Just For Fun

The Day in Beauty, Vol. 20: Roses and Tea with Annick Goutal, and a Bouquet of Lovely Lavender

July 2nd, 2016 by Karen 21 Comments

Hey, sweetie boo, happy Caturday! 🙂 It’s a sun-shiney day in Novato today, and I’m up bright and early because babylove is all about that rolling over lifestyle. She figured out how to roll over, and now it’s all she wants to do, so she got up at 6 for her morning meal and workout.

Do you have any plans for the Fourth? We’re thinking about driving up to Petaluma for the afternoon.

How was your week? Mine had a lot to do with scents, first with those TOCCA hair perfumes, and now with these two scents by Annick Goutal, which are kind of on the new-ish side.

Annick and I go waaaay back. I first started wearing her perfume back in 2005, I believe it was. It was on the whirlwind European backpacking adventure when El Hub proposed. We were in France at the time, and even with my broke-down high school French, I still managed to buy the biggest bottle of Des Lys perfume (which was limited edition), as well as a SECOND backup bottle. WHA?? I know. The power of beauty compelled me, even across international lines.

I like Annick Goutal’s scents because they’re usually light and refreshing. I mean, you know I love heavier, full-bodied scents in fall and winter, but lighter scents are really nice when it’s hot. When I’m perspiring, it seems to amplify whatever scent I’m wearing, and when I wear lighter scents, it doesn’t overtake the room…

Rose Pompon is like a peppery peony rose (super dainty and feminine), and L’Ile au Thé (Oooh! My fave!) smells like a lemony iced tea with dash of sugar.

So freakin’ good.

Speaking of scents, you might’ve noticed this beautiful bouquet of lavender in the background. I picked it up the other day at Trader Joe’s for $3.99.

I couldn’t wait to get it home, but as soon as I did get it home, I was like, “What the heck am I gonna do with this now?”

I put it in some water, but now I’m starting to rethink that strategy, because I have a lavender plant on my back deck, and it absolutely hates being overwatered, so now I’m thinking that I should take it out of the water and let it dry. I dunno… If you have any experience with lavender, please hook a cat lady up.

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How Do You Store Your Makeup Brushes?

July 1st, 2016 by Karen 20 Comments

What’s your current makeup brush storage situation?

Do you stick them in your favorite mug (the one that says “Crazy Cat Lady” on it), throw them in your makeup bag, or drop ’em in a box all willy-nilly? Or do you do something else?

For the longest time, I kept mine in this roll-up travel bag contraption with different compartments, and served me well for many, many years, but — SADNESS! — I guess I loved my brushes so hawd that a few of the compartments have holes in them. The bag is falling apart. 🙁

So I’ve been looking for a replacement, or another solution to this obviously pressing dilema, for a few months…

On a recent trip to Homegoods with my friend Marisol, Marisol picked up a desktop organizer similar to the Sheffield Home 6-Section Desktop Organizer ($19.99) pictured at the top, but she got it in black.

They’re kind of like a lazy susan for desktop accessories — ya know, pencils, pens and whatnot — but you can also use it as a makeup brush holder.

I didn’t get one that day because I wanted a different color to fit my office decor, but every time I’ve gone back to Homegoods since then I’ve looked specifically for that twirly thingamabob. I’ve seem it in brown, black, white and gray, and a different version where the carousel sides are shorter and more squat.

But then this past weekend I went and saw this mint green one, and I was like, “Yup! That’s it!”

I think the beauty in this thing is that you can separate your brushes in whatever way makes sense to you, whether it’s by brush function, shape, whether they’re clean or dirty, or how often you use them.

Oh, and it twirls, which is nice.

If you live by a Homegoods, keep an eye out for this bad boy. I found mine in the section where they have office furniture and supplies, but I’ve also seen it in the aisles near the big storage boxes and baskets by the bathroom items.

Let me know how you store your brushes in the comments. Bonus Q: Are your brushes currently clean or dirty? I’ve got a whole pile of dirty ones waiting to be washed.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

When Was the Last Time You Went All-Out at a Beauty Sale, and What Did You Buy?

June 28th, 2016 by Karen 30 Comments

It’s not easy to carry around 15 bottles of Bath & Body Works lotion…

OK, 14 bottles of lotion and one bottle of body wash.

But it’s not easy to walk around the mall and drink your boba tea while you’re hauling around all that stuff. I can tell you that much!

The last time I went all-out at a beauty sale was last Sunday when these lotions happened. See, I’d gone to the mall to get a boba tea at the food court, but then I accidentally wandered into the Bath & Body Works thinking I’d quickly sniff a couple candles, wash my hands at their sink, put on some hand sanitizer and be on my merry way, but alas…that’s not what went down, because B&BW is having an amazing sale right now.

Some of their scents (lotions, body washes and sprays) are 50-75% off. I got most of the lotions in that gigantic picture at the top for $3 each (normally they’re $12.50!), so it’s a really good deal.

I asked one of the sales associates, and she said that the sale is ongoing through July 3.

Anywho, I started out getting a couple of lotions for myself (Tiki Mango Mai Tai and Aloha Waterfall Orchid) and a bottle of body wash for El Hub…but then I texted my mom and was like, “Hey, girl! Do you want me to get you a bottle of lotion at Bath & Body Works? They’re on sale for three bucks each!” and she was like, “I want 12! And your dad wants one.” LOL!

It’s because they’re planning to take a trip to the Philippines this fall, and if you’re Filipino, I’m sure you know this, but when you go back home to the islands, there’s a cultural thing where you fill a couple of big cardboard boxes, which are called a balikbayan boxes, with things like snack foods, clothing, beauty products, toys, etc. and bring with it with you to give to your relatives back home.

So my mom and dad are filling up their boxes right now, and the lotions will be for my mom’s sisters. Plus, she just got really excited over the $3 sale. She’s a lady who loves a good deal.

How about you? When was the last time you went all-out at a beauty sale, and what did you buy?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 429

June 27th, 2016 by Karen 41 Comments

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past eight (!) years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
Watermelon pink, because it feels like a summery watermelon pink kind of day.

Something that recently made you laugh?
So I went to Target last night to get some emergency bread, olive oil, Toll House Dark Chocolate Chips and a box of La Croix Blueberry and Cucumber Mineral Water and saw a little girl, who looked about four, dancing and singing in the bread aisle next to her mom.

She sang in her cute little girl voice, “Watch me whip. Now watch me, nae nae! Watch me whip. Now watch me, nae nae!”

Ohmigosh, it was too funny.

Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
Oh, hell no, girl. I like food way too much. Plus, I get really crabby when I’m hungry.

Like really, REALLY crabby.

Poor El Hub would probably end up screaming and running down the street to get away from me if I ever did a juice cleanse, LOL!

What’s your recipe for creativity?
I do my best brainstorming when I have long blocks of time to just let my mind wander. Doing something kind of rhythmic, like walking or jogging, or going through a physical routine I know well, like taking a shower, also helps.

I don’t know why, but moving around really gets those creative connections going.

Oh, and being relaxed. If I’m fussy or stressed out, I can’t do anything creative.

Heaven contains…
Among other things, fluffy tabby kittens with chubby paws, an endless supply of chocolate, stretchy pants, my favorite pillow and all of my favorite lipsticks.

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
5. Heaven contains…

Hey, cutie pie, happy Monday! I’m sitting here at my desk taking deep breaths, relaxing my shoulders and getting in the mood to work. Babylove and Tabs are also here with me, one cooing and chatting up a storm, and the other quietly cat-napping.

Connor’s in a good mood, so I’m in a good mood, and I hope you’re in a good mood, too.

Have a wonderful Monday, sweets, and try to stay positive. Great things can happen when you do. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 404

June 26th, 2016 by Karen 9 Comments

If Tabs has a favorite toy of all, it might be this squeaky little squirrel.

The squeak doesn’t sound anything like a squirrel, and it doesn’t even really look like a squirrel. It’s tiny like a mouse, but Tabs bats it around like he’s playing racquetball with himself!

And every time he taps it, it squeaks.

Sometimes I’ll be upstairs at my desk, and I’ll just hear this constant squeaking coming from downstairs, coupled with the sound of husky tabby paws running and jumping.

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The Day in Beauty Vol. 20: The New $49 NARS Survival Kit 2, Connor Claire Cuteness and Wine for Yo’ Cat

June 25th, 2016 by Karen 31 Comments

We made it to Saturday, babe! Great job. 🙂 Wherever you are, I hope you have a nice weekend lined up.

I felt like switching up my makeup game today because I’ve been all about black eyeliner, beige and brown lids and nude lips lately. I love that look (it’s easy), but I felt like doing something different, hence the NARS Survival Kit 2 ($59), the second of two new limited edition sets coming soon from NARS (July 1 exclusively to NARS counters at Nordie’s). This one comes with two eyeshadows, two blushes, a mini gloss and a mini mascara.

This one incorporates color in a fresh way with everyday shades that aren’t intimidating, but also aren’t really typical of nude/neutral looks.

Beginning with Tokyo II Eyeshadow, a light satiny violet, which creates an absolutely gorgeous wash of color on the lids, ya know, if you don’t have a lot of time to get ready and you want to wear color, I think Tokyo II is a great way to go. Here I quickly buffed it on my lids with a domed brush and blended out the edges with a tapered brush.

Rich, warm reddish brown Galapagos, which is one of my absolute favorite NARS shadows, has tiny flecks of golden glitter. It also makes an appearance in the palette in this kit.

SO pretty and SO much hotness in smokey eyes, especially with a black base under it. Here, though, I decided to keep it simple, since I only gave myself 20 minutes to get ready this morning, so I used Galapagos as a liner by wetting an angled brush (the NARS #47, which I think is THE BEST angled brush for winged liner!), then applied Galapagos on my upper lash lines.

Wetting the brush intensifies the shadow and makes the brown richer and yummier and more milk chocolatey…and also makes the gold flecks really come through.

nars survival kit 2 k — Wearing NARS Survival Kit 2 on my eyes, cheeks and lips

Of the two blushes in this kit, Modesty and Daydream, Daydream is a satiny mid-toned peachy pink kinda like NARS Orgasm, but without the golden shimmer running through it. Sometimes I like colors like Daydream a little more than Orgasm, to be honest, because they don’t come with the same shimmery gold drama.

I mean, Orgasm’s really pretty too, but if you’re having a “big pore day,” it’s not always easy to wear.

And Modesty works well as a warm golden beige highlighter. I only need to use a little because it’s pretty shimmery and intense.

The kit also comes with a juicy, plummy red gloss called Phantasia. It’s so pigmented that it’s almost like wearing a liquid lipstick, but the glossy aspect of the gloss subsides over a few hours, leaving behind a soft stain.

nars survival kit 2 packaging — The NARS Survival Kit 2 packaging

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What Are Your Fondest Beauty Memories?

June 21st, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 10 Comments

My grandma in the mid-'40s — My grandma in the mid-’40s

I bet there’s a place that’s very special to you and was a very special place to you as a child. For me, that place is my grandmother’s house in Moriah, NY, in the Adirondacks on Lake Champlain. I spent so much time there as a child (because she lives five minutes down the road from the house I grew up in), and it has always been a meeting place of sorts for my mother’s side of the family. Our whole group flocks there.

Even as adults, my aunts and uncles and cousins all meet at her house when we come home to visit, and at 91, my grandmother certainly enjoys the company.

Probably the best thing about being at my grandmother’s house growing up with a bunch of cousins who were all older than me was getting to play with their makeup! My cousins lived in the surrounding towns but were still pretty far away, and I have distinct memories of being at the dining room table, poking through their makeup bags (whether they wanted me to or not!) on the weekends and holidays we would spend at my grandmother’s house.

Let me explain.

All of my cousins are significantly older than I am because my mother was the youngest of my grandmother’s children, and she had my mom at 36 when my grandmother already had three kids (almost) in their teens.

So being much younger than everyone else, my mom also had her kids much later than her siblings did, so my eldest cousin is in his late forties now, and I’m the baby of my cousins at 25. The only ones younger than me now are the great grandkids, the oldest of whom at 13 is just now starting to wear makeup (which makes me feel old).

Thankfully my older cousins happily put up with me and all of my pestering when I was younger, which I love them for because many teenagers don’t have much use for the little ones at family gatherings (I know I don’t at times). They all treated me more like a sibling than a cousin.

Last weekend I got to reconnect with a lot of my family I hadn’t seen in a while, and one of my cousins even continued to amaze and inspire my beauty habits by bringing me a TON of her collection to go through and peruse at my leisure!

I only took a few things (because, at this point, I really don’t need more beauty products), but I appreciated the thought.

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 428

June 20th, 2016 by Karen 46 Comments

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past eight (!) years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

Matte red lips or glossy nude lips?
Today I’m going with glossy nude lips because it’s supposed to be a hot one here. Right now I’m wearing my Zellas and a workout top I got from Old Navy that says, “Good vibes make great karma,” because I’m about to hop on the treadmill before it gets too uncomfortable.

Wait — hold on a sec. I’ll be right back. Tabs is pawing at the door to my office, so I have to go do his bidding.

First you want in, then you want out…

Cats.

He’s all about those in-and-out privileges

Anyway, there are plenty of stylish girls out there who can pull off a workout outfit and matte red lips…but I’m not one of ’em! So, glossy nude lips it is!

What’s your favorite snack food?
Hmm… I always feel really good when I snack on fruit. Heck, not only does it keep “the plumbing in order,” but it fills me up, and I don’t feel gross afterward (like I do when I eat a bag of chips something too greasy). And there are so many different kinds of fruit to choose from, especially right now.

Summertime fruit is THE BEST FRUIT. Watermelons, strawberries, grapes, oh… So delicious.

I’m kind of funny about my fruit, though. I don’t like it when my fruit is dripping wet. I just don’t understand how El Hub can wash a bunch of grapes and eat them without patting them dry first. With some fruit, like strawberries, peaches, apples and grapes, after I wash them, I have to dry them; otherwise, they’re just not right to me.

Roller blades or roller skates?
I do alright on both, but I’m going to have to go with the roller skates, girl, because I’m old school like that. 🙂

Oh, and bonus question: have you ever been to a roller rink? I certainly have.

What makes you feel wonderful?
This one’s easy! Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, ah… Overall, we’re pretty lucky because Connor more or less sleeps through the night, but she does wake up ravenous just before the crack of dawn.

One of these days I’m gonna ask El Hub to camp out in the guest room with Connor and her bassinet, because I’m tired, girl. I’m on Connor time all the time.

Who do you think is cute?
Connor Claire, of course. And Tabs. And…let’s throw El Hub and Nick Jonas in there too, just for fun.

Eyelash extensions or hair extensions?
I’ll go for the eyelash extensions. I’ve been wanting to try them for a while, but I’m kind of freaked out by the idea because I’m afraid they’re going to be too long and too heavy and will give me a headache.

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. Matte red lips or glossy nude lips?
2. What’s your favorite snack food?
3. Roller blades or roller skates?
4. What makes you feel wonderful?
5. Who do you think is cute?
6. Eyelash extensions or hair extensions?

Happy Monday morning, friend! Hello, hello, hello. We’re still nursing a bit of a broken heart out here because of the basketball game last night, but ya know what? There’s always next year (still lovin’ ya, Warriors!)? #glasshalffull

There's always next year, Dubs — There’s always next year, Dubs

Have a sassy, spicy, booty-shakin’ day. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen