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Archives for December 2012

Kitty Model Fail

December 18th, 2012 by Karen 11 Comments






I tried to get Tabs to do a holiday modeling session today, and he was NOT having it.

There are 11 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Photo

All Aboard the Chanel No. 5 Trolley! 5 Fun Facts About Chanel No. 5, and a Giant 10.7-Ounce Bar of No. 5 Bath Soap

December 17th, 2012 by Karen 31 Comments

All aboard the Chanel No. 5 Trolley, bound for San Francisco’s Union Square!

Toot, toot! Now boarding the Chanel No. 5 Trolley. 🙂

Chanel created the Trolley as an art installation of sorts, filled it with stories and lore about the iconic No. 5 fragrance, parked it in front of Macy’s in San Francisco’s Union Square last weekend and opened it to the public for free…

Come on! Let’s check it out. I booked a ticket and saved you a seat.

Our destination today? The world of Chanel No. 5…

What’s that, you ask? Can you take a picture with the male models before we board? Of course! By all means.

[SNAP!]

Um…just so you know, you’re grinning like a Cheshire cat in that picture. 🙂

Oh, hai!

Unfortunately, Brad Pitt couldn’t make it today, so we’ll be on our own. It would have been neat to bend his ear about No. 5, but apparently he’s on location filming a Chanel commercial with Tabs…

The trolley from the front
Picture Mr. Pitt behind the wheel…

Feel free to move about the trolley, and check out the different exhibits and Chanel-esque details…
[Continue reading…]

There are 31 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Chanel, Fragrance, Product Reviews, Skin Care

12 Days of Giveaways: Two Ways to Win an Abstract Signature Bow Small Natalie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade (an $88 Value)!

December 17th, 2012 by Karen 260 Comments

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

A Different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway each day for 12 days, sponsored by Neutrogena

You know the old saying, “Have Kate Spade makeup bag, will travel.” 🙂

I love this case! First, there’s the handle, which is easy to grasp, so you can quickly bolt between adventures while toting around your beauty treasures. Then there’s the roomy interior, which is spacious enough to accommodate all of your makeup must-haves and then some.

Yup, whether you’re looking for a cute case to accompany you on trips, or just have a soft spot for cute bags, it’s the $88 Kate Spade Abstract Signature Bow Small Natalie for the win!

More deets…

  • Abstract bow printed on coated cotton twill with patent cowhide trim and a zip-around closure
  • 14-karat light gold plated hardware
  • Wipeable, durable nylon lining
  • Gold printed Kate Spade New York signature
  • 4.7″h x 7.2″w x 5.3″d

I hope you’re ready…because it’s time for day three of 12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog. 🙂

  • One (1) Abstract Signature Bow Small Natalie Cosmetics Case from Kate Spade valued at $88.

  • 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 wore a bow in your hair? Do you have a signature makeup look? Is there anything you’d like to do before the end of the year? What does your Christmas stocking look like? How long does it take you to put on makeup in the morning? Do you ever wear perfume to bed? How are you with painting your own nails? What shoes did you wear today? — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win an Abstract Signature Bow Small Natalie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade! http://bit.ly/VMmyic

  • The deadline to enter is Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 11:59PM (PST).
  • 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 in the United States 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).
  • 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

P.S. Assuming you’re reading this before midnight on Tuesday, December 17, 2012, you still have time to enter the Kate Spade Signature Gia giveaway!

I’m just sayin’… 😉

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

There are 260 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Givenchy, Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 250

December 17th, 2012 by Karen 33 Comments

the makeup and beauty blog monday poll

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.

  1. Mood:
    Happy and mellow.
  2. What are you passionate about?
    Cats, makeup and blogging (obvs). And sleeping (LOL! It’s true though), movies, books, shoes and self-improvement.
  3. Do you have a favorite museum?
    The Musée d’Orsay in Paris. I’ve only been there once, and I’ve been plotting a return trip ever since. I love me some Impressionists. Oh, and the lightning in there is ah-may-zing! I could spend days there just marveling at how the light falls on the paintings and sculptures.
  4. What’s at the top of your gift wishlist this year?
    Nordstrom gift cards, because my plan is it save up a few of them for a Burberry trench coat. It’s part of my new, updated wardrobe plan for 2013.

    If it looks like something Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston might wear, then I’m going for it.

  5. Do you ever host dinner parties?
    Nope. But I could see myself wanting to if I had more time to practice cooking. I think it would be fun!
  6. One of your favorite holiday memories?
    The time Tabs knocked down our tree, kitty-ninja style.

    A couple years ago, I was sitting in the living room with my back to the tree when I heard a crash! I whipped around, and there it was, the tree, lying on its side, and I heard a scampering sound moving off into the distance…

    Tabs!

    To this day, I have no idea exactly how he did it. Was he trying to climb it or intentionally push it over? The world may never know…

    I can joke about it now, but I was furious at the time.

  7. I’m a chronic_________.
    Over-packer, but I’m working on it.
  8. What makes you go “arrrggh”?
    • Traffic on 880 South freeway when I’m driving home to see my parents
    • Paper cuts
    • When people handle money and then touch my food (on second thought, that’s more “ewww”)
    • When someone repeatedly kicks the back of my chair
    • When I don’t have time to exercise but really, really want to
  9. What’s one of the best things you accomplished this year?
    Hmm… Nothing too huge. Maybe painting my dining room and finally deciding on a table.

    It only took three years! — but I really like how they turned out.

  10. Weekly goals:
    To remember to take breaks throughout the day, to wrap a few presents, and to get my hair cut on Friday (FINALLY).

G’morning, sweets. 🙂

I hope your Monday got off to a swell start, but if it didn’t and you could use some cheering up, perhaps this link from reader Hafsa can help: 29 Guilty Faces of Cats in Christmas Trees.

Guilty!

Haha! I know, I know… I better laugh now because I won’t be laughing when Tabs unleashes his wrath on my poor tree…

I finally got some lights and ornaments on it last weekend (only on the upper branches, though, to keep things out of Tabs’ reach).

Every time I enter the room, I half expect to find the tree ripped to shreds.

Come to think of it, I should probably check on it… While I run downstairs, you fill out the Monday Poll. I’ll be right back. 🙂

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 are you passionate about?
3. Do you have a favorite museum?
4. What’s at the top of your gift wishlist this year?
5. Do you ever host dinner parties?
6. One of your favorite holiday memories?
7. I’m a chronic_________.
8. What makes you go “arrrggh”?
9. What’s one of the best things you accomplished this year?
10. Weekly goals:

Have a wonderful week. I will if you do. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 33 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sephora’s IZAK Bag Collection

December 17th, 2012 by Karen 7 Comments





A couple of the bags from the Sephora IZAK Bag collection (bags range from $15-18).

I think they’re sassy, stylish and sturdy, and the price is right. I like that they’re easy to clean, too.

You may have to hunt them down at your nearby Sephora, though. Last time I checked, there were only slim pickings online.

PRICE: $15-18
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora and sephora.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A- (wish they had zippered interior pockets)

There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Beauty

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 222

December 16th, 2012 by Karen 10 Comments

My dearest kitty friends and colleagues,

As I’m sure some of you are aware (those among us able to comprehend calendars, that is), the holidays are approaching, and you only have a few days left to finish your holiday shopping.

To facilitate your feline (and human) gift-giving and make the process easier for you this year, I’ve compiled a list a list of 25 fabulously feline gifts to delight your friends, human associates and family.

You’ll find gifts for tech and beauty lovers, as well as home decorating aficionados and cats who accessorize.

Enjoy, and happy holidays!

-Tabs

1. Teal to Blue Cat Cave Bubble

Sleep, dream and plot world domination in the privacy of your very own snuggly, 100% felted wool cat cave. $59, available now at the Vaivanat Etsy shop.

2. CatBall

Wish there was an easier way to monitor your humans from inside your cat cave? The CatBall allows you to monitor the movements of your bipedal assistants (they’re so cagey!) while also keeping you hidden, safe and secure. Choose from a variety of colors and sizes to suit your feline aesthetic. $18 for a medium 12-inch ball, available now at the Boumtom Etsy shop.

3. Walnut Veneer Double Feeder

Design minimalist and/or food fanatic? Enjoy this raised double feeder’s elegant curves. $130, available now at the Vurv Design Studio Etsy shop.

4. Cat Yoga Mat

Downward dog (or cat) all day long with this awesome mat! $24.99, available now at the FelineYogi Etsy shop.

5. Upcycled Apple Computer Pet Bed

This upcycled pet bed gives every cat the opportunity to be Internet famous. $129, available now at the AtomicAttic Etsy shop.

6. Cat Silhouette Shelves

Nobody puts tabby in the corner! Functional and fashion-forward, these shelves will help you attain those highest heights. $325 for a set of three, available now at The Refined Feline.

7. Cats in Van Gogh’s Bedroom

For the feline art fanatic. $20, available now at the DeborahJulian Etsy shop.

8. Canine Scratcher

This stylish scratcher satisfies your urge to claw while adding panache to any room. For the fabulous feline who has everything! $295, available now at thecompanyofpets.com.

9. Customized Cat Mug

Because it’s your right — and your human’s duty — to immortalize your gorgeous mug on a mug. $59, available now at the ShebboDesign Etsy shop.
[Continue reading…]

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Tabs

12 Days of Giveaways: Two Ways to Win a Signature Gia Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade (a $78 Value)!

December 16th, 2012 by Karen 292 Comments

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

A Different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway each day for 12 days, sponsored by Neutrogena

My love for Kate Spade’s pretty well documented on MBB, so I’m thrilled about this next prize in the 12 Days of Giveaways series — a Kate Spade Signature Gia cosmetics case valued at $78.

Your wallet, keys and phone get to tool around town in your purse. Don’t your lipsticks, glosses and liners deserve their own ride? — one that’ll keep them safe and sound, like the Gia, which zips shut to protect your makeup treasures while you’re out and about. In this Kate Spade case, they’ll travel in style.

I hope you’re ready. Day two of 12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog starts now. 🙂

  • One (1) Signature Gia Cosmetics Case from Kate Spade valued at $78.

  • 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, do you have a favorite purse? What do you usually carry with you in your makeup bag? Do you plan to bake or cook anything special for the holidays? What does your Christmas tree look like? When was the last time you did a smokey eye? Do you wear makeup when it’s raining or snowing outside? How are you with apply false lashes? What’s for dinner? — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a Signature Gia Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade! http://bit.ly/Ryo10d

  • The deadline to enter is Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 11:59PM (PST).
  • 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 in the United States 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).
  • 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

P.S. You also still have a few hours to enter yesterday’s giveaway for a Zella Galaxy Fleece Hoodie from Nordstrom (ends at midnight PST tonight, 12/16/12).

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

There are 292 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Givenchy, Just For Fun

Christmas Time in Union Square

December 16th, 2012 by Karen 4 Comments





A few snapshots of the Christmas tree in SF’s Union Square (I was there yesterday to see the Chanel No. 5 trolley).

The tree is ginormous!

Random fun facts: 1) I used to work in this building and 2) I can kindasorta play this instrument.

There are 4 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Photo

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog! My name is Karen, and I’m a freelance writer obsessed with makeup.

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