Just For Fun

Here are some things I do that seem to help me feel like I’m not drowning in ALL. THE. TASKS. all the time!

When I’m tired, overwhelmed and overstimulated, which is often, these things help me deal with decision fatigue.

1. Plan the living crap outta lunch for the week.

It’s such a small thing, but it really helps. It’s just one less thing to think about.

Sometime over the weekend, I write a quick list of what’s for lunch and I make sure that I have the ingredients on hand.

Connor’s a very adventurous eater and will eat most things, but when it comes to school lunch, she doesn’t mind having a list of “greatest hits” to choose from. I have her pick what she wants on each day, and we go with that.

I do something similar with my work lunches for the week. I like to go with a theme! This week, I’m having protein with veggies, so for lunch today I’m having a pre-made salad with chicken I got from a local deli.

2. Keep your wardrobe limited to a few colors.

I do this specifically with my work wardrobe. I stick to three colors, tan, navy and black. It makes decision making that much easier when I purposefully limit my options. Kinda like a uniform.

3. Get rid of all the socks that annoy you.

While we’re on the subject of getting dressed, take an afternoon to sort through your sock drawer, and get rid of all the socks that have holes and don’t have a matching pair. Also, edit out the socks that bother you in any sort of way. I don’t know why, but knowing that there are no socks in my drawer that slip down, itch or are ill-fitting is just one less thing for me to concern myself with. I bought a bunch recently from Target by the brand A New Day, and I like ’em.

4. While you’re at it, only keep underwear in your drawer that fits you perfectly.

If it bothers you in any way, let it go! Like the sock situation, I find this also so very freeing. One less thing to contend with, you know? Side note, I recently bought several things from the women’s Breathe collection at GAP and really like them. Super comfortable and soft!

5. At the start of the week, grab a few key pieces of makeup that you absolutely love.

This one’s for my friends who have relatively big collections. (I’m working on editing mine down. It’s a process). Anywho, grab a few key pieces that you plan to use daily, and make sure you love EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. Swap this mini collection out after the week is over if you want with other things you love. This really helps me a lot! Lately I’ve been all about my Chanel.

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. Paper book or audio book?

Um, both? I love the sensation of having a paper book in my hands and the feeling of turning pages, but I like that I can listen to an audio book while I’m walking or sitting in the car. And for some reason, when I listen to an audio book, the information seems to sink in a little better. If I had to choose one, though, then paper.

2. What’s a warm drink you’re having today?

A cup of darjeeling with cream and a lil’ bit of sugar!

3. What’s the fastest way to get stuff done – calling or texting?

Phone call for me, for sure. I’d rather just sort it out then and there, in real time and with clear voice cues, instead of sending a billion texts back and forth and wondering if a text has hidden subtext.

4. Silver or gold today?

Let’s go with gold because I’m wearing a gold necklace that says “mama” which Connor got me years ago.

5. Tell me all about your warmest and most comfortable pants!

I bought a pair of dark charcoal Lou and Gray joggers years ago and they are the softest, warmest and most comfortable pants I own. If I’m having a rough day, I swear these pants make everything better.

Hi and happy Monday. Are you home today? Connor and I have today off because it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day (a federal holiday) here in the United States. This is the first paid day off I’ve had in years, and it thrills me.

Anywho, you’re not going to believe this (and even I almost can’t, seeing how last week, it hit freezing temps here in Marin county), but Connor and I took a walk this morning and saw some signs of spring.

There are white flowers blooming in my neighbor’s yard (I think they’re called paperwhites)!

We also found what seems like a newly build nest in some bushes.

Soon the days will be longer and the weather will be warmer. I’m really looking forward to it.

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. Paper book or audio book?
2. What’s a warm drink you’re having today?
3. What’s the fastest way to get stuff done – calling or texting?
4. Silver or gold today?
5. Tell me all about your warmest and most comfortable pants!

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