Happy Monday, kitty cat. 🙂 I’m heading to the airport early this afternoon to catch my flight to New Orleans, and I thought, hey, let’s do a little something-something different for this week’s Monday Poll.
Like how about an open thread?
It’s a chit-chat free-for-all in the comments, haaay! Let me know what you’ve been loving lately or what’s been on your mind.
Or just come say hi.
I’ll tell you what’s currently on my mind right now…
These shoes!
I like to treat myself to a pair of shoes on my birthday (I’ve been doing it since my 20s), and I figured that I’d be doing a lot of walking in New Orleans this week, so I picked up this fun pair of Roxy Ventura Cheetah Slip-On Sneakers ($39.99) last Friday at DSW (looks like they’re also available online).
The cheetah print got me, obvs. This particular cat lady is incapable of resisting big cat prints.
I actually tried to resist them, but then I saw the hot pink soles…
Had to have ’em! They’re awfully comfy, too.
I’m looking forward to having action-packed adventures in them this summer.
What are you favorite pair of walking shoes? Inquiring, shoe-loving minds want to know.
Have a wonderful week, my friend! I hope to see you in the comments. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hey Karen! Have lots of fun in New Orleans. I’ve never been to New Orleans but it’s on my list. Please eat a Beignet and a Po’Boy for me 🙂
My favourite pair of walking shoes are actually Nike sneakers especially the ones with the Lunarlon soles. They work really well for touristy things like walking (or running) in the airport, climbing stairs, roughing it out on a rainy day on soggy sidewalks and cobblestones. Cobblestones can be so uncomfortable on tire feet.
I am tempted to get a pair of Vans slip-ons for summer though.
Hi Fieran,
Definitely. The plan is to eat beignets on my birthday! 🙂
You should get some Vans! I have a pair of lace-up canvas Vans and love ’em.
Will you be doing any traveling this summer?
Aha 🙂 Yes, I might look at getting a pair of Vans when it warms up here a bit more. We’ve been stuck in transition weather for a long, long time.
We are thinking of going to South of Germany to see my in-laws for a few days and then Stockholm for a long weekend in July. We’re saving the rest of our vacation days for a trip to Malaysia in the Fall instead. Hopefully things pan out 🙂
They are leopard so i love them!
Safe travels!!!
Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions or anything. Happy Monday!
Have a WONDERFUL trip!! I’ve never been to NOLA, but have heard so many amazing things about it! Such cute shoes too!
Favorite pair of walking shoes are tennis shoes. A few years ago on an annual trip to NYC, I thought I could totally rock a new pair of heels and look and feel good all day…wrong! I wound up walking 5th Ave barefoot until I could find some tennis shoes. Now I know always comfort because shoes can ruin a fun trip and your feet!
I’ve been beyond stressed and emotional lately, and your happy, fun blog gives me a laugh for the day! I wish you the most perfect birthday ever!! Enjoy every single second and take lots of pics!
Hi Lauren,
Thank you. 🙂 I hope that you have a wonderful week too. Hopefully things will get easier for you!
How was your weekend? What did you do?
Thank you, Karen! I hiked with my hub and dog, and attempted to unpack and repack for my next move.
Have you ever been to NOLA? Do you have an itinerary, or play it as it goes? Eat, shop, and sightsee like no other! Happy BIRTHDAY!!
Fancy! I’m headed to SF in a week which is going to be so great to see my parents. On my mind lately is figuring out festival-going foundation. I have been using a super creamy foundation in the winter, and now I’m out all day and sweating, and I’d like a liquid foundation, but cruelty-free… I also don’t care enough about changing everything else about my makeup for my outdoor adventures, ha.
Had a good weekend but now I’m trying to figure out how to recover AND get the minimum amount of things done… it’s hard! Especially with a cat in my lap!
Have fun when you visit the Bay. It’s going to be hot here this week… Hopefully the weather will still be warm when you get here.
Hmm, let’s see, in terms of liquid foundation that’s cruelty-free, you have a lot of options. You could do something like Urban Decay’s Naked Skin. Lots of shades and a beautiful finish! Doesn’t feel heavy, either. Let me know if you need any more recs!
Urban Decay Naked Skin? Hmm that sounds like it’d be good. Thanks!
Just want to wish you happy birthday and a safe trip Karen !!! I’ll be sharing it with you as I’m turning 33 on the 9th 🙂
Ps you don’t look 40 at all !!!
Hi Sarah,
Happy birthday to you too, June baby! 😀 Did you know that Johnny Depp also shares our birthday?
What are you doing for your b-day?
Thank you… Natalie Portman also shares our birthday 🙂 it’s a great day lol.
I won’t be doing much just eating a Chinese takeaway for tea with my in-laws and my two children, Katie aged 8 and Daniel who will be 1 on 22nd June. I’ve requested Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Floral Drops from hubby dearest so looking forward to that. I treated myself to a new Clinique Cheek Pop in Heather Pop yesterday and it’s a great dupe for MAC Easy Manner which you got me hooked on.
Hope you have a great trip and looking forward to reading about it 🙂
And so does Michael J. Fox (my childhood crush from the ’80s, LOL!). June 9th is very popular!
That sounds like a lovely and low-key birthday plan. I hope that your family spoils you and that the get together with the loved ones is fun, fun, fun!
Aren’t those Clinique Cheek Pops the best? Did you wear it today?
Michael J Fox that’s the other June 9 I couldn’t remember lol
I did wear the cheek pop today I couldn’t wait to try it on… It’s such a lovely colour I couldn’t stop admiring it, I wore it over the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Buff… seriously Karen you have to try that powder, I’m a wee bit obsessed 🙂 this coming from a Chanel loose powder and MAC MSF natural addict !!!!
Hi Karen, Happy Birthday! Been reading your blog for quite a while. Just realized you now have a youtube channel. I’m a California girl, born in ’77, so I totally relate to a lot of what you say. I often look at your makeup and wonder how you did that so I’d love to see more tutorials. I know you will get more comfortable with them as time goes on. You are so funny and I love your positive attitude. Hope the vacation is fab!
Hi Angelina,
Thank you! I would LOVE to do more tutorials. Right now it’s a time issue. I wish there were more hours in the day! And I wish I didn’t need any sleep. LOL
What part of California are you from? I’m in the Bay Area.
Have a wonderful week!
Lurv those shoes!! I’m having one of those moments where I just want to buy all of the shoes and tops and skirts and dresses and shorts and EVERYTHING… sigh, lol! I have a couple articles of clothing that I’d really like to restyle so they look & fit better, so maybe I’ll work on that in lieu of shopping – at the moment, anyways 🙂
And HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY!! <3
Thank you, Shannon! I totally know what you mean. I almost can’t go to LOFT because I want everything in the store. Totally feel yo’ pain, girl!
Hi Karen! Have fun in Naaaaaarl’nz! 🙂 We’re getting a full recap soon, right?
Thank you! 🙂 Yes, I’ll be posting (or I’ll try to) when I’m there. Let me know if you have any questions for the open thread. 🙂 Have a good week!
New Orleans is one of my most favorite travel destinations! So so fun and the food is AMAZING. One of my most favorite things to do is to grab a Cajun Bloody Mary (it’s a drink with snacks!) and then wander around the French Quarter taking pictures. That’s literally a perfect day for me.
Anyway, I cleaned out some of my makeup stash this weekend and gifted it to my co-workers. They are all very excited haha. And my little sister graduated high school last night!
Have fun in NOLA!
Hi Kalli,
We’ll be staying in the French Quarter, which I’m very excited about. Where are your favorite places to eat?
Palace Cafe has been amazing every time. I know you’re veggie girl, but maybe your hubby can try their duck with foie gras. It’s their signature dish and it’s so good. They have a lot of classic Cajun/Creole and seafood and do a show for Bananas Foster!
Emeril’s in the Warehouse district is great too. I like their Redfish dish. It’s Emeril Lagasse’s very first restaurant.
K-Paul’s in the Quarter is another place for classic New Orleans. I like his Barbeque Shrimp and the last time I was there, a jazz band walked through the whole restaurant and into the kitchen, playing music the whole way! It’s Paul Prudhomme’s signature restaurant.
Commander’s Palace does a 25 cent martini lunch during the week, they’re tiny but potent! Galatoire’s is really great for seafood too, although a bit pricey.
Don’t go to Acme Oyster House though, it’s totally overrated. For amazing chargrilled oysters, take the short trek to Drago’s in Metarie. The chargrilled oysters are covered in butter, garlic and Parmesan and you get a half of a loaf of French bread to sop up all the butter & cheese after you finish the oysters!
Last thing! Check out the Napoleon House for the best Pimm’s Cup ever! It’s what they’re known for and it’s a great, cool drink for the humid weather and the atmosphere is so old-school NOLA.
Have so much fun and happy early birthday! 🙂 <3
Cute shoes AND the come in half sizes ~ whoo hoot!
Monica.
Hi Monica,
Gotta love the half sizes! Let me know if you have any questions for the open thread. Have a good week!
Hi Karen,
have a safe flight and a wonderful time in New Orleans! I wish you a marvellous birthday!
I’ve just bought some very similar shoes, but mine have a smaller leo print and are not nearly as sturdy as yours. They’re more like espadrilles. I’ve got some zebra ones too – I love animal prints!
Over here in Germany I’m starting the week with lots of rain and even more work-related stress, which dampens my mood somehow, so I went and bought myself a new lipstick. Any excuse, right? But I’m feeling a bit better now :).
Lots of love and take care,
Anne
Hi Anne,
Thank you for the well wishes and the birthday wishes! I will take them. 🙂
Have you always been into animal prints? It’s a relatively new thing for me. It started with a pair of leopard print flats and has now turned into a full-blow obsession. I’m all about the big cats, LOL!
What lipstick did you get, by the way?
Oh no, I used to wear all black for a very long time, and there were no prints whatsoever to be seen in my closet. I’m starting to experiment now, lol. I also really love Aztec and flower prints. I love prints, period. Especially in tops and cardigans. I often wonder if it’s still age-appropriate (I’ll be 33 in September), but I guess one should wear the things that one feels most comfortable in.
Sorry, I’m rambling XD.
I got an Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Shine in Mischievous Rose. At the store I swatched it on my arm and loved it, but when I first applied it to my lips it looked just meh. After a few minutes I looked in the mirror again and suddenly really liked it. It just needed to settle to become the most beautiful colour. That has never happened to me before! It’s also really nourishing. I love it.
Since this is an open thread: What’s your most favourite lipstick ever? I’ve always wanted to know that.
Sorry to jump in, but I just had to wave “Hi” to a fellow German reader going by the lovely name Anne and wearing animal prints.
The rain will pass (at least this is what my weather app tells me) and I will rock my Zebra flats again. There is no age limit to that (I turned 36 in February)
Hi! It’s always nice to meet fellow German readers online. I have to go and check out your blog.
I’m really looking forward to some sunshine, and I want it to stay! This wet/dry/hot/cold rollercoaster has been going on for too long.
And yay for zebra flats! *high five*
Above 25 °C for another week straight, starting Wednesday.
I am so excited! Now all that is left is to fake tan my legs tomorrow night.
Wishing you a very happy birthday and safe travels to New Orleans! I’m so excited that you get to visit because it’s such a unique city. We loved it so much we’re already planning a return trip. Excited to hear about your trip and see some pics. Have fun! 🙂
Hi Ruchita,
Thank you so much for your recs! I can’t wait to eat my way through the city. 🙂
Thank you for the reply! I’m in beautiful and sunny Southern California. Wish you a wonderful week as well.
Oh, how nice! I enjoy visiting SoCal. Actually I have friends who are moving to Thousand Oaks soon, so maybe I’ll be there more often. You never know!
Enjoy the rest of your day. 🙂
Have a wonderful trip Karen!
Thank you, Lisa! Have a great week!
Hi Karen, I just wanted to say HI! And tell you that every day when your email shows up in my inbox it feels like a hug from a friend 🙂 I hope you have a great trip to New Orleans (don’t melt!).
-Hyzenthlay
Hi Hyzenthlay,
HI!!!!! It’s been forever. I hope that you’re doing well. Want to know something funny? I was cleaning a couple weeks ago and I found a tube of Viva Glam Cyndi and I totally thought of you.
How’s your summer going? Is school out yet?
School ended last Thursday and graduation was last Friday 🙂 So, I feel like I am kinda sorta officially on summer vacation – except that I have to go back for a district meeting on Wednesday and I am wordsmithing a document today for that meeting . . . I also totally “awwwwww”ed when I read that you thought of me! I still LOVE that VG Cyndi, as well as my other new favorite, Lychee Luxe 🙂 And I wore EvoRevo to graduation last Friday night 🙂
Have a fun trip, sounds exciting! I used to be so vain, I wouldn’t wear flats….no more. I love the Roxy Slip-Ons <3
Hi Valerie,
I used to be the same way! I was the girl at the airport with heels on. Now I’m all about flats. You never know when you’ve got to sprint to catch a flight or a cab…
How was your weekend? Good, I hope!
Those are so cute! Have fun on your trip! Have a beignet for me! Oh and happy birthday!!!
Definitely. I’ll eat one for you, one for me, and one just because. 🙂
Hi, Karen. This is my first post, I just subscribed to your blog this weekend. I binge read all weekend. Lol Love the shoes. I am addicted to all things animal print. Have a safe and happy trip.
Hi Mary W,
It’s very nice to meet you! I’m so glad you enjoy the site. 🙂
Thank you for the well wishes… I hope you have a wonderful week!
Oh and I have to add I love Toms for walking. They pack great. I buy a new pair every time I go to San Diego. Their wedges are super cute and comfy too!
For lots and lots of walking I like birkenstocks. The thong sandal kind. I wore a pair all over the place in Italy and they were so comfortable and supportive. People may say they are ugly, but sometimes comfort trumps fashion!
Hi Elena,
Ahh, I wish I picked up a pair of Toms! Next trip. 🙂
How often do you go to San Diego? It’s one of my favorite places to visit, by the way. I learned to surf there!
Usually one to two times a year. I love it!!! I hope to go back soon. It’s been almost a year and I am due for another trip! I love SoCal!
I love Toms! I have lately been eyeing the cat vans though. One day…I have already splurged enough this month!
One of my coworkers recently went to New Orleans. It sounds like a lot of fun!
Happy early birthday Karen!!! I hope you have lots of fun in NOLA! I’ve never been but it’s on my list of places to go. I love the shoes and I need to find a similar pair. Although I feel like when I wear slip on shoes like that my feet look bigger. Maybe it’s in my head. I bought a pair of Clark Sandals from Hautelook that have a velcro closure that I love for this summer. I also bought a pair of wedges from JustFab that have a velcro opening that I love. I guess I just like velcro shoes.
Hi Tulipthecat!
Gotta love velcro for its practicality. I used to have a pair of Clarks that I wore all the time; they make great shoes that are so, so comfy.
How was your weekend? What did you, Tulip and Jaz do?
My cousin was in town from Dubai so I hung around with her and my aunt. We went shopping for dresses for her sister’s wedding in the Philippines in September. We went shopping at Valley Fair and ate a lot of food this weekend. She’s leaving today but she’ll be back on the 19th. She’s a flight purser for Emirate airlines. Tulip kept trying to sneak out of the house yesterday and play in the backyard and eat grass. Jaz found my cousin’s lap and fell asleep.
The weather is so hot today and I’ll probably go home early from work to let Tulip outside on her leash. What did you and Tabs do this weekend?
Oh I was at Sephora this weekend and I wanted to get a NARS foundation – either the sheer glow or all day luminous. Any thoughts?
Happy birthday, dear lady!! Those shoes look great for walking around; I bought some white leather Converse sneaks a few months ago and they became super comfy after 1-2 wears of breaking them in.
While you’re in NOLA, check out Cafe Beignet, Pat O’Briens hurricanes, the Garden District, and Elizabeth’s in the Bywater for brunch – the praline bacon, fried green tomatoes, and biscuits with gravy were happy-tear-inducing!! Cafe Negril and the rest of Frenchmen St are super fun as well 🙂
HaPpY BirThDaY a few days early. Enjoy NOLA. Have not been there but it is on my bucket list. My son will be there for a week in September. My daughter celebrated her 30th birthday there! This last weekend we had two grandkids graduate…when did I get so old had another granddaughter come up from Indy (we are in Michigan). I subscribe to Birchbox and Ipsy and so I gathered all the products that didn’t work for me and packed a nice little cosmetic bag for her. Fun for her and got my cosmetic stash cleaned out. Question for you…are the MAC products worth the money?
These shoes look like so much fun. Enjoy New Orleans!
I forgot to say that my closet is overflowing with Toms. Next up is the animal print!
Have a fabulous time in NO! Those cute sneaks will be just the thing. It’s been years and years since I was in NO, and I was there for work on my own so I stupidly didn’t go to any of the famous restaurants for dinner. I wish I had. But I enjoyed it, loved the pretty houses in one of the neighborhoods (where Anne Rice lives), and did some great antique jewelry shopping. Enjoy and post pix!
Hi Allison,
We’ve got Anne Rice’s house on our list! I hope you have a fabulous week, too!
And one more thing lol…my daughter was sporting a brand new pair of silver metallic Birkenstocks this weekend. My sister told me to come over and shop her closet as she has so many pairs of Birks and if I take a few pair it will give her an excuse to buy the metallics!! Got to love a sister who wears the same size shoe!
Hi Sandy!
Love Toms shoes. They’re super comfy! I want a basic black pair. Anywho, the silver Birks are very in this season. I’ve been seeing a lot of them lately.
Re: MAC, I think a lot of it is worth the money. Like any makeup line, there are some things that aren’t my faves, but I think that when they get it right, it’s really, really great. Do you want a few recs? Right now I’m loving on the Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Powder (very much like the Chanel loose powder, but in pressed form and more colors!), their old school powder shadows (Woodwinked is a fave) and their lipsticks.
Happy Birthday week Karen!!! You will have a blast in NOLA. For me, it’s all about the food and coffee 🙂 I’m a huge sucker for shrimp creole or chicken creole, red beans and rice, tasty hurricanes, and beignets and coffee. Oh geez, I’m starving now….The shoes are super cute. I just got some 80’s throwback tennies that I love wearing everywhere 🙂
Hi Cherie,
Just reading your list made me hungry! When did you visit NOLA?
Have a wonderful week!
Something that’s really been on my mind these last few days is getting out of school! A bunch of schools in my area have already gotten out, my school is one of the last ones! Urgh…
Have fun in New Orleans! I hope you have a great time!
Thank you, Lauren S.! I hope you have a wonderful week. 🙂
Thanks, you too, and have fun!
Safe travels and happy birthday Karen! Hope you have a great time!
I want to buy a pair of TOMS soon, but I first need to de-clutter and get rid of all the shoes that I don’t wear anymore!
WAIT….You’re coming to NOLA?!! I live in NOLA!!
this is so exciting, I hope you have a blast.
be careful walking on Bourbon St. with your new shoes tho, while it is a fun spot, it is not the cleanest.
if you are going to be in the quarter, I’m sure you have tons of recommendations but Stanley’s has a great brunch, so does Muriel’s. Café Maspero has great red beans!
If you have time, don’t forget to check out Magazine St. and all the boutiques (Between Washington and Jefferson)
I would say take the St. Charles Street car if you can, and go for a ride along st Charles avenue…but there is a lot of construction going on. if you don’t mind that, its a lovely area for a stroll on the avenue.
oh and Drago’s at the Hilton is a must for chargrilled oysters.
and since you like shopping, you can walk right over the the Riverwalk Shopping Center.
Cannot wait to see your posts of your trip! ENJOY
Hi Yelena,
Yes! I’m leaving today and I’ll be there until Thursday! Thank you for these recs; if you have any more I would LOOOOOVE to hear about them!
Karen! You gotta go to Cafe du monde and have coffee and beignets. It’s the perfect NOLA day.
Hi Karen! Just wanted to share my appreciation for you. I love checking out your blog daily. You never fail to put a smile on my face (and another makeup must-have on my mind). Please do more ‘outfits of the day’ and exercise tips. I’m trying to get back into running, but it’s been a big challenge for me (I’m lazy). You also inspire a lot of my clothes picks as well 🙂
Have a great time in New Orleans…and have a wonderful birthday!!
HAPPY FOXY 40!!! I’ll be right with you on Thursday! Leveling up to new and exciting things!!! Great shoes!
Looking forward to those pics from NOLA! I just there over a week ago and had so much fun. I had a list of restaurants to try and managed to cross a few of them off. Another trip is in order for the rest!
Have an awesome time in New Orleans and happy big 4-0! You make 40 look fabulous and I love reading your blog. I’ve never been to New Orleans but I’ve heard it’s a fun place to visit. Lots to do and see for sure! Take lots of pics, and I can’t wait to see them!
I’ve been under some stress lately, really hoping that I keep progressing the way I have in this process I’m in for a job. It’s the career I am meant to be in, and it’s stressful when you want it very badly and have had considerable roadblocks to get there. On one hand, it will happen when it happens…but I’m just Type A enough to not let it be in my head!
Anyways, enjoy your trip and have a fantastic b-day!
I’d love to go to New Orleans! There are so many places I want to visit, and so little time and money for travelling, sigh…
I love slip-on sneakers, I got a loyal pair of Vans that I wear all the time. I don’t really like to walk long distances or long hours in them though because they have zero heel drop and no arch support at all, and my feet hurt after a couple hours. I prefer a pair of sneakers (or sandals) with good cushioning and a heel that’s a few millimeters higher than the forefoot. That really helps with the pain under the foot in my case.
Happy Happy Birthday, Karen!!! It’s the 9th of June here in Singapore hehe…we’re 13 hours ahead of NOLA.
I’ve been reading your blog now for more than 4 years; love your writing and humour and always look forward to any new post. Have bought some of your recs as well
Your new shoes look very comfy and should carry you well during your break. My faves for walking are Fit Flops; I just retired my 4-year-old ones and bought two more.
I’d love to visit NOLA and your country one day. Have heard about famous foods like Beignets, Deep-dish pizza, Philly Cheese Steak etc and would love to try them haha.
Have an awesome birthday break and safe travels!
Look forward to reading about it when you return 🙂
Safe travels and have an awesome fun filled birthday
I love NOLA! I interned there for a summer and I almost didn’t go back home to Illinois.
My advice: don’t waste an entire night on Bourbon Street. Walk around for an hour and you’ll basically get the gist of it. The great music is on Frenchman. And while you’re on Frenchman, have dinner at Adolfo’s. Arrive early, because there’ll be a wait – every minute of that wait is SOOO worth it. Be adventurous and get the frog legs if they’re still on the menu.
And drinks at the Sazerac! They’re amazing!
If you’re up for going a little farther away from the Quarter, Elizabeth’s in the Upper 9th Ward has some great étouffée!
Have fun and have a wonderful birthday!
Hi! I think my message yesterday must not have posted for some reason, but happy birthday, dear lady!! Those Vans look great for walking 🙂 I bought a pair of white leather Converse sneaks a few months back and they became the most comfortable and cute walking shoes after 1-2 wears to break them in!
If you have time while you’re in NOLA, please check out Cafe Beignet (more substantial beignets than Cafe Du Monde), Pat O’Brien’s (super strong hurricane drinks in the lush courtyard!), Elizabeth’s in the Bywater area (literally happy-tear-inducing praline bacon, fried green tomatoes, and biscuits with gravy, plus it’s near the river and a really nice park!), Garden District (Magazine St is great for wandering, and Sandra Bullock’s house is in the area I think), Frenchmen St at night (Cafe Negril is great for music and tacos – there’s also an outdoor art market sometimes), annnnd I think that’s it! I hope you have a great trip!!