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Just For Fun

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

January 24th, 2024 by Karen 10 Comments

Do you ever feel like you’re doing ALL THE THINGS, all the time? Yeah, me too. Lately, I’ve been looking for ways to help myself out so that life doesn’t feel as overwhelming.

Maybe you’ll find these things useful, too! 🙂

1. I plan my outfits for the week, and physically group each outfit together in the section of my closet.

This is such a simple thing that takes about 10 minutes, and I don’t know why, but it helps me so, so much. I think it’s because it’s one less decision I need to make at the very start of my day. It just makes the morning that much more smoother.

I try to keep the planning loose and easy, so when I put the outfits together, it’s with the understand that I can wear them on any day of the week.

Ideally I’d love to get everything ironed or steamed before the week starts, but I haven’t gotten there yet!

2. Take food prep shortcuts to help out “future me” whenever I can.

Like, if I’m cutting a bell pepper for lunch, I cut a whole bunch of peppers, so that I don’t have to do it again later on in the week. And if I make a meal, if it’s something I know Connor or I will happily eat as leftovers for lunch, I’ll make extra.

One thing I want to do eventually is get the point where I make an extra meal for to put in the freezer for the future, but my freezer is full right now, gah!

3. Wash my hair every other day or every two days.

It saves so much time becauseI spend less time in the shower at night and less time fussing with my hair in the morning. Honestly, if I could get away with doing more than two days, I totally would, but my scalp starts to feel gnarly.

4. Do a brain dump at the start of the week.

My mind always feels like it’s swirling with all the things I need to do, and oftentimes it’s a lot to carry all that info in there, LOL! If I don’t write it all down, I miss things. At the start of the week, I set a timer for 20 minutes and do a massive brain dump of all the “to-dos” in my notebook. (For some reason the act of putting pen to paper works better for me.) When I have everything in front of me, it makes it easier to tell what I need to priorizes.

5. Pay close attention to when my body needs rest.

I used to be terrible at this and am better at it. When I was younger and I felt tired, I’d push myself through it to get to the end of whatever task I was doing. No more. I’ve realized that there’s always going to be tasks, and if my body and my mind is saying, “Hey, you need to spend a few hours watching terrible Lifetime movies,” I listen.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is going great! It’s supposed to be another rainy day today here in Marin county. The rain is filling up all the creeks and ponds, and it’s bringing back all the frogs, and it’s cool to hear them singing again.

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

5 Cute Red Things to Treat Yourself to for Valentine’s Day

January 23rd, 2024 by Karen 15 Comments

1. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Quite the Standout

I love wearing this bright orangey warm red — think vintage vibes! I think it pairs well with tan, taupe or brown tops.

2. Athleta Cozy Karma Hoodie Sweatshirt in Clover Berry

On sale right meow! Plus, it has pockets!

3. Clare V Petite Moyen in Rouge

I have one Clare V purse (the Gosee Clutch) and I loooove it. The leather is soft and the shape is timeless. Anywho, I wouldn’t mind if this bright red cutie made its way into my life!

4. Clare V Heavy Tee

While we’re on the subject of Clare V, I think this red tee would definitely be in heavy rotation in my closet.

5. Chuck Taylor All Star Love High Top Sneaker

These are so cute! The purr-fect shade of bright red and the hearts are so cute. I think these would be cute worn with wide-legged pants.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Tuesday!

There are 15 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 816

January 22nd, 2024 by Karen 22 Comments

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. Take a walk or go for a bike ride?

Let’s go for a walk! How about we find some hills to walk up (and down) while we’re at it?

2. Something you’re wearing today?

TMI, but GAP Breathe underwear. I know I keep talking about them, but girl, let me tell you – life changing!

3. Have you ever had an outdoorsy job?

No, not really. And that’s probably for the best. I love being outdoors in controlled doses, but I don’t think I could be outside, like, for my entire work day. I do love my creature comforts.

4. Arugula or spinach?

Spinach all day, every day!

5. What lipstick shade suits you better — red or pink?

I think I do OK in both, but I’m guessing red is a bit more flattering because it has so much impact and brings so much color and life to one’s face.

Well hey there, friend! Good morning and happiest of Mondays to you. Did you have a good weekend? I hope you’re feeling rested and good about the 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. Take a walk or go for a bike ride?
2. Something you’re wearing today?
3. Have you ever had an outdoorsy job?
4. Arugula or spinach?
5. What lipstick shade suits you better — red or pink?

There are 22 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 796

January 21st, 2024 by Karen Leave a Comment

I just remembered I need to go to Sephora this weekend! If Tabs were still around, he would have reminded me. He always had a reason to go to Sephora, always loved seeing himself in kitty modeling ads for the multitude of makeup and beauty products he sponsored… 🙂 Here’s a look back at one of our Sundays together, just me and Tabs talking about Sephora.

Someone struck the jackpot today! Guess who found a Sephora gift card he totally forgot about.

A happy tabby, that’s who.

Catnip-filled Sephora cat gift card…

Tabs got one for Christmas from his favorite pet assistant (*ahem*), but it must have gotten left in the card and packed away. Well he found it this morning, and after dancing around the living room and raising the roof for about 15 minutes of pure cat joy, he plopped down on the carpet and typed up his Sephora wish list.

Right at the top: Bumble & Bumble’s new fur oil. Because a cat’s coat is like a handshake, as you know, and a silky coat is how you make a good first impression.

[Continue reading…]

Leave the first comment on this post.

Categories: Just For Fun, Rosie, Tabs

Saturday Surfing, January 20, 2024!

January 20th, 2024 by Karen 2 Comments

Hello from rainy Northern California, my friend! It’s damp and dreary outside today, so I’ll be spending most of it indoors on the couch getting some much-needed rest. I did manage to sneak in a quick walk outside during a break in the drizzle, though, and while I was outside, I picked a few lemons off my Meyer lemon tree. YUM! They smell so sweet and delicious, like freshly baked lemon bars.

I’ve got grand plans to do a whole lotta nothing, and I can’t even begin to say how excited I am to nap, read and Netflix. Relaxing Saturdays are the best, right?

This week’s reading

  • Prada has a new skincare and makeup line. Fancy!
  • Are you a fan of the drugstore brand, Eucerin? Heads up, they have some new face products hitting the shelves this month.
  • A kitty cut is a thing, and FYI, it’s not for felines.
  • Aurora nails are hypnotizing!
  • Can the deadliest cat in the world be this tiny and cute?


Note to self


Aww, so cute


Hits play with a quickness

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend. I hope all is well with you!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 2 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Stuff I Bought And Loved, Vol. 1

January 19th, 2024 by Karen 4 Comments

1. J. Crew Factory Long-Sleeve Crewneck Girlfriend Tee, $9.95

I bought two of these awesome long-sleeve tees in neutral colors (Black and Oatmeal), and I deeply regret not buying more! Thick material, not too tight and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Right meow they’re $9.95, and there are a still a few left, so if you see your size, don’t hesitate. SO GOOD!

2. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, $11

I picked up my upteenth jar of this makeup removing balm at Target the other day. It’s just as good, if not better, than the higher-end version by Clinique. Takes off everything (including waterproof makeup) and doesn’t sting my eyes. One jar is $11 and lasts for months.

3. Target Threshold Printed Hand Towels, 2pk, $10

I really like these hand towels. They’re thick, the print stays bright and holds after multiple washings, and the size is just right — not too big, not too small. I bought the all-over floral version, but the hearts are super cute too.

4. Vanilla Oikos PRO High Protein Greek Yogurt, $6

I swear, getting enough protein in each meal has become my part-time job, ha ha ha! This greek yogurt tastes delicious, packs 23g of protein per serving and has 0g of added sugar. I eat it on its own and blended into smoothies. I get the 32-oz container for about $6 at Target.

5. GAP Breathe High Rise Bikinis (3-Pack), $19 (on sale)

GIRL. I can’t even begin to tell you how stressful the hunt for decent, comfortable underwear has been. I just found the Breathe High Rise ones from GAP, and I love, love, LOVE them.

Sure, they’re very granny-panty style, but whatever. The material is super soft and the waistband doesn’t cut into my skin, and if you can get them on sale, they’re very affordable.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

There are 4 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Ode to 2 p.m. Coffee

January 18th, 2024 by Karen 7 Comments

Everyday, lately, I have a cup of coffee at 2 p.m., and let me tell you, I love it so, so much.

Why? I couldn’t do life without it. And 2 p.m. is the sweet spot for afternoon coffee, IMHO.

It’s still early enough in my day so that I can utilize the power of coffee to fuel me through the afternoon and evening, but not soo late that I’m buzzing all night long.

Coffee fuels life

Currently in this season of my life (young kid, new job, house to keep up) there are so many tasks, and having the extra caffeine boost really helps in the afternoon!

I’m usually feeling tired when I get from work, but I know that if I don’t do at least some “life things” between 3 and 8 p.m., I’ll be in a world of hurt come the weekend.

Mom taxi

When I leave work, I go into mom taxi mode. Ha! I pick Connor up from school, and then we usually pop into the grocery store and then go home. Once we get home, she makes herself a snack, and then she watches some cartoons, does homework and gets ready for dance.

While she’s doing those things, I catch up on house admin (phone calls, bills, planning whatever needs to get planned and whatnot), then I write, and sneak in a quick workout if I can.

What’s for dinner?

Next thing I know, it’s time to take her to dance, and when I come back, I make dinner for the evening and lunch for the next day.

After I pick her up from dance, we eat and get ready for bed. When Connor’s in the shower, I’m cleaning up the kitchen and doing at least another tidying task, like vacuuming or wiping down the bathroom counters or a load of laundry; otherwise if I leave those things for the weekend, I know I’ll be stuck doing chores all weekend long!

And then I pass out

After that’s done, I shower and change and get ready for bed, and then I help Connor with her bedtime routine, which is usually reading and a short (or sometimes long) chat before she falls asleep.

At this time, I’ve exhausted the caffeine and myself completely, LOL! And I usually stumble into bed and fall asleep pretty quickly.

I’m sure I could do it all without coffee, but I probably would be a lot grumpier and slower. Thank goodness for 2 p.m. coffee!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Really Important Things (Not Really) That I Think About When I’m Washing Makeup Brushes

January 17th, 2024 by Karen 4 Comments

I found a stash of Keurig coffee cups at the office. They’re squirreled away in a cabinet that’s supposed to contain stuff for everyone to use, but I don’t think most people would bother to check it. I wanna be a team player and tell my office mates about the stash, but I also want to have ALL THAT COFFEE to myself, ha ha ha!

Also, I really can’t hang with this rainy weather. I keep telling myself that longer days are just around the corner, but it’s been gray and dreary a lot here, and I just wanna feel the sun on my skin and be outside in warm, fresh air.

If you’re feeling the rain and wanna set a moody a vibe, though, FYI, I just discovered a really lovely rainy day song called “Glitter” by Patrick Droney. The perfect type of bittersweet song for a cozy afternoon.

Oh! At lunch today, I realized that “Trader Joe’s Salad Hacks” should totally be a thing. Today, I had their pre-packaged Pasadena salad, which is pretty good on its own (chopped romaine, slivered almonds, chicken, and the crunchy white bits you’d find in a Chinese chicken salad). But I found out it’s even better when you add a scoop of crispy chickpeas (highly recommend the Sea Salt flavor by Biena) and a scoop of hemp hearts. It was SUPER GOOD, and it held me over for hours.

Completely not related to salad at all, but I ran out of brow pencil a few days ago, and I’m contemplating going back to the Chanel Boy brow pencil I was using and loving a while back. I’ve been all doing old school Anastasia Brow Wiz for the last few months and it’s fine, I guess, but you know how it goes. One gets itchy to swap out the same-o-same-o for something different. At least I do, ha!

Speaking of Chanel, I’ve been thinking about their awesome red nail polishes because I saw a reel on Instagram where a gal talked about wearing short red nails for a whole year. A WHOLE YEAR!

Can you even imagine, in this day and age, with all the access to different colors that we have, doing short red nails for an entire year?

She made a good case for it, though, and said that it freed her up from spending any time having to make nail polish decisions, and that she always felt chic, and that red goes with most everything. I’m thinking of trying it, but I’m definitely not ready to commit to a whole year. Maybe three months? I’ve been slacking when it comes to manicures and hoping this will get me back in the groove.

What’s going on with you? I hope life is treating you well.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 4 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Makeup

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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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Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

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