😁. Any help and advice is very much appreciated.
Sure. When I’m having a hard time getting started, it helps for me to think of a workout in small chunks. It also helps me to do workouts that don’t involve a lot of extra equipment (it’s just that much more to set up and clean up).
On those days, I’ll start with one 10 minute workout, like this cardio kickboxing workout. I’ll tell myself that I don’t have to go all out — as long as I’m moving my body, then I’m doing OK. Like seriously, I set the bar LOW.
After I get through that first chunk of 10 minutes, it’s usually enough for me to want to keep going. If I don’t want to find another workout, I’ll just repeat the same video. Or, I’ll do this 10 minute HIIT cardio workout, which goes by quickly, too.
And if I’m really having a hard time, I give myself a lot of grace… I’ll take a 20 minute walk outside or I’ll stretch for 20 minutes, and that’ll be my movement for the day.
One thing I’ve learned is that exercise doesn’t always have to be hard. I’m allowed days when just moving my body in some way that brings me joy is enough.
Ugh, I am definitely lonely. My house is way too quiet. My son was home for Christmas but left yesterday morning to drive back to Denver to his job and his new apartment. It feels so weird writing that.
Anyway, I’ve got wicked bad empty nest. It’s soooooo hard.
Love the boots
It IS so hard! Maybe you need to fill your house up with animals? I swear when Connor leaves for college I will have at least 5 cats and 2 dogs. LOL!
I have some Kamik snowboots that are also waterproof and I love them! Connor Claire’s turned out super cute, what a fun idea! Going back to work after all the holiday excitement is a real bummer. Plus my girls both have colds right now so I really wanted to stay home with them, but their dad is taking good care of them! This weekend I turn 40 so we’re going to go out to eat with some friends and then go bowling, something to look forward to at least!
Oh wow, happy early birthday! 40 is a big one! I hope you have so much fun celebrating with your friends. Do you have any makeup planned?
Oooh I haven’t really thought about it but maybe a bright lip!
You gotta do a little something. And maybe some sparkly birthday nails?
Dear Daughter had Kamik rain boots, too! They kept her feet/socks dry and mud free at the barn after riding and around town. So yes, get yourself a pair. You are not weird. Wet socks are definitely the worst!
Quiet around here, too. Dear Daughter flew back to Chicago yesterday and Nibbler is missing her. To be fair, so am I.
As much as I wanted to keep the holiday lights up, we took them down today since it’s the last rain free day in a while.
I guess today was a lonely day for the moms and the cats, le sigh.
Good for you for taking down the lights! I managed to get my booty in gear and took down all the decorations so that I don’t have to haul stuff back into the garage during a downpour.
How do you work out when it’s raining? Does your trainer come over?
Wet socks are the worst. They start rubbing and you end up with blisters and cold feet. The worst!
But the hike looks beautiful.
Love the rain boot artwork! Those pens are cool! I don’t think I’ve ever had a pair of rain boots, but I should since I also hate wet feet. I do have plenty of waterproof winter boots, though. HAHA!
I bet your waterproof winter boots keep your feet nice and toasty! It snows out your way, right?