Karen

Hi, sweet friend. I tried really hard to wake up at the crack of dawn with the chickens to get some writing done, but my body refused to cooperate and just kept sleeping instead. LOL. It’s been a long, exciting week with the new job and all, I guess.

Competitive dance season is now underway, and this weekend is the first of several where I get to juggle managing our schedule, chauffeuring, packing snacks and lunch, costumes, and hair and makeup. It’s a lot, but it’s seriously so fun for the girls. I love that I get to spend time with Connor and her dance friends. I know that soon enough, they’ll be driving themselves to rehearsals and performances, and they won’t be needing us moms as much. 🙂

Anywho, this yellow costume with feathers for one of their routines is super cute. It’s a tap dance and they’re dressed up like little chickens! The feathers end up all over the place, though.

I hope things with you are going OK. Have a wonderful weekend, and let me know what’s happening on your end of the keyboard. I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

My first day at my new gig is officially on the books. Oh, and funny story before we get into the work pants. I put a long-wearing matte liquid lipstick on before leaving the house (MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in A Little Tamed, one of my faves), and in the rush to get out the door on time, I forgot to double check my teeth for any wayward lipstick bits and bobs.

Two hours into my morning, I hop over to the bathroom, and that’s when I realize that I had a big ol’ blob of lipstick smack dab on my front tooth, HA HA HA! I’d been smiling and saying hello to people all morning with lipstick on my teeth. Ahhh, serves me right for rushing and not doing things I know I should’ve done the night before.

Anywho, I’ve been wearing the Madewell work pants I bought for my new job out in the field, and in case you were considering them, these are my thoughts on them so far.

The Petite Perfect Vintage Jean in Meyers Wash

I’m wearing this dark jean in the pic at the top. Babe, it’s really goooooood. So good I’d want another pair.

It’s all about the fit! I like how it skims my hips and thighs but also there’s some looseness around those areas too, so they aren’t skin tight. When you pair it with a jacket, I think it’s professional enough for work. Oh, and as the day goes on, the jeans stretch out a little but not so much that they’re hanging off your booty-meat by the end of the day.

The petite length hits me perfectly at just above the ankle.

Shout out to this jacket!

The jacket, by the way, is also from Madewell, and it’s the Rosedale Blazer in Plaid, and right meow it’s on sale! It’s usually $198, but with the markdown and an extra 40% with the code NEWYEAR, it’s $89.99. Sadly the petite sizes are limited, but if you wear standard or plus, right now there are still plenty available.

The cut is roomy but not too oversized, and I like the pockets! It’s also machine washable, which is a major plus in my book, as this girl has no time or patience for dry cleaning.

The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant

This wide leg trouser comes in so many different lengths and colors. I wore a dark gray plaid version on my first day.

The pros!

• Deep pockets that lie flat.
• The drape of this particular material is very fluid and it moves nicely when you walk.
• The plaid print hides a lot of things, including cat hair and any food you accidentally spill on yourself (hello, story of my life).
• The petite length is perfect with a small heel.

But, while I like a wide leg, I feel like this cut might be just a smidge too wide. Also, the area around the front has almost too much material with all the pleats, and when I sit down, it feels like there’s just so much going on in the crotch area. LOL! Too much information? Probably.

Honestly, it also could be because I was wearing a sweater with balloon sleeves that was also slightly oversized, and the whole effect made me feel like I was drowning in fabric… I dunno. I’m going to try these pants again with a more fitted top and a slim jacket to see if that changes how I feel about them.

Anywho, I’m really liking the people and the job so far. I’ve already used my writing and editing skills, which makes me feel good. 🙂

How is life on your end?

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. Hair up or down today?

It’ll start off down but will make its way into a semi-messy bun that’s half up and half down eventually, ha!

2. Last beauty product you finished?

It was a big ol’ bottle of L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray that I had forever.

3. Lime green eyeshadow – yes or no?

Um, at this point in my makeup journey, I’m gonna have to say no. But I’m open to it in the future, though!

4. What’s for lunch today?

Leftover lemon pasta from last night’s dinner. I made the sauce from scratch using Meyer lemons from our front yard!

5. One tiny task on today’s to-do list?

To remember to bring the notebooks I bought over the weekend to my first day of work! I’m very particular about my paper products. 🙂

Happy Monday to you, my sweet friend. How’s your morning going?

You’re probably going to laugh, but I am in the midst of over-packing for my first day on the job at the college. It’s been ages since I’ve worked in an office, and I’m feeling the need to bring all the things with me, like, my favorite pens, mechanical pencils, toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, an extra pair of socks and a pair of tweezers, among other things. You just never know when you’ll get food stuck in your teeth, or if your socks will start annoying you, or if a rogue pokey hair will suddenly erupt from your chin. Why am I this way? LOL. At least I’ll be prepared.

What are you up to on this beautiful day? I hope things on your end are great. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Hey, hey Caturday!

Why yes, that’s the makeup-free look I’ve been rockin’ and loving for the last three weeks or so. It feels a little weird saying that seeing how I wrote about and tested makeup for years (and how at one point in my life I wouldn’t even consider leaving the house without filling in my brows or putting on a little concealer), but I gotta say, I’ve really been enjoying taking a beauty break over the holidays. Sometimes it’s nice to just let your hair do whatever it wants and wear some sunscreen and not worry about it.

Although, I’m kinda wishing that I channeled a little bit more of my energy into building a work-friendly makeup bag now that Monday’s just around the corner. I think that perhaps after I get the work wardrobe bit sorted out (thank you for all your help with the pants situation, by the way), then I’ll tackle a streamlined makeup bag for work.

I’ve got my eye on some stuff by Westman Altelier. I really, really want the cream blush and the eyeshadows. And the eyeliner. And the mascara. LOL! You know how it goes. Makeup dreams.

Anywho, I’m going to get back to doing a whole lotta nothing today, as I’m maxing out relaxing before the first day on the job. 🙂

This week’s reading

• Could this be the perfect red lipstick? Side note: WANT!
• Adding these allegedly perfect pants to my to-try list for work pants.
• This makeup lover is committing to not buying any new products in 2024.
• Put down your razor; “Januhairy” is a thing.
• What it’s like to live with the world’s oldest living kitty cat.

I’m here for these evening snacks

Here for this, too

Super pretty

Yum, now I want soup

Food for thought

Essentials?

What are you doing today? I hope you have a wonderful Saturday!

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. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

We chilled at home because we couldn’t deal with being out and about and cold! I made dinner (basil, corn and parmesan pasta) and dessert (chocolate chip cookies), and then we watched a movie that was good but totally stressed me and Connor out called “The Wolf and the Lion.” At the stroke of midnight, we did all the silly and fun traditions we usually do – we jumped up and down, made lots of noise and opened the front door to let all the good luck in for the new year.

2. What was your first meal of 2024?

Does coffee count? LOL. I ate an Eggo waffle smeared with peanut butter topped with raisins. It was good!

3. Something that happened recently that surprised you?

One night last week after dinner, Connor and I got *this close* to walking up to a coyote when we were strolling around our neighborhood.

4. When’s your next hair appointment?

I don’t have one set yet, but the last time I got my hair cut was October. I usually like to wait four to six months between cuts, which means I’ll be due again for another cut sometime between March and May.

5. One small thing you need to do today?

I gotta do a little bit to start taking the tree down! It’s time. I’m going to miss having it in my living room.

Hello and happy New Year to you! I think today is a great day to be extra nice to yourself. Maybe make yourself a yummy meal or treat yourself to some time with a book?

There are lots of good things on the horizon for us in 2024. I just know it. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen