Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 228

July 9th, 2012 by Karen 42 Comments

the mbb monday poll, july 9, 2012

You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past four years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

Mood:
Happy. 🙂 I got to see and do some new things this weekend, namely Stafford Lake and the Point Reyes Lighthouse, and also had some downtime to just relax, play with makeup and watch brainless TV, so I feel really good right now.
Your favorite sandwich?
Ah, the sandwich, that miracle of quick culinary miracles. I have a couple of favorites. At home, I’m partial to peanut butter and banana on whole wheat bread, but the bread has to be soft and fresh, and the bananas, slightly under ripe. If I see even one of those brown freckles on the peel, I won’t touch ’em!

As for favorite restaurant sandwiches, that would be the niÃ±o pobre at Sol Food, a local Puerto Rican place in nearby San Rafael. Breaded, fried prawns on toasted French bread with lettuce, tomato, and cilantro lime mayonnaise…

Man, I don’t care how early it is. I could really go for one of those right now.

They don’t exactly qualify as health food, that’s for sure, but sometimes I just don’t care.
What’s your lucky number?
9, like the date of my birthday (June 9).
Something you no longer worry about but did at one time?
That’s a tough one for me, because as a natural worrywart, I’m worried that I’ll overlook something important, LOL!

I guess the first thing that comes to mind is marriage, since El Hub and I just celebrated our six-year anniversary (the reason for the trip to Point Reyes on Saturday). Before El Hub and I got hitched, I worried about being ready for marriage. I guess it’s safe to say that I no longer worry about that anymore.
When was the last time you rode a roller coaster?
It was on a trip to Disneyland in 2010 to preview the MAC Venomous Villains collection.
What are four things you like about your neighborhood?
1) The weather, because it’s warmer and sunnier than Mill Valley, where we lived before, which was foggy and cooler, being so much closer to the Golden Gate; 2) the open space and surrounding hills; 3) being within driving distance of Wine Country (to the north) and San Francisco (to the south); and 4) the peace and quiet of living in a relatively small city (about 49,000 people).

Part of me will always love the big city, but after an adjustment period I’ve grown to love living in the burbs. It’s quieter, less expensive, much easier to find parking, and I don’t always feel on guard, like I did a lot of the time when I lived in SF.
When was the last time you got your hair did?
Late April. I’m way overdue for a visit.
How old were you when you started regularly wearing makeup?
I wasn’t officially allowed to start wearing makeup until I turned 14, but unofficially, I started in middle school with some purple eyeliner, which I covertly applied after I left the house, LOL!
Do you prefer shopping for makeup alone or with a buddy?
I can spend hours looking at makeup, swatching different products, asking questions of the sales associates and artists, and I can’t in good conscience do that to a friend, haha! Most of the time, I prefer to go alone, unless I know that the person I’m shopping with likes makeup as much as I do (and doesn’t have to be somewhere else for a few hours).
Weekly goals:
To try at least one new eye look, to track down at least two new healthy dinner recipes, and to actually prepare at least one of them (LOL!).

Good morning, friend! I hope you had a nice weekend. What was the highlight? Did you do anything special or fun?

I feel really good this morning, so if you need a little lift, allow me to transmit a few beams of sunshine to you over the Internet.

Bzzzzzzz…

There we go. Transmission complete.

If you have a minute, drop me a line, and let me know how you’re doing in today’s Monday Poll.

To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.

1. Mood:
2. Your favorite sandwich?
3. What’s your lucky number?
4. Something you no longer worry about but did at one time?
5. When was the last time you rode a roller coaster?
6. What are four things you like about your neighborhood?
7. When was the last time you got your hair did?
8. How old were you when you started regularly wearing makeup?
9. Do you prefer shopping for makeup alone or with a buddy?
10. Weekly goals:

In the event that no one has told you yet today, you are beautiful. Both inside and out.

Don’t you ever forget that, okay? 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 199

July 8th, 2012 by Karen 68 Comments

Sundays With Tabs

Evolution of a cat lady

A question for the members of Club Cat Lady: have you always been a member, or do you remember when you joined?

This may come as a shock, but I wasn’t always obsessed with our feline overlords. As a matter of fact, for most of my life, I considered myself a dog person, and El Hub and I used to talk a lot about adopting a couple o’ mutts when the time was right.

Then, one fateful day — I think it was in 2006 — I heard a friendly voice outside the laundry room of our old apartment. “Meow?”

I’d say it was the voice of an angel, LOL! — but that’s not exactly right. 🙂

I guess the seeds of my eventual move to Cat Ladyville were sown when I was a kid living in the burbs. My dad, who grew up on a farm surrounded by lots of different animals, was always bringing home one random creature or another, much to my mom’s dismay.

Our house was like the neighborhood zoo! Cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits, mice, turtles — basically, if it crossed paths with my dad and looked like it needed a home, we adopted it.

But by the time I started high school, Mom had had enough. She put her foot down one year, and the only animals allowed to stay were the dogs.

I had a deep bond with our black lab, Bell (RIP, buddy), who was with us through my early twenties, and when I returned home after college, Shauna, a 100-percent pure mystery mutt with gorgeous golden fur, moved in.

She’s an old girl now and doesn’t fetch as quick as she used to… I get a little misty-eyed when I remember her as a wee puppy.

Tabs and Shauna have never met, but I’m sure he’d rock her world. For such an aloof diva superstar kitty, he makes a pretty good first impression.

It’s weird, but sometimes I think of Tabs as a dog. He’s very comfortable and outgoing around people, and not skittish at all.

I remember at the old apartment in Mill Valley when Tabs first started coming around; he’d follow me all over the complex like a puppy!

On laundry day, he’d walk by my side down the stairs, across the parking lot and all the way into the laundry room. Then he’d wait patiently, cleaning himself and sniffing around, until I put the clothes in the wash, and then escort me back to our front door.

“May I help you with the laundry?”
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Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

July 7th, 2012 by Karen 501 Comments

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Jennifer! Congratulations, Jennifer! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

A Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway
Win a $50 eGift card from Sephora

Rise and shine, morning glory!

When I woke up this morning, I heard snoring next to me and turned around expecting it to be El Hub, only to find that it was Tabs. He was sleeping on the bed with his paws crossed over his eyes (it was so cute!).

Maybe he was dreaming about his many kitty adventures, like the time he sailed the seven seas…

In other news, it feels like it’s gonna be a hot one here today. Clear skies and no fog or wind. It’s not even 10 yet, and it’s almost 80 degrees!

I think we might head out to the seashore today — not the Jersey Shore, but the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Do some hiking, hanging out. I might even bring my camera.

Sometimes I wish I could take Tabs hiking with me in one those little baby backpacks (the ones with the hood for shade), but I guess that would look super cat lady…

It would be pretty awesome though.

Now, let’s talk giveaways, shall we? You know what time it is (it’s giveaway time).

What folks are saying…

“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane

“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel

“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)

“Never before have I been so pleased to check my email right before bed!!! Thank you so, so much! I truly enjoy your blog and check it almost daily! Thanks again! This made my night!”
-Melissa, Edmond, OK

“Hi Karen. Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I won! :O Thank you so much! You, Tabs, and your blog are amazing! Thank you for keeping me updated on all things beauty and more importantly, for keeping me entertained! Keep doing your thing! 🙂 Thank you again.”
-Jacqueline

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, have you ever been on a cruise? Do you ever get seasick? When was the last time you went hiking? Do you wear makeup when you go to a pool or beach? Do you have any beauty maintenance to do this weekend (brush cleaning, mani/pedi, etc.)? — you get the idea.
Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
- Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/LV8kLJ

The deadline to enter is Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 11:59PM (PT).
Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Jennifer! Congratulations, Jennifer! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Outfit of the Day: A Fitted French Connection Banded Cap Sleeve Minidress for a Special Night Out

July 6th, 2012 by Karen 65 Comments

french connection banded cap sleeve minidress

LOL! No, I’m not rolling out to Trader Joe’s dressed like this. 🙂 Tomorrow I’m going out to dinner with El Hub for our sixth wedding anniversary, and I’m trying to figure out what to wear.

I’m thinking it would be a good time to finally take my birthday dress out for a spin, the French Connection Banded Cap Sleeve Minidress in Grey Steel I scored on deep discount at Nordstrom last month.

french connection banded cap sleeve minidress

One of the reasons I like the dress is because it’s similar to this $780 (!) Herve Leger, which is way, way out of my budget.

The French Connection version regularly goes for about $180 — still a lot — but if you can snag it on sale like I did…

Wait — you can! It’s on sale right now at both nordstrom.com and frenchconnection.com.

french connection banded cap sleeve minidress
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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 227

July 2nd, 2012 by Karen 42 Comments

070212 monday poll

You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past four years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

Mood:
Not too shabby, tabby. And I’m hoping to keep it that way.
Mild, medium, spicy or extra hot?
Medium or spicy, but it depends on the dish. I like my Thai food extra spicy and my Mexican food about medium.

What’s weird is that I grew up not really liking super hot food, but something changed somewhere within the past six months or so. I think it may have started with a dish I mistakenly ordered at a Thai food restaurant a while back.

It was called drunken noodles, which I later learned is called that because of how hot it is — so hot that you keep wanting to drink to soothe/cool your burning tongue.

SO HOT!

But oh so tasty…

A few weeks after my run-in with the drunken noodle dish, I ordered it again (hot food can be addictive)! But that time I got it mild, and I ended up not liking it as much.

Now, I’m much more adventurous with hot food, but I’m nowhere near as crazypants about about it as El Hub, who likes his food so spicy that beads of perspiration appear on his forehead during a meal, haha!
Your most awkward years?
Probably my years between 10-13. I always felt out of place. I wasn’t quite a child, but I didn’t really look old enough to be a teenager, either.
Watcha reading right now?
A young adult novel called The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. I’m lovin’ it so far. Five out of five stars on amazon.com!
Your current Hollywood crush?
Ryan Gosling still drives me wild, but Channing Tatum has moved up a notch or two. And I think just based on the characters he plays, Liam Neeson is pretty cool. Whenever sh*t hits the fan, Liam’s characters always take control and gets things done.

He busts heads when he has to, but he’s usually very elegant and efficient about it.

I love that.
Speaking of Magic Mike, what would your stripper anthem/theme song be?
Part of me wants to say Pony by Ginuwine, but that’s too obvious.

It would have to be something with dramatic highs and lows, things that I could perform crazy stunts to (this also assumes I was vastly more flexible than I am now), but nothing too fast, because I wouldn’t want to fall off the stage!

Hmm… Maybe Janet Jackson’s I Get So Lonely?
Fave teen hottie of the ’80s or ’90s?
Ooh, gurl. Don’t even get me started on Michael J. Fox circa 1984.
Hair up or down?
Down, but only when my wavy curls are under control.
Tell me about a fear you’ve conquered:
Up until about 10 years ago, I was terrified of swimming, especially in the ocean. I was able to float and tread water, but I wasn’t really a comfortable swimmer.

Then I enrolled in a swimming class through the adult learning program at a local high school and also learned how to surf. Now, I’m much more comfortable in the water, but I draw the line at surfing more than 2-3 foot waves. There’s no way I’d dip a toe in the water during big wave season at Waimea on Oahu’s North Shore. Hell to the no!
What’s a thought that crossed your mind this morning?
“Mmm… Linguine and clams.” (I woke up craving pasta.)
Weekly goals:
Remember to do my deep breathing exercises every day (helps keep me calm), make dinner reservations for El Hub and I to celebrate our six-year anniversary, and practice applying false lashes.

To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.

1. Mood:
2. Mild, medium, spicy or extra hot?
3. Your most awkward years?
4. Watcha reading right now?
5. Your current Hollywood crush?
6. Speaking of Magic Mike, what would your stripper anthem/theme song be?
7. Fave teen hottie of the ’80s or ’90s?
8. Hair up or down?
9. Tell me about a fear you’ve conquered:
10. Weekly goals:

Feels like this week has the makings of a great one. Happy pre-4th of July. 🙂 I think you’re going to have a most excellent week.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 198

July 1st, 2012 by Karen 16 Comments

Tabs for the Urban Decay Kitn Caboodle

Been quiet here at Casa de MBB this weekend because Tabs has been down in Southern California doing Hollywood lunches and reading a couple of scripts, one of them for a new Steven Soderbergh film.

I can’t divulge any details yet, but I can say that it has to do with a sequel to a certain male stripper movie… 🙂

I’ve still been keeping busy here, of course. Between cleaning up the house and being on 24/7 call for Tabs, I always have plenty to do.

He gets home late tonight, so he’s been texting me tasks in preparation for his arrival, like “fluff d pillows on my chAr,” (which happens to my chair from Pier 1) and “cut som fresh catnip so i cn hav a snack wen i git om.”

I also had to get him another bag of Feline Greenies Dental Treats from Petco, and book him a massage with his on-call masseuse (El Hub) for later tonight.

Tabs says I don’t have to worry about losing my job as his personal assistant even though his film career is starting to take off. He definitely doesn’t plan to stop modeling. As a matter of fact, this week he was busy shooting ads for Urban Decay, MAC, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Burt’s Bees.

Tabs for the MAC Garden Variety Gordeous Collection

Tabs for Dior Glamour Puss Perfume
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Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

June 30th, 2012 by Karen 381 Comments

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amiolano! Congratulations, Amiolano! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

A Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway
Win a $50 eGift card from Sephora

Got some big news today. About 20 pounds of it, in fact.

Yup, Sephora is going to start carrying the new Tabs for Sephora line of plus-size tabby cats!

I know! We’ve been working on this project for such a long time, and it’s finally official. Tabs signed the paperwork last night, so the product should start appearing in Sephora stores soon.

Each Tabs for Sephora will be genetically identical (we utilized the latest in cloning technology), so you know what you’re getting. Retail price: $49.99, which means the winner of this weekend’s $50 eGift card giveaway will be able to get one.

NOTE: Existing Rent-A-Tabby customers receive a 30% discount (limit 1 per customer).

What folks are saying…

“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane

“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel

“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)

“Never before have I been so pleased to check my email right before bed!!! Thank you so, so much! I truly enjoy your blog and check it almost daily! Thanks again! This made my night!”
-Melissa, Edmond, OK

“Hi Karen. Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I won! :O Thank you so much! You, Tabs, and your blog are amazing! Thank you for keeping me updated on all things beauty and more importantly, for keeping me entertained! Keep doing your thing! 🙂 Thank you again.”
-Jacqueline

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what did you have for breakfast this morning? What are you wearing on your lips right now? What’s on your makeup/beauty buying wishlist? Are you working on any projects this weekend? If you have a pet, what’s his/her favorite treat? Are you happy with your eyebrows? — you get the idea.
Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
- Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/N716BT

The deadline to enter is Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 11:59PM (PT).
Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amiolano! Congratulations, Amiolano! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Notes From a Little Bird: I’ve Just Got to Put These Wings to the Test

June 25th, 2012 by Karen 79 Comments

colorsmash hair shadow

Slowly…

I’m slowly beginning to feel like my old self again.

Can you believe that you and I have been meeting here for more than five years, chatting about makeup, reality TV mayhem (when we started, it was Flavor of Love!), men — from males of the feline persuasion (Tabs), to bat men (Christian Bale) and men with beautiful abs (Ryan Gosling) — Mango Bars, Nutella, cupcakes and, of course, cats. Both yours and mine.

I feel very close to you now after all these years, and I think you understand how people have good times and bad. Both swings are inevitable given enough time. Sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down. It happens to the best of us.

Between turning 37, wondering if I’m ready to have kids, worrying about friends and family and the usual things that happen in life, and trying to figure out my next steps…I’ve felt burdened lately, like my metaphoric wings have been weighed down by boulders.

Then, last Thursday morning, as I was sitting here at my desk trying to write a review, something clicked — the switch that makes the tears start falling — and I realized that I just couldn’t do it.

So I took a few days off. And cried a lot. A ton, actually. Buckets on Thursday and Friday, maybe a quart or two on Saturday, but by Sunday, yesterday, the storm had finally passed (cue the herald angels singing!).

I didn’t experience any profound revelations or anything like that, but I spent some time just mulling things over, ruminating, cooking, cleaning, walking my cat, and I also got in some exercise, which usually improves my point of view, even when it’s the last thing on earth I want to do.

I even started crying a couple times on the treadmill…and now that I think about it, it must’ve looked pretty ridiculous, but no one was watching. 🙂 The mix of tears, snot and perspiration combined to create a powerful Potion of Catharsis.

Annie Lennox has also been keeping me company over these past few days. Have you ever heard her Diva CD/album?

Get it, get it, get it, ASAP.

annie lennox diva

It’s among my musical must-haves (especially the songs Little Bird and Primitive). My goodness, the lyrics — sometimes I forget how much music can influence the way I feel, and then I hear a song like Little Bird and remember that other people have felt everything I’m feeling now.

I’ve just got to put these wings to the test…
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