Karen

Parts 1 and 2, in case you’re interested.

• Things I Do to Reduce Feeling Overwhelmed All the Frickin’ Time, Part 1
• Things I Do to Reduce Feeling Overwhelmed All the Frickin’ Time, Part 2

I’m living in a season where there’s a lot going on all the time, so I’m perpetually looking for ways to make life a little easier. Maybe you’ll find something here that helps you, too! That’s my hope, at least. 🙂

1. Be 10 minutes early

Getting to wherever I need to go at least 10 minutes early significantly lightens my mental load. I’m not a person who does this naturally, so I have to do everything I can to get out the door in time, but when I make the effort to arrive at least 10 minutes early, I’m significantly less stressed about everything — the drive there, getting lost on the way, finding parking, swapping out my comfy tennis shoes for event shoes (am I the only one who does this, hmm), reapplying my lipstick, wrangling Connor’s stuff, seriously, there are so many things. LOL!

Although, note to self, I do even better when I give myself a 20-minute early cushion. Gotta keep working on that, Karen.

Anywho, when I arrive at an event or a place too close to the start time, I always feel rushed and stressed. Having that extra time really makes my life so much easier.

2. Make time for being a little bored

Or, make time to be purposefully unstimulated.

This seems to work especially well for me when I’m doing something with repetitive movements, like walking or riding a bike, or washing dishes.

It might seem really boring to ride a stationary bike or walk outside without music or an audiobook, I know. But there’s something about having quiet time that allows my mind to slow down and just wander.

That extra space also really helps with lift with mental weight I’m feeling.

When I’m in this state, it’s easier for me to work things out and think creatively. It feels good for my mind and body when I’m kinda bored.

3. Schedule extra errands when I have the most energy

If I know I have to do extra errands, I’ll make a mental note to do them at the start of the week.

For example, Connor’s school has an ice cream day every week, and I’m the parent volunteer who picks up the treats for the kids.

I purposefully make sure to do this on Monday afternoon when I get out of work because that’s when I have more energy to tackle extra tasks.

If I leave it for later on in the week, it’s too heavy a lift.

4. Let go of the idea of having to do everything the exact way you want to do it every single time

The idea that sometimes doing just a little bit is good enough has been a game changer for me.

As a recovering perfectionist, this is sometimes very difficult for me, but embracing it has helped me a lot.

5. Order take out even when you think you have the energy to cook

Seriously, I’d rather just make something to eat at home, but meal prep, cooking, washing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen and prepping lunches for the next day zaps my energy, and by Wednesday or Thursday, I’m worn out. Ordering take out once or twice a week saves me a lot of energy and gives me extra use to rest or to spend time with the fam bam.

If I can’t bear to do take out, then I’ll opt for something pre-made that I can toss in the microwave or the oven, like a frozen pizza.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Just in case you were looking for even more ways to treat yourself on February 14! If you wanna say “I love me” with cute red accessories, how about starting with…

1. Red Hunter Rain Boots

It’s been raining like crazy here where I live in Nor Cal. Puddle stomping seems like it would be that much more fun in these cute red rain boots.

If matte isn’t your thing, they’re also available in a glossy finish, too.

2. Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket in Red Sangria

I have this coat in black and wear it all the time. It’s warm, covers most of my body and water resistant. I love that the pockets have zippers, so I never, ever have to worry about my phone or keys falling out!

The red version is very, very cute, don’t you think? I would wear it with jeans or black yoga pants.

3. Longchamp Le Pliage Large Nylon Tote Bag in Tomato

Gotta love a pop of color. If you wear a lot of neutrals like I do, a red tote like this is a fun way to bring some color into your outfit.

It looks pretty roomy too, and you know I’ll take every opportunity to haul ALL. THE. THINGS with me wherever I go.

4. Aloha Collection Reversible Tote Bag

Speaking of all the things, one of my dance mom friends was at an event recently, and she had an Aloha tote bag that looked like the ultimate mom bag.

It was roomy, lightweight and had a zipper. I made a mental note to buy myself one someday because it was both stylish and useful.

They have lots of designs and sizes, and I really like this version with the red flowers!

5. Charlotte Stone Isla Boot in Vamp

Aren’t these so cute?

I bet they’d pair perfectly with wide ankle jeans, like these from Madewell.

Happy early Valentine’s Day to you, sweet friend. I really do hope you treat yourself to something. Sending you so much love!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Have a terrific Tuesday. 🙂

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. Violet blush or violet lip gloss?

Violet lip gloss! I think it’s surprisingly flattering.

2. Something beauty-related that makes you nostalgic?

The scents of the ‘80s and ‘90s that you could find at the drugstore, like Jean Nate and Revlon Charlie. My mom was a no-frills kind of person and even things like drugstore perfume seemed glamorous to me.

3. Fastest car you’ve ever driven?

Honestly, I don’t even know. I’m not a car person at all, and I drive like a grandma. LOL!

4. An eyeshadow palette or quad that you want?

There’s a new Chanel one that I would love to add to my collection, Les 4 Ombres Eclat De Nuit. It has beige, khaki, brown and taupe, aka all the colors that make me weak in the knees.

5. If you could go anywhere for a picnic today, where would you go?

I’d go to Marin French Cheese with Connor and El Hub on a warm, sunny day. I’d bring a fresh baguette, brie, sliced apples, a tray of snacky veggies, a couple dips, bubbly water and cold juice. Maybe a bottle of wine if we planned to be there for a while. We’d hang out by the pond, read, watch birds and look at clouds. It would be nice to be outside for a few hours without any hurry to be anywhere.

Have a gorgeous Monday, my sweet friend. The storm that poured buckets over our little town seems to have subsided. Whew! When we were driving Connor to and from dance yesterday, we saw many of the creeks in our neighborhood at full capacity and close overflowing. It’s been a crazy, wet weekend.

Hopefully things will stay dry today. Anywho, I hope you have a wonderful Monday and that it sets the tone for a great week ahead.

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. Violet blush or violet lip gloss?
2. Something beauty-related that makes you nostalgic?
3. Fastest car you’ve ever driven?
4. An eyeshadow palette or quad that you want?
5. If you could go anywhere for a picnic today, where would you go?

Good morning! Happy Saturday. I found this beautiful piece of bark yesterday at work while I was walking around during a break in the storm. I love that the bark is so delicate and paper thin, and how the lichen looks like it’s blooming across the top. I love it when nature gifts us with these beautiful, tiny little presents, don’t you?

Did you have a good week? Mine was busy but not stressful, so the time went by fast. I got to help a lot of instructors get ready for their classes, and I stepped up to run point on a big project in our department. Oh, and I had lunch with my co-workers a couple times this week and got to know some people a little better. I’d say it was a good week!

Today I’m taking Connor shopping to buy some shoes and maybe a dress for her school’s father-daughter dance, which is next week. I’m also going to drag her to a few furniture places because I am determined to buy some accent chairs for the living room.

I’m specifically looking for two swivel chairs with a rounded shape that are relatively compact but comfortable. I found these online last night. What do you think?

Here’s the Morpho Swivel Armchir from Target.

And here’s the Sophie Upholstered Swivel Chair from World Market!

I don’t want to spend a ton of money on them because Connor’s so young and I anticipate the chairs eventually getting trashed by her and her friends; perhaps I’d buy another set in about five years or so.

To be honest, I’d rather spend more on higher quality chairs, but I also don’t want to be too precious about our furniture. I don’t know if it’s the right path to take because I really don’t want to buy more stuff that we just won’t keep, but I want to feel like our home is one we can actually live in.

Anywho! Let me know if you have any good ideas. I’d love to hear ’em.

This week’s reading

• How e.l.f. has been duping the makeup industry.
• Were you ever obsessed with Susanna Hoffs, the lead singer from The Bangles? I totally was. Anywho, she just turned 65!
• This is how Pat McGrath created the shiny skin at the Margiela show.
• What is perfume sillage?
• The Society of Scent matches perfumes to photography.
• Frédéric Malle does his spin on five key scents from Estée Lauder.
• What are bond builders for hair?

Note to self

Yes to this

Talk to me

This is so fun

Love this

Have a great rest of your Saturday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen